In a recent development, Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) announced that Yasarko Press, a longstanding printing partner for the Commission, will no longer be handling the printing of ballot papers for the upcoming 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. This decision follows a report from Yasarko Press indicating a malfunction in one of their essential printing machines, potentially affecting the production schedule.
A History of Reliability
Since 1998, Yasarko Press has been a trusted printing partner for the Electoral Commission, consistently providing high-quality ballot papers over the years. However, given the critical nature of the upcoming elections and the fault in Yasarko’s equipment, the EC moved promptly to ensure the printing of ballot papers would proceed as scheduled.
Reallocation to New Printing Houses
The Commission has reassigned the responsibility for ballot paper printing for the Oti and Western North regions to two reputable printing houses: Buck Press and Acts Commercials. Both companies have been vetted for their expertise in ballot paper printing and are expected to deliver the required quality, ensuring no delays to the electoral timeline.
Stakeholder Communication
In keeping with its commitment to transparency, the Electoral Commission has formally notified all political parties and independent candidates contesting in the 2024 elections about this change. By proactively informing stakeholders, the EC aims to maintain clear communication, enabling all involved to prepare accordingly.
Commitment to Transparency and Integrity
The Electoral Commission emphasizes that this adjustment underscores its dedication to transparency and fairness. The swift response to an unforeseen challenge demonstrates the Commission’s adaptability and commitment to upholding the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.