The Member of Parliament for Juaboso Constituency in the Western North Region, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has issued a sharp critique against the Electoral Commission (EC), accusing it of jeopardizing Ghana’s democratic process and fostering electoral uncertainty.

Speaking at a press conference in Juaboso, Mr Akandoh alleged that the EC has compromised its Constitutional neutrality, claiming it now functions as a campaign arm of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mr Akandoh’s criticism comes in response to the recent transfer of the Juaboso District Electoral Officer, as well as the reported appointment of individuals linked to the NPP as polling officers, only weeks before the December elections.

The MP expressed concerns that the replacement of the District Electoral Officer, allegedly by someone associated with the EC’s Deputy Chairperson, Dr. Bossman Asare was part of a calculated effort to influence the election outcome in favour of the ruling NPP.

The Juaboso MP further alleged that many of the newly appointed polling officers openly endorsed NPP Presidential Candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the NPP Parliamentary Candidate in Juaboso, raising doubts about the impartiality of the electoral process.

Highlighting potential violations of Constitutional Instrument 127 (C.I. 127), which outlines regulations for election conduct, Mr Akandoh noted that Regulation 19(6)(a&b) requires the EC to publish names and photographs of presiding officers and polling assistants at district offices and distribute this information to political parties at least 10 days before the election.

However, the list provided by the EC in Juaboso, according to the MP, lacks the mandatory photographs of polling officers.

Additionally, he pointed out inconsistencies in the list, including duplicated phone numbers and missing contact details for 159 officers.

In response to these issues, Mr. Akandoh has filed a formal petition with the Juaboso District Electoral Commission, demanding urgent corrective action to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.