The Akatsi South Constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has conducted its presidential primary amid heightened tension following allegations of monetary inducement involving agents of leading aspirants.
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According to information available to AwakeNews reporters on the ground, the alleged distribution of money to delegates by agents linked to the various candidates sparked unrest and heated exchanges among party faithful at the voting centre. Supporters openly accused one another of attempting to influence the outcome of the election through financial inducements, a situation that briefly threatened the smooth conduct of the exercise.
The allegations involved camps associated with Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong, and former Minister of State Bryan Acheampong.
Sources at the voting centre alleged that agents linked to Bryan Acheampong were sharing GH₵750 per delegate, while both the Kennedy Agyapong and Mahamudu Bawumia camps were alleged to be distributing GH₵500 per delegate. The differences in the amounts and the manner of distribution reportedly deepened suspicion and rivalry among supporters.
Further information gathered by AwakeNews suggests that the Kennedy Agyapong camp insisted on an open, free, and transparent distribution process and allegedly engaged individuals said to have come from the diaspora to ensure that all delegates present at the centre received money. In contrast, agents believed to be working for the Bawumia and Bryan Acheampong camps were accused by their opponents of selectively sharing money with delegates perceived to be loyal to their candidates.
These allegations provoked heated verbal exchanges and near disruptions, compelling party executives and security personnel to intervene to restore calm. Voting later proceeded to completion under tight supervision.
As at the time of filing this report, the Akatsi South NPP leadership and representatives of the aspirants had not issued official statements on the allegations. Party observers are, however, calling for stricter enforcement of internal rules to protect the integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes and maintain unity ahead of future elections.
