The Co-Chair of the Citizen Movement Against Corruption, Edem Senanu, has expressed concern over alleged vote-buying activities involving the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, which were captured on video on Monday during the special voting exercise.
The footage reportedly shows the MP distributing food items to security personnel during a pre-election exercise, sparking public outrage and condemnation.
Mr. Senanu, speaking to Alfred Ocansey on Ghana Tonight on TV3, emphasized that both the giver and recipients of such items could be culpable under Ghana’s electoral laws.
“Both those who received as well as the person giving are persons of interest because they have both engaged in a crime under the law, which is vote buying or vote selling,” he said on December 3.
Senanu called for swift investigations and sanctions to deter such behavior in future elections.
Meanwhile, the Special Prosecutor has reportedly taken up the case following a formal complaint by John Dumelo, a contender for the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has been criticized for its perceived slow pace in addressing similar electoral misconduct cases. Critics argue that delayed actions undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Edem Senanu stressed the importance of immediate action to restore public trust.
“By Thursday, there should be a public statement to let us know whether they have established the facts and what they’re going to do about it. This shouldn’t take forever,” he said.
He further warned of the risks posed if such cases go unaddressed, highlighting potential repeat offenses and the erosion of the integrity of the electoral process. Senanu called for intensified public education on electoral ethics, especially for security personnel and other stakeholders.
With just days to Ghana’s crucial December 7 elections, public pressure mounts on the Electoral Commission, the OSP, and other key stakeholders to act decisively against electoral malpractice.
Observers await updates on investigations and the potential legal consequences for those involved.
