Director of Training at the Electoral Commission(EC), Dr Serebour Quaicoe has revealed that 19 individuals have picked nomination forms to run as independent presidential candidates in the upcoming 2024 election.

In an interview with JoyNews, Dr Quaicoe explained that while there is no cost to picking up the forms, candidates must pay a fee when they submit their completed forms. As a result, some individuals might collect the forms without following through with their candidacy.

He emphasised that while democracy is costly, it ensures that all qualified individuals have the opportunity to participate.

The Constitution stipulates that candidates must be at least 40 years old, a taxpayer, and must not hold allegiance to any foreign country.

“Once a person meets these qualifications, they are eligible to obtain the nomination forms,” Dr. Quaicoe said.

On the same show he also clarified that the GH₵0.50 fee for checking voter registration details online is paid to the service providers, not to the EC.

According to him, none of the fees goes to the Electoral Commission, and this charge has been consistent at 50 pesewas in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.

The Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has expressed concerns about this fee.

The EC introduced a short code, *71151#, allowing voters to verify their registration details ahead of the 2024 general election. However, Mr Dafeamekpor objects to the cost associated with this service.

Speaking on JoyNews AM show, Dr Quaicoe said that “It is for service charges, and not for the Electoral Commission. If the money were to come to the Electoral Commission, then that is our money for us to account for but is for the service charges. If you use MTN, the money goes to MTN; if you use Telecel, it goes to Telecel.”

He noted that the GH₵0.50 fee for online voter registration checks is not part of the Electoral Commission’s budget, explaining that including it would mean the funds would go directly to the EC.