Political Interference Threatens Credibility Of Ghana’s Voter register – Rev Dr Samuel Worlanyo

Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) is facing intense scrutiny over alleged discrepancies in the 2024 voter register, sparking tensions between the EC, National Democratic Congress (NDC), and New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Rev Dr Samuel Worlanyo Mensah, economist, lecturer, and vice presidential candidate for the All People’s Congress (APC), has warned that the NDC and NPP’s actions during the limited voter registration and name transfer exercise have compromised the register’s integrity.

“The two major parties were bussing people from their homes to registration centers, encouraging minors and foreigners to register,” Dr. Worlanyo alleged.

The NDC recently raised concerns upon receiving the provisional voters register, citing bloated electoral rolls in certain polling stations and alleged attempts by the EC to rig the December 7 polls in favor of the governing NPP.

In response, the EC acknowledged the need for corrections, including omitted names, objections to unqualified voters, removal of deceased individuals, replacement of damaged voter ID cards, and corrections to registration details due to clerical errors.

Dr. Worlanyo urged the EC to remain impartial and focused on addressing these issues. “The EC must ignore the noise from these two parties and find a credible solution to the problems they’ve created.”

The controversy has sparked concerns about Ghana’s electoral process and the need for transparency and accountability.

Ghana’s electoral landscape has historically been marked by tensions between the NDC and NPP, with allegations of electoral manipulation and interference.

As an economist and lecturer, Dr. Worlanyo has also announced his independent candidacy for president, aiming to defeat both former President John Mahama of the NDC and Vice President Dr. Mohamudu Bawumia of the NPP.

His running mate position for the APC further solidifies his commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in Ghana’s electoral process.

The EC has assured Ghanaians of its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. However, the ongoing controversy surrounding the voter register has raised doubts about the commission’s ability to deliver on this promise.

With the December 7 polls fast approaching, all eyes are on the EC to address these concerns and ensure the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.