Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah, the Member of Parliament for Tema West and former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, has addressed the controversial ballot-snatching incident that occurred in 2021 during the election of the Speaker of Parliament.
In an exclusive interview with UTV, Ahenkorah defended his actions, citing a lack of recognition for his unwavering loyalty to his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The incident, which shocked the nation and made headlines worldwide, occurred shortly after the 2020 general elections when the attention shifted to the election of the Speaker of Parliament.
As the votes were being cast for the Speaker, Carlos Ahenkorah, in a dramatic and highly criticized move, seized a ballot box and fled the scene, interrupting the parliamentary process.
This act of defiance happened during a tight race between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Alban Bagbin and the NPP’s Prof. Mike Oquaye.
Alban Bagbin ultimately emerged victorious, but Ahenkorah’s actions were widely seen as an unprecedented moment in Ghana’s political history.
In his interview, Ahenkorah explained his position, stating that he believed his dedication to the NPP went unrecognized, even though the incident was carried out in what he saw as a defence of his party.
“My loyalty to my party went unrecognized,” Ahenkorah said. “Even President Akufo-Addo, who I stood by throughout the years, did not acknowledge what I did. I acted in the best interest of the NPP.”
“Had I acted in favour of the NDC, I would have been celebrated and rewarded,” he added, suggesting that his loyalty to the NPP, despite the controversial nature of his actions, went unnoticed.
Credit: Mynewsgh.com
