The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has disputed the Electoral Commission’s (EC) assertion that discrepancies in the 2024 Provisional Voters Register have been resolved. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, NDC’s Director of Elections and IT, expressed concerns at the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting in Accra, stating that the EC’s inaction could allow voter data manipulation to continue unchecked, threatening the election’s integrity.
Dr. Omane Boamah emphasized the urgency of resolving the issues, saying, “Time is of the essence.” He reiterated the NDC’s demand for a comprehensive audit of the voter register and the EC’s IT system to ensure transparency and accuracy. Using an analogy, he said, “When your roof is leaking, you can choose to mop continuously, or you can decide to fix the leak and then mop.”
However, the EC countered that the NDC’s demand for an audit is premature, citing robust procedures to prepare the final register. The EC outlined a multi-step process to address discrepancies and ensure the register’s integrity.
Kofi Akpaloo, flagbearer of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), dismissed the NDC’s call for a forensic audit, labeling it a waste of time and a non-starter. Akpaloo argued that with less than three months to the December 7 elections, there is insufficient time for the EC to conduct such an audit. He defended the EC, stating that the NDC’s allegation of ghost names on the register will not affect the election outcome.
Meanwhile, Madam Akua Donkor, Founder and Leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), criticized the NDC for undue scrutiny of the EC. She praised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its cooperative stance toward the EC’s initiatives and urged the NDC to follow suit, arguing that the EC Chairperson is God-sent and nothing anyone does against her will succeed.
The debate highlights concerns about the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process, with the NDC pushing for a forensic audit, claiming the voter register has been inflated with ineligible individuals. The EC assured that most discrepancies have been resolved and remaining issues will be addressed through established pathways.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
