NDC Calls for Independent Audit of Voter Register Ahead of Ghana`s Elections

Thousands of supporters from Ghana's main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have taken to the streets in a nationwide protest, calling for an independent forensic audit of the country's voter register ahead of December's elections. Party officials claim they have discovered errors in the electoral roll that need urgent correction. While the Electoral Commission (EC) asserts that the previously identified mistakes have already been fixed, the NDC remains concerned. In Accra, demonstrators wore red and white T-shirts and carried placards with messages like "We need justice in this election," reflecting the party’s belief that the current voter roll is flawed.

The NDC has pointed to several discrepancies, including the alleged transfer of illegal names, missing voters, and the inclusion of over 50,000 deceased individuals in the register. Dr. Omane Boamah, NDC’s director of elections, insists that only an independent audit of the voter roll will ensure transparency and fairness. He mentioned that the party had proposed having the UN Development Programme (UNDP) facilitate this audit, but the EC rejected the suggestion. The EC maintains that these calls for an audit are unnecessary, claiming that the issues raised by the NDC have already been addressed. However, the opposition warns that thousands of voters could be disenfranchised if errors persist. On the other hand, Richard Ahiagba, communications director for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed confidence in the EC’s ability to conduct a credible vote.

As Ghana approaches its December 2024 presidential election, the contest will be a close race between former president and opposition candidate John Mahama and current Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia. Both candidates are focusing on plans to address the country’s ongoing economic challenges. ⚡ Image Credit: GettyImages