'I Did Not Bribe Anybody; My Action Was Misinterpreted,' Says
MP Engaged In Ejisu 'Envelope'
Incident.
The
Kwadaso MP, Professor Kingsley Nyarko, who was engaged in an incident of
alleged bribery of the Electoral Commission (EC) officials in the Ejisu
by-election has stated that he did not "bribe anybody".
In
a statement on Thursday, May 2, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP said the EC
"has over the years built an image of credibility, integrity, honesty and
discipline, and I will not do anything untoward to erode such virtues."
He
further added, "I have endeavoured, over the years, to build an image of
integrity, credibility, honesty, kindness and discipline and I will not do
anything deliberately to diminish it. In fact, those who know me will attest to
that."
According
to the Kwadaso MP, although he acted in good faith, it seems his good intention
and action have been misconstrued to mean he has bribed or influenced the
electoral officers, but that was not the case.
The
EC then withdrew the two officials from the Fumesua Pentecost Church Polling
Station, noting that it had begun an investigation into the situation.
In
response, the Kwadaso MP stated that the NPP assigned him to manage five
polling stations in Fumesua.
He
explained that he during his numerous rounds, and upon reaching the Pentecost
church polling station, he interacted with the officers to find out if the
election process at the polling station was coming up well and the numbers that
had registered at that time.
According
to him, the officers indicated that the process was smooth but at that time
their food had not been delivered. He then asked them if they would be okay if he
offered them lunch. They accepted it and he put an envelope on the table in the
full glare of all.
Read
his full statement below;
Alleged
Bribery of Electoral Commission Officers during the By-election at Ejisu
It
has come to my attention that there is a video in circulation in which I was
seen picking a white envelope from my back pocket and dropping it on a table in
front of two electoral commission officers.
I
would like to state that, on the 30th of April, 2024, when the Ejisu
by-election was being held, I was selected by my political party - the New
Patriotic Party to supervise five polling stations in Fumesua.
During
my numerous rounds, and upon reaching the Pentecost church polling station, I
interacted with the officers to find out if the election process at the polling
station was coming up well and the numbers that had registered at that time.
The
officers indicated that the process was smooth but at that time their food had
not been delivered. I then asked them if they would be okay if I offered them
lunch. They accepted it and I put an envelope on the table in the full glare of
all.
I
then left, granted an interview with Adom TV and continued to the other polling
stations.
I
must state unequivocally, and in all honesty that, the gesture shown by me to
the electoral officers was with good intent, and not to bribe nor influence
them to act contrary to their conscience, conviction and character.
The
electoral commission, over the years, has built an image of credibility,
integrity, honesty and discipline, and I will not do anything untoward to erode
such virtues.
I
have endeavoured, over the years, to build an image of integrity, credibility,
honesty, kindness and discipline and I will not do anything deliberately to
diminish it. In fact, those who know me will attest to that.
Although
I acted in good faith, it seems my good intention and action have been
misconstrued to mean I have bribed or influenced the electoral officers. That
was not the case. I did not bribe anybody.
As
unfortunate as the incident is, I would like to apologize to the commission and
the citizenry and assure all and sundry that such an act will never happen
again.
I
will also gladly submit myself to any process to establish the truth of what
transpired at the polling station on that day.
Thank
you,
Kingsley
Nyarko, MP, Kwadaso.