Ghanaians advised to keep voters registration slips safely

Saltpond (C/R), March 12, GNA - The Central Regional Director of the National commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr Frank Adobah has cautioned Ghanaians against giving out their registration slips and voters identity cards to others for safe keeping.

"Under no circumstance should one give out his or her registration slip whilst waiting for their pictures to be taken."

Mr Adoba gave the advice at a forum organised by the Mfantseman District Directorate of the Commission at Saltpond on Thursday. It was organised to educate the people on the registration exercise.

He commended the Electoral Commission for taking the decision to compile a new voters' register and urged the electorate to help make it credible, since election results had been contested in some countries due to unreliable data contained in the voters register resulting in serious conflicts with devastating effects.

In a welcoming address, Mr R.E.K. Tsotome, Mfantseman District Director said by accepting the 1992 Constitution in a referendum on the 28th April that year, Ghanaians had resolved to reject military dictatorship and had decided to choose their leaders and representatives in Parliament through the ballot box.

Mr Tsotome said Article 42 of the Constitution, imposed an obligation on all citizens who were 18 years and above and of sound mind to vote and weree therefore entitled to register.

He urged political parties, labour organisations, civil society groups and religious bodies to join in the education campaign to ensure the success of the exercise.

Mt Tsotome expressed gratitude to the Mfantseman District Assembly for funding the forum.

Mr John Mensah, District Electoral Officer, took the participants through the registration a process, offences and penalties.

Alhaji Sadiq Abu Abban, District Co-ordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation, who chaired the function urged Ghanaians to work hard to sustain the peace the nation was enjoying.