Ayawaso East Vote-Buying Scandal Undermines Democracy – NPP
NPP warns that irregularities in NDC primary threaten Ghana’s democratic integrity amid allegations of inducement and political interference
- Richard Ahiagbah, NPP Director of Communications, described the alleged inducement of delegates as a serious threat to Ghana’s democratic integrity
- The controversy led to President Mahama recalling Mohammed Baba Jamal from his post as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria
- Ahiagbah welcomed the involvement of the Office of the Special Prosecutor
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned the alleged vote-buying and irregularities surrounding the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ayawaso East parliamentary primary, describing them as a direct affront to Ghana’s democratic values.
Richard Ahiagbah, Director of Communications for the NPP, made the remarks on Sunday, February 8, during an interview on Channel One Newsroom, calling for collective action to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
The controversy erupted after delegates reportedly received 32-inch television sets and boiled eggs from the camp of NDC parliamentary candidate Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed during the primary held on February 7, 2026. In response, the NDC constituted a three-member committee, chaired by former Information Minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi, to investigate the allegations and propose sanctions and reforms.
The situation intensified when President John Dramani Mahama recalled Baba Jamal from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria. The NDC Majority Caucus has also called for the annulment of the primary, further fueling political tension.
“What happened in Ayawaso East was glaring and egregious, right in our faces,” Ahiagbah said. “Beyond being unlawful, it distorts democracy and diminishes the power of citizens to influence national development through free elections.”
He welcomed the involvement of the Office of the Special Prosecutor but cautioned that public confidence hinges on whether investigations lead to concrete actions. Ahiagbah stressed the importance of accountability, noting past instances where probes failed to produce meaningful results.
“The key issue for me is the NDC’s call for a probe and, at the same time, the Majority’s demand for annulment,” he added. “Ghanaians have not found the unfolding situation amusing at all.”
