Accra, Ghana – In a bid to ensure transparency and accountability in Ghana’s electoral processes, Care for Free and Fair Election Ghana (CARE Ghana) has made a fervent call for a forensic audit of all election equipment and assets belonging to the Electoral Commission (EC) across the nation’s sixteen (16) regions.
In a press release dated March 20 and signed by Executive Director, David Kumi Addo, the group expressed profound concern over the apparent inability of the Electoral Commission to provide a comprehensive account of its assets.
Citing the 2021 Auditor General’s report, which revealed a glaring absence of records of both movable and immovable assets of the EC, CARE Ghana indicated the situation not only compromises accountability but also contributes to the significant financial burden incurred during elections, as equipment often needs replacement due to mismanagement and lack of documentation.
The 2021 Auditor General’s report revealed that the Electoral Commission lacks an asset register to catalog its diverse holdings, including properties, vehicles, office equipment, and technology spread across various locations nationwide.
Join our WhatsApp Channel for more news
This, together with a recent report of the disappearance of seven biometric devices, raises concerns regarding the integrity of future electoral processes, the group suggests.
CARE Ghana has also urged that those responsible for any missing assets be held accountable, either through the replacement of the lost items or reimbursement for their current value.
A forensic audit of all election equipment and assets of the Electoral Commission, according to the group, will restore confidence in the Electoral Commission and the electoral process.
“Transparency and accountability are essential pillars of democracy, and the citizens deserve nothing less than a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations,” the release stated.
