Ayawaso West Wuogon: We shared the food upon request – Lydia Alhassan

Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, has defended her actions after a video surfaced showing her and her women’s organizer distributing food to voters during the Special Voting exercise on December 2, 2024, at the Legon Police Station polling center.

The incident raised concerns regarding voter influence, with critics questioning whether the gesture could be viewed as an attempt to sway voters.

However, Alhassan clarified that her actions were motivated by compassion and a desire to assist those in need, not by any intention to manipulate the election process.

In an interview on Citi FM on December 3, Alhassan explained that the food distribution began when a person in the queue requested water.

Her women’s organizer gave the water to the person, and seeing others in need, Alhassan decided to extend the help by offering food.

“I thought that there were some people who would need food after I have served my people, and so I decided to give it to them,” she said, emphasizing that the gesture was solely to assist those feeling tired or hungry during the long wait at the polling station.

Alhassan also addressed the criticisms from her political rival, John Dumelo, who had raised concerns about the food distribution. She dismissed claims of voter manipulation, stating that she was at the polling station to oversee the process as a stakeholder.

“We sent food specifically for our agents and also served the media personnel present,” she explained, reiterating that her focus was on ensuring a smooth election process and ensuring everyone involved was well-cared for.

Alhassan added that she had left the scene before any further controversy occurred, refuting accusations that she was involved when Dumelo reacted to the incident.