Government has rescinded its decision to set up a procurement committee to for the purchase of electoral materials for the voters’ registration process and the 2004 elections.

In a GhanaHomePage Online Poll, conducted in early October, over 80% of those polled agreed it is the responsibility of the electoral commission not the government [SEE POLL]

The withdrawal of the decision follows a meeting between the commission and government representatives after consultations with the international donor community. The electoral commission is expected to make an announcement soon on the composition of its own procurement committee.

Addressing a news conference in Accra on Thursday, Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Yaw Osafo Marfo, said cabinet’s decision to appoint the committee was to protect the interest of the tax payer but not to hand the ruling New Patriotic Party any advantage in the 2004 General elections.

"It is important for all of us to know that all monies given for an institution comes from the tax payer. Transparency and accountability cannot be ignored by the ministry so we cannot allow any group to use funds unaccounted for. But to ensure the independence of the commission it is important that they form their own committee", he said.

The decision by cabinet to establish the procurement committee for the commission was vehemently opposed by the Electoral commission on the grounds that it would compromise its neutrality, integrity and independence. Various groups including the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Institute of Economic Affairs also backed the EC’s opposition on the same grounds.

The electoral commission would now announce the composition of a new committee. Osafo Marfo says the new composition of the new committee has been accepted by gorvenment but that it would be managed strictly by the Commission.