In a political climate where every word can be twisted and every action scrutinized, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, has found herself amid controversy.
This time, the issue at hand involves a viral video where University of Ghana security personnel accused her of vote-buying, claiming that she had given him rice as part of an alleged political scheme.
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The viral video, which quickly made the rounds on social media, triggered a wave of reactions. Some supporters of the opposition seized the opportunity to question Alhassan’s integrity, while others expressed their disapproval of what they saw as a smear campaign. However, Alhassan has chosen to address the issue head-on, taking to the media to clear her name.
“Let me address this,” she began, her voice calm yet resolute. “Recently, the gentleman in the viral video talking about me giving him rice is an NDC executive.
“I didn’t respond initially because we are close to the election, and I wouldn’t do anything to mar the hard work I have put in. They always mention my name and try to destroy my hard-earned reputation.”
Her response highlights not only the personal toll these allegations have taken on her but also the larger political manoeuvring at play.
Alhassan, who has worked tirelessly for her constituents, suggested that the timing of the video was no coincidence. “They always mention my name,” she continued. “They try to destroy my reputation, especially as we approach election season.”
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But what truly stood out in her defense was her stance on the accusations themselves. In a country where freedom of speech is a cornerstone, she made it clear that she would not resort to drastic measures to silence her critics.
“Looking at me with this kind of temperament, would I go and say that I am arresting someone for saying something against me?” Alhassan asked, clearly frustrated. “We are in a country where we have freedom of speech. So, if they have hired someone to say what he did, I will never do anything that will tarnish my image.”
One of the most striking elements of her response was her empathy for the person at the center of the controversy. She spoke about the gentleman in the video with a sense of understanding, despite the serious accusations.
“How can I cause the arrest of an elderly person who is almost close to his pension, for what reason?” she asked. “If someone said he would not vote for me, would I go and arrest that person? I am not that kind of person.”
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