The Electoral Commission (EC) has issued a statement clarifying an incident that occurred on May 13, 2024, during the ongoing Voter Registration Exercise at the Pusiga District Registration Centre in the Upper East Region, providing transparency and context to the situation.
The Commission noted that on May 13, 2024, during the voter registration exercise, a vigilant Data Entry Clerk detected unusual Ghana Card numbers on 17 Registration Forms and promptly alerted the District Electoral Officer, triggering a swift investigation and response.
“Upon investigation, it was revealed that the Ghana Card numbers were fake. It was further discovered that the Registration Officer was complicit because he did not physically inspect the Ghana Card of individual applicants but rather accepted the fake numbers from Party Agents who had accompanied the 17 applicants”.
Electoral Commission (EC)
Consequently, the Commission noted that it took decisive action, dismissing the Registration Officer responsible and filing a report with the Police, which led to the officer’s prompt arrest and further investigation.
Following the arrest, the Commission noted that the former Registration Officer was released on police inquiry bail, pending further investigation and possible charges, as the Police continue to probe the incident.
Furthermore, the Commission clarified that the 17 affected applicants were eventually registered through the Guarantor System, ensuring their eligibility to vote after the initial irregularity was rectified.
Consequently, the Electoral Commission (EC) issued a stern warning to all Temporary Officials, emphasizing that any violation of electoral laws and regulations will not be tolerated, as the Police continue their investigations into the incident.
The Commission warned that any person found to be in breach of its laws and regulations will be handed over to the Police for criminal investigation and permanently blacklisted, thereby precluding them from future involvement in any electoral activities.
Furthermore, the Commission reassured stakeholders and the public that the Voters Registration Exercise is being carried out with utmost transparency and inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities for all eligible citizens to participate in the democratic process.
The EC noted that despite encountering initial challenges, it remains on track to meet its target of registering 623,000 voters by the end of the exercise, with progress proceeding according to schedule.
“We count on the cooperation and vigilance of all citizens to ensure that the remaining period of the registration is peaceful and successful”. – EC
Special Registration Exercise Begins in Pusiga
Meanwhile, in response to the incident during the voter registration exercise, the National Identification Authority (NIA) has partnered with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to launch a special registration initiative for the Ghana Card in Pusiga.
“The special pilot registration program will span over a month and will be conducted in two phases. Therefore, all Ghanaians living in Pusiga who have not been able to register are encouraged to do so”.
National Identification Authority (NIA)
The NIA has outlined the requirements for registration, which include, an original copy of the applicant’s Birth Certificate; a valid Ghana Passport; proof of naturalization; or a certificate of acquired citizenship, ensuring a secure and standardized registration process.
In cases where a Birth Certificate or valid Ghana Passport is unavailable, the NIA indicated that it allows for a registered relative or two approved community members who possess their Ghana Cards can serve as guarantors, providing an affidavit to vouch for the applicant’s identity.
Accordingly, the NIA has issued a stern warning that any individual who furnishes false information during the registration process or assists a foreign national in obtaining a Ghana Card will face criminal prosecution, resulting in a fine and/or imprisonment if convicted.
“This special registration exercise is brought to you by the National Identification Authority in partnership with the International Organization for Migration”. – NIA
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