Deputy Regional Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East region, Benjamin Atuasi, has warned that the registration exercise being carried out by the National Identification Authority (NIA) in Pusiga threatens the security of the country.
The NIA is currently undertaking a pilot program in Pusiga. The exercise, which started on Monday, May 20, will see residents living along the Ghana – Burkina Faso border registered for the Ghana card.
“The National Identification Authority (NIA) announces to the general public that in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), it will commence a special pilot Ghana Card Registration for Ghanaians living along the borders of Ghana and Burkina Faso, beginning Monday, 20th May to Friday, 14th June 2024,” a statement released by the NIA on Monday, May 20, read.
The statement added that “all Ghanaians living in Pusiga who have not been able to register are encouraged to do so.”
However, for the NDC, the NIA exercise has ulterior motives other than what the institution announced.
According to Mr. Atuasi, the exercise is aimed at registering foreigners so that they can be captured in the ongoing limited voter registration in Pusiga. This, he believes will increase the voter base of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“The exercise can only be described as an orchestrated manoeuvring aimed at registering illegal people to increase the votes of the NPP in the area,” he stated.
He further raised concern about the possibility of jihadists taking advantage of the exercise to penetrate the borders of the country
“My worries are not just about the NPP’s manoeuvring tactics in the Pusiga Constituency. We are in an era where the activities of jihadists in our neighbouring countries are gradually spilling over. If we do not take care and present such opportunities under the guise of voter registration, we risk compromising the safety of our country and communities,” he warned.