Five presidential candidates have been disqualified from taking part in December’s election because their nomination papers included “defective signatures and fake endorsements”, the electoral commission has announced.

The candidates are have been recommended to the police for further investigation, according to an official statement.

They are Kofi Koranteng (independent), Marricke Kofi Gane (independent), Akwasi Odike (United Progressive Party), Kwasi Busumburu (People’s Action Party) and Agyenim Boateng (United Front Party).

The commission will refund each candidate their 100,000 Ghanian cedi ($17,000; £13,000) filing fee.

A total of 12 candidates have been cleared to run for the presidency, including incumbent, Nana Akufo-Addo, who is seeking a second five-year term.