Paying delegates “T&T” is not illegal, according to candidates, says Peter Mac Manu

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According to Peter Mac Manu, the chairman of the NPP’s National Election Committee, there is nothing improper with candidates paying for delegates’ travel and lodging expenses on an occasion like an annual delegates meeting.

He declared that “it is not a crime.”

He said that while the NPP did well to stop the recurring incidence of vote-buying at political congresses, there is nothing wrong if candidates pay the fares of delegates in an interview with Emefa Apawu on The Probe on Sunday.

https://web.facebook.com/watch/?ref=external&v=8418760524808068

Mr. Mac Manu made these comments in response to a question from the show’s host on a claim made by Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, a National Organiser candidate, to the effect that certain aspirants had bribed the delegates.

He claims to know those who are involved in criminal activity but won’t give names.

Mr. Asamoah Boateng said, “I know them, and they know themselves, therefore I won’t reveal names.

Asabee revealed that he had provided the delegates with funding to cover their travel and transportation (T&T).

He claimed, “I only gave them T&T three times—150, 150, and 100.”

“That’s not part of the offences under the PNDC statute 284”, Mr. Mac Manu countered.

According to Mr. Mac Manu, the party took decisive action to combat the threat of monetization as part of its dedication to bolstering internal democracy.

Regarding the Saturday sessions’ delayed start, he clarified that it was caused by an injunction that was sought to prevent TESCON delegates from voting.

He further mentioned that some delegates had to travel from the Eastern Region all the way to the venue because it was difficult for them to obtain lodging in Accra.

Mr. Mac Manu took advantage of the chance to refute claims that the delay was caused by candidates visiting delegates at their hotels and giving them money before they arrived at the event.

Overall, he expressed his satisfaction for a successful exercise and conveyed his joy at the turn of events.

In the meantime, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the president of Ghana, has urged NPP supporters to support the party’s newly elected officials.

This will benefit the party in the 2019 general election, he claims.

To refute claims that the delay was caused by aspirants meeting delegates in their hotels to give them money before they arrived at the venue, he said in a Facebook post on Sunday that the unity of the party is crucial to its success and that all members must come together to build a unified front in order to retain power in 2024.

“We have chosen a team of Officers to lead the party for the next four years. They have a strong commitment to the traditional values and principles of the party. They will determine the tone and speed of our election campaign in 2024 because they are the Party’s national face and spokesperson.

The NPP is at its strongest when we are working together and as a single, well-defined entity, as I said on Saturday. As a result, I urge every NPP member to stand solidly behind our new national officers because only through cooperation will we be able to “Break the Eight” and bring progress and prosperity to the Ghanaian people, the President stated.

In addition to urging party members to remain together, he used the occasion to congratulate the new executive class that had won on Saturday’s elections.

“I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Stephen Ayesu Ntim, the New Patriotic Party’s new national chairman, as well as the other national officers who were chosen in the Party’s national delegates’ conference, which was held at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, July 16, 2022.

We, in the NPP, have once more proven that we are the Party dedicated to multi-party democracy, he continued.

The Electoral Commission and the media were also praised by the President for their contributions to the smooth running of the election.

“The Electoral Commission deserves praise for organizing and overseeing the elections on Saturday, and I appreciate the media for giving the event thorough coverage.

“May God bless the New Patriotic Party, us all, and our native Ghana, making her great and powerful,” he said in closing.