The Co-Chair of the Citizens Movement Against Corruption and a member of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption, Mr. Edem Senanu has expressed serious concerns about allegations of vote buying during elections.
Mr. Senanu addressed incidents involving Hon. Lydia Alhassan MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, who was seen distributing food items to voters in a queue during the special voting exercise.
As such, this particular food distribution to voters and the incident has raised critical questions about the role of security agencies, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), and the Electoral Commission (EC).
He pointed out that individuals caught on camera engaging in such acts should be investigated. He noted;
“Both vote buying and vote selling are crimes under the law. Ideally, the person seen handing out as well as those who received should be persons of interest to the security forces.”
Mr. Edem Senanu Co-Chair of the Citizens Movement Against Corruption
He questioned the apparent absence of immediate action by security agencies, particularly the inter-agency security task force, which is typically deployed during election periods.
“I’m wondering whether we didn’t have them deployed so that at such incidents, they pick up such persons, do an investigation, and if people need to be processed for court, that must happen.”
Mr. Edem Senanu Co-Chair of the Citizens Movement Against Corruption
The OSP recently announced plans to investigate the allegations, particularly focusing on this recent issue involving Hon. Lydia Alhassan.
“The swiftness with which the agencies respond to these matters is critical. At this point, just prior to the elections.”
Mr. Edem Senanu Co-Chair of the Citizens Movement Against Corruption
He called on the OSP to act quickly, suggesting that within 48 hours, the footage should be reviewed, individuals identified, and follow-up actions communicated to the public.
“There’s that need for urgency since we just 3-4 days to elections that we get that we get that robust and swift response and it is also put within the public framework so that others can hear.’’ So [that] any others who are thinking that they can do something similar will be prevented from attempting these kinds of actions.’’
Mr. Edem Senanu Co-Chair of the Citizens Movement Against Corruption
Another critical issue raised by Mr. Senanu was the involvement of political parties in providing food to EC officials.
In the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency, both NDC and NPP members were observed offering food to EC officials. He condemned;
”First, on my mind is, has the EC made arrangements to ensure that its staff are adequately catered for in terms of food and water? That would be a starting point.”
Any person, it doesn’t matter which party or which side of the political divide they are on, who are found to be distributing such material. These are criminal offenses under the law. Such persons influence the neutrality and objectiveness of officers who are supposed to be superintending this process, and that’s not allowed.”
Mr. Edem Senanu Co-Chair of the Citizens Movement Against Corruption
Strengthening Accountability
Mr. Senanu called on the EC and security agencies accountable for ensuring neutrality and fairness during the election process.
“The media and civil society ought to be questioning the EC on its actions in this respect, as well as the security forces and the agencies tasked to make sure that we maintain peace, law and order during this period.”
Mr. Edem Senanu Co-Chair of the Citizens Movement Against Corruption
Reflecting on the broader implications of these incidents, Mr. Senanu highlighted the need for robust measures to restore public confidence in the OSP and the electoral system.
However, referencing past cases, such as the NPP primaries in Ablekuma Central, where allegations of vote buying were not followed through. To this effect, others raised concerns that this is not the first time the OSP has come out to say they’ll look into allegations of vote buying. Yet, to date, we have to gotten any feedback on the outcome of such investigations.
The allegations of vote buying and the involvement of political parties in influencing EC officials underscore significant gaps in Ghana’s electoral processes.
Mr. Edem Senanu’s call for immediate and decisive action by the OSP, security forces, and the EC highlights the urgency of safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
His remarks served as a timely reminder of the need for vigilance, accountability, and transparency in elections.
