In a recent statement on September 29, 2024, Dr. Eric Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, urged citizens to place their trust in the EC as an institution rather than focusing on the individual members. This appeal comes in the wake of criticisms regarding the perceived alignment of some commission members with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), following appointments made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Retired Justice William Atuguba has publicly condemned these appointments, referring to the members as 'stooges' of the government [346375bd].
Asare's comments also addressed the ongoing call for a forensic audit of the voter register by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). He described the NDC's request as premature, asserting that all previously identified issues with the voter register had been resolved. He invited the NDC to engage in direct discussions to address their concerns [346375bd].
This discourse on electoral integrity is set against the backdrop of a broader political climate in Ghana, where economic challenges have been a focal point. On September 3, 2024, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, criticized the government's handling of the economy, claiming it is 'bleeding' due to high living costs and ineffective tax policies. Forson highlighted the struggles of the cocoa sector and the adverse effects of government tax exemptions that primarily benefit select businesses [269bfd14].
The tension between the ruling NPP and the opposition NDC has intensified as the country approaches the presidential elections. Forson has called for a forensic audit of the voter register, which he claims has irregularities, further complicating the political landscape [269bfd14]. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has emphasized the need for improved journalist compensation to ensure a professional media landscape, which is crucial for informed public discourse during this election period [325182b6].
As the elections draw near, the discussions surrounding the integrity of the electoral process, economic management, and media advocacy will likely play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment and party strategies [269bfd14].
