The Electoral Commission (EC) says it is collaborating with the Ghana Prisons Service to register eligible prisoners ahead of the 2024 general election.
The Commission stated that eligible jail convicts will be registered during the mop-up registration activity, which is planned to take place in all Commission district offices from August 1 to August 3, 2024.
The Commission made the announcement during a media conference following its meeting with the National Peace Council in Accra on Wednesday, 26th June, 2024.
The conference was part of the EC’s interaction with key stakeholders ahead of the 2024 elections to inform them about the election timetable and elicit feedback to achieve credible, free, fair, and transparent elections.
The discussion, which took place behind closed doors, focused on ways to promote harmony and peace before, during, and after the elections among political players, the public, institutions, and other stakeholders.
In order to allay suspicions and advance accountability and openness, the Peace Council requested that the EC cultivate confidence among the public and political parties. It also requested that the EC consistently include pertinent stakeholders in its activities.
The EC’s Chairperson, Mrs. Jean Mensa, stated that the Commission decided to involve the Peace Council because it was dedicated to holding free, fair, and legitimate elections.
“We have had useful deliberations. The purpose was to brief the Council, receive feedback, and address some of the concerns that you have.
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“We are going away with some useful nuggets that we believe will strengthen our work,” she said.
Mrs Mensa emphasized the Commission’s commitment to making all necessary preparations for the people of Guan Constituency to participate in the upcoming elections.
She further stated that the Commission will not establish any new Constitutional Instruments to control the December 7 elections and that indelible ink would be utilized throughout the process.
Concerning the registration of jail prisoners, the EC Chairperson stated that the Commission was gathering data from the Prisons Service to assist its plans.
Reverend Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the National Peace Council, stated that the discussion covered a variety of topics, including the need to establish trust between the EC, political parties, and the public, as well as the necessity to consistently clarify concerns to all stakeholders.
He said, “It’s been a very fruitful meeting,” and he was happy that the Guan Constituency’s residents will be taking part in the next elections.
From May 7 to May 29, 2024, the EC carried out a voter registration drive. On May 30, 2024, it began a countrywide voter ID card replacement campaign. Additionally, it has finished the voter transfer process.
