FridayOL

Election Staff Still Waiting for 2024 Pay: EC Points Finger at Finance Ministry

Frustration is mounting within the Electoral Commission (EC) as hundreds of staff who worked tirelessly during the preparations for the 2024 elections remain unpaid. The Commission has publicly blamed the Ministry of Finance for the delay, citing a lack of released funds as the primary reason for the ongoing issue.

According to a statement released on May 26th by Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chair of the Commission responsible for Corporate Affairs, the Ministry's failure to promptly disburse the allocated budget is directly impacting the ability to settle outstanding payments. This situation has understandably caused significant distress and anxiety among the affected EC staff, many of whom played crucial roles in ensuring a smooth and fair electoral process.

The EC's responsibilities extend far beyond election day. The meticulous planning, logistical arrangements, voter registration drives, and countless hours of training require a dedicated workforce. These staff members, including returning officers, registration officials, and support personnel, rely on timely payment for their services. The delay is not only a financial hardship for these individuals but also potentially impacts morale and future willingness to participate in similar crucial national exercises.

The Ministry of Finance has yet to issue a formal response to the EC's claims. However, it's understood that the government faces ongoing budgetary constraints, which may be contributing to the delays in releasing funds to various state agencies. This isn't an isolated incident; similar payment delays have been reported in other sectors, raising concerns about the government's ability to meet its financial obligations promptly.

The situation has sparked debate about the need for greater financial autonomy for the EC. Some argue that granting the Commission more control over its budget would alleviate such issues and ensure smoother operations, particularly during critical electoral periods. Others suggest improved communication and coordination between the EC and the Ministry of Finance are essential to prevent future payment delays.

This issue comes amidst other ongoing scrutiny of the Electoral Commission. Recently, former President Mahama petitioned for the removal of EC Chair Jean Mensa and three other commissioners, citing concerns about their impartiality and management of the electoral process. While this petition is separate from the payment issue, it adds another layer of complexity to the current situation.

The EC has reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring free and fair elections. However, resolving the outstanding payment issue is crucial to maintaining the Commission's reputation and fostering trust among its staff and the wider public. A swift resolution from the Ministry of Finance is now urgently needed to address the concerns of the affected EC personnel and prevent further disruption to the Commission’s operations.