The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has constituted a three-member committee to investigate allegations of inducement and vote-buying that marred the party’s parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency.

In a statement issued on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the party said the move follows earlier assurances to probe reports of widespread inducement during the primaries held the same day.

The committee will be chaired by Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi, with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and lawyer Emefa Fugah serving as members. It is expected to submit its report by Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

According to the NDC, the committee’s mandate includes investigating the allegations, making appropriate recommendations including sanctions where necessary and proposing sustainable reforms to decisively end the practice of inducement and vote-buying in the party’s internal electoral processes.

Background

The Ayawaso East NDC parliamentary primaries, held on February 7, 2026, were keenly contested by five aspirants. Provisional results released after the polls showed Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed winning the race with 431 votes, narrowly ahead of Hajia Amina Adam, who polled 399 votes. Mohammed Ramne secured 88 votes, Dr. Yakubu Azimdow obtained 45 votes, while Najib Sani recorded one vote.

The primaries, however, were overshadowed by allegations of voter inducement involving some of the candidates. Reports of alleged cash handouts circulated on social media shortly after voting, sparking public debate and calls for accountability.

The controversy subsequently drew the attention of the Presidency, leading President John Dramani Mahama to order the immediate recall of Baba Jamal from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria. The Presidency explained that although allegations were made against multiple aspirants, Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer among the contestants, necessitating administrative action to safeguard the integrity of public office.

The President also took note of the NDC’s decision to initiate internal investigations into the matter, a process now formalised through the establishment of the three-member committee.

The NDC has assured its members, stakeholders, and the general public of its commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and ethical political conduct, urging calm as the committee undertakes its work.

The statement announcing the committee was signed by the General Secretary of the NDC, Hon. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey.