EC, NIA Registration: Make sure everyone adheres to Covid-19 protocols outlined – Dr. Sory
A former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Elias Sory, has described as risky, the decision by the Electoral Commission and the National Identification Authority (NIA) to embark on mass registration of Ghanaians in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.
It comes after both institutions stated their decision to embark on mass registration exercises ahead of the general elections in December.
But Dr. Sory said both institutions should put their activities on hold if they cannot guarantee the safety of prospective applicants.
“I’m not saying that it is bad or good, but for me, if they can make sure that every person is adhering to the protocols that the EC will outline, but if we cannot assure that, please don’t go on.
“Such places, if we make sure that security people are there and making sure that they are in line with social distancing, wearing your masks, and making sure that equipment and the areas are always cleaned, I think there wouldn’t be any problem,” he said.
He added, “it is a very risky business and if we are having this kind of attitude we have now, disregarding important messages on protocols, it will be dangerous”.
There are calls from Health experts and a section of the public for the NIA and the EC to halt plans of mass registration exercises over coronavirus fear.
The Election management body issued a six-point guideline to be followed at the various registration centers. This according to the commission was to protect all EC officials as well as persons who visit the registration centers.
The NIA also justified its mass registration exercise for the issuance of Ghana Card saying it was observing all the protocols related to COVID-19.
It is very risky to undertake this exercise at the expense of human life.