Peace Council Endorses EC’s Position on Ghana Card as Sole Voter Registration Document The National Peace Council (NPC) has declared its support for the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to make the Ghana Card the sole identification document for voter registration during the upcoming 2024 general elections. In a statement released on Tuesday, the NPC stated that it has carefully considered the EC’s rationale behind the decision and believes it “will enhance the credibility and integrity of our electoral process.” The Council highlighted several reasons for its support: * Elimination of Multiple Registrations: The Ghana Card’s biometric features will make it impossible for individuals to register multiple times, reducing the risk of voter impersonation and fraud. * Improved Voter Verification: The Ghana Card’s unique biometric identifier will allow for accurate and efficient voter verification on Election Day, minimizing the potential for duplicate voting. * National Security Enhancement: The elimination of multiple voter registrations and improved voter verification will strengthen Ghana’s national security by preventing unauthorized individuals from participating in the electoral process. The NPC acknowledged concerns raised by some groups, but emphasized that the EC has taken steps to ensure inclusivity. The Council encouraged the EC to continue its efforts to educate the public and address any challenges that may arise during the registration process. The Peace Council urged all political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens to “cooperate with the EC and support their efforts to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2024.” The EC’s decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some political parties and advocacy groups have expressed concerns about potential disenfranchisement, particularly for citizens who do not have Ghana Cards. However, the NPC’s support is likely to provide a boost to the EC’s position and reassure the public of the integrity of the upcoming voter registration exercise.Endorsement of Ghana Card for Voter Registration by the Peace CouncilEndorsement of Ghana Card for Voter Registration by the Peace Council Image: President of the Peace Council, Reverend Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi Body: The Ghana Peace Council has expressed its support for the Ghana Electoral Commission’s (EC) proposal to implement the use of the Ghana Card as the sole document for voter registration in the country. In a meeting with the EC on June 26, 2024, the Council’s Chairman, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi, cited the lack of a central identification system as a major contributing factor to electoral challenges in Ghana. He argued that the Ghana Card would address this issue, eliminating the potential for foreign interference and gerrymandering. Dr. Gyamfi noted that during the limited voter registration exercise in April 2024, over 60% of registrants used the guarantor system, which raises concerns about the reliability of the electoral register. In contrast, only 39% used the Ghana Card. He emphasized that implementing the Ghana Card for voter registration would ensure that Ghanaians elect their leaders, rather than foreigners. While he acknowledged that using the Ghana Card for the upcoming 2024 elections would have been challenging due to time constraints, he stressed its importance for future elections. The Peace Council’s endorsement adds weight to the EC’s proposal and highlights the need for a comprehensive and reliable voter registration system in Ghana.The National Peace Council has expressed its support for the Electoral Commission’s (EC) position that the Ghana Card should be the sole identification document for voter registration. The Council believes that using the Ghana Card will enhance the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, as it is a biometric identification system that can help prevent multiple registrations and impersonation. The Council also noted that the Ghana Card is widely available and accessible to most Ghanaians, making it a convenient and inclusive option for voter registration. The Peace Council urged all political parties and stakeholders to support the EC’s decision and work together to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. The Council called for public education and awareness campaigns to ensure that all eligible voters are registered and have access to the necessary information to participate in the voter registration process. The EC has stated that it will use the Ghana Card as the sole identification document for voter registration in the 2024 general elections. The move has been met with some opposition from political parties and civil society groups, who argue that it will disenfranchise eligible voters who do not have the card. However, the EC maintains that the Ghana Card is the most reliable and secure form of identification, and that it is committed to ensuring that all eligible voters are able to register and vote in the 2024 elections.