News:
August 14, 2014
A Former Deputy Education and Sports Minister in the erstwhile Kuffour administration and NPP Member of Parliament for Akwapim South, Dr. Osei Bonsu Amoah has attributed the low turnout in the just ended limited voter registration exercise to poor publicity of the exercise in the local media by the Electoral commission.
The Electoral Commission (EC) last week began its limited registration exercise as part of preparations towards the 2016 general elections.
The exercise was open to Ghanaians who have attained the age of 18 and above since the compilation of the 2012 Voter Register, as well as eligible Ghanaians who were above 18 years during the last registration but did not register.
The exercise, which was expected to take place in June was rescheduled to take place in August after the National Youth Organizer for the People’s National Convention (PNC), Abu Ramadan filed a writ to the Supreme Court to place an injunction on the exercise.
However, speaking on Badwam morning show programme on Multi TV today, Hon. O. B. Amoah condemned the EC’s lackadaisical attitude when it comes to organizing such exercises in the country. He said, his regular visit to some centers in his constituency registered a host of challenges including the breakdown of biometric machines and printers, therefore halting the whole process.
He blamed the EC for no or less education and training of its staff before organizing any electoral process. He said the trend has on several occasions affected the work of the EC but wondered why the EC is still addicted to its obsolete ways of conducting electoral processes, hence called for an improvement before the next general elections.
“I wonder why they always wait till we are close to organizing general election or registration exercises before they train their staff……and how can move on with such attitude” he said.
He stressed that the country spends much money in conducting such exercises, hence the EC should ensure effectiveness and efficiency in their dealings to avoid causing financial loss to the state as he claimed this registration has done with its recorded low turnout.
The MP however, applauded Ghanaians for ensuring a smooth and successful exercise in all the six thousand registration centers.
Emmanuel Frimpong Mensah/ Ghanamps.gov.gh