News
What is ‘premium’ about a Ghana card?
Dear Editor,
The National Identification Card otherwise known as the ‘Ghana card’ is supposed to be necessity and not luxury. Every Ghanaian is entitled to it, hence the authority charged to produce the cards must treat it as a public service.
The card, in my opinion, is being treated as a scarce commodity with the National Identification Authority (NIA) acting as private enterprise other than a state institution.
Apart from the challenges citizens had to endure in registering for the card, issuance of the card had delayed until recently when the NIA decided to release them.
Early this week, I overheard the NIA boss saying the authority intends to introduce a “premium service” for individuals who are unable to register for the card during the mass registration.
Per the arrangement, the service would be available after December 2020 where individuals or institutions would have to pay between GH¢ 100.00 and GH¢ 250.00 to acquire the card.
This announcement got me thinking; why should there be a ‘premium’ on a Ghana card? With this, the authority seems to be aiming at making profit which, I think, should not be the case.
I am aware a good number of citizens do not have the card but how many of them can pay this amount after December? Does the NIA intend to treat the Ghana card as a passport or driver’s licence?
I believe the authority must be thinking of making the card more accessible to the public even after the mass registration, and should not be thinking of making profit.
Citizens do not have to spend that much to acquire a Ghana card. We have had a fair share of institutions that have ‘bullied’ us well enough in this regard. The NIA must not join them.
Kakra Ofori
Mampong
News
Gomoa West: NPP, NDC supporters clash over commissioning of DRIP equipment
Supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday morning clashed over the commissioning of machinery for the District Road Infrastructure Project in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region.
According to Citi News sources, the conflict began when NDC supporters questioned the decision to display images of Bismark Basie Nkum, the NPP’s Gomoa West parliamentary candidate on the DRIP machinery.
This disagreement quickly escalated, almost leading to a physical altercation between the two groups.
Baisie Nkum, who doubles as the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gomoa West, further claimed that the Member of Parliament for the area, Richard Gyan Mensah, brandished a pistol and issued threats against the NPP’s local leadership.
A viral video circulating on social media captured the DCE accusing MP Richard Gyan Mensah of pulling out a gun and threatening NPP supporters during the heated incident.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
Why should you resist calls for forensic audit? – Alan quizzes EC
Founder of Moment for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has advised the Electoral Commission (EC) to address concerns identified by political parties ahead of the December elections.
According to him, the commission has the mandate to conduct free and fair elections and must ensure that all stakeholders trust the system. If concerns are raised about the process, he said the EC should work to clear any doubts in the minds of the people.
His comments were in response to whether the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) request for a forensic audit of the register.
Mr. Kyerematen stated that the NDC, being a major stakeholder, has pointed out certain discrepancies. Therefore, the EC has the responsibility to prove that it is committed to running a free and fair election.
Speaking on JoyNews’ News Desk on September 16, he said “For the sake of ensuring the integrity of the elections, to respond to the specific cases that have been identified about irregularities in the voters’ register.
“It only goes to enhance the credibility of the commission. Yes. It [ forensic audit] has to be. I am not sure why there should be a resistance to that. Because, yes the Electoral Commission has indicated that they have responded to those comments.
“But we have to put all reasonable doubt. There is a need to have a credible voters register. So if there is an indication that there is still doubt associated with the electoral register, then let us allow an extensive comprehensive audit, which can be done without any difficulty,” he said.
The presidential aspirants said this would help improve perception about the credibility of the EC.
Mr Kyerematen said although the EC has an incredible track record in Africa, there is a need to ensure that their reputation remains intact.
Additionally, he said the election management body has the responsibility to prove that the electoral register is clean and has no basis for complaints.
“It is only through an audit that this could happen.” he said.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
