The Running Mate for the All People’s Congress (APC),Rev. Dr. Samuel Worlanyo Mensah has echoed calls for harsher punishments for individuals found guilty of election-related offenses. This comes in response to remarks made by former Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan, during the Ghana Bar Association’s annual conference in Kumasi, where he described serious electoral misconduct as potentially treasonous.
Dr. Afari Gyan emphasized that professionals involved in the electoral process, such as election officials and electronic experts, must face severe repercussions for actions that undermine the democratic process. He stated that these individuals are fully aware of the implications of their actions and should be held to a higher standard due to their expertise. “A voter may commit some infraction. An election official by their training knows what is the right thing to do,” he noted, advocating for strict penalties to deter future misconduct.
In an exclusive interview with newslinkghana.com, Rev. Dr. Mensah supported this perspective, asserting that the Electoral Commission (EC) should revise the Legislative Instrument governing elections in Ghana to incorporate more severe penalties for offenders. He believes that such measures are essential for maintaining peace and security during elections and would serve as a deterrent to all political actors and their supporters.
“I am convinced that what Dr. Afari Gyan said in Kumasi recently about stiffer punishment for election offenders is something the EC must look into and make it law,” Dr. Mensah stated. He stressed that elections should not only be about winning but also about preserving national integrity and cohesion.
Furthermore, Rev. Dr. Mensah urged Ghanaians to engage deeply with political manifestos before casting their votes, emphasizing that informed voting is critical for the nation’s progress. He expressed confidence in the APC’s manifesto, which he believes contains practical policies aimed at strengthening the country.
He called on voters to support the APC by voting #9 on the ballot paper for Dr. Hassan Ayariga, to win the 2024 election.
Source: www.newslinkghana.com