Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Fordon, the Minority Leader in Parliament, affirmed on Tuesday the Minority's staunch opposition to any attempt by the Electoral Commission (EC) to eliminate the use of indelible ink during the 2024 elections. In his address to Parliament, Dr Forson emphasized the crucial role of indelible ink in the electoral process and pledged to resist any changes to its usage.
Dr Forson firmly stated, “Mr Speaker, we will not countenance the elimination of indelible ink from the electoral process. We will not! Read my lips, we will not! Touch wood, we will not.” He underscored the importance of indelible ink as a proven and time-tested method for identifying voters, crucial for preventing multiple voting.
The Minority Leader expressed concern over reports suggesting the EC's intention to replace indelible ink with a more “modern” verification method. Allegedly, Madam Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the EC, announced plans to discontinue the use of indelible ink starting from the district-level elections and subsequent polls.
The decision by the EC has sparked opposition from the National Democratic Congress and other stakeholders. Dr Forson argued that indelible ink has been a staple feature of Ghana's elections in the Fourth Republic, serving as a reliable means of voter identification and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
He asserted, “The truth of the matter is that the use of indelible ink in our electoral process does not harm the conduct of free and fair elections in Ghana.” Dr Forson emphasized that indelible ink enhances the transparency and integrity of elections by providing a visible and physical verification method in addition to biometric verification.
The Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, inaugurated on January 7, 2021, reconvened on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, following the Christmas recess, marking the commencement of its final year in office. As discussions surrounding electoral procedures unfold, the Minority's stance on retaining indelible ink reflects its commitment to safeguarding the integrity and fairness of Ghana's electoral system.
