By Ashiadey Dotse
The flagbearer of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga, has criticized Ghanaian voters for promoting corruption by demanding money during elections instead of focusing on policies. Speaking on the GTV Presidential Encounter on Thursday, November 14, 2024, Dr. Ayariga said this practice undermines democracy and affects the election of competent leaders.
The program provides a platform for presidential candidates to present their policies and demonstrate how they could benefit the average Ghanaian.
Dr. Ayariga shared his experiences from the campaign trail, where many voters requested cash before offering their support. He described this behavior as a form of corruption, stating, “We are endorsing corruption instead of endorsing policies.” According to him, the high cost of campaigns is largely due to these demands, which make it challenging for candidates to focus on meaningful engagements with the electorate.
He stressed the importance of integrity and urged voters to reject vote-buying.
Dr. Ayariga explained that when people prioritize financial rewards over the nation’s welfare, they contribute to the election of incompetent leaders. This, he argued, has long-term consequences for the country’s development and weakens its governance structures.
The APC leader called on Ghanaians to change their mindset and protect the country’s sovereignty. He highlighted the need to elect competent leaders who can transform the nation and reduce dependency on handouts. “Selling your vote for money today risks the future of our youth, who continue to rely on begging instead of benefiting from sustainable opportunities,” he cautioned.
Dr. Ayariga appealed to citizens to stop asking for gifts from politicians, emphasizing that this would ensure fairness and accountability in governance. “When we stop asking for goodies from politicians, we can demand justice, accountability, and prosperity,” he stated, urging Ghanaians to prioritize the nation’s progress over personal gains.
