Missing BVRs: RTI Commission in bed with EC to conceal information – Election Watch Ghana

Election Watch Ghana has accused the Right to Information (RTI) Commission of conniving with the Electoral Commission (EC) to conceal information on the alleged missing Biometric Voters Registration (BVR) equipment.

The group had requested answers from the EC about the missing BVRs' whereabouts and serial numbers but claimed that the information was sensitive and posed a security threat if released.

“We demand the serial numbers of the BVR kits to protect the illegal registration using the missing ones,” it said.

According to the group, it wrote to the RTI Commission to compel the EC to release information on the BVRs but “The RTI tasked with ensuring transparency has been dragging its feet, citing excuses and stalling tactics.”

At a press conference, conveners of the group expressed outrage and disappointment at what they described as the obstruction of justice by the RTI Commission and the EC.

“Despite our tireless efforts to uncover the truth, these institutions have chosen to shield the truth and perpetuate a cover-up,” they stated.

Convener, Mark Ewusi Arkoh said that although the RTI commission acknowledged the legitimacy of their demands, it said it needed to hear from the EC as well, which was scheduled for May 29, 2024, but was yet to happen.

“Election Watch Ghana wrote to the RTI Commission on May 20, 2024, requesting clarification on the serial numbers, but received constant excuses and delays,” he said.

He vowed that they would embark on various actions, including mobilising the Ghanaian people and petition the Speaker of Parliament, to demand accountability from the two institutions.

He further said the group would pursue legal action against the EC for misuse of office, abuse of authority, and causing financial loss to the state.

He called on the Let My Votes Count Alliance to support them in the struggle for transparency and accountability in the 2024 general elections.