Justice Yeboah, Convener of the Progressive Youth Federation, Ghana
In a fervent press briefing today, the Progressive Youth Federation of Ghana sharply condemned the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to rehire INOLINK for printing ballot papers in the upcoming 2024 elections. The youth-led organization, alarmed about the future of the nation’s democracy, demanded the immediate exclusion of the printing company, accusing it of undermining electoral integrity during the 2020 elections.
Addressing the assembled media, Convenor Justice Yeboah set a combative tone. “We cannot allow politicians or the Electoral Commission to chart our future without accountability,” he declared. For the youth group, this issue transcends mere administrative oversight—it poses a direct threat to the democratic foundations of the nation. “Our future is on the line, and we will not sit idly by.”
The Federation underscored its commitment to advocating for transparency and fairness in Ghana’s electoral processes, asserting that corruption and manipulation at various governance levels have jeopardized the country’s democracy.
At the heart of their grievances is INOLINK, the private printing company implicated in printing ballot papers during the 2020 general elections. The company was allegedly caught printing over one million extra ballots, a breach flagged by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Mr. Yeboah described the incident as an “orchestrated attempt to subvert the democratic process,” dismissing INOLINK’s claim that the excess ballots were intended for a possible runoff. Notably, the extra ballots contained images of all candidates from the first round of voting, a violation that sparked public outrage.
Despite assurances that the ballots were destroyed following opposition pressure, the damage had already been done. The youth group insisted that such malpractice shattered public trust and raised serious concerns about oversight and accountability in future elections.
As we approach the 2024 elections, INOLINK finds itself under scrutiny once more, having been awarded the contract to print ballots again. For the Progress Youth Federation, this decision poses a “grave danger” to the nation’s democratic integrity.
“The Jean Mensa-led Electoral Commission has re-engaged a company whose credibility is in tatters,” the group charged. They argued that INOLINK’s involvement in the 2024 elections represents not just poor judgment but a potential threat to the sanctity of the democratic process.
The Federation’s demands were unequivocal—INOLINK must be removed from any role in printing ballot papers for the upcoming elections. They warned that public confidence in the electoral process could be irrevocably damaged if a company with a history of malpractice were allowed to participate in such a crucial event.
Additionally, they urged the Electoral Commission to collaborate only with companies that have established records of transparency and reliability, asserting that “anything less would compromise the integrity of the election and disenfranchise the people of Ghana.”
“By allowing INOLINK to be involved, the EC is eroding public trust,” they stated, calling for the EC to take “swift and decisive action” to restore confidence. They warned that public opinion could turn against them if urgent measures were not implemented.
In a rallying cry to civil society, political parties, and the wider public, the Federation made it clear that this is a battle for Ghana’s democratic future. “The 2024 elections are far too important to be tainted by companies like INOLINK,” they stressed.
For the Federation, this matter transcends ballots—it’s about the future of Ghana itself. With just months remaining until the 2024 elections, the youth group has positioned itself at the forefront of the fight for electoral justice, determined not to let corruption or incompetence derail the democratic process.
The Progressive Youth Federation’s message was unwavering: Ghana’s democracy is under threat, and every citizen must defend it. “Our democracy is non-negotiable, and we must protect it from all forms of manipulation, corruption, and illegal practices,” they concluded.
As pressure mounts on the EC and INOLINK, the question remains: will their call to protect electoral integrity be heeded, or will Ghana’s next election face the same allegations of malpractice? Only time will tell.
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