Dear Honorable Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the allegations of impersonation involving Sarah the critical parliamentary vote on the E-Levy. This incident, if proven, represents a grave breach of democratic principles and raises serious questions about the integrity of our legislative processes.
The E-Levy, a contentious tax policy, has already faced significant public opposition. The possibility that such a pivotal decision could have been influenced by fraudulent means is deeply troubling. It is imperative that a thorough and transparent investigation be conducted to identify the impersonator and any collaborators who may have facilitated this act. Such actions not only undermine public trust in governance but also threaten the very foundation of our democracy.
At the time of this incident, the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) included key figures such as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President, and other prominent party executives. Their roles and potential involvement in this matter must be scrutinized to ensure accountability. I urge the Honorable Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, to lead a comprehensive investigation into this case. Those found culpable, including any collaborators, must face prosecution to uphold the rule of law.
Internationally, cases of impersonation or electoral fraud have been met with strict legal consequences. For instance, in the United Kingdom, the Representation of the People Act criminalizes “personation,” where an individual votes as another person, whether living, deceased, or fictitious. Similarly, in the United States, voter impersonation is a criminal offense, though rare due to stringent identification requirements. In India, impersonation during elections is also a punishable crime under the Indian Penal Code. These examples underscore the universal importance of safeguarding electoral integrity to maintain public confidence in democratic institutions.
Ghana must uphold these same standards of accountability and transparency. I urge the relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to address this issue. The findings of the investigation should be made public, and appropriate measures should be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future. This includes reviewing parliamentary procedures, enhancing security measures, and ensuring that all lawmakers are held to the highest ethical standards.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to seeing justice served and the truth revealed.
Sincerely,
Atitso C. Akpalu
Retired Senior Citizen
Teshie-Nungua
[email protected]
