In a fervent display of civic activism, SOLIDS for John Dramani Mahama (SOLIDS for JDM), a key support group within Ghana's political landscape, has echoed strong demands for an audit of the provisional national voter’s register.

This call came during a nationwide demonstration organized by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as the party and its supporters voiced their concerns about electoral fraud and malpractices that they believe could undermine the integrity of Ghana's electoral process.

Nana Pokua Abankwa, the Chairperson and Founder of SOLIDS for JDM, took centre stage at the event, calling on the Electoral Commission (EC) to act swiftly in addressing what she termed as "glaring discrepancies and irregularities" within the current voter's register.

According to her, the integrity of Ghana’s elections is under threat if the register is not thoroughly audited ahead of the next general election.

“These are not mere allegations; they are matters of national security and fairness. A credible election is the cornerstone of democracy. Without an accurate and trusted voter’s register, the will of the people is likely to be compromised, leading to illegitimate leadership," Abankwa emphasized.

The demonstration, which saw thousands of NDC supporters take to the streets across various regions of Ghana, was peaceful, with chants and placards demanding transparency from the EC.

The SOLIDS for JDM Chairperson outlined several reasons why an audit is not only necessary but urgent. She highlighted how a flawed voter’s register could lead to disputes and violence, both of which would severely harm Ghana’s democratic reputation and political stability.

“An audit of the voter’s register will help cleanse the system, ensuring that only eligible Ghanaians are on the electoral roll. This process should be transparent and done in consultation with all political stakeholders to guarantee fairness,” she added.

SOLIDS for JDM also warned that the credibility of the 2024 general election could be in jeopardy if swift measures are not taken. Abankwa cited examples of other countries where disputes over electoral registers led to social unrest, emphasizing that Ghana must avoid such pitfalls to safeguard its democracy.

The nationwide demonstration, held under the auspices of the NDC, has been seen as a major step in the party’s broader push for electoral reforms ahead of the 2024 elections. Leading figures within the NDC have, in recent months, raised alarm over what they believe to be irregularities in the EC’s handling of voter data and registration processes.

Former President John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s flagbearer, has repeatedly spoken about the need for reforms, urging the EC to prioritize transparency and collaboration with all political parties. He has warned that failure to address these issues could lead to a crisis of confidence in the electoral system, which would harm both the EC’s credibility and the broader democratic process.

While the NDC continues to raise its concerns, the EC has maintained that the current register is credible and fit for purpose, although it has expressed its willingness to engage stakeholders on any issues that may arise.

In her remarks, Abankwa reiterated the importance of collaboration between the EC, political parties, and civil society groups to ensure that the audit is conducted efficiently and effectively. She called on the government and international bodies to support the initiative, noting that an election free of malpractice would bolster Ghana’s global image as a beacon of democracy in Africa.

“As citizens, we are demanding accountability, not just for today but for future generations. We want Ghana to be where our votes count and democracy thrives. This is not about any one party; it is about the nation and the future we want to build,” Abankwa concluded, drawing applause from the crowd.