The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), and the Centre for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana) have observed that the two main political parties in the country, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have violated electoral laws during the special voting exercise.

In a press statement released by GII on Tuesday, the three civil society organizations noted that they had taken note of instances of vote-buying through the distribution of gifts.

The organizations pointed out that these actions violate Section 33 of the Representation of the People Law, 1992 (PNDCL 284), which forbids the payment of money or the giving of gifts as inducements to voters, or the receiving of such items by voters.

The organizations also noted the Ayawaso West Wuogon incident and another alleged food-sharing incident in the Okaikwei South constituency involving an NDC candidate. They have therefore called for an investigation into the alleged misconduct.

“We call on law enforcement agencies to investigate the videos circulating in the public domain and swiftly ensure that those found culpable are held accountable under the law. A swift and transparent investigation into the cases of vote-buying and treating reported by the media will be an important step in expanding Ghana’s democratic credentials and enhancing confidence in the country's electoral processes.”

The organizations also recommended that voter education be intensified in this crucial period.

“Our three organizations also call on the media, faith-based organizations, and the wider civil society to intensify voter education campaigns, raising awareness of the implications of electoral corruption for electoral outcomes, and for the peace and stability of Ghana.”

They advised the various political actors against actions that could jeopardize the election: “We further call on political parties and candidates to publicly distance themselves from corrupt practices and demonstrate a commitment to ethical standards ahead of the 2024 elections.”

“We wish to reiterate that GII and its partners, GACC and CDD-Ghana, are currently conducting a large-scale monitoring exercise to capture instances of electoral corruption, vote-buying, abuse of state resources, and campaign financing. The findings of this exercise will form the basis for our advocacy for reforming campaign and political financing in Ghana,” they added.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced an investigation into the Ayawaso West Wuogon food distribution case involving the incumbent MP, Lydia Alhassan.