Ghana’s main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), organized nationwide protests on Tuesday, alleging irregularities in the country’s voter register ahead of the upcoming elections. The NDC is calling for an independent forensic audit to eliminate errors from the voter roll, ensuring free and fair elections.
Ghana is set to hold presidential elections on December 7, where voters will choose a successor to President Nana Akufo-Addo, who will step down in January after serving two terms. The election will see former President John Dramani Mahama of the NDC face off against Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party.
“We are not asking for a big favor from the electoral commission, we are demanding our right to free and fair elections,” Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah, the chairman of the NDC told party members before the protest march in Accra.
Dressed in red and black, thousands of supporters marched through the main streets of Accra, the capital, with reggae and campaign songs blaring from loudspeakers. They called on international organizations, Ghana’s peace council, and religious and civil society groups to step in and address the alleged voter roll irregularities.
As Ghana prepares for a pivotal election, experts have urged the Electoral Commission to act swiftly in restoring public confidence.
Ghana, renowned as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, experienced violence during the last election, which resulted in about eight deaths. The election was also marred by opposition claims of government interference, which were denied by the authorities.
Ghana’s elections have traditionally been seen as a beacon of stability in a region marked by political instability and extremism. This year’s election is particularly significant, as it features two major candidates from the northern regions for the first time in Ghana’s political history: Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP and former President John Mahama of the NDC. For many Ghanaians, ensuring the credibility of the voter register is crucial not only for the election’s outcome but for preserving the integrity of their democracy.
