In a passionate address during his tour of the Greater Accra Region, former President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for the 2024 general elections, expressed deep concerns over what he described as significant anomalies in the electoral roll.
Former President Mahama’s remarks came on the second day of his campaign tour, during which he called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to urgently rectify the issues to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
He criticized the EC for what he believes is a failure to adequately maintain the integrity of the voter register, highlighting a range of issues that he says could undermine the credibility of the upcoming elections.
“Recently, the Electoral Commission opened the register for people to go and inspect their names. I’m sorry to say there’s a lot wrong with that register. The EC has to sit up. So that we don’t have any confusion on election day. The EC is an important institution in having peaceful elections in this country. So if the EC commissioners are listening to me, you better wake up. You’re not doing your job properly”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Presidential Candidate for the 2024 General Elections
According to former President Mahama, numerous eligible voters have discovered that their names are missing from the register, while others have found that their details have been inexplicably transferred to different constituencies.
He also pointed out irregularities in the registration process for proxy voting and multiple registrations, suggesting that these issues could lead to confusion and disenfranchisement on election day.
He urged the leadership of the Electoral Commission to “wake up” and fulfil their responsibilities to the Ghanaian people, ensuring that the electoral process is both fair and transparent.
Former President Mahama’s remarks reflect broader concerns among political stakeholders and civil society groups about the preparedness of the EC for the December 7 elections.
The former President’s critique comes at a time when trust in electoral processes is critical for maintaining peace and stability in Ghana.
“You’re not doing your job properly,” Mahama admonished the EC, underscoring the importance of accuracy and accountability in the electoral process.
The Significance of 2024 General Elections
In his speech, former President John Dramani Mahama framed the upcoming election as a pivotal moment for Ghana’s future.
He argued that the current administration has led the country down a “wrong path,” citing a recent poll indicating that 80% of Ghanaians believe the nation is heading in the wrong direction.
“This election is about the future of this country; it is an election about correcting the wrong course we have been taken by the current administration”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Presidential Candidate for the 2024 General Elections
The NDC flagbearer presented the NDC as the party capable of steering Ghana back on track, describing the need for a “reset” to correct the country’s trajectory.
He urged Ghanaians to support the NDC, positioning himself as the “licensed driver” with the experience and competence to lead the nation to prosperity.
“We need experience. We need one who has done it before. We need a licensed driver to take over the vehicle and move the vehicle towards where God has ordained that we go,” former President Mahama declared, drawing a metaphor between the country’s leadership and the need for capable hands at the wheel.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd in Ada, former President Mahama expressed confidence in the constituency’s support for the NDC, predicting a strong turnout for his party on election day.
“And I know that come December 7, 2024, as Ada has always done, you’re going to stand solidly behind us,” he stated, calling on the electorate to join in the effort to “reset the course of Ghana” and build a future of “prosperity and dignity for all our people.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Presidential Candidate for the 2024 General Elections
