The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused governance think tank, Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) of attempting to usurp the powers of the electoral commission (EC).

NDC's accusation is in reaction to IEA invitation to the party to participate in a debate on the controversy surrounding the voter's register.

The debate, scheduled for Monday morning, seeks to provoke views on whether the current register should be maintained or a new one should be compiled.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) kick started the call for a new electoral roll after presenting what it says are evidence of registration of minors, registration of foreigners among other anomalies in the current one.

The NDC has declined to attend the debate insisting the party would only work with the EC. The party says the EC is the only constitutionally mandated institution to deal with the concerns about the register.

 “It is very surprising that the IEA, is organizing this debate after it was part of a decision that was taken by the, Ghana Political Parties Programme (GPPP), that the EC should be in-charge of this matter,” the NDC said.

The NDC says the EC has opened its doors for submissions from political parties as well as Civil Society Groups, suggesting that if the IEA has any concerns it should be channel it to the EC.

NDC also point out that if the IEA Forum is about collating views to formulate a position of the Ghana Political Parties Programme on the Voters Register, it is rather belated because a comprehensive Report by the GPPP has already been submitted.

However, Executive Director of IEA, Mrs Jean Mensa told Joy News the NDC is entitled to its opinion.

She said “it is funny for the NDC to say IEA is trying to usurp the EC powers”, adding that the institute has been a leader of thought on national issues in the country.

She told the NDC, "this is not a party issue. It is a national issue".