In the ongoing debate surrounding the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process, Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana and Head of the Center for European Studies has weighed in on the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s protests and demands for a forensic audit of the voters’ register.
Dr. Asah Asante provided a balanced and reflective analysis of the situation, emphasizing the importance of transparency in electoral processes and the role of the Electoral Commission (EC) in ensuring trust among all political stakeholders.
“Protests are important in every democracy. Like it or not, we are going to have them at all times, but provided they are done within the framework of the law.”
The NDC’s recent protests have revolved around the integrity of the voters’ register, specifically calling for a forensic audit to address alleged anomalies. Dr. Asah Asante supported this call, noting that the NDC has remained committed to lawful demonstrations and is simply advocating for measures that would enhance electoral transparency. The crux of Dr. Asah Asante’s argument centers on the NDC’s demand for a forensic audit of the voters’ register.
“…What are they asking for? For forensic audits if you look at the conversation, there has been a battle between the two… one of the ingredients for a free and fair election is to have a roll of voters which is clean, which is transparent, and has been verified and accepted by all the political actors.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana and Head of the Center for European Studies
Dr. Asah Asante expressed his concern over the Electoral Commission’s posturing towards the NDC’s protests. He noted; “EC initially said no, but when they were hit with the truth, with the evidence, they chickened out and then accepted that it was true.”
He expressed confusion about why the EC remains hesitant to move forward with a forensic audit, especially considering the potential benefits it would have for Ghana’s democratic process.
Building Trust Through a Clean Electoral Register
According to Dr. Asah Asante, a clean and transparent electoral register is fundamental to building trust in the electoral system. He highlighted the need for the EC to take the NDC’s concerns seriously and allow for the forensic audit.
“For the Electoral Commission, I am struggling to understand why they will not allow for the forensic audit, because at the end of the day, if this audit is done, and there are anomalies, it will be cleared. If there is nothing like that, we still have the register intact.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana and Head of the Center for European Studies
Dr. Asah Asante further explained that a clean electoral register would boost confidence among political actors and citizens alike, ensuring that all parties can participate in the election process with a sense of fairness and renewed hope. He emphasized; “When the register is clean and up to scratch, it gives confidence and allows everybody to compete with renewed hope.”
The Importance of Transparency and Dialogue
Dr. Asah Asante called on the Electoral Commission to engage in meaningful dialogue with the NDC and other political stakeholders to resolve the issue. He emphasized that allowing for a forensic audit would not only address lingering concerns but also enhance the credibility of the EC itself.
“I would appeal to the EC, to soften their grounds and look at all the conversations, and then sit down with [the NDC] to be able to do this exercise. It doesn’t take anything away from them. Unless, of course, they want to say that there is something they want to hide from us, which I don’t believe so.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana and Head of the Center for European Studies
He believes that in the spirit of fairness and in the interest of strengthening democracy in Ghana, the EC should reconsider its position and embrace the idea of a forensic audit.
“In fairness, and to strengthen the frontiers of our democracy, I want the EC to reflect on it, accept that forensic audit. It will be in their best interest to do that.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana and Head of the Center for European Studies
Dr. Asah Asante reiterated the importance of a transparent and credible electoral process for the sustainability of democracy. He urged the EC to consider the NDC’s demands for a forensic audit as a necessary step toward ensuring that the electoral register is foolproof, which would ultimately enhance the EC’s reputation and the credibility of future elections. He emphasized; “At the end of the day, if the register is foolproof, it will enhance the credibility of the election and will be a credit to the Electoral Commission.”
Dr. Asah Asante appealed to the EC to take wise counsel and adopt a reasonable approach that promotes electoral integrity.
