By Daniel Bampoe
The Elections Dispute Adjudication Committee (EDAC) of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has ruled in favour of a re-run of the Ashanti Regional Chairperson elections, following a petition that challenged the outcome of the June 30, 2025 polls.
In a press release issued on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and signed by the EDAC Chairperson, Secretary, and Technical Advisor, the committee said its decision was based on serious electoral violations that compromised the credibility and fairness of the election process.
Controversy Over Election Irregularities
The petition, filed by one of the contestants, alleged a series of irregularities that breached the GJA’s electoral guidelines.
After thoroughly reviewing evidence, hearing all parties involved, and assessing the conduct of the polls, the EDAC concluded that the electoral process was undermined by procedural errors significant enough to affect the final outcome.
Central to the committee’s findings was the creation of a supplementary voters’ list on election day, a move the committee deemed unconstitutional.
Concerns were also raised about the eligibility of voters on this supplementary list, some of whom were reportedly not vetted appropriately.
Adding to the controversy, a journalist registered to vote in the Greater Accra Region was permitted to vote in the Ashanti Region election—a breach that the committee described as “a clear violation” of electoral norms.
Given the razor-thin margin of victory—just a single vote—the EDAC said these irregularities could have materially altered the results, thereby warranting a re-run to ensure fairness and restore confidence in the process.
Directive for Re-Run and Electoral Safeguards
The EDAC has issued specific directives to guide the re-run of the elections:
1. The re-run must take place within fourteen working days from the date of the announcement.
2. A comprehensive and verified list of eligible voters is to be published in the national dailies and made available to all candidates at least three clear working days before the election.
3. No supplementary voter list will be permitted under any circumstances.
The committee urged all GJA members, particularly those in the Ashanti Region, to take a keen interest in ensuring the process is transparent and credible.
Broader Implications for GJA Electoral Governance
This ruling by EDAC underscores the growing concerns about electoral transparency within professional associations, especially at a time when the GJA’s credibility is under intense public and internal scrutiny.
The Association has faced mounting pressure in recent years to improve its governance systems and adhere strictly to its constitution.
Observers within the media fraternity believe the committee’s decision signals a positive shift toward accountability and procedural compliance.
“This decision is not just about the Ashanti Region; it’s a wake-up call for how all our internal elections are managed,” a senior member of the GJA remarked off-record.
The EDAC noted that a comprehensive report detailing its findings, reasoning, and recommendations will be submitted to the GJA secretariat and made available to the public in due course.
Call for Unity and Transparency
The committee concluded its release by thanking all stakeholders for their cooperation and understanding, while emphasizing the need for unity and integrity within the Association.
It called on journalists nationwide to support efforts to uphold democratic processes within their ranks.
