The Electoral Commission (EC) registered 85,152 eligible voters in the just-ended limited voter registration exercise in the Central Region.

Of the number, 43,569, representing 51.17 per cent, were males whilst 41,583, making 48.83 per cent, were females.

In all, 46,033 eligible voters were registered through the guarantor system, 39,024 used Ghana cards, 95 used Ghana passports, and 178 were people with disability.

Eligible registrants between ages 18 and 20 constituted the highest record numbers of 74,708, comprising 38,052 males and 36,656 females, followed by those aged 21 to 65 years, representing 10,213, including 4,826 females.

The aged, 66 years and above, were 229 with 101 females.

Mr Manu Sakyi, the Deputy Regional Director of EC, told the Ghana News Agency that some 543 registrants who opted for the guarantor system were challenged mainly on age authenticity.

However, the Commission hoped to deal with all challenged cases by Friday, October 6, through the district committees made up of eminent personalities and institutional representatives.

He gave the assurance that the EC would monitor and take a post-registration action in accordance with the law in order not to disenfranchise any eligible Ghanaian.

The EC began a 21-day exercise from Tuesday, September 12 to Monday, October 2, at its district offices nationwide from 0800 hours to 1700 hours each day, including weekends.

The exercise was to capture people who turned 18 years since the last registration in 2020 as well as other eligible voters who had not previously registered with the EC.

Registration was done online using the District Management System (DMS), as well as offline by way of the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kit.

Though Mr Sakyi could not immediately provide district figures for the exercise, he was elated the registration was successful with maximum cooperation from all stakeholders, particularly political parties, who monitored the process to its logical conclusion.

Challenges encountered in the early days of the registration exercise were quickly resolved, some of which were disruptions in the internet, fluctuations in power, and breakdown of kits, he said.

The online system intermittently suffered breakdown in some areas but was addressed with the addition of the offline data capturing backups.

Mr Sackey mentioned occasional misapprehensions amongst political parties, essentially the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress, but that did not blight the exercise.

Another exercise began on Tuesday, October 3, to Monday, October 9, at all EC district offices for vote transfer and replacement of ID cards.

A total of 3,153 eligible voters, including 1,681 females, were registered in the Assin Central Municipality at the close of the 21-day exercise organized by the Electoral Commission (EC). 

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ransford Tetteyfio, Assin Central Municipal Director of EC, said the exercise was conducted in a serene atmosphere devoid of conflicts and commended the political parties and stakeholders for their immense support. 

However, he said, seven applicants had their registration challenged, but four of the cases were resolved amicably and the remaining were disqualified outright since they were not residents in the town. 

In a related development, Mrs. Christabel Okai, Assin North District Director of EC disclosed to GNA that 3,056 applicants were registered with 1,464 females. 

The exercise was in accordance with Article 45 of the 1992 Constitution. 

It afforded Ghanaians who had attained the voting age of 18 years since the last registration in 2020 and others, who were more than 18 years, but could not register during the last registration, the opportunity to do so. 

She noted that 35 of the applicants were challenged but 33 of the cases were cleared whilst two were dismissed. 

Mrs. Okine applauded political parties in the area for their unflinching support towards the exercise. 

She pointed out that the ongoing voter ID transfer had commenced and appealed to registered voters who wished to make transfers to come along with valid requirements to ensure a transparent exercise. 

Dr Titus K. Beyuo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for the Lambussie constituency has commended all individuals who availed themselves for the voter registration exercise.  

He said the commendation was not only a recognition of their commitment but also a testament to their active participation in the democratic processes that will shape the future of the Lambussie Constituency. 

In a statement issued on Tuesday and copied the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Dr Beyuo further lauded the unwavering determination and patience exhibited by the registrants throughout the registration process, despite the various challenges they encountered. 

He said their resilience demonstrated the true spirit of democracy and civic responsibility, qualities that were integral to the growth and progress of the constituency. 

“This momentous achievement could not have been possible without the collective efforts of numerous individuals, and groups who played vital roles in ensuring the success of the voter registration exercise,” the statement said. 

Dr Beyuo expressed gratitude to the branch executives of the NDC for their tireless efforts in mobilizing and supporting the registrants. 

Others, that he paid tribute to. included the party agents who represented the NDC at the Electoral Commission Office, demonstrating their commitment to fair and transparent electoral processes. 

He said the Constituency Executives of the NDC, whose leadership and guidance were instrumental in facilitating the registration process was an indication of their zeal and commitment to help vote out the NPP. 

He also commended the hardworking officers of the Electoral Commission at the Lambussie District Office, who diligently carried out their duties to ensure a smooth and efficient registration process. 

He said the active participation of constituents in the electoral process is crucial to fostering the growth and progress of Lambussie the Constituency.  

“By exercising their right to vote and engaging in the democratic process, constituents can ensure that their voices are heard and that their needs and aspirations are represented in government, ultimately leading to the advancement, and development of their communities and the entire constituency,” it said.  

Dr Beyuo advised the Lambussie constituents who vote outside the constituency to make use of the vote transfer period by transferring their votes to Lambussie constituency to actively participate in shaping the leadership and, by extension, the development of the constituency. 

He further encouraged all voters who had lost their voter ID cards to take advantage of this occasion to have their cards replaced promptly.