29 Nov A Day in the Life of Ghana’s Democracy: Protecting Our Legacy in the 2024 Elections
The 2024 elections are fast approaching, and as I prepare to join millions of Ghanaians at the polls, I can’t help but reflect on the journey we have taken as a nation. For 32 years, our democracy has grown; weathering challenges and celebrating triumphs. But this year feels different because of the stakes and the responsibility that rests on every one of us, as Ghanaians, to ensure our democracy continues to thrive.
This is the story of an election day in Ghana, not only as the law[1] prescribes but as it must happen if we are to protect our hard-won democratic legacy.
The Morning: A Fresh Start, Full of Possibilities
The sun rises over polling stations across the country, and the day begins with careful preparation. Presiding officers display empty, transparent ballot boxes to party agents and voters[2], ensuring there’s no question about the integrity of what is to come. Biometric devices hum to life, registers are checked, and ballot papers are counted.
By 7:00 AM, the early voters arrive, some dressed in vibrant party colors, others quietly carrying their voter ID cards, ready to cast their vote[3]. Among them is an elderly woman. She places her thumb on the biometric scanner and it beeps in confirmation. Her smile says it all: she’s part of something bigger, something vital.
The Polling Stations: A Dance of Democracy
As the hours go by, the polling station becomes busy with the influx of first-time voters, seasoned citizens, and those needing assistance. The system may not be perfect; sometimes a biometric device fails, requiring manual verification[4]. Yet, the presiding officer manages the situation calmly, and voters remain patient[5].
Security personnel stand watch, ensuring that the process remains peaceful. Every so often, tensions may rise; a voter may dispute their place in line, or an agent may challenge a procedure. But dialogue prevails, and the process moves forward.
The Evening: Transitioning to Accountability
At 5:00 PM, the presiding officer announces the polls are closed[6]. Ballot boxes are opened in full view, and votes are counted meticulously. It’s a tense but orderly process, with party agents watching every move. The results are announced at the polling station and documented[7]. For many, this moment of transparency is the heartbeat of the election.
The Long Night: Collation and Responsibility
The story continues through the night as results are carried to constituency collation centers. For parliamentary results, the constituency collation center is where winners are declared[8]. For the presidential election, the results take a longer journey, through regional centers and finally to the Electoral Commission headquarters[9].
Each step requires trust. Party agents, election officials, and security personnel must work together to ensure every form is signed, every figure verified, and every vote accounted for.
What is at Stake?
Reflecting on this process, I am struck by how much effort goes into protecting our democracy. But I’m also reminded of how fragile it is. A single reckless act; ballot box snatching, a violent clash, or even misinformation could tarnish three long decades of progress.
This year, the stakes are high. We’re not just choosing leaders; we’re safeguarding the foundation of our nation.
Democracy isn’t just the job of the Electoral Commission or the political parties; it’s the responsibility of every citizen.
- To the Electoral Commission: Ensure the systems work; biometric devices, logistics, and personnel must perform seamlessly. Let transparency and efficiency define this election.
- To political parties: Call on your supporters to maintain peace, respect the rules, and put Ghana above all.
- To voters: Approach the polls with hope and determination. Refuse to be drawn into hostility or provocation.
- To party agents and officials: Safeguard the process with integrity. Be firm but fair in resolving disputes, ensuring that every vote is counted honestly.
Looking Ahead: Fine-Tuning Our Democracy
As much as our framework has served us well, there’s always room for improvement. Let this election spark ongoing conversations about:
- Strengthening mechanisms for resolving disputes swiftly and transparently.
- Ensuring higher levels of inclusivity for persons with disability.
- Improving the reliability of biometric devices and training personnel to handle challenges.
- Clarifying laws to reduce ambiguities that lead to conflict.
The End and the Beginning of another Chapter
As I imagine the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission announcing the final results, I’m filled with hope for the expression of our collective voice and how we, as a people, will have conducted ourselves. Our democracy is neither perfect nor without flaws, but it’s ours to protect, refine, and pass on to the next generation.
So, let’s make 2024 another chapter in Ghana’s proud democratic story. Let’s make it a day to remember, not for the cracks in the system, but for how we came together to ensure it held strong.
Author
Maame Afia Frimponmaa Dwira
Legal Associate
[1] Public Elections Regulations, 2020 (CI. 127)
[2] Ibid, regulation 31(1)(a)
[3] Ibid, regulation 29(1)
[4] Ibid, regulations 32(4),(5),(6)
[5] Ibid, regulation 30
[6] Ibid, regulation 29(2)
[7] Ibid, regulation 39
[8] Ibid, regulation 43
[9] Ibid, regulation 44