- he first day of the exhibition saw significantly lower participation than expected
- Officials and exhibition officers across various regions remain optimistic that voter turnout will increase
- In several locations, low turnout was attributed to factors
The nationwide voter exhibition, organized by the Electoral Commission (EC), launched yesterday and ran smoothly, but saw a notably low turnout across the country.
This initiative allows registered voters to verify their personal details, including names, ages, addresses, photographs, and polling stations as recorded during registration.
However, initial participation was lower than anticipated, which officials attribute to the early phase of the process and limited public awareness.
The exhibition will continue until next Tuesday, providing voters with the opportunity to make necessary amendments to their details before the upcoming elections.
At the New Covenant School in Tuba, Accra, where 1,567 voters are registered, only 10 individuals had verified their details by 10 a.m. Exhibition Officer Mrs. Victoria Ampong noted that many Ghanaians tend to delay such tasks until the deadline approaches, expressing hope for increased participation in the coming days.
Similar low turnout was reported in Koforidua, with only six out of 411 eligible voters checking their details at the Kwaku Octere Centre 1A by 10 a.m. and just two out of 407 at the Kwaku Octere Centre 1B. Exhibition Officers in the area expect more voters to participate later.
In Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, only seven voters had visited the centres by midday, a situation anticipated due to historical low engagement in the region. An EC official expressed optimism for improved turnout before the August 27 deadline.
Cape Coast also saw minimal engagement on the first day. At various centres, including the University of Cape Coast, only a handful of voters verified their details. Exhibition Officer Bright Doe remains hopeful for increased turnout as the exhibition progresses.
Kumasi reported similarly low turnout, with very few voters checking their details by noon. Officials attributed the slow start to cold weather and early-stage issues, anticipating better participation as the exercise continues.
In Wa, Upper West Region, the Kambali Mosque centre recorded only six voters by 9:00 a.m., and the St. Francis Xavier Minor Seminary Centre A had just four qualified voters. Exhibition Officer Ms. Fuseina Ibrahima attributed the low turnout to a lack of awareness but remains hopeful for increased participation.
Sunyani also experienced low turnout. By 9:26 a.m., only six people had checked their names at the Estate Experimental Junior High School. Exhibition Officer Dominic Opoku Annor linked the low turnout to insufficient publicity and hopes for increased voter engagement as the exercise progresses.
