The Centre for Democracy and Socio-economic Development (CDS) Africa has welcomed the proposed reforms of CI 126 by the Electoral Commission of Ghana, particularly the adoption of Ghana Card as the only document for registering new voters.

According to the Center, if the National Identification Authority (NIA) can deliver on its promise to print and distribute more Ghana cards in time for the voter registration, it will go a long way in ensuring that every eligible citizen can participate in the electoral process. It revealed that this will be a significant step in strengthening Ghana’s democratic credentials and ensuring that the voice of every citizen is heard.

“On that score, CDS Africa agrees with the proposed reforms of CI 126 by the Electoral Commission of Ghana, particularly the adoption of Ghana Card as the only document for registering new voters. We consider these reforms to be strong and forward-looking, and we anticipate that they will enhance Ghana’s democratic reputation.”
CDS Africa

To achieve the EC’s proposed adoption, CDS Africa called on government to provide adequate funding to the Electoral Commission and the National Identification Authority (NIA) to ensure the printing of cards.

It indicated that the disbursement of such funding will expedite the process of printing Ghana Cards for persons yet to receive them and equally complement the EC’s proposal to use the card as a prerequisite for Ghanaians engaging in the voter’s registration exercise.

“CDS Africa would urge the government to provide adequate funding to the Electoral Commission and the National Identification Authority (NIA) to facilitate the resolution of the pending applications for Ghana Cards. Furthermore, should these reforms be passed by parliament we implore the authorities to expedite the registration and issuance of Ghana Cards for all citizens and take measures to prevent any form of voter disenfranchisement.”
CDS Africa

CDS Africa noted that it considers the reforms to be strong and forward-looking and anticipates that they will enhance Ghana’s democratic reputation.

Welcoming the proposed Constitutional Instrument (CI) that is seeking to reform the electoral process in Ghana including making the Ghana Card the sole Identification document for voter registration, a statement jointly issued by Dr Frank Bannor and Dr. Abena Boateng, Senior Research and Policy Analyst and Director of Research respectively, at CDS Africa, revealed that the recent announcement by the National Identification Authority (NIA) that it is ready to print more Ghana cards is a positive development.

Funding to expedite printing of Ghana cards

CDS Africa explained that settlement of the GHC100 million debt owed to its creditors by the government will give the NIA the financial backing it needs to complete its mandate of issuing Ghana cards to all eligible citizens. Nonetheless, the Centre stated that it is important all sides of the House in parliament carefully consider the contents of the CI and engage in constructive dialogue to ensure that any concerns are addressed before it is enacted into law.

“The democratic process in Ghana is built on transparency, accountability, and dialogue, and it is essential that these principles are upheld in the legislative process.”
CDS Africa

To ensure a smooth process, CDS Africa urge parliament to equally engage in a fruitful debate to ensure the provisions in the CI are fine-tuned with the greatest interest of the nation at heart. This, it explained, is to enable a more transparent voters register which will stand the test of time.

At the same time, CDS Africa strongly encouraged the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to partner with the Electoral Commission to promote awareness of the reforms through civic education and prevent the spread of misinformation among the public.

“We believe that such collaboration will promote transparency and ensure that citizens are adequately informed about the proposed changes should it be passed by parliament. The Electoral Commission has showcased its ability to fulfil its responsibilities by registering over 17 million voters in just 38 days during the COVID-19 pandemic. CDS Africa encourages the Electoral Commission to maintain its excellent efforts in promoting transparent and equitable elections in Ghana.”
CDS Africa