Afenyo-Markin Denies Allegations of Voter Influence in Effutu NPP Primaries

Minority Leader and Effutu Member of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has dismissed allegations that he attempted to influence voters during the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) flagbearer election in the Effutu Constituency. In a statement issued on Saturday, January 31, 2026, Afenyo-Markin described the claims circulating on social media as false and misleading. He emphasized his adherence to Electoral Commission and party guidelines throughout the process, stating, "At no time have I been anywhere near the voting area as claimed, nor have I engaged in any conduct that could be construed, even remotely, as undue influence."

Afenyo-Markin attributed the allegations to a sustained campaign of misinformation targeting him since the start of the flagbearer contest. He recalled a previous incident involving a manipulated video suggesting he deliberately refused to applaud a candidate during the signing of the NPP peace pact on January 22, 2026. He noted, "These vile tactics are as transparent as they are desperate."

The Effutu MP clarified that his presence in the constituency on voting day was limited to casting his ballot and performing lawful oversight duties in line with electoral rules. He urged the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and political actors to remain vigilant and prioritize peace, transparency, and democratic integrity. Afenyo-Markin also invited journalists, observers, and members of the public to independently verify the facts on the ground in Winneba, stating, "I welcome anyone who wishes to verify the facts for themselves to come to Winneba and observe the process first-hand."

He cautioned against the spread of misinformation and appealed to party supporters to allow the process to proceed without interference, emphasizing that "truth and transparency are our strongest defense against falsehood."