Senior Adviser to the Bawumia Campaign Team and Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has dismissed claims that delegates were paid to influence voting during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries.
The comments follow allegations circulating on social media that delegates at some voting centres were promised GH¢700 by coordinators linked to certain flagbearer camps, including Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, February 2, Mr. Awuku said he was not aware of any payments made to delegates by the Bawumia camp.
“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 votes,” he explained.
He warned that inducements undermine democracy when financial incentives determine voting decisions.
“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.
Addressing claims that the Bawumia camp may have provided transportation money, Mr. Awuku clarified: “Maybe not from the centre that I know of, unless people decided to support on their own.”
He gave an example from his constituency, noting that logistical support such as providing buses for delegates to reach polling stations does not constitute vote-buying.
“I was clear in my mind, and I told them to vote according to their conscience,” he added, emphasizing that delegates were free to make independent choices at the polls.
Mr. Awuku concluded by urging the Presidential Primaries Committee to investigate the allegations thoroughly and give the camps implicated a chance to respond.
