My Viral Audio Was Doctored; Me Having Dollars Is Not Criminal – Alfred Obeng Boateng
The Member of Parliament for Bibiani-Ahnwiaso-Bekwai in the Western North region, Alfred Obeng Boateng, has refuted claims that he intends to pay enough dollars to delegates to be able to win the coming primaries.
A viral audio clip was being circulated purported to have the voice of the MP, expressing his willingness to provide financial support to delegates in his constituency to match any offers from his political contenders.
However, in an interview, Alfred Obeng Boateng said, the said audio was doctored and does not clearly reflect what he said.
He indicated that, it was obvious that his contenders are trying to use that to play on the intelligence of the people, hence giving wrong interpretation to his comments on the said tape.
He averred that for him to say he has dollars is not criminal and that, he has the right to have dollars and therefore people who are attaching criminality to his riches must come again.
Commenting on paying more during the coming primaries, Alfred Obeng Boateng enumerated that he was responding to others who were bragging that they were going to pay delegates in order to win the elections.
“So, if I respond to them by saying I am also going to pay more than what they would be paying, how is mine an offense, he asked and pointed out that, he has been receiving threats of death from people who sent him pictures with contact numbers on it threatening to attack him in his house.
“I am prepared for them, they should come. I will fight back and I promise them I have more sophisticated weapons that they have and I will kill them first. That is in self-defence,” he said.
He clarified that he intended to pay more than what others might offer but not necessarily double the amount.
“I don’t know who said double, [but] I said I was willing to pay more than they intend doing but not double”
Additionally, he emphasized that he had kept his money in dollars and reiterated that there was no wrongdoing in having dollar accounts. He pointed out that the possession of dollars should not be misconstrued as hoarding or illegal activity.
“I have kept my money in dollars and I don’t see any news in this and I don’t see why this should be misconstrued if I have kept money in dollars, it means that the dollars have been hoarded or packed in my bedroom.”
Mr. Obeng Boateng firmly asserted that his statements were intended as a deterrent against potential competition and not as an attempt to purchase votes. He believes that his comments did not warrant investigation by any regulatory agency such as the Special Prosecutor.
He said his remarks underscore his financial preparedness for the upcoming campaign and his commitment to securing the support of delegates in his constituency.
