A founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has called for the arrest and prosecution of the embattled Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, for distributing food to security officials during Monday’s special voting exercise.

According to Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe, such actions are unacceptable for someone of her calibre, particularly as an MP and Parliamentary Candidate.

Speaking to JoyNews, he expressed his displeasure that the recipients of the food were security personnel, stating he was surprised that none of them refused the gesture.

• Read also: Confusion rocks Ayawaso West Wuogon as MP shares food for ‘special voters’ in a queue

“What disturbed me further was the parliamentary candidate for that particular constituency, when questioned, denied the act. Such a person is not qualified,” he said.

This follows an incident where the incumbent MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, was seen distributing food to voters lined up during Monday’s special voting exercise.

Despite a video capturing the MP in the act, she denied in subsequent interviews with journalists ever engaging in such conduct.

“I wasn’t here. I don’t know if you saw me here. I came here before 6 a.m. and left a few minutes ago. I don’t even know what you’re talking about. I am yet to find out from them what happened,” she stated.

• Read also: OSP investigators questioning witnesses over Lydia Alhassan’s food distribution at polling station
  

In light of this, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe argued that in a more developed country, Lydia Alhassan would have been compelled to withdraw from the race.

“In fact, if this had happened in a civilised country, she would have left the contest by now. The party would have demanded her withdrawal.

"She denied flatly, even though she was captured on video. We don't need such people in Parliament or as lawmakers—they will destroy this country,” he stressed.

Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe also indicated that he hopes the incumbent MP loses the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat if she continues to contest after the incident.

• Read also: Arrest perpetrators of food sharing incident in Ayawaso West Wuogon – Edem Senanu

“She is a person you cannot rely on, and this should alarm us, particularly the security services,” he said.

He called on the Ghana Police Service, particularly the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to investigate the matter thoroughly.

“I have always been saying that the IGP seems to talk a lot, but a lot happens that he’s quiet about. 

“Such a person [Lydia Seyram Alhassan] should have been arrested. I think we have been hearing a lot of lectures from the IGP. He must act. That is what the people of this country want,” he added.