National Peace Council backs EC’s Ghana Card-only voter registration plan

The National Peace Council has endorsed the Electoral Commission’s (EC) initiative to use the Ghana Card as the exclusive document for voter registration in future elections.

This endorsement follows a closed-door meeting with the EC aimed at discussing the upcoming elections and ensuring the process remains credible, free, fair, and transparent.

Previously, the EC’s proposal faced significant backlash from stakeholders due to the challenges posed by the National Identification Authority (NIA) in issuing the Ghana Cards.

However, Chairman of the National Peace Council, Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi, emphasized the inadequacies of the current guarantor system in the electoral process, making a strong case for the Ghana Card.

Dr. Gyamfi highlighted, “Until we accept the Ghana Card or one system as our form of registration, the high figures from the guarantor system will persist, continuing the practice of busing people for registration.”

He pointed out the ease with which the guarantor system could be manipulated, stressing the importance of a more secure and unified identification method.

In related developments, EC Chairperson Jean Mensah reiterated the commission’s commitment to registering all eligible inmates in various prisons during a mop-up exercise scheduled from August 1 to August 3, 2024.

This initiative will include all 268 district offices, including the newly created Guan constituencies.

“The registration for our citizens in the prison facilities will take place from the 1st to the 3rd of August. We intend to register eligible citizens in all prisons across the country, working extensively with the Ghana Prisons Service,” Mrs. Mensah stated.

The EC has also emphasized its collaboration with the Ghana Prisons Service to ensure that eligible prison inmates are registered ahead of the 2024 General Election.

This effort forms part of the broader strategy to make the voter registration process as inclusive as possible.

The Peace Council urged the EC to build trust among political parties and the public by continuously engaging with relevant stakeholders to avoid doubts and promote transparency.

Mrs. Mensa affirmed the commission’s dedication to delivering transparent, free, and credible elections. She noted, “We have had useful deliberations with the Peace Council, and we are leaving with valuable insights that will strengthen our work.”

Additionally, Mrs. Mensa reassured that the EC would make necessary arrangements for the participation of the people of Guan Constituency in the upcoming elections.

She confirmed that no new Constitutional Instrument would be introduced for the December 7 polls and that indelible ink would be used during the exercise.

Reverend Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi echoed the sentiment of a productive meeting, expressing satisfaction that the people of the Guan Constituency would be involved in the upcoming elections.

He underscored the importance of continuous explanation and engagement with all stakeholders to maintain trust.

The EC has already conducted a voter registration exercise from May 7 to May 29, 2024, and a subsequent nationwide exercise to replace missing voter ID cards from May 30, 2024.

A voter transfer exercise has also been completed, further demonstrating the commission’s commitment to an inclusive and transparent electoral process.