The recent National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary for the Ayawaso East constituency, held on February 7, 2026, has ignited a fierce debate surrounding allegations of vote-buying and inducements, prompting strong condemnation from civil society, an internal party investigation, and a stern warning from traditional authorities.

The primary, which aimed to select the NDC candidate for a crucial March 3 by-election, saw Baba Jamal, Ghana's High Commissioner to Nigeria who was subsequently recalled, narrowly defeat Hajia Amina Adam, the widow of the late MP Naser Toure Mahama.

The election was immediately engulfed in scandal following widespread reports and viral videos depicting delegates allegedly receiving high-value items, including television sets and cash, as inducements. This prompted a swift national response: President John Dramani Mahama recalled Baba Jamal from his diplomatic post to preserve integrity, while the NDC established an investigative committee.

Furthermore, the party's own parliamentary caucus openly condemned the vote-buying incidents, demanding the annulment of the Ayawaso East primary and the imposition of sanctions, including banning culpable candidates from future primaries.

Transparency International Ghana (TI-Ghana) issued a press release on February 9, 2026, strongly condemning these incidents. The anti-corruption organisation warned that such practices pose a serious threat to Ghana’s democratic integrity. TI-Ghana described the alleged distribution of high-value items and the public defense of these actions as sending a “troubling signal” about the state of internal party democracy.

They noted this incident formed part of a worrying pattern of increasing frequency and brazenness of vote-buying in both internal party and national elections, referencing similar concerns raised during recent NPP presidential primaries.

According to TI-Ghana, the display and distribution of items, even presented as goodwill gestures, constitute undue influence, compromising the fundamental principles of free, fair, and transparent elections. The organisation stressed that such practices undermine public confidence in electoral processes and expose deeper challenges related to political party financing and election ethics.

TI-Ghana also expressed concern over the growing tendency among sections of the public to normalise bribery by reframing it as acceptable political gifting, warning that accepting inducements weakens electoral accountability and eradicates citizens’ civic responsibility.

TI-Ghana underscored the criminality of participation in vote-buying or inducement schemes, citing Part V of the Representation of the People Act, 1992 (PNDCL 284), which covers bribery, treating, and undue influence. They warned that citizens who accept inducements to influence electoral outcomes not only betray their civic duties but also risk potential prosecution.

Commending President Mahama for the swift recall of the High Commissioner and praising the NDC and Majority Caucus for their condemnation, TI-Ghana particularly welcomed calls for annulment and sanctions.

The anti-corruption body urged citizens to combat electoral corruption by prioritising national development, electing suitable leaders, and providing credible evidence to authorities. They also called on political parties to establish robust internal structures to prevent and address electoral misconduct. Additionally, TI-Ghana expressed the expectation that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) would receive necessary support to investigate and prosecute all implicated persons, urging the courts to adjudicate such cases expeditiously and impartially.

In response to the allegations, Rashid Tanko Computer, Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, assured the public that the party would take appropriate action upon receiving the findings of its investigative committee. Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Mr. Tanko expressed confidence in the committee's work, urging supporters to remain calm.

The committee is expected to submit its report by Tuesday, February 10, after which the NDC is to announce its next steps. Mr. Tanko refrained from speculating on the outcome, including whether the party would annul the election results despite potential opposition from traditional authorities, emphasizing that the party would await the committee’s conclusions. He further vouched for the credibility of the committee members, highlighting the chairman's extensive experience.

However, the unfolding situation has been complicated by the intervention of the Ayawaso Council of Zongo Chiefs. During a press conference, the traditional leaders cautioned that the annulment of the primary results could lead to violence, forming part of their attempts to urge the NDC to accept Baba Jamal's victory. Council Vice Chairman Tanko, Ibrahim, explicitly affirmed fears of chaos if a re-run were ordered.

The chiefs argued that the result should stand, aligning themselves with Baba Jamal and asserting that "all elections have problems." Their intervention highlights the complex interplay of political will, party rules, and community influence in addressing electoral integrity issues. The NDC’s impending decision, once the committee report is submitted, will be a critical test of its commitment to its own rules and democratic principles amidst competing pressures.