Agbodza raises concerns over vote-buying, conduct in NDC constituency elections
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has expressed concern over the conduct of some party members during recent constituency-level elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), warning that certain practices risk undermining the party's values and political identity.
Addressing party faithful, Mr Agbodza said he had observed incidents during the electoral process that reminded him of practices he would ordinarily associate with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He said he was particularly troubled by what he witnessed across the Volta Region and other parts of the country, insisting that the party needed to reflect on its conduct and make the necessary corrections.
The minister disclosed that he had never paid anyone a cedi to influence the outcome of an election in his Adaklu constituency, suggesting that he was uncomfortable with practices involving the use of money to secure political support.
"I have never paid a cedi to anybody in Adaklu directed branch at the constituency election before. At the past elections, we saw things like that happen. You can say that is good," he said.
Mr Agbodza indicated that some of the developments he witnessed during the latest elections were particularly disappointing, given the political tradition and identity of the NDC.
"Yesterday, I saw things that I actually thought it was NPP people doing it. Today, you may be happy about it," he stated.
He stressed that the concerns were not limited to his constituency, but reflected observations he had made across the Volta Region and other parts of Ghana.
"I am saying what I saw yesterday across the region, across the country. This is not the Rawlings party. I can't say more. Let's keep it. Let's reflect on it, and let's make amendments," he added.
Mr Agbodza also criticised the tendency among politicians to avoid speaking frankly about internal party challenges for fear of offending colleagues or losing their affection.
He said he was prepared to express his concerns regardless of whether his comments would make him popular among party members.
"In our part of the world, when we see trouble, because everybody wants to be loved, somehow I don't really care whether somebody like me or not. I don't know why I'm like that. I am 24 years. If I don't have enough friends now, I don't need more," he said.
He urged party members to examine the conduct of the recent constituency elections, acknowledge practices that could damage the party's reputation and take steps to address them.
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