The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a firm warning to delegates participating in its ongoing flagbearer primary against bringing mobile phones into the inner sections of polling centres.
According to the party, any delegate who violates the directive will face arrest, possible prosecution, and immediate disqualification from voting.
The warning was disclosed by Isaac Baah Boamah, a member of the NPP Presidential Election Committee, in an interview with Citi News on Friday, January 30, where he outlined the voting procedures and security arrangements for the exercise.
Mr Boamah explained that the voting process has been designed as a “walk-in” system, with polling centres divided into three clearly marked zones: the outer, middle, and inner sections.
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“The outer section is where delegates will be identified using their approved ID cards. No one will be allowed to proceed without proper identification,” he said.
He noted that four forms of identification have been approved for the exercise: the party membership card, the national ID card (Ghana Card), the passport, and the voter’s ID card.
“Any delegate without one of these forms of identification will not be permitted to vote,” he stressed.
Mr Boamah further clarified that party officials will not be allowed to vouch for or validate any delegate’s identity, urging participants to ensure they carry their valid IDs before reporting to the polling centres.
“I advise every delegate to locate their ID card before coming to vote. Once you enter the inner section, you are not permitted to carry any foreign materials, including mobile phones,” he added.
The mobile phone restriction, according to party officials, is aimed at preventing vote-buying, intimidation, and the taking of unauthorised photographs that could compromise the credibility of the process.
Meanwhile, voting started early this morning at all polling stations across the country.
The NPP leadership has reiterated its commitment to conducting a transparent, peaceful, and credible election and has called on all delegates to strictly adhere to the established rules.
Security personnel from the Ghana Police Service are stationed at all polling centres to enforce the guidelines and maintain order throughout the voting process.