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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
News
VRA Senior Staff picket against proposed merger with Bui Power Authority
Senior staff of the Volta River Authority (VRA), along with members of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), staged a protest at the VRA headquarters in Accra on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
The protest was in opposition to a proposed merger between the VRA and the Bui Power Authority, which the group believes would undermine the operations of the VRA.
The draft bill currently in Parliament also seeks to consolidate the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and create an independent Thermal Power Authority from VRA’s thermal plants.
Speaking to Citi News during the protest, Theophilus Tetteh Ahia, Chairman of the VRA Senior Staff Association, called for the immediate withdrawal of the merger bill, citing concerns about the future viability of the VRA under the proposed changes.
“Our demand is just for the bill to be withdrawn for a peaceful existence. Because VRA has been established for all these years…The bill that has been laid in parliament should be withdrawn and that is all we are looking for,” he stated.
He continued: “We will continue praying seeking the face of God and we will do everything possible to resist it.”
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
Africa Remittance Conference UK scheduled for September 21
The much anticipated Africa Remittance Conference UK 2024 dubbed “Market of Remittance” will be hosted in London, the capital of the United Kingdom on Saturday September 21, 2024.
It is scheduled to take place at the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel (E14 8RS) in East London from 12noon to 6pm.
The event is being organized by Akwaaba UK in collaboration with Emergent, OmniBSIC BankGhana Limitedand Unity Link, under the theme“Leveraging Fintech and Banking Partnership for Growth”.
According to the organizers, Akwaaba UK, Africa Remittance Conference UK 2024, is a premium networking brand and the largest gathering of leading players, key and relevant stakeholders in the Remittance industries in the United Kingdom, across Europe and Africa.
Speaking on the rationale behind the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Akwaaba UK, Mr. Dennis Tawiah, indicated that the annual event is the first of its kind and a platform created for all recognized players in the Remittance Industry in the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa.
“We are excited to be hosting the Africa Remittance Conference UK 2024 after years of working with key players within the sector within the UK, Europe and across the African continent,” he said.
According to him, “We have identified the need to enhance growth and development in the sector. Remittance contributes to ending poverty and hunger, promoting good health, quality education, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, and reducing inequalities.”
On his part, the International Relations and PR Manager for Akwaaba UK, Chris Koney, highlighted the importance of the Africa Remittance Conference UK 2024and the need for corporate entities to be interested in the conference.
“Strategic partnerships and progress on remittances go hand in hand. Participants at the Africa Remittance Conference UK 2024 will acquire valuable insights, new trends and get to know opportunities in the sector. In addition, the event provides an avenue to explore ways of developing the industry, practitioners and other professionals within the value chain,” he further stated.
In addition to the list of distinguished resource persons and speakers, there will also be Networking and Business-to-Business sessions, Deal Room for Negotiations, Investor Pitching sessions and Exhibition of Innovative Financial and Fintech products and services
