EC trains Ada East Visually impaired voters on tactile jacket usage

By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu

Kasseh, Nov. 23, GNA – The Ada East District Office of the Electoral Commission (EC) has organised a sensitisation exercise to guide visually impaired registered voters on the use of tactile jackets. 

A tactile jacket is a special device designed to help visually impaired persons exercise their franchise independently during the upcoming December 7 general election. 

Briefing the media after the exercise, Mr Reynold Amartefio, the Ada East District Electoral Officer, said the EC’s objective was to ensure that visually impaired voters are fully prepared to cast their ballots. 

He explained that the tactile jacket has been in use since 2016, although it is limited to only some polling stations. 

He assured the electorates that all preparations for a smooth and peaceful election were in place. 

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Theophilus Dugbartey Ayim, the Ada East District General Secretary of the Persons with Disabilities Association, described the exercise as timely, empowering visually impaired voters to independently make their choices in the upcoming polls. 

He stated that the tactile jacket was used during the 2020 general election in the Ada East and West Districts and had since been available during all other national elections. 

Mr Ayim also encouraged all eligible voters, especially persons with disabilities, to avoid being influenced to engage in any activities that could disrupt the election process, warning that the law will take its course if anyone is caught causing chaos. 

Madam Martha Senedzu, a participant, expressed appreciation for the exercise, stating that it had empowered those unaware of the tactile jacket to confidently exercise their franchise. 

She thanked the EC for organising the event and ensuring inclusivity in the voting process. 

GNA