NEWS

OSP Investigates Ayawaso West Wuogon Food Distribution Incident

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has initiated an investigation into allegations of food distribution to voters during the special voting exercise in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency. This development follows a controversial incident involving the sitting Member of Parliament and New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Lydia Alhassan, who, along with her team, was seen handing out food packs to voters in queues at the Legon Police Station polling centre.

The act has sparked significant debate about electoral ethics and fairness. John Dumelo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the constituency, condemned the gesture as illegal and a violation of the Electoral Commission’s (EC) regulations. Dumelo criticized the move, stating it undermined the integrity of the electoral process, and noted that he could easily replicate such actions on a larger scale if desired.

Meanwhile, in an effort to enhance electoral transparency, the EC has reversed its earlier directive restricting media access to constituency and regional collation centres. In a statement issued on December 2, 2024, the EC announced that accredited media personnel covering polling stations would also be granted access to these collation centres starting Saturday, December 7, 2024.

“The EC is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations,” the statement read. “This revised accreditation system is intended to provide media personnel with greater flexibility and access to key election centres, underscoring the EC’s dedication to a transparent electoral process.”

Details regarding media access to the National Collation Centre are expected to be announced soon. The combination of the OSP’s investigation and the EC’s transparency measures highlights the ongoing efforts to uphold the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system as the nation prepares for the 2024 general elections.