In a strong statement released today, a prominent anti-corruption civil society organization (CSO) has condemned the acts of vote buying and voter inducement in Ghana’s electoral process.
The group has called for immediate and decisive action to uphold the integrity of Ghana’s democracy.
The organization emphasized that vote buying, whether through cash, gifts, food, or promises of material benefits, is not only illegal but undermines the fundamental principles of free and fair elections.
They pointed to several legal provisions, including the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, the Public Elections Regulations, 2020 (C.I. 127), and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which criminalize such electoral malpractices.
The statement also addressed the concern of exploitation of economic hardship to sway voters, calling this behavior not only illegal but morally reprehensible.
The CSO stressed that merely applying ad-hoc measures to combat vote buying is insufficient and that more stringent actions need to be taken.
The group has made demands calling for the presidency to direct state investigative bodies to enforce electoral laws impartially, regardless of political party affiliation.
They also urged the legislative branch to ensure prompt action from relevant state institutions. Additionally, they requested the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to release a report detailing how vote-buying cases have been handled in past elections.
Emmanuel Wilson Jnr, Chief Crusader of the anti-corruption CSO, signed the statement, urging stronger legal enforcement to prevent electoral malpractice.
For inquiries, the CSO can be contacted at:
Email: crusadersgh@gmail.com
Phone: +233 (0) 244 044 045
Source: myxyzonline.com
