Henry Nana Boakye, National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly condemned the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its recent demands for a forensic audit of the voter register, calling the request baseless and unnecessary. In a statement shared via Facebook on Tuesday, Boakye criticised the NDC’s stance, asserting that the party has failed to present any legal justification for requesting the Electoral Commission (EC) to relinquish its constitutional responsibilities to an external entity.
Boakye’s remarks stemmed from the NDC’s persistent calls for an audit of the voter register ahead of the upcoming elections. According to the NPP National Organiser, this demand not only undermines the authority of the Electoral Commission but also lacks a solid legal foundation. He referenced the 1992 Constitution and specific sections of the Electoral Commission Act, 1993 (Act 451), to demonstrate that the EC is the sole institution vested with the power to compile the electoral register and supervise all national elections.
Boakye specifically pointed to Article 45 of the 1992 Constitution, which grants the EC the exclusive authority over the voter register and election oversight. He further highlighted Section 2 of Act 451, which reinforces the EC’s mandate, emphasising that no external party has the right to interfere with its operations. In addition to these points, Boakye stressed that Article 46 of the Constitution, coupled with Section 3 of Act 451, ensures the Commission’s independence from any other body or authority, shielding it from external influence or control.
To strengthen his argument, Boakye cited several rulings by the Supreme Court of Ghana, which have consistently upheld the EC’s independence in election-related matters. Some of these landmark cases include Philip Kwaku Apaloo (2010), Ransford France (2012), the Abu Ramadan Series (No. 1 and 2), and NDC v Attorney General (2020). According to Boakye, these cases underscore the Supreme Court’s support for the Electoral Commission’s autonomy, affirming that the EC has the final say in how it chooses to carry out its duties, unless its decisions are proven to be unconstitutional.
Boakye was clear in his assertion that even the Courts do not have the power to impose a particular course of action on the EC unless its actions are deemed unconstitutional. This, he said, further discredits the NDC’s call for a third-party audit, which he considers an infringement on the independence guaranteed to the Commission.
He also highlighted the existing framework through which the EC operates, which has ensured the conduct of multiple successful elections during Ghana’s Fourth Republic. The NPP National Organiser noted that the EC’s practice of consulting with political parties and stakeholders through platforms such as the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) has contributed to the smooth execution of five national elections. According to him, this practice is evidence of the EC’s commitment to transparency and collaboration, making the NDC’s demands for an audit even more unjustifiable.
Nana Boakye dismissed the notion that the EC’s collaboration with political parties gives them the right to dictate the Commission’s actions. He argued that while political parties and other stakeholders may be consulted, these consultations do not allow any entity to usurp the EC’s constitutional authority in the performance of its functions. This balance between consultation and independence, he maintained, has been key to the EC’s success over the years.
In conclusion, Boakye reiterated that the NDC’s call for a forensic audit of the voter register is unwarranted and should be firmly rejected. He urged the public and other political stakeholders to recognise the Electoral Commission’s constitutionally guaranteed authority and independence. By insisting that the Commission remains free from external interference, Boakye reaffirmed his confidence in the EC’s ability to manage its responsibilities without the need for an external audit. According to him, the EC has consistently engaged political parties in resolving electoral concerns, and there is no need for additional measures that would compromise its autonomy.
Boakye’s stance serves as a direct response to the NDC’s criticisms and aims to reassure the public of the Electoral Commission’s capability to carry out its constitutional duties effectively. By citing legal precedents and the constitutional framework, Boakye has positioned the NPP in strong opposition to any efforts that seek to undermine the Commission’s independence. He concluded by urging all political actors to respect the authority of the EC and allow it to perform its functions without undue pressure or interference.
