Reconsider plans to discontinue use of indelible ink – CODEO to EC

Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has advised the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) to reconsider its decision to eliminate the use of indelible ink from the 2024 elections. According to Albert Arhin, the National Coordinator of CODEO, while Ghana may be able to manage without indelible ink, it would be wise to retain it as a backup option in case the biometric system fails. Arhin explained that there are instances when the machines used in the voting process can break down, and in such cases, indelible ink serves as a last resort.

He acknowledged the concern raised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the removal of the sole verification process in Ghana’s electoral process and urged the EC to reconsider reinstating indelible ink as a backup.

On December 18, 2023, the EC announced that indelible ink would no longer be required in the 2024 elections and beyond. This decision was part of the EC’s efforts to enhance the electoral process and establish a reliable identification system. However, the Minority in Parliament has argued that this decision violates the 1992 Constitution.