Baba Ali Yussif is the NPP parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso East
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso East, Baba Ali Yussif, has condemned vote buying while outlining plans to boost infrastructure development in the constituency if given the nod.
He also pledged an effective parliamentary representation as his top priority ahead of the upcoming by-election in the constituency.
Speaking in an interview on GhanaWeb TV, Yussif said residents are demanding improved infrastructure, particularly better roads, and a Member of Parliament who will be vocal and visible in Parliament.
“You need development. You need infrastructure. The roads are not okay. The people also want somebody who can make a strong case for them in Parliament,” he stressed.
Baba Ali Yussif promises new school and better infrastructure if elected
Reflecting on the constituency’s parliamentary history since 1992, Yussif criticised what he described as limited visibility and low participation in parliamentary debates by some past MPs.
He noted that while some former representatives had strong community ties, their presence and contributions in Parliament were often questioned by constituents.
According to him, the core responsibility of an MP is to legislate and advocate effectively for development.
“You are an agent for development. You are the one who must make the case for good roads, for projects, for what the people need,” he said.
Baba Ali Yussif outlines plan to boost education and skills for the youth
Yussif acknowledged that the MP’s Common Fund is inadequate to undertake major infrastructure projects but maintained that a proactive lawmaker can lobby the appropriate state agencies to deliver development.
As part of his plans, he pledged to lead efforts toward the establishment of a secondary school in Ayawaso East if elected.
“We need a secondary school, and I will lead that crusade. When you make the right calls and go to the right agency, you can get it done,” he stated.
On the issue of vote buying, the NPP candidate described the practice as an electoral offence that undermines Ghana’s democracy.
“It’s destroying our democracy. If I bring huge sums of cash and share it for votes, then I am not coming to serve; I am coming to do business,” he stated
Yussif argued that politicians who buy votes are likely to prioritise recouping their expenses rather than pursuing development projects.
“When you become MP, instead of focusing on development, you will be thinking about saving money to buy votes again in the next election,” he cautioned.
While acknowledging that certain campaign-related expenses are unavoidable, he drew a distinction between customary gestures and outright vote buying at polling stations, insisting that it compromises the conscience of voters.
The Ayawaso East by-election is expected to be keenly contested, with candidates intensifying their campaigns as constituents weigh their options.
NA/VPO
