By Godwin Owusu Frimpong
In the shadow of Ghana’s democratic process, an unsettling reality emerges—security officers, tasked with upholding the law and ensuring a fair electoral landscape, find themselves entangled in a web of complicity, allowing election laws to be flouted with reckless abandon. Amidst the backdrop of the December 7 elections, the recent incident involving the incumbent MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, Lydia Alhassan, raises questions about the moral compass of those sworn to protect the integrity of the ballot.
As Hon. Alhassan brazenly distributed food packs to voters—an act undeniably perceived as electoral inducement—the narrative becomes even more complicated. The security officers stand as silent witnesses to a transgression that undermines the electoral process and tarnishes their credibility and moral authority. These individuals, familiar with the laws governing elections, have positioned themselves as mere scapegoats, sacrificing their professional integrity at the altar of political expediency.
The act of sharing food during the voting process is more than just an ethical lapse; it is a blatant disregard for the electoral laws designed to maintain fairness and impartiality. It speaks to a culture that too often prioritizes political gain over the principles of democracy, placing the voices of the electorate at risk. How can the electorate trust those responsible for the election’s smooth conduct when their actions suggest a readiness to overlook the very laws they are meant to enforce?
Actor John Dumelo’s vehement condemnation of the food sharing highlights the frustration felt by many who seek to uphold democratic values in Ghana. His pointed remarks call for adherence to the rules established by the Electoral Commission, implicating not just Hon. Alhassan but the officers who allowed such a blatant violation to occur. This incident serves as a reflective moment, urging all stakeholders to reconsider the standards of conduct that govern their roles in the electoral process.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
