Former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, has called on party supporters to join the nationwide demonstration on September 17, 2024, to demand accountability from the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana over alleged irregularities in the voter register.

The NDC has raised concerns about the credibility of the register ahead of the December 7 general elections, calling for an independent forensic audit.

The EC, in response, has acknowledged challenges with the register but noted that anomalies have been addressed, citing past corrections made to the 2016 register, which allegedly contained images of plants and animals.

Speaking at a campaign launch for Upper Manya Krobo MP, Bismark Tetteh Nyarko, Dr. Ofosu Ampofo stated, “We will demonstrate and demand from the EC that they should let us know any constituency where there were names of plants and animals in the register. They cannot insult the integrity of Ghanaians.”

He emphasized that the NDC would engage the international community, faith-based organizations, and civil society groups to ensure the voter register is “credible and fit for purpose.”

Dr. Ofosu Ampofo further criticized the EC for admitting to challenges with the current register, stating, “The voter register is the heartbeat of the election. Every integrity of the electoral process centres on the register. For the first time since 1992, the Electoral Commission has organized a press conference to admit that there are problems with our register.”

He added, “We want an independent forensic audit of the register,” noting that the EC’s explanation of past irregularities was insufficient. “Our brother, Tettey, who led this press conference, was the Director of Elections for the EC before the 2016 elections,” he pointed out.

Turning his attention to the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Ofosu Ampofo claimed that the NPP is aware of the NDC’s impending electoral victory. He pointed to the fact that several close associates of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia were contesting for parliamentary seats in the NPP’s stronghold of Walewale.

“How do people who are walking with the Vice President and working in his office all of a sudden change their minds to contest as MPs? If you truly believe he will win the election, why abandon a special position like spokesperson for the Presidential Candidate and go look for a parliamentary seat?” he questioned.

Dr. Ofosu Ampofo further urged the people of Upper Manya Krobo to reject the NPP and vote for the NDC’s parliamentary candidate, Bismark Tetteh Nyarko, in order to support John Dramani Mahama’s plans to move the country forward. “Mahama will need a majority in parliament to reset the country and ensure Ghana becomes an oasis of peace, development, and progress,” he said.

The Eastern Region Chairman of the NDC, Mark Oliver Kevor, officially launched the campaign, urging constituents to vote for both John Mahama and Bismark Tetteh Nyarko to ensure coordinated development in the constituency.

The event also saw the parliamentary candidate, Bismark Tetteh Nyarko, donating a brand-new canoe to assist fishermen in the Akateng community, reinforcing his commitment to supporting the constituency.