President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has encouraged Assin North voters not to vote for a candidate who might face incarceration in the future.
His remarks came as part of his campaign to raise support for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate in the Assin North by-election on Tuesday, June 27.
Akufo-Addo, speaking to a big crowd of Assin North citizens, emphasised the importance of making educated judgements during elections.
He voiced worry about candidates who have unresolved legal difficulties or a background that calls their trustworthiness and devotion to the rule of law into question.
“It is crucial for us to exercise our voting rights responsibly,” the President stated firmly. “We should not support or vote for individuals who are entangled in legal controversies that may eventually lead them to face imprisonment.
“We need someone who can come and help you. Someone who will work in your interest. I heard Gyakye Quayson say that even in prison, you people will vote for him, can he work from jail? We vote for people to go to Parliament to work, how can he work from prison so don’t vote for someone who will end up in jail, vote for someone who can work to improve your lives.”
The constituency has been grappling with political uncertainty due to the legal challenges faced by its former Member of Parliament, James Gyakye-Quayson.
President Akufo-Addo also denied attempting to influence the court against Mr Quayson.
Ghanaian laws, he claims, have caught up with him.
He also stated that anybody pursuing political office must be honest.
Before voting in the impending by-election, he advised people to carefully consider the candidates’ histories, credentials, and reputations.
