Integrity of Ghana’s Elections Questioned as Electoral Commission Faces Allegations of Unpaid Wages
The integrity of Ghana’s electoral process has come under scrutiny as the Electoral Commission (EC) faces a growing controversy over unpaid wages for temporary workers hired for the 2024 general elections. The situation has sparked concerns among experts and civil society organizations, who warn that any perceived impropriety or mismanagement by the EC could undermine public trust in the country’s democratic institutions.
According to reports, over 200 temporary workers who were responsible for operating the Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) during the elections have been staging protests outside the EC’s offices, demanding the payment of their wages. The workers claim they were hired by the EC to work in three shifts, operating the BVDs around the clock at a facility in Dzorwulu, near the Perez Chapel.
Adopting the “24-hour economy policy” championed by former President and President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, the temporary staff worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the election process. However, despite the completion of the elections, the workers allege that they have not received the wages they were promised for their services.
“We worked hard, day and night, to make sure the elections were a success, and now the EC is refusing to pay us,” said Kofi Asare, one of the protesting workers. “This is unacceptable, and we won’t back down until we get the money we’ve earned.”
The situation has taken a political twist, with allegations that the facility where the workers were stationed was used to park campaign vehicles belonging to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team, whilst some insiders claim that the contract was given to his campaign team, and hence, they everyday presence there. This has further fueled the workers’ suspicions that there may be more to the delayed payments than meets the eye.
According to the information gathered from the protesting workers, the EC Chair, Mrs. Jean Adokwei Mensah, has stated that the Commission had already paid the money to the contractor responsible for hiring the temporary staff. However, the workers maintain that they have not received any payments from the contractor, and that they have fulfilled their end of the bargain by paying the contractor, and it is now the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that the workers are properly compensated,” Mrs. Mensah said, according to the reports.
The conflicting accounts between the EC Chair’s statement and the workers’ claims have further fueled the controversy, raising questions about the transparency and accountability within the Electoral Commission’s operations. The controversy has drawn the attention of experts and stakeholders within the Ghanaian political landscape, who have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the integrity of the country’s elections.
Dr. Augustus Kwame Asamoah, a Governance Analyst, emphasized the importance of the EC’s transparency and accountability in managing electoral processes. “This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed urgently,” he said. “The Electoral Commission is a critical institution in our democracy, and any perception of impropriety or mismanagement can undermine public trust in the electoral process.”
He maintained that the EC must take immediate action to resolve the matter. “The EC must be transparent and accountable in its dealings with the public, especially when it comes to the management of electoral processes. Failing to pay these workers on time is not only a breach of contract but also a matter of public trust.”
The controversy has also drawn the attention of civil society organizations, with the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) calling for a full investigation into the matter. “The allegations surrounding the use of the facility for campaign purposes are particularly concerning,” said Dorcas Opoku, a prominent civil society activist. “We call on the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate these claims and ensure that the workers are paid what they are owed.”
Madam Opoku emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s elections, stating that any perceived impropriety or mismanagement could have far-reaching consequences. “The Electoral Commission is the custodian of our democratic process, and it is crucial that they uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability,” she said. “Failure to do so can erode public trust and undermine the credibility of our elections.”
The unfolding situation at the Electoral Commission has once again highlighted the need for robust mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, particularly during critical electoral processes. As the country grapples with this issue, the workers, experts, and civil society organizations will be closely watching the EC’s response, hoping that a swift and just resolution will restore public confidence in the institution.
Kofi Asare, one of the agitated workers, expressed his frustration with the EC’s handling of the situation. “We worked hard to make sure the elections were successful, and now the EC is refusing to pay us. This is not just about the money – it’s about upholding the integrity of our democratic institutions and ensuring that every citizen is treated fairly,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by other workers, who emphasized the importance of the EC’s role in maintaining the credibility of Ghana’s electoral processes. “The EC must be accountable to the people,” said Stephanie Adwoa Appah, another aggrieved worker. “If they can’t even pay their own staff, how can we trust them to manage the entire election process?”
The planned protests have also drawn the attention of political parties, with both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) weighing in on the matter. While the NPP has cautioned against politicizing the issue, the NDC has seized the opportunity to criticize the EC’s handling of the situation.
“This is a clear example of mismanagement and a lack of transparency within the Electoral Commission,” said Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC’s Communications Officer. “If the EC cannot even fulfill its contractual obligations to its own workers, how can we trust their ability to properly manage the electoral process?”
Gyamfi’s comments have been met with pushback from the NPP, with the party’s Communications Team member who asked for anonymity, urging the public to avoid jumping to conclusions. “We must allow the relevant authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly before making any accusations. The integrity of our electoral process is of utmost importance, and we cannot allow political differences to undermine it, “he said.
As the protests continue and the allegations of impropriety swirl, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the Electoral Commission. Experts and stakeholders have emphasized the need for the EC to act swiftly and decisively to address the concerns raised by the temporary workers, in order to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.
“The success of our democracy depends on the credibility of our elections,” said Mr. Shallovern Srodah, National Chairman for the Council for Indigenous Business Association (CIBA). “The EC must take immediate steps to resolve this issue and assure the public that they are committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability.”
“The success of our democracy depends on the credibility of our elections,” said Mr. Shallovern Srodah, National Chairman for the Council for Indigenous Business Associations (CIBA). “The EC must take immediate steps to resolve this issue and assure the public that they are committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability.”
Mr. Srodah further emphasized the need for the Electoral Commission to regain the trust of the Ghanaian people. “The EC is a vital institution in our democratic process, and any perception of mismanagement or impropriety can undermine public confidence. They must act swiftly to address the concerns raised by these workers and demonstrate their dedication to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral system,” he opined.
Additionally, the CIBA National Cahirman called for an independent investigation into the allegations surrounding the use of the facility for campaign purposes. “These claims are deeply troubling and must be thoroughly scrutinized,” he intimated. “The integrity of our elections is not negotiable, and the EC must be held accountable for any irregularities that may have occurred.”
The unfolding events at the Electoral Commission have undoubtedly raised questions about the institution’s ability to manage the complex logistics of Ghana’s elections. As the country moves forward, it will be crucial for the EC to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the principles of good governance and to regain the trust of the Ghanaian people.
Source: Innocent Samuel Appiah
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