The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper West Region has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of orchestrating a large-scale vote-buying scheme ahead of the December 7, 2024, general elections.
According to a press release issued by the NDC Regional Communication Bureau, NPP parliamentary candidates have allegedly distributed GHS 3 million and bales of cloth to influence voter decisions in the region.
The statement claims that the NPP’s strategy targets women and first-time voters, with each voter reportedly receiving GHS 200 and four pieces of cloth. The NDC alleges that the gifts are being used to coerce voters into supporting NPP parliamentary candidates, while permitting them to cast their presidential vote for the NDC’s John Mahama.
“This is what is currently happening in some regions,” the press release asserted, warning voters to resist such inducements.
“We urge all voters to be on the lookout for these free gifts and collect them but still go ahead to vote against the NPP candidates in this election,” the statement read. “If they bring anything less than GHS 200 plus 4 pieces of cloths, just know that you have been shortchanged and should not accept it.”
The NDC further criticized the NPP for allegedly resorting to last-minute tactics to maintain power after what it describes as years of economic hardship, corruption, and mismanagement under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government.
The statement highlighted high taxes, rising fuel prices, and destroyed water bodies as evidence of the NPP’s failure. It also warned that a vote for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia amounts to endorsing the continuation of the alleged “Agyapadie manifesto of the Akyem mafia.”
“For eight years, the NPP only now remembered that we need GHS 200 and 4 pieces of cloth? Why now? The intentions are very clear; they want to confuse you with their gifts so that you vote for them,” the NDC charged, calling on voters to reject the ruling party.
The NDC concluded by urging voters to accept the gifts as restitution but vote against the NPP to “reset the economy, save our national resources, and protect Ghana’s democracy.” It described the upcoming elections as a critical opportunity to chart a new path.
