Election Watch Ghana has filed A Right to Information (RTI) request to the Electoral Commission, seeking detailed information on the contracts for the printing of ballots and notices of polls.
The request, filed under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), and grounded in Article 21(f) of the 1992 Constitution, asks for specifics about the procurement, including the tender publication date, details of bidding companies, and the criteria for selecting successful contractors.
This follows the EC’s announcement to start the printing of ballot papers and notice of poll in a statement on Wednesday, October 9.
The RTI request by Election Watch Ghana also asks for a breakdown of the bidding process, such as:
– Names and details of companies that bid,
– The methodology and criteria used in evaluating the bids,
– Minutes of meetings where political parties were informed of the final selections, and
– Copies of communication between the Commission and the shortlisted companies.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has also demanded statistics on ballot printing.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is set to meet with the Electoral Commission (EC) on Thursday, October 10 regarding plans to start printing notices of poll and ballot papers on Friday, October 11.
Read below the RTI request by Election Watch Ghana
RIGHT TO INFORMATION (RTI) REQUEST
Electoral Commission of Ghana
Ridge Accra
Dear Madam,
PURSUANT TO SECTION 18 OF THE RrGHT TO INFORMATION ACT,2019 (ACT 989) AND
ARTICLE 2l(0 OF THE 1992 CONSTITUTION OF GHANA
We hereby submit this request for information regarding the procurement process for the printing of ballots and notice of polls for the 2024 general elections.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION REQUESTED:
- Date of publication of tender for the printing contracts, including the publication medium (e.g.,
Ghana Gazette, newspapers, or online platforms).
2. Details of companies that bid, including:
– Names
– Addresses
– Contact information
– Business registration documents
– Experience in similar projects
3. Criteria used for selecting successful companies, including:
– Evaluation methodology
– Weighting of criteria
– Scoring system
4. Investigation report(s) conducted to address potential Conflict of Interest regarding Assembly Press
5. Minutes of the meeting(s) where political parties were informed about the selected companies,
including:
– Date
– Time
– Venue
– Attendees
6. Copies of letters or notifications sent to political parties regarding the selection.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUESTED:
1. Procurement documents, including:
– Request for Proposal
– Tender evaluation report
– Contract agreements
2. Records of communication with Assembly Press and Buck Press.
Section 1 8 of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) guarantees every Ghanaian citizen the
right to access information. Articles 2l(f and 35 (8) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana emphasize
transparency and accountability in public affairs.
We expect a response within the stipulated 14-day period, as provided by Section 22 of the Right to Information Act,2019 (Act 989).
Failure to provide the requested information within the stipulated timeframe may lead to an appeal to
the Information Commission, as per Section 29 of the Right to Information Act,2Ol9 (Act 989).
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Convener
CC:
– Right to Information Commission
Jude Balrna
Convener
