After casting his ballot at the Alhaji Iddrisu House 2 polling station on Tuesday, March 3, he told journalists that his political journey is guided by a dedication to the people, not possessions.

“I am not motivated by materialistic things. I am motivated by human service. And that is why I am here to serve my people,” he stated.

Drawing on his experience as a former Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Baba Jamal expressed confidence in his ability to replicate — and even improve upon — his past performance if elected in Ayawaso East.

“I’ve done it before in Akwatia, and I know I will do it better in East Ayawaso,” he said, describing the voting process as fair so far.

He urged residents to rally behind what he described as a renewed vision for the constituency, adding that the ultimate outcome rests beyond human control.

“As I said, God makes kings. So the percentage will be determined by Allah. We have prayed for a high percentage, but it is in the hands of Allah, and Allah will determine it,” he remarked.

At the close of polls on March 3, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed of the NDC emerged victorious, securing 10,884 votes to win the contest convincingly.

His closest challenger, Baba Ali Yusif of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), polled 4,009 votes. Independent candidate Mohammed Umar Sanda garnered 1,885 votes, David Kanor, also an independent candidate, secured 104 votes, while Ibrahim Iddrisu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) obtained 43 votes.

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Following his decisive win on Tuesday, March 3, the former Akwatia MP revealed that his mother had promised to ensure his return to Parliament — a promise that has now been fulfilled.

“I want to thank the Almighty Allah for giving us this victory. Let me state that I dedicate this victory to my 93-year-old mother, Mimi, for promising to support me and ensuring that one day I would go back to Parliament,” he declared.

He noted that for years, she carried the conviction that her son would return to the House. Tuesday’s result, he said, was more than a political comeback; it was the fulfilment of a promise.

“Today, her vision and wish have come true. And I thank Allah for her life, and I dedicate this victory to her.”

Though she stayed out of the political spotlight, Mimi’s influence, her son suggested, shaped the resilience behind his campaign.

Baba Jamal was quick to remind supporters that the win belonged to the constituency as much as to his family.

“I want to state that this victory is not for me, Baba Jamal, alone; it’s for the good people of Ayawaso East. I want to thank all of them for having confidence in me and electing me as their parliamentary candidate-elect,” he added.

The former High Commissioner to Nigeria was declared the winner in the highly anticipated election after polling 10,884 votes, defeating the NPP’s Yussif Ali Baba, who obtained 4,009 votes.

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Baba Jamal polled 10,884 votes to defeat the NPP’s Yussif Ali Baba, who secured 4,009 votes.

Shortly after being officially declared winner by the Electoral Commission, he described the mandate as a collective achievement rather than a personal triumph.

“This victory is not for me, Baba Jamal, alone; it’s for the good people of Ayawaso East,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to constituents for entrusting him with the seat.

“I want to thank all of them for having confidence in me and electing me as their Member of Parliament.”

The new MP dedicated the victory to his 93-year-old mother, Mimi, recalling her long-standing encouragement.

“Let me state that I dedicate this victory to my 93-year-old mother, Mimi, for promising to support me and ensuring that one day I would go back to Parliament. Today, her vision and wish have come true.”

He also acknowledged the support of his immediate family.

“I want to thank my wife here, my family and my children for the spirit of endurance they have shown since I made it my vision to return to Parliament.”

Baba Jamal further extended appreciation to the leadership of the National Democratic Congress, including the national chairman and general secretary, as well as the Greater Accra Regional and Ayawaso East Constituency executives. He also recognised supporters from Akwatia “who came in their numbers to support me for this project.”

He reserved special mention for President John Mahama.

“Let me also give a special thanks to President John Mahama, once again, for finding me worthy to go and work in Nigeria.”

Reflecting on his recent experience abroad, he said it had prepared him for the task ahead.

“Those few months that I stayed in Nigeria have added to my experience, which I am bringing to Parliament to serve this country better.”

Central to his remarks was a firm pledge to transform the constituency.

“I want to assure the people of Ayawaso East that the resetting of Ayawaso East starts now.

“We are going to Parliament. We are coming to reset the whole constituency and ensure that what Ayawaso East deserves comes to pass.”

He also commended the media for their role throughout the campaign period.

“I want to thank the press for your support.

“For all these weeks that you have been chasing and working with us — I understand that sometimes you followed us late into the night.”

Looking ahead, he signalled his intention to build a constructive relationship with journalists.

“I believe we are going to form a partnership with the press as we reset Ayawaso East, so we can work together.

“Please correct us when we are wrong, but do so in a good and professional manner.”

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In an interview with Adom News, Gbande noted that the voting process has been peaceful, with law enforcement present to maintain order.

“Everybody knows and understands that the Nima election is a family affair. So the exercise has been peaceful,” he said.

He downplayed the presence of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), asserting that the opposition was only there to “escort us” and did not play a significant role in the voting.

“The NPP only came to escort us,” Gbande remarked, adding that the police have been ensuring calm and order throughout the exercise.

The deputy secretary also encouraged voter participation, emphasising that by-elections often see lower turnout but remain important for strengthening democracy.

“By-elections usually have low turnout. But at the end of the day, the NDC candidate will be declared 80%,” he said, projecting a commanding win for his party.

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Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, he highlighted what he described as clear signs of a change in voter sentiment, expressing optimism that the outcome would favour his party.

“Let’s wait till 5 p.m.; the Ayawaso East seat will change hands, Insha Allah. It is obvious we are going to win this election,” he said.

Baba Ali also urged constituents to cast their ballots calmly and in large numbers, appealing for strong voter turnout in his favour.

Reacting to a recent Global InfoAnalytics survey projecting a 75 percent victory for the NDC’s Baba Jamal, he questioned the reliability of the poll, citing events on the ground that suggest a different trajectory.

“Not long ago, you conducted a poll in Ayawaso here, and what happened? This is Ayawaso East. Here, the data doesn’t work in that manner. What is happening currently on the ground will prove that the data is clearly wrong. So let’s wait and see,” he stated.

He also described the voting process so far as calm and well-organised.

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Speaking to Accra-based Channel One News, Mr. Nimako pointed out that the same firm had inaccurately predicted results during the NDC’s internal primaries.

“He’s the same person who predicted Baba Jamal would lose in the NDC primary. But he won. Who are the commissioners of his polls? For me, it’s neither here nor there. I can assure you that our candidate, Baba Ali, has been sold to the constituents; he’s known as the home boy and liked by all. Ask Baba Jamal his opinion about Mussa Dankwah, and we will take it from there,” he said.

The poll, conducted by Global InfoAnalytics between February 28 and March 1, sampled 972 voters in the constituency.

It projected that NDC candidate Baba Jamal could secure 75 per cent of the vote, while NPP’s Baba Ali Yussif is expected to obtain 21 per cent. Independent candidate Umaru Sanda Muhammed is projected at 3 per cent, with Ibrahim Iddrisu and David each below one per cent.

Despite the survey, Mr. Nimako insisted that the NPP’s campaign, driven by extensive grassroots engagement, would ultimately decide the outcome.

“We, the NPP, have engaged the constituents, we have sold our candidate to them, and we know that they are deciding in favour of him. He’s going to be the next MP for Ayawaso East. I can assure you that our candidate will come out victorious,” he added.

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Speaking to Adom News while touring selected polling stations on Tuesday, Tanko Computer said feedback from the areas he had monitored suggested strong backing for the NDC candidate.

“We will hand the NPP a defeat they will never forget,” he declared, expressing confidence that the outcome would favour his party despite what he described as generally low voter turnout.

According to him, early observations indicate that the NDC maintains a comfortable edge. He also dismissed concerns about the independent candidate, Umaru Sanda Mohammed, a former NDC member, insisting that his participation poses no significant challenge to the party’s prospects.

Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Baba Ali Yussif, attributed the slow turnout to the Ramadan period.

He noted that many Muslim voters may choose to cast their ballots later in the day and expressed strong optimism about his chances at the polls.

Both camps remain upbeat as voting continues across the constituency, with party officials closely monitoring developments at various polling stations.

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Five aspirants are contesting the race, including former Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The other candidates are Baba Ali of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), independent aspirant Umaru Sanda Muhammed, who recently severed ties with the NDC, as well as Ibrahim Iddrisu and David Kannor.

The Electoral Commission disclosed that 49,966 voters are on the electoral roll in Ayawaso East. Polls opened at 7 a.m. and are scheduled to close at 5 p.m.

The by-election became necessary following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure, who passed away in January while undergoing treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, leaving the Ayawaso East parliamentary seat vacant.

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The election follows the passing of the sitting National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP, Mahama Nasser Toure, after a short illness, which created a vacancy in Parliament.

Five aspirants, including former Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, are contesting the race.

Although all aspirants remain confident of victory, a poll by Global InfoAnalytics projects a 75 per cent win for Baba Jamal, who is also a former MP for Akwatia, ahead of his closest contender, Baba Ali of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Independent aspirant Umaru Sanda Muhammed, who recently severed ties with the NDC, is projected to secure about 3 per cent of the vote.

The survey further suggests that the remaining candidates, Ibrahim Iddrisu and David, are each expected to garner less than one per cent of the total ballots cast, highlighting what appears to be a largely two-horse race between the NDC and NPP.

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The NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, announced the development during the party’s final rally in the constituency on Sunday, March 1.

He noted that the expulsion takes immediate effect, meaning Mr. Mohammed will no longer enjoy the rights and privileges associated with party membership.

“It will take him about eight years before he can contest any position in the party. Even if, after the by-election, he decides to return, he cannot contest immediately and would have to wait until 2032. I am really pained for him,” he said.

Going Biblical, the General Mosquito, as he is popularly known, added:

“The Bible teaches that the message of salvation can seem foolish to those who have gone astray. Such a person is already on a path that leads to destruction and will ignore guidance. Only afterwards will they regret and say, ‘If only I had known.’ With that in mind, Umaru Sanda remains our brother, but he is no longer part of the party.”

The NDC had earlier, in a statement on February 17, explained that Mr. Umar Sanda forfeited his membership because his decision violated the party’s constitution and its collective choice to field a duly endorsed candidate.

The party has also prohibited him from using the NDC’s name, logo, colours, symbols, or any other intellectual property in his campaign or related political activities.

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Speaking on Accra-based Channel One News, Mr. Khalid expressed disappointment at calls for the cancellation of the February 7 parliamentary primary and the disqualification of aspirants accused of inducement.

He emphasized that Baba Jamal shares a longstanding and cordial relationship with colleagues in Parliament and should not have been subjected to what he considers unfair criticism.

“Baba Jamal’s relationship with the NDC in Parliament is cordial. They have a very cordial relationship. Baba Jamal didn’t deserve what they did to him because some of them came to Parliament through by-elections, and Baba Jamal has been a pillar in any by-election that the NDC organised,” he stated.

The comments follow a public call by the NDC Majority Caucus for the immediate annulment of the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary amid claims of vote buying.

A committee set up by the party to investigate the allegations subsequently cleared Baba Jamal of any wrongdoing, effectively affirming his candidature for the by-election scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Mr. Khalid argued that the posture adopted by some MPs suggested a moral high ground that does not reflect the realities of internal political contests.

“Especially when it comes to our internal elections, both the NDC and the NPP, we all have these things that we need to address. Instead of sounding like you are the saint, can any Member of Parliament admit that he has never given anything before he came to Parliament? That hypocritical stand they took was very hurtful because we knew the relationship he had with them,” he added.

Despite the earlier controversy, the campaign team remains confident, particularly after the party’s investigative committee dismissed the allegations.

Meanwhile, a new survey by Global InfoAnalytics projects a win for Baba Jamal in the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election. Conducted between February 28 and March 1 and sampling 972 voters across the constituency, the poll places him ahead of his main rival, Baba Ali of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The by-election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

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The poll, conducted between February 28 and March 1, sampled 972 voters across the constituency. Findings from the research place Baba Jamal significantly ahead of his closest competitor, Baba Ali of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

According to the projections, the NDC flagbearer is tipped to secure 75 per cent of the vote, while the NPP candidate is forecast to obtain 21 per cent.

Independent aspirant Umaru Sanda Muhammed, who recently severed ties with the NDC, is projected to receive about 3 per cent support.

The survey further suggests that the remaining candidates, Ibrahim Iddrisu and David, are each expected to garner less than one per cent of total ballots cast, highlighting what appears to be a largely two-horse race between the NDC and NPP.

The by-election became necessary following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure, who passed away in January while undergoing treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, leaving the Ayawaso East parliamentary seat vacant.

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Speaking during a community engagement in the constituency, Nana B, as he is widely known, described Baba Ali as a homegrown candidate whose life story is closely tied to Ayawaso East.

He emphasised that the aspirant’s deep roots in the area make him the right choice to represent the people in Parliament.

According to Nana B, Baba Ali has not only lived in the constituency for years but has also worked and taught there, giving him firsthand understanding of the daily challenges residents face.

“Baba Ali Yussif is your brother. He sleeps with you, he wakes up with you, and he has taught in this constituency before. He was born here; the food you all eat is the same food he eats. Don’t bring in any stranger. This is your brother. As you see him here, even after you vote for him, he will still be here, available and with you,” he said in pidgin.

The by-election follows the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure, in January while receiving treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Five candidates, including former High Commissioner to Nigeria Baba Jamal, are seeking to succeed Alhaji Toure. The others are independent candidates: Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Sanda, David Kannor, and Ibrahim Iddrisu of the Liberal People’s Party (LPP).

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At a press conference in Kumasi, the group praised Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s track record, highlighting her academic excellence, integrity, and commitment to national development.

They noted that her leadership qualities and years of public service make her a strong contender to unite the party and deliver effective governance.

The group traced her academic journey from Wesley Girls’ High School to higher education at the University of Dakar, the University of Cape Coast, and York University in Canada, where she obtained her postgraduate and doctoral degrees. According to them, her steady rise through academia reflects her dedication and competence.

They also highlighted her historic appointment as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast in 2008, where she became the first woman to head a public university in Ghana.

During her tenure, the university saw major improvements in academic programmes, research development, and technology infrastructure.

The teachers further pointed to her contributions on the global stage, including her role with UNESCO and her fellowship with the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.

They said these achievements demonstrate her ability to represent Ghana internationally and contribute to policy development.

They added that her transition into politics and her current role as Vice President under John Dramani Mahama reflect her continued commitment to national service, particularly in promoting education, youth empowerment, and inclusive development.

The Platform concluded by urging the NDC and Ghanaians to support Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s potential candidature, stressing that Ghana needs experienced, visionary, and unifying leadership as the country prepares for the 2028 elections.

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He argues that democracy has drifted away from improving the well-being of ordinary citizens.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, he said the country’s politics has become consumed by elite competition and early electioneering, rather than development.

“What is supposed to be the political alternative, the opposition [NPP] also immediately went into who is going to be their candidate,” he said.

“And from then on, it’s a game of everybody looking for how they can trip the other.”

He expressed concern about how quickly political actors have shifted their focus to the next general election.

“So that is in 2028, we are sitting in 2026, and the number of times that you hear the conversation about 2028, you do worry.”

According to him, this preoccupation with succession battles has weakened democracy’s developmental purpose.

“So what has happened is that development did not come to be the real partner, accompanying partner of democracy, where the purpose of the democracy was actually to improve the well-being of people, to bring real development.”

Instead, he argued, national attention has been diverted to internal party struggles.

“We’re spending all our time on the factional infighting among what I call the political elites.”

Nsarkoh did not limit his criticism to one side of the political divide. He insisted that both major parties are part of the same establishment.

“The party of the elites is in power, and it has two segments, the NPP and the NDC.”

“They’re all the party of the elites.”

His remarks add to the growing public debate over whether Ghana’s democratic practices are delivering tangible improvements in living standards.

By framing the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress as different wings of the same elite structure, Nsarkoh challenged the notion of a meaningful political alternative.

He suggested that the fixation on internal jockeying for power, years ahead of the next polls, reflects a system more concerned with control than transformation.

For him, the deeper worry is that democracy has not been anchored to development as intended.

He made the remarks on Wednesday, February 18, during a Political Inclusion and Consensus Building Forum organised by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA).

Reflecting on Ghana’s political evolution since the start of the Fourth Republic in 1992, Bagbin recounted his participation in the maiden congress of the National Democratic Congress in Cape Coast, highlighting how the gathering brought together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering national unity.

He noted that he had also attended congresses of the New Patriotic Party upon invitation, where he observed a similar atmosphere of inclusion and engagement.

Despite these experiences, the Speaker expressed concern over the dominance of two major parties in Ghana’s political landscape.

“Now, we seem to have only two strong, vibrant, surviving parties,” he said. “For me, I think we need a third force.”

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In a letter dated February 17, 2026, and signed by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC said Mr. Sanda’s decision violates the party’s constitution and its collective choice to field a duly endorsed candidate for the March 3, 2026 by-election.

The party stated that by deciding to run against the officially endorsed NDC candidate, Mr. Sanda has automatically lost his membership with immediate effect.

The letter also prohibits him from using the party’s name, logo, colours, symbols, or any other intellectual property associated with the NDC in his campaign or related political activities.

The NDC urged Mr. Sanda to comply with the directive.

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, he insisted that the NDC cannot build public trust by simply attacking the governing NPP while repeating the same conduct it condemns.

“One thing I’ve always said is this, you can’t simply be attacking your opponent when you were doing exactly the same thing as your opponent,” he said. “So that hypocrisy, for me, is not something that we should encourage.”

The NDC General Secretary also acknowledged that his insistence on values and principles may not always be popular inside the party, and could even affect his personal political prospects.

“You must be ready for consequences,” he said, stressing that he is willing to defend what he believes is right, even at the cost of my political ambition.”

Responding to host Evans Mensah on what message he carries to party delegates, Mr Kwetey said he is not introducing any strange ideas.

He argued that the party’s anthem already captures the values he is advocating, including the duty to put Ghana first.

“The delegates are delegates of the National Democratic Congress, and they sing with pride… the anthem of the party,” he said, adding that the anthem speaks to the need “to always place our country as number one.”

According to him, the problem is not that the party lacks values, but that many may have lost sight of them.

“The fact that you may not fully understand, it doesn’t mean that effort must not be made to help us all remember and be anchored on those values,” he said.

Mr Kwetey tied his argument directly to the NDC’s public message of resetting Ghana, insisting that the party must first demonstrate that reset internally.

“We have said we are resetting the country. And to reset the country means business as usual has to be over,” he stated.

He rejected what he described as simplistic partisan thinking.

“You simply cannot expect that everything is done. NPP is bad, ndc is good. No, NPP is bad. But it doesn’t mean ndc is perfect,” he said.

He said the party must improve itself in order to produce better leaders for the country.

“Our party must become better and better, because that’s the only way we can produce leaders who truly will be able to place this country where it ought to be,” he said.

For him, attacking the NPP alone will not be enough. “Simply accusing the NPP is no, it’s not enough,” he stressed.

Mr Kwetey said the NDC owes the public more because of the responsibility placed on it.

“To whom a lot is given, a lot is expected,” he said, adding that “the people of Ghana have given us a lot of responsibility.”

He said the biggest obligation is to the youth.

“We owe it to, especially the young generation of Ghanaians, to make sure that the examples we are setting are different examples,” he said.

Mr Kwetey also downplayed the obsession with personal ambition in politics, saying his focus is on national transformation.

“For me… it’s not an ambition. It’s about transforming our country,” he said.

He ended with a reminder that political leadership is temporary, but values must endure.

“I’m here today, tomorrow, I’m not going to be here,” he said. “But let’s make sure we are putting down foundations and putting principles that would make the party greater and stronger, and that will make the country greater and stronger.”

Addressing supporters on Thursday, February 13, Mr Asiedu Nketia described the constituency as both a political battleground and a personal stronghold, reflecting on long-standing alliances, courtroom disputes, and tense election contests.

“I came here this morning, and as the constituency chairman and the regional chairman have already said, I have come to my very own people. I have had a long-standing relationship with this constituency,” he said.

Roots of a Political Bond

Mr Asiedu Nketia traced his connection to the area to his friendship with the late Dr Joseph Kweku Enos, whom he first met in Parliament.

“It all started with Dr Enos, who has sadly passed on. I first met him in Parliament, and from there we became very good friends. It was a strong and meaningful relationship,” he said.

According to him, that relationship drew him into one of the constituency’s most turbulent political periods. He recounted how Dr Enos was unseated during an election by a political opponent he referred to as “Edumadze.”

“At a point, during an election, an ‘elephant’ called Edumadze emerged. He unseated Dr Enos and took the seat from him. For four years, we went to court countless times,” he stated.

Although Dr Enos eventually won the legal challenge, Mr Asiedu Nketia said parliamentary proceedings had concluded, preventing him from returning to the House.

“When Edumadze assumed office, it was through forceful means. Elections in the constituency became aggressive. The name Edumadze symbolises stagnation—wherever there was progress, it was halted,” he alleged, adding that despite later serving as a regional minister, “we saw no meaningful development in the Ajumako constituency. ”

Encouraging Ato Forson’s Return

Mr Asiedu Nketia said a significant turning point came during his tenure as NDC General Secretary, when he met Cassiel Ato Forson, then a young entrepreneur based in the United States.

“Around that time, I met a young man called Ato Forson. He was working in the United States as an entrepreneur. We had a conversation, and he told me he was from this constituency and was interested in politics,” he recounted.

Describing the political climate at the time, he said, “I told him that we were in a very difficult situation, as there was a man in the Ajumako Constituency who was suppressing everything and stifling all progress.”

He encouraged Dr Forson to return to Ghana and contest the seat. “I believed he was the one who could overthrow him. That was how Ato Forson came into the picture,” he added.

Tensions in the 2020 Elections

Mr Asiedu Nketia alleged that since entering Parliament, Dr Forson had been persistently targeted by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), particularly during election periods.

“Whenever elections were approaching, it was as though the Ajumako Constituency had its own special budget dedicated to removing Ato Forson from office,” he claimed.

Recounting the 2020 general election, he said the atmosphere in the constituency became highly charged.

“If you recall, in 2020, vehicles were hired, accompanied by soldiers and heavily built men, who were brought into the constituency. At that time, I was in the Ashanti Region,” he said.

He described receiving a call from Dr Forson amid the tension. “Ato called me and said, ‘General, the situation has become very tense and difficult. Where are you?’ I explained where I was and told him it would be difficult to arrive immediately.”

“I therefore guided him over the phone and advised him on what to do. I assured him that, whatever the case, they could never defeat him,” he added.

According to Mr Asiedu Nketia, opponents had already identified Dr Forson as a rising force within the NDC. “They had formed the view that he would become a prominent and important figure for the NDC, and any plans they had against him were intended to destroy him politically.”

Leadership Choices and Internal Resistance

Following Dr Forson’s return to Parliament, Mr Asiedu Nketia was elected National Chairman of the NDC. Before assuming office, he said he consulted Dr Forson, who supported him.

“When I took office and observed quietly, I realised I was going into a battle. I said that if the party entrusted me with leadership, I would lead it to victory. But if I am the coach, then I must be allowed to select my own formation for the match.”

He continued, “If I fail, then the blame should be placed on me. However, I knew that if I was given the mandate to choose my own team, defeat would not be an option.”

After what he described as careful consideration, he appointed Dr Forson as leader of the party in Parliament, with Kofi Armah Buah as his deputy and Governs Kwame Agbodza as whip.

“I told Ato that if he failed, it would mean he had finished General Mosquito. Therefore, they had to work hard, and I would support them fully so that we would emerge victorious,” he said.

The decision, he acknowledged, drew sharp criticism from within the party. “Because of this decision, I received many insults. Some people even demonstrated against me. Some party elders urged me to reconsider my decision. But I stood by my choice because I knew why I had selected those individuals.”

“I made it clear that if we proceeded and lost, I would resign. They should be allowed to do their work,” he added.

Court Battles and 2024 Campaign

Mr Asiedu Nketia also addressed legal proceedings brought against Dr Forson.

“As events unfolded, the NPP alleged that Ato had misused funds, and he was arrested and taken to court,” he said. “I spoke to him and said, ‘Ato, they are doing all of this to undermine the victory we seek.’”

He said he urged Dr Forson to remain steadfast. “I advised him to remain firm and assured him that we would confront them politically in the constituency and make it clear that there was nothing they could do to him.”

Reaffirming his support, he declared, “Nobody can touch Ato Forson, not even a hair on his head. Nobody can imprison him unjustly.”

He maintained that the allegations ultimately lost momentum and did not derail the party’s efforts.

Turning to the 2024 general election campaign, Mr Asiedu Nketia said the NDC remained focused despite skepticism about its parliamentary prospects.

“Some people said that even if we won the presidency, if we did not secure enough parliamentary seats, the party would be ridiculed,” he noted.

“I responded by saying that the presidential campaign should be led by the president and his vice, while the parliamentary campaign should be entrusted to me. If my test was to secure parliamentary seats, then I understood the assignment, and I would deliver to prove that I had passed that test.”

The visit formed part of the NDC’s nationwide Thank You Tour following the 2024 general elections, which saw the party return to power after winning the presidential contest.

The tour is intended to appreciate party supporters, review campaign strategies, and strengthen internal structures across constituencies.

Mr Nketia, however, encouraged supporters to remain hopeful and committed as the party works to consolidate its gains and improve its performance nationwide.

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, a member of the NDC’s Ayawaso East Investigative Committee warned that failure to properly deal with issues such as vote buying and inducement in party primaries could erode public confidence.

“The electorate gave NDC the power to govern this country on the promise that we will do things differently,” he said.

“That difference should extend to our internal operations, internal matters in the party.”

He argued that if the party downplays issues surrounding the Ayawaso East primary, it could erode public trust.

“So if the party… release matters of this nature… it will sap the confidence that people who give us the mandate… on the promise of doing things differently.”

His comments follow the setting up of the investigative committee to examine claims that aspirants offered inducements, including television sets and cash, to delegates during the primary held on Saturday, February 7.

Mr Fusseini said the committee’s findings were clear. “We came to the conclusion, an unalloyed and firm conclusion, that there was widespread illegal activity. I mean, the voter buying and inducement.”

He stressed that the misconduct was not attributable to a single individual. “Vote buying and inducement in the Ayawaso… and it was not limited to one candidate.”

He disclosed that the committee recommended the party could annul the results of the election. When host Evans Mensah asked if that recommendation was included, he responded: “Yeah.”

However, he said the committee also warned the party about the serious legal and practical barriers involved.

He explained that the elections were conducted under the supervision of the Electoral Commission and the results had already been certified.

“The elections were conducted and supervised by the Electoral Commission. The results were certified by the Electoral Commission as being credible.”

He raised what he called the key legal question: “Can a Political Party overturn the verdict of the Electoral Commission when they did not conduct the election?”

He acknowledged the public pressure for annulment but insisted the party must act responsibly. “People have a feeling… but the question is whether it will have a legal basis to stand up.”

Inusah Fuseini described what happened in Ayawaso East as “acts of impunity,” saying they violated several laws and internal party standards. He cited breaches of “the political party act, representation of people’s act CI 127… the criminal code… our Constitution… our code of ethics… our values.”

He warned against responding in a way that could lead to further wrongdoing. “Do you deal with impunity by acting with impunity? Do you deal with a wrong by acting wrongly?”

He also noted timing challenges, pointing out that the committee submitted its report “yesterday at 4 pm” and that “today… is the final day to present a candidate.”

Despite these hurdles, he said the committee still advised the party that annulment was possible, but only with careful consideration of the legal and procedural implications.

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Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Wednesday, Mr Azeem said the NDC missed an opportunity to demonstrate seriousness in dealing with electoral malpractice.

Mr Azeem argued that at the very least, the party should have imposed a penalty to deter future incidents.

“They have woefully failed to make a point. At worst, they would have fined him an amount of money, but just clearing him to go ahead with the by-election doesn’t make sense,” he stated.

His comment comes after the NDC recently announced it would proceed with Baba Jamal as its candidate for the Ayawaso East By-election, even though a three-member investigative committee established allegations of vote-buying during the primaries.

The anti-corruption advocate warned that such decisions only reinforce the culture of vote-buying in Ghana’s politics and weaken public confidence in internal party democracy.

He called on political parties to take stronger and more consistent measures to address inducement and misconduct during elections.

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Speaking on Joy News AM about voter inducement during party primaries, he said, “It’s not just an NDC thing. It’s a Ghana thing.”

“That I think we should take a look at. And using technicalities, it is allowed. But when the masses don’t buy the technicalities, it becomes a problem.”

He added that the lack of ethics in Ghana begins after formal education.

“Ghana, we don’t have ethics. In other jurisdictions, they even have ethical societies. I’m sure at the university, they teach ethics. The question is, what happens to us when we leave the university? We don’t even have ethics in this country. This has been going on for the longest time. Maybe for the first time, we could have used this as a yardstick to say that enough is enough.”

Kofi Kapito argued that such practices are part of a broader cultural issue that hinders progress in African societies.

“That is what we do as Africans and Black people. That’s why we are not progressing. In other jurisdictions, yes, something will happen, but they make sure that it doesn’t happen again. We will give excuses. This person also did it. So what? Does it make it right?”

He also reflected on how voter inducement has contributed to delays in representation in constituencies, drawing on his own experience as a first-time voter.

“I voted for the first time as a Ghanaian in 1992. This thing was not there. Actually, in 1992, the NPP, as a party, as is done in some places, were actually even paying for people to come and represent the party. So what happened?”

He condemned the expectation that candidates should “buy” votes with handouts or promises.

“He comes and tells you that, when Honorable came, he didn’t do anything for you. He didn’t do the road. If you vote for me, I’ll do that. I’ll do this. I’ll do that. So you take this and make sure that you vote for me. This denial is using words like “TNT,” “welfare,” and “I fed them.” “Please, why should you feed people to vote for you? Are they your children?”

Her comments come amid controversy surrounding the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ayawaso East parliamentary primaries, where Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed has been accused of distributing items, including 32-inch television sets and boiled eggs, to delegates on voting day.

Meanwhile, the NDC has confirmed Baba Jamal as its candidate for the Ayawaso East parliamentary by-election after deciding that annulment of the internal parliamentary primary was not an option. 

The General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, who was part of the Functional Executive Committee that received the three-member committee’s report mentioned that time constraints, potential legal challenges may arise if they decided to annul the results.

He also cited the lack of clear provisions in the party’s constitution to guide such situations as reasons for maintaining Baba Jamal as the validly elected parliamentary candidate. 

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The EC stated that the meeting will focus exclusively on arrangements and procedures for conducting the by-election, instructing political parties to send no more than two representatives each.

The by-election was triggered by the death of the sitting MP, Mahama Naser Toure, on January 4, 2026, following a brief illness.

Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially acclaimed Baba Ali as its parliamentary candidate, following consultations and a review of candidates who could effectively mobilize support within the limited campaign period.

In the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primary held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, Ghana’s High Commissioner, Baba Jamal, emerged as the party’s candidate.

The election faced calls for annulment amid allegations of vote buying and inducement, which were investigated by a three-member committee. The committee has since submitted its report, clearing Baba Jamal to represent the NDC in the by-election.

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The decision comes amid allegations of vote-buying during the party’s parliamentary primary on Saturday, February 7, which Baba Jamal has consistently denied. A three-member committee tasked with investigating the claims submitted a report that informed the party’s decision.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, February 10, the NDC’s General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, cited several factors that prevented the annulment of the primary.

He highlighted time constraints, noting that the Electoral Commission is expected to close nominations for the by-election on Wednesday, February 11, leaving limited opportunity to restart the process.

He also referenced legal and constitutional considerations, explaining that the party’s constitution does not provide for annulment of parliamentary primaries under such circumstances.

“The committee’s report is that ideally, we should have annulled the primary. However, the committee acknowledges real obstacles that make it difficult for us to do that. The party’s constitution doesn’t have a provision for annulment of the election. We are time-bound because we need to present a candidate to the EC on February 11, and there are legal challenges that could be mounted by whoever won. In light of that, the party has taken the recommendations, and we have no option but to present Baba Jamal as our candidate,” he said.

Mr. Kwetey also outlined plans to expand the investigative committee as part of broader internal reforms aimed at strengthening party processes.

“We’re going to do a comprehensive review of the whole process that led to our internal elections. We’re expanding the committee by adding four more members, to make it a seven-member committee, so that they can come out with recommendations to address these inappropriate practices in future elections,” he added.

According to the General Secretary, the committee found inappropriate conduct by all candidates, highlighting the need for reforms to prevent similar issues in future internal elections.

The NDC has reaffirmed Mohammed Baba Jamal as its parliamentary candidate as it prepares to contest the Ayawaso East by-election.

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His lawyer, Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, confirmed to Graphic Online that Mr. Jamal was interrogated over alleged vote-buying linked to the party’s parliamentary primary held on Saturday, February 7.

He also explained that Mr. Jamal was questioned regarding an alleged assault on an OSP officer dispatched to serve him an invitation letter.

Counsel maintained that his client had no knowledge of items purportedly being distributed in his name, adding: “If he was aware and being a lawyer, he would have informed people of the position of the law.”

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The decision follows a report submitted by a three-member committee established by the party to investigate claims that some aspirants engaged in inducement during the primary.

Baba Jamal is expected to file his nomination with the Electoral Commission on Wednesday, February 11.

The investigative committee was set up amid concerns that TV sets and cash were allegedly distributed to delegates during the primary, raising questions about the integrity of the process. These allegations sparked public debate and renewed scrutiny of vote-buying practices in internal party elections.

According to the NDC, the committee examined complaints from delegates and party members, reviewed available evidence, and consulted relevant stakeholders before reaching its conclusions.

While the committee acknowledged concerns about monetisation in internal elections, it reportedly found no basis to disqualify Baba Jamal from contesting the by-election.

Baba Jamal, who emerged victorious in the parliamentary primary, has consistently denied the vote-buying allegations, insisting that his campaign adhered to party rules and guidelines.

The Ayawaso East seat became vacant following the death of former Member of Parliament Naser Toure Mahama, necessitating the by-election.

The NDC is expected to formally communicate the committee’s findings to the public as it intensifies preparations and campaigning ahead of the by-election.

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Dr Aidoo said the controversy sparked by reports of television sets, boiled eggs and other items being distributed to delegates reflects a deeper erosion of internal party democracy that must be addressed decisively.

“I support a cancellation of the elections. And those involved barred from contesting the elections again. Not only one election. Barred from holding public office,” he said. “And about those who took the money, if you can catch them, chuck them out of the party.”

His comments come as the NDC faces intense scrutiny over the conduct of the primary that produced Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election — a contest triggered after the death of the late MP Mahama Naser Toure.

Allegations of vote-buying have dominated the national conversation, with civil society groups, Election Watch Ghana and Transparency International Ghana condemning the reported distribution of 32-inch televisions and other items to delegates as a threat to democratic integrity.

The controversy has also drawn calls from the NDC Majority Caucus in Parliament for the annulment of the primary results and for sanctions against any aspirants found culpable.

Dr Aidoo criticised the notion of simply “nipping” vote-buying in the bud, arguing the practice has “taken root” and must be uprooted completely — a metaphor he said highlights how entrenched inducement has become in political contests. “The thing has already taken root. It’s how it has flowered,” he said.

Baba Jamal has denied the allegations, telling the media he only heard about the distribution of televisions after the election and insisting his victory was genuine. He has cooperated with an NDC-appointed three-member committee tasked with probing the claims and is expected to appear before it as part of the investigation.

The NDC committee, led by veteran politician Kofi Totobi Quakyi, is expected to submit its report on February 10, 2026, to guide the party’s next steps.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has also announced investigations into the alleged vote-buying, alongside similar claims from other party primaries, stressing the probes are grounded in law and evidence.

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Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story, Dr Asah-Asante said inducement in elections has become increasingly normalised, largely because society has failed to consistently condemn or punish the practice.

“We have seen time and again where political actors induce people. Go and give goodies to voters just to sway their votes to one direction or another and we allow it to go. We as a society have acquiesced to that and allowed this thing to go on.

“Now look at how they’re taking the conversation to the level that they’re taking it to with the distribution of television and whatnot. A time will come, I’m sure they’re going to distribute even Range Rovers,” he cautioned.

Dr Asah-Asante also questioned whether political parties genuinely have the resolve to deal with vote-buying, even when committees are set up to investigate such allegations.

He pointed out that while parties often promise to act on recommendations, enforcement remains uncertain.

However, he expressed skepticism about whether any party can truly crack down on inducement when the practice has become widespread.

“Are you sure the party will have the political will to crack the whip if any recommendation is given in that direction?” he asked.

While welcoming ongoing investigations into alleged vote-buying, Dr Asah-Asante maintained that meaningful accountability will be the real test.

“We look forward to seeing something like that. But for me, I still have my doubts.”

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He believes this practice discourages capable individuals from participating in politics, as they may be deterred by the financial demands of securing a position.

In an interview with Barima Kofi Dawson on Nhyira FM’s Kuro Yi Mu Nsem Mr. Mubarak emphasized that vote-buying also makes it challenging for qualified persons to serve the country, as the process often favors those with the most resources rather than the most merit.

His remarks resonate with concerns raised about alleged vote-buying in the just concluded NDC primary for the Ayawaso East by-election.

He expressed concern that the electoral system is still being controlled by those with deep pockets, and no concrete steps have been taken to address it.

“Whenever we hold an election, vote-buying occurs and we just condemn it without taking action against it. It’s killing our democracy and making it difficult for good people to get into either party positions or parliamentary positions.”

Ras Mubarak pointed out that ‘moneycracy’ in elections fuels corruption, as it allows individuals with financial influence to manipulate the system, undermining fair representation and accountability.

He said this can lead to elected officials prioritizing personal gain over public service.

“Vote-buying leads to corruption; if it costs ¢5-7 million to get elected as an MP, the salary won’t cover the investment, so other means are sought to recoup costs and turn a profit.

“That’s why many MPs are often absent from parliamentary sessions; they’re focused on securing funds for their next elections rather than doing their job,” he stated.

He warned that if a solution is not found to this menace, the country risks having criminals running its affairs.

He therefore condemned the Ayawaso East primary election irregularities, stating that if those involved in the alleged vote-buying are found guilty after investigation, they should be banned from contesting any elections in the country for two years.

Mr. Mubarak urged National Democratic Congress (NDC) to revert to the old Electoral College system which was introduced in 2015.

He said expanding the Electoral College will help eliminate the delegate system, which enables vote-buying during primaries.

He noted that some MPs, including Sam George, Dafeamekpor, and himself, could not have become MPs if the NDC had not expanded the Electoral College delegate system, as they could not have afforded to buy delegates’ votes.

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His remarks come in the wake of mounting public debate over the government’s proposal to rename the Kotoka International Airport as the Accra International Airport.

The plan has sparked widespread controversy, with critics questioning the rationale behind the move and urging the government to focus on more pressing national concerns.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Hammond argued that the renaming exercise is misplaced at a time when Ghanaians are grappling with economic challenges, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits.

He maintained that the government’s priorities should be directed towards alleviating the hardships faced by ordinary Ghanaian citizens rather than engaging in symbolic gestures.

Turning his attention to the NDC, the former Adansi Asokwa MP emphasized that the NDC traces its origins to the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), which was established following a coup led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings in December 1981.

“The founder of the PNDC, now NDC, came to power through a coup. So if the party is against coup makers like Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, then they should collapse the NDC and form a new one,” he asserted, adding that the party’s history is inseparable from Ghana’s era of military interventions.

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In a notice dated February 6, 2026, addressed to the General Secretaries of all registered political parties, the Commission announced that the engagement will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at its corporate headquarters in Accra.

According to the EC, the meeting will focus solely on arrangements and procedures for conducting the Ayawaso East by-election. Political parties have been directed to send no more than two representatives each to the session.

The invitation was signed by Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, Deputy Chairperson in charge of Corporate Services, on behalf of the Chairperson of the Commission.

The Ayawaso East by-election was necessitated by the death of the sitting MP, Mahama Naser Toure, on January 4, 2026, following a short illness.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) officially named Baba Ali as its parliamentary candidate on January 27, following broad consultations and a review of who could effectively mobilize support within a limited campaign period.

In a parliamentary primary on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) elected Ghana’s High Commissioner, Baba Jamal, as its candidate. However, there have been calls for the election to be annulled amidst an ongoing probe into alleged vote buying and inducement that contributed to his victory.

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Read the full statement below:

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, Haruna Mohammed argued that the OSP, as a state-funded body established to address corruption in public institutions and state-related activities, has no authority to investigate private individuals or internal party elections.

“See the Special Prosecutor also issuing a statement, a populist statement, a man who has not been able to prosecute even a single case, he is there doing populist imperial tactics. The OSP is talking too much,” he said.

He further criticised the OSP’s statement announcing the probe, describing it as weak and legally flawed.

“That was a very weak letter, and he should have known that some of these things that he has carried in the letter would not even give the grounds on which he wants to investigate. Something happened in Ayawaso East, and you went to put in the NPP. That is unnecessary. The very foundations of the OSP have failed,” he added.

The OSP had earlier announced plans to investigate candidates involved in the primary following allegations of vote buying, a move Haruna Mohammed described as exceeding the office’s legal mandate.

“None of the NPP members who contested for that (Ayawaso East) is holding any public office. I am telling you that the people are private individuals; none of them works for the state. The OSP was not set up to go and investigate private citizens; it is a state-sponsored organisation, and it is important for him to investigate what happens to the state,” he argued.

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Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Channel One TV on the sidelines of the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, Mr Ashie Moore said monitoring or preventing vote-buying has become “extremely difficult” for party leadership.

According to him, even with security presence and transparency measures, modern financial systems have outpaced traditional monitoring methods.

The former Adentan MP explained that with more than 1,000 delegates voting in Ayawaso East alone, illicit transactions can easily go undetected.

“For vote-buying, how can you monitor it? How can you control it? There are over 1,000 delegates here. As a Regional Chairman, National Chairman or General Secretary, what can you do? Do you know what the aspirant is doing in his bedroom?” he asked.

Mr Ashie Moore noted that political actors have moved away from the use of physical cash to digital platforms such as Mobile Money and bank transfers, making detection even more difficult.

“Today, MoMo is available and so is bank transfer. It is everywhere. It is very difficult to look at. I haven’t seen anything myself; it’s mostly hearsay, but I think all political parties must work seriously on it,” he added.

The Ayawaso East NDC parliamentary primary was hit with allegations of vote-buying, particularly against Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, who emerged victorious.

Baba Jamal won the contest with 431 votes, representing 45 per cent, narrowly defeating Hajia Amina Adam, who polled 399 votes, or 41 per cent, in an election clouded by inducement claims.

During the polls, Baba Jamal’s campaign team distributed 32-inch television sets and boiled eggs to delegates, sparking jostling among some voters who sought to receive the items.

Speaking to the media, Baba Jamal confirmed the distribution but denied that it was intended to influence votes. He said generosity had always been part of his public life, adding that he routinely supports people financially and materially.

In a statement issued by the President’s spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, it was noted that while allegations of vote-buying were made against several candidates who contested the primaries, Baba Jamal’s case stood out because he was the only serving public officer among them.

President John Dramani Mahama has since recalled Baba Jamal from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the NDC has constituted a three-member committee, chaired by Kofi Totobi Quakyi, to investigate the allegations and submit its report by February 10, 2026.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe, Mr. Mohammed linked the alleged displeasure within the NDC to the President’s decision to recall Baba Jamal from his post as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, over claims of vote-buying.

According to him, the presidency, the leadership of the NDC and the parliamentary majority were dissatisfied with Baba Jamal’s victory, prompting his recall from the diplomatic position.

He further alleged that the discontent is rooted in Baba Jamal’s perceived alignment with the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia.

“It is a clear chance to tell the people of Ghana that the presidency was not happy that Asiedu Nketia’s person had won the election. And all the machinery is against Baba Jamal; they don’t just like the man, they hate him, including the majority caucus in Parliament. I don’t know what he has done for him to be hated so much within the circle of the NDC,” he claimed.

Baba Jamal’s victory in the primary clears the way for him to contest the Ayawaso East parliamentary by-election scheduled for March 3.

The closely fought primary attracted significant public attention, amid reports of alleged inducement and vote-buying involving some of the aspirants.

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Speaking to journalists after casting his ballot at the Nima Cluster of Schools, Baba Jamal said:

“So if you give television sets to people, what is wrong with it? This is not the first time I am gifting things to people. Those who know me know that every Christmas and on every occasion I have put down GHS 2.5 million to give free loans to people.”

During the voting process, his campaign reportedly distributed 32-inch televisions, boiled eggs, and other items to delegates.

Baba Jamal emphasised that giving gifts is not the same as vote-buying, stressing that the key issue is whether a gift is used to manipulate voting decisions.

“If somebody gives you a gift, you can take it. But allowing that gift to influence your vote—that is what is wrong. It is not the item itself, it is the intention behind it,” he explained.

He added that these gestures were part of ongoing community engagement efforts in the constituency, aimed at providing support and bringing people together rather than swaying the outcome of the primary.

“I do not think I have gone wrong. I’ve met people, I’ve spoken to them, and I hope they will see reason and come along with me,” Baba Jamal said.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned what it describes as widespread incidents of bribery and vote-buying during the Ayawaso East primaries. The party announced the immediate launch of investigations into the alleged misconduct.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretariat on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the NDC said its national executives had been alerted to reports of inducement and vote-buying by some aspirants.

“The party vehemently condemns these actions in no uncertain terms as they represent an affront to the values and principles of the party and the reset agenda the party is championing,” the statement said.

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The election, held to select the party’s candidate for the March 3, 2026, by-election, attracted over 1,100 delegates expected to cast their votes.

Polling began at 9:00 a.m. and officially closed at 4:00 p.m., after which electoral officials immediately commenced the counting process. The results are expected to be announced later today.

Five candidates are contesting for the NDC’s nomination following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Naser Toure. The aspirants are Mohammed Ramne (Constituency Chairman), Hajia Amina Adam (widow of the late MP), Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed (High Commissioner to Nigeria), Dr. Yakubu Azindow (Political Scientist), and Najib Mohammed Sani.

A strong police presence has been deployed at the venue to maintain law and order, as delegates and supporters closely monitor the sorting and counting process.

The primary is considered critical, given the NDC’s longstanding dominance in Ayawaso East, positioning the winner as a strong favourite heading into the by-election.

All five contenders have expressed optimism about their chances, with supporters eagerly anticipating the outcome.

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The heartfelt condolence message highlighted the late Member of Parliament’s (MP’s) kindness, collaboration and harmony in working with other Members of Parliament.

Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, the First Deputy Majority Whip and also the National Democratic Congress MP for Ada, who led the delegation to visit Hajia Amina Adam, the wife, at her residence in Accra on Thursday, said: “His leadership in humility is a rare quality, and it’s clear our brother left a lasting impact on his constituency and the House.”

The Majority Caucus also donated GH¢100,000 to the bereaved family.

“We have to do the needful and pay our last respects, and today, I am here on behalf of the Speaker of Parliament and the Majority caucus to present GH¢100,000 to the widow and the family,” she said.

The late Mahama passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, and he has since been buried.

During the funeral on Sunday, January 11, 2026, Mr Bernard Ahiafor, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, described him as a diligent “committee man” who served on several key committees, including Energy, Roads and Transportation, and the House Committee.

Reading a tribute on behalf of Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ahiafor said the late MP’s professional background in the oil and energy sector strengthened parliamentary oversight of petroleum regulation and licensing.

He said: “Hon. Naser was known for meticulous preparation and a strong focus on value-for-money assessments during committee deliberations, frequently interrogating whether government contracts served the best interests of taxpayers.”

Mr Ahiafor added that the late MP’s contributions on the Floor of Parliament were largely through formal parliamentary questions, focusing on drainage and flood control, health infrastructure, and hospital projects within the Ayawaso East Constituency.

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In a statement signed by the Minister’s Secretary, Hashmin Mohammed, the Office said it had noted the materials spreading across social media and described them as deceptive and unauthorised.

“The Office wishes to state unequivocally that these posters did not originate from Hon. Haruna Iddrisu or his office,” the statement said, urging the public to ignore the claims and treat them with “the utmost contempt they deserve.”

The statement stressed that neither Haruna Iddrisu nor his official team had any hand in producing or distributing the posters.

According to the Office, the Tamale South MP remains fully committed to his duties as Minister for Education and as a legislator and is not pursuing any internal party leadership campaign at this time.

Mr Iddrisu is currently in Lusaka, Zambia, accompanying President John Dramani Mahama on official engagements. While in Lusaka, he is said to be working with the President to advance the government’s Reset Ghana agenda, with a special focus on policy reforms and programmes in the education sector.

The Office therefore cautioned the public against attaching any credibility to the circulating posters, describing them as false and misleading.

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The data shows Hajia Amina Adam consistently ahead of her closest rival, Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal. Among general voters in the constituency, Hajia Amina Adam is polling 58 per cent, compared to Baba Jamal’s 32 per cent.

The results suggest a clear preference for Hajia Amina Adam among the wider electorate as the party prepares for its internal contest.

Beyond general voters, the poll also modelled potential outcomes using responses from party delegates on key controversies surrounding the race.

Global InfoAnalytics noted that the NDC primaries operate under a first-past-the-post system, meaning the candidate with a simple majority wins outright. In all scenarios tested, Hajia Amina Adam consistently surpassed that threshold.

The analysis further indicated that a victory for Hajia Amina Adam could have implications for broader NDC leadership dynamics and for race modelling ahead of the 2028 general elections, as Ayawaso East is seen as a strategic constituency for comparing delegate behaviour with general voter sentiment.

The other aspirants, Constituency Chairman Mohammed Ramme, Dr. Yakubu Azindow, Najib Mohammed Sani, and Salam Daru, polled 5 per cent, 3 per cent, and 2 per cent respectively.

The Ayawaso East by-election follows the death of sitting MP Mahama Naser Toure on January 4, 2026, after a short illness.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Mr. Nyindam said he has maintained distance from the NDC parliamentary candidate throughout several election cycles and the recent legal battle over his seat.

“The NDC parliamentary candidate, have you had a conversation with him? No. For five years now, I’ve never spoken to him,” he said. “Throughout the campaign and throughout this battle, I’ve not said a word to him.”

Despite the lack of direct engagement, the MP said he still considers his opponent a brother, given their shared roots in Kpandai in the Northern Region.

“We are all coming from Kpandai. We are brothers. That’s how I see him,” he noted. “But we don’t have that kind of friendship.”

Mr Nyindam, however, stressed that his relationship with other officials of the NDC remains cordial.

“His chairman, his secretary, and other party executives, we are good,” he said, adding that the strained relationship is limited to his main rival.

He accused the NDC candidate of promoting a divisive brand of politics that has negatively affected the constituency.

“The kind of politics he does and has brought to Kpandai is different,” Mr Nyindam stated. “He’s given everybody a hell in Kpandai. Not me alone. Even within the NDC, he has caused a lot of problems.”

The comments come in the wake of a January 28, 2026, ruling by the Supreme Court, which overturned a previous decision by the Tamale High Court that had annulled Mr Nyindam’s election and ordered a rerun.

The apex court’s judgment halted plans by the Electoral Commission to organise a fresh poll and cleared the way for him to resume his duties in Parliament.

The legal dispute began on November 24, 2025, when the Tamale High Court nullified his election victory and directed that a new election be held within 30 days.

Following that ruling, Parliament officially notified the Electoral Commission of a vacancy in the Kpandai seat.

Mr Nyindam, who represents the NPP in Parliament, said he remains committed to peaceful politics and development-focused leadership, despite the challenges.

“I’m not that type,” he said, referring to confrontational politics. “My focus is on serving the people.”

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Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Dr Kennedy said while the intention behind the policy may be good, its practical effects could create problems for the party.

“Well, the intent is good, but I’m concerned about the effects,” he said.

While acknowledging the NDC’s intention, he cautioned that the party and affected individuals could later regret the decision. “I see the intent, but I think that in the end there might be some regrets, both on the part of individuals and on the part of the party,” he said.

He questioned how the rule would apply to certain party roles, particularly the position of flag bearer. Dr Kennedy noted that although the flag bearer eventually contests a national election, the role itself is still a party position.

“For example, there’s the question, is the flag bearer of the NDC an elective position?” he asked. “If somebody wants to be flag bearer, it is a party position even though it’s leading to a national position.”

Dr Kennedy drew comparisons with the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) experience ahead of the 2008 elections, when several government appointees resigned to contest party positions.

“I’m looking at what the NPP went through in 2007–2008. I don’t think the NPP benefited a lot from the 2007–2008 resignations.”

He warned that forcing experienced appointees to resign early could weaken both government and party structures ahead of the 2028 elections.

“Sometimes we overestimate the abundance of talent that the government or the party might find itself heading into 2028. According to him, such rules could “unnecessarily tie its hands behind its back by forcing people who are quite talented to give up offices that would have been beneficial to the party’s reputation.”

Dr Kennedy also addressed arguments that board chairpersons and board members should find it easy to resign because their roles are not demanding. He disagreed with claims that such positions involve minimal work.

Commenting on views expressed by Mr Tanko Computer, Dr Kennedy said the issue was being oversimplified. “Yes, the Ghana Ports Authority board chair might have one meeting a month or one meeting in three months,” he said, “but from what I have learned, boardships in the Ghanaian context are very busy positions.”

He explained that board members often deal with requests for intervention and constant engagement with management. “There are supplicants who are seeking your interventions. Those who manage the organisation are coming to you,” he noted.

Dr Kennedy said that it was unrealistic to assume that a board member’s responsibilities end after attending meetings. “The idea that once you finish the board meeting, all that you need to do is done is an oversimplification,” he said.

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Rashid Tanko-Computer, Deputy National Director of Elections of the NDC, told Joy FM’s Kwau Asante that the move is aimed at ensuring transparency in the NPP’s internal electoral process.

“The NDC is deploying our people across the country, and we have set up our own collation centre to track the process and the results as they come in,” Mr. Tanko-Computer said. “This is about protecting the integrity of our democratic process.”

According to him, the NDC has limited confidence in how the governing party conducts its internal elections, prompting the need for independent verification of results in real time.

Mr. Tanko-Computer referenced previous disputes within the NPP, including the so-called “38.2 per cent group,” where some aspirants accused others of manipulating past elections. He also cited reports of the formation of an “Anti-Rigging Squared” group within the party as further evidence of internal mistrust.

“When you see factions within the same party forming groups to prevent rigging against one another, it shows a serious trust deficit,” he noted.

The NDC official further alleged possible pre-voting irregularities, claiming that some ballot papers may have already been thumb-printed in favour of a particular candidate.

“There are serious concerns, including reports that some ballot papers have been thumb-printed before voting even begins, and that is worrying,” he said.

Mr. Tanko-Computer stressed that the NDC’s monitoring efforts are intended to prevent what he described as the potential “cooking of figures” during the primaries. He also expressed suspicion of possible collaboration between the NPP and the Electoral Commission (EC) to influence the outcome of the contest.

“We are being very vigilant because we cannot rule out possible collusion between the NPP and the Electoral Commission. That is why our people will be on the ground and at the collation centre to monitor everything closely,” he said.

He added that NDC observers will be stationed at various polling centres nationwide, in addition to the party’s central collation centre.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the party’s Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, said the directive, announced by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, was approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) to clearly separate government work from party activities.

Mr Gbande explained that the NEC, which includes members of the Functional Executive Committee (FEC) and regional representatives, endorsed the policy to strengthen both the party and the government.

He noted that about 80 per cent of NEC members currently hold government appointments, a situation he said weakens party organisation when appointees are unable to fully focus on party work.

According to him, the decision will allow government appointees to concentrate on supporting the President in governance, while non-appointees take charge of party organisation as the NDC begins remobilisation ahead of the 2028 elections.

The directive applies to aspirants seeking constituency, regional, or national executive positions.

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In a statement, the party explained that branch executives—including Chairmen, Secretaries, Treasurers, Organisers, Communications Officers, and Women and Youth Organisers—will be elected following specific eligibility criteria.

Aspirants must be paid-up party members, at least 18 years old, and active in the party for a minimum of one year. Voting at branches will be conducted by members, and positions will be determined by a simple majority.

Each branch is also required to appoint specialized committees within a month after elections: Research, Disciplinary, and Electoral Committees, all serving a four-year term alongside branch executives. These committees are tasked with research, enforcement of party rules, and election management, respectively.

Ward Coordinators and their committees will be elected at the ward level, with similar membership and voting requirements. Constituency, regional, and national conferences will follow structured processes for nominations, vetting, voting, and appeals. All positions—including top executive roles at regional and national levels—require aspirants to be active members in good standing, with filing fees varying by position, gender, and disability status.

The guidelines also provide detailed procedures for membership verification, authentication of registers, nomination and vetting of candidates, voting methods, and dispute resolution mechanisms, ensuring accountability at every stage of the elections.

The NDC’s national congress, scheduled for December 2026, will see the election of the party’s highest decision-making body, including the National Chairman, General Secretary, National Organiser, Communication Officer, Zongo Caucus Coordinator, and other executive members.

The party emphasized strict adherence to its Constitution and the oversight of the Electoral Commission to guarantee credibility in the election process, reinforcing internal democracy and transparency.

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The rule applies to aspirants seeking positions at the constituency, regional, or national levels and is intended to promote fairness and discipline within the party’s internal democratic processes.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, January 29, 2026, NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey explained that the move is aimed at curbing undue advantage and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.

“Those intending to contest at the constituency level shall resign by April 2026, those intending to contest at the regional level shall resign by May 2026, and those intending to contest at the national level shall resign by June 2026,” Mr. Kwetey said.

He stressed that the directive would be strictly enforced, with no exemptions. “It is an issue of reducing the level of greed. If you want to work for the Party, you leave your position in government. You can’t have one leg here, and another there,” he added.

The General Secretary noted that the directive forms part of a broader internal reorganisation aimed at strengthening integrity, fairness, and collective responsibility within the party.

“I therefore call on all party officials, from the branch to the national level, to apply themselves diligently, act transparently, and uphold the values of the National Democratic Congress,” Mr. Kwetey said.

The directive affects ministers and deputy ministers, chief executive officers, managing directors and their deputies, officers in analogous positions, as well as metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives. Board chairpersons and board members are exempted.

Mr. Kwetey also announced that the NDC will hold its National Delegates Conference on December 19, 2026, to elect new national officers. Nominations will open from Saturday, November 7, to Monday, November 9, with vetting of aspirants scheduled for Thursday, November 12, and Friday, November 13.

The party leadership emphasized that these measures are essential for ensuring internal cohesion and maintaining credibility ahead of upcoming elections.

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The announcement was made by the General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, while addressing the media on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Mr. Kwetey explained that the internal electoral process will follow the party’s traditional bottom-up structure, beginning at the branch level, progressing through constituencies and regions, and culminating at the national level.

He further outlined the key dates for the process, noting that nomination forms will be available from Saturday, November 7, to Monday, November 9, 2026, with aspirants slated for vetting on Thursday, November 12, and Friday, November 13, 2026.

“Appeals will be handled on Sunday, November 15, and Monday, November 16, 2026. The youth and women’s conference is planned for Saturday, December 12, 2026, while the National Delegates Conference will take place on Saturday, December 19, 2026,” he added.

Mr. Kwetey emphasized that the timetable is part of the party’s broader strategy to reorganize and strengthen its internal structures in preparation for the 2028 general elections.

“This process is designed to position the party strongly for the future. It completes a very important framework that will prepare us for the next round of political competition in the country and ensure that we continue the good work we are doing,” he stated.

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Speaking at a gathering in the Amenfi Central Constituency, Mr. Asiedu Nketia said membership of the NDC should go beyond verbal support, stressing that true party members must stand by all policies and decisions taken by the leadership.

According to him, it is inconsistent for individuals to claim allegiance to the NDC while openly opposing key policies or steps taken by the party.

He urged party supporters to rally behind appointed leaders and allow them to work effectively, noting that unity and collective support are essential for the party’s success.

Mr. Asiedu Nketia expressed appreciation to NDC members for their dedication and assured them that the party’s performance in government would make them proud ahead of the 2028 general elections.

“We believe that before 2028, you will be proud of us and still vote for us again,” he stated.

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The vetting exercise, held at the NDC’s Greater Accra Regional Office, concluded without any major hitches, after which the aspirants proceeded to draw lots for their positions on the ballot paper.

Following the balloting, Mohammed Ramme, the party’s Constituency Chairman, picked first. He was followed by Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, placed third, with Yakubu Azindow and Najib Mohammed completing the list.

Speaking to journalists after the exercise, Greater Accra Regional Secretary of the NDC, Theophilus Tetteh Chaie, commended the aspirants for their discipline and cooperation throughout the process.

He urged them to intensify their engagement with party members at the grassroots while maintaining unity and order as the contest gains momentum.

“We’ve also admonished them to go into the constituencies to do their needful by campaigning and ensuring that the right things are being done, just to ensure that what we started from the beginning will end successfully,” he said on Wednesday, January 28.

The Ayawaso East primary is expected to attract significant attention as the party prepares to elect its candidate for the parliamentary by-election slated for later this year.

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According to him, applications for review at the Supreme Court face an extremely strict test, making it difficult for any party to convince the apex court to reopen its own judgment.

“There is no way the court will even give you the opportunity. And I am not sure they will be able to meet this high threshold. It is important when you are before the Supreme Court, and they have set the rules very clearly in a lot of decision before the Supreme Court. To get the Supreme Court to even admit that it will review its own decision, it is a high threshold, and I don’t think that they can meet that threshold,” he said.

Mr Darko urged the NDC to respect the outcome of the case instead of pursuing further litigation.

His comments come on the back of remarks by the NDC’s Majority Chief Whip, Nelson Rockson Dafeamekpor, who earlier hinted that the party was considering a review of the ruling.

On Wednesday, January 28, the Supreme Court, in a 4–1 majority decision, set aside the Tamale High Court judgment that annulled the Kpandai parliamentary election won by the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate, Matthew Nyindam.

Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, who sat on the panel, dissented from the majority view.

The ruling followed an application by Mr Nyindam invoking the Supreme Court’s supervisory jurisdiction, arguing that the High Court acted outside its authority when it nullified the election.

The court upheld the application and restored Mr Nyindam as the duly elected Member of Parliament for the Kpandai Constituency.

At the heart of the case was the date the Electoral Commission (EC) officially gazetted the 2024 parliamentary results for Kpandai.

Under Ghana’s electoral laws, an election petition must be filed within 21 days after gazette notification. Any petition brought outside that window deprives the court of jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Mr Nyindam argued that the EC gazetted the results on December 24, 2024, meaning any petition filed beyond the 21-day period was legally incompetent, a position the Supreme Court ultimately upheld.

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Mr Kpebu explained the Supreme Court review process.

“They [the NDC] can apply for a review. In the Supreme Court, you effectively have two chances: first, at the ordinary bench, and if your case is dismissed, you can file for a review.

However, most reviews do not succeed. Often, as lawyers, we may spot an obvious or glaring error, but it still fails to find favour in the court,” he said.

The comments follow the Supreme Court’s 4–1 majority decision quashing the Tamale High Court judgment that annulled the election of New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Matthew Nyindam. The apex court cited jurisdictional errors and upheld Mr Nyindam’s application, invoking its supervisory jurisdiction, effectively restoring him as Member of Parliament for Kpandai.

Despite the ruling, the NDC insists the matter is not closed. Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, Rockson-Nelson Deafeamekpor, said the party was “grieved” but emphasised that constitutional and legal avenues remain open.

“This is not the end. This matter is not the end. The ruling of the court will be filed according to the court’s own decision by February 6. When we obtain the certified true copy and study it, we will advise ourselves. There is a review option, so this matter is not the end,” Mr Deafeamekpor stated.

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