Sammi Awuku, a senior adviser to the Bawumia Campaign Team and Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has rejected allegations that the campaign distributed money to delegates to influence votes during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries.
His comments follow claims by some delegates at certain voting centres that they had been promised cash by coordinators associated with some of the flagbearer camps. In videos circulating on social media, a number of delegates alleged they were waiting to receive GH¢700 from the camp of Dr Bryan Acheampong before voting.
Responding to questions about whether the Bawumia campaign also gave money to delegates, Mr Awuku said he was not aware of any such payments from Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s camp prior to voting.
“I haven’t been part of any meeting where we agreed that monies should be given to delegates. If it’s about ferrying somebody from one point to the voting centre, I don’t think that is part of buying the votes of delegates,” He told Citi Breakfast Show host Bernard Avle, on Monday, February 2.
He cautioned that inducement poses a serious threat to democracy when financial incentives influence electoral choices. “Where I think it is wrong is when it becomes the focus on which a decision to vote is made, then it becomes very dangerous to our democracy,” he said.
On claims that the Bawumia campaign may have provided money for transportation, Mr Awuku added, “Maybe not from the centre that I know of, unless people decided to support on their own.”
He cited his own constituency to illustrate the difference between logistical support and vote-buying. “In my constituency, they will tell you straight that our MP provided us with a bus to convey at least those who are coming from far places. So, I supported them to come and vote,” he explained.
Mr Awuku stressed that delegates were free to make their own choices at the polls. “I was clear in my mind, and I told them to vote according to their conscience,” he added.
He concluded by calling on the Presidential Primaries Committee to investigate the allegations and allow the camps mentioned in the claims an opportunity to clear their names.
