The Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has strongly denied allegations suggesting that he interfered with voting at a polling station in his constituency during the ongoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries.
In a statement issued on the day of voting, Mr Afenyo-Markin described the claims as “entirely false” and a calculated attempt to misrepresent his actions and undermine the integrity of the internal party elections.
The allegations, which have circulated on social media, accuse the Minority Leader of positioning himself close to a polling booth in Effutu and influencing voters, thereby compromising ballot secrecy.
“These assertions are entirely false and constitute a deliberate distortion of facts,” he said, insisting that he has acted within the bounds of the law and party regulations throughout the process.
According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, the accusations are not isolated but form part of what he described as a sustained campaign of misinformation by his political opponents since the start of the NPP presidential primaries.
He noted that despite these attacks, he has remained composed and focused on upholding democratic principles. “This spurious allegation is merely the latest in a series of plots orchestrated by my adversaries,” he stated.
To illustrate his point, the Minority Leader recalled a previous incident involving a doctored video that was widely shared online. The video allegedly sought to portray him as disrespectful to a presidential aspirant during the signing of a peace pact held at the Alisa Hotel on January 22, 2026.
He dismissed such actions as “vile tactics” and said they reflect desperation rather than genuine concerns about the credibility of the primaries.
Commitment to Electoral Rules and Democratic Conduct
Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasised his long-standing commitment to democratic governance and strict adherence to electoral rules.
“As a committed servant of Ghana, Parliament, the New Patriotic Party and Effutu, I have adhered strictly to all Electoral Commission and party leadership guidelines throughout this process.”
Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Effutu
He categorically denied ever being near a voting area in a manner that could be interpreted as influencing delegates.
“At no time have I been anywhere near the voting area as claimed, nor have I engaged in any conduct that could be construed, even remotely, as undue influence.”
Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Effutu
Clarifying his movements on the day of voting, the Minority Leader said his presence in the constituency was limited strictly to lawful activities permitted under the rules governing the NPP presidential primaries. These, he explained, included exercising his right to vote and carrying out legitimate oversight responsibilities.
“My presence in the constituency today has been limited strictly to exercising my franchise and undertaking lawful oversight in full compliance with the rules that govern us all.”
Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Effutu
His comments come as the NPP conducts a closely watched presidential primary to elect a flagbearer ahead of the 2028 general elections, an exercise that has attracted nationwide attention.
Call for Calm and Protection of Democratic Integrity
Against the backdrop of heightened political tension, Mr Afenyo-Markin appealed to key stakeholders to prioritise peace and transparency.
He urged the Electoral Commission, security agencies, political actors and party supporters to remain vigilant against misinformation that could undermine voter confidence.
“I urge all stakeholders to prioritize peace, transparency and the integrity of our democracy,” he said, warning that false allegations only serve to sow discord and erode trust in the electoral process.
He stressed that the focus should remain on ensuring a free, fair and credible exercise that reflects the will of party delegates.
In a move aimed at reinforcing transparency, the Minority Leader invited journalists, observers and members of the public to independently verify the facts on the ground.
He encouraged those in doubt to visit Winneba, the capital of the Effutu Municipality, to observe the conduct of the primaries firsthand.
According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, truth and transparency remain the strongest safeguards against misinformation and political manipulation.
Concluding his statement, the Minority Leader called on all parties involved to desist from spreading falsehoods and allow the NPP presidential primaries to proceed without disruption.
He said party members and supporters “deserve better” and should be given the opportunity to participate in a credible and peaceful internal election.
As voting continues, his remarks underscore the broader challenge facing the party: maintaining unity and trust while navigating an intensely competitive flagbearer contest that will shape the NPP’s future political direction.
