EC Urges Police to Initiate Criminal Investigation into Alleged Bribery Involving NPP MP in Ejisu By-election

The Electoral Commission (EC) has taken swift action in response to an alleged bribery incident that occurred during the recent Ejisu by-election, referring the matter to the Ghana Police Service for criminal investigation.

A viral video capturing the incident showed an individual placing a white envelope on a table in front of EC officials. Upon investigation, the EC determined that the envelope was purportedly intended for the officials’ lunch.

“The man in the video approached the officials’ table and inquired if they had eaten,” the EC explained in a statement released on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

“He then placed the envelope on the table, suggesting they use the contents for their lunch, and subsequently walked away,” the EC elaborated.

In response to these findings, the EC took immediate action by suspending the services of the two temporary election officers involved. Additionally, preliminary discussions have been initiated with the Ghana Police Service to launch a criminal investigation into the matter.

Amidst these developments, the EC has urged for calm and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and transparency in electoral processes.

Furthermore, the identity of the individual distributing the envelope is Professor Kingsley Nyarko, the Member of Parliament for Kwadaso representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

In media interviews, despite not confirming the contents of the envelope, Professor Nyarko asserted that his actions were not intended to influence the officials or the electoral process.