News
EC outlines COVID-19 measures for compilation of new voters register
The Electoral Commission (EC) has outlined measures to curb spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as it laces its boots for the compilation of a new voters register.
Though it is yet to give an exact date for the exercise, the EC has given indication of compiling a new register once it gets the green light from health experts.
The move has however received disapproval from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other minor political parties.
A statement released by the EC yesterday assured that all officials of the commission will be in appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should the exercise take place.
Among others, electorate will be required to maintain a minimum distance of one metre while in a queue to register as the wearing of a face mask is compulsory before one enters the registration centre.
According to the EC, one’s temperature will be checked before allowed at a registration centre as it makes provision for hand washing facilities before “you join the queue.”
“Scanners will be wiped with alcohol wipes before capturing finger prints and you will be provided with hand sanitiser before you leave the registration centre,” it said.
The EC had scheduled April 18 for compilation of the new voters register ahead of the December general elections but had to put it on hold due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.
The move to discard the old voter register, the EC contends, is in favour of the new Biometric Voter Management System (BVMS) which would among other things have a facial recognition ability.
It would also help address verification challenges that often occur during elections.
The NDC has however vehemently resisted attempts by the EC to register citizens for a new register amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The context is, don’t just think about your staff, think about the health, safety and lives of citizens who will be queuing for the purpose of getting registered,” Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr Haruna Iddrisu had argued in a recent news conference.
They also questioned the priorities of the government and the EC amid the novel coronavirus pandemic because of the allocation of PPE to the commission.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
News
NPP is so hurt by my nomination – Sam George
The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, and Member of Parliament(MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, says opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) are hurt by his nomination.
The minister who was approved by the majority in Parliament yesterday in a Facebook post stated that “It is clear to me that the NPP is so hurt by my nomination as Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations and would stop at nothing to fight it.”
His post was in response to photos circulated on social media suggesting he was watching what appears to be nude content on his phone.
Mr. Sam George accused the NPP MPs of circulating fake photos with a false narration to tarnish his reputation, saying: “They have resorted to a smear campaign and cheap lies with fake photos.”
“After failing to mobilise their own Caucus in Parliament to vote against my nomination, they have resorted to smear campaign and cheap lies with fake photos,” he posted.
He concluded, “I can assure them that the days of misinformation and cheap fabricated lies are coming to an end. The Ministry would tighten regulations on such illegal conducts of misinformation and disinformation in the coming weeks and sanitise our media space.So help me God.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
New BoG governor can’t engage in official duties – Afenyo-Markin to Mahama
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin has raised concerns over the assumption of official duties by Dr. Johnson Asiamah as Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
The former Deputy Governor was recently nominated by President John Dramani, on January 31, 2025, to serve as Governor, pending approval by the Council of State.
This follows a formal request by the current Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, to proceed on leave ahead of his retirement on March 31, 2025.
However, in a letter to President Mahama dated February 4, Minority Leader raised serious concerns with Dr. Asiamah’s assumption of office in the absence of the Council of State.
“Your Excellency, it is my considered view that Dr. Johnson Asiamah should refrain from engaging in official duties at the Bank of Ghana until his nomination has been duly approved by the Council of State. While awaiting confirmation, he can seek any necessary briefings outside the formal assumption of office,” the letter noted.
He added, “I trust that due attention will be given to this matter to uphold the integrity of our institutional processes.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Read full statement below
