The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has finalized the parliamentary election results for 274 constituencies and submitted them to the Clerk of Parliament, but the results for Ablekuma North and Dome Kwabenya remain unresolved due to logistical and procedural challenges.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chair of the EC in charge of Corporate Services, disclosed that re-collation efforts for the two constituencies were suspended due to missing result sheets, commonly referred to as pink sheets, from several polling stations.
Status of Outstanding Results
In the case of Ablekuma North, the EC is awaiting results from 37 polling stations to conclude the re-collation process. Meanwhile, in Dome Kwabenya, the Commission is unable to verify results from three polling stations due to the absence of hard copies of pink sheets, which political parties are required to provide for validation.
Dr. Asare reassured the public that the EC is engaging with stakeholders to set a date for the re-collation and vowed that results for these constituencies would be finalized before the swearing-in of the 9th Parliament on January 7, 2025.
Addressing Criticism Over Re-collation
The EC’s decision to re-collate results has sparked debate, with critics alleging that the exercise violates electoral procedures. However, Dr. Asare defended the Commission’s actions, arguing that the earlier declarations in Ablekuma North and Dome Kwabenya were made under duress and did not follow due process.
“The C.I.s specify that you cannot re-collate after declarations, but those declarations must follow due process. Declarations made under duress or irregularities cannot be upheld, and the EC is committed to ensuring lawful outcomes,” he explained.
Read Also: Ghanaians Urged to Safeguard State Assets During Political Transitions
He further cited historical precedents, including re-collation exercises during the 2004 elections for constituencies such as Zabzugu-Tatale, Tolon, Yapei-Kusawgu, and Pru, to underscore the legitimacy of the process.
Progress in Resolving Disputed Results
The EC announced the successful resolution of disputed results in seven constituencies, including Obuasi East, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Tema Central, Ahafo Ano North, Okaikwei Central, Ahafo Ano South, and Techiman South, following re-collation efforts.
These resolutions mark significant progress, ensuring that the majority of the 276 Members of Parliament-elect are ready to assume their roles.
A Transparent Path Forward
Dr. Asare reiterated the EC’s commitment to transparency and fairness, emphasizing that the Commission would not validate any process tainted by illegality.
As Ghanaians prepare for the swearing-in of President-elect John Dramani Mahama and the Members of Parliament on January 7, 2025, the EC’s handling of these outstanding results underscores the complexities of managing electoral processes in a polarized political landscape.
Stakeholders, including political parties and civil society groups, continue to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that the final results will reflect the will of the people.
