By Francis Ameyibor, GNA
Cape Coast, Feb. 20, GNA – Chiefs and queen mothers in the Central Region have endorsed the implementation modalities being rolled-out for Representation of the People Amendment Act (ROPAA) 2006 (Act699), which gives Ghanaians in the Diaspora the right to vote from abroad.
The traditional leaders however urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to tighten all the loose ends including; how to declare the election results considering the fact that there are different time zones across the world, which may influence the voting trend.
The chiefs and queen mothers stated this during the Central Regional engagement of stakeholders to gather the views of traditional and religious leaders, political parties, media practitioners, people with disability, civil society organisations, gender advocates, security personnel, and a cross section of the public.
The Chiefs included; Obrempong Nyamful Krampah XI, Omanhen of Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Area; and President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs; and Obrempon Appiah Nuumah II, Omanhen of Twifo Traditional Area and a Member of the Council of State, and Vice President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs.
Others were; Osabarima Tibu VI Omanhen of Enyen Denkyira Traditional Area, Nana Idun Andoh XI, Omanhen of Kwamanse tra; Nana Kodwo Kru II, Omanhen of Komenda Traditional Area; Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, Omanhen of Mankesim Traditional Area; Osagyefo Kwame Akonu X, Omanhen of Enyan Aboasa Traditional Area.
Odeefuo Afrankwa III, Omanhen of Breman Essiam; and Osabarima Kwesi Atta II Omanhen of Ogua Traditional Area.
The queen mothers were; Nana Afranfie IV of Assin Fosu; Nana Mmroba Dabo I, of Anumabo; Nana Abena Antwiwaa III, of Twifo; Nana Ekua Enyimah III, of Kwamanse; Nana Adwoa Eduam I, Nsabaa; and Nana Benya VIII, Ekumfi.
The traditional leaders stressed the need to ensure that Ghanaians in the diaspora were protected and not exposed to breach any law in the host countries which would endanger their residential status.
The traditional leaders also urged the EC to re-examine the eligibility criteria of holding a valid Ghanaian passport, a valid resident permit and a proof of dual citizenship for those who claim to hold dual nationality, stressing that the requirements could pose as a restriction to diasporans to participate in the elections.
Other participants raised the issues of neutrality of electoral officials, the citing of a registration centre and polling stations.
Dr Benjamin Kumbuor, who is a member of the EC ROPAA Consultative and Implementation Committee explained that the EC was considering the fact that there were many people abroad who held themselves out as Ghanaians and yet were not.
“To this end, the Committee recommends that anyone who turns up at a registration centre abroad to register as a voter must show evidence of citizenship,” Dr Kumbour who is a representative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the Committee explained.
On citing of Registration Centres and polling stations, Dr Kumbour explained that the Committee considered that ROPAA could not be extended to every country where there was a Ghanaian.
He said the Committee therefore recommended that countries must be grouped into categories for the purpose of setting up registration centres and polling stations.
The categories according to the ROPAA Committee, should be based on countries where Ghana had diplomatic missions and countries that Ghana’s Ambassadors had concurrent accreditation.
“All countries in the above categories must have registration centres and polling stations regardless of the number of Ghanaian nationals resident in those countries,” Dr Kumbour explained.
He said in other countries, a registration centre and polling station could only be provided if the Ghanaian population was at least 500; “no registration centre and polling station should be set up in countries that have less than 500 Ghanaian residents”.
Dr Bossman Eric Asare, EC ROPAA Committee Chairman also explained that the law made provision that any person qualified to be registered as a voter in Ghana or abroad may challenge an applicant’s registration as a voter.
Dr Asare who is also EC Deputy Chairman, in-charge of Corporate Services said the ROPAA Committee is also proposing the setting up of Registration Review Committees (RRC) in every country, where registration would take place to deal with challenges.
The RRC would include; A Pastor/Iman who should be a Ghanaian; a recognised leader of the Ghanaian community in that country; a career officer of Ghana’s mission in that country; a representative of political parties active in that country; and a registration supervisor appointed by the EC who shall be the secretary. The RRC shall appoint their own chairman.
Other members of the EC ROPAA Committee who participated in the Central Regional Consultation included; Mrs Adwoa Abrefa Asuama, EC Member; the Reverend Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfi of the National Peace Council; Professor Ransford Gyampo of the University of Ghana, and Mr Kofi Akpaloo, representing the other minority parties.
Mr Christian Owusu-Parry, EC Director of Administration serves as the Secretary.
Apart from the regional consultative, the Committee would pay a working visit to countries already practising external voting namely; Mali, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile Mrs Jean Mensa, EC Chairperson has tasked the Committee to do a "desk research" on countries that were implementing ROPAA and how it was being implemented in those countries.
She also tasked the Committee to undertake a broader stakeholder consultations with a view to seeking the opinion of key electoral shareholders on the best approach to the implementation of ROPAA.
GNA
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