IMANI Africa’s Founding President Franklin Cudjoe has raised concerns about the missing biometric verification devices (BVDs) that were recently discovered by the Electoral Commission (EC).
According to Cudjoe, the EC should have conducted a proper audit of the devices instead of discarding them.
During an appearance on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3, Cudjoe criticized the EC for disposing of functioning machines in 2020 and subsequently spending nearly $150 million on new devices.
He emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough audit to ensure transparency and accountability.
IMANI Africa, in a statement, described the EC’s response to the discovery of 10 obsolete BVDs at a recycling company in Madina as full of “lies, half-truths, and pure fantasies.”
The EC had claimed that the devices were legally auctioned and had been acquired before the 2012 elections.
However, IMANI Africa questioned the EC’s assertions, particularly regarding the number of BVDs auctioned off and the disposal of the remaining devices. The policy think tank highlighted inconsistencies in the EC’s handling of the BVDs and called for clarity on the matter.
Cudjoe also raised concerns about the EC’s decision to auction only 10 out of the over 70,000 BVDs that were reportedly in stock.
He questioned why the commission chose to auction a small number of devices and inquired about the fate of the remaining devices.
Overall, IMANI Africa’s critique of the EC’s handling of the BVDs underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
As Ghana prepares for future elections, it is imperative that institutions like the EC prioritize integrity and diligence to maintain public trust in the democratic process.
