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Dr Kingsley Nyarko, the Kwadaso MP, denies bribing any officers of the Electoral Commission (EC) in the Ejisu by-election scandal.
On Thursday, May 2, the MP for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) made a statement stating that the EC “has over the years built an image of credibility, integrity, honesty and discipline, and I will not do anything untoward to erode such virtues.”
“I have endeavoured, over the years, to build an image of integrity, credibility, honesty, kindness and discipline and I will not do anything deliberately to diminish it. In fact, those who know me will attest to that” he stated.
“Although I acted in good faith, it seems my good intention and action have been misconstrued to mean I have bribed or influenced the electoral officers. That was not the case. I did not bribe anybody.”
Dr. Nyarko was seen approaching the table and depositing an envelope on the table occupied by the presiding officer and the ballot issuer during the Tuesday Ejisu by-election, as captured in a widely shared video.
The two officials at the Fumesua Pentecost Church Polling Station were later removed by the EC, which announced that it had begun an investigation into the situation.
The Kwadaso MP addressed the matter by stating that the NPP had chosen him to oversee five polling places in Fumesua.
“During my numerous rounds, and upon reaching the Pentecost church polling station, I interacted with the officers to find out if the election process at the polling station was coming up well and the numbers that had registered at that time” he explained to the media.
“The officers indicated that the process was smooth but at that time their food had not been delivered. I then asked them if they would be okay if I offered them lunch. They accepted it and I put an envelope on the table in the full glare of all.”
“Unequivocally, and in all honesty that, the gesture shown by me to the electoral officers was with good intent, and not to bribe nor influence them to act contrary to their conscience, conviction and character” he added.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
