The Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, has emphasized the critical role of pink sheets in the electoral process, stating that they form the foundation for results at every level—constituency, regional, and national.
Addressing the media following the close of polls, Mensa detailed the meticulous and inclusive process involved in compiling and validating electoral results, assuring citizens of the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“Everything starts from the pink sheets at the polling stations,” Mensa stated. “Once the results are counted, and all party agents are satisfied, the details are recorded on pink sheets, signed by the agents, and copies are provided to them. A copy is also posted at each polling station for public viewing.”
Mensa explained the progression of results from polling stations to constituency collation centers, where party agents and observers ensure no additional counting occurs. The results are collated, signed off by the agents, and further transmitted to the regional collation centers, where the process is repeated with the same level of scrutiny.
At the national level, the pink sheets serve as the definitive document for compiling and validating results. Mensa assured Ghanaians that the process remains transparent and inclusive, with party agents actively involved at every stage.
“At the National Collation Center, results are faxed in the presence of party agents, who verify them against their own records before they are endorsed and projected as provisional results,” she added.
While acknowledging the elaborate nature of the electoral process, Mensa called for patience from citizens. “It’s been just 23 hours since the close of polls. The process is thorough to ensure credibility and fairness. We expect to announce the presidential results within 72 hours, as stipulated by law,” she noted.
However, she raised concerns about delays at some collation centers due to disruptions caused by supporters of political parties.
“In their anxiety and excitement, some supporters have besieged collation centers, making it difficult for our officers to perform their duties. We have engaged party leadership to address this issue,” Mensa said.
She also clarified that in rare cases where unresolved constituency results would not alter the outcome of the presidential election, the Commission may proceed with the declaration. “This ensures we do not unnecessarily delay the process,” she explained.
