CODEO exposes incumbency abuses ahead of December polls

The Coalition of Democratic Election Observers (CODEO) has expressed concerns about instances of incumbency abuse by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the lead-up to Ghana’s December 7, 2024, general elections.

These concerns were outlined in CODEO’s second pre-election statement, which details findings from its ongoing monitoring of electoral activities nationwide.

According to the report, 11% of observer submissions indicated the misuse of public resources by incumbent candidates or government appointees for campaign purposes.

CODEO noted that such practices undermine the principles of fairness and transparency in Ghana’s democratic process.

“For instance, in the Tatale-Sanguli constituency in the Northern Region, the NPP Parliamentary candidates’ flyers were used to brand the government-led District Road Improvement Program (DRIP), which saw the distribution of earth-moving equipment to MMDAs for road improvement.

“The campaign flyers of the Tatale Sanguli Member of Parliament and parliamentary candidate for the constituency were seen on the DRIP Programme equipment (bulldozer), which was being used to maintain and expand roads in the Sagban community.”

Additionally, CODEO expressed dissatisfaction with the level of voter education nationwide, despite acknowledging marginal improvements.

Limited civic awareness, they said, could impact the quality of participation in the upcoming elections.

“CODEO continues to urge all election stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), media, and civil society organisations, to intensify civic and voter education efforts nationwide,” the statement added.