Controversy Erupts as EC Revises Voter Registration Targets

In a move that has ignited heated discussions on social media, the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has revised its voter registration targets, prompting renewed calls for the expansion of registration centres.  

Initially setting its sights on registering over 1,350,000 eligible voters, the EC recently announced a significant reduction in expectations during an address by EC Chairperson Mrs. Jane Adukwei Mensa as part of the 'Let the Citizens Know' series.

The decision follows a chorus of appeals from stakeholders urging the EC to address the challenges faced during the ongoing registration exercise.  

Additionally, the EC disclosed plans for a continuous voter registration initiative in 2024, conducted at its district offices, underlining the importance of public patience.

As of Saturday, September 16, the registration exercise, which had been ongoing for six days, had successfully registered a total of 182,831 individuals. This included 53.9% males and 46.1% females. While the EC acknowledged initial setbacks such as temporary registration halts caused by internet disruptions, power outages, rainfall, and equipment malfunctions, they assured the public that these issues had been swiftly resolved. 

To mitigate these challenges, offline data-capturing methods were employed in areas with online system failures. Long queues initially reported during the first two days of registration had markedly decreased, and faulty equipment had been promptly replaced. 

Mrs. Mensa reaffirmed the EC's unwavering commitment to fulfilling its constitutional mandate and ensuring that no eligible voter would be disenfranchised. She clarified that the current registration exercise was not all-encompassing and announced plans for a continuous registration campaign in 2024 leading up to the general elections.

 Among the reasons cited for using the 268 district offices as registration centres was the alignment of the 2023 budget and work plan with continuous registration, rather than registration at the electoral area level.

Mrs. Mensa called upon all stakeholders involved in the ongoing registration process to fulfil their designated roles to ensure the exercise's success.

However, social media users have expressed displeasure with the modalities of the ongoing exercise 

A social media user named Dr Down Blow who spoke on the Peace FM Krokokoo said “I think Jean Mensa is struggling to explain her incompetence. We don't expect her to admit to her guilt. She cannot plan with the president and NPP national executives and accept blame after it had backfired...”

Another user with the username Muluwa who spoke on the Good Morning Ghana show on Metro Tv said “The EC simply decided to punish Ghanaians because Parliament and by extension the NDC minority has failed to approve the new CI.”