“Saturday’s polls in Ashanti would be walk in, no gathering, no groupings” – Eric Asonade Ofosu

Eric Asonade Ofosu, Ashanti Regional Elections Committee, Secretary

The Ashanti Regional Elections Committee has declared its full operational readiness to conduct a seamless regional executive election this Saturday at the Jubilee Park in Asafo, Kumasi.

Delegates from across the region are expected to cast their ballots to elect new officers who will manage the political party’s regional operations for the next four-year mandate.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Eric Asonade Ofosu, Secretary to the Ashanti Regional Elections Committee, expressed firm optimism about the upcoming exercise, urging delegates to follow a simple “vote and exit” protocol to maintain order.

Operational Readiness:

To ensure transparency and public safety, the Committee is collaborating closely with key state institutions.

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana will exercise sole operational control over the voting process, providing standard ballot boxes, ballot papers, and electoral materials.

Simultaneously, officers from the Ghana Police Service will be deployed across the venue to maintain law and order, protect lives, and safeguard property.

Mr. Asonade confirmed that all necessary logistical support provided by the party leadership has been dispatched, ensuring that no technical or operational bottlenecks disrupt the proceedings.

Background:

Regional executive elections serve as a critical internal democratic mechanism within Ghanaian political parties.

Officials elected during these polls, including positions such as Regional Chairman, Secretary, Organizer, and Treasurer, play a pivotal role in grassroots mobilization, strategic planning, and parliamentary election management across the region.

Out of the region’s total constituencies, 45 have been officially cleared to participate in Saturday’s vote, following the resolution or temporary exemption of outstanding local disputes.

Voting Protocols:

To ensure strict compliance with electoral rules and preserve the integrity of the ballot, the Committee has outlined clear guidelines for delegates, candidates, and observers:

Candidate Access:

All contested candidates are scheduled to receive the full certified voter register (party album) by Tuesday afternoon to allow adequate time for independent audit and verification.

Delegate Accreditation:

Eligible delegates must present either a valid national Voter Identification Card or a recognized Party ID Card matching their entries in the verified voter register before being cleared to vote.

Voting Hours:

Polls will officially open at 8:00 AM and close at 3:00 PM.

Sorting, counting, declaration of final results, and the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected executives will take place immediately after voting concludes.

Perimeter Security Measures:

Voting booths will operate under strict secrecy guidelines.

Delegates are strictly prohibited from bringing mobile phones into the voting booths.

Access to the inner perimeter will be restricted exclusively to voters, election officials, designated party agents, and duly accredited media personnel.

As of filing this report, the Committee confirmed that no formal petitions, venue objections, or complaints regarding candidate conduct have been lodged, paving the way for a peaceful and decisive election on Saturday.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/ Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.