Political analyst Samuel Boateng has warned that if vote-buying in internal party elections—particularly within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP)—is not addressed, it will escalate to a point where voters demand money and goods before participating in national elections.
Mr Boateng’s remarks follow the recent NDC primary in the Ayawaso East constituency, which was allegedly marred by widespread vote-buying. Reports suggest that candidates distributed items such as televisions, mobile phones, motorbikes, and even “kosua ne meko” (egg and pepper) to influence delegates.
He described these actions as an affront to democracy, the fight against corruption, and the integrity of credible elections. He further insisted that the events of Saturday, February 7, 2026, must be thoroughly investigated, with all culpable parties sanctioned.
“If there is a possibility, the NDC must annul the results, disqualify the five candidates who contested, and organise a fresh, free election to elect a new candidate,” he stated.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Boateng expressed concern that the normalisation of these practices by major parties is eroding the country’s democratic foundations.
“Soon, politicians will share tomatoes, onions, and peppers with delegates to induce them. The politicians are unwilling to change how they understand democracy and have made it normal to induce voters. The NPP and NDC see these things as normal. Nobody has been prosecuted over these vote-buying allegations.”
“If we are serious as a country, we have to deal with this matter because, as a country claiming to be democratic, we don’t need these things to happen. One of the reasons why we see these things is that elected officials don’t do what the people want or don’t return to them until there is another election; so, the people use that as a means of making money.”
Samuel Boateng further claimed that politicians have allowed poverty to reach a level where voters are easily swayed by basic necessities.
He noted that with just koko (porridge), sugar, and bread, a delegate or voter is likely to be induced.
He stressed that political parties must prioritise serving the public and improving the living conditions of the people once they win power, rather than relying on financial inducements to secure votes.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
