“That’s Not My Voice” – Asante Akim North MCE Denies Involvement in Leaked Audio Allegedly Plotting Election Rigging
Speaking via phone on the Maakye Live Show, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Asante Akim North, Honourable Francis Oti Boateng, denied any involvement in a leaked audio recording allegedly depicting him plotting to rig elections in favor of the current Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, Honourable Francis Appiah Kubi, during the December general elections.
Honourable Boateng claimed the audio was doctored by individuals using Artificial Intelligence tools, whom he described as desperate to win the elections and smear his reputation within the Asante Akim North constituency.
He clarified that only a brief portion of the audio featured his voice, where he was merely extending greetings to someone abroad and affirming his support for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate. He suspected that technology was used to manipulate the audio, referencing an offer he received from some individuals who suggested retaliating by fabricating audio implicating his detractors.
However, he declined and emphasized that police investigations are ongoing, and he cannot make any definitive conclusions at this time.
The MCE explained the origins of the allegations, which began when a delegation approached him, urging him to support an independent candidate who is a native of the constituency. He declined, citing his allegiance to the NPP, which, he believes, led to the current campaign to tarnish his reputation.
Honourable Boateng refuted the allegations of plotting to rig the elections, stating that the rumors are baseless and designed to create tension in the constituency.
As the head of the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), he assured residents that he is committed to ensuring free and fair elections, pledging to maintain peace and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. “Whoever wins will do so legitimately,” he affirmed.
He also condemned the actions of supporters of the independent candidate, accusing them of seizing campaign vehicles belonging to the MP, attacking members of his team, and sowing discord in the constituency. He further alleged that the independent candidate had resorted to violent tactics in an attempt to secure the parliamentary seat, using the fabricated audio as a pretext to discredit the MCE and the NPP candidate.
In the leaked audio, the MCE of Asante Akim North, Honourable Francis Oti Boateng, is allegedly heard discussing plans to rig the upcoming elections with a second individual, purported to be his younger brother residing in Canada.
In the recording, the MCE is said to outline a strategy to swap ballot boxes midway through the election, claiming that this could be executed successfully because 90% of the polling agents in the constituency were reportedly planted by his team.
According to a resident of the area, the audio first surfaced on the Mpontuo Platform, a WhatsApp group created for electorates in the Asante Akim constituency.
The leaked audio has sparked outrage among residents, many of whom are now demanding the immediate removal of the MCE from office. Additionally, they have submitted a petition to the Electoral Commission, requesting a review of the voter register for the constituency ahead of the December 7 elections.
Story by: Juliet Ayiih
