Election Watch Ghana, a civil society organisation, has lodged a petition with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate Dr Kingsley Nyarko, the Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, for alleged electoral misconduct.

The petition was prompted by a viral video from the Ejisu by-election on Tuesday, April 30, which showed Dr Nyarko handing a white envelope to two temporary officials of the Electoral Commission.

Although the Electoral Commission swiftly removed the officials seen in the video, Election Watch Ghana is calling on the IGP, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to take further action by apprehending the MP.

According to the group, prosecuting the MP is crucial to restoring public confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law.

• Read also: ‘I did not bribe anybody, my action was misconstrued’ – MP involved in Ejisu ‘envelope’ incident

Election Watch Ghana emphasised the importance of holding accountable anyone suspected of engaging in electoral misconduct, regardless of their status or position.

The organisation urged the IGP to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that appropriate actions are taken in line with Ghana's electoral laws.

“We strongly condemn this brazen act of corruption, which undermines the integrity of our already dying democracy. We request that your office take immediate action to investigate and prosecute the MP for Kwadaso, Kingsley Nyarko for his involvement in this electoral malpractice.

“We believe that swift action is necessary to maintain public trust in our democratic institutions and to uphold the rule of law.

"We will be monitoring this case closely and expect a prompt response regarding the actions your office will take to address this matter,” an excerpt of the statement said.

Meanwhile, in response to the allegations, the Electoral Commission has clarified that the envelope given to its officials was intended for lunch expenses, not as a bribe.

Dr Kingsley Nyarko has also denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that he did not offer a bribe to the officials.

According to the lawmaker, he only offered them something for lunch.