Ministry of Finance is delaying your payments – EC to 2024 election staff
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has officially admitted that there have been delays in the payment of allowances owed to temporary officials who worked during the 2024 General Elections and placed the blame squarely on the Ministry of Finance for failing to release the needed funds.
In a memo issued by the Deputy Chairman for Corporate Services, the Commission explained that although it is fully prepared to pay the allowances, the lack of disbursed funds from the Ministry of Finance has made it impossible.
“We are ready to pay, but we don’t have the money yet,” the commission stated.
Acknowledging the Challenge
The memo was addressed to all returning officers and temporary staff working nationwide during the polls. Copies were also sent to the Chairperson of the commission, the Deputy Chairman for Operations, regional directors, and district electoral officers.
The EC used the opportunity to express deep regret for the inconvenience caused to the workers who offered their time and service to ensure the elections were successfully conducted.
“The Commission sincerely apologises for the delay in the payment of your allowances,” the memo read. “We thank you for your patience, commitment,, and professionalism.”
Thousands Still Unpaid
Temporary electoral workers — including polling assistants, verification officers, presiding officers, collation officers, and various IT and logistics support staff — played a vital role during the 2024 general elections held in December.
However, nearly six months after the elections, many of them say they have still not been paid for their services.
Reports from across the country indicate that the unpaid workers, many of whom are youth and job seekers, have made several appeals and complaints to the EC and other authorities, yet their concerns remained unaddressed — until now.
Some say they borrowed money to travel and feed themselves while working during the elections and were hoping that their allowance would help them recover financially. For many, the delay has created real hardship.
Pressure from the Ground
Over the past few weeks, pressure has been mounting on the Electoral Commission, with several civil society organisations, media outlets, and concerned citizens questioning why such an important national institution would delay payment to those who ensured the democratic process was carried out successfully.
There have also been calls for transparency and accountability, especially since temporary electoral work is a major avenue through which thousands of unemployed youth engage with national service.
Some former election workers say they feel neglected and disrespected, as they sacrificed time and energy — sometimes under difficult conditions — to serve the country.
“We stood in the sun and the rain worked from dawn to midnight. Now they say there’s no money. It’s unfair,” one unpaid presiding officer from the Ashanti Region told the media.
Why the Delay?
According to the EC’s explanation, the commission has not received the funds from the Ministry of Finance, and this is the main reason for the delay in payment.
This situation is not new. In previous elections, including those in 2016 and 2020, temporary staff also faced delays in getting paid, largely due to funding bottlenecks between the EC and the Ministry.
However, many Ghanaians believe that lessons should have been learned by now and that both institutions must work together to plan and release funds ahead of time, especially for something as important as an election.
The EC has not provided a specific timeline for when the Ministry of Finance will release the funds, nor when payment will begin. This has left many of the affected individuals feeling uncertain and frustrated.
Gratitude Amidst Frustration
Despite the financial challenges, the EC praised the temporary staff for their dedication, hard work, and calmness in the face of the delay. The memo stated that the 2024 general elections were successful largely because of their contributions.
“Your commitment and professionalism contributed significantly to the success of the 2024 General Election. We are grateful,” the EC said.
Observers say this statement, though well-intended, may not be enough to soothe the growing disappointment among those who feel that they have been used and forgotten.
Public Reaction
Many Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their frustration with the situation. Some are questioning how the country can claim to promote youth employment yet fail to pay young people for work they have already done.
Others are calling on the Ministry of Finance to act swiftly, arguing that national elections are a core function of democracy and must be treated with respect and urgency.
Political analysts have also warned that the delay could affect trust in future electoral processes, as more young people may feel discouraged from volunteering or applying to work for the commission.
Conclusion
The Electoral Commission’s admission and apology for delayed payments to 2024 election workers may offer a small relief, but for thousands of unpaid temporary staff across the country, words alone are not enough.
Until the Ministry of Finance releases the funds and payments begin, frustration will continue to grow — and with it, the public’s demand for better planning, more transparency, and genuine respect for the people who make Ghana’s democracy work at the grassroots.