The African Electoral Institute (AEI) has commended the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Ghana Police Service for their swift response to allegations of bribery involving electoral officials during the Ejisu by-election on April 30, 2024.
The incident, which involved officials allegedly accepting bribes from Prof. Kinsley Nyarko, the Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, has been met with significant reactions.
According to AEI, the EC’s decision to hand over the implicated officers to the police exemplifies a commitment to transparency and justice.
“We commend the EC and the Ghana Police for their prompt and decisive actions in this matter. This case must serve as a deterrent to prevent any future occurrences of such misconduct,” Nii Adjin Adjin-Tettey, Deputy Director of Communications and External Relations at AEI said in a statement.
The Ghana Police have not only dealt with the two officials but have also brought in MP Nyarko to aid the investigation, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the allegations.
AEI noted the importance of addressing all aspects of the allegation, which inherently involves both the giver and receiver of the bribe.
“This is an election year, and it is crucial for the Ghana Police to expedite its investigation and all necessary legal processes to bring finality to this issue,” Adjin-Tettey added.
AEI, which has followed the developments closely, including reviewing viral footage of the alleged bribery, emphasized its position on maintaining neutrality and objectivity until the legal process is complete.
However, the institute reiterated that any form of electoral malpractice undermines the democratic process and must be addressed rigorously.
“Electoral malpractice, including the monetization of votes, essentially robs the people of their will and distorts the results of elections, thus damaging the spirit of true democracy,” said Adjin-Tettey.
The AEI urged all stakeholders, including the EC, law enforcement, and the Ghanaian public, to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the integrity of elections.
They emphasized the importance of continuous education on electoral laws and ethics for all involved in the electoral process.
The African Electoral Institute called for active participation and compliance with electoral laws to ensure the credibility and fairness of elections in Ghana and beyond.