It’s not our mandate to investigate vote buying allegation – EC

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has stated that investigating vote-buying allegations during elections is not within its mandate but rather falls under the jurisdiction of security agencies like the police and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

This follows claims that Ayawaso West Wuogon MP Lydia Alhassan distributed food and drinks to voters during the special voting exercise.

Alhassan denied the accusations, asserting she was not present at the polling station during the alleged incident.

Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the EC’s Director in Charge of Training, emphasized that the Commission’s primary role is ensuring smooth voting processes, not addressing criminal behavior. He added that the EC could intervene to stop such actions if noticed but cannot investigate or prosecute them.

The OSP has since initiated investigations into alleged electoral misconduct involving both Lydia Alhassan and her opponent, John Dumelo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).