Avail yourselves to be trained by EC: GBA urges members
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has called on its members to avail themselves to be trained by the Electoral Commission (EC) to be used for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in November this year.
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The President of the association, Mr Benson Nutsukpui, in a New Year message to members, said 2016 marked a significant milestone in the democratic journey of the country, for which reason members of the Bar must be ready to play crucial roles.
"The year 2016, being an election year, we, as members of the Bar, should pledge our collective support to the EC and the electoral process. We encourage members of the Bar to volunteer to be trained for electoral duties and to commit ourselves to assist the EC in other capacities, so that together we can contribute to successful parliamentary and presidential elections," he stated.
The offer by the GBA comes at a time the EC has hinted it will rely on professionals and other qualified persons, especially lecturers, as presiding officers in the upcoming elections.
The results of the 2012 elections were challenged in court by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) due partly to some errors committed by some presiding officers.
Despite throwing out the case, the Supreme Court advised the EC to thoroughly train and hire qualified persons to man the electoral process in future elections.
The GBA, therefore, believes it is time members contributed directly to the electoral process to ensure a smooth process.
Other matters
The association also expressed concern over the rampant reports of human rights abuses, threats to peace and other institutional violence in the country and consequently challenged members to be interested in such cases and also support the cause of the underprivileged in society.
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"As we enter the New Year, the GBA is encouraged to note that we have remained committed to the democratic path. However, there is the need for us to continue to take inspiration from the ideals and aspirations of the Fourth Republican Constitution as we seek to assure a better life for the citizens and residents of Ghana," the statement said.
Pull quote
"The year 2016, being an election year, we, as members of the Bar, should pledge our collective support to the EC and the electoral process.”