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Tag: Electoral Commission

  • Were pleased but will address overcrowding at registration centres EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) says it is taking steps to address overcrowding which characterised most registration centres across the country on the first day of the voters registration exercise on Tuesday.

    Although the Commission said it is “pleased with” the events of the first day, there were some “teething issues” with the registration process which it said, are being addressed.

    “All in all reports reaching the Commission depict a positive turnout at all the registration centres. The Commission is aware that some centres recorded high numbers leading to some overcrowding. We are taking steps to worth with the security agencies to address possible overcrowding at our registration centres,” it said in a statement.

    It has meanwhile challenged the authenticity of a photograph it said has been making rounds on social media purporting to be a scene at one of its registration centres.

    The Commission did not however give details about the said photograph, except to say the photo does not show the usual characteristics of EC registration centre set up.

    “It just shows a large crowd gathered together in an area,” the Commission said.

    The EC has thus asked the public to disregard the said photograph because the scene in it is not a registration centre of the EC.

    Also, the Commission said its attention has been drawn to audio circulating on social media in which a claim is made that people who guaranteed for up to 10 applicants will be disenfranchised.

    “This is not true…They will not be disenfranchised,” it assured.

    Quoting C.I 126, the Commission said any registered voter can guarantee for up to 10 people, but those who exceed the limit “will be picked up by our system and prosecuted”

    Accordingly the EC has asked the public to be circumspect and disregard false information that is not rooted in law.

    Source: 3 News

  • Don’t resort to violence in challenging registrants – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has cautioned the citizenry against the use of violence in challenging the eligibility of registrants at the ongoing voter registration exercise.

    Mr. Benjamin Bano-Bio, Ashanti Regional Director of the Commission, said those who were in doubt of the eligibility of anyone to register should do so through the challenge form.

    “No one has the right to take the law into his or her own hands,” he told the Ghana News Agency (GNA), in Kumasi, saying the citizenry should not resort to violence in putting across their concerns.

    The EC commenced a nationwide voter registration exercise on Tuesday, June 30, to compile a new voters’ register for this year’s elections.

    In the Ashanti Region, the exercise is being conducted in the EC’s designated 1,196 clusters, which had been carved out of the 5,890 polling stations.

    Mr. Bano-Bio said the exercise was being done in five phases and would end in August, saying it was important for all eligible Ghanaians to patronize it.

    He expressed satisfaction at the smooth manner in which registration was being done on the first day of the exercise.

    Source: GNA

  • New registration not to disenfranchise any eligible voter EC

    Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC) Jean Mensa has urged Ghanaians to disregard assertions within some quarters that the new voter registration exercise is aimed at disenfranchising a group of voters.

    She insisted that the rationale behind the exercise is not to achieve anything like that.

    “On the contrary, it is to ensure that all our citizens who qualify are accorded the opportunity to register and cast their votes,” Mrs Mensa said.

    She was addressing journalists on the eve of the voter registration exercise.

    The exercise starts at 7:00am and ends at 6:00pm each day.

    It is scheduled to end on Thursday, August 6.

    The Chairperson of the Commission noted that a voter register plays a significant role in elections as it is the bedrock on which credible elections rest.

    Source: 3 News

     

  • Heavy security at EC ahead of voters registration

    A host of national security apparatus are currently at the headquarters of the Electoral Commission (EC) in Accra hours before the commencement of the voter registration exercise.

    As part of preparations towards the event, the EC Chair, Jean Mensa is speaking to the public through various media platforms on some final updates, prior to the day.

    Aside the visible security vehicles that are parked in front of the premises, there are police personnel at every point from the gate to the final entry point, where the presser is being held, to ensure that uninvited persons are turned away.

    Even for persons who are allowed entry, they have to undergo thorough checks by these police personnel to ensure individuals are clear to proceed.

    Background

    The voters registration exercise, which was scheduled to take place on April 18 this year was postponed to Tuesday, June 30 due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus.

    Security personnel have been deployed across the country to man the borders and to prevent foreign nationals to participate in the exercise.

    Residents at Ketu South municipality have lamented about the heavy presence of military personnel in the area, noting that they are unable to go about their regular activities.

    Minority Members of Parliament belonging to the Volta caucus in reaction to the development, have accused the government of intimidating residents in the region to prevent them from taking part in the voters registration exercise.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • It will be unfair, disrespectful for me to comment on current process at EC – Charlotte Osei

    The immediate past chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs. Charlotte Osei has declined to comment on the current happenings at the EC.

    Mrs. Osei who was removed from office on grounds of misconduct said it would not be proper for her to comment on activities at the EC since she was a former commissioner.

    According to her, it would be an interference for former chairs to comment on the work being conducted by the EC.

    She was speaking in an interview with KSM last Friday.

    Mrs. Osei told the host the only thing she owes this country is her silence when it comes to activities of the EC.

    “As a former Chair, it would be unfair to publicly comment on whatever is happening at the commission now. Respect must be given to the current commissioners to do their work without the interference of commentaries from former chair”s.

    “And so, to any question you have on the current process, I would say that all I owe to my country, and to the commission, would be my silence and my prayers. And would have to leave it at that.”

    Mrs Charlotte Osei and her two deputies, Amadu Sulley and Georgina Opoku Amankwaa were removed from office in 2018 for misconduct.

    Mrs Charlotte Osei, breached procurement laws in the award of several contracts, prior to the 2016 elections.

    Excerpts of the 54-page report which warranted her removal said: “In November 2017, the Honourable Chief Justice of Ghana established a prima facie case on some of the allegations made against the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission as contained in the petition submitted to His Excellency, the President of the Republic.”

    “In all, the Chief Justice made prima facie case against the Chairperson on six of the allegations contained in the said petition.”

    For all the six allegations, the committee found Mrs Osei culpable and said her explanation that she was not aware that she needed to go through procurement for some of the contracts because the monies involved were from donor partners, was untenable.

    “The findings we have made on the allegations made against Mrs. Charlotte Osei, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, clearly gives a catalogue of breaches she inflicted on the Public Procurement Act. In all the procurement activities which we had to investigate, the findings have been that Mrs. Charlotte Osei failed to comply with the Public Procurement Act.

    “The procurement activities include the engagement of Sory@Law and Associates for the Commission, the award of several contracts to STL, the two contracts for the partitioning and consultancy service of the new office block, the three contracts awarded for the construction of pre-fabricated district offices of the Commission and consultancy services thereof; the two contracts awarded to Dreamoval Ltd, and finally the two contracts awarded to Quazar Limited from South Africa. Evidence before the committee showed that all these contracts were awarded by Mrs. Charlotte Osei contrary to the Public Procurement Act” the report noted.

    “On this point we disagree with Mrs. Charlotte Osei because we are convinced that procurement forms an important part of the core business of the Electoral Commission. Indeed, without procuring relevant goods and services, the Electoral Commission will find it difficult, if not impossible, to independently conduct free and fair elections in the country. In fact, procurement is so important to the Electoral Commission, that was why no less a person than the Chairperson is made the head of entity of the Commission,” the report read in part.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • EC conducts pilot registration exercise

    The Electoral Commission, on Thursday, June 18, 2020, organized a pilot exercise at the Ridge Church premises in Accra.

    The one-day exercise was meant to afford stakeholders the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new biometric kits as well as the safety protocols rolled out by the Commission, among others.

    The EC says it wishes to deal with issues emanating from the exercise before the commencement of the actual exercise which begins on June 30, 2020 and ends on August 6, 2020.

    The process involved the checking of temperature and joining the two-metre marked queue as well as the observation of the safety protocols announced by to Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health.

    The biometric details of applicants, including fingerprints, pictures and facial details were captured before the cards were finally given to each applicant.

    Present at the demonstration were political party representatives, some members of Civil Society Organizations and the clergy as well as some members of the general public.

     

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Chief advises EC to honour invitation of National House of Chiefs

    Togbe Kotoku XI, Paramount Chief of Kpenoe Traditional Area, in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region has appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to honour the invitation by the National House of Chiefs.

    He said Chiefs, who were custodians of the land were major stakeholders in national programmes and it was only fair for the Commission to schedule a time to honour their invitation for deliberations on the impending general election.

    Togbe Kotoku who was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Ho said the National House of Chiefs represented various segments of the country and carried messages of peace to traditional areas, thus the need for the EC to work with chiefs, “if only it is advocating peaceful elections in Ghana.

    “If we are talking about peaceful elections, there should also be mutual respect for key stakeholders like chiefs,” he stated.

    Togbe Kotoku said chiefs played important roles in ensuring credible and peaceful elections and must not be kept in the dark in the Commission’s activities, adding that most national issues were resolved by prominent chiefs in the country.

    “We do the same work. We are all referees in this game. Ghanaians look up to the EC and chiefs for peace. When things get hard, the EC and others run to the chiefs so let’s not break the bridge,” he said.

    Togbe Kotoku also asked political parties to be mindful of the peace of the nation in their activities and not only winning of the polls.

    The Paramount Chief commended Government for efforts at containing COVID-19 and urged it to endeavour to complete abandoned projects in the country, especially roads such as the Ho-Kpenoe road as for accelerated socio-economic development.

    Source: GNA

  • We must protect the independence of EC – Pius Enam Hadzide

    Deputy Information Minister, Pius Enam Hadzide says no political party has the right to dictate to the Electoral Commission of Ghana in the performance of its duties.

    The Deputy Information Minister spoke on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ on Tuesday, June 16, 2020.

    According to him, the EC’s independence should not be undermined, hence the Commission’s decision to compile a new voters’ register to conduct credible elections must hold.

    Hon. Enam Hadzide was commenting on the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) petition before the Supreme Court seeking a ruling on the EC’s decision to exclude the voters’ ID card from the exercise.

    The NDC sent two reliefs to the Supreme Court with one challenging the constitutionality of the EC to conduct the new voters’ registration exercise and the other on their decision to use only the Ghana card and passport for the exercise.

    But the party dropped their legal case on the constitutionality of the electoral management body to conduct the mass registration exercise and are now seeking a relief on why the voters’ ID card should be excluded from the exercise and whether it doesn’t violate the constitutional provisions on the country’s electoral system.

    Speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi, Enam Hadzide called on all political parties and figures to protect the EC instead of opposing it.

    “We must all protect the independence of the Electoral Commission. Whether in government or opposition, you shouldn’t be given the opportunity to dictate to the Electoral Commission,” he stated.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Review voter transfer law to accommodate certain groups Majority leader to EC

    The Electoral Commission may have to fashion the voter transfer law to give students the chance to transfer, says the majority leader in parliament Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.

    He made this statement while addressing the media on the upcoming voters registration exercise.

    According to him, although the EC has the legal backing to rule out the transfer of votes in the 2020 elections, there is the need to review it so students are not disenfranchised.

    “There are certain constituents who may be allowed to transfer and that has to do with students. Students may register at a location and during the voting, they may be somewhere not by any fault of theirs.”

    “So that law should be fashioned out. They may have to have another review of that C.I so students may be allowed to transfer their votes but not ordinary citizens,” he explained.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has ruled out the transfer of votes in the upcoming general elections.

    The elections management body says to transfer your vote, one must have registered 12 months prior to the transfer.

    “With the compilation of a new voters register in the offing, electorates would be expected to register at where they reside or would be voting in December,” the EC noted.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • CPP has made no decision to support EC’s new voters register – Kwesi Pratt

    Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr has refuted claims that the Convention People’s Party (CPP) supports the compilation of a new voters register by the Electoral Commission (EC).

    The new voters registration exercise is scheduled to begin on June 30 this year and will last for 38 days across the nation.

    Meanwhile, there is a strong opposition against the EC’s decision for a new register as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other individuals have dragged the Commission to the Supreme Court seeking several declarations over the registration exercise.

    The NDC placed before the Supreme Court two reliefs with one being that the court should direct the EC to include the voters ID card in the registration process and the other relief they sought was for the court to determine whether or not it is constitutional for the Commission to hold the registration exercise.

    The party, however, dropped their relief about the constitutionality of the EC’s decision to conduct the exercise and is now praying the highest court of the land to determine whether or not the decision to abandon the voters ID card as an identification document for the impending mass registration exercise is constitutional.

    Other parties are also praying the court to hear the case on whether or not the EC should compile a new voters’ register.

    Following all these lawsuits, the EC is poised to conduct the exercise and a publication in the Daily Graphic on Monday, June 16 indicates that six political parties including the CPP have thrown their weight behind the EC.

    Speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’, Kwesi Pratt stated the reports that the CPP is solidly behind the EC to compile the new register is a complete falsehood.

    He stated emphatically that there has been no such attempt by the CPP.

    “I am a member of the Central Committee of the Convention People’s Party. I am Chairman of the Logistics Committee of the party. The party has never taken any such decision. Yes, the party has not taken any decision to support the compilation of a new voters register,” he exclaimed.

    “So, how come CPP has been drawn into this whereas CPP hasn’t said any such thing?” he further questioned.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Tight security at Supreme Court premises over EC vs NDC hearing on voters register

    Dozens of police personnel have massed up at the Supreme Court complex Thursday morning to provide security and avert any possible confrontations that might take place during the hearing of the case between the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Electoral Commission (EC) on the voters’ register.

    Led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mr Kwasi Ofori, the Director of Operations at the Accra Regional Police Command, the officers have taken post at all entrances to the court complex as well entrances to the courtroom itself, reports Graphic Online’s court reporter, Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson.

    Leading members of the NDC such as Mrs Betty Mould Iddrisu, a former Attorney-General, Mrs Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong, another former A-G, and Barbara Serwaah Asamoah, a Deputy General Secretary is the NDC are in the courtroom.

    Also present in the courtroom is Mr Samuel Tettey, a Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Operations.

    Suit

    The NDC has invoked the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to interpret the constitution with a case that it was unconstitutional for the EC to reject an existing voters ID as a prerequisite for the upcoming voter registration exercise.

    It is the contention of the NDC that it is unconstitutional for the EC to reject an existing voter ID as it will disenfranchise many Ghanaians which is a violation of Article 42 of the 1992 Constitution.

    The NDC further argues that per Article 45 of the 1992 Constitution the EC can only compile a voter registration once and periodically revise it.

    A seven member-panel of the Supreme Court, presided over by the Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah will determine the suit.

    Other Justices on the panel are Jones Dotse, Paul Baffoe Bonnie, Sule Gbadegbe, Samuel K Marful-Sau, Nene Amegatcher, and Professor Ashie Kotey.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Pastor who threatened to kill EC boss tests positive for Tramadol, weed

    Apostle Kwabena Owusu Adjei has tested positive for Tramadol and Tetrahydrocannabinol after a urine sample test conducted by the Police Hospital in Accra after his arrest on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, by National Security Operatives.

    The 56-year-old man tested positive for Tramadol and Tetrahydrocannabinol in a test conducted and results signed by Supt/Dr. Adwoa Nuro-Panin, MWACP (Psychiatry) and sighted by Peacefmonline.com.

    The self-styled preacher, Apostle Kwabena Owusu Adjei who was seen in a viral video threatening and castigating President Akufo-Addo and the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa has been arrested.

    He displayed that if the voters’ register is allowed to be changed, the Electoral Commissioner will die, adding that Ghana will not allow a small family to dictate to the nation.

    Arrest

    In a video seen by Peacefmonline.com, the Apostle was arrested on Tuesday morning at what appears to be his home (coded location) during a live interview with Accra based Hot FM.

    He was apprehended by the plain cloth security personnel immediately he started ranting again during the interview.

    The officers with an arrest warrant interrupted the interview and whisked him away in a black vehicle.

    Indian Hemp

    In another video seen in an office where he was taken to after the arrest, the Prophet in handcuff was seen holding a substance suspected to be Indian Hemp wrapped in a brown paper and being search thoroughly by the security personnel.

    Remand

    The accused person pleaded not guilty to threat of death, contrary to Section 75 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace and possession of narcotic drugs.

    He has been remanded by the court to reappear on June 23, 2020.
    Source: Peace FM

  • EC beefs up security, safety for voters registration exercise

    The Electoral Commission is beefing up security and coronavirus safety protocols for the upcoming Voters registration.

    The compilation of the new register is scheduled to start on June 30, 2020 as announced by the EC on Tuesday, June 9.

    The EC in a statement signed by its Acting Director of Public Affairs, Sylvia Annoh, assured that security will be provided by the various security agencies at all registration centers.

    The Commission reiterated that safety measures, including the provision of Personal Protective Equipment and hand sanitizers as well as the compulsory wearing of face masks by all, have been put in place at all designated registration centers throughout the country to protect applicants from contracting the coronavirus.

    It says “all Ghanaian citizens, 18 years old and above and of sound mind are expected to register in the electoral areas where they reside or are ordinarily resident and must also not be prohibited from registering by any law in force.”

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • EC commences compilation of new voter’s register on June 30

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has set June 30 as the commencement date for the compilation of the new voter’s register.

    An EC statement dated June 9, 2020, said the exercise will be conducted at all designated registration centres and district offices of the Commission throughout the country from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.

    The exercise is open to all Ghanaian citizens who are 18 years old and above and of sound mind.

    “All Ghanaian citizens, 18 years old and above and of sound mind are expected to register in the electoral areas where they reside or are ordinarily resident and must also not be prohibited from registering by any law in force,” the statement said.

    “The Commission wishes to reiterate that safety measures, including the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and hand sanitizers as well as the compulsory wearing of face masks by all, have been put in place at all designated registration centres throughout the country to protect applicants from contracting the COVID-19 virus”.

    The EC says all applicants will be notified of the movement plans of the registration teams through public announcements since the cluster system of registration would be used.

    “Security will be provided by the security agencies at all registration centres to protect lives and property during the exercise.

    “The Commission wishes to appeal to all stakeholders to assist in making the registration exercise successful”.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • 1,990 applicants registered at the end of voter registration pilot – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has disclosed that a total of 1,990 applicants were registered at the end of a pilot exercise of the Biometric Voter Registration system in all the sixteen (16) regional capitals in the country.

    An EC statement said at the end of the two-day exercise, a total of 1,990 applicants were registered, with 745 applicants registered on day one and 1,245 on day two.

    The table below shows the breakdown of registered applicants by region;

    Challenges in Western Region

    The statement said the exercise went on smoothly at all the designated centres, except in the Western region where the BVR Kit developed a fault on the second day.

    “This led to the suspension of the Exercise in the Western region but afforded the Commission the opportunity to test its inbuilt processes of dealing with equipment breakdowns during the registration process,” the statement said.

    “The lessons learnt from this investigation will further improve the Commission’s response to such occurrences.

    The EC further disclosed that Western Region had the highest number of registered applicants (73) on the first day of the pilot while the Volta Region and Ahafo Region had the highest number of applicants registered with 105 each on the second day.

    Confidence

    Consequently, the EC says it remains confident of registering over 13 million applicants within the first 21 days of the mass registration exercise.

    “Using the expected improved performance on the second day, the average number of registrants registered per day was 83 registrants. This metric is expected to only get better. We aim to register over 100 applicants per kit per day, as was attained by some regions during the pilot. At that level of performance and with the continued participation of the Ghanaian public, the Commission is confident of registering some 13 million plus applicants within the first 21 days of the mass registration exercise.

    “The Commission is satisfied with the exercise and will use the lessons learnt to improve upon the conduct of the upcoming Voter Registration Exercise”.

    Essence of pilot

    The EC says the essence of the exercise conducted between June 2-3 was to evaluate the preparedness of the Commission for the upcoming Voter Registration Exercise.

    Amongst the metrics that were tested were the efficiency of the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits and its adaptability to various operating conditions in various parts of the country.

    The Commission also took the opportunity to evaluate the various mitigation measures it has put in place to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 disease during the registration period. Political Party representatives were present at each of the centres to observe the exercise.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Leaked powerful document : Look at a one sheet document that everybody in NDC Is running away from.

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana yesterday piloted the 2020 voter’s registration exercise in some selected polling stations all over the country.

    It ended successfully with the opposition National Democratic Congress trying hard to put their reputation well in the public eyes. This is because some of their executives secretly abandoned their party’s stand against the compilation and joined the exercise. Notably among them was former member of Parliament Honorable George Loh.

    In an interview on Citi FM, Umaru Sands interviewed him why he took the stand and he had this to say :

    ‘ All my colleague regional executives took part in the exercise. We were instructed through a letter from the Director of Elections and we acted accordingly. Why is George Logs picture the only thing out there? ” He answered in a telephone interview.

    In the evening, a document purported to be written by the NDC Director of Elections instructing executives to join the registration exercise popped up. A Letter that placed the last nail in the reputational coffin of the NDC.

    This letter everyone in the NDC is trying to tag as fake but was accepted by George Log as the basis of their actions. Everyone is running away from this letter to skip shame.

    Why is the NDC so shy to let Ghanaians pardon them for misleading the whole count into believing that the voter’s registration exercise is not worth and they are against it but secretly run to take part of its pilot?

    If you don’t eat pork, you don’t help in its preparation let alone giving some for your children to eat. The NDC owes Ghanaians a great apology.

    Below is the Document

    Source: opera.com

  • EC declines to appear before Parliament on June 9

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has shot down an invitation by the Parliament of Ghana to appear before the house on June 9 to brief the legislature on its plans for the upcoming December polls.

    The minority in parliament has since April 30 been mounting pressure to have the EC summoned before the house but that has not happened yet though majority leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has indicated there are still ongoing engagements.

    However, he said an earlier planned June 9 date has failed because the EC will be out in some districts for other assignments which will end on June 14, thus a new date has been fixed on June 16 for them to appear before the house.

    “The EC has assured they will be here on the 16th, I was trying to pull them to be here on the 9th of June, that is this Tuesday. That had been my own stand… they have indicated to me they have to fan out to various places in the districts to pursue a cause and that they will be coming back the Sunday leading to the 16”, he said.

    He added that while the engagements were ongoing “a few issues came up”, some of which he mentioned the order by the Supreme Court for the EC to file the legal basis for which they want to exclude the old voters’ ID cards in the compilation of the new voters’ register.

    The EC is expected to update the house on how it is going about the electoral processes in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

     

    Source: 3 News

  • EC needs to work on its registration processes – Volta NDC

    The Volta Regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) says the challenges encountered during the piloting of the Biometric Voters Registration kits have to be worked on by Electoral Commission (EC) for the compilation of a new register.

    Speaking at a press conference in Ho at the end of the pilot exercise yesterday, the Volta Regional Secretary of the NDC, Mr James Gunu, said the EC must listen to key stakeholders else it was going to disappoint Ghanaians if it proceeded with those challenges.

    “The EC cannot insist on compiling a new voters register. They must listen to the voice of the people.

    Observations

    Mr Gunu stated that the two-day observation of the process revealed that before the commencement of the exercise last Tuesday, the technicians struggled to log onto the system until after a phone call from the head office in Accra for direction.

    He said the filling of the form 1A took an unduly long period after which the applicants had to wait for a considerable length of time for their data to be entered.

    “It was also observed that the EC’s form 1A has no serial number and so can be compromised at any time,” he added.

    “Indeed, we take cognisance of the fact that this exercise is a mere test run and not the actual registration but isn’t that the very reason why every document used in this pilot exercise should replicate exactly what will be used in the registration proper?” he quizzed.

    Mr Gunu also said the final ID card was not serially numbered and that there were three digits generated randomly which did not follow any logical sequence or pattern compared to the previous 10 digits of the existing voter ID.

    COVID-19

    Mr Gunu said the EC’s registration centre was not disinfected, hence the area was prone to the spread of coronavirus to applicants.

    He said the applicants who went through the process thumb-printed on the same ink pad, a situation which he said was a breach of the COVID-19 protocols.

    He said the EC’s new voter registration pilot exercise, with its attendant technical challenges and COVID-19 vulnerabilities, was an undisputed evidence that the EC was both ill-prepared and time-constrained to effectively compile a new voters register for the December 2020 general election.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Voters’ register: Let cool heads prevail – Korankye Ankrah to EC and political parties

    Founder and Leader of Royalhouse Chapel International, Rev Sam Korankye Ankrah has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to collaborate with all the political parties in the country to ensure peaceful elections.

    On the dispute of a new voters’ register, Rev. Ankrah called for a consensus between the EC and the various political parties to ensure free, fair and transparent polls.

    He indicated that there would be peaceful elections in December.

    He gave the advice during Citi TV’s programme 24-hour worship and prayer programme ‘Intercede Ghana’.

    Rev. Ankrah also called for an end to stigmatization against people who have recovered from COVID-19 in the country.

    He admonished Ghanaians to change their attitude towards people who have been healed from COVID-19.

    He noted that in the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson who had the virus is back to work after he was healed and he has not been stigmatized against this he indicated is an example for Ghanaians to learn from.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Replace EC commissioners with an interim committee Brogya Gyamfi

    Member of the National Communications team of the National Democratic Congress, Brogya Gyamfi has called on the Interparty Advisory Committee (IPAC) to join forces to push for the removal of the heads of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana.

    According to him, peace and sanity can only prevail in the electoral process of Ghana only if EC Chair, Jean Mensah, and her deputies are removed from office.

    “We should remove Jean Mensa and the current EC team from the office, and set up an interim committee with members of all the political parties in the country. This is the only way for peace and to ensure effectiveness in the electoral process.” He told Happy FM.

    In his opinion, the sitting heads of the EC have been ineffective and have to be sacked as is a norm in this country for public office holders to be relieved of their duties when they cannot execute their roles effectively.

    Citing the lapses in the work of the EC over the years, the politician noted that the law requires the EC to carry out a by-election after 90 days of the death of a sitting member of parliament (MP). “The Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election came off after the 90 days as stipulated by the constitution.”

    Furthering his agenda, he added that “How can they invite people to a meeting which starts at 10 am but their letter states 10 pm. Notwithstanding, even the agendas of meetings are not the same as agendas stated in their letters.”

    To him, this is not a hallmark of good leadership and with such clumsy people at the centre of affairs at the electoral commission, “how can they be trusted to compile something as important as a new voters register.”

    “We should fire these batch of incompetent commissioners and get an interim committee to oversee the affairs of the EC hence, the 2020 general elections. They are trying to cause problems for us and the only way to stop that is to replace them” he reiterated.

     

    Source: happyghana.com

  • Your ‘intransigent behaviour’ doesn’t befit the EC – Kwesi Pratt rebukes commissioners

    Kwesi Pratt has cautioned the Commissioners of Ghana’s electoral management body to watch how they talk to opposition political parties in the country.

    According to Kwesi Pratt, the Electoral Commission has been using unsavoury words on the parties for being against their decision to compile a new voters’ register.

    He told host Kwami Sefa Kayi that the opposition parties have been branded as “nation wreckers” which, to him, doesn’t reflect the neutrality of the Commission.

    “How can you then supervise a politically neutral process if you believe some political parties are nation wreckers?” he asked.

    He advised the Commissioners to ”watch their tongue when talking”, adding that their responses on the new voters’ register feed into the notion that they want to rig the 2020 elections.

    “If you don’t choose your words carefully, you strengthen that impression even though it may not be true. If you’re a Commissioner and you talk publicly against a political party, that is the impression you’re likely to create and that’s a problem. It’s a major issue,” he stressed.

    He also called on the election management body to stop portraying a headstrong attitude towards the opposers of a new voters’ register.

    “That intransigent attitude of them not willing to listen to any person is not fitting for the Electoral Commission. An Electoral Commission must necessarily build consensus,” he added.

    Source: Peace FM

  • EC to adopt ‘cluster system’ during voters’ registration exercise

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana says it will be adopting a ‘cluster system’ to ensure a smooth running of the upcoming voters’ registration exercise.

    The compilation of the new register which is now scheduled for the last week of June will take place in over 33,000 polling stations.

    Giving further details during a one-on-one interview on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, Samuel Tetteh, a Deputy Chairperson of the EC in-Charge of Operations said all 33,367 polling stations will serve as registration centres.

    “This will prevent a lot of people gathering at one place,” he said.

    Cluster system

    Explaining how the cluster system works, he said: “This is where in a district with 50 polling stations, 5 will form one cluster which means there will be 10 clusters.”

    According to him, each cluster will receive BVR kits.

    Logistics

    Mr Tetteh also disclosed that “every logistic needed for the exercise has been procured”.

     Source: Peace FM

  • How EC will embark on new voter registration exercise in 5 clusters [VIDEO]

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that it will embark on the new voters’ registration exercise in five clusters.

    The Director of Electoral Services at the EC, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe told Graphic Online that the exact date for the registration exercise would be announced later but it is expected to start in the last week of June 2020.

    He said the commission has planned to use 38 days for the entire exercise and that it was targetting between 16million and 16.5million people to register.

    About 8500 BVRs are expected to be used for the exercise.

     

    “This time around we are using five registration centres per a cluster. So assuming you have 15 polling stations, you divide the 15 by five, so that you have 10 clusters. And each cluster will form one registration team and each team will be made up of two registration officers, two data entry clerks, one registration officer special duties, he will be in charge of commuting between the team and the district office as well as exporting data and the rest, then we will have the laminator,” Dr Quaicoe said.

    “So each phase for the five,… will last for six days. So what it means is that the registration officers will go to the first phase of the five polling station centre in that cluster. So when they go to the first cluster, they will be there for six days, and when they are there for six days, on the 7th day, they will rest due to the rush and interaction and then they will move to the next registration centre in the second phase for another six days and one day to retool and then they will go to the third phase…,” he added.

    Dr Quacoe explained [Watch the video below] that there will be three days for a mop-up after the exercise.

    Graphic Online understands that at Wednesday’s IPAC meeting, the EC said all was set for the deployment of the new biometric voter registration technology which will lead to the compilation of the new voters’ register.

    In line with the requirements of the law, political parties will be informed of the exact date not later than 21 days before the start of the exercise after the Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) which is currently before Parliament matures.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • NDC can demonstrate all they want but EC’s decision won’t change – Kweku Baako

    Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, has jumped to the defence of the Electoral Commission, stressing that nothing can change the Commission’s decision on the voters’ register.

    The Electoral Commission’s decision is to compile a new voters’ register and has petitioned Parliament to amend Constitutional Instrument (C.I) 91 to legitimize the Ghana card and Ghanaian passport as the only legal documents to be used for the registration exercise.

    The EC’s decision has been met by intense opposition from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) which says the Commission wants to disenfranchise 11 million Ghanaian electorates, hence their decision to use only the Ghana card and Ghanaian passport for the registration exercise.

    The NDC has also accused the EC of planning to rig this year’s elections in favour of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    Although the EC called for an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting with all political parties on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 to discuss issues regarding the compilation of a new voters’ register, the NDC boycotted the meeting on principle that they are opposed to a new register.

    The party has also dragged the EC to the Supreme Court praying the court for an order to direct the Commission to include “all existing voter identification cards duly issued by the 2nd Defendant (EC) as one of the documents serving as proof of identification for registration as a voter for the purposes of public elections”.

    But to Kweku Baako, the opposition by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will not bear any fruits.

    According to him, the NDC may choose to boycott IPAC meeting but they still will have no option to meet the EC in an inter-party meeting even if the Commisison to rescind their decision for a new voters’ register and rather go for a limited registration exercise.

    “Look, you don’t have a choice. They don’t have the luxury of an alternative. They must meet,” he said in reference to the EC/IPAC meeting for which the NDC was to attend.

    Again, to him, the NDC should focus on their court case against the EC and stop giving commentaries on the sidelines regarding the Commission’s decision if the party doesn’t want to be involved in the IPAC meeting.

    He however strongly believed the EC will go ahead with what it’s constitutionally right for them to do with or without the NDC’s consent.

    “Demonstrations are legitimate. It’s an option available. Protests of all kinds…sitting on radio and television and talking and criticizing and arguing, all those are options the democratic dispensation allows but none of them can change the EC’s decision,” he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Heavy security presence at EC as IPAC meeting holds

    There is heavy security presence at the premises of the EC as personnel of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) have been deployed to the premises where IPAC meeting on the compilation of a new voters register is ongoing.

    The reason for the presence of the over 70 police officers at the Electoral Commission is not clear.

    Over 15 political parties were invited to attend the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting which is expected to be held in two groups. The first session began at 10am while the second is set to begin at 2pm

    However, the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC) remains adamant that it will not participate in the meeting adding that it (IPAC meeting) has been improperly arranged.

    Peter Otokunor, a Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, stating a walkout by this party on March 25, 2020, established that “That meeting does not constitute a proper IPAC meeting because they had divided one committee into groups; you may want to call it double tracking, to decide on the same issue. And we think that with any such an approach, you are not going to properly appreciate and understand the issue and contributions from various political parties and we believe that, decision making will be problematic.”

    The NPP, in response, said that the decision by the NDC was unsurprising but maintained that the meeting would come on regardless.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • New Register: EC fully aware of challenges ahead with limited time – Sylvia Annor

    Madam Sylvia Annor, Head of Public Affairs at the Electoral Commission, has affirmed that no political party should sympathize with them about the number of months left for the 2020 general elections to take place and their insistence on compiling a new voters’ register despite the limited time.

    According to her, as the election management body, they have weighed all the challenges involved and are already aware of the consequences involved in compiling a new voter register with limited time available.

    “Even though we will encounter challenges, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages to be encountered during and after the exercise,” she said on UTV’s ‘Adekye Nsroma’ morning show programme.

    ” . . nobody should feel we are under pressure to do this because we are not,” she insisted.

    Madam Sylvia Annor indicated that the Commission has outlined safety precautions to be observed during the registering period to ensure Ghanaians are safe.

    She said they are taking every possible lawful step to compile a new voter register to help the country have a fair and credible register for elections.

    EC Relentless

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana says it will definitely compile a new Voters’ Register despite calls for them to reconsider due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

    There have been several calls for the electoral body to only conduct a limited registration exercise instead of compiling a new voters’ register.

    Per the argument, the number of people that will take part in a limited registration exercise will be less than in a new voters’ register and can be controlled.

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has opposed the EC’s decision for a new register before the outbreak of the virus with one of their reason being that it is expensive. Now, their argument is that it is not safe to compile a new voters’ register because of the coronavirus.

    Meanwhile, they have accused the EC of ganging up with the National Identification Authority to rig the upcoming election in favour of the ruling government

     

    Source: Peace FM

  • NPP doesn’t need EC to win elections, Ghanaians have tested our record – Sammi Awuku

    National Organizer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammi Awuku says the NPP is not conspiring with the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) to rig the 2020 elections.

    According to him, there has never occurred a time in the history of Ghana that the NPP has relied on the Electoral Commission to clinch victory in an election and it won’t be in 2020 that the party will need the help of the Commission.

    Sammi Awuku, making his submissions on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’, further stated that there is no merit in the claims by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the EC is in collusion with the NPP to skew the outcome of the impending elections in favour of President Nana Akufo-Addo.

    He explained that the ruling party has been consistent with their call for a new voters’ register and their reason is that the current register have defects that need to be corrected and compiling a new one is the best alternative.

    He wondered why the NDC doesn’t raise objections to the EC conducting limited registration exercises to review the register but rather have a problem with compiling a new register.

    Mr. Awuku rehashed the words of the 2020 Campaign Manager of the NPP, Peter Mac-Manu, saying ”we don’t need the Electoral Commission to win election 2020”.

    To him, the “NPP will go into the 2020 elections on the strength of our record. Ghanaians have tested us and know that we have fulfilled our promise of free SHS. When we said we will have a renewed focus on agriculture because once upon a time, we used to import Kontomire and plantains from Ivory Coast and tomatoes from Burkina but today we will grow more and rather supply our neighbours in these countries . . .So, we won’t go into the 2020 elections counting on the Electoral Commission unless the NDC feels that they relied on the EC during their time. We have never relied on the Electoral Commission since 1992”.

     

    Source: Peace FM

  • NDC’s Yayra Koku provides evidence to prove NIA, EC want to rig 2020 elections

    Yayra Koku, a vocal member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused the government of conspiring with the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) to rig the 2020 general election.

    He said the EC plan to disenfranchise a significant number of persons in NDC strongholds adding that the EC’s grand scheme to rig the 2020 general election for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Data from NIA indicates that 5.1 million (5,159,569) cards have been issued to registrants.

    6 million did not have primary documents required for registration.

    According to the data, six million (6,041,938), representing 71% of the 8.5 million people registered, did not have a birth certificate, a valid passport or existing Ghana Card, which are the primary documents required for registration but Yayra Koku said the figures by the NIA are false.

    He provided statistics of the NIA registration in both NPP and NDC strongholds to prove that, the EC and the NIA plan to disenfranchise people in the strongholds of the NDC.

    He said the “NIA registered 2.4m people in Ashanti Region and issued 1.7m cards out with a backlog of over 400,000.

    “In the Eastern Region, they have registered 1.2m people and issued over 600,000 cards out with a backlog of over 140,000. Don’t forget they have not even finished with the registration in the Eastern Region.

    “These two regions are the stronghold of NPP. The funny thing is, in these regions, NIA deployed all their Machines there. Now check this out”.

    In a Facebook post, he provided the statistics that “In the Upper East, NIA registered over 220,000 people, issued over 49,000 cards out and have a backlog of only 45,000.

    In the Volta Region, NIA registered over 560,000 people and issued over 420,000 with a backlog of 3,700.

    “Upper West, they registered 147,000 people and issued over 26,000 with a backlog of 2,700+.

    “I can go on and on and on. The figures are scaring, and I’m shocked Attafuah is allowing this useless government to manipulate him. He has lost his integrity.

    “Now check Greater Accra, they registered 1.9m and have issued 1.2m with a backlog 6,045.

    “I know some people will say the figures don’t add up. Yes because they have printed some of the cards and are unable to issue them out. This means NIA has to go to these regions again and issue the cards out. For example, in Upper West, they have printed over 144,000 cards but have only issued 26,000+. Same with other regions.

    “In all, NIA has not issued over 3.5m cards out.”

    He, therefore, charged Ghanaians to rise against the EC and the NIA to rig the elections in favour of the NPP.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • New Register: Leave EC to do its work – Agyapa Mercer tells Mahama

    Andrew Agyapa Mercer has urged former President John Dramani Mahama and his NDC members to desist from dictating to the Electoral Commission(EC) because it will never under any circumstance work with their advice.

    Speaking on UTV’s ‘Adekye Nsroma’ newspaper discussion programme, he specifically in reference to former President Mahama stated: “leave the EC to perform it’s mandatory duties per the rules of law binding it, just like you told us during your days in office, no amount of words or advice from you will change their decision taken towards the 2020 general elections.”

    According to him the EC is a mandatory body and as such knows what is best for their office.

    “So whether it will compile a new voters register, validation or limited registration to clean the existing voters register to be fit for the 2020 elections, it is not the task of the NDC to decide . . . they should keep their perfect decisions for better policies towards the 2020 elections,” Agyapa Mercer stated.

     

    Source: Peace FM

  • Arrest EC officials over their recent workshop if you want to be fair – Peace Watch Ghana

    Founder of Peace Watch Ghana, Nyankopah Daniels has expressed disappointment in the government for failing to crack the whip on the Electoral Commission (EC) for organizing a workshop in violation on the ban on all gatherings including workshops, conferences, funerals and other activities.

    Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, she posited that the government endorsed the workshop by the EC because if it had not, the EC officials should have been sanctioned.

    Madam Nyankopah Daniels was reacting to the arrest of some four Akuapem sub-chiefs for flouting the social distancing rule and other protocols put in place to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

    On Friday morning, Kingmakers of Akuapem initiated processes to install their new Okuapehene.

    But the chiefs were later arrested for violating the ban on social gatherings.

    Commenting on the arrest of the chiefs, Madam Nyankopah Daniels said she feels disgusted that officials of the EC are walking free after holding a workshop, which to her was in clear violation of the protocols in place.

    To her, the government cannot pick and choose those to arrest as it deems fit.

    She wants everyone who breaks the law to be punished in equal terms without any form of favoritism.

    “The government is supporting the activities of the EC even though it is against the protocols in place. What authority did the EC boss Jean Mensa have to organize a workshop when there is ban on forms of gatherings?”

    The activities of the EC she noted confirms the allegations by the opposition that the electoral body was in connivance of the government to rig the election.

    Describing Jean Mensa as Nebuchadnezzar, she advised her to take steps to diffuse the tension she has created to ensure transparency and accountability.

     

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • EC must brief Parliament on preparations for 2020 elections Haruna Iddrisu

    The Minority in Parliament wants the Electoral Commission (EC) to brief Parliament on its preparedness and readiness for the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    According to the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, the EC must present their road map to MPs as the country battles with Covid-19.

    “The Constitution requires that presidential and parliamentary elections be held this year even as we struggle with COVID. The independent Electoral Commission created under Article 45 of this constitution owes this country and Members of Parliament an explanation.

    “They have to be summoned to give us their road map as to their preparedness. They need to appraise this House on their level of preparedness for the 2020 presidential and parliamentary election. If we cannot get them to brief the Committee, on the whole, they have to come to the Special Budget Committee,” Mr. Iddrisu said.

    Suspension of new register compilation 

    The EC was forced to suspend indefinitely plans to compile a new voters register which was scheduled to begin on April 18, due to COVID-19.

    The EC had said it is collaborating with health experts to decide on a more favourable date depending on the prevalence rate of the Novel Coronavirus.

    Alleged EC workshop 

    Just recently, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) filed a complaint at the Airport Police Command over an alleged meeting held by the EC at the City Escape Hotel in Accra.

    The EC had announced a national planning meeting and key trainers training workshop to prepare and plan for the upcoming voter registration exercise ahead of the 2020 general election

    The programme was scheduled to take place from 24th to 29th April 2020 at the City Escape Hotel, Prampram, in the Greater Accra Region.

    But the Member of Parliament for  Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, secured an injunction to stop the workshop from being held.

    The injunction was meant to be in place from April 24, 2020, to April 27, 2020.

    The party filed the complaint about suspicions that the said meeting was a conference by the EC which the court stopped from taking place.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • ‘Donate your PPE to frontliners; dead people dont vote’ Apaak to EC

    The Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr Clement Apaak, has asked the Electoral Commission (EC) to donate the PPE given to it to health workers to carry out their frontline duties in the fight against COVID-19.

    He said the health professionals need the PPE more than the EC.

    Dr Apaak noted in a statement that PPE have been donated to the EC to enable the elections management body prepare for its voter registration exercise ahead of the 2020 polls.

    “Folks, it’s my candid view that the Electoral Commission of Ghana should donate its PPE to frontline health workers.

    “Despite government claims, healthcare professionals are crying for PPE. So far, we have a record of 13 medical doctors testing positive for the coronavirus. Only God knows how many more could be infected in their line of duty, as they relentlessly lead as Generals in the war against COVID-19 without adequate PPE?

    “Logically, as the number of cases goes up and across several regions of Ghana, more healthcare professionals would be exposed without PPE. So, at a time when our nation has recorded over 1,600 cases, should the EC, like many other institutions/organisations and persons, public and private, not be supporting the fight against COVID-19 with the PPE it has procured?

    “I wish no harm befalls anyone, but should an officer of the EC become infected, who will attend to him/her, a needless newly-compiled voter register or frontline medical personnel?

    “EC, donate your PPE to a medical facility, it’s the moral and right thing to do in this COVID-19 war. Remember that dead people don’t vote, and dead people can’t compile a new voter register. Let’s win the COVID-19 war first,” his statement said.

     

    Source: Class FM

  • I’ll file contempt action in court against the EC for defying the injunction – Sam George

    MP for Ningo Prampram, Sam George is considering a contempt action against the Electoral Commission (EC) over their alleged City Escape Hotel workshop.

    The EC is alleged to have held its training workshop despite a court injunction on their activities.

    Sam George on Friday secured an injunction, restraining the Electoral Commission from holding the workshop in his constituency.

    The ex-parte injunction, granted by the Tema High Court took effect Friday.

    “It is hereby ordered that the respondent and all persons claiming through the respondent (EC) refrain from holding the workshop or conference scheduled to take place at the Escape Hotel Prampram from the 24th of April, 2020,” Justice of the High Court, Eugene Nyante Nyadu ruled.

    But the EC allegedly went ahead with their workshop.

    Sam George in reaction stormed the venue with other members of the NDC. The heavy security presence did not allow them to have access to the hotel premises.

    He accused the President of endorsing the actions of the EC.

    “The Electoral Commission and I say this without equivocation is doing what they are doing because they have the approval and support of the Jubilee House. President Akufo-Addo is endorsing the illegality and irresponsibility of the EC…”

    According to him, he is in talks with his lawyers to consider a contempt action against the EC.

    “That is an option available to us, I am having that conversation with my lawyers…”

     

    Source: Prime News Ghana

  • NDC reports suspicious meeting to police after injunction on EC workshop

    Police at Airport are investigating a complaint lodged by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over an ongoing meeting at the City Escape Hotel in Accra.

    The party suspects that the said meeting is a conference by the Electoral Commission (EC) which the court stopped from taking place after an injunction secured by the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George.

    The injunction was however issued for a meeting scheduled to take place at the City Escape Hotel in Prampram.

    The injunction is in place from April 24, 2020, to April 27, 2020.

    Though there are several government-registered vehicles in the premises of the Hotel, it is unclear if the said workshop is ongoing.

    Police from the airport command are currently at the hotel premises.

    The EC was planning to hold a national planning meeting and a training workshop to prepare and plan for the upcoming voter registration exercise.

     

    The programmes were scheduled to take place from Apri 24, 2020, to April 29, 2020, at the City Escape Hotel.

    The meeting was to be held in three different batches in order to observe the social distancing protocols amidst the outbreak of the coronavirus in Ghana.

    The plans for new register are currently on suspension because of the coronavirus pandemic.

    The voters registration exercises was initially scheduled to begin on April 18, due to COVID-19.

    Following the suspension, the EC had said it is collaborating with health experts to decide on a more favourable date depending on the prevalence rate of the virus.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • NDC sues EC, AG over voter registration

    The National Democratic Congress(NDC) has sued the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Attorney General (AG) at the Supreme Court praying the court for a declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution, specifically article 51 read conjointly with article 42 of the Constitution, the power of the 2nd Defendant to compile and review the voters register must be exercised subject to respect for and the protection of the right to vote.

    A declaration that, upon a true and proper interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution, particularly article 42, upon the registration of and issuance of a voter identification card to a person, that person has an accrued right to vote which cannot be divested in an arbitrary and capricious manner.

    A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution, particularly Article 42 of the Constitution, all existing voter identification cards duly issued by the 2nd Defendant to registered voters are valid for purposes of identifying such persons in the exercise of their right to vote.

    A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of the Constitution, specifically Article 42, the 2nd Defendants purported amendment of Regulation 1 sub-regulation 3 of the Public Elections (Registration of Voters) Regulations, 2016 (C.I 91) through the Public Elections (Registration of Voters) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 to exclude existing voter identification cards as proof of identification to enable a person apply for registration as a voter is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

    They also want the Defendant to include all existing voter identification cards duly issued by the 2nd Defendant as one of the documents serving as proof of identification for registration as a voter for the purposes of public elections; Any other order or orders as this Honorable Court would deem fit in the circumstances.

     

    Source: kingdomfmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: How the Electoral Commission plans to curb spread during voter registration

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana says it will institute measures to ensure that the compilation of the new voters’ register goes ahead in the face of the threat from the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    A release issued by the EC on Tuesday, denied media reports that the compilation of the new voters’ register has been cancelled due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ghana, adding that a new date for the registration will be announced.

     

    The EC says it will institute concrete measures including providing sanitizers at all polling stations and “providing a conducive atmosphere at all registration centres so as to protect its stakeholders from the virus…”.

    “The Electoral Commission has noted with concern, information in sections of the media to the effect that the compilation of the New Voters’ Register has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in the country,” the EC said in a press release signed by its Acting Director, Public Affairs, Mrs Sylvia Annoh.

    “The Commission wishes to state that the compilation of the New Voters Register has not been cancelled. Plans are far advanced for the successful take-off of the registration process.

    “In view of the ban imposed on public gatherings by His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, a new date for the registration will be announced in due course”.

    The EC’s release comes days after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced a four-week ban on all gatherings.

    Measures

    The EC plans to provide sanitizers at all registration centres as part of measures to curb the spread of the virus which has claimed the lives of thousands across the globe.

    “The Commission wishes to assure the general public that it is taking the necessary steps to guarantee the safety of the citizenry and safeguard them from the virus. In this regard, the Electoral Commission will put in place concrete measures including providing sanitizers at all polling stations and providing a conducive atmosphere at all registration centres so as to protect its stakeholders from the virus among others,” the release said.

     

    “The public is entreated to prepare for the upcoming Voters’ Registration exercise”.

    Background

    The government of Ghana suspended all public gatherings in the country following the outbreak of Coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) in Ghana as of Saturday, March 14, 2020.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo made this known in a televised national address Sunday night [March 15, 2020].

    He said the new directives follows an earlier meeting of Inter-Ministerial Committee on Coronavirus response which he chaired and it deliberated on the issues.

    “I have decided, in the interest of public safety and protection of our population, to review the public gathering advisories earlier announced.”

    He said among the gatherings suspended are church services, weddings, funerals, other social gatherings.

    Read the entire release below;

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • EC will not accept old voters ID cards for new registration

    The Electoral Commission (EC) will not accept old voters ID cards as a primary form of identification in the new registration exercise planned for April 2020.

    This will be enforced if the new proposal for amendment in the legislation for the registration currently before Parliament becomes law.

    The EC on Monday (March 16) sent a proposal to Parliament for an amendment in the Constitutional Instrument 91 (CI) which guides the conduct of elections in Ghana.

    In the new proposal the EC is seeking an amendment in Regulation 1, which talks about documents to be accepted as a form of identification as a Ghanaian before registration.

    The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu made this known in a radio interview with Okay FM on Wednesday morning (March 18, 2020).

    He said if it becomes law, the only primary documents to be accepted for registration would either be a Ghanaian passport or a Ghana national identification card (Ghana Card).

    It excludes birth certificates

    Anyone who does not have any of those two documents would have to get people to vouch for them that they are indeed Ghanaians before they will be registered.

    Per the move, anyone holding an old voters ID card issued from 2012 till date cannot use it to register.

    This is because of the assumption that some people used national health insurance (NHIS) ID cards for the initial registration which has been outlawed by the Supreme Court and the EC ordered to remove names of people who used it to register.

    Even though the EC before the 2016 general elections removed names of those who registered with the NHIS cards as their primary form of identification, Graphic Online understands there is still arguments in some political circles that there are some names still in the current register.

    more to follow ….

     

    Source: Peacefmonline.com

  • Give political parties fair and level playing ground in 2020 Elections Catholic Bishops to EC

    The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has urged the Electoral Commission of Ghana to give all political parties a fair and level playing ground to contest the upcoming elections.

    The Bishops are also appealing to all political parties and their members to support and respect the independence and verdicts of the Electoral Commission.

    This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the President of the Bishops Conference, Most Reverend Philip Naameh to begin 2020 Lenten Season.

    The Lenten season is on the Theme: “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled with God” (2 Cor 5:20).

    The Bishops encouraged all the stakeholders to continue to use the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) sessions to engage the EC on their grievances.

    They call on all Christians of voting age to exercise their civic responsibilities in the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections. “Following the footsteps of Jesus who did not shun his civil duties, all Christians should actively participate in the elections. We need to exercise our franchise conscientiously during the elections to secure a better country for tomorrow. We need to eschew the vote-buying syndrome and vote according to our conscience.

    6.1 We appeal to the President of the Republic of Ghana and the security agencies to provide the necessary and conducive environment devoid of fear, intimidation, and hooliganism. When people are not sure of their safety, they will not risk their lives to vote. Every human life is sacrosanct and needs to be protected. All Ghanaians must work hard to uphold the sanctity of human life before, during and after the forthcoming elections.”

    The statement said,” The security agencies should be on top of the situation by being tactful and practical to prevent electoral insecurity.”

    It said “We call on the Electoral Commission (EC) to remain an unbiased umpire to restore confidence in the electoral system. It should not be the case of “he who pays the piper calls the tune”.”

    “It is urged to conduct free, fair and transparent elections.

    Digital technologies have added zest to the ability of people to communicate. At this age, everybody is a journalist. We urge all Ghanaians to use social media, the internet, mobile phones, etc., in a more positive and better way. These devices are not to be used to fuel hate and violent speeches. Violence is the antithesis of peace and it prides itself on the sword. Jesus tells us: “for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matt 26:52). Today, the sword can take the form of multiple registrations, multiple voting, vigilantism, “macho” men who intimidate and steal ballot boxes, using the digital media to write and propagate damaging things. As we go to the polls this year, let all work harder than ever to shelve our swords of hatred, anger, bitterness, quarrels, and killings, and reach out to each other in peace. It should be noted that the violent show of passion obstructs peace and makes harmony a difficult thing to achieve.”

    Source: Mybrytfmonline

  • ECs new voter roll decision ‘makes a lot of sense’ Akufo-Addo

    The decision by the Electoral Commission (EC) to compile a new register of voters ahead of the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections makes a lot of sense, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has said.

    The elections management body is set to commence the compilation of the new register in April.

    The decision has been met with opposition from some political parties including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flag bearer John Dramani Mahama who think the timing is wrong.

    Mr Mahama has personally said the EC must take responsibility for any chaos that befalls Ghana as a result of the decision to compile a new register.

    But speaking at a meeting with the Ghanaian community in Oslo, Norway, President Akufo-Addo said the electoral management body should be allowed to do its work.

    “We are getting ourselves ready for December 7. The Electoral Commission is going to compile a new register. It appears there is now an eight-year cycle for the EC to compile a register.

    “They did so in 2012 and 2004. So with these last three, including this one, are all in the eight-year cycle. I think it makes a lot of sense. The national census itself is done on a ten-year basis.”

    “So, it makes sense that we keep up the EC to admit new people, take out all those who have died, etc. Their intention is to begin in April. We want everybody in Ghana who can vote to register.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Placing of Lolobi and Akpafu under Jasikan District suit withdrawn

    A suit filed by two chiefs challenging the Electoral Commission (EC) for placing Lolobi and Akpafu under the Jasikan District in the newly created Oti Region has been withdrawn at the Supreme Court.

    The suit which was instituted by two chiefs, Nana Akoto Masakyi III, Paramount Chief of Lolobi Traditional Area and Nana Tetteh-Attu V, the Adontehene and Acting Paramount Chief of Akpafu.

    The case was withdrawn after the Supreme Court presided over by Justice Kwesi Anin Yeboah indicated that he had seen a petition sent to his office in relation to the matter.

    According to Justice Yeboah, his office would have to set up a tribunal to look into the matter hence there was no need for the parties to be filing processes in court.

    He explained that there was the need to conduct some research and give the needed directives in relation to setting up of the tribunal.

    Chief Justice Yeboah then advised Mr Martin Kpebu counsel for the two chiefs to take close look at Article 5 of the 1992 Constitution.

    Mr Kpebu then told the court that he conducted a series of enquires and consultation where he was made to understand that he could file the suit at the Supreme Court.

    Following the explanation offered to Mr Kpebu by the court, he withdrew the suit.

    The Court, therefore, struck out the suit as withdrawn.

    It has been the case of the two chief that the decision by the EC to place Lolobi and Akpafu under the Jasikan District was in bad faith, since that people of Lolobi and Akpafu did not petition the President, neither did they ask the Justice Allan Brobey Commission to include the two areas in the Oti Region.

    In their statement of claim accompanying a number of declaration, the chiefs and people of Akpafu and Lolobi stated that since 1945 they had refused to be part of the Jasikan/Buem District, constituency or the now Oti Region.

     

    Source: GNA

  • EC pays courtesy call on Asantehene at Manhyia Palace

    The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs Jean Mensa has led a ten-member delegation from the commission to pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

    The visit on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, afforded the Chairperson and her delegation the opportunity to brief the Asantehene on the various reforms that had taken place since the assumption of office of the new leadership at the commission.

    There were also discussions on operational issues relating to the electoral processes in the lead up to the conduct of the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

    Welcoming the delegation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his appreciation for the visit and urged the Commission to continue to work in consonance with the Constitution for a successful Presidential and Parliamentary Elections on December 7, 2020.

    Members of the delegation included Dr Bossman Eric Asare, Deputy Chairman in charge of Corporate Services and Mr Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations.

    The rest were Madam Adwoa Asuama Abrefa, Mrs Rebecca Adjalo and Mrs Hajia Saadatu Maida all Commission members and Dr Serebuor Quaicoe, Director Electoral Services, Dr Yaw OforiAdjei , I T Consultant, Mrs Sylvia Annoh, Acting Director of Public Affairs and Mr Benjamin Bano Bio, Ashanti regional Director.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • EC pays courtesy call on Otumfuo

    The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa has led a ten-member delegation to pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

    The visit which took place on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, afforded the Chairperson and her delegation the opportunity to brief the King on the various reforms that had taken place since their assumption of office.

    There were also discussions on operational issues relating to the electoral processes in the lead up to the conduct of the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

    Welcoming the delegation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his appreciation for the visit and urged the Commission to continue to work in consonance with the Constitution for a successful Presidential and Parliamentary Elections on December 7, 2020.

    Members of the delegation included Dr Bossman Eric Asare, Deputy Chairman in charge of Corporate Services, Mr Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations.

    The rest are Madam Adwoa Asuama Abrefa, Mrs Rebecca Adjalo and Mrs Hajia Sa -adatu Maida all Commission members and Dr Serebuor Quaicoe, Director Electoral Services, Dr Yaw Ofori Adjei, I T Consultant, Mrs Sylvia Annoh, Acting Director Public Affairs and Mr Benjamin Bano Bio, Ashanti regional Director.

     

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Ashiaman MP writes to EC over IT, procurement consultants

    The Member of Parliament for Ashiaman, Ernest Norgbe has written to the Electoral Commission seeking to know if the commission has engaged services of IT consultant Dr Ofori- Adjei and procurement consult A. Akrofi.

    In a letter drafted by his lawyer Michael Kpebu, the MP is also demanding from the Commission if they engaged these individuals according to the appropriate laws of engagement.

    Citing the Right to Information Act, the MP is requesting the commission to provide him a copy of the document containing the formal procedure through which these officers were engaged.

    The development comes in the wake of the impasse between Electoral Commission and some political parties including the main opposition NDC over new voters register for the December polls.

    The parties say a register will be a recipe for chaos since there will not be enough time to verify its integrity before the polls

    The Commission, however, insists it will go-ahead to develop a new register for the polls. The commission has already announced the exercise will begin April 18 and end in November a month to the polls.

  • Jean Mensa cannot make Mahama President Okoe Boye tells NDC

    Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku constituency, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye has asked the NDC to stop attacking the Electoral Commission (EC).

    “One of the features of democracy is that when there is an issue on board, everyone can express his/her opinion on it but that does not also state that your opinion should be the final decision. in fact, in democracy if you think that your opinion is the best and turn to be otherwise you just have to seek redress from a court,” Dr Okoe Boye said.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • New Register: Advisory Committee snubs NDC

    The Eminent Advisory Committee (EAC) of the Electoral Commission (EC) has urged political parties to support the EC in the compilation of the new voters’ register to ensure smooth and transparent elections in December.

    In a statement signed by Sylvia Annor, acting Director of Public Affairs of the EC, the group urged all political parties to, as a matter of national importance, assist the EC to discharge its electoral duties as enshrined in the national constitution.

    “They advised all stakeholders to put Ghana first in all they do and continue to support the EC with suggestions and recommendations aimed at improving our electoral process,” the statement said.

    The recent stance of the Committee would be a jolt on the National Democratic Congress and other groups that have vehemently opposed the compilation of the new register.

    Read the full statement below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • EC replies opposition political parties

    The Electoral Commission has once again denied the allegation that it intends to rig this year’s election in favour of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    “We have no intention of rigging the election; we make sure we involve all the political parties in everything we do; there is transparency in our processes”, Communications Officer of the Commission, Sylvia Annor said.

    Electoral Commission passes major test

    This reaction follows a decision by some opposition political parties to embark on a series of demonstrations against the EC’s decision to compile a new voters register.

    This group named: interparty resistance against new voters register is made up of the largest opposition party; NDC, PNC, APC and others.

    Sylvia Annor who was speaking in an interview with Nana Yaw Kesse on Peace FM morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, continued to justify reasons for a new voters’ register.

    Listen to the full interview below

  • Journalist demands audited accounts of NDC, NPP from EC

    A private citizen and broadcast journalist Nana Kwadwo Jantuah has written to the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) to demand the audited accounts of the two biggest political parties in the country, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Mr Jantuah wrote to the EC through his lawyer, Nana Agyeman Osborn of Osborn Legals.

    Electoral Commission abrogates IT contract with vendor

    In the letter to the EC, Mr Jantuah is demanding “accounts of the two major political parties pursuant to the Political Parties Act 2000 (Act 574) which mandates all political parties to file with the Commission within six months from 31 December of each year, the following documents: a return in the form specified by the Commission indicating: the state of its accounts, the sources of its funds, membership dues paid, contributions or donations in cash or kind, the properties of the party and time of acquisition, such other particulars as the Commission may reasonably require and audited accounts of the party for the year.”

    The letter also stated that, according to the Political Parties Act 2000, “Any person may, on payment of a fee determined by the Commission, inspect or obtain copies of the returns and audited accounts of a political party filed with the Commission under this section.”

    Electoral Commission opens vacancies for Returning Officers

    The letter further added that: “We, respectfully, on the above authority, apply to inspect and also make copies of the state of accounts, sources of funds, sources of membership dues paid, sources of properties and time of acquisition and the audited accounts of the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress as from the year 2016 to date at the soonest possible time.”

    Mr Jantuah had earlier petitioned CHRAJ to probe alleged corrupt practices at Produce Buying Company (PBC).

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • EC raises alarm over social media recruitment exercise

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has distanced itself from an ongoing recruitment exercise being advertised on social media.

    According to the Commission, it is currently not advertising for recruitment as being speculated.

    It made this known in a statement issued by its Acting Director of Public Affairs, Sylvia Annoh.

    “The Electoral Commission wishes to distance itself from an ongoing recruitment exercise being advertised on social media,” the statement said.

    It added that the “general public will be duly informed through appropriate advertisements and other relevant channels whenever there is an opening at the Commission.”

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • EC cautions public against fake recruitment exercise

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has distanced itself from an on-going recruitment exercise being advertised on social media.

    There has been an announcement of recruitment of personnel for the electoral management body on some social media platforms including Facebook.

    Read: Electoral Commission opens vacancies for Returning Officers

    However, the EC, in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Sylvia Annoh stated categorically that it is not advertising for recruitment as being speculated.

    “The general public will be duly informed through appropriate advertisement and other relevant channels whenever there is an opening at the Commission,” the statement concluded.

     

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • ROPAA: Make ‘meaningful, nonpartisan’ contributions EC to diasporans

    A Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr. Bossman Asare has charged Ghanaians abroad to submit critical contributions to the election management body that will enhance the processes toward the implementation of the Representation of the People’s Amendment Act (Act 699).

    Speaking at a forum to engage Ghanaians on best practices on the implementation of the law which allows Ghanaians abroad to take part in elections back home, Dr. Asare, who is the Chairman of the ROPAA Committee, asked the participants to make nonpartisan, meaningful and practical contributions that will further advance Ghana’s democracy.

    Read: EC to meet Ghanaians in US over ROPAA

    He recounted the numerous regional tours undertaken by the Committee as well as a trip to Senegal concerning the matter.

    According to him, the Commission has to prepare a Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) based on the inputs obtained from the extensive consultations currently underway and present it to Parliament by December 2019.

    For his part, the Chairman of the Progressive Alliance Movement Inc. USA, Dr. Kofi Boateng, expressed the hope that all qualified Ghanaians would be given the opportunity to exercise their franchise in the not-too-distant future, unlike the past where very few Ghanaians abroad took decisions for everyone.

    The issues discussed at the forum ranged from eligibility, siting of polling stations and the credibility of election officials among others.

    On the issue of residency, some of the participants argued that based on the right to vote as enshrined in Article 42 of the Constitution, it would be unfair to deny any Ghanaian citizen the right to register and vote irrespective of where they reside.

    The Consul General of Ghana’s mission in New York, Professor Samuel Kojo Amoako, appealed to Ghanaians abroad to cooperate with the EC to make the implementation of ROPAA successful.

    Read: Electoral structures robust to implement ROPAA EC Deputy Chair

    An eight-member team led by Dr. Asare embarked on the trip. The others include Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman Operations; Mr. Christian Owusu-Parry, Secretary to the Committee; Mrs. Sylvia Annoh, Acting Director, Communication of the EC; Dr. Kojo Asante of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD); Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi of the National Peace Council and President of the Ghana Baptist Convention; Mr. Evans Nimako of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Mr Kofi Akpaloo of the Liberal Democratic Party ( LPG).

    As part of the tour, the team is expected to visit Woodbridge (Virginia), Worcester, (Massachusetts) Washington D.C. Columbus (Ohio) and Silverspring (Maryland).

    Meanwhile, Ghanaians in New York, who participated in the forum, have commended the EC for its efforts aimed at broadening consultations to operationalise the Representation of the People’s Amendment Act (Act 699).

     

    Source: classfmonline.com