Defeated NDC Parliamentary Aspirant Summoned Over Alleged Corruption: Cash Bribery Scandal in Ejura Sekyedumase
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has called upon Juliana Kinang-Wassan, a parliamentary aspirant for Ejura Sekyedumase from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to appear for questioning regarding a suspected case of corruption. Juliana’s actions during the parliamentary primary, where she threw money at delegates in an attempt to influence their votes, caught the attention of the police and subsequently the OSP.
In a viral video, Juliana was seen showering currency notes on people at the Ahmadiya School Park, which is considered a form of cash bribery. The OSP has initiated an investigation into the suspected corruption associated with her actions and has summoned her to provide necessary information.
The police, in a previous statement, mentioned that they are examining the video to determine if it constitutes an election-related crime warranting police intervention. Juliana’s behavior has received public criticism and draws parallels to a similar incident in 2020 involving NDC MP Queenstar Maame Pokuah Sawyerr from Agona East.
Cash bribes to voters are believed to influence the voting choices of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals. This trend of attempting to buy votes with money and other gifts has become increasingly common in Ghanaian politics, possibly due to the intense competition among political parties.
While Juliana’s political future remains uncertain, the scrutiny on her actions highlights the importance of addressing corruption and ensuring a fair electoral process. The investigation by the OSP will shed light on the matter and contribute to strengthening Ghana’s democratic values.
For the most part, incidents of cash bribes during elections undermine the integrity of the electoral process and compromise the principles of fairness and equal representation. It is crucial for authorities to investigate and take appropriate action to deter such practices in the future.