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Sunyani voters confused
about replacement exercise for ID cards
Sunyani (B/A), March 18, Ghanadot/GNA– Some residents in the
Sunyani Municipality misconstrued the on-going exercise by
the Electoral Commission (EC) to replace torn, defaced or
lost photo voter’s identification cards for the general
registration exercise.
Many potential voters since last Friday mistakenly flocked
replacement centres in the municipality to register their
names in order to obtain voters’ identification cards.
During a visit by Ghana News Agency (GNA) reporter on Monday
to some replacement centres in the municipality, prospective
voters were seen receiving education on the
difference between the general registration and the current
replacement exercise.
Potential voters that the reporter spoke with called on the
EC to undertake a massive educational campaign about the
replacement exercise to ensure high turnout.
Mr Ofori Mensah, replacement officer at Ahenboboano
electoral area, told the GNA that only 20 people had
replaced their identification cards since the exercise
commenced.
At Atoase electoral area, Mrs Doris Jawula, replacement
officer, said 26 people had their cards replaced.
She said “I have to take time to educate potential voters
who come to us with the intention to register instead of
coming for replacement.”
Mr Felix Amoah, officer at the Akuoko electoral area, said
24 persons had gone through the replacement process.
The replacement officers said many people claimed they had
lost their identification cards.
The officers attributed the low patronage to misinformation
of the public about the exercise and the lack of education
on the programme.
Reports reaching the GNA office in Sunyani indicated that
some replacement centres within the municipality and other
parts of Brong Ahafo Region were recording low turnout.
The registration exercise was expected to start in May to
enable prospective voters, including those who attained 18
years to register to enable them to vote in the 2008
Election.
GNA
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