By Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Ghana, has denounced the ‘white envelope’ incident during the Ejisu elections, labeling it as unfortunate, inappropriate, and ill-timed.
His remarks follow the circulation of a viral video showing MP Prof. Kingsley Nyarko allegedly handing an envelope suspected to contain cash to Electoral Commission (EC) officials at a polling center during the ongoing by-election in Ejisu.
In the widely circulated footage on social media, Mr. Nyarko is observed discreetly removing a white envelope from his pocket and placing it on the table in front of the EC officials.
Dr. Asah-Asante, speaking on JoyNews’ Pulse on April 30, emphasized that irrespective of the MP’s motives, the timing of the envelope’s appearance was inappropriate and might be perceived as an effort to influence the election.
“Pulling out a thing of that sort at that moment is totally wrong even if there is no intention of influencing anybody. Because you see, for elections to be free and fair, you should not doubt the process because anything will create doubt, I think my good friend knows better.”
“So he should have acted very well. Even if it was something else. It was not money. It was nothing. You shouldn’t have pulled that thing out there. Anything that will raise an eyebrow will obviously undermine the electoral process,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) has announced its investigation into the incident and has withdrawn the two temporary staff members implicated.
The EC has pledged to disclose its findings as it probes the matter further.
Despite the raised concerns regarding the envelope incident, Dr. Asah-Asante lauded the peaceful conduct of the Ejisu elections, emphasizing that all elections should be carried out in such a manner.
“I think that the elections have been smooth but this is a very unfortunate incident. This has been a peaceful election so we don’t expect anything to come in to affect the situation,” he said.
