We oppose any independent candidate whose background is unknown – Akufo-Addo

President Akufo-Addo has criticized the independent candidate in the Ejisu by-election, Kwabena Owusu Aduomi.

The independent candidate is a former MP who served on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ejisu constituency.

This comes after Mr Aduomi and his team alleged that the NPP was using dubious tactics to secure victory in the by-election.

In a press conference, the campaign coordinator, Isaac Boafo, claimed that the tactics included ballot box stuffing, bribing Electoral Commission officials and using military personnel to intimidate people in their strongholds.

But speaking at NPP’s final rally ahead of the by-election scheduled for April 30, 2024, the President said he is unconcerned about the three-time MP’s decision to cut ties with the party.

He further questioned his claims asking the constituents to disregard them.

“In 2008, when he defeated the incumbent MP, who was even a cabinet minister, did the NPP rig the elections for him? So why does he now allege that we will rig the elections just because he has been defeated by someone else? Is this fair?” he asked.

The president also alleged the influence of external forces on Mr Aduomi.

“We oppose any independent candidate whose background is unknown to us. We’re uncertain if influential figures are influencing their decisions. We refuse to accept this. It’s not something we’ll tolerate,” President Akufo-Addo said.

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Therefore, the president urged the electorate of Ejisu to vote massively for NPP’s Kwabena Boateng while emphasizing the party’s need for a parliamentary majority.

“Therefore, even if it’s just by one vote, we must secure a majority to fulfil our mandate. And that decisive vote rests with Kwabena Boateng,” he stressed.