The Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service has formally interrogated Major (rtd) Kwadwo Boakye Djan at his residence in Bebianiha, Bono Region.
The interrogation, which took place on 19 May, followed comments he made about the Electoral Commission on a radio programme.
In an interview with the Accra-based Okay FM, Boakye Djan claimed that confusion surrounding the compilation of a new voters’ register before the general election this December could plunge Ghana into chaos.
Recorded interview
Following the comments, he was invited by the Criminal Investigations Department to explain his comments, but declined the invitation because of ill-health. Police officers paid him a visit subsequently for the same purpose and began preliminary questioning.
Critics say that Boakye Djan’s comments breached the peace.
His statement was taken after police officers played back to him a recording of the interview in which he made the comments.
Earlier this year, the Electoral Commission submitted a constitutional instrument to Parliament, asking it to pass guidelines making the National Identification Card and Ghanaian passport the only two forms of identity which will allow applicants to be accepted as eligible for voter registration.
The move has prompted fierce criticism, led by the National Democratic Congress.
“Rigging”
The NDC and various pressure groups have since accused the election management agency of conspiring to rig the 7 December polls in favour of the New Patriotic Party.
They say the move is a deliberate ploy by the EC and the National Identification Authority.
Besides that, the Electoral Commission has been criticised for going ahead with a workshop for senior administrative staff, despite a high court injunction, the ban on public gatherings, and public health protocols on social distancing.
Atsu Boye
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