A former Deputy Attorney General, Joseph Dindiok Kpemka has expressed skepticism about the Office of the Special Prosecutor's (OSP) ability to substantiate allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences in alleged vote-buying incidents.

According to him, the challenging task involves initiating a thorough investigation to unveil the individuals disbursing the funds and the intended purposes behind the monetary transactions.

In an interview with JoyNews, Mr. Kpemka emphasised that even if the distributed funds were not substantial, there must be justification if the investigation uncovers that the money was provided for transportation and sustenance purposes.

He added that there must be justification if significant amounts of money were distributed, saying the accused persons would have to clarify their motives behind such monetary disbursements and whether the funds were intended to influence the delegates in any way.

“So that is also going to be on the basis of evidence and remember that in law, the act reviews under the intent will have to coincide for you to secure a conviction.

“There must be an intent to influence and then the act will have to be committed. So if those two ingredients are available, then before any court you can secure a conviction,” he said.

The former Deputy AG also expressed belief that it will be a tall order for the OSP to prove these allegations.

“It will be a very difficult situation to establish because sometimes witnesses may not even be ready and forthcoming with evidence that indeed the money that was offered to them.”

His assertion follows the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng’s declaration of some six New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates wanted for corruption and corruption-related offences in the party’s Orphan Constituency Parliamentary elections.

Also read: Special Prosecutor releases lists of persons wanted for suspected vote-buying

The declaration by the OSP aligns with the suspect's alleged involvement in vote-buying during the NPP's recently concluded primaries nationwide on Saturday, December 2.

Meanwhile, NPP has condemned allegations of vote-buying that marred the party’s Orphan Constituency Parliamentary elections.

The Director of elections for the NPP, Evans Nimako has urged the Ghana Revenue Authority to go after delegates who received gifts from aspirants. 

“It is for the OSP and the police service to also take up all those indulging in these activities that the party does not support.”