Hassan Ayariga, the Presidential Candidate for the All People’s Congress (APC), has voiced significant frustration regarding the demands from various political parties for a credible Provisional Voter Register ahead of the upcoming 2024 elections. In a candid expression of his discontent, Ayariga highlighted what he perceives as hypocrisy among these parties, as they have historically contributed to the very issues they are now criticizing—specifically, the registration of foreigners and minors in the voter database. He contends that these actions directly undermine the integrity of the electoral system, which they now demand be reliable and accurate. This contradiction, according to Ayariga, raises profound questions about the collective responsibility of political entities in ensuring the authenticity of the electoral process.
Ayariga underscored the critical need for a dependable national data system capable of accurately capturing the information of all citizens. He acknowledged the initiatives undertaken by the Electoral Commission and other governmental bodies aimed at refining data accuracy, but he pointed out that the current data infrastructure in Ghana is woefully inadequate compared to more developed countries. He criticized the fragmented approach that Ghana has taken, where multiple entities like the National Insurance Health scheme, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, and the Electoral Commission operate without an integrated system. This piecemeal method has, in his view, resulted in significant inefficiencies and inaccuracies within the national data system.
To address these systemic shortcomings, Ayariga has advocated for the adoption of the APC’s proposed national data system, which he believes could furnish a thorough and precise database encompassing the entire population. He expressed confidence that such a system would address the data collection deficiencies that have plagued Ghana for years. With a comprehensive system in place, he argued, the nation could effectively track and manage citizens’ information from birth through old age, thus contributing to a more reliable electoral register. By establishing a centralized and efficient data management system, Ayariga believes that the issues surrounding the voter register could be substantially mitigated.
During his remarks, Ayariga also emphasized the importance of acknowledging the existing challenges in the national data collection process. He pointed out that while the aspiration for flawless data is commendable, it is unrealistic to expect 100% accuracy in the voter register when the underlying data compilation processes are flawed. Political parties, including those that now demand a credible register, share in the responsibility for creating and maintaining an inaccurate voter roll. He argued that admitting to these shortcomings is essential for paving the way to meaningful reform.
In raising these points, Ayariga seeks to foster a constructive dialogue about the state of Ghana’s electoral system and the political landscape. His critique is meant to provoke thought about the shared responsibility among political actors to enhance the legitimacy and reliability of the voter registration process. The push for a credible voter register should not only underscore the need for accountability but also prompt a re-evaluation of the systems and practices currently in place.
In conclusion, Hassan Ayariga’s call for a robust national data system reflects a broader recognition of the urgent need for electoral reform in Ghana. The confluence of his advocacy for technological advancement and a more integrated approach to data collection points to a vision of a better-managed electoral system. By addressing the historical injustices and inefficiencies in the voter registration process, Ayariga aims to bring attention to the critical links between accurate data management and the integrity of democratic processes, thereby encouraging a more transparent and fair electoral environment.
