The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) remains resolute that there is no need for a new voters’ register ahead of the December 2020 general elections.
General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, speaking to JoyNews, said care must be taken to protect the democracy of Ghana.
He argues the Electoral Commission’s decision to go ahead and compile a new register amid resistance from some opposition political parties and some civil society groups could “derail our democracy.”
The NDC and some of the smaller opposition parties have formed a coalition, the Inter-Party Resistance Against New Voters’ Register to drive home their demand.
The coalition has staged two demonstrations in Tamale, Northern Region and Kumasi, Ashanti Region.
At the end of the Kumasi demonstration, the group said it would suspend its decision, pending the outcome of consultations by the EC with a committee of eminent persons it put together to advise it.
However, the EC, announced later that it is going ahead to compile the new register from April 18, 2020. The meeting with stakeholders, the Commission explained, is to further explain the need for a new register.
The Commission has consistently argued that the current register is not fit for purpose. Biometric Verification Devices linked with the roll are worn out, the EC argued among over 30 reasons.
However, the NDC insists the EC can use the current register for the upcoming elections. The venture for a new one is a total waste of money, communicators of the party say.
Adaklu MP, Kwame Agbodza says the EC wants to connive with the government to disenfranchise voters in the NDC strongholds, one of which he represents in Parliament.
Latest Stories
-
A Cry for Ga Heritage: Fixing the Heart of Accra
6 minutes -
NHIA disburses GH₵270m for healthcare claims
23 minutes -
Scavenging mothers carelessly expose children to Kantamanto fire toxic smoke
1 hour -
Afenyo-Markin says he will work hard as Minority Leader
2 hours -
‘Reforms needed to force government to repay borrowings in the same year’ – BoG Governor
2 hours -
Debt Exchange Programme has nothing to do with BoG Independence, says BoG Governor
2 hours -
‘The record speaks for itself’ – BoG Governor defends central bank’s independence
3 hours -
BoG won an international award for banking sector cleanup efforts and we must value it,’ – Ernest Addison
3 hours -
‘Budgetary constraints delayed cleanup of savings and loans sector’ – BoG Governor reveals
4 hours -
Banking crisis cleanup was IMF’s top recommendation for Ghana in 2017 – BoG Governor
4 hours -
Herbert Mensah: A Changemaker’s journey recognised with the Order of the Volta
7 hours -
‘It was the right call’ – BoG Governor defends license revocations amid banking crisis in 2017
9 hours -
Decisive action saved Ghana’s banking sector from collapse in 2017, says BoG Governor
10 hours -
I do not subscribe to a more independent central bank logic – Dr Addison
10 hours -
Who are Ghana’s first-time MPs with big wins in the 9th parliament?
10 hours