Ghana stands at a critical juncture, with the 2024 elections looming and tensions simmering between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Electoral Commission (EC). The NDC’s demands for a forensic audit of the voter register have been met with resistance and provocative comments from the EC, threatening to undermine the electoral process.
The Ghana Peace Council, a revered institution tasked with promoting peace and stability, has remained curiously silent on this critical matter. I urge the Peace Council to break its silence and intervene now, before it’s too late. The EC’s refusal to conduct a forensic audit and its dismissive comments towards the NDC’s concerns threaten to erode trust and spark chaos.
The NDC’s concerns are not unfounded. The party has cited bitter lessons from past experiences, where the EC’s actions have been perceived as biased and unfair. The party’s demands for a forensic audit are reasonable and necessary to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election.
However, the EC’s response has been nothing constructive. Deputy EC Commissioner Samuel Tettey’s comments, chiding the NDC and also claiming that street protests will not ensure a credible register, are unhelpful and provocative. The EC’s assertion that the Voter Register Exhibition exercise serves as an audit is unconvincing and ignores the NDC’s legitimate concerns.
I appeal to the EC to cease its provocative remarks and engage in constructive dialogue with opposition parties. A forensic audit is a reasonable request, and the EC’s reluctance only serves to erode trust and fuel tensions.
I also call upon respected leaders in Ghana, including the Ga Manste, Asantehene, Oguama Hene, Torgbui Fiti, Torgbui Afede XII, Okyehene, Ada Mantse, Yaa Naa, Religious Leaders, and Civil Society Organizations, to intervene and urge the EC to reconsider its stance.
The fate of Ghana’s democracy hangs in the balance. We must act now to prevent a potentially disputed election. The Peace Council, EC, and respected leaders must work together to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process.
Time is running out. Let us come together to protect Ghana’s democracy and ensure a peaceful transition of power. The consequences of inaction are too dire to contemplate.
Lawrence Roland Arthur
Accra-Ghana
