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The Constituency Secretary for Ablukma South, Gideon Nii Ampim Sackey, has dismissed concerns surrounding the alleged sharing of transportation support for delegates ahead of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) internal elections, insisting that such arrangements are a normal and accepted practice within political parties.
Speaking in response to claims that delegates were being influenced through the provision of transport by some aspirants, including Bryan Achampong, Mr Sackey said there was “no issue whatsoever,” stressing that transportation assistance should not be misconstrued as inducement.
According to him, it is common practice for candidates in political contests to facilitate the movement of party executives and delegates to voting centres to ensure a smooth and orderly voting process.
“As candidates, and as is normal with every political party, you would want your executives to have a smooth transition or transportation to the venue to come and cast their ballots,” he explained. “Almost all the candidates provide some form of transportation support, and that is nothing out of the ordinary.”
Mr Sackey noted that suspicions and allegations are a recurring feature of elections, including national polls, but said such claims do not necessarily point to wrongdoing.
“Every election comes with its fair share of suspicions, but honestly, there are no issues to go by in this case,” he stated.
He, however, cautioned delegates against making transportation support a condition for voting, arguing that party loyalty and conviction should be the primary motivation for participating in internal elections.
“If someone refuses to vote simply because they have not been given transportation, then that person is not being fair to the party,” Mr Sackey said. “You are not voting because you received transportation; you are voting because of your conviction and belief in the party.”
He emphasised that while it is acceptable for candidates to assist delegates to reach polling centres, such support should not influence voting decisions.
“Transportation is not mandatory. It should never be the motive for casting a ballot,” he added. “Delegates must vote freely for candidates they believe can take the party to the next level and help win the 2028 general elections.”
Mr Sackey urged party members to remain focused on unity and the broader goal of strengthening the NPP, rather than allowing logistical issues to create unnecessary tension during the primaries.
Yaw Boagyan
