Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide to NDC Presidential Candidate John Dramani Mahama, has sharply criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) following reports of ballot paper shortages in several constituencies in the Volta Region. The affected areas include Keta, Ketu North, Ho Central, Hohoe, and Ho West.
The EC acknowledged the shortages on November 28, triggering widespread public concern and speculation. In a press briefing on November 29, the EC clarified that the issue was not confined to the Volta Region and reassured the public that its staff were addressing the situation.
However, Bawah Mogtari argued that the shortage was a clear sign of the EC’s incompetence, raising doubts about the Commission’s ability to manage a smooth electoral process. She suggested that the shortage could be a symptom of deeper systemic issues within the electoral body.
During her address at the Legal Green Forum, which brought together law students and legal practitioners, Mogtari emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability within the EC. She urged the Commission to resolve the issue quickly to restore public trust in the electoral process ahead of the December general elections.
“This is not the first time we’ve pointed out that the Electoral Commission is not up to the task. They are not acting like an independent body. We’ve always suspected this because so many partisans are parading as commissioners. I’m happy these mistakes have been noticed, as they highlight the EC’s incompetence.”
“Even at the printing houses, we are being told they are printing more than they need. The beauty of this is that we are now very vigilant. Every step of the way, we’ve worked hard to expose the EC’s biases and incompetence.”
She reiterated the party’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the elections.
“This is an election the NDC is supposed to win. Ghanaians are yearning for change, and we will ensure that every ballot is protected. Our polling agents have been accurately trained, and we are poised for victory,” she assured.
