The Paramount Chief of the Goaso Traditional Area in the Ahafo Region, Nana Kwasi Bosomprah, has urged the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, to address the National Democratic Congress (NDC) concerns regarding discrepancies in the voters’ register.
His call comes in the wake of the NDC’s “Enough is Enough” demonstration held nationwide on September 17, 2024, after the EC refused to allow an external audit of the electoral roll.
The NDC, led by National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has been vocal about the need for a forensic audit of the voters’ register to ensure its credibility.
The party believes such an audit is crucial to guarantee electoral integrity ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah highlighted the nationwide protest, which took place across all 16 regions, as an important effort to pressure the EC into addressing these concerns.
During a recent meeting with NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama and the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kwasi Bosomprah echoed the party’s concerns, advising the EC to agree to an external audit.
He noted that such a move would not only address the NDC’s grievances but also serve as an opportunity for the EC to validate the accuracy of the register, thereby promoting transparency and peace in the electoral process.
The paramount chief stressed that a credible voters’ register is critical for ensuring free and fair elections.
He suggested that if the Electoral Commission believes the register is accurate, agreeing to the audit would further solidify the confidence of all stakeholders in the electoral system.
Nana Kwasi Bosomprah also expressed frustration over the EC’s reluctance to implement his earlier suggestion to decentralise the registration process.
He argued that making the registration more accessible by bringing it to local villages and districts would increase participation and alleviate some of the challenges currently being faced.
I’m disappointed the EC hasn’t listened. During registration, I advised Chairperson Jean Mensa to decentralise the process to villages and districts for easier access, considering transportation issues.”
“The EC’s response to the NDC’s concerns was uninspiring. I firmly believe an external audit is necessary. Denying this request raises suspicions.”
“If the EC allows an audit and finds nothing, it will boost its credibility. I urge the EC to heed the NDC’s demands for peace to prevail,” he said.
Source: myjoyonline.com
