The Special Voting exercise for Ghana’s 2024 General Election began today, with security personnel, journalists, and other essential service workers casting their ballots ahead of the official polling day on December 7. However, the exercise at Ayawaso West Wuogon took an unexpected turn when the sitting Member of Parliament, Lydia Alhassan, was seen distributing packs of food to voters in the queue.
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In videos that have since gone viral, the MP can be seen handing out food to security officers and others waiting to cast their votes. The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising her for showing concern for voters’ well-being, while others criticized the gesture as a possible breach of electoral ethics.
Critics argue that such actions could be perceived as an attempt to influence voters or undermine the neutrality of the electoral process. According to Ghana’s electoral laws, any act that can be interpreted as vote-buying or undue influence on voters is prohibited.
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Despite the controversy, voting at Ayawaso West Wuogon and other designated special voting centers proceeded smoothly, with no reports of major disruptions. The Electoral Commission has assured the public of its commitment to conducting a free and fair election, urging all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the process.
As the general election approaches, incidents like these highlight the need for vigilance in maintaining Ghana’s reputation for peaceful and transparent elections. Observers will be watching closely to see how the Electoral Commission and other authorities address such situations in the lead-up to December 7.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Ghana Elections 2024.
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