The National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Dr. Tanko Computer, has reinforced the party’s demand for a forensic audit of the current voters’ register.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Dr. Computer expressed the party’s concerns over significant discrepancies in the electoral roll, warning that without a transparent and reliable voters’ register, Ghana’s democracy could be at risk.
“We are at a critical juncture in our democracy. If we don’t address this issue, what is happening in the sub-region could happen here. A credible and accurate voters’ register is the key to credible elections,” he stated.
The NDC has flagged major issues with the provisional voters’ register released by the Electoral Commission (EC), citing more serious concerns than just minor errors like misspelled names or wrong birthdates. Dr. Computer pointed to “bloating and padding of figures” in the register, issues he argued cannot be fixed through routine corrections.
He called on civil society, the media, and other stakeholders to join the party in addressing these concerns, emphasizing the need for a thorough forensic audit by an independent body. “This is not about simple corrections. We need a full investigation to ensure every vote is accurately counted,” he said.
However, the EC has responded, with its Director of Electoral Services, Benjamin Bannon-Bioh, clarifying that the discrepancies noted by the NDC are linked to voter transfers, not new additions. He explained that the figures remain consistent and that the register includes transfers made from 2020 to 2024.
Despite this, the NDC remains adamant, insisting on a forensic audit to ensure the integrity of the voters’ register ahead of the upcoming elections. The party has also announced plans for a protest across all EC offices in the 16 regions on September 17, demanding action from the Commission.