Professor Kingsley Nyarko, the Member of Parliament for Kwadaso Constituency in the Ashanti Region, has refuted allegations suggesting that the money he offered to electoral officers during the Ejisu constituency by-election on Tuesday, April 30, was intended as a bribe.

The incident, captured on camera and circulating since Tuesday afternoon, has sparked widespread discussion. Following its emergence, the Electoral Commission swiftly removed the involved officers and referred the matter to the police for investigation.

In the video, Prof Nyarko can be seen conversing with electoral officers. At one point, he approaches a table manned by some officers, takes out a white envelope, and offers it to them. The officers appear hesitant to accept it, and Prof Nyarko eventually places the envelope on the table before departing.

In response, Prof Nyarko informed Joy FM that the envelope contained money meant as a gesture to provide lunch for the election officials. He emphasized that his actions were not indicative of bribery, as he would not risk attempting to bribe officials openly.

This statement from Prof Nyarko comes amid ongoing scrutiny and investigation into the matter.

Professor Nyarko asserted that if he had intended to bribe officials, he wouldn't have done so in a public space.

“If I were to influence them, do you think I will do it in that public space? What I want to put on record is that I did not bribe anybody, I have not influenced anybody to vote or to do anything untoward for my candidate,” he said.

He further argued that individuals were free to interpret the event as they pleased, but his conscience was clear because he couldn't influence EC officials who were "trained, honest, and disciplined to engage in any untoward actions in a public place."

Professor Nyarko, despite the widespread dissemination of the video, maintained his composure, asserting that he harbored no guilt as he believed he had committed no wrongdoing. He acknowledged the likelihood of others interpreting the incident to fit their own agendas.

Emphasizing his standing as a respected educator, Professor Nyarko highlighted his track record, citing his discipline and integrity as evidenced by his past actions.

Furthermore, he reiterated his willingness to cooperate with investigations should the necessity arise.

When questioned about his relationship with the EC officials that led to him handing them the envelope, he said, “So if I see you, do I have to know you before I do you a favour? .... So there should not be any relationship before [handing an envelop]. I have not influenced anybody negatively to turn the people in a certain direction.”

Meanwhile, he was optimistic that his candidate, Kwabena Boateng of the New Patriotic Party, would win convincingly.