Ghana Decides: Numerous election malpractices reported amid ongoing elections

By Joyce Kpeglo

In a statement, the Ghana Police Service confirmed the arrest of Dery Joseph, an EC official at the Kintampo South Constituency. He is alleged to have issued 15 ballot papers that excluded the first presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, at the Ampesika Bayere polling station. Investigations are underway.

Other reports of election malpractices and irregularities have emerged across the country as Ghanaians continue to cast their votes.

MP for Nhyiaeso, Stephen Amoah, was captured allegedly peeping at a voter’s ballot while standing in an adjacent booth in a viral video shared by Tv3(Election Command Center)

Meanwhile, a separate video disemminted by Onua FM’s (Election Command Center) also reported the arrest of a male at Atwima Foase for possessing 76 ballot papers.

Moreover, several individuals were recently arrested at the Zina Luxury Centre near Burma Camp on suspicion of having their votes transferred. While the exact nature of their alleged offense remains unclear, the area has seen a significant police presence.

Another video shared by GHOne shows an NPP agent, Oh Lord-Otoo, being apprehended at the Information Center Polling Station in Krowor. He was alledgedly distributing money to voters.

At the St. Theresa’s School polling center, an armed man was arrested after verbally attacking an Electoral Commission (EC) agent according to a video footage shared by Citi FM. The Police retrieved a pistol during his arrest.

Some NPP members have also been arrested by police at the Royal N Hotel in Pokuase Amanfrom for allegedly thumb-printing multiple ballot papers in favor of the NPP’s presidential candidate and parliamentary candidates for the Amasaman and Trobu constituencies. According to EDHUB, the suspects were found with laptops, cash, a BVD machine, and a printer.

Adding to the concerns, a police officer was filmed sleeping at the Garu Police Station in the Upper East Region during voting hours.

With tensions high as the voting day stretches on, the Electoral Commission and Ghana Police Service are urging calm and responsible behavior from voters to prevent any escalation. Authorities have pledged to investigate all reported malpractices to ensure the credibility of the election.