More than 3,000 young people who have reached voting age in the North Tongu Constituency of the Volta Region are at risk of being unable to participate in the ongoing limited voter registration exercise.

Despite strong opposition from some political parties, the Electoral Commission (EC) has decided to restrict the registration process to its district offices. This decision is having a significant impact on voter turnout in the Constituency, which is geographically vast and divided by the Volta River.

During a media tour of the Constituency, accompanied by Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) witnessed the challenges faced by those seeking to register.

For many residents living in communities that are several kilometers away from the EC district office in Bator Aveyime, the cost of a round trip can be as high as GHC 300. This expense, coupled with the requirement of two guarantors, makes registration seem like an unaffordable investment.

In communities like Salaga, which shares a border with the Ho West District, individuals would have to spend GH¢150 on a motorbike ride to Juapong before proceeding to Bator for registration. Even in some of the closer communities, such as Deve, Avorkpoe, Ayram, Avedotoe, and Workpui, the cost of a motorbike ride averages around GH¢40.

This situation highlights the challenges and financial burdens faced by eligible voters in the North Tongu Constituency, making it imperative for the Electoral Commission to consider more accessible registration options to ensure the democratic participation of all eligible citizens.

“I will have to sell 10 bags of maize for my 10 children to go and register. And so, I said they will not go,” a grain seller at Juapong market declared.

Juapong, situated along the Eastern Corridor, is a historic and vibrant industrial community in the region, located more than 50 km away from the Electoral Commission (EC) office. In this town, the youth have expressed their discouragement due to the high transportation costs associated with reaching the registration center. Additionally, concerns about the elderly and sick residents have been raised, highlighting the necessity for a registration center to be established in Juapong.

One individual shared a story of his wife, who spent three days registering for her Ghana card, which was a discouraging experience that has deterred them from pursuing voter registration.

Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the potential impact of dam spillage in the northern regions, which could elevate the risks associated with crossing the Volta River to access the registration center. Those who wish to avoid this risk must go through Sogakope, incurring even higher costs, especially for the predominantly rural communities in the vicinity. This situation underscores the urgency of addressing the accessibility challenges and providing convenient registration options for residents in these areas.

“We are not going there because of the River Volta. People die in the river and so if the EC is not coming here, we are also not going there. Then no vote,” many echoed.

During his tour of the Constituency to evaluate the registration exercise's challenges, the Member of Parliament (MP) made a stop at the Kpong Dam. He voiced his concerns, noting that numerous communities had made significant sacrifices during the dam's construction and should not be excluded from a nationwide participatory initiative.

“People of this area sacrificed for this dam. Most are yet to receive compensation and are living in squalid conditions. We are all citizens. We have contributed to the forward march of our country. A right is not a privilege”.