Dear Electoral Commission of Ghana,

I am writing to express concerns about the recent changes in the electoral registration process. Initially, the registration was conducted at electoral areas, but it has now been moved to your district office. Some citizens, including those who have recently turned eighteen and others who have not registered before, are worried about this change.

I would like to reference the Public Elections (Registration of Voters) C.I 91, which outlines the qualifications for registration. It states that a person is entitled to be included in the voter register if they are a citizen of Ghana, eighteen years or older, of sound mind, a resident or ordinary resident of an electoral area, and not prohibited by any law from registering as a voter. Additionally, C.I 92 under Registration Centers and Electoral Areas (2) mentions that the Commission should consider the sustainability and accessibility of a place when designating it as a registration center.

My concern is related to the accessibility of registration centers for citizens in the Klaw Traditional area, comprising five communities: Abromase, Silimuntwu, Telkpa, Jemtoto, Kepbateto, and Kinyanye in the East Gonja Municipal Assembly, Savanna Region. These communities face challenges due to poor road conditions, especially during the rainy season. Residents often have to spend a significant amount on transportation to Salaga for registration, and returning can be equally challenging, sometimes requiring an overnight stay in Yeji.

Furthermore, many of these newly eligible voters assist their parents with farming activities. While obtaining a voter ID card is not solely for voting purposes, it serves other essential functions for Ghanaian citizens.

I respectfully request that the Electoral Commission of Ghana considers establishing registration centers in Abromase to alleviate the financial burden and travel difficulties faced by residents. In the past, the EC provided such centers within our community in 2014, and we hope that a similar arrangement can be made now.

Given the current economic situation in the country and the concerns raised by other inland communities like Sene East constituency, Pru East, and Sekyere East, we urge the EC to take action to address these issues and create additional registration centers to accommodate citizens in these areas.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to a positive response and a smoother registration process for our community and others facing similar challenges.

Sincerely,

Towfik Mohammed, Journalism and Media Studies, student and a proud son from Klaw Traditional community.