Sammi Awuku, a senior adviser to the Bawumia Campaign Team and the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has dismissed allegations that the campaign distributed funds to delegates in order to sway their votes during the presidential primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
His remarks come in response to claims made by certain delegates at various voting locations, who stated that they had been promised cash by coordinators linked to some of the flagbearer camps. In videos that have been shared on social media, several delegates claimed they were awaiting a payment of GH¢700 from Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s camp prior to casting their votes.
When questioned about whether the Bawumia campaign had also provided money to delegates, Mr. Awuku stated that he was unaware of any such transactions occurring from Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s camp before the voting took place.
“I have not participated in any meeting where it was agreed that money should be given to delegates. If it involves transporting someone from one location to the voting centre, I do not believe that constitutes vote-buying,” he said in an interview on Monday, February 2.
He warned that inducements present a significant threat to democracy when financial incentives affect electoral decisions. “What I consider wrong is when it becomes the primary basis for making a voting decision, as that poses a serious danger to our democracy,” he remarked.
Regarding allegations that the Bawumia campaign may have funded transportation, Mr. Awuku added, “Perhaps not from the center I am aware of, unless individuals chose to assist on their own.”
He referenced his own constituency to differentiate between logistical assistance and vote-buying. “In my constituency, they will directly tell you that our MP provided a bus to transport at least those coming from distant areas. Therefore, I assisted them in getting to the polls,” he clarified.
Mr. Awuku emphasized that delegates had the autonomy to make their own decisions at the ballot box. “I was clear in my mind, and I advised them to vote according to their conscience,” he concluded.
He ended by urging the Presidential Primaries Committee to look into the allegations and provide the parties referenced in the claims a chance to vindicate themselves.
