Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has recommended that the Electoral Commission (EC) implement an electronic system to transmit election results directly from polling stations to its website for the 2024 elections.

Rev Dr. Fred Deegbe, representing the Centre, emphasized that this approach would help address irregularities in the collation, transmission, and announcement of election results. By enabling real-time monitoring by citizens, it would enhance the election's integrity and restore public trust.

Dr. Deegbe also pointed out the challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, and the malicious use of social media, stressing the need for a multi-faceted strategy, including improved media and information literacy, to combat these threats.

Rev Dr Deegbe made the remarks at the 10th anniversary public lecture of the Political Science Education Department of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) held on the theme: “Towards a peaceful 2024 election in Ghana, collaborations among stakeholders in the context of emerging technologies.”

“Regaining trust is a process and so, the EC should start building it by updating its website to facilitate the transmission of results directly from polling stations to regional centres, and then to the national level.

The website, he suggested, should provide detailed vote counts for both parliamentary and presidential candidates, with frequent updates whenever there were changes.

Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe urged the Electoral Commission (EC) and all election stakeholders to embrace technology for voter education, strengthen cybersecurity, and counteract misinformation.

He called on Civil Society Organizations to utilize data analytics to maintain accuracy and transparency as the nation moves towards implementing electronic voting in the future.

Additionally, Rev. Dr. Deegbe encouraged citizens to resist any attempts by politicians to buy their votes in the upcoming general election, stressing the importance of voting wisely and without undue influence to elect leaders who will ensure accountability.

“A vote is your will, choice and conscience, taking money means you are selling your conscience and ability to hold leadership accountable,” he said.

He cautioned about the severe impact that the monetization of elections and its processes could have on national development, emphasizing the critical role citizens play in ensuring fair, accurate, and transparent elections for the country's progress.

He called on stakeholders to educate the public about the detrimental effects of vote buying on the democratic governance of Ghana.

He also encouraged all citizens to work together to ensure that Ghana continues to be a beacon of hope for Africa following the 2024 elections.