A Nation at a Crossroads: Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe Plea for Electoral Transparency and National Unity

Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe, a founding member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised concerns about the Electoral Commission’s (EC) refusal to conduct a forensic audit of the voter’s register ahead of the upcoming December 7 election. His comments come in the wake of accusations from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the EC is deliberately avoiding an audit to conceal irregularities in the register, including allegations of illegal voter transfers.

In an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on September 19, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe likened the EC’s actions to someone hiding stolen property. He explained that if someone is accused of having stolen something, they should not resist an investigation if they have nothing to hide. Using a metaphor, he said, “Imagine I stole your car and your car is parked in my house, and you brought in policemen to check if the car is with me. There is every indication that the car is with me, but I will be preventing you from entering into my house; that is what they [EC] are doing.”

Concerns About Transparency and Accountability

Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe’s critique of the EC reflects broader concerns about transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The NDC, for instance, has called for a forensic audit after alleging several anomalies in the voter registration process, including the illegal transfer of votes in constituencies such as Tolon. These allegations have heightened tensions between the NDC and the EC, with the opposition demanding an audit to ensure that the voter register is free from tampering.

For Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe, the EC’s reluctance to undertake such an audit raises suspicions. “Why should they be afraid if they do not have a problem with forensic examination? Why should they be afraid if they do not have anything to hide?” he asked, suggesting that the EC’s actions could be perceived as evidence of deeper issues within the Commission.

His concerns reflect a broader demand for greater transparency in the electoral process, particularly given the importance of ensuring that the upcoming elections are free and fair.

Also read: Sammy Gyamfi Accuses NPP of Benefiting from Voter Registration Issues, Calls for Forensic Audit

A Call for Unity Beyond Political Lines

Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe went further, urging Ghanaians to look at the challenges facing the nation from a broader, non-partisan perspective. He explained that the current issues go beyond political affiliations and that the nation is at a critical juncture. “Where we are now, it is not a partisan affair. We are getting into a very serious problem. It’s not about NPP or NDC or any other party hanging around. We must look at this nation now.”

His remarks echo a sense of urgency about the state of the nation’s governance and political landscape. Describing the country as “a failed nation,” Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe expressed his worry about the worsening situation. He lamented the silence of other elders in the country, saying, “Things are getting worse and I am getting worried. I know there are elders my age and they have gone silent for reasons I don’t know.”

Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe’s call for action suggests that, in his view, the challenges facing Ghana require immediate attention from all sectors of society, including civil society, political parties, and citizens. He pointed to recent alarm bells from trade unions and other organizations as signs that people need to take action to address the country’s growing problems.

Broader Implications for the 2024 Election

The concerns raised by Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe come at a critical time as Ghana prepares for its 2024 general elections. The integrity of the voter register and the transparency of the electoral process have long been key issues in Ghanaian politics, with both the NPP and NDC frequently accusing each other of manipulating the register for political gain.

The EC’s refusal to conduct a forensic audit of the voter register has only intensified these concerns. For the NDC, the refusal is seen as evidence of the EC’s complicity in what they allege is an attempt to rig the elections in favor of the ruling NPP. The NPP, on the other hand, has dismissed these claims, accusing the NDC of making baseless allegations to undermine the electoral process.

Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe’s intervention adds a new layer of complexity to the debate, as his position as a founding member of the NPP gives his criticism of the EC significant weight. By calling for greater transparency and accountability from the EC, he is implicitly challenging the stance of his own party and urging a broader national conversation about the state of Ghana’s democracy.

As the election draws nearer, the pressure on the EC to address these concerns is likely to intensify. For many Ghanaians, ensuring that the voter register is free from irregularities is a crucial step toward guaranteeing the credibility of the 2024 elections. Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe’s call for a forensic audit may resonate with those who are looking for assurances that the electoral process will be fair and transparent.

Conclusion

Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe’s concerns about the Electoral Commission’s refusal to conduct a forensic audit of the voter’s register have brought renewed attention to the issue of electoral transparency in Ghana. His warning that the country is facing serious problems that transcend partisan politics reflects a broader concern about the state of the nation as it prepares for the 2024 elections.

For many, the upcoming elections are seen as a critical test of Ghana’s democracy, and ensuring that the voter register is accurate and free from manipulation will be key to maintaining public trust in the electoral process. Whether the EC will respond to calls for a forensic audit remains to be seen, but the debate is likely to continue as political tensions rise in the lead-up to the elections.