By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) says all is set for its nationwide demonstration against the Electoral Commission scheduled for Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
The nationwide demonstration follows a misunderstanding between Ghana’s electoral management body over some alleged discrepancies found in the provisional voters register for the 2024 polls.
The NDC accuses the EC of refusing to allow for a forensic audit of the voters register ahead of the December elections after it alleged a number of anomalies, including illegal but mass transfer of votes in many places.
The EC has maintained that all required corrections in the register have been effected following its exhibition of the provisional register, explaining that the whole essence of the exhibition of the register as demanded by the law (C.I. 91 (as amended by C.I. 126), is to help with corrections.
The NDC’s national chairman, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, known in the political circles as General Mosquito, announced this protest on Monday, September 9, 2024, citing the party’s concerns over the EC’s handling of the election process.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with what he said was the lack of updates on investigations involving the theft of some Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs), raising suspicions about transparency.
“Those of you who have been asking us what we would do if they did not comply, this is your answer: on the 17th of this month, the NDC is embarking on a massive nationwide demonstration in all 16 regional capitals,” he said.
In preparation for the demonstration, the Ghana Police Service has outlined guidelines to ensure order and safety.
They emphasised the need for peaceful protests, requesting that demonstrators follow designated routes and timelines.
The police also warned against any form of violence or property destruction during the demonstration, stating that offenders would face consequences, including potential surcharges for damage.
Security personnel will be stationed across the protest routes to maintain peace and order.
The Greater Accra regional protest will start at the Obra Spot through some principal streets in central Accra district and end at the EC’s headquarters, where a petition will be presented to parliament and the EC.
