Assin North By-Election: Vote Buying is Capital Investment by Politicians – Lawyer
In light of recent reports of politicians engaging in vote buying in the Assin North by-election, private legal practitioner Nicholas Osei Dankwa has shed light on the underlying motivations behind such actions in an interview on Nkwantanananso with George Agyei on June 27.
According to him, the money spent on vote buying is considered an investment by politicians, with the expectation of reaping benefits through corrupt practices when they gain power.
“Bribery serves as a catalyst for corruption since the money given out is intended to be repaid. It is akin to making a capital investment, where the aim is to recoup the money. When they get the power, they will engage in corrupt practices to get the money back,” Mr Dankwa explained.
He emphasized that both the act of giving and receiving bribes are illegal under the law.
Amidst the allegations, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been trading accusations regarding vote buying in the Assin North by-election.
Richard Ahiagbah, the Communication Director of the NPP, expressed concern over the actions of the NDC, alleging the distribution of money, machetes, and other items in polythene bags.
In response, Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communication Officer of the NDC, accused the NPP of purchasing votes through the provision of fertilizers and state-owned knapsack sprayers to voters. He further implicated high-ranking NPP members, including NPP National Chairman Stephen Ntim and General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, in orchestrating these alleged vote-buying efforts.
