The current voter register compiled by the Electoral Commission (EC) for the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections is alleged to have been deliberately manipulated to favor the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). The government’s poor performance over the past eight years undermines its credibility for re-election.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans for nationwide demonstrations to demand a forensic audit of the voter register. In a meeting with the EC, the NDC emphasized that auditing the voter register is crucial for ensuring a transparent, free, and fair election—key tenets of democratic values.
Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, made these statements on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra. He criticized the NPP government, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, as one of the most corrupt administrations in Ghana’s history. Gbande accused the government of colluding with the EC to manipulate the voter register and secure an unfair electoral advantage, despite coming to power through democratic elections.
Gbande expressed surprise that the EC, while admitting to errors and illegal transfers in the voter register, is denying the NDC’s request for a forensic audit.
In a related development, the NDC is preparing to hold a demonstration against the EC on Tuesday, September 17. The Accra Regional Police Command has approved the proposed route and termination point for the protest. NDC leaders have promised that the demonstration will be peaceful. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, NDC General Secretary, stated that the protest is intended to ensure a credible and trustworthy voter register as the country approaches critical elections.
Following a meeting with the Police High Command, NDC officials, including Kwetey, visited the EC’s Head Office to finalize the protest’s termination point. Kwetey urged public participation in the demonstration.
In response, the Fixing the Country Movement and Patriotic Troopers Ghana are planning a counter-demonstration to support the EC. NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah announced that his party’s nationwide demonstration will also take place on September 17, aiming to address the EC’s refusal to conduct a forensic audit of the voter register. Nketiah cited the lack of transparency and resulting suspicions as primary reasons for the protest.
In Parliament, the NDC Minority has raised concerns about the voter register exhibition, alleging tampering. Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson highlighted irregularities and flaws in the register, questioning its integrity. Forson called for a forensic audit, stating, “The Electoral Commission has admitted that the voter register is riddled with irregularities and flaws. The scale of these issues suggests possible tampering with the database. We cannot vouch for the register’s integrity as it stands and demand a forensic audit.”
Story by: Alexander Kukah
