Questions are swirling over the alleged printing of ballot papers for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) October 3 national officers’ elections, with concerns being expressed about transparency and the participation of candidates’ representatives in the process.
According to information, the ballot papers were reportedly printed on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, at Bulk Press.
The information suggests that representatives of only three candidates were present during the printing exercise – Boakye Agyarko, John Boadu and Justin Frimpong Kodua – while representatives of other candidates allegedly became aware of the exercise later.
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Those representatives are said to have subsequently gone to the printing facility after the ballot papers had reportedly been printed and packed.
There were also calls, according to the information, for the ballots to be reprinted in the presence of representatives of all candidates. The situation reportedly generated tension at the facility before the intervention of the Chief Executive Officer of Bulk Press helped to calm the situation.
The printed ballots were subsequently reportedly taken to the Airport Police Station for safekeeping.
The concerns have gained significance because the NPP National Officers Elections Committee (NOEC) had announced arrangements under which aspirants were required to submit the names of their printing agents to monitor the printing of ballot papers.
The committee also required aspirants to submit the names and photographs of their polling agents for identification, accreditation and access arrangements.
The reported sequence of events has therefore prompted questions about how the printing process was organised and whether all candidates were allowed to have their designated representatives present.
According to the information, NOEC Sub-Committee Chairman Augustine Blay had asked candidates’ representatives on Monday, September 28, to submit the names of their ballot agents.
The reported timing has raised further questions because the ballot printing is alleged to have taken place on September 26 and 27.
Those raising concerns want the NPP leadership and the relevant electoral authorities to clarify who authorised the ballot printing, where and when the exercise took place, and which candidates’ representatives were officially present.
They are also seeking an explanation as to why some candidates were allegedly informed about the printing exercise while others were not, and how the requirement for candidates to submit the names of printing agents was applied.
The concerns come just days before the NPP’s national officers’ elections scheduled for October 3, 2026, in Kumasi.
The NPP has previously said the Electoral Commission (EC) will conduct the elections under the supervision of the party’s National Officers Elections Committee, with the Ghana Police Service also supporting the process.
The NOEC has publicly stated that it is committed to a fair, transparent, orderly and credible electoral process.
With the election only days away, the latest concerns place renewed attention on the ballot-printing process and the role of candidates’ agents in monitoring it.
Candidates and party members seeking clarification have called on the NPP to provide a clear account of the process and address all concerns before voting begins.