Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, Dr. Kingsley Nyarko, has refuted allegations of bribery involving Electoral Commission (EC) officials during the Ejisu by-election.
He argued that his actions were misconstrued.
The incident, which caught public attention through a viral video, showed Dr. Nyarko placing an envelope on the table at the Fumesua Pentecost Church Polling Station.
Following this, the EC removed the two officials involved and launched an investigation.
In a statement released on Thursday, May 2, Dr. Nyarko, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) defended his reputation and intentions.
He stressed that his actions were intended to support the EC officials logistically and were not meant to influence or bribe them.
Dr. Nyarko explained that upon learning the officials had not received their meals, he offered to provide lunch, which led to him placing the envelope on the table.
The Kwadaso MP emphasized his commitment to maintaining integrity and honesty and claimed those who know him would attest to his character.
He was appointed by the NPP to oversee operations at five polling stations, including the one where the incident occurred.
Dr. Nyarko asserted that his gesture was made with good intentions and was in no way an attempt to corrupt the election process.
Read his full statement below;
Alleged Bribery of Electoral Commission Officers during the By-election at Ejisu
It has come to my attention that there is a video in circulation in which I was seen picking a white envelope from my back pocket and dropping it on a table in front of two electoral commission officers.
I would like to state that, on the 30th of April, 2024, when the Ejisu by-election was being held, I was selected by my political party – the New Patriotic Party to supervise five polling stations in Fumesua.
During my numerous rounds, and upon reaching the Pentecost church polling station, I interacted with the officers to find out if the election process at the polling station was coming up well and the numbers that had registered at that time.
The officers indicated that the process was smooth but at that time their food had not been delivered. I then asked them if they would be okay if I offered them lunch. They accepted it and I put an envelope on the table in the full glare of all.
I then left, granted an interview with Adom TV and continued to the other polling stations.
I must state unequivocally, and in all honesty that, the gesture shown by me to the electoral officers was with good intent, and not to bribe nor influence them to act contrary to their conscience, conviction and character.
The electoral commission, over the years, has built an image of credibility, integrity, honesty and discipline, and I will not do anything untoward to erode such virtues.
I have endeavoured, over the years, to build an image of integrity, credibility, honesty, kindness and discipline and I will not do anything deliberately to diminish it. In fact, those who know me will attest to that.
Although I acted in good faith, it seems my good intention and action have been misconstrued to mean I have bribed or influenced the electoral officers. That was not the case. I did not bribe anybody.
As unfortunate as the incident is, I would like to apologize to the commission and the citizenry and assure all and sundry that such an act will never happen again.
I will also gladly submit myself to any process to establish the truth of what transpired at the polling station on that day.
Thank you.
Kingsley Nyarko, MP, Kwadaso