President Nana-Akufo-Addo will address the nation on the December 17 referendum this evening.
The December 17 referendum, which has courted more controversy as it approaches, is to decide on an amendment to Article 55 (3) of the constitution to enable political parties to sponsor candidates during local level elections.
In the heat of the controversy, there have been calls for the referendum to be cancelled.
Deputy Minister of Information Pius Hadzide earlier noted that the government had taken note of the concerns and proceeded to hold more consultations.
After these consultations, the deputy Minister said the President would take a final decision on the referendum.
After the earlier consensus on a YES vote in the referendum, the National Democratic Congress started advocating for a NO vote.
The President’s address will come a day after NDC Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, reiterated the NDC’s “NO” vote stance.
Mr. Mahama has previously said an amendment to Article 243(1) of the constitution was more pressing than changes to district level elections.
Per Article 243 (1) of the 1992 Constitution, District Chief Executives for every district are to be appointed by the President with the prior approval of not less than two-thirds majority of members of the assembly present and voting at the meeting.
The government has responded to such claims saying an amendment to Article 243(1) has indeed been prioritized.
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development explained that the amendment Bill was the first to be processed.
According to the minister, the bill is presently in Parliament and has gone through all the required processes and is at the last stage which requires a vote by Members of Parliament to approve the Bill.
