Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, has defended her actions after a video emerged showing her distributing food to voters during the Special Voting exercise on December 2, 2024.

The video, filmed at the Legon Police Station polling centre, sparked controversy, with critics questioning whether the gesture could be seen as an attempt to influence voters. The MP was seen handing out food packages to individuals in the voting queue, prompting public debate over electoral ethics.

In an interview with Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on December 3, Alhassan dismissed the allegations of voter manipulation, asserting that her actions were motivated by compassion, not electoral strategy. She explained that the distribution began when a person in the queue requested water, and her women’s organiser responded by offering water to that person and others nearby.

“I thought some people might need food after I served my people, so I decided to give it to those in the queue,” she said. “The lady with me gave water to those who needed it after a request was made.”

Alhassan also stated that she was at the polling station in her role as a stakeholder, monitoring the voting process to ensure its smooth operation. She clarified that the food was intended for her agents and media personnel present at the station.

“Food was sent specifically for our agents, and we also served the media,” she explained, emphasising that her aim was to ensure that all those involved in the voting process were properly taken care of.

The MP further refuted claims that she was present when her political opponent, John Dumelo, reacted to the food-sharing incident. “I left the location before any further issues arose,” she said, adding that she was not aware of the situation until later, when she saw a video of her opponents criticising her actions.

Alhassan concluded by reiterating that her primary role at the polling station was to monitor the voting process and ensure its integrity.

Source:TheDotNews