The Electoral Commission’s (EC) Returning Officer for the Ablekuma North constituency, Vincent Obeng, has resigned from overseeing the collation of parliamentary results, citing frustrations with procedural challenges and disorderly conduct.
Mr. Obeng announced his decision on Wednesday, January 8, during a media briefing. He revealed that while results from four out of seven polling stations had been successfully collated, the process hit a roadblock when issues emerged with the remaining three.
Explaining the challenges, he stated, “We brought our presiding officers here—two came, but they couldn’t authenticate the statement of poll and declaration forms. One said she couldn’t come. So that’s the three left.”
Frustrated by the situation, he added, “It’s so unfortunate for me to make this statement, but I’m done with Ablekuma North. The EC should find a new returning officer to continue their work.”
The delays were compounded when a Presiding Officer, Nathaniel Klimsman Avumeh, refused to verify figures from his polling station, further complicating the collation process.
Tensions escalated when a political party representative slammed the table of EC officials, sparking chaos among opposing factions. The situation briefly descended into physical altercations before police intervened to restore order.
In response to Mr. Obeng’s resignation, the EC’s Director of Training, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, expressed regret, attributing the decision to frustration.
He assured the public that the Commission was working to resolve the matter and would make efforts to convince Mr. Obeng to return and complete the collation process.
The disruption underscores the challenges faced in ensuring smooth electoral procedures and maintaining order during vote collation in highly contested constituencies.
