A member of parliament for Ketu South, Dzifa Gomashie, has accused Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), of engaging in double registration. Gomashie alleged that the Electoral Commission (EC) is too intimidated to address the issue.
This is not the first time Ahiagbah has allegedly been allowed to bypass electoral regulations. Gomashie pointed out a previous incident in 2020 where, despite irregularities in his registration, Ahiagbah was still permitted to vote after making multiple calls at his polling station.
“How was his name not in the register yet he could vote?” Gomashie questioned, expressing her frustration with the perceived leniency towards Ahiagbah.
Evidence has emerged showing that Mr. Ahiagbah voted in the 2020 election without his name being printed on the voter roll. A photo of the voter register used during the election displayed details of Ahiagbah, including his voter identification number, name, age, date of birth, and polling station code, written by an electoral official at the bottom of the register before he cast his vote.
During a phone-in session with Nana Yaa Brefo on Yen Nsempa, co-hosted by Isaac Ekow JB, Gomashie expressed concerns about the “raw intimidation” caused by Richard Ahiagbah and his convoy at the Ketu South electoral registration center on May 22, 2024.
When questioned about Ahiagbah’s denial of the double registration claims, Gomashie admitted her disappointment with the lack of transparency from the EC.
“I am so disappointed in the electoral system in this country and some of its staff who condone people to do the wrong thing,” she lamented.
Gomashie highlighted the challenges and shortcomings that could obstruct a free and fair election, especially when individuals assisting the EC are often criticized.
“If we want to have a free and fair election in Ghana, this intimidation is unnecessary and will not let the goal be achieved,” she emphasized.
Gomashie urged Ghanaians, particularly politicians, to uphold integrity, stating, “We must stand for something, else we stand for anything.”
Overall, Gomashie’s accusations against Ahiagbah and the perceived lack of action from the EC raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Ghana. It remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed to ensure a transparent and fair election in the future.
