Voting Progress - Weija

The Weija Constituency in the Greater Accra Region on Sunday witnessed low security presence at most of the polling stations visited by the Ghana News Agency.

While few of the stations: Mallam Old Presbyterian polling station, TB Zongo, New Life "A" and "B", Presbyterian Church, Gbewa had immigration officers in charge of security, places like, Ablekuma Anglican School, Omankope, among others lacked any form of security presence.

Ms. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, Member of Parliament for the area who cast her vote at exactly 7:20 hours at Presbyterian Church, Gbewa expressed worry at the security situation, "a large constituency such as this, needed maximum security to ensure orderliness". There was confusion when the NDC agent wanted to prevent the incumbent MP from voting due to a transfer of vote issue, which according to the party agent did not allow the MP to vote for the Parliamentary. There was also late voting at Akwasa No. 1 and Ayigbe Town due to the delay of voting materials. The officer in-charge who pleaded anonymity said the station needed to organize an emergency recruitment to make up for most of the polling station attendants who failed to turn up.

The atmosphere at most of the stations visited were however peaceful. At 0615, when the GNA got to the Mallam Old Presbyterian church with polling station No C013203, there was a long queue of voters ready to exercise their civic responsibility. Party agents for the NPP, the NDC and the CPP were already in attendance. Mr Philip Yawson, Presiding Officer told the GNA that all voting materials were ready for a smooth take-off. Ms Berikesu Alima, an 18 year old expressed her excitement for the opportunity to vote for the first time.

Ms Dina Ocansey, who got to the station at 12 midnight said she wanted to save herself the stress of queuing for a long period. The situation was not different at the Gbewa Presbyterian church where only 39 people had cast their vote at about 0715 although 2116 registered voters were expected to vote. Mr Daniel Danquah-Offei, Presiding Officer who gave the polling station number as C013213, promised a smooth electoral process. The Amazing Video Centre with polling number C3211 also in the constituency had registered 59 voters at about 0740 when the GNA visited.

Exercising the civic duty however, did not stop the Light House and the Church of Christ in the constituency from worshiping their maker. More YOAP/REA