The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has strongly criticized the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to suspend the collation process for Ablekuma North and its directive for political parties to withdraw their supporters from collation centres.
The EC, through its Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, announced the suspension during a press briefing on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
The decision was attributed to reports of electoral officers being pressured to declare results under duress. Tettey called on all political parties to cooperate to ensure a lawful and transparent collation process.
Speaking on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Sam George dismissed the EC’s directive as baseless, arguing that the Commission lacks the authority to invalidate or alter decisions made by constituency returning officers.
He emphasised that such powers are the exclusive preserve of a court of competent jurisdiction.
Sam George also expressed concerns about the EC’s handling of the electoral process, describing the suspension as an attempt to interfere with the democratic process and potentially disenfranchise voters.
He called on the EC to adhere strictly to the constitutional framework guiding elections in Ghana.
The Ablekuma North constituency has been at the centre of political tension, with delays in result declaration sparking disputes between party agents and electoral officials.
The EC’s suspension aims to de-escalate tensions and ensure compliance with electoral laws.
“Samuel Tettey of the Electoral Commission has no power to invalidate the decision and declaration of a constituency returning officer. Only a court of competent jurisdiction has that power.
“If anybody has deceived Samuel Tettey or it is a partisan colouration that is making him assume those powers, he will be laughing in the wrong side of this mouth,” he stated.
Your vigilance is appreciated, it is time to withdraw – NDC to supporters
