In the lead-up to Ghana's December 2024 general elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) has issued an important clarification urging the public to disregard false claims circulating on social media. These claims, attributed to Kumasi-based radio and television presenter Oheneba Nana Asiedu, suggest that voters should cast their ballots for presidential candidates on separate days. The EC has firmly refuted this misinformation and reiterated the official voting schedule.
The controversy began when Mr. Asiedu was arrested by the Ghana Police Service on Saturday, November 23, 2024, following allegations of publishing false news. According to the police, Mr. Asiedu had made statements encouraging voters to participate in presidential voting on different days, a claim that has no basis in fact. The Ashanti Regional Police Command had invited him for questioning on Friday, November 22, 2024, after his comments began circulating widely on social media.
The Ghana Police Service described the statements as "false and likely to disturb the public peace." After his arrest, Mr. Asiedu was granted bail as investigations into the matter continue.
In response to the situation, the Electoral Commission released a statement on Sunday, November 24, 2024, to address the misleading claims. The EC emphasized that the general elections will take place on a single day—December 7, 2024—and urged voters to ignore any information suggesting otherwise.
"The Electoral Commission urges the public to disregard the misleading statements," the statement read. "The general public is informed that the 2024 election will take place on 7th December 2024."
The EC also reminded voters of the official voting hours. Polling stations will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. on election day. The Commission encouraged all eligible voters to turn out in large numbers and participate in the democratic process in an orderly manner.
This clarification underscores the importance of relying on verified information from official sources during election periods. False claims and misinformation can create unnecessary confusion and disrupt public confidence in the electoral process. The EC remains committed to ensuring a transparent and credible election and urges all stakeholders to contribute positively to this goal.
As Ghana prepares for its December 7th elections, the Electoral Commission continues to play a critical role in safeguarding democracy and maintaining public trust. Voters are encouraged to stay informed through official communications and exercise their civic duty responsibly.
For further updates and accurate information about the upcoming elections, citizens are advised to follow announcements from the Electoral Commission and other trusted sources.
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