The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has launched investigations into alleged vote-buying and other corrupt practices linked to recent primaries of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to the anti-corruption body, the probe covers the NPP presidential primaries held on January 31, 2026, as well as the NDC parliamentary primary conducted in the Ayawaso East constituency on February 7. The investigations are focusing on claims of vote buying, vote selling, and the sources of funding behind the alleged inducements.

The OSP disclosed that it began real-time monitoring during the NDC primary after reports of electoral malpractice surfaced. The Office also confirmed that a separate inquiry has been opened into an alleged assault on one of its officers who was on duty during the exercise.

In its statement, the Special Prosecutor alleged that one of the NDC aspirants, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, may have aided individuals who attacked an authorised officer while the officer attempted to serve an investigative directive related to vote-buying allegations. The incident has triggered an additional investigation into obstruction of the OSP’s work.

The Office emphasised that corrupt acts linked to elections — including inducement, intimidation, and violence — are criminal offences under Ghanaian law. It added that it will pursue all credible allegations and take legal action where evidence supports prosecution.

Meanwhile, political reactions have begun to emerge. The presidency has recalled Baba Jamal from his diplomatic role following the controversy, while the NDC says it has initiated its own internal investigation and condemned any acts that undermine the party’s values.

The OSP’s move signals a renewed effort to strengthen electoral accountability as Ghana’s major political parties prepare for upcoming contests.