Akropong North NDC Communicators Reject EC's Decision To Engage MTN To Provide Internet Services For 2024 Polls

THE COMMUNICATION Communication Bureau of NDC Akuapem North Constituency in the Eastern Region has stated that Electoral Commission of Ghana's (EC) recent decision to engage MTN as an internet service provider for this year's elections is a retrograde step that undermines the integrity and security of the electoral process.

According to the communicators, this 

U-turn comes after the EC's poor and abysmal handling of the voter registration exercise which was marred by dyscalculia figures and a staggering budget of billions of cedis.

Firstly, they noted that the EC's decision to outsource its internet services to MTN is a clear admission of its incompetence in managing the electoral process. 

The NDC communicators indicated that the 

Commission's inability to secure and manage its own internet services raises serious concerns about its capacity to conduct free and fair elections. By outsourcing this critical function, the EC is compromising the security and integrity of the electoral process.

Secondly, they said  outsourcing internet services to a private company like MTN compromises the security and integrity of the electoral process. 

According to them, the EC's reliance on a private company for internet services exposes the electoral process to potential cyber threats, data breaches and manipulation which could have far-reaching consequences for the credibility and legitimacy of the elections.

Furthermore, they raised red flag that the EC's decision to engage MTN as an internet service provider undermines the principle of neutrality and impartiality which is essential for a credible electoral process. 

They asserted that EC's partnership with a private company like MTN creates a perception of bias and favoritism which could further erode public trust and confidence in the electoral process.

In addition, they argued that the budget for this year's elections is staggering, amounting to billions of cedis, adding that this is a huge financial burden on the taxpayer.and it is unacceptable that the EC is unable to account for its expenditure.

They indicated that the Commission's financial management has been opaque and engaging MTN as an internet service provider will only add to the financial burden.

They noted that the prominent Ghanaians who have criticized the EC's poor performance include; Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, former Chairman of the EC, who expressed concern about the commission's credibility and competence.

A former Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Emile Short who has expressed concerns about the EC's independence and its ability to conduct free and fair elections.

IMANI Africa, a think tank that has criticized the EC for various reasons including its decision to compile a new voters' register in 2020.

A political scientist and lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampowho has been critical of the EC's handling of election-related issues. 

Professor Kwasi Prempeh, a lawyer and lecturer at the University of Ghana who expressed concerns about the EC's independence and its ability to conduct free and fair elections.

 Dr. Wereko Brobbey, former Chairman of the EC who criticized the commission's financial management and expenditure.

Dr. Kojo Asante, a political analyst, who has described the EC's handling of the voter registration process as shambolic and unacceptable

To add, civil society organizations such as the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), the Center for Democratic Development  (CDD) and the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers ( CODEO)have all expressed concerns about the EC's credibility and competence. 

This has raised serious doubts about its ability to conduct credible elections, adding that the EC's credibility is at an all-time low and engaging MTN as an internet service provider will only exacerbate the situation.

In conclusion, they noted that the EC's decision to engage MTN as an internet service provider is a misguided move that compromises the integrity and security of the electoral process.

They stated that the commission's poor handling of the voter registration exercise and its opaque financial management have raised serious doubts about its credibility and competence. We urge the EC to reconsider its decision and prioritize the integrity and security of the electoral process.

The communicators in the constituency recommended that the EC should prioritize the integrity and security of the electoral process and reconsider its decision to engage MTN as an internet service provider.

They stressed  the EC should demonstrate transparency and accountability in its financial management and expenditure.

According to them the EC should engage with political parties, civil society organizations and election observers to address concerns about its credibility and competence.

They maintained that the EC should establish an independent committee to investigate the poor handling of the voter registration exercise and the opaque financial management.

They hinted that the EC should take steps to restore public trust and confidence in the electoral process, including engaging with political parties and civil society organizations to address concerns about its credibility and competence.

By prioritizing the integrity and security of the electoral process, they suggested that the EC can restore public trust and confidence in the electoral process, adding that "Anything less will compromise the credibility of this year's elections and undermine Ghana's democracy."