Minister Sprays Cash at Polling Station

Dr Alfred Tia Sugri, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, who doubles as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Nalerigu-Gamabaga, allegedly disrupted the on-going biometric registration exercise at the Market Polling Station in his constituency at about midday on Saturday. 

The minister, who was in the company of some constituency executives of his party, upon arrival at the polling station, threw money into the air for officials and eligible voters to grab. 

This caused commotion at the polling station as prospective voters and EC officials retrieved cash and abandoned the equipment.

The police bodyguard of the minister had a hectic time controlling the crowd that mobbed the minister.      

In the ensuing melee two women engaged in physical fisticuffs over a GHC5 note. 

However, questions are being asked about the conduct of the minister which they claim is an attempt to induce registration officials to do the unthinkable.  

The NPP Parliamentary candidate for the area, Peter Wuni condemned the actions of Dr. Sugri, indicating that it constitutes a breach of the electoral processes. 

According to him, the MP disrupted the exercise at a polling station at Saamni, his hometown and other areas. 

'If he thinks he is generous enough to be dolling out huge sums, then he should meet the beneficiaries at their homes instead of the polling station,' he remarked. 

Mr. Wuni appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to call the Minister to order since his action violates the laid down regulations.  

He however urged the electorate not to allow themselves to be influenced by money. 

'He should point out a single project he has embarked on in the constituency that mandates him to be re-elected the MP of the area,' he quizzed. 

The NPP candidate indicated that the people in the constituency were dissatisfied with the current government, which made several promises ahead of the 2008 elections. 

Meanwhile, the NPP advised EC officials at the various polling stations to be professional in the discharge of their duties, as illegal actions could spark violence which the party is poised to avert. 

'You must all adhere to the directives issued by the EC and not allow an individual to convince you into circumventing the will of the people which is peaceful, free and fair elections,' it noted.    

From Stephen Zoure, Nalerigu