The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has officially gazetted the results for 274 out of 276 parliamentary constituencies, submitting the outcomes to the Clerk of Parliament.
However, the results for Ablekuma North and Dome Kwabenya constituencies remain outstanding due to challenges in their re-collation process.
2 Constituencies await re-collation
The re-collation exercise for Ablekuma North and Dome Kwabenya was suspended last Saturday over incomplete and unverified election documentation.
At a press conference in Accra, Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy EC Chair in charge of Corporate Services, assured the public that steps were being taken to finalize the results before the swearing-in of the 9th Parliament on January 7, 2025.
“We are hopeful that the two outstanding constituencies will have their Members of Parliament-elect very, very soon, way before the swearing-in in Parliament,” Dr. Asare stated.
Progress in re-collation efforts
Last weekend, the EC successfully completed the re-collation and declaration of results for seven disputed constituencies, including Obuasi East, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Tema Central, Ahafo Ano North, Okaikwei Central, Ahafo Ano South, and Techiman South.
However, challenges persist for the remaining two constituencies:
Ablekuma North: Results from 37 polling stations are still outstanding, making it impossible to complete the collation process.
Dome Kwabenya: The absence of hard copies of pink sheets for three polling stations has stalled verification efforts.
Ensuring Legal and Transparent Processes
Dr. Bossman Asare rejected allegations that the re-collation exercise was unlawful, explaining that the initial declarations in the affected constituencies were made under duress and lacked due process.
“The C.I.s are specific that you cannot re-collate after declarations, but those declarations must follow due process. The current ones are an illegality, and they cannot be upheld by the Commission,” he explained.
He highlighted that re-collation of results is not unprecedented, referencing similar occurrences during the 2004 elections in constituencies such as Zabzugu-Tatale, Tolon, Yapei-Kusawgu, and Pru.
Path to resolution
The EC is currently engaging relevant stakeholders to set a date for the re-collation of results in Ablekuma North and Dome Kwabenya.
This step is expected to resolve the irregularities and ensure compliance with electoral laws.
Dr. Asare emphasized the Commission’s commitment to upholding the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process, reassuring the public that the outstanding results would be finalized promptly.
As Ghanaians await the completion of the re-collation exercise, the EC continues to prioritize transparency and adherence to due process, paving the way for a smooth transition into the 9th Parliament.
