The Mpohor District Police Command in the Western Region of Ghana has arrested the Deputy Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the area and a headmaster for allegedly registering a minor in the ongoing limited voter registration exercise.
The suspects, whose names have not been released, were arrested on Tuesday, July 5, 2023, following a complaint lodged with the police by an official of the Electoral Commission (EC).
According to the EC official, the minor was brought to the registration center by the NDC deputy secretary and the headmaster, who claimed that the minor was 18 years old and eligible to register.
However, upon interrogation by the EC official, the minor admitted that he was only 16 years old.
The suspects were subsequently arrested and charged with abetment of crime and providing false information to a public officer.
They are expected to appear before the Mpohor District Court on Wednesday, July 6, 2024.
The arrest of the NDC deputy secretary and the headmaster has sent shockwaves through the community, as it is seen as a violation of the electoral laws and a betrayal of public trust.
The police have urged the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activities related to the ongoing voter registration exercise.
The EC has also reiterated its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent registration exercise and has warned that anyone who attempts to register ineligible persons will be prosecuted.
The arrest of the Mpohor NDC deputy secretary and the headmaster for allegedly registering a minor is a serious matter that has raised concerns about the integrity of the ongoing voter registration exercise.
It is important for all stakeholders, including political parties, the EC, and the general public, to work together to ensure that only eligible persons are registered to vote.