The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has constituted a three-member investigative committee to probe widespread allegations of inducement and vote-buying that marred its parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency held on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
The committee is chaired by veteran politician and former Minister for Information, Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi. Other members are the Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, and legal practitioner Emefa Fugah.
In an official statement issued on the day of the primaries and signed by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC said it was deeply concerned about reports of monetary inducements and the distribution of material gifts to delegates by some aspirants.
The statement disclosed that the committee has been tasked to submit its findings and recommendations by Tuesday, February 10, 2026—just three days after the disputed primary.
The Ayawaso East primary was organized to select the NDC’s candidate for the March 3, 2026 by-election in the Greater Accra Region, following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, was declared winner of the primary with 431 votes, narrowly defeating Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late MP, who polled 399 votes. The remaining aspirants trailed behind.
The controversy escalated after video footage circulated on social media appeared to show delegates receiving 32-inch television sets, with allegations directed at one of the contenders. In the wake of the uproar, President John Dramani Mahama ordered the immediate recall of Baba Jamal from his diplomatic post, noting that although allegations were reportedly made against several aspirants, Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer among them.
According to the NDC, the investigative committee has been given a broad mandate to establish the facts surrounding the allegations, identify any individuals or groups found culpable, recommend appropriate sanctions where wrongdoing is proven, and propose long-term reforms to curb inducement and vote-buying in the party’s internal elections.
“The Party wishes to assure its rank and file, stakeholders, and the general public that it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in its internal electoral processes,” the statement said.
It further urged party members and supporters to remain calm as the committee carries out its work, assuring that further updates will be communicated in due course.
