There are no compelling reasons for a forensic audit of Ghana’s electoral register, says IPG
The think tank questions opposition’s evidence and highlights inconsistencies in Mahama’s stance on electoral issues
The Institute for Progressive Governance (IPG) has criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over its recent demands for a forensic audit of Ghana’s voters’ register, calling the request unnecessary and unsupported by compelling evidence.
In a statement, the think tank expressed surprise at the NDC’s insistence, noting that the party had failed to provide substantial proof to justify its demands. “IPG finds the demands of the National Democratic Congress strange since the party has not presented any substantial evidence warranting the calls for a forensic audit into the electoral roll,” the group said.
The IPG pointed out inconsistencies in the NDC’s stance, particularly highlighting a shift in the views of its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.
In the lead-up to the 2016 elections, Mahama had criticised similar calls for an overhaul of the voters’ register, which were made by the then-opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
At the time, Mahama described these demands as attempts to undermine the credibility of the Electoral Commission (EC) and discredit the electoral process.
The IPG’s statement also referenced comments from the NDC’s former General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who, in 2016, argued that anomalies in the voters’ register could be addressed through an exhibition process.
According to the IPG, it is ironic that the same individual now advocates for a foreign-led forensic audit, a position that contradicts his previous stance.
The IPG concluded that the current electoral framework already provides adequate mechanisms for resolving any issues with the register and that a forensic audit by a foreign entity is unnecessary.
The think tank called for a more collaborative approach, suggesting that all political parties, alongside stakeholders such as the Peace Council and representatives from the Diplomatic Corps, engage in open discussions with the EC to address the NDC’s concerns.
“IPG believes that there is absolutely no need for any forensic audit of the nation’s voters’ roll,” the statement emphasised, adding that Ghana, as a sovereign state, should rely on its own procedures to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand
