Dumelo Files OSP Complaint Against Lydia Alhassan for Distributing Food to Voters
By Ernest K. Arhinful
Renowned actor and politician, John Dumelo, has filed a formal complaint with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) against his opponent, Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon. The complaint alleges that Lydia Alhassan engaged in electoral malpractice by distributing food items to voters during a recent campaign event.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Dumelo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the constituency, expressed concerns that the distribution of food items such as rice, oil, and other essentials could influence voter choices and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
“This is a clear violation of Ghana’s electoral laws and an attempt to unfairly sway voters’ decisions,” Dumelo stated. “We must uphold the principles of free and fair elections, and actions like these must not go unchecked.”
The incident reportedly occurred at a community engagement event where Hon. Alhassan, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was captured distributing food items to residents. While her team has defended the act as a gesture of goodwill, Dumelo insists that it constitutes vote-buying, an offense punishable under Ghanaian law.
The Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency has become a political hotspot in recent years, with Dumelo and Alhassan facing off in a closely contested election in 2020. Dumelo’s latest move indicates a commitment to holding his opponent accountable and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has confirmed receipt of the complaint and has assured the public of a thorough investigation. In a brief statement, the OSP noted, “We are committed to addressing any allegations of corruption or electoral malpractice brought to our attention. The integrity of Ghana’s democratic process is paramount.”
Meanwhile, reactions from the public have been mixed. Some constituents have lauded Dumelo for taking a principled stand against electoral malpractice, while others view the complaint as a political maneuver to tarnish Alhassan’s reputation.
With tensions rising in Ayawaso West Wuogon, stakeholders are calling for calm and urging all political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns. The Electoral Commission has also reiterated the need for candidates to abide by the rules governing electoral conduct.
As the investigation unfolds, Ghanaians are watching closely to see how this development will impact the dynamics of one of the nation’s most competitive constituencies.
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