The Electoral Commission (EC) has said foreigners and minors have found their way into the new voter roll that was just compiled ahead of the 2020 polls.

The influx of foreigners into Ghana for the exercise, was one of the many reasons the Commission, backed by the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), insisted on compiling a new roll to make the register credible.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, 12 August 2020, the chairperson of the election management body, Mrs Jane Mensa admitted that some unqualified persons had registered.

“The Commission is mindful of the infiltration of foreigners at a number of our registration centres.

“Additionally, we are aware that a number of minors have also found their way into the register,” Mrs Mensa said.  

She, however, expressed confidence that the challenge processes initiated at all districts throughout the country, will unearth “these illegal persons and rid the register of those who do not qualify to be on the register.”

The Challenge system contributes to ensuring and guaranteeing the credibility of the register.

It allows a qualified registered voter to challenge the registration of an applicant on the grounds that the applicant does not satisfy the laid-down criteria, namely; that the applicant is not a Ghanaian, he/she is not 18 years old and that the applicant is not of sound mind.

At the end of the exercise, the EC said the number of challenged cases amounted to 37,762 representing 0.20% of the total register.

The Oti Region had the highest number of challenged cases per population with 0.51% of registrations’ eligibility being questioned.

This is followed by the Ahafo Region, where 0.38% of registrations were challenged, and then the Volta Region, with 0.37% of the registrants challenged.

About The Author