Why would an honorable do this? - Mahama blasts Lydia Alhassan over food-sharing incident during Special Voting

Former President John Dramani Mahama has condemned the actions of Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, during Monday’s Special Voting exercise.

During the Special Voting exercise, which was organized for security personnel, members of the media, and staff of the EC, Lydia Alhassan was captured on video distributing gifts and food packages to voters while they were queuing to cast their ballots.

This act, which violates electoral laws, has been widely condemned by many Ghanaians describing it as an attempt by the lawmaker to induce and influence the decision of the voters.

Reacting to the incident during a community engagement in Teboso II in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, Mahama expressed shock over the situation.

He stated that as a lawmaker who is familiar with electoral laws and processes, Lydia Alhassan should not have engaged in such actions.

Mahama has therefore called on the authorities to investigate the matter.

“We have all seen what happened during the Special Voting exercise where some people were sharing gifts and packages to these voters waiting to vote. Nana, this is unlawful and I am shocked because this is someone we call an honorable and a parliamentarian who should know better. Why will you share food and items to voters? You can't do that. We have to ensure that a probe is conducted into this issue to find out why and what happened,” Mahama said.

The NDC Presidential Candidate also criticised voters for taking pictures of their ballot papers after casting their votes and publicly displaying them.

He warned that engaging in such behaviour could result in trouble with the authorities if the individuals are apprehended, advising voters to refrain from doing so during Saturday’s polls.

“Also, those people who took their phones to the polling booths to take pictures of the ballot papers violated the laws. It is not something that the law allows so if you snap a picture of your ballot and publicly display it, you will be in trouble and will be dealt with.,” he cautioned.

Meanwhile, a criminal complaint has been filed at the Office of the Special Prosecutor by John Dumelo's team, accusing Lydia Alhassan of voter inducement.

Dumelo has implored the authorities to investigate the matter.

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