Voters in the Ablekuma West Constituency sparked a stir when they rejected food packs allegedly sent by the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, during the 2024 general elections.
The incident occurred at a polling center where a pick-up truck carrying the food was met with resistance. Agitated voters hooted at the driver and demanded the vehicle leave the premises, forcing its abrupt departure amid protests.
According to the truck’s occupants, the food packs were intended for party officials stationed at the center. However, voters viewed the gesture as an attempt to influence the election outcome, which heightened tensions.
A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, showing voters chanting “We don’t want it!” as the pick-up truck exited the polling center under the watchful eyes of election officials and security personnel.
Mixed Reactions Online
The video has sparked diverse reactions across social media platforms. Some commended the voters for rejecting what they perceived as an unethical gesture, while others called for restraint and encouraged addressing such concerns through formal channels to ensure a fair electoral process.
This incident is reminiscent of another controversy during the special voting exercise earlier in the week. MP Lydia Seyram Alhassan of Ayawaso West Wuogon was accused of distributing food and water to individuals in a voting queue. She denied the allegations, explaining that the food was intended for her campaign team, Electoral Commission agents, and journalists at the station.
Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
In a related development, Dr. Joseph Whittal, Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has expressed concerns over similar incidents. Referring to a viral video of security personnel receiving food during the special voting exercise, Dr. Whittal criticized the actions as undermining electoral integrity.
“These actions are an embarrassment and compromise the security officers’ professional conduct,” Dr. Whittal said, adding that such gestures could erode public confidence in the voting process.
As Ghana’s 2024 elections continue, incidents like these underscore the importance of transparency and adherence to ethical standards in safeguarding the democratic process.
