By Enoch 
Accra, Ghana – In a significant development in Ghana’s political landscape, actor-turned-politician John Dumelo has filed a criminal complaint against Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the current Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon. The complaint, submitted to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on December 3, 2024, alleges electoral malpractices during the special voting exercise held on December 2, 2024.
The Allegations
John Dumelo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon, claims that Lydia Seyram Alhassan, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), engaged in activities that violated Ghana’s criminal and electoral laws. The complaint includes video evidence purportedly showing Alhassan distributing food and other items to voters in the queue at the Legon Police Station polling centre. Dumelo’s team argues that these actions were intended to unlawfully influence voters ahead of the upcoming general elections on December 7, 2024.
The Evidence
The complaint filed by Dumelo’s polling agent, Benjamin Avornyotse, details the nature of the alleged misconduct. According to the complaint, Alhassan and her supporters were seen handing out white plastic bags containing food and other items to voters. The video evidence attached to the complaint is said to show Alhassan whispering to voters while distributing the packages. Dumelo’s team has also provided additional information on Alhassan’s alleged plans to influence voters on a larger scale on election day.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked widespread reactions, with many Ghanaians expressing their views on social media. Supporters of John Dumelo have condemned the actions of Lydia Seyram Alhassan, calling for strict measures to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. On the other hand, Alhassan’s supporters argue that the distribution of food was a gesture of goodwill and not intended to influence voters. The polarized opinions highlight the deep political divide and the high stakes of the upcoming elections.
Lydia Seyram Alhassan’s Response
In response to the allegations, Lydia Seyram Alhassan has denied any wrongdoing. She stated that the food packages were meant for her campaign team, Electoral Commission agents, and journalists present at the polling station. Alhassan explained that the distribution of food to voters was unintentional and resulted from a misunderstanding. She assured that measures would be put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future. Alhassan’s defense underscores the complexities of campaign activities and the fine line between goodwill gestures and electoral malpractices.
The Role of the Office of the Special Prosecutor
John Dumelo has called for immediate and decisive action by the OSP to prevent Alhassan from repeating these actions and to hold her and her associates accountable. He emphasized the importance of the OSP’s response in ensuring the fairness and integrity of the upcoming elections. The OSP’s handling of this complaint will be crucial in determining the credibility of the December 7 elections. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how electoral malpractices are addressed in Ghana, influencing future elections and political conduct.
The Broader Implications
This case highlights the broader issues of electoral integrity and the challenges faced in ensuring free and fair elections. Electoral malpractices undermine the democratic process and erode public trust in the electoral system. The allegations against Lydia Seyram Alhassan bring to the forefront the need for stringent measures to prevent and address such issues. The political landscape in Ghana is highly competitive, and incidents like these can have far-reaching implications for the credibility of the electoral process and the legitimacy of elected officials.
Conclusion
As the general elections approach, the complaint filed by John Dumelo against Lydia Seyram Alhassan has added a new layer of complexity to the political dynamics in Ayawaso West Wuogon. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the electoral process and the broader political landscape in Ghana. Both candidates continue to campaign vigorously, with the eyes of the nation closely watching how the OSP will address these allegations. The resolution of this case will be a critical test of Ghana’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the integrity of its electoral process.