Nana Kwasi Bosomprah, the Paramount Chief of the Goaso Traditional Area in the Ahafo Region, has urged the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, to respond to concerns raised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding discrepancies in the voters’ register. His call comes in the wake of the NDC’s nationwide demonstration, dubbed “Enough is Enough,” held on September 17.
The protest was triggered by the Electoral Commission’s refusal to allow an external audit of the voter register, a move the NDC deemed essential for ensuring electoral transparency and integrity.
The NDC’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has been vocal about the need for a credible voters’ register. He emphasized that the party’s call for a forensic audit by the Electoral Commission is in the interest of ensuring a free and fair electoral process. According to Nketiah, the integrity of the electoral process is at stake, and the audit would help address concerns raised by the NDC. He explained that the party’s nationwide protest, which spanned all 16 regions of Ghana, was part of a broader effort to pressurize the Electoral Commission to resolve ongoing issues surrounding the voters’ register.
Nana Kwasi Bosomprah’s appeal to the Electoral Commission came after a meeting with the NDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, and members of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs. During the meeting, the chief advised the Electoral Commission to seriously consider the call for an external audit of the voters’ register to ensure peace and transparency in the upcoming elections. He argued that an audit would not only address the concerns raised by the NDC but also serve as a means of validating the credibility of the Electoral Commission’s register, should no discrepancies be found.
The chief expressed his frustration over the Electoral Commission’s reluctance to act on his earlier advice to decentralize the voter registration process. According to Nana Kwasi Bosomprah, during a previous registration exercise, he had recommended that the EC decentralize the registration process to local villages and districts. His reasoning was that such a move would make it easier for eligible voters in rural areas, many of whom face transportation challenges, to register. He noted that the EC’s decision to ignore his suggestion had made the registration process unnecessarily difficult for many rural dwellers.
Speaking on the current situation, Nana Kwasi Bosomprah reiterated his belief that the Electoral Commission should take the concerns of the NDC seriously, particularly regarding their request for an audit. He expressed disappointment in the EC’s handling of the situation, stating, “I’m disappointed the EC hasn’t listened. During registration, I advised Chairperson Jean Mensa to decentralize the process to villages and districts for easier access, considering transportation issues.” He added that the EC’s response to the NDC’s concerns had been “uninspiring” and that he firmly believes an external audit is necessary to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
The paramount chief went on to suggest that the EC’s refusal to allow an audit could lead to increased suspicion among the electorate. “Denying this request raises suspicions,” he said, warning that the refusal to conduct an audit could erode trust in the electoral system and potentially lead to unrest. He emphasized that if the Electoral Commission were to allow the audit and no discrepancies were found, it would only serve to enhance the credibility of the Commission and its operations.
Nana Kwasi Bosomprah concluded his remarks by urging the Electoral Commission to take the necessary steps to ensure that peace prevails in the lead-up to the elections. “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 stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining peace and transparency throughout the electoral process.
The NDC’s ongoing demand for an audit of the voters’ register stems from concerns that discrepancies in the register could undermine the fairness of the electoral process. As the country prepares for upcoming elections, the party has maintained that an accurate and credible voters’ register is essential for ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
In response to the nationwide demonstration, the Electoral Commission has thus far maintained its stance, rejecting the call for an external audit. The Commission has argued that its current systems are reliable and capable of maintaining the integrity of the voters’ register. However, the NDC and other stakeholders continue to push for the audit, insisting that it is necessary to guarantee a free and fair election.
As tensions continue to mount between the Electoral Commission and the NDC, the call from influential figures like Nana Kwasi Bosomprah adds weight to the demands for greater transparency in the electoral process. His appeal reflects a growing concern among traditional leaders and citizens alike that the electoral process must be fair, transparent, and free from any allegations of manipulation or misconduct.
For now, it remains to be seen whether the Electoral Commission will reconsider its position and allow an external audit of the voters’ register. In the meantime, the NDC’s nationwide protest has succeeded in bringing the issue to the forefront of national discourse, and the pressure on the Electoral Commission to address these concerns continues to build.
