Anyone against the forensic audit of voter register is more dangerous than a coup plotter – Alhaji Sinare

Alhaji Said Sinare, Chairman of the Zongo Caucus Working Committee of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former Ambassador, has strongly advocated for an independent audit of Ghana’s electoral register and IT system.

Speaking at the "Enough is Enough" demonstration against the Electoral Commission (EC), Alhaji Sinare described the call for a forensic audit as a democratic necessity that should be embraced by all peace-loving Ghanaians.

Addressing why such an audit is necessary, Mr. Sinare criticized the current leadership of the EC, led by Jean Mensah, accusing it of acting as an extension of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He pointed to a controversial decision by the EC to allegedly transfer over 15,000 eligible Ghanaian voters without their knowledge, which he claimed was a violation of the country's electoral laws.

"Since the establishment of the Electoral Commission, this is the first time we have seen an EC that manipulates its IT systems in this manner," Mr Sinare said, adding that such actions jeopardize the credibility of Ghana’s elections.

Mr Sinare emphasized that Ghana has made significant progress in its democratic journey and warned that the NDC and other Ghanaians would not allow the Electoral Commission, under the influence of the NPP, to derail that progress.

He also linked the peaceful coexistence in Ghana to the resilience of its democratic structures, despite the economic challenges he attributed to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s leadership of the Economic Management Team.

"We will not stand idly by and allow this EC to undermine the will of the people by compiling a fraudulent voter register ahead of the 2024 election," Mr Sinare declared, pledging that the NDC would fight to preserve the country’s democracy, a legacy founded by former President Jerry John Rawlings.

Mr Sinare issued a stern warning to the Electoral Commission, urging them to heed the NDC’s calls for a forensic audit to address the alleged irregularities.

He stressed that the NDC would not tolerate a rigged election, vowing to use "every last ounce of energy" to protect the integrity of the December 7 polls.

"The EC must correct the discrepancies in the voter register and their IT system, or face the consequences of a lack of peace," he warned.

The former Ambassador called on Civil Society Organizations, religious leaders, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to support the demand for a credible electoral register.

He further argued that those opposing the audit were “more dangerous than coup plotters” and urged the public to remain resolute in pushing the EC to ensure transparency.

Mr Sinare concluded by assuring Ghanaians that the NDC is committed to seeing the ruling NPP, symbolized by the elephant, "sent into the bush" in the upcoming elections, promising a reset for the nation.