Oforikrom Member of Parliament (MP) Michael Kwasi Aidoo stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) investigative committee into the Ayawaso East primary controversy was ineffective from the moment it was formed, speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews on Saturday.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) legislator said he publicly predicted the outcome, stating that the committee formed by the party was toothless from the beginning. He revealed that he made a post on Facebook when the committee was established and predicted that the outcome was going to allow Baba Jamal to contest, adding that exactly so that is what the committee did.
The Ayawaso East internal election held on Saturday, February 7, which saw Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed emerge victorious, was marred by widespread allegations of vote buying. Some members of the NDC Majority Caucus in Parliament called for the election to be annulled, however after investigations, the party endorsed Jamal’s win.
Aidoo argued that the committee’s work did not reflect the gravity of what the public witnessed, stating that what happened was shameful. He added that the party pushed the matter under the carpet despite clear evidence that should have prompted stronger action.
Speaking on the same program, Aidoo stated there has never been a point in time where clear evidence on camera showed people carrying televisions, boxes of gari, sanitary pads, motorbikes and piles of cash. He suggested that in some cases, the value of items allegedly given could amount to about 50,000 cedis per person.
The Oforikrom MP warned that future elections are going to be affected by the party’s decision, stating that delegates may now say others enjoyed it so they should also feel it. He expressed concern that the precedent set could normalize vote buying in subsequent internal party elections.
NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey announced on Tuesday, February 10, that the three member investigative committee recommended ideally that the primary should be annulled. However, the committee acknowledged real obstacles that made it difficult to implement the annulment, citing constitutional and time constraints as primary factors.
Kwetey stated that the party could not delay beyond a certain date without jeopardizing its ability to present a candidate for the by election. He explained that the investigative process, potential legal challenges and the need to conduct a fresh primary would have extended beyond deadlines required for filing nominations with the Electoral Commission (EC).
The General Secretary emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly but reflected practical realities facing the party. He stated the committee’s report acknowledged serious concerns about the conduct of the primary while recognizing constraints that prevented nullification.
Baba Jamal filed his nomination with the Electoral Commission on Wednesday, February 11, to contest the Ayawaso East by election scheduled for later in 2026. The seat became vacant following the death of former MP Naser Toure Mahama.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) released Baba Jamal on self recognizance bail on Tuesday, February 10, after charging him with corruption, assault and obstruction of OSP officers. The charges stem from investigations into alleged vote buying incidents during the February 7 primary.
The OSP revealed in a public notice issued on Saturday, February 8, that its officer conducting real time investigations into alleged vote buying and selling in Ayawaso East Constituency was attacked by thugs acting on instructions of Baba Jamal during the primary. The officer was serving an investigative directive on the candidate when the incident occurred.
Baba Jamal has vehemently denied allegations of vote buying, insisting he did not engage in any form of inducement during the primary. His lawyers accompanied him to the OSP headquarters for questioning on Tuesday, February 10.
The controversy sparked debate within the NDC about internal democracy and vote buying practices. Some party members including MPs called for decisive action to demonstrate zero tolerance for electoral malpractice, while others emphasized constitutional processes and electoral timelines.
The three member investigative committee was constituted following widespread concerns and reports that television sets and cash were allegedly distributed to delegates during the primary, raising questions about the integrity of the process. The committee submitted its report informing the party’s decision to maintain Jamal as candidate.
Aidoo noted on Saturday’s Newsfile program that the NDC raised concerns about similar conduct during the NPP’s flagbearer race but suggested the NPP did not have the conscience to take action as the NDC claimed it would. He stated that massive vote buying rocked the NPP presidential primary but the party failed to address it decisively.
The Ayawaso East by election represents a test for both major parties on issues of internal democracy and vote buying. Civil society organizations have called on political parties to strengthen internal mechanisms for detecting and punishing electoral malpractice in primaries and internal elections.
Ghana’s political landscape has witnessed growing concerns about monetization of internal party elections, with delegates increasingly demanding cash and goods in exchange for votes. Political analysts have warned that unchecked vote buying undermines democratic processes and entrenches patronage politics.
The Electoral Commission has scheduled the Ayawaso East by election but has not yet announced a specific date. The NDC is expected to intensify campaigning ahead of the polls as the party seeks to retain the seat previously held by Mahama.
