Monitoring Report of the Limited Voter Registration Exercise, Ghana
Prepared by The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD)
June 2024
Background
The voter registration exercise in Ghana is a fundamental aspect of the country’s electoral
process, ensuring that citizens are able to exercise their democratic right to vote in free
and fair elections.
In the early years after independence, voter registration was conducted manually, with
citizens required to register at designated centers by providing basic personal information.
In 2012, Ghana introduced a biometric voter registration system, marking a significant
advancement in the electoral process. The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana is the
independent body responsible for overseeing voter registration and ensuring that the
electoral roll is accurate and up-to-date.
Voter registration in Ghana is governed by the 1992 Constitution and the Electoral
Commission Act, 1993 (Act 451). Article 42 (Right to vote) of the Constitution stipulates
that every citizen of Ghana of eighteen years of age or above and of sound mind has the
right to vote and is entitled to be registered as a voter for the purposes of public elections
and referenda.
Under these instruments, the qualification for registration includes being a citizen of
Ghana, being 18 years of age or above, being of sound mind, being resident or ordinarily
resident in an electoral area, and not being prohibited by any law in force from registering
as a voter.
Temporary registration centers are set up across the country during registration
exercises, providing convenient access for citizens to register. Permanent Electoral
Commission (EC) offices also serve as registration points during continuous registration
periods. Ensuring that this process is inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities
is crucial for upholding the principles of democratic participation and equality.
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