Former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah, 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, monitored by MyNewsGH, 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, during 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, disrupting the parliamentary process.
This act of defiance took place 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 regarded as an unprecedented moment in Ghana’s political history.
In his interview, Ahenkorah explained his actions, stating that he believed his dedication to the NPP had gone unrecognized, even though he carried out the incident in what he considered to be 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, was overlooked.
