Prof. Mike Ocquaye, a former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has called on the national security outfit to launch investigations into allegations leveled against the Electoral Commission (EC).
Delivering a speech at a national debate organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) on Ghana's voters' register, Prof Mike Oquaye strongly called for a Police enquiry into the actions of the EC that resulted in the NPP Supreme Court petition.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) petitioned the Supreme Court over some irregularities in the country's electoral system and pointed out some facts to buttress their position that the voters' register was bloated.
Following the Supreme Court ruling and recommendation for a credible voters' register, the leadership of the NPP disclosed that the voters' register was rife with some unknown identities and has therefore been calling for a new voters' register.
In support of the NPP's call, the former Deputy Speaker also believed the EC has compromised its database.
He added that subsequent research conducted by him has revealed that the register also contained some scanned pictures which were not taken by the EC cameras.
He cast doubt about the quality and credibility of the pictures.
“There’s reliable evidence that foreigners are registered and are voting in Ghana…The register and the whole Electoral Commission database has been compromised to the extent that no audit can make the register clean. The biggest issue is that the register and the whole EC outfit have been compromised. When the outfit has itself been compromised, when the corruption is systematic; it has hit the system itself. Then of course, it is not just a matter of correction. It’s a matter of abandonment in doing the process afresh.
“These are very serious allegations. They can be proved right or otherwise."
Prof. Mike Ocquaye further called for a forensic examination to verify the numerous allegations against the EC.
"Forensic examinations prevail in the world. If we don’t have the expertise, foreigners can help us. This is a matter where Interpol should come in. In fact, we expect that by this time, these matters must have been handed over to the Police already. Some people are alleging such serious criminal offences. In a matter that touches and concerns the very essence of the Republic, the people’s choice as to who should govern them; these are verifiable. As at today, nobody has come to make any Police investigations or asked any questions."
He however wondered why the security forces have failed to invite any of the parties to corroborate the claims.
“Nobody has been invited. No step has been taken. It is as if we don’t care what happens to the EC database.” |
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