The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has escalated pressure on the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana following the recent theft of critical biometric equipment from the heavily surveilled EC headquarters. In a press conference held on April 15, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the NDC, presented 35 probing questions aimed at eliciting detailed clarification from the EC regarding the circumstances surrounding the theft and subsequent actions taken.
The brazen theft of vital biometric equipment has sparked widespread concerns about the integrity of Ghana’s upcoming elections, prompting the NDC to demand written answers from the EC. The party seeks accountability and transparency in the handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive action to address the security breach.
The questions posed by the NDC cover a range of critical aspects related to the incident, delving into the discovery of the missing kits, the timeline of events leading up to the theft, efforts undertaken by the EC to recover the equipment, and protocols for the safekeeping of sensitive items at the EC headquarters. Additionally, the NDC seeks clarification on the deployment of Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) to polling stations, stressing the paramount importance of safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.
The NDC’s demands underscore the gravity of the situation and the urgency for thorough investigation and accountability measures to be implemented by the EC. The party’s insistence on detailed answers reflects a commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.
The theft of biometric equipment, considered essential for voter verification and authentication, has raised serious concerns among stakeholders regarding the potential implications for the credibility of Ghana’s elections. With the electoral landscape already fraught with tensions and uncertainties, the need for swift and transparent action to address the security breach cannot be overstated.
As the EC grapples with mounting pressure and scrutiny, stakeholders and the public alike await meaningful responses to the NDC’s inquiries. The resolution of this issue will not only determine the EC’s credibility but also play a crucial role in shaping the trust and confidence of Ghanaian citizens in the electoral process.
Below are the questions the NDC is seeking answers to:
- 1.Have the missing kits been found?
- 2.If so, when (date & time) and where were they found? How were the missing items discovered?
- 3.How many kits are missing and cannot be found or traced?
- 4.What are the serial numbers of the kits under discussion?
- 5.Does the EC have the purchasing invoices together with serial numbers at the time of purchase of the missing items?
- 6.Did the EC have an official recorded inventory of the missing items prior to the theft?
- 7.Is there a present inventory of such sensitive items to aid a comprehensive inquiry that can allay the fears of stakeholders?
- 8.When (date & time using CCTV) did the EC become aware that the items were missing, did the EC hold an immediate/emergency formal meeting to discuss the missing items?
- 9.If yes: (a) who attended that meeting? (b) Are there minutes of that meeting? (c) Was it resolved at that meeting to report to the police?
- 10.If it was reported to the police, what is the time lapse between the discovery of the theft and the report to the police?
- 11.Who in the EC made the report to the police?
- 12.Is there a formal extract of the report to the police?
- 13.What is the status of the report?
- 14.Is there a weekly/regular briefing on the status of the report?
- 15.Has the EC received any statements or reports from the persons with personal charge of the kits regarding the loss of the kits? Kindly provide us copies of the statements or reports, if any.
- 16.Did the police arrest the culprit(s)? Is or are the culprit(s) on bail? Is or are the culprit(s) still in Ghana?
- 17.When was the last time these kits were deployed for purposes of voter registration?
- 18.Where were the kits kept before they were deployed?
- 19.Which registration stations used the missing kits?
- 20.Who specifically was/were in charge of the kits when they were last deployed for registration?
- 21.Did the missing kits contain any data of voters and EC apps?
- 22.If yes, does the EC have backups for the data stored on the missing kits?
- 23.If yes, had the data already been transferred either manually or electronically to the National Voters Register for purposes of voting in the future?
- 24.What are the protocols for storing such devices at the EC headquarters?
- 25.Were these protocols followed for the missing items?
- 26.Who is personally responsible for the safekeeping of these items?
- 27.The individuals responsible for these items, are they permanent or temporary EC staff?
- 28.If temporary staff, how long have they worked for the EC?
The NDC’s decision to pose these questions underscores its commitment to holding the EC accountable and safeguarding the transparency of Ghana’s electoral process. By seeking detailed answers, the NDC aims to provide reassurance to the Ghanaian public and prevent any potential compromises in the upcoming elections.
The EC is yet to respond to the NDC’s demands for written answers, but the pressure continues to mount as stakeholders await clarification on the troubling incident. With the elections drawing nearer, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the EC’s response and its efforts to address the concerns raised by the NDC and other concerned parties.
