The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey has revealed that the party is moving forward with its planned protest against the voters’ register.
The protest, scheduled for Tuesday, September 17, 2024, aims to demand a forensic audit of the Electoral Commission’s voters’ register and IT systems ahead of the 2024 general election.
Speaking to the press after a meeting with the police, Mr. Kwetey expressed satisfaction with the outcome of their discussions, confirming that the NDC’s demonstration will take place across all regions in Ghana.
“We had a very good meeting with the regional police bosses and the agreement is that we are going to proceed with our demonstration, not just in Greater Accra but across the other regions of the country at the same time,” he said.
Mr. Kwetey outlined the planned protest route for Accra, starting from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and proceeding through several key areas, including Farisco, TUC, the ministries, and finally ending in front of the Electoral Commission’s premises.
The NDC’s main demand, according to him, is a forensic audit of the voters’ register to ensure that the electoral process is free and fair, revealing “It is in everybody’s interest to ensure that the register, which is going to be the center of this whole election, is credible. We’ve had clear instances to say that there are issues, and we are pressing for a forensic audit to be done.”
He emphasized that the protest is critical for the peace and safety of the upcoming elections stating, “We’re asking the whole country to join this demonstration. It’s critical for our peace, for the safety of our elections, and to ensure that we can go into the election and come out in one piece,”
In response, the Director of Electoral Services, Benjamin Bano-Bio, acknowledged the NDC’s right to protest but called for civility during the demonstration, emphasizing the Electoral Commission’s openness to working with any party to ensure a credible election process.
“As a political party, the NDC is one of our critical stakeholders. They have the right to demonstrate, but it must be done according to law,” Bano-Bio said.
He reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring a credible voters’ register and invited the NDC to collaborate in addressing any concerns, noting, “We accept their concerns, but we want to encourage them to ensure that civility prevails so that the protest does not turn into something else. The Electoral Commission is always open to dialogue, why don’t we team up and ensure that the necessary things are done?” he questioned.
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Source: Flora Tang/ATLFMNEWS
