Martin Kpebu, a Private Legal Practitioner, has raised serious concerns regarding the integrity of the Electoral Commission (EC), emphasizing the need for a third-party audit to restore public trust in the electoral process.
Speaking on ABC IN THE MORNING, Kpebu stated that individuals at the EC, such as Amful Kwakye, who is currently facing trial for a drug-related offense, are not trustworthy to ensure a free and fair election.
He expressed frustration over the lack of credibility surrounding the EC, claiming that this issue will persist as long as Peter Appiah Hene remains in charge and Dr. Oforo Agyei, an NPP member, oversees the Electoral Register.
“They should just do the needful. Exhibition and also add the independent audit, it won’t kill anybody, it rather shows strength.”
Kpebu pointed out that the association of Kwakye’s family with the ruling party and the EC raises red flags, particularly highlighting the involvement of his son, who serves as an aide to President Akufo-Addo.
The implications of such connections can undermine the fairness of the electoral process, leading to allegations of corruption and vote manipulation.
“When you look at the whole picture, it tells you too many issue. So if there is a single thing that can be done to quash all issues at hands, go for it,” he urged the EC.
“I will still insist that Appiah Hene must go. His records in the NPP is way too much.
“Dr. Ofori Agyei must also go. Amful Kwakye’s son must also go.
“Even if the independent audit is done, those three people should get out of the EC.
His comment follows numerous concerns on the exhibited voter register.
The EC has however addressed concerns raised by the NDC, which has yet to provide evidence of the alleged “15,000 instances of unidentifiable voter transfer paths.”
“All data, from registration to transfers and amendments are not deleted from the Voter Management System. All voters registered in the VMS can be accounted for,” the statement read.
According to the Commission, even if voter data becomes corrupted, there is still evidence, either paper or electronic indicating that a registration occurred.
“This allows the Commission to identify the voters and invite them for inclusion, should it be revealed that they are not in the Provisional Voters Register,” the EC said.
