Former Speaker of Parliament Professor Aaron Michael Oquaye, has voiced apprehension regarding potential adverse effects on the upcoming general elections if the Electoral Commission (EC) proceeds with its proposal to eliminate the use of indelible ink.

Professor Oquaye emphasized the need for caution on the part of the Commission in implementing such changes.

EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa had announced in a press conference that the Commission is contemplating doing away with indelible ink, citing confidence in the verification systems in place.

Both the NPP and the opposition NDC have urged the EC not to proceed with this proposal. In a parliamentary debate, MP for South Dayi, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, cited Article 51 of Ghana’s 1992 constitution, asserting that the use of indelible ink is essential for the smooth conduct of elections.

Article 51 of the constitution empowers the Electoral Commission to make regulations for the effective performance of its functions, including voter registration and the conduct of public elections and referenda.

In an exclusive interview with 3News’ Beatrice Adu, the member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Council of Elders stressed the importance of the Electoral Commission proceeding cautiously, particularly in an atmosphere of limited mutual trust.

He recounted a similar situation before the 2016 general election when he warned then-EC Chairperson Charlotte Osei about the legal ramifications of attempting a vote recount.

“Definitely, when we are used to something and you want to change it, you must change it cautiously….and in fact, I have had the opportunity to tell the Electoral Commissioner this and that is a personal feeling and especially in an atmosphere where we don’t trust each other very much, I will go cautiously….otherwise people might think that there is something untoward being planned,” he explained.

“In the last election that brought President Akufo Addo to power, I was the chairman of the Constitutional and Legal Committee of the NPP, Madam Charlotte announce on TV… that if she saw that the voting was that close, she would ask for a re-count to determine all controversies; I in my capacity wrote her a letter …….that ‘you have no such power….‘the laws are clear…….so I advised the young woman, you dare not do that. If you do it, you’ll go to jail. Nobody is above the law, whether you are EC chairman or whatever or even a Minister. In fact, even the President. You can be found liable and jailed…..we are under the law….if you want to be beyond the law, go and live in the wilderness, alone ”

”If I had my own will, unless the trust is built and there’s consensus on it, the little money that we’ll spend on the ink,….Afterall, in our local parlance, we say that plenty fish don’t spoil the soup.”

Professor Oquaye emphasized the rule of law, stating that no one, whether an EC chairman, Minister, or President, is above the law. He urged the current EC Chair to maintain the use of indelible ink until sufficient trust is established in the country's electoral systems.

He concluded by highlighting the importance of consensus-building and trust, suggesting that using indelible ink, despite the associated costs, contributes to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, as the local saying goes, "plenty fish don’t spoil the soup."