In a dramatic turn of events, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn from the ongoing collation process for the Ablekuma North constituency, citing alleged irregularities by the Electoral Commission (EC).
The announcement was made while the collation was underway at the EC’s Greater Accra Regional Collation Centre. Ablekuma North is one of four constituencies—including Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, and Techiman South—where the High Court had instructed the EC to complete the collation of outstanding polling station results by January 6, 2025.
Three of these constituencies have already been declared in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), leaving Ablekuma North as the only constituency yet to have its final results confirmed.
NDC’s Objections and Withdrawal
The NDC’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Dr. Rashid Tanko Computer, ordered the party’s representatives to exit the collation process, describing the EC’s actions as “an illegality.”
Dr. Tanko revealed that the NDC had obtained a stay of execution from the Appeals Court to suspend the collation process and accused the EC of defying the court order.
Disputed Documents
The NDC’s Ablekuma North Constituency Organiser, Musa Kalam, provided additional details, alleging discrepancies in the documents presented by the NPP. According to Kalam, the NPP submitted 62 scanned pink sheets for verification during the collation process. However, 20 of these were rejected by the EC due to credibility concerns.
Kalam also criticized the use of scanned pink sheets, arguing that such a practice undermines the integrity of the electoral process. “This is unprecedented in Ghana’s electoral history,” he remarked.
Broader Context
The Ablekuma North situation forms part of a broader controversy surrounding the collation of results in select constituencies. The High Court’s directive to finalize collation followed mandamus applications filed by NPP candidates who alleged that the EC had failed to fulfil its statutory duties in certain areas.
While the NPP has already secured victories in Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, and Techiman South through similar processes, the withdrawal of the NDC from Ablekuma North raises questions about the final outcome for the constituency.
The EC has yet to issue a statement on the NDC’s withdrawal or the fate of the ongoing collation process. The unfolding situation continues to highlight tensions in Ghana’s electoral landscape and the need for clarity and fairness in election procedures.
