The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has set up a three-member investigative committee to probe widespread allegations of inducement and vote-buying that overshadowed its parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East constituency held on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
The committee is chaired by veteran politician and former Information Minister, Mr Kofi Totobi Quakyi, with Bawku Central MP and Minority Leader of Parliament Mahama Ayariga, and legal practitioner Emefa Fugah serving as members.
In an official statement issued on the same day the primaries were conducted and signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the party expressed deep concern over reports of monetary inducements and material gifts allegedly distributed to delegates by some of the aspirants.
The statement noted that the committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations by Tuesday, February 10, 2026, just three days after the disputed exercise.
The Ayawaso East primary was called to select the NDC’s candidate for the March 3, 2026 by-election in the Greater Accra constituency, following the death of the sitting MP, Mahama Naser Toure.
Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, was declared winner with 431 votes, narrowly defeating Hajia Amina Adam, a widow of the late MP who secured 399 votes. Other aspirants trailed behind.
The controversy intensified after circulated video footage appeared to show delegates receiving 32-inch television sets, with fingers pointed at one of the contenders. President John Dramani Mahama subsequently directed the immediate recall of Baba Jamal from his diplomatic posting, explaining that while allegations reportedly involved several aspirants, Mr Jamal was the only one holding a public office at the time.
The investigative panel has been given a broad mandate: to establish the facts surrounding the allegations, identify any culpable individuals or groups, recommend appropriate sanctions where wrongdoing is proven, and propose long-term reforms to eliminate inducement and vote-buying from the NDC’s internal electoral processes.
“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 read.
“Members and supporters are therefore urged to remain calm as the Committee undertakes its work. Further updates will be communicated in due course.”