The special voting exercise for Ghana’s 2024 general elections commenced today, Monday, December 2, at 7:00 AM. This process allows voters performing election-related duties on the main polling day, such as security personnel, Electoral Commission staff, and journalists, to cast their ballots in advance.
In the Navrongo Central constituency of the Upper East Region, 620 special voters are expected to participate at the municipal police headquarters. The exercise, which began on schedule, has been smooth so far, according to the Municipal Director of the Electoral Commission, Tetteh Okine.
Nationwide, approximately 131,478 voters—representing 0.007% of the total registered electorate of 18,741,159—are expected to participate in the special voting exercise across 14 regions. However, the Eastern and Western regions have been excluded from today’s process due to a ballot paper leakage incident.
EC Chairperson Jean Mensa explained at a press briefing on December 1 that a defaced Presidential ballot paper for the Eastern Region had been leaked from the printing house, Rocheck Limited. Although the ballot had been earmarked for destruction, its unauthorized release prompted the Commission to recall and reprint all ballots for both regions, as the same printing house handled their production.
To maintain transparency, the EC involved political parties in the decision to reprint the ballots. The new ballots are being produced by three printing houses, with oversight from security agencies and party agents. Special voting for the Eastern and Western regions has been rescheduled for Thursday, December 5.
The special voting process ensures that professionals such as security personnel, National Ambulance Service staff, and media practitioners can participate in the election without conflicts on the main polling day. However, ballots cast during the special voting exercise will remain sealed and counted only after the general elections on December 7, alongside the main votes.
This proactive approach by the Electoral Commission underscores its commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible election process.
