Former Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, has stirred fresh debate over the outcome of the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), following comments he made about the winner, Baba Jamal.
Reacting to the outcome of the closely contested primary, Dr. Kokofu said he was uncertain whether the former Deputy National Security Coordinator deserved congratulations or sympathy, stating, “I don’t know whether to congratulate Baba Jamal or weep for him.”
Speaking on Okay FM, the former government appointee suggested that the circumstances surrounding the election raised serious questions about internal party cohesion and the cost of winning political contests within the NDC.
His remarks appear to point to concerns about the intensity of the contest and the possible implications for party unity ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The Ayawaso East primary, which has attracted significant public attention, was marked by heightened political tension, allegations of monetization, and sharp divisions among party supporters.
Baba Jamal emerged victorious after a tough contest, setting him up as the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for the constituency.
Dr. Kokofu’s comments have since generated mixed reactions, with some political observers interpreting his statement as a veiled critique of what he described as the growing burden of internal party elections on candidates, while others see it as an attempt to downplay Baba Jamal’s victory.
Meanwhile, the NDC leadership is yet to officially respond to the comments, even as calls grow for calm and reconciliation among party members in Ayawaso East to ensure unity going into the next election cycle.
