Electoral Commission suspends collation of results in Ablekuma North due to security concerns

The Electoral Commission (EC) has temporarily halted the collation of election results in the Ablekuma North constituency, citing escalating security concerns and threats to its staff and property.

Originally scheduled to take place today at the Greater Accra Regional Office, the collation process will resume once adequate security measures are in place.

In a press release dated December 11 2024, the EC reported incidents involving political party supporters besieging collation centres, intimidating staff, vandalising property, and attempting to force the declaration of results that diverge from official Pink Sheet records.

Similar disruptions have been reported in constituencies including Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, and Ayensuano.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the collation process in line with Regulation C.I.127, which requires the presence of political party agents and adherence to procedures overseen by Returning Officers.

However, the disruptive actions of some party supporters have forced the temporary suspension in Ablekuma North.

“These acts of lawlessness are unacceptable and compromise the integrity of the electoral process,” said Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of Operations at the EC.

He urged political parties to withdraw their supporters from collation centres and to respect the rule of law.

Law enforcement agencies have been deployed to restore order and protect the collation centres.

The EC assured the public that the delay would not compromise the accuracy or credibility of the final results.

The Commission called on all stakeholders, including political parties and their leadership, to prioritise peaceful conduct and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a transparent and orderly conclusion to the electoral process.

“The integrity of the polls relies on strict adherence to legal procedures. The will of the people, as expressed through the ballot box, must be safeguarded at all costs,” Tettey reiterated.

Further updates on the resumption of collation in Ablekuma North are expected in the coming hours.