In a decisive call for electoral integrity, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Director of IT and Elections, has underscored the importance of revisiting the forensic audit of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) to bolster public confidence in future elections.
He described the initiative as a “patriotic duty” necessary to address anomalies that marred the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
“Thanks to everyone who showed up at the nationwide Enough Is Enough Demo when we made that patriotic call for a forensic audit of the 2024 voters register and the IT system of the Electoral Commission Ghana That patriotic call for the forensic audit is as relevant today as it was before the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.”
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Director of IT and Elections for the NDC
He reiterated his commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of informants who contributed to exposing the irregularities, emphasizing that their sacrifices are essential to strengthening Ghana’s democracy.
According to Dr. Omane Boamah, the forensic audit is not only relevant but urgent, given the unresolved concerns surrounding the integrity of the 2024 voters’ register and the broader electoral process.
He highlighted several issues that require immediate attention, including illegal transfers and deleted names. Here, Dr. Boamah called for a thorough investigation into the illegal transfers and deletions of names on the voters’ register, which disenfranchised numerous eligible voters during the 2024 elections.
The Theft of EC’s Biometric Voter Registration Equipment
He raised alarms about the theft of Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) equipment from the EC’s headquarters, a facility reportedly under 24-hour CCTV surveillance and guarded by military and police personnel.
Dr. Boamah questioned how such a security lapse could occur, emphasizing the need to identify and hold the culprits accountable. Similar concerns were voiced regarding the theft of Biometric Voter Devices, which are critical to ensuring transparency and accuracy in voter verification processes.
Dr. Boamah pointed to reports of unauthorized ballot papers found circulating on election day, such as the incident in Kwadaso, Ashanti Region. He demanded an investigation into the role of the EC, printing firms, and possible accomplices in this electoral irregularity.
The postponement of special voting in the Eastern and Western Regions due to the theft of ballot papers, which necessitated reprinting, was described as a severe lapse that warrants further inquiry.
Dr. Omane Boamah urged all Ghanaians, irrespective of political affiliation, to rally behind the call for a forensic audit. “I expect all lovers of democracy to support this patriotic call,” he stated, underscoring that addressing these issues is not merely an NDC agenda but a national imperative.
He stressed that a transparent audit of the EC’s systems and processes would enhance public trust in Ghana’s electoral system and prevent the recurrence of such anomalies in future elections.
Dr. Boamah also called for accountability from the EC and its partners, including printers and security agencies, who are entrusted with safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
The NDC’s call for a forensic audit aligns with broader concerns among civil society groups and political stakeholders about electoral transparency in Ghana.
Dr. Omane Boamah’s statement underscores the critical role accountability plays in ensuring the credibility of democratic institutions.
READ ALSO: NPA Moves to Resolve Petrol Shortages in Northern Ghana
