First-time registrants in the Central Region are anxious about the likelihood of their inability to take part in the upcoming voters’ registration exercise due to the Electoral Commission’s new directive.

The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) announced that it will commence the 2023 voter registration exercise on Tuesday, September 12, and end on Monday, October 2.

During a press briefing on Thursday, the EC chairperson, Jean Mensa, said the exercise will take place at its district offices across the country.

The Gomoa East is one of the districts with a large geographical size and transportation is a very huge challenge due to the poor nature of the roads.

Persons who have attained the age of 18, as well as other eligible voters who are yet to be enrolled into the voters’ register are anxious over a possible disenfranchisement.

They fear transportation to the district capital may hinder them from getting registered

The transport cost to the district capital appears to be a big deal for them especially for those who do not have any valid identification document and may have to travel along with two registered voters to vouch for them.

Assembly Member for Fetteh-Anapansu-Kwabena Annor Electoral Area, Christopher Dadzie is equally concerned as the turnout for this registration exercise according to him would have a bearing on the upcoming district-level elections.

He told Metro News in an interview that persons like him would have to forcibly bear the burden of transportation of registrants to the district capital for the registration.

He has suggested to the EC to consider holding the registration exercise in the various electoral areas.

Mr. Dadzie believes the Commission heeding his advice will avoid possible disenfranchisement of eligible registrants and also save the aspiring assembly members the burden of footing the cost of transportation.

By: Akwasi Addo | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana