Samuel Asare Akuamoah, the Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations of National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has advised the public not to give politicians the right to buy their votes.
Addressing officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) as part of this year’s Constitution Week Celebration, under the theme: “Together We Can Build Ghana, So Get Involved”, he emphasised the need for citizens to uphold their civic duties without succumbing to financial inducements from politicians.
“This is the monetisation of politics. If you are a good candidate who wants to run for election but lacks funds, you cannot do it. If you don’t pay people, they won’t vote for you. This is demand and supply in action,” he said and urged communities to collaborate with the NCCE to ensure that no one sells his or her vote.
The Deputy Chairman was unequivocal in his condemnation of politicians who offer money for votes, stating “No politician has the right to justify giving money to voters. We should not demand money from politicians. If any of our relatives or colleagues in the community are demanding money for votes, they should be held accountable.”
Drawing a stark analogy, he asked, “Can you sell something of yours and still claim ownership? No. If I sell my vote I have lost my right to demand anything after the election.”
He stressed that selling votes undermines the citizens’ ability to hold elected officials accountable, likening it to forfeiting the right to demand better conditions of service.
He lamented the current state of public service, noting “We all have conditions of service that we are dissatisfied with, such as inadequate salaries.
“We make demands for better conditions from the government. However, if you sell your vote, you relinquish your right to demand better conditions.”
Mr. Asare Akuamoah also addressed the critical issue of extremist threats in the region, reminding the audience that Ghana remains one of the few countries in the West African Sahel region that has not experienced terrorist attacks.
He warned, “Criminal gangs and extremist groups exploit state weaknesses. They may promise better conditions of service to gain support, but this leads to further instability.”
Despite the country’s economic challenges, he noted significant achievements in democracy, such as a vibrant and free media, political tolerance and peaceful transitions of power.
He emphasised, “With all the problems we encounter today, especially the economic issues, let us remember that we have achieved something significant. We must protect our democracy and work together for a better future.”
Assistant Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), ACFOI James Oheneba Yaw Kwateng, called for heightened vigilance and integrity among citizens and officers alike, in the lead-up to the forthcoming elections.
He highlighted the importance of rejecting electoral corruption, specifically targeting those involved in vote-buying practices.
“Those who are engaged in money classes, we have been told that we should name and shame them,” ACFOI Kwateng stated emphatically.
ACFOI Kwateng also addressed the issue of voter transportation, cautioning against being swayed by offers that come under the guise of facilitating civic participation.
“Voting is your civic right,” he reminded the audience. “Let us not allow anyone to say they are facilitating your vote for you. You can transport yourselves and ensure you vote without any undue influence.”
