EC faces court action over ROPAL

Some Ghanaians domiciled abroad have threatened to sue the Electoral Commission (EC), chaired by Charlotte Osei, regarding the implementation of the Representation of the People’s Amendment Law (ROPAL).

They are Adrebea Damoah, in London; Yaw Annor Poku aka Walker Pee, Mulhem; Amponsah Yeboah aka Kakabo, London; Sarkodie Ababio aka DJ Sources, London; Rebecca Asante aka Auntie Berky, Germany; Kwaku Anane Gyinde, Germany and a group called CENAB, United Kingdom.

It will be recalled that on February 24, 2006, ROPAL received presidential assent, thereby paving the way for its implementation.

Upon passing the law, the EC was authorized to devise a means of implementing it within a reasonable period of time.

When implemented, ROPAL would allow Ghanaians living abroad to vote, but it is yet to be implemented by the EC.

Nana Obiri Boahen, lawyer for the plaintiffs, in a notice to seek redress in court dated May 8, 2017 and addressed to the EC, said the plaintiffs had been compelled “by the uncooperative and lackadaisical attitude of the commission in creating the necessary condition and environment for Ghanaians resident outside Ghana to vote.”

He said it is an undeniable fact that in 2020, there will be another general election in the country, indicating that every arrangement ought to be put in place as early as possible to ensure that in 2020 eligible Ghanaians resident outside the country can vote.

Nana Obiri Boahen warned, “We will resort to whatever legal means readably available to ensure that eligible Ghanaians outside do exercise their franchise.”