In response to a circulating video suggesting perceived impropriety during the Ejisu by-election, the Member of Parliament for Kwadaso in the Ashanti Region, Honorable Dr Kingsley Nyarko has vehemently denied allegations of bribery and offered a detailed account of the incident.
The governing New Patriotic Party lawmaker in a statement refuted what he describes as the perceived misinterpretation among the general public that the video circulating on social media portrays him as seemingly offering bribes through a white envelope to Electoral Commission officers during the Ejisu by-election.
According to Dr Nyarko’s statement, the interaction stemmed from his visit to the Pentecost Church polling station in Fumesua, one of the polling stations the Electoral Commission designated for the by-election on April 30, 2024.
Dr Nyarko asserted that his presence at the polling station was part of his duties assigned by the New Patriotic Party to oversee five polling stations in the area.
He noted that during his visit, he engaged with the Electoral Commission officers to inquire about the progress of the election and the voter turnout at that station in which in the course of conversation, he learned that the officers had not received their meals.
Dr Kingsley Nyarko thus noted that it was out of goodwill that he decided to provide lunch for the Electoral Officers by giving them an envelope which contained some token sum of money.
The Kwadaso Member of Parliament further noted that his gesture was made transparently, as he placed the envelope containing the lunch expenses on the table in full view of everyone present.
Furthermore, Dr Kingsley Nyarko recounted that he proceeded with his responsibilities shortly after his engagement with the electoral officer by conducting interviews with some media outlets that were around before continuing to other polling stations.
Dr Nyarko emphasized that his intention was purely altruistic and aimed at supporting the well-being of the electoral officers, rather than influencing their conduct.
“I have endeavoured, over the years, to build an image of integrity, credibility, honesty, kindness and discipline and I will not do anything deliberately to diminish it. In fact, those who know me will attest to that.
“Although I acted in good faith, it seems my good intention and action have been misconstrued to mean I have bribed or influenced the electoral officers. That was not the case. I did not bribe anybody”.
Honorable Dr Kingsley Nyarko, MP Kwadaso Constituency
Upholding the Integrity of Ghana’s Electoral Process
Expressing deep commitment to upholding the integrity of the country’s electoral process, the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, Dr Kingsley Nyarko underscored his respect for the Electoral Commission’s reputation for credibility, honesty, and discipline.
He further reaffirmed his personal dedication to maintaining a sterling image characterized by integrity, credibility, and kindness.
Moreover, Dr Kingsley expressed deep concerns over the perceived misinterpretation of his actions, which have been construed as bribery.
He extended his sincerest apologies to both the Electoral Commission and the public for any misunderstanding caused, emphasizing that such incidents will not recur under his watch.
In addition, Dr Kingsley Nyarko expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with any investigative process aimed at ascertaining the truth of the matter, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and accountability.
The Member of Parliament for Kwadaso Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Dr Kingsley Nyarko was seen on camera handing over an envelope suspected to contain cash to some Electoral Commission (EC) officials at a polling centre during the by-election at Ejisu.
Subsequently, the Electoral Commission (EC) withdrew the two temporary staff members after many raised the alarm about transparency and accountability.
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