Founder and Leader of the All People Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, has accused both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of damaging Ghana’s political landscape with money.
He contends that these two parties have commercialized Ghana’s elections to the extent that voters demand payment to cast their votes in a particular direction.
During an interview on TV3’s Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor on Sunday, February 18, Hassan Ayariga expressed, “The NDC and the NPP over the years have turned Ghana into a business center where they have turned Ghanaian voters vulnerable. They have to pay them money to vote, and those who take the money to vote are the ones deciding who becomes the president.”
Ayariga emphasized his commitment to avoiding corruption, stating, “I am not ready to become corrupt like the NDC and NPP; they monetize elections.” He highlighted the growing voter apathy due to disillusionment with the NPP and NDC, stating that Ghanaians are seeking an alternative force that, unfortunately, remains unnoticed despite offering the best policies and strategies for governing Ghana.
He also issued a warning to officials of the current government engaging in corruption, asserting that if he wins the elections, they will be held accountable. Ayariga remarked, “If you are a political thief, pray that Hassan Ayariga doesn’t become president. If you are corrupt, pray hard that Hassan Ayariga doesn’t become the president. When I become president, all those who have mismanaged our money and resources, I will change their sleeping places.”
Regarding APC’s preparations for the upcoming elections, Ayariga revealed strong financial readiness, indicating a budget of $100 million for the presidential and parliamentary campaigns. When asked about parliamentary candidates, he stated, “We are looking at winning 25 constituencies.”