3.0 The nature of the Afram Plains Constituency
The Afram Plains North Constituency which has the same geographical configuration as the Kwahu Afram Plains North District of the Eastern Region has the largest land mass in the Eastern Region with 2,341.3 square kilometers.
In all, there are over 575 communities in the constituency of which 222 are located on the Volta Lake. The constituency has 31 electoral areas and 127 polling stations. Out of this number, 13 electoral areas and 54 polling stations are located on various islands.
Given the nature of the constituency, the only reliable means of transport are boats, canoes, and ferries. To access the district capital, constituents have to travel several kilometers on water and commute by road to Donkorkrom. Constituents who live on Agordeke (Digya Island) for instance have to travel by boat for about 8-10 hours to get to the river bank at Supom (Bridge Ano) and then continue for over 25kilometer distance by road to the District Capital (Donkorkrom). It will surprise you that the cost involved is as follows: Boat=80; Abotoaso-Kpando=35; Kpando-Torkor=8; Ferry=12; River bank-Donkorkrom=20. Total for in and out = GHC310.00
4.0 Effects of the EC’s Voter Registration Modalities
There are practical implications for this limited voter registration exercise if the EC proceeds with its current arrangements.
Eligible voters particularly women and young people who desire to enjoy their Article 42 rights will have to travel several kilometers by water and road to Donkorkrom.