National Democratic Congress (NDC) delegates who took part in the primary in the Ketu South Constituency last Saturday say they received cash and gifts from the candidates.
The Deputy Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Fiifi Kwetey won the primary, which was held last Saturday at Agbozome amidst tight security.
Out of 587 delegates, Mr. Kwetey polled 403 votes, representing 69 percent of the total ballot cast to beat Albert Zigah, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) who secured 60 votes, representing 10.2 percent.
The National Service Director, Raphael Alorwu, obtained 82 votes representing 14 percent while Charles Nyphson Agbagedy, Nicholas Worclachie and Elizabeth Kuenyefu garnered 30, 6 and three votes respectively.
Frederick Alipui, an Economic Consultant had only a vote.
According to reports, three leading aspirants Albert Zigah, Fiifi Kwetey and a District National Service Coordinator, Raphael Alorwu gave the delegates many gifts.
The three, the delegates noted, canvass votes with money and gifts instead of ideas and innovation.
�This is the time we are also filling our stomachs that have been hungry for a long time as part of the �Better Ghana� Agenda which we have not enjoyed for the past three years,� they indicated.
One of the phones given out to delegates
Another delegate noted that the gifts put smiles on their faces, adding that each delegate got at least GH�300.
�In this game you have to be tactful, so you don�t go openly supporting anyone, just allow them to come to you or go to them and you will eat from all of them.
�After all, my vote is in my mind but for the money and the gift I have to also enjoy it.�
He explained that although the three candidates gave out money, they came in different packages and forms.
Some of the delegates had accounts opened in their names at the Unity and ADB banks and they periodically received about GH�400.
One of the candidates also donated pieces of cloth and money during the Easter and about two weeks ago distributed NDC branded mobile phones, Nokia camera phones and some laptops.
Another candidate is also alleged to have presented money to delegates through the Avenor Rural Bank on Thursday, May 24, 2012.
Prior to that, delegates enjoyed periodic flow of cash totaling GH�300 each.
He is also alleged to have given out six plastic chairs and 25 kg of Rice.
Another candidate shared 18-inch mattress, gas cylinder, table top fridges, motorbikes and cash amount of about GH�300 among the delegates.
The Ketu South Constituency Chairman, Marshal Akumey, who warned the delegates against taking pictures with their mobile phones in order to receive some gifts after the polls, confirmed the development.
He said although he did not benefit from the largesse, many delegates told him about the incident.
Mr. Akumey noted that he heard some delegates chased the aspirants for their portion of the booty.
�When we were even on the grounds working seriously and planning, most of them were not around and when I called them they said they were chasing the aspirants for their share of the cake because this is their cocoa season,� he noted.
�The trend is getting out of hands to the extent that the delegates have threatened that during the constituency congress to elect executives it will be �money na hand back na ground, if they don�t get money they will not vote for you.�
Source: Fred Duodu, Aflao
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