Claims of ballot papers spotted outside voting centres: Here’s what we know

Claim: Several reports claim pre-thumb printed ballot papers have been discovered across the country

Source: Facebook, X. Archived here & here.

Verdict: Misleading

Explanation: Claims of thumb-printed ballot papers across Ghana; Here are our findings 

1. In the case of the minor in the  Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency who was arrested with 76 ballot papers in his possession, the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition discovered that the said papers were dummy ballot papers bearing little semblance to authentic ballot papers issued by the Electoral Commission (EC). 
2. An X post has also alleged that some NPP supporters have been arrested for hiding thumb-printed ballot papers at a hotel in Pokuase. Again, upon careful observation of the said ballot papers, the Coalition discovered that the topmost part of the ballot paper bears no resemblance to the authentic ballot papers being handed out by polling agents. While the authentic ballot features the coat of arms, the national flag, a serial number, and other information on coloured background, the alleged pre-thumb printed ballot simply features the text “BALLOT PAPER” in bold print on black background.

3. A Facebook user claims the police in Bolgatanga in the Upper East region have seized 143 official presidential ballot papers thumb-printed for New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.  Although the photos shared in the claim have been thumb-printed for the NPP candidate, the papers are dummy ballot papers bearing the title “Notice of poll.”

Fig 2: Dummy Ballots discovered at Bolgatanga

Conclusion

Although reports of thumb-printed ‘ballot papers’ are gaining traction, our checks show that none of the instances flagged so far involve authentic ballot papers issued by the EC.