Food distribution sparks controversy during Ayawaso West Wuogon special voting
Voting proceeded peacefully and smoothly in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency on Monday, December 2, as part of the special voting exercise. However, the calm was disrupted when Lydia Alhassan, the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament, began distributing food packs to voters in the queue. Electoral Commission officials and security personnel supervising the voting process also reportedly received some of the food packs.
This act drew criticism from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly from its parliamentary candidate for the constituency, actor John Dumelo, who expressed his frustration during an interview with Joy News’ Kwaku Asante. Dumelo remarked:
“Why are you sharing food with people in the queue? Why are you doing that? Does it mean we cannot share food too? We can also share the same, but let’s respect the rules of the Electoral Commission. Don’t share anything with people in the queue who have not voted yet. And you’re sharing food and we don’t even know what’s in the thing, and you’re sharing to people who have not voted yet. What kind of stupidity is this?”
He further warned, “Why? Do they think we can’t do it? We can do the same and even worse. They shouldn’t even try us.”
Despite the controversy, both candidates expressed confidence earlier in the day about their chances in the election.
Elsewhere, Joy News’ Prince Kwame Kudogah reported similar incidents in the Ayawaso Central Constituency, where both the NPP and NDC distributed breakfast to Electoral Commission officials supervising the exercise.
The special voting exercise took place across 14 out of 16 regions, involving security personnel, emergency service staff, and Electoral Commission officials. However, the Eastern and Western Regions are scheduled to vote on Thursday, December 5, due to a ballot paper mishap requiring a reprint.
The overall process was described as smooth, with high turnout, though isolated incidents such as missing names and the food distribution raised concerns.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has launched an investigation into Lydia Alhassan’s actions. Investigators have collected statements and contact details from witnesses, including journalists, to determine whether the act constituted electoral misconduct.
This incident highlights the need for strict adherence to electoral rules to ensure a fair and transparent voting process.
