I Never Induced Delegates – Baba Jamal Breaks Silence on Ayawaso East Controversy
Recalled High Commissioner rejects inducement claims and pledges to cooperate with NDC investigation
- NDC Ayawaso East parliamentary candidate Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed has firmly denied claims that he engaged in vote buying
- His denial follows reports that he was recalled as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria over alleged inducement of delegate
- Baba Jamal has pledged full cooperation with the party’s investigation
Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso East, has strongly denied allegations of vote buying during the party’s February 7 parliamentary primary.
The allegations, which reportedly led to his recall as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria by President John Dramani Mahama, stem from claims that he induced delegates during the just-ended primaries.
In a press statement, Baba Jamal said he had taken note of a communiqué from the Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communication announcing his recall, reportedly based on claims of inducement during the Ayawaso East primary.
The statement also referred to an earlier release by NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, which condemned the alleged vote buying and announced the party’s decision to investigate the matter.
“I wish to state categorically that I, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, have not engaged in any vote buying or election malpractices and I pledge to avail myself to assist the party in its investigation into the subject matter anytime,” he stated.
Baba Jamal expressed appreciation to President Mahama for the opportunity to serve Ghana as High Commissioner to Nigeria and thanked NDC delegates in Ayawaso East for endorsing him to lead the party into the March 3, 2026 parliamentary by-election.
His response follows reports that he allegedly distributed items including 32-inch television sets and boiled eggs to delegates during the voting process—actions widely perceived by some party insiders, delegates and members of the public as inducement that may have influenced voting patterns.
In response to the controversy, the NDC has set up a three-member committee chaired by former Information Minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi, with Mahama Ayariga and lawyer Emefa Fugah as members, to investigate allegations of inducement and vote buying. The committee is expected to submit its report on February 10, 2026.
Meanwhile, the NDC Majority Caucus in Parliament has called for the immediate cancellation of the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary and the disqualification of any candidates found culpable of vote buying.
