Naagyei 90.3 Fm Agyapa
Dr. Ernest Kwaku Sarpong, a researcher and medical doctor, has urged Ghanaians to demand a forensic audit of the voter registration records for the general elections in 2024.
The validity of the voter registration, according to him, is one of the most important components of a free and fair election. Regretfully, he said, doubts regarding its integrity have been intensifying, casting doubt on the impartiality of future elections.
As responsible citizens, we cannot afford to do nothing about these issues. Ghanaians ought to insist that the voter registration be forensically audited. In a statement, he stated that “a comprehensive and transparent audit will not only help ensure that the register is credible but will also restore public trust in the electoral process.”
He continued, saying, “The integrity of our electoral process is essential to Ghana’s future and peace. In order to make sure that the voter registration accurately reflects the will of the people, it is our responsibility as citizens to demand a forensic examination of it. Let’s take action now rather than waiting for a crisis to arise. Now is the moment to protect our democracy.
Here is his entire statement.
Ghana, our dear country, is on the verge of a political catastrophe that might undermine its democracy from the ground up. A ticking time bomb exists due to the concerning concentration of power in the hands of political parties, particularly when it comes to controlling the electoral process. The results of elections will no longer represent the will of the people but rather the preferences of the powerful if we allow any political party to control the procedures used to conduct them. If a government has control over the electoral apparatus, it can conduct dishonest policies, cause destruction across the country, and still win an election. This is a risky course that might result in political unrest and the breakdown of our democracy.
Credibility of the voter registration is one of the most important components of a free and fair election process. Regretfully, doubts regarding its integrity have been mounting, casting doubt on how impartial the next elections will be. It is not an option for us as citizens to do nothing about these issues. Ghanaians ought to insist that the voter registration be forensically audited. In addition to assisting in ensuring the register’s credibility, a comprehensive and open audit would help rebuild public confidence in the electoral process.
If we do not take action right away, the results can be catastrophic. Imagine a situation in which a modified voter registration determines the election results rather than the votes cast by the electorate. Under such circumstances, governance devolves into a farce, with leaders who either don’t care about the country’s progress or, worse, put their personal interests ahead of the welfare of the people. Unchecked corruption will grow, illicit mining will keep destroying our water resources, and young people will be left behind with no prospects for a bright future.
It is important to recognize that the issue of the voters’ register is not just about elections—it is about the peace and stability of the country. Ghana has enjoyed relative peace and stability in the past, but if the integrity of the electoral process is compromised, it could lead to heightened tensions and conflict. Ghanaians must therefore rise above party politics and unite to safeguard the sanctity of our elections. The forensic audit of the voters’ register is a critical first step in ensuring that future elections are free, fair, and transparent.
It is crucial to understand that the issue of the voter registration rolls has more to do with national security and stability than it does with elections. Although Ghana has historically experienced relative peace and stability, tensions and conflict could increase if the integrity of the democratic process is challenged. For this reason, Ghanaians need to put aside party politics and work together to protect the integrity of our elections. To guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections in the future, a crucial first step is conducting a forensic audit of the voter registration.
Every citizen has the right to take part in free and fair elections, as guaranteed by our constitution. Undermining this fundamental freedom and directly endangering our democracy is the act of allowing any political party to manipulate the system. Before it’s too late, Ghanaians need to express their concerns and make their voices known. By pressing for accountability and openness from the government, each and every person can help to ensure the legitimacy of the voter registration.
In conclusion, the integrity of our electoral process is critical to Ghana’s future and peace. In order to make sure that the voter registration accurately reflects the will of the people, it is our responsibility as citizens to demand a forensic examination of it. Let’s take action now rather than waiting for a crisis to arise. Now is the moment to protect our democracy.
Dr. Ernest Kwaku Sarpong
Medical Doctor and Researcher
24th September, 2024
