Audio By Carbonatix
The Electoral Commission (EC) has continued justification of its new Constitutional Instrument proposal presented to Parliament.
EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa explained the rationale that informed her conclusion to use the Ghana Card as the only verification document in acquiring a Voters' Identification Card.
She admitted that the system employed by the National Identification Authority (NIA) in securing a Ghana Card is vibrant for which reason her outfit has decided to fall on their product.
Jean Mensa made these comments after finally appearing before the House following a summon.
“I think the NIA system is more robust because they have persons who come through swearing an oath, we don't," she told Parliament.
The newly proposed instrument by the EC has been resisted vehemently by the Minority.
Some of them claim the development has the propensity to disenfranchise a section of Ghanaians.
But the EC Chairperson proffered other reasons why this move is the best, given the circumstance.
"Secondly, those who serve as guarantees have their details attached to the person's application and we don't," Jean Mensa added.
However, the NDC lawmakers would have none of that.
MP for Asunafo South, Eric Opoku is baffled by the EC's supposed inability to deploy a measure, similar to the NIA's system.
"Why can't the Electoral Commission deploy the same robust or even super robust one as an alternative route for those who do not have the Ghana Card to have their name on the roll?" he quizzed.
Also inherent in the CI is a requirement that persons who want to register to do so at an EC district office.
The Asunafo South legislator sees this modality places a hindrance in the path of Ghanaians above 18 years old without the capacity to travel to secure the Voters' ID Card.
"So now, if you don't have money to travel to the district office, you cannot register and participate in the voting? Is that what you are telling us? Are you monetising the registration process?" he asked.
Latest Stories
-
Legal vacation trials: Chief Justice has power to order specific cases heard – Young Lawyers Forum President
22 minutes -
Oil rises as doubts over US-Iran deal heighten supply concerns
40 minutes -
Nigeria police say 10 officers, 17 suspected bandits killed in clash in Kebbi state
49 minutes -
Vacation courts can handle substantive matters – Young Lawyers Forum challenges GBA position
55 minutes -
Oil, gold prices rise as geopolitical tensions mount before CPI
1 hour -
Congo says number of confirmed Ebola cases rises to 4,449
1 hour -
Trump says he switched planes after Nato summit because of possible threat
1 hour -
Ghana’s exports surpass imports after two decades of trade imbalances
2 hours -
Gold concentration exposes Ghana to export risks – GSS
2 hours -
Ghana’s tomato, ginger shortfalls deepen import bill, CSIR researchers say
2 hours -
Beyond connectivity, Telecel Group is investing in young learners’ digital and soft skills
2 hours -
Here’s why Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is perfect device for your favourite content
2 hours -
UAE donates relief items worth over GH¢12m to June 29 flood victims
2 hours -
Ghana strengthens fight against sea crimes with major Maritime Offences Bill
3 hours -
South Africa dump site collapse kills 14 suspected illegal miners
4 hours