Low turnout in revision of voter's register at Ho

Turnout in the 10-day revision of the voters' register, which opened on Friday throughout the country was very low in Ho with idling Registration Assistants blaming the situation on inadequate publicity.

A visit to the registration centres by the GNA revealed that only 12 new persons were registered at seven out of the 12 centres in the Ho township between 1000 and 1215 hours.

One person each registered at the District Assembly and Pentecost Church centres as at 10:04 and 10:07 hours respectively while three registered at Fiave-RTC centre at 10:40 hours.

Miss Mercy Afari and Mr Adu Shem both Registration Assistants told the GNA that most people were not aware of the exercise. The exercise is aimed at revising the voters' register so that Ghanaians who have attained the age of 18 and above could be registered.

Mr Mohammed Adoquaye, Volta Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC) in an interview with the GNA said the late release of funds and its inadequacy made it difficult for the Commission to publicise the exercise extensively.

He, however, said the exercise would be publicised as it progresses and reminded the public that the register would be exhibited in April to enable those who would not be able to register within the stipulate time to do so.

Mr Adoquaye said district electoral officers could not contact churches, drivers unions, trade associations and other groups early to help in the educating the public on the exercise. Mr Adoquaye said supplies to the centres were "fairly well in hand, we have got basic materials there, I can tell you all centres in the region are working."

He said permanent transfer of voters would be effected. At the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Regional Office, Mr Kwame Attah, Regional

Secretary told the GNA that the party's polling assistants were educating the public to ensure the success of the exercise.

He suggested that the period for the exercise should be extended beyond March 31 due to the lack of adequate publicity. There were no party executive at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Regional Office when the GNA called at the party's office at Ho at about 11.15 hours. There are 528 registration centres in the region. A few people GNA talked to in Ho said they were not aware of the exercise.