Special Voting: Fire officer arrested for photographing ballot paper in Walewale

A security officer with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has been arrested in Walewale in the North East Region, for allegedly photographing his ballot during the Special Voting exercise on December 2, 2024.

The suspect reportedly took a photo of his ballot with his mobile phone after casting his vote, according to a report by graphic.com.gh.

The officer is currently in custody at the Walewale Police Station as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) has cautioned electorates against photographing their ballots.

In a brief communiqué to the media on Monday, December 2, 2024, the EC emphasised that each ballot paper has a unique serial number, and taking photos of ballots could expose voters to identification.

"Every ballot paper is unique and has a unique serial number. People who take photos of their ballots and share them risk being easily identified. The serial number can help investigators trace the said ballot paper to the specific polling station."

The notice further added, "Since no polling station exceeds 750 voters, it would be easy to identify the specific ballot paper. As we use thumbprints to vote and all voters' biometric data is with the EC, investigators can easily narrow it down to the voter. Please, voters, don't break the law thinking you can't be found out!"

JKB/ ADG

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