The Special Prosecutor has been petitioned to use his office to look into alleged corruption offenses that characterised the election of executives during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP’s) regional elections.
Various regions in the country turned hot over the past weekend when the ruling party held its regional elections.
Unfortunately, the elections were not free from in-party fighting. Clashes recorded led to speculations and allegations that some candidates paid bribes to delegates to be voted for.
Having heard of these allegations, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central Hon. Mahama Ayariga has officially written to the Special Prosecutor to take an interest and investigate all corruption offenses.
“I write to draw your attention to widespread reports on the social media, which were equally discussed on the radio, that the offences of corruption, bribery, treating and undue influence did take place at the congresses of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to elect regional executives of the NPP in all the regions of Ghana.
“Some candidates are reported to have confirmed some of the reports. These elections, which were by law public elections, were held under the auspices of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana,” a letter from the Bawku Central MP copying the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Ghana Police Service reads.
It adds, “Bribery, treating and undue influence are clearly defined in sections 33, 34 and 35 of Law 284. Section 256 of the Criminal Code, 1960 (Act 29) also deals with corruption in relation to elections.
“Your mandate as Special Prosecutor extends to investigating allegations of corruption by politically exposed persons and prosecuting them where there is evidence to substantiate the charges. For those who do not qualify as “politically exposed persons.”
Source: Modern Ghana