Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged the citizens of Ghana not to spurn monetary gifts and material offerings from political opponents in the run-up to the December 7, 2024 elections. Speaking to the Chiefs and residents of Frankadua in the Asuogyaman Constituency, Mahama cautioned against rejecting such offerings outright, emphasizing the need to accept them while maintaining an independent voting stance aligned with the prevailing economic conditions.
Mahama drew attention to the recent incident in Assin North, where delegates accepted monetary gifts but voted independently, highlighting it as a model for voters in Frankadua. He acknowledged the likelihood of politicians attempting to sway voters with financial incentives and encouraged the populace to embrace the gifts without succumbing to false claims that not voting in favor of the donors might bring spiritual harm.
In his address, Mahama stated, “Take the money because it belongs to you, and disregard any false claim that the money would harm you spiritually if you don’t vote for them. I know they will bring money and some material stuff. When they bring them, please take them and vote genuinely during the election.”
This stance by Mahama underscores the importance of voters making informed decisions based on the economic landscape rather than being swayed solely by monetary inducements. As the election season unfolds, the call to accept gifts while maintaining electoral independence becomes a significant aspect of the political discourse in Ghana.