Five months on from Ghana’s December 7, 2024 general elections, thousands of temporary Electoral Commission (EC) temporary staff remain unpaid. Presiding officers, verification assistants, polling agents and even media houses that ran EC-sanctioned voter-education adverts—have yet to receive their allowances, sparking nationwide concern.
What’s Causing the Delay?
• Allegations of Treasury Bill Investments
Unverified reports claim that EC leadership—including Chairperson Jean Mensa and Deputy Chair Dr. Bossman Asare—may have parked election funds in six-month Treasury Bills, postponing payments until the investments mature.
• EC’s Silence
Despite earlier promises, the Commission has provided no clear explanation or timeline for disbursement.
Who’s Affected?
Temporary Electoral Staff:
• Presiding Officers
• Verification Assistants
• Polling Agents
Role & Impact:
These ordinary citizens took leave from regular work, leaving families behind to ensure smooth, credible elections. Their allowances range from GH¢600 to GH¢2,000 per assignment.
Media Partners:
Several broadcasters and publishers remain out of pocket for public-education campaigns they executed on the EC’s behalf.
Voices from the Ground
“We were assured of prompt payment—but months later, there’s radio silence. We’re struggling to feed our families.”—Unnamed Presiding Officer
“This delay sends a chilling message: why volunteer for future elections if you face such treatment?”—Disillusioned Verification Assistant
Why This Matters
Erosion of Trust: Failure to pay essential workers undermines public confidence in the EC and the broader democratic process.
Future Participation at Risk: Unpaid allowances could deter qualified citizens from volunteering in upcoming elections.
Precedent vs. Practice: In 2016 and 2020, temporary staff were paid within 2–3 months post-elections. A five-month delay is unprecedented.
Calls for Accountability
• Presidential Intervention: Workers are urging His Excellency , John Mahama to step in and secure their payments.
• Parliamentary Oversight: Relevant committees should summon EC leaders to explain the delay and demand a firm repayment schedule.
• Legal Recourse: Aggrieved parties may pursue court action to claim their lawful allowances.
Recommendations for the EC
Public Clarification: Issue a detailed statement explaining the holdup and outlining a clear pay-out timeline.
Preventive Measures: Implement financial controls to ensure election funds are ring-fenced for staff allowances.
Stakeholder Engagement: Regularly update workers and media partners on progress to rebuild trust.
Ghana’s democracy relies on the dedication of temporary EC staff. Ensuring their prompt and fair compensation isn’t just a matter of legality, it’s a vital investment in the integrity and future of the country’s electoral process.
