The just-ended Council of State election in the Volta Region has sparked controversy following allegations of vote buying and political interference made by aspirant Dr. David Kofi Wuaku.
Dr. Wuaku claimed that the election was neither free nor fair, accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives of openly supporting a single candidate and blocking other contenders from engaging with delegates.
He described the situation as a manipulated process designed to influence the outcome, lamenting that some NDC-affiliated individuals actively obstructed him from sharing his message with voters.
“Third-party executive meeting delegates in the night. I went there, now closed-door party. Some boys called the third-party organizers prevented a candidate from having access to the information you are giving to delegates. What is that?” Dr. Wuaku questioned.
The alleged interference extended beyond party executives, as Dr. Wuaku also accused security forces and government officials of playing a role in the manipulation.
He recounted a situation where the regional police command sought clarification from a minister, only for the minister to give conflicting accounts.
“When the police command called the minister, he said a different thing. When I met him, he said a different thing. Why should we call this an election? This is not an election,” he argued.
His claims gained weight after NDC Regional Secretary Bright Egeh confirmed the party’s vested interest in the election outcome, stating, “Yes, the executives have an interest, and we are doing everything possible to make our candidate win.”
This revelation has raised concerns about the credibility of the election process, with political analysts and civil society groups calling for an independent investigation into the allegations.
Critics argue that political party interference in the Council of State election undermines the institution’s intended purpose of providing non-partisan advice to the presidency.
In response, Dr. Wuaku is urging traditional leaders, assembly members, and the people of the Volta Region to hold their representatives accountable, warning that such interference could set a dangerous precedent for governance.
“I am calling on you to hold your representatives responsible for this kind of decision to send our region back,” he declared.
Despite his disappointment, Dr. Wuaku reaffirmed his commitment to national development, stating, “I will work hard to develop Ghana. I will develop Ghana. I will showcase my works to Ghanaians, and everybody will see that when you elect the right person, you have the right people. But when you elect the wrong people, everybody will suffer.”
His remarks highlight broader concerns about political manipulation in Ghana’s elections. With mounting pressure from stakeholders, the Electoral Commission and relevant authorities may soon be forced to address the conduct of the Volta Region Council of State election.
The controversy continues, raising questions about whether the election was about true representation or political loyalty.
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