Former Member of Parliament for the Ayensuano constituency, Samuel Ayeh-Paye, has expressed shock after a villager refused to accept GHC50 meant to encourage him to vote in the just-ended elections.

Speaking in an interview with Peace FM, Ayeh-Paye recounted how he offered the money as a token for water, hoping it would persuade the individual to participate in the electoral process. However, to his surprise, the person declined, insisting he would not cast his vote.

“I offered them the money as a token for water so they could go and vote, but they rejected it. It’s historic for me that I tried giving someone GHC50 to push the person to go and vote, and the person rejected it, saying he won’t vote. That is how we got to NPP. Imagine, someone in the village rejecting GHC50,” Ayeh-Paye said.

His comments come in the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, which saw former President John Dramani Mahama emerge victorious, securing 56.55% of the valid votes cast. The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, trailed behind with 41.61%.

Mahama’s triumph also translated into parliamentary gains for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), further deepening the ruling party’s defeat.

The NPP, still grappling with the unexpected electoral setback, continues to reflect on the factors that contributed to their loss.