The former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) Madam Nana Yaa Jantuah, insisted that there should be a Forensic Audit of the voter Register ahead of the 2024 elections regardless of EC’s Rectifications.
She described the current political sphere of Ghana’s democratic spectrum to be dormant as compared to previous regimes.
“The political climate is gearing up, and it’s not as charged as in 2020 and 2016, Yes, I can see that it’s not that boisterous and vociferous, and what I also see is that, is as if, the only the two main parties like the bigger parties that you hear them talking all over the place.”
Madam Nana Yaa Jantuah former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP)
Despite the relatively subdued atmosphere, Madam Jantuah observed that the two main political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), remained at the forefront of the discourse. Other political figures, such as Hassan Ayariga and Hon. Alan Kyeremanteng have also contributed, though less prominently.
As the election date approaches, Madam Jantuah expected the political atmosphere to intensify. She noted; “Maybe gradually, we have about 2 months to go, 2 months a few days, tomorrow will be 2 months a few days. So, let’s see how it goes.”
The Case for a Forensic Audit
One of Madam Jantuah’s strongest positions in her commentary was her call for a forensic audit of the voter register.
This call is grounded in her belief that the 2016 audit set a precedent that should be upheld in subsequent elections, especially given the concerns raised about the voter register.
“I am for an audit. I don’t know why… because When an audit is done, an audit was done in, I think, 2015 or 2016, ahead of the 2026 election an audit was done and I do not see anything wrong with us escalating it to a forensic audit, especially against the ussies that we found. Voter transfers, names being transferred from one constituency all that, and the BVD machines that are lost.”
Madam Nana Yaa Jantuah former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP)
She emphasized that a forensic audit would clear any doubts about the integrity of the voter register, particularly in light of concerns surrounding the voter transfers and loss of the biometric verification devices (BVDs).
The EC’s Response and Public Sentiment
The Electoral Commission (EC), led by Dr. Bossman Asare, has responded to the concerns raised by various political figures, including Madam Jantuah, by announcing corrections to the voter register and promising to release an updated version. However, Madam Jantuah remained skeptical about these assurances, insisting that only a forensic audit can restore confidence in the system.
“It shouldn’t give us comfort. We should not. No, there should be a forensic audit, if we go in there and there is nothing and everything is clear, whoever wins the elections.. nobody will make noise.”
Madam Nana Yaa Jantuah former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP)
Madam Jantuah further criticized the EC’s reluctance to allow an independent expert to conduct the audit, arguing that all political parties must be involved in the process.
She referenced a past suggestion made by former presidential candidate, Hon. Alan Kyeremanteng. He emphasized; “All political parties will be there. We all look at the register. We find an expert, an independent expert, to do it.”
Madam Jantuah expressed disappointment at the NPP’s stance, suggesting that the party seems to be acting as a public relations outfit for the EC by opposing the audit. She called for a broader consensus among political parties. She reiterated “The NPP is also as if they are the PR for the EC. They are there talking about it that there shouldn’t be any audit.”
Madam Jantuah further questioned why other political parties, apart from Kyerematen, have been relatively silent on the issue.
“I’m a bit surprised that the other political parties, apart from Mr. Alan Kyerematen, are not saying anything. This register is about all of us.”
Madam Nana Yaa Jantuah former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP)
She highlighted the importance of unity in ensuring a credible electoral process, stressing that the credibility of the election hinges on the quality of the voter register. She emphasized; “We all sit around the table… Everybody is satisfied that this is the register we are going with.“
The Implications of Not Conducting the Audit
Madam Jantuah warned of the potential consequences of not conducting a forensic audit. She argued that without the audit, the credibility of the election would be compromised, leading to public distrust and possible unrest. She added; “No. It won’t be a credible election… People have in their minds that this register is not credible, it has issues.”
Her concerns about the integrity of the voter register are also tied to the loss of lives in previous elections. She recalled; “Eight people died in 2020 because of election-related issues. Until today, we don’t know who killed them.”
Madam Jantuah’s called for a forensic audit is driven by her desire to ensure that the 2024 election is not marred by violence or questions of credibility.
“… We need this country to be intact and to be a whole. We don’t need this country to be scattered because of an election, so the EC should do as well and good by agreeing to an audit there’s nothing wrong with it, we as human beings sometimes we do an audit of your life.”
Madam Nana Yaa Jantuah former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP)
A Democratic System Under Strain?
Madam Jantuah’s commentary also touched on the broader issue of democracy in Ghana and the role of the EC in safeguarding democratic processes.
She further accused the EC of disregarding the concerns of political parties and the general public. He asserted; “What EC is doing is like an autocracy. We are in a democratic dispensation, but the EC is being autocratic,”
Her concerned extended to the EC’s refusal to meet with political parties to address issues surrounding voter registration and the voter register. She recalled; “When I was in IPAC, we used to have a lot of issues… We went there. They didn’t even see us.”
Madam Nana Yaa Jantuah’s called for a forensic audit of the voter register is rooted in her belief that such a measure is essential for ensuring the credibility of the upcoming election.
She warned that failure to conduct the audit could lead to unrest and undermine public confidence in the electoral process. Her criticism of the EC’s perceived autocratic behavior further highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in Ghana’s democratic institutions.
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