Former Ayensuano MP, Samuel Ayeh-Paye, has shared a surprising experience from the December 2024 elections when a voter outrightly rejected an offer meant to encourage her to cast her vote.
According to the MP, the elderly woman from a rural area rejected his GHS 50 offer to “buy water and cast her vote”.
Ayeh-Paye expressed his dismay, adding that was the first time ever a voter had refused attempts of inducement to cast ballot.
According to him, while many people in the past would have accepted the money, whether or not they voted, this particular individual stood her ground, stating plainly that she had no intention of voting and, therefore, would not take the money.
The former MP made the confession while speaking on the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) struggles leading up to the election.
Ayeh-Paye admitted that the party had lost touch with its grassroots support, leading to its defeat.
He attributed this to growing political awareness among Ghanaians, stating, “This is the level of political enlightenment the country has got to.”
He also acknowledged that many people were simply disappointed in the NPP government, which contributed to the party’s electoral loss.
Despite the setback, Ayeh-Paye remains hopeful about the NPP’s future, assuring supporters that the party would go back to the drawing board, correct its mistakes and make a strong comeback in subsequent elections.