Police have arrested some delegates at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency election centre in Bimbilla in the Northern Region for allegedly taking photographs of their ballot papers during the party’s internal elections on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Corrections Policy
The arrests reportedly triggered agitation at the voting centre as security personnel moved to prevent delegates from photographing their votes.
The incident occurred while delegates were casting ballots to elect new constituency executives as part of the NDC’s nationwide reorganisation exercise ahead of the 2028 general elections.
According to a source, the police intervened after some delegates were found allegedly taking pictures of their ballot papers. The development raised concerns about maintaining order and protecting the integrity of the voting process at the constituency election centre.
The report did not establish whether the arrested delegates had been formally charged, released or remained in police custody at the time of publication. Further details about the arrests and any subsequent police action had also not been confirmed.
The incident comes as the governing party conducts elections across its constituency structures to select executives responsible for managing its grassroots political activities.
A total of 60 aspirants are contesting 17 executive positions in Bimbilla, with 1,764 delegates expected to participate in the exercise.
The positions form part of the leadership structure responsible for coordinating party organisation, membership engagement and political mobilisation at the constituency level.
The high number of aspirants reflects the competitive nature of the internal elections, which are expected to produce leaders who will guide the party’s activities in the constituency in the coming years.
The police intervention highlights the importance of maintaining discipline at polling centres, particularly during internal party elections where competition between aspirants can create tension among supporters.
Although taking a photograph of a ballot paper may appear to be a minor action, the practice can raise concerns about ballot secrecy and the possibility of delegates being pressured to prove how they voted.
In situations where vote buying or coercion is suspected, photographs could potentially be used to demonstrate compliance with demands from individuals seeking to influence the outcome.
However, the available report does not establish that the arrested delegates in Bimbilla were involved in vote-buying or that they photographed their ballots for that purpose.
Any such conclusion would require evidence from investigators rather than speculation about their motives. Editorial Ethics & Independence
Maintaining the secrecy of the ballot is an important principle in democratic elections because voters should be able to make their choices freely, without intimidation or undue influence.
Election officials and security personnel therefore have a responsibility to enforce applicable voting procedures consistently and respond appropriately when rules are breached.
The incident also underlines the role of security agencies in supporting orderly elections. The Ghana Police Service has been deployed to provide security during the NDC’s nationwide constituency polls, with preparations including protection for delegates, election officials and electoral materials.
The NDC’s constituency elections are scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2026, across all 276 constituencies nationwide.
Approximately 15,000 aspirants are seeking various executive positions, including constituency chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, treasurer, organiser, communications officer, youth organiser and women’s organiser.
The party’s reorganisation programme is intended to renew its grassroots leadership and strengthen the structures responsible for coordinating political activities ahead of the next general election.
The constituency polls will be followed by regional executive elections in November and national executive elections in December.
For the Bimbilla constituency, the immediate priority will be to ensure that the election proceeds in an orderly environment and that the final results reflect the choices of eligible delegates.
Any disputes arising from the exercise will also need to be addressed through the appropriate party or legal procedures. Editorial Standards
The arrests serve as a reminder to delegates and aspirants that compliance with election rules is essential to maintaining confidence in internal democratic processes.
Candidates and their supporters are expected to respect voting procedures, avoid actions that could create unnecessary tension and allow election officials to carry out their duties.
As investigations and any further police action unfold, additional information will be needed to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the status of those detained.
The outcome of the Bimbilla elections will determine the constituency’s next executive team, but the credibility of the process will depend not only on the results but also on whether voting is conducted peacefully, transparently and in accordance with the applicable rules.