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A former Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Mac Manu, has expressed worry about the dangers vote buying poses to the country’s democracy.
His comment comes after delegates in the just-ended primaries of the NPP publicly admitted to receiving money from some of the contenders.
According to the delegates who spoke to JoyNews, they received an amount of GH₵400 from the camp of the Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and another GH₵300 from Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong during the electoral process.
The aspirants have however explained that these monies are given to take care of transportation cost for the delegates.
Read also: Some NPP delegates confirm receiving money to vote for candidates
Reacting to the reports however, Mr Mac Manu expressed his disappointment, saying such payments are illegal.
Mr Mac Manu further advised that Ghana takes a cue from Nigeria, adding that “In February, Nigeria arrested 69 people for paying bribes for elections. So in Nigeria, if they accept bribes for votes, they are not open like we just saw on the television because you will be arrested. “
He also called for sensitization to discourage citizens from indulging in the practice. “So let us look at the law, let us bring it to the front burner and let’s sensitize our citizenry because it is going to destroy our democracy,” he said.
Over 200,000 delegates of the NPP voted today to select a candidate who will carry the party’s banner in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The presidential race features a diverse field of contenders, including Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Minister of Agriculture Dr Owusu Akoto Afriyie, and former Member of Parliament for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh.
