Mr. Kofi Asare, a well-known media figure and host of the Wontumi Nsempafie show, has claimed that the 49 Assembly members from the Ashanti Region who voted for Hon. Yaw Owusu Obimpeh in the Council of State election were allegedly bribed with 50,000 cedis each.
He further alleged that each member received a wristwatch fitted with a camera, allegedly used to capture images of the ballots as proof of their support for Mr. Obimpeh following the bribes.
On election day, it was reported that a majority of assembly members were transported to the polling station by bus under the supervision of NDC Chairman Nana Akwasi, raising questions about the reasons for such an arrangement.
According to Asare, the alleged bribery operation was directed by President Mahama and the NDC leadership, aiming to secure a loyalist for the Council of State.
The election reportedly resulted in a victory for Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, who received 49 votes, while his nearest rival, Nkansah Boadu Nana Ayeboafo, garnered 35 votes, and Daniel Anarfi Yamoah obtained only one.
Out of 86 expected votes, 85 were valid, with no rejected ballots. The election came after a previous attempt was disrupted by disorder during counting.
These allegations raise pressing questions about potential investigation, particularly by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, given the serious claims involving the President and the integrity of the election process.