The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reiterated its opposition to the Electoral Commission’s (EC) insistence on pushing for the use of the National Identification Card to be the sole document for the registration and acquisition of a voter’s ID card.
The party contends that the elimination of the use of passports and the guarantor system is unconstitutional.
National Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo at a press briefing on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, stressed that the EC will deny many Ghanaians the right to vote if the EC’s plan is implemented.
“What it means is that, if the C.I. is passed in its current form, it will not only be unconstitutional, it will radically disenfranchise all those prospective voters who for no fault of theirs are unable to obtain the national ID card issued by the NIA. They would have been denied the right provided for them under Article 42 of the 1992 Constitution.”
The party noted that the proposal for a new Constitutional Instrument (CI) that makes the Ghana card the only proof of identity for the registration of a voter’s ID card will not augur well with Ghana’s electoral system.
“We, therefore, found it strange that the Electoral Commission will call a press conference and urge the NIA to expedite action on registration. It obviously doesn’t lie in the mouth of the EC to do so. In the circumstances, therefore, making the Ghana Card the sole requirement for voter registration will serve to deny millions of Ghanaians their right to register and vote.”
According to the NDC, the move will rather disenfranchise many since a number of Ghanaians do not have the card.
Mr. Ofosu Ampofo said the yet-to-be-introduced regulation is in contravention with the country’s constitution.
“We wish to caution the Electoral Commission to be mindful of its actions and inactions since they have far-reaching implications for the peace and security of the country. The conduct of the Electoral Commission reinforces the NDC’s suspicion of collusion between the Commission and the New Patriotic Party to rig the 2024 elections.”
Mr. Ofosu Ampofo added that the NDC will use all available means to resist any attempt by the EC and NPP government to rig the 2024 elections.
“As a party with a legitimate interest in the elections and given the high stakes of the 2024 elections, we are simply unwilling to allow any manipulations before, during or after those elections, and we will demand the strictest standards in the processes leading up to the elections.”
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Source: UTV/citinewsroom
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NDC is not serious at all
Is Ghanaians voting tomorrow? Has NIA stop working? Instead of you to tell Ghanaians to go and register you are here talking about 2024. Ghanaians gave you 8 solid years what was your record? Dumsor, Bus branding, woyome, take or pay energy contracts. You sold state cars among yourselves, ***barred word*** calling themselves politicians, paid double salaries to your ministers. Aren’t you ashamed of yourself as ndc member as a church elder? For nothing at all, your family members are enjoying free SHS. Wicked souls in ndc. All the heartless Ghanaians belong to ndc, I don’t understand, very wicked and dangerous politicians. May the good lord save Ghanaians from the devil called ndc
Stanbic Bank of Ghana must be commended for the introduction of cash deposit ATMs. These ATMs save customers time. Stanbic keep the good work up.
“As a party with a legitimate interest in the elections and given the high stakes of the 2024 elections..." There are no high stakes in the 2024 elections. NDC has lost already. And by the way, how does your so-called disenfranchising of some voters amount to rigging elections? NDC is just pathetic. You told your members not to go for the Ghana card, so live with the consequences.
It is funny when politicians talk without any data to back their claims. Bring research data to back what you are saying, then people will believe you. But just making empty statements will not help. Please tell us the percentage of Ghanaians that will be disenfranchised by the 2024 elections if the Ghana card is used as the only requirement for registration. You people are just shooting yourself in the foot, and Mahama is making your situation worse by the day. With all the economic challenges, people felt NDC had a chance, but their leaders have messed up their party with greed, selfishness and tomfoolery.
Greedy man and his super hungry-for-power NDC. Ghanaians will not sit back to allow you to set country back for 50 years. Look at the energy sector corrupt agreements signed by Mahama and NDC. This agreement has set us back for 20 years with massive debt and these guys keep on talking ***barred word***.
Has NDC any conscience at all. When Ofosu Ampofo was a Minister, he instructed the EC to stop their work, wait for him to create many assemblies before they continue their work. Does he think we have forgotten so early? why is the NDC so ***barred word*** and uncultured. If you refuse to go for the IPAC meetings, the EC will do its work. MMOA, ADEN! AS FOR THAT LADY oHEMAA aBA OR SO, I don't know how common sense has eluded you this badly.
F000lish talk.... church elder my foot
In your DREAMS, Elder!
I'm not a lawyer but a sane Ghanaian who can use his brains logically to appreciate the sense behind many issues. Indeed, when the framers of the constitution were drawing it, there was nothing like digital data or information that can be captured by the present state of technology and modernity. The electoral commission has the mandate to plan, organize, and conduct elections that are fair and credible. It is therefore the responsibility of the EC not to disenfranchise any eligible Ghanaian from casting his or her vote. But apply the best methods that the state of technology at the time makes it more credible and feasible. The question that arises here is: is the Ghana card backed by the constitution? As human beings and being social animals, we live to progress, and hence the creator has given us the tools to enable us to achieve that. Culture is dynamic, and we should embrace it by appreciating modernity and technology to leapfrog some of the challenges that come our way. By the way, I'm impressed by the competence and hardworking spirit of EC boss, Miss. Jean, as I affectionately call her, though I haven't met her personally before. The NDC should stop putting its electoral fortunes ahead of Ghana's.