Jean Mensa – Chairperson of Electoral Commission
In a groundbreaking move, Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that it will broadcast the upcoming Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting live on Tuesday, October 1.
This decision marks a significant shift in the EC’s stance on transparency and accountability, particularly in the lead-up to the December general elections.
Background of the IPAC Meeting
The IPAC meeting brings together representatives from all registered political parties and the EC to discuss electoral reforms, operational challenges, and strategies for ensuring credible elections.
Previous meetings have been closed-door affairs, sparking concerns over the need for greater openness in election-related deliberations.
NDC’s Call for Transparency
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been vocal in its calls for live broadcasts of IPAC meetings.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, emphasized the importance of transparency in building trust and preventing conflict.
“The live broadcast will provide Ghanaians with real-time and unbiased information on the state of the 2024 voters register,” Dr. Boamah stated.
“This level of openness will ensure that all stakeholders receive accurate and unfiltered information, fostering trust in the electoral process.”
EC’s Change of Heart
Despite initially rejecting the NDC’s request, the EC has now shifted its stance, citing the need to foster confidence in the electoral process.
The Commission stressed that this move was made independently and not in response to external pressure.
-BY Daniel Bampoe