Parliament will be infiltrated with cocaine dealers, criminals if vote-buying continues - Asuogyaman MP warns

The Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has issued a warning regarding the potential consequences of unchecked vote-buying in Ghana, suggesting that it could lead to criminals infiltrating Parliament.

He highlighted the danger that vote buying poses to the integrity of Ghana's democracy and called for the rigorous application of laws that outlaw the practice, specifically the Political Parties Law 2000 (ACT 574) and The Representation of the People’s Law 1992 (PNDC Law 284), which prohibit trading votes for gifts or other benefits.

This statement was prompted by recent incidents of vote-buying reported during the Ejisu by-election in Ashanti, which have raised concerns about the widespread nature of this issue.

Speaking to the residents of Aboasa in the Asuogyaman district at a sod-cutting event for a new Junior High School block on Thursday, May 2, 2024, Nyarko encouraged voters to reject vote-buying and instead consider the integrity and potential development offered by candidates.

He warned, "If vote buying isn't curbed, and voters opt for the highest bidder, then it won't be long before we see armed robbers and cocaine dealers representing us in Parliament. We need individuals of integrity, dedicated to advancing development for the populace."