The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced an extension of the voter ID card registration period for students in Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) across the nation, in light of the upcoming 2024 December elections.
Initially set from May 7 to May 10, 2024, the registration deadline has now been pushed to May 14, 2024, providing additional time for students aged 18 and above to register.
This decision came after the Electoral Commission of Ghana acknowledged challenges that slowed the registration process during the originally scheduled days.
In a detailed statement released on May 9, 2024, GES cited the need for ensuring that all eligible students have the opportunity to register, which prompted the extension.
The statement also referenced an earlier communication from the Electoral Commission dated May 7, 2024, outlining the encountered difficulties.
“Regional Directors are kindly requested to communicate this extension to all Heads of SHS/SHTS within their jurisdiction for compliance,” the GES directed in their latest announcement.
This extension is crucial as it allows students who are legally eligible to participate in national elections to exercise their constitutional rights.
Social media channels of the Ghana Education Service echoed this update, emphasizing the importance of this extension: “Management has extended the permission period for students aged 18 and above to Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Students, teachers, parents, and the general public are to take note.”
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The voter registration drive is part of a broader 21-day campaign by the Electoral Commission to update the voter register, accommodating new voters who have reached the age of majority since the last electoral exercise. This campaign is set to conclude on May 27, 2024.
The move by GES to extend the registration period highlights the commitment of educational authorities to facilitate the participation of young voters in the democratic process.
Ensuring that students have ample opportunity to register not only upholds their rights but also encourages civic responsibility among the youth.
This initiative is part of a larger effort to engage young citizens in governance and public decision-making processes.
As the registration window draws to a close, GES urges all eligible students to take advantage of the extended period to ensure their participation in the upcoming polls.
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This directive aligns with Ghana’s constitutional mandate that guarantees every citizen the right to vote, reflecting the nation’s dedication to democratic principles and inclusive governance.
In conclusion, the extension granted by the Ghana Education Service is a significant step towards ensuring that no eligible student voter is left behind due to logistical challenges.
It reaffirms the importance of youth engagement in national elections, setting a precedent for future electoral processes to accommodate educational institutions and their student populations effectively.
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