The Effia-Kwesiminstim and Takoradi Sub-Metropolitan Office of the Electoral Commission (EC) faces unnecessary disruptions and intrusion in its operations and this could affect the entire electoral process before, during and after the general election in December this year.
Ghana News Agency (GNA) investigations have revealed that the building, which accommodates the EC, belongs to the Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG), and also hosts the Victory Bible Church and a live lotto draw is held there every Thursday.
The EC, which has rented the place as its temporary office, must be relocated as a matter of urgency, to safeguard the integrity of the pending elections in the two heavily populated constituencies.
Two Electoral Returning Officers for the Effia-Kwesiminstim and Takoradi Constituencies are compelled to share a storeroom that has been converted into an office.
Apart from the poor ventilation, musical instruments of the Church and other properties are stored there and this makes movement difficult.
This could encourage any daring intruder to pilfer and tamper with EC materials kept there.
It is, therefore, prudent that the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) worked around the clock to relocate the EC to a safer building within the Metropolis.
The Ghana News Agency has observed over time that on many occasions Officers of the EC were compelled to stay outside the hall and allow other users of the facility to complete their activities before they began work, while on other days, they were compelled to close early to enable members of the Church to hold their singing rehearsals.
On many occasions, the work of the EC had been disrupted, but the officials seemed helpless, while Election Officers recruited for national assignments looked on irritated.
On Thursdays, the EC Officers have no other choice but to wait outside till after 1100 hours when Lotto Operators, who occupy the building mostly from 0500 hours to 1000 hours have left before they resume work.
The Regional Director of the EC, Mr Steve Opoku-Mensah when contacted, noted that though the place was not comfortable, they were managing with it.
He noted that relocation would be ideal but until then, they have to do with what they have.
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