The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso East, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, has denied allegations of vote buying during the party’s February 7 parliamentary primary, which reportedly led to his recall as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria by President John Dramani Mahama.
In a press release, Baba Jamal said he had taken note of a communiqué signed by the Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communication announcing his recall, citing claims of inducement during the just-ended Ayawaso East primary.
He also referenced an earlier statement issued by the NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, which condemned the alleged misconduct and announced the party’s decision to launch an internal investigation.
“I wish to state categorically that I, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, have not engaged in any vote buying or election malpractices, and I pledge to make myself available to assist the party in its investigations into the matter at any time,” he said.
Baba Jamal expressed appreciation to President Mahama for the opportunity to serve Ghana as High Commissioner to Nigeria and thanked delegates in the Ayawaso East constituency for endorsing him to lead the party into the March 3, 2026, parliamentary by-election.
His denial follows reports that he allegedly distributed items, including 32-inch television sets and boiled eggs, to delegates during the voting process.
According to party insiders, some delegates and sections of the public, the items were widely perceived as inducements that may have influenced the outcome of the primaries.
In response to the controversy, the NDC has constituted a three-member committee chaired by former Minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi, with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and lawyer Emefa Fugah as members, to probe allegations of widespread inducement and vote buying. The committee is expected to submit its report by Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Meanwhile, the NDC Majority Caucus in Parliament has called for the immediate annulment of the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary and the disqualification of any candidate found culpable of vote buying.
