Private legal practitioner Kofi Bekai has opined that it is only a court of competent jurisdiction that can pronounce any form of guilt against Madam Seyram Alhassan, the MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, regarding her alleged sharing of food with voters who were in a queue to vote during the special voting exercise held on Monday, December 2, 2024.
The lawyer explained that if any institution had any evidence to prove that the MP breached our electoral laws by her alleged act, they have the responsibility of presenting her before the court for prosecution.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he stated that while some have claimed that the MP gave the package to security officials to influence their votes, this can be contested in court and challenged.
”If you believe she has broken any laws, you can report her to the police or sue her in court. The law is left and right because she may deny using the food to bribe voters. She may also argue that she was simply being kind when distributing the food and had no ulterior motive. You cannot make such assumptions until the court determines that it was a bribe.
There’s also the question of whether the food was a bribe, especially since it was shared in public for everyone to see. When you press the law, the MP also presents her position on the issue. She may be sued for bribery, and her defence may be to deny the bribery, which is what makes the law so beautiful.”
The lawyer emphasised, “If you insist she broke the law, sue her, and she will also submit her statement explaining why she did so, then we can proceed and send the case to the appropriate quarters for determination.” I’ve read that CHRAJ condemned the MP’s actions. You can condemn it, but you cannot make a final determination until a court of competent jurisdiction rules on the matter and declares it a bribe”.
He went on to say that even if the Special Prosecutor found evidence of corruption or corruption-related activities against her, he would have to bring her before the court.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
