By Samuel Yaokumah
Akropong-Akuapem (E/R) Nov. 29, GNA – The Electoral Commission (EC) has reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections in the Akuapem North Constituency, emphasising its keenness to guaranteeing an electoral process that upholds the integrity of democracy.
The assurances came as Ghanaians prepare for the upcoming polls, with various stakeholders converging at the Christ Presbyterian Youth Centre for an advocacy forum organized by Star Ghana Foundation and its partners in Akropong-Akuapem.
The key stakeholders included security services, representatives of Christian council of churches, civil society groups, Larteh Trade Union, assembly members and drivers’ union groups.
This function was one of the programmes the foundation had outlined to nip voter apathy in the bud and to disabuse the act of violence in the minds of the people.
Addressing participants, Nana Adwoa Afriyie Bonsu, the Programmes Manager at International Child Development Programme (ICDP), commended the people for attending the programme in their numbers.
She noted that Ghanaians were now becoming discerning and mature in every facet of life and urged all stakeholders not to keep the message impacted onto them in their pockets but to discuss and share with their families, friends, and colleagues.
She also employed assembly members to organize education forums at their respective ends on inclusive participation and accountable governance.
During his presentation, Mr. Solomon Angaaga, the Akuapem North Municipal Electoral Officer, assured that the E.C was fully prepared for the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections.
He advised community members to treat all messages coming from radio stations and social media on rigging and other unpalatable stories about the Electoral Commission with all the contempt it deserved.
He said elections were won at the polling stations and that the various political parties should be vigilant and observe the election process with eagle eyes.
He stressed that organization of an election followed a systematic process but not in a midstream, explaining that the E.C works with data as its operational tool.
“The process begins with registration of voters and other laid down procedures until voting is done,” he added.
He responded and clarified several questions from participants, some of which were based on proxy voting, stories emanating from radio stations on rigging, and verification system.
He emphasized that the E.C operated with rules and regulation, and as referees, they would like to ensure level playing grounds for all political parties to access.
He also assured the people of the Commission’s professionalism in the December 7 polls, and further pointed out that in the coming election, all polling stations were made disability friendly.
He noted that preferential treatment would be given to People Living with Disabilities, Pregnant women, and the aged no matter how long the queue might be at the polling station.
The Assistant Superintendent of police, Lydia Wemega, who doubles as a Shift Police Commander for Akropong District, commented on the preparedness of the security services towards the elections.
She said the police have started mapping strategies as to how best to dispatch officers to every nuke and cranny of its jurisdiction.
She said as far as the police was concerned, the December 7 polls would be free, fair, transparent and peaceful,
GNA