Voters in the Ablekuma West Constituency have rejected a pick-up truck carrying food packs in a tense incident that unfolded at a polling center.

The visibly agitated crowd hooted at the driver, forcing the vehicle to leave the premises amidst heated protests.

According to the vehicle occupants, the food packs were sent by incumbent MP Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and were intended for party officials stationed at the polling center. However, voters interpreted the gesture as an attempt to sway the outcome of the election, leading to the confrontation.

A viral video capturing the scene has since circulated widely online, showing voters chanting “We don’t want it!” as the pick-up truck was driven away under the watchful eyes of election officials and security personnel.

The incident has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some have commended the voters for rejecting what they perceived as unethical, others have urged restraint and a more measured approach to allegations of electoral malpractice.

This controversy follows a similar incident during the special voting exercise on Monday, December 2. The Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, was allegedly seen handing out bags of food and water to individuals in a voting queue.

The MP has denied the claims, explaining that the food packages captured in the viral footage were meant for her campaign team, Electoral Commission agents, and journalists present at the polling station.

“Yes, I was at the polling station to monitor the process, and we sent food for our team, agents, and some journalists,” she said. “Someone in the queue asked for a package, and my women’s organiser, out of goodwill, gave one. That led to a few others being given. It was not intentional, and I did not distribute anything myself.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Dr. Joseph Whittal, had weighed in on another viral video showing security personnel collecting food while in a voting queue during the special voting exercise.

Speaking to journalists after a health screening event for 300 CHRAJ staff who will monitor human rights issues during the December 7 elections, Dr. Whittal expressed concern.

“When I looked at the video, it was more of an embarrassment because security officers must be security conscious,” he said, adding that such actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process.