Hon. Seth Ankrah has publicly criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) for its recent announcement regarding offline voter registration, warning that such registrations will not be accepted today or tomorrow. In a press conference on Friday, Ankrah expressed concerns over the EC’s handling of the voter registration process, calling for immediate clarity and transparency.
“The Electoral Commission’s decision to disallow offline voter registration at this critical juncture is unacceptable,” Ankrah stated. “Many Ghanaians rely on offline methods due to limited access to digital platforms. This move disenfranchises a significant portion of our population, particularly those in rural areas.”
Ankrah, a member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), emphasized that the EC’s stance on offline registration could lead to widespread voter suppression. He urged the Commission to reconsider its decision and implement measures to ensure all eligible Ghanaians can register to vote, regardless of their access to digital resources.
“By rejecting offline registrations, the EC is effectively telling thousands of Ghanaians that their voices do not matter,” Ankrah argued. “We demand that the EC provide alternative solutions to accommodate offline registrations immediately. Democracy must be inclusive and accessible to all.”
The Electoral Commission, however, defended its position, stating that the transition to digital registration methods is part of an effort to modernize the electoral process and reduce fraud. In an official statement, the EC assured the public that measures are being put in place to assist those who may face difficulties with the new system.
“We understand the concerns raised and are working to ensure that every eligible voter is registered. Our digital registration system is designed to enhance the integrity of our electoral process,” the EC’s statement read. “We are setting up assistance centers to help those who may have challenges with online registration.”
Despite these assurances, Ankrah remains skeptical, pointing out that the EC has yet to provide detailed information on how these assistance centers will operate and whether they will be accessible to voters in remote areas. “It is not enough to make promises. The EC must demonstrate how it plans to implement these solutions effectively,” he insisted.
Civil society organizations have also weighed in, with many echoing Ankrah’s concerns. The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) called for a comprehensive review of the EC’s registration procedures to ensure they are fair and inclusive. “The right to vote is fundamental, and every effort must be made to ensure no one is left out due to technological barriers,” a CDD-Ghana spokesperson said.
As the voter registration deadline approaches, the EC faces increasing pressure to address these issues and provide clear, accessible options for all potential voters. The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing technological advancement with inclusivity in Ghana’s electoral process.
With the elections drawing near, the handling of voter registration will undoubtedly remain a critical issue, with political parties, civil society groups, and the electorate closely monitoring the EC’s actions and responses.
story filed by: Nana Kwaku Duah
