Kumasi, June 11, GNA - The nationwide voters' registration exercise experienced a low turnout at most of the registration centres in the Kumasi Metropolis on Friday.

The 10-day exercise provides opportunity for Ghanaians who have just turned 18 years and other qualified people who could not previously register to get their names on the electoral roll. Lost voter Identification Cards would also be replaced during the period.

The registration officers attributed the poor turnout to the opening of prestigious FIFA world cup tournament in South Africa and expressed optimism that the registration would pick up. At the Asafo AME Zion, Mr Mohammed Appau, the registration officer, told the GNA that only 16 people had registered, six-and-a-half hours into the exercise.

He said registration officers had all the necessary materials to ensure a successful exercise. When GNA visited the Central Police Station Polling Centre, 19 persons had shown up and at the Asem Boys School 26 people had registered as at mid-day.

Other places visited included Suame State Boys, Nsuase, Ayeduase M/A, and Anwomaso, Primary school.