EC warns officials against compromising electoral integrity 

The Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission (EC), Benjamin Bano-Bio has urged all officials of the Commission to continue to perform their duties professionally.

He said the Commission would not hesitate to take action against any official who compromises the integrity of the process.

Mr Bano-Bio said this while responding to a question regarding the arrest of an EC official at the Kintampo South Constituency in the Bono East Region for allegedly issuing defective ballot papers in the ongoing elections.

The suspect, identified as Dery Joseph, is under investigation for distributing approximately 15 ballot papers at the Ampesika-Bayere Polling Station that allegedly omitted the name of the first presidential candidate.

Mr Bano-Bio said the police was currently investigating the issue and the EC has also launched its own internal investigation into the matter.

He warned that any EC official found to have been indulged in any electoral malpractices would be dealt with by the law .

The Director of Electoral Services speaking at the second press briefing of the Commission, this afternoon, said voting process is proceeding smoothly across the country. "Voting started on time at most of our polling stations, and participation is encouraging,"  he said.

"Majority of the voters have turned out to vote at most of our polling stations, Mr Bano-Bio said, adding that voter turnout has been impressive, with 30 per cent of polling stations recording over 60 per cent turnout as of 12 noon. Another 40 per cent of centres have reported a turnout of between 40 per cent and 50 per cent, while 30 per cent have recorded between 30 per cent  and 39 per cent turnout."

Mr Bano-Bio also said all biometric verification devices (BVDs) are functioning effectively, following initial minor hitches that were quickly resolved.

"Our officials are also performing professionally," he added.

The EC Director of Electoral Services emphasised that the Commission is committed to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.

Mr Bano-Bio noted that the EC has made arrangements to support voters with disabilities, including providing jackets for blind persons and ensuring that polling stations are accessible to all.

The EC has also provided a toll-free line, 0800 324 324, for voters to report any issues or concerns during the voting process. 

Over 24 staff members are standing by to receive calls and provide assistance.

He said the EC has accredited over 10,000 media personnel to cover the elections, and has provided access to all levels of the electoral process, including polling stations and coalition centres.