Election Watch Ghana to petition Special Prosecutor over alleged Vote-Buying in NPP Primaries
Mark Ewusi Arkoh, Convener of Election Watch Ghana, has announced that the non-partisan group will formally petition against what it perceives as vote-buying schemes that marred the recently concluded New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary election held on January 31, 2026.
He alleged that the election was characterized by widespread vote-buying, which contravenes Ghana’s electoral laws and constitutes a corruption-related offense.
In an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Arkoh stated that individuals who shared money and those who received it have engaged in an offense that breaches the law, necessitating prosecution.
He cited Article 284, which stipulates that offering money to people to vote in an election is a criminal offense, warranting arrest and prosecution.
”It is an offense to distribute money to people to vote for you. It is unequivocally an offense. Both those who gave out money and those who received it have committed an offense and must be investigated… Therefore, we have decided as a group to petition the Office of the Special Prosecutor to investigate the matter. We are optimistic that the outcome of this petition will significantly contribute to the advancement of our democracy.”
Mr. Arkoh further asserted that, based on the events that transpired on the day, it would not be inaccurate to suggest that the individual with greater financial resources, or the one who distributed more money, won the election.
Election Watch Ghana previously expressed concern regarding widespread voter inducement ahead of the January 31 polls, warning that the electoral process’s credibility faces a significant challenge.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 29, 2026, the civil society organization disclosed that information gathered from outreach activities suggests certain aspirants were allegedly utilizing substantial financial resources to sway delegates’ decisions.
It had alleged that some of the contenders were reportedly allocating between GH¢150 million and GH¢200 million to influence delegates, with alleged inducements encompassing hotel accommodations, transportation arrangements, meals, and cash allowances.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
