NPP Inducing Voters with Bags of Salt in Afram Plains Ahead of 2024 Elections-MP
Afram Plains South MP, Joseph Appiah Boateng, has accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of inducing voters with material items such as bags of salt, motorbikes, hair dryers, and sewing machines ahead of the December 7, 2024, elections.
The MP, who also serves as the Chairman of the Back Bencher Committee of Parliament, made these claims during an interview with ExpressNewsGhana in Parliament.
He expressed concern that the NPP has neglected the development needs of Afram Plains South, instead resorting to short-term incentives to secure votes.
Development Neglected in Favor of Vote Buying
Mr. Boateng highlighted that critical infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges, promised by the government had been diverted to the Ashanti Region, a key NPP stronghold, leaving Afram Plains in dire need.
“The Akufo-Addo government promised to construct a bridge over the Afram River and improve our roads, but the funds were redirected to Ashanti Region,” he said.
He lamented that while the government has failed to deliver on its infrastructure promises, they are now offering voters items like motorbikes, salt, and other goods in an attempt to influence their votes.
“We need more than motorbikes and salt,” Mr. Boateng stressed. “Our people need electricity, schools, hospitals, potable water, and better roads, not these temporary gifts.”
Allegations of Vote Buying
The MP also alleged that the NPP candidate in Afram Plains South, who he claims has never held any significant office in the community, is distributing these items in a bid to win over long-time NDC supporters.
“This candidate has never been an assembly member, yet he is handing out motorbikes and money, claiming he can provide more on Election Day,” Mr. Boateng stated.
He further criticized the government’s performance in Afram Plains over the last eight years, asserting that no tangible development has occurred under President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
In contrast, during John Mahama’s tenure, the MP highlighted the construction of 28 basic schools, 15 CHPS compounds, district assembly buildings, roads, and boreholes, as well as the extension of electricity to 19 communities.
Mr. Boateng urged the electorate not to be swayed by the NPP’s material gifts, but to focus on the long-term development needs of the constituency. “We need sustainable development, not handouts for votes,” he concluded.
The Afram Plains South constituency has long been a stronghold of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), but the upcoming election is shaping up to be a battleground as the NPP intensifies its efforts to win over voters.
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Source: Felix Nyaaba // ExpressNewsGhana.com