General News of Tuesday, 21 January 2020

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

EC staff rubbishes NIA’s offer to provide data for new voters register

IT Consultant at the Electoral Commission, Dr. Yaw Ofori-Agyei play videoIT Consultant at the Electoral Commission, Dr. Yaw Ofori-Agyei

IT Consultant at the Electoral Commission, Dr. Yaw Ofori –Agyei has belittled an offer by NIA to deliver data to the Electoral Commission (EC) in their quest to compile a new voter’s register for the upcoming 2020 general elections.

He is of the view that the data NIA is seeking to provide does not guarantee the eligibility of Ghanaians they might need for the elections.

Executive Director of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Prof. Ken Attafuah says his establishment is in the capacity to deliver data to the Electoral Commission (EC) because it captures all the biometrics that the Commission requires, such as the iris, fingerprints and capturing the facials.

But the IT Consultant during an interview on Peace FM’s "kokrooko" morning show stated that the data would not be relevant because it does not fall under the 18 years and above age bracket.

He added that the registrant might not even be of sound mind.

“We have had conversations with NIA concerning this issue. Yes, they are gathering data. But the data they are gathering won’t be relevant to the electoral commission. For instance, they are gathering data of all Ghanaians including foreigners. They are not even considering the age bracket we normally use. We make use of ages above 18years but they don’t. I don’t think NIA’s data is even able to tell whether a person is of sound mind. They don’t also consider polling stations,” he said

Watch the video below