Auditing the Architects: The case for a forensic audit of Ghana's 2024 election officials

The 2024 Ghanaian general elections, regardless of the outcome, demand a thorough and transparent post-election process. Beyond the usual declarations and acceptance speeches, a crucial step towards maintaining electoral integrity and public confidence lies in conducting a comprehensive forensic audit of the Electoral Commission (EC) and all officials who oversaw the process. This isn't about assigning blame prematurely; rather, it's about ensuring accountability, learning from any identified shortcomings, and bolstering the credibility of future elections.

The call for a forensic audit goes beyond a simple review of financial records. While a meticulous examination of the EC's budgetary allocation and expenditure is essential to detect any misappropriation of funds, a forensic audit must delve deeper. It needs to investigate the entire election lifecycle, scrutinising every stage from voter registration and the compilation of the electoral register to the printing and distribution of ballot papers, the conduct of the voting process itself, and the collation and declaration of results.

The scope of such an audit should encompass several key areas. Firstly, a rigorous examination of the voter register is critical. Allegations of inaccuracies, duplicates, and potential instances of voter suppression are not uncommon in election cycles, and a forensic audit can objectively assess the integrity and accuracy of the register used in 2024. This includes verifying the processes involved in voter registration, the mechanisms for addressing challenges and appeals, and the overall management of the register's data.

Secondly, the audit must scrutinise the security and handling of electoral materials. This involves assessing the security measures employed during the printing and distribution of ballot papers, ensuring their integrity remained uncompromised throughout the process. Any irregularities or potential avenues for manipulation need to be meticulously investigated. The chain of custody for all electoral materials, from printing to storage to disposal, must be meticulously tracked and verified.

The conduct of the polling officials themselves falls under the audit's purview. Training standards, adherence to electoral regulations, and reports of irregularities at individual polling stations all require thorough investigation. Analysing incident reports, witness statements, and reviewing video footage (where available) can provide crucial insights into the effectiveness of the polling process and identify any instances of malfeasance or negligence.

Furthermore, the collation and declaration of results are equally crucial areas for scrutiny. The audit should examine the systems used for transmitting results from polling stations to the national collation centre, verifying the accuracy and security of these systems. Any inconsistencies or discrepancies in the reported results need to be thoroughly investigated, ensuring that the final declared outcome reflects the actual will of the electorate.

Finally, the forensic audit should not only identify irregularities but also recommend concrete measures to prevent similar issues from arising in future elections. This necessitates a comprehensive assessment of the EC's operational framework, including its organisational structure, technological capabilities, and its capacity for effectively managing elections. The recommendations should focus on strengthening the EC's independence, enhancing its transparency, and improving its overall efficiency.

The benefits of a forensic audit extend far beyond simply identifying wrongdoing. A transparent and thorough audit can significantly enhance public trust and confidence in the electoral process. It demonstrates a commitment to accountability and serves as a valuable tool for learning and improvement. By identifying weaknesses and recommending remedial actions, a forensic audit helps to strengthen the foundation of Ghana's democracy, paving the way for more credible and trustworthy elections in the future. The investment in such an audit is a small price to pay for the integrity of Ghana's democratic process.