In light of recent developments at the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for an immediate audit of the electoral materials by private audit firm KPMG. This demand comes after the EC confirmed the theft of five laptops during a routine check of its equipment.
During an interview on TV3’s Ghana Tonight programme, the deputy director of elections for the NDC, Tanko Rashid-Computer, expressed concerns about the stolen laptops, emphasizing their significance in capturing crucial electoral details. He stressed that the missing laptops could potentially compromise the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) process.
Rashid-Computer also highlighted the NDC's push for an external audit of the EC’s equipment to ensure transparency and mitigate any potential election malpractice leading up to the December 7 elections. He referenced a similar audit requested by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) before the 2012 elections, underscoring the importance of such measures in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
Meanwhile, minority leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has urged the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to provide detailed information about their investigations into the missing devices. He expressed concerns about the potential implications of the stolen equipment on future elections.
In response to these concerns, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bossman Asare clarified that it was five laptops, not seven Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs), that were stolen. He reassured the public that the stolen laptops, which are part of the BVR kits, are separate from the Commission’s Registration Data Systems and are incapable of manipulating election outcomes.
Dr. Asare emphasized that the stolen laptops require specific activation to function and are of no value beyond their individual components as standalone devices.
The unfolding situation at the EC underscores the importance of safeguarding electoral materials and ensuring transparency in the electoral process. The NDC’s call for an audit by an independent firm reflects a commitment to upholding the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system.
As the nation prepares for the upcoming elections, it is imperative for all stakeholders to prioritize measures that enhance trust and confidence in the electoral process. The outcome of these efforts will significantly impact the credibility and legitimacy of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
-source 3news | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
