Bloated 2024 Voter’s Register is an Attempt by EC to Manipulate the Elections-Assembly Members Ghana.
A group calling itself Assembly members Ghana has threatened to demonstrate against the Electoral Commission (EC) should it fail to heed to the clarion call for the 2024 Voter’s register to be cleaned up.
According to the group, the stealing of BVDs from the office of the EC is a clear indication that the EC’s system including voter’s register has become porous.
The Convener of the group, Mr. Ibrahim Abdul- Razak Cisse said this at a news Conference held in Accra on Thursday.
“As representatives of the grassroots, as enshrined in the Local Government Act, ACT 936. This Act empowers us to champion the voices of our people at the very foundation of local governance, ensuring that their will and their rights are protected at every level.
It is with this mandate that we gather today to raise our concerns about the actions of the Electoral Commission of Ghana. We have observed with growing alarm what we believe to be a clear bias and deliberate attempt to manipulate the democratic process. As custodians of the people’s trust, we cannot and will not remain silent in the face of attempts to rig our elections and silence the true will of the people”, Mr. Razak-Cisse emphasized.
According to the Convener, the manipulations started with the recent appointments of some person to Electoral Commission, which have raised serious doubts about its ability to conduct free and fair elections in 2024 adding that Dr. Peter Appiahene, one of the newly appointed members, is not only a card-bearing member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) but a recognized leader within the party’s ranks.
“His deep ties to the NPP are undeniable, as he has served as a patron of the party’s tertiary wing, TESCON, at the University of Energy and Natural Resources since 2017. He is also a well-known communicator for the NPP in the Bono Region, frequently appearing on radio and television to promote the party’s agenda”, he said.
The group which said its call is to defend the integrity of Ghana’s democracy is therefore demanding of the EC to ensure the voter register is free of unauthorized or illegal transfers as well as take immediate steps to rectify mistakes in the transfer voter list.
Below is the full statement
Press Statement: A Call to Defend the Integrity of Ghana’s Democracy
Good morning, members of the press, fellow Ghanaians, and all gathered here today. We, the elected assembly members of Greater Accra, stand before you not only as individuals entrusted with the governance of our communities but as representatives of the grassroots, as enshrined in the Local Government Act, ACT 936. This Act empowers us to champion the voices of our people at the very foundation of local governance, ensuring that their will and their rights are protected at every level.
It is with this mandate that we gather today to raise our concerns about the actions of the Electoral Commission of Ghana. We have observed with growing alarm what we believe to be a clear bias and deliberate attempt to manipulate the democratic process. As custodians of the people’s trust, we cannot and will not remain silent in the face of attempts to rig our elections and silence the true will of the people.
We gather today with a heavy heart to address a matter of urgent national concern—the integrity of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, led by Jean Mensah. This institution, which is supposed to serve as the impartial guardian of our democratic process, has become a growing threat to the very democracy it is meant to protect. This manipulations started with the recent appointments of some person to Electoral Commission, which have raised serious doubts about its ability to conduct free and fair elections in 2024. Dr. Peter Appiahene, one of the newly appointed members, is not only a card-bearing member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) but a recognized leader within the party’s ranks. His deep ties to the NPP are undeniable, as he has served as a patron of the party’s tertiary wing, TESCON, at the University of Energy and Natural Resources since 2017. He is also a well-known communicator for the NPP in the Bono Region, frequently appearing on radio and television to promote the party’s agenda. Dr. Appiahene’s own words describe him as “a strong NPP man with a lot of experience in election issues in Ghana,” making his impartiality in the upcoming elections highly questionable.
Equally concerning is the appointment of Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani. Our investigations reveal that Hajia Salima is not only an activist of the NPP but also married to Sheikh T.B Damba, a former Second National Vice Chairman of the NPP and Ghana’s recent ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Her close ties to the ruling party further undermine the credibility of the Electoral Commission.
The Electoral Commission is supposed to be the bedrock of our democratic system, ensuring that every election is conducted with fairness and transparency. Yet, with these appointments, the Commission has become a tool for political manipulation, threatening the very foundation of our democracy. We fear that the 2024 election will not be free and fair if the current trajectory continues.
The Future of Ghana’s Democracy at Stake
The Electoral Commission’s credibility is paramount to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. Under Jean Mensah’s leadership, we fear that the institution is at risk of becoming a tool for political interests rather than a guardian of democratic integrity. As public trust in the Commission erodes, we are compelled to raise our voices in defense of democracy.
Immediate Actions Needed
As we approach the 2024 elections, we demand urgent action to restore public confidence in the Electoral Commission. We call for the resignation of appointees whose political affiliations compromise their impartiality. Moreover, we appeal to the international community, civil society organizations, office of the national chief Imam, the Christian council of Ghana, the Ga Mantse, the Ashantehene and all Ghanaians who value democracy to remain vigilant and hold the Commission accountable.
Any attempt to undermine the 2024 elections will face the full force of the law and the collective resolve of the people. The integrity of our democracy is non-negotiable.
Ensuring Transparency in the Voter Register
Beyond the appointments, we express concerns regarding the integrity of the voter register. The Electoral Commission’s acknowledgment of stolen or missing Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) and Biometric Verification Device (BVD) equipment raises troubling questions about the accuracy of the voter roll.
We seek clarity on the following:
1. Accuracy of the Voter Register
• What steps are being taken to ensure the voter register is free of unauthorized or illegal transfers?
• How does the EC plan to rectify mistakes in the transfer voter list?
• What measures are in place to correct irregularities before the elections?
2. Restoring Public Confidence
• How does the EC intend to restore and build public confidence in the integrity of the voter register?
Let this be a clear and unequivocal warning to the Electoral Commission and the ruling government: any attempt to use the Commission or any security apparatus to skew the outcome of the election will be met with fierce resistance and opposition. The will of the people of Ghana cannot be suppressed by intimidation or manipulation. We will defend our democracy with every lawful means at our disposal. We join hands with all well meaning Ghanaians on the clarion call for a forensic audit of the electoral register. This believe will clear all doubts and restore public confidence in the Electoral Commission.
To the people of Ghana, we call on you to remain vigilant and steadfast in your commitment to a free and fair election. Our democracy is at stake, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that it is protected. We urge the international community to closely monitor the actions of the Electoral Commission and to hold it accountable for any attempts to undermine the electoral process. As for the Jean MENSAH led commission we can only urge them to do the right thing because when finally that day of reckoning comes not your police or military can save you from facing the full rigors of your consequences if you guys continue to allow yourselves to be manipulated by political actors.
The time to act is now. The future of our democracy depends on it.
Thank you.
Conveners:
1. Hon. Musah Ziyad
024 428 6953
2. Hon. Ibrahim Abdul-Razak (Cisse)
0244077912
3. Hon. Michael Asare McDonald (Romeo)
024 481 5910
4. Hon. Hafiz Wuratey
0242373221
source:newsflashafrica.com
