In a bid to safeguard the voting rights of Akosombo Dam spillage victims who lost their voter ID cards due to the flooding, the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced that they will be permitted to cast their votes in the upcoming 2024 elections even without their voter ID cards.
Samuel Tettey, Deputy Electoral Commissioner, made this announcement during a press conference addressing electoral roll concerns. He stated that if a voter’s name is correctly registered in the electoral roll, they will not be turned away on election day, provided they are at the correct polling station.
Mr. Tettey explained the significance of voters ensuring they are at the appropriate polling station to avoid unnecessary complications. He noted that whether voters possess their voter ID cards or not, they can participate in the election. However, he cautioned that visiting the wrong polling station would lead to inefficiencies and delays.
The measure is part of the EC’s efforts to prevent any form of voter disenfranchisement resulting from the tragic events of the Akosombo Dam spillage. It underscores the commission’s commitment to upholding the democratic rights of affected individuals.
As of late, many organizations have rallied to support the victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage. Vodafone Ghana, through its foundation and dedicated volunteers, has provided relief assistance to affected areas, including Mepe in the Volta Region and Asuogyaman in the Eastern Region. The aid included camp tents, mosquito nets, student mattresses, food supplies, and clean water.
Additionally, the United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), extended a financial contribution of $100,000 (GH¢1.1 million) to assist over 31,000 individuals who were displaced by the recent flooding. This funding aims to support the Ghanaian government’s relief initiatives, helping save lives, alleviate suffering, and initiate recovery efforts.
The Akosombo Dam spillage began on September 15, 2023, and by October 19, due to continuously rising water levels, the overflow from the dam inundated hundreds of homes in the Mepe and Battor areas of the North Tongu District in the Volta Region. This catastrophe has resulted in significant property losses, including substantial damages to buildings and infrastructure, valued at thousands of Ghana Cedis.
With the support of the Electoral Commission and various organizations, the victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage are not only receiving much-needed assistance but are also assured of their voting rights in the upcoming elections. The nation is united in its efforts to address the consequences of the flooding and to provide relief to the affected communities.
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