Electoral Commission to Use 40,975 Polling Stations for Ghana’s 2024 Elections

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana is set to introduce significant changes in the conduct of the 2024 general elections, aimed at ensuring smoother and more transparent voting. One of the major adjustments includes expanding the number of polling stations to 40,975 across the country. This is part of the EC’s efforts to reduce the number of voters per polling station to a maximum of 500. The goal is to avoid long queues, making it easier and quicker for citizens to cast their ballots.

In addition to increasing polling stations, the EC has also introduced a change in voting hours. Polls will now close at 3 p.m. instead of 5 p.m., allowing vote counting to take place during daylight. This adjustment is meant to boost transparency and public trust in the election results. According to the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, the majority of voters finish voting early in the day, and this change will enhance the efficiency of the election process.

These decisions come after lessons learned from the 2020 general elections, where it was found that reducing the number of voters per polling station significantly cut down waiting times. The EC is determined to improve the electoral process, ensuring a smoother experience for voters while maintaining the integrity of the results.

As the country prepares for a crucial election, these measures are expected to play a vital role in ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and efficient voting process.