Malik Basintale, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ‘s deputy communications officer, has criticized Pius Enam Hadzide, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Asuogyaman Constituency, for allegedly making unrealistic promises to voters.
During a recent campaign tour in the Eastern Region, Basintale accused Hadzide, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), of running a travel and tour agency that promised visas to residents if he is elected.
Hadzide, a former Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, had promised to organize trips for the residents of Asuogyaman to attend the 2026 World Cup and facilitate travel overseas if elected as their Member of Parliament.
Basintale claimed that this promise continues Hadzide’s alleged pattern of misleading practices. He recounted a past incident in which Hadzide’s travel and tour agency charged residents of Ketu North GHc105,000 for trips to Australia.
According to Basintale, these travellers were deported upon arrival in Australia after their visa applications were deemed fraudulent, leading to a ban on Ghanaian participation in the Commonwealth Games.
“Pius Enam Hadzide opened a travel and tour agency, which was supposed to siphon money from the people of Ketu North to take them to Australia.
Over 200 residents were charged GHc105,000. When they arrived in Australia, they were deported because the Australian government identified this as a scheme orchestrated by Hadzide.
This resulted in Ghana being barred from participating in the Commonwealth Games,” Basintale alleged.
In response to Hadzide’s current promises, Basintale warned the residents of Asuogyaman to be cautious, suggesting that such promises may not be genuine and could be part of a pattern of deception.
The promises of the NPP candidate and Basintale’s accusations have sparked a debate about the credibility of campaign pledges and the integrity of candidates.
The allegations underscore the need for voters to critically evaluate campaign promises and the backgrounds of those making them.
