Ensuring Transparency and Accountability: “CARE” GHANA calls for Forensic Audit of Election Equipment and Assets of the EC

Care for Free and Fair Election Ghana (“CARE GHANA) has raised serious concerns regarding the accountability of the Electoral Commission (EC) in Ghana.

In a recent press statement signed by its Executive Director, David Kumi Addo, issued on April 2, 2024, the organization has called for a forensic audit of all election equipment and assets of the EC across the sixteen regions of the country.

The inability of the Electoral Commission to keep proper records of its assets has been highlighted as a major issue by “CARE” GHANA.

This lack of accountability has led to frequent replacements of election equipment, resulting in a significant financial burden on the Commission.

The 2021 Auditor General report revealed that the EC has no records of its movable and immovable assets, which has hindered its ability to provide a transparent account of its resources.

Of particular concern is the recent disappearance of seven biometric devices, raising doubts about the integrity of future electoral processes.

Such allegations strike at the core of democracy and highlight the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the management of election equipment and assets by the EC.

“CARE” GHANA has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

The organization has called upon the Auditor General to conduct a forensic audit to achieve the following objectives:

1. Confirm or deny the alleged disappearance of the biometric devices and investigate the circumstances surrounding their absence.
2. Identify any additional missing items from the inventory of election equipment and assets.
3. Uncover any irregularities or lapses in the management and oversight of election equipment by the EC.
4. Recommend corrective measures to prevent future incidents of equipment loss or mismanagement and enhance the overall integrity of the electoral process.

“It is crucial that the findings of the forensic audit are made public to ensure transparency and restore public confidence in the EC and the electoral process.

The citizens of Ghana deserve nothing less than a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations to uphold the principles of democracy,” the statement concluded.

Source:Joseph Kobla Wemakor