The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana is set to propose a bill in Parliament that would make the national identification card, commonly known as the Ghana Card, the sole document for the identification of citizens during voter registration1. This move aims to streamline the registration process and enhance the integrity of the electoral system.
Background
The Ghana Card, officially known as the Ghana National Identification Card, is a government-issued identification document that serves as proof of citizenship and personal identity. It contains biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition information. The EC’s decision to prioritize the Ghana Card as the primary identification document for voter registration reflects its commitment to ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process.
Rationale for the Proposal
- Consistency and Uniformity: By using the Ghana Card as the sole ID for voter registration, the EC aims to create consistency and uniformity across the country. This approach ensures that all eligible citizens have equal access to the electoral process, regardless of their location or background.
- Minimizing Fraud: The Ghana Card’s robust biometric features help prevent identity fraud. Using it as the sole ID reduces the risk of multiple registrations, impersonation, and other fraudulent activities during voter registration.
- Efficiency: Streamlining the identification process simplifies voter registration. Citizens will no longer need to present multiple documents, reducing administrative burdens and expediting the registration process.
- Data Accuracy: The Ghana Card database contains accurate and up-to-date information about citizens. Relying on this centralized database enhances the accuracy of the voter register.
Political Parties’ Support
The EC has secured the full support of all political parties for this proposal, paving the way for the necessary legislation. During an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting in Accra, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs. Jean Mensa, emphasized the benefits of using the Ghana Card. She stated that it would help address issues such as the bussing of minors and the infiltration of ineligible individuals into the voters’ register.
Next Steps
Mrs. Jean Mensa announced that the EC would lay the bill before Parliament during the next session. This legislative step will formalize the Ghana Card’s status as the sole identification document for voter registration.
