The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has sounded a stern legal warning against vote-buying and other electoral malpractices ahead of Ghana’s 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
In a press release signed by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng on December 2, 2024, the OSP outlined the legal consequences awaiting individuals and entities engaging in corrupt activities, including the distribution of money or other inducements to influence voter behavior.
Key measures include the deployment of OSP officers across polling stations, strict monitoring of vote counting and collation processes, and the enforcement of laws against vote-buying, voter impersonation, and falsification of election results.
The release emphasized that Ghanaian law explicitly criminalizes vote-buying, vote-selling, and other actions that undermine the electoral process. “The law prohibits corrupt acts in relation to the elections. It is a serious offense to engage in vote buying, vote selling, intimidation, threats of violence, acts of violence, or impersonation of a voter or an electoral officer,” the statement read.
The OSP further cautioned that tampering with electoral outcomes, whether through falsifying vote counts or manipulating results at collation centers, constitutes a grave legal violation. “It is a grave offense to willfully falsify the account of the votes or make a false return of the votes,” the Special Prosecutor stressed.
To uphold the integrity of the electoral process, the OSP has deployed officers nationwide with a mandate to monitor and address corruption, fraud, and unfair practices. The office is prepared to swiftly investigate and prosecute violations, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.
From a legal perspective, the consequences of engaging in electoral corruption are severe. Offenders risk criminal prosecution, which could result in hefty fines, imprisonment, and permanent damage to their reputations. Furthermore, organizations or entities found complicit in corrupt practices could face significant legal and financial liabilities.
In addition to targeting voter inducements, the OSP has reminded polling officials and those handling vote counts to uphold the highest standards of integrity.
Any falsification of vote counts or transmission of inaccurate results will attract swift legal action. “The Office is alive to its mandate and would promptly address any such occurrence which comes to its notice,” the statement added.
As the elections approach, the cost of electoral malpractice could far outweigh any short-term benefits, both for individuals and organizations.
