Ghana Police Make Arrest in Connection to Stolen Biometric Voter ID Tech

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has addressed public concerns following the arrest of a man found in possession of a stolen Biometric Verification Device (BVD), with the EC assuring the public that the integrity of the upcoming December 2024 elections remains uncompromised despite the incident.

The Ghana Police Service arrested 52-year old Samuel Yaw Koranteng, in Nsawam, Eastern Region, for possession of a device on August 23rd. An investigation has been launched to determine how the suspect acquired the BVD and whether it was intended for illicit activities.

The suspect was allegedly attempting to sell the device in Nsawam, when members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), posing as buyers, apprehended him. The device was handed over to the police, but it remains unclear whether it officially belongs to the EC, despite its markings.

In a statement signed by Deputy Chairman Samuel Tettey, the EC emphasized that the stolen BVD cannot be misused to affect the election’s outcome. The BVDs are designed with multiple security layers, ensuring they only function with data that is carefully prepared, encrypted, and signed by a secure process. Additionally, each BVD is activated for a specific election day and polling station, rendering it unusable outside of its intended context.

The EC highlighted that BVDs are used exclusively for voter verification, not for voting. Moreover, the devices undergo a rigorous preparation process that involves loading specific voter data, which is verified against the voters’ register for the election day. If any data discrepancies are detected during startup, the device will not function.

Earlier this year Ghana’s opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), called for an urgent and comprehensive investigation into the theft of the equipment. During a press conference, NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey emphasized the need for an independent investigation, supported by international observers, to ensure impartiality.

The EC has pledged to collaborate with the police in investigating the circumstances surrounding the stolen device and to ensure that such incidents do not affect the electoral process. The Commission also reassured the public that all necessary measures are in place to maintain the credibility and transparency of the 2024 elections.

Source: Modern Ghana, Pulse, 3News

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August 26, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith