Baba Jamal denies vote-buying allegations

Newly elected National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Ayawaso East, Baba Jamal, has rejected claims of vote-buying in the Ayawaso East NDC primary, insisting he committed no electoral malpractice.

In a press release signed by him on Sunday, the NDC parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso East, he said allegations leading to his recall as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria were unfounded and misleading.

“I wish to state categorically that I, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, have not engaged in any vote buying or election malpractices,” the statement said.

The denial follows a directive recalling him from Nigeria after claims of inducement emerged during the just-ended parliamentary primary.

The recall was announced in a government communication referencing similar concerns raised by the National Democratic Congress’ national leadership.

In his response, Baba Jamal said he had taken note of the party’s decision to investigate the matter and pledged full cooperation.

“I pledge to avail myself to assist the party in its investigation into the subject matter anytime,” he stated, stressing that he had nothing to hide.

The controversy erupted after the NDC issued a statement on February 7, 2026, condemning alleged inducement during the Ayawaso East primary.

Signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the statement said party executives had been alerted to “widespread incidents of inducement and vote buying allegedly perpetuated by some aspirants.”

“The party vehemently condemns these actions in no uncertain terms,” the NDC said, announcing a full-scale investigation and warning that swift sanctions would be applied to anyone found culpable.

It also cautioned that future primaries could attract tougher penalties, including the possible cancellation of elections.

The Ayawaso East primary was held to select a parliamentary candidate following the death of MP Naser Toure Mahama last month. Provisional results showed Baba Jamal winning with 431 votes, narrowly ahead of Hajia Amina Adam, who polled 399 votes. Mohammed Ramne secured 88 votes, Dr Yakubu Azimdow had 45, while Najib Sani obtained one vote.

Despite the closely fought contest, the process was overshadowed by reports that television sets were allegedly distributed to delegates during voting, triggering public debate and the party’s intervention.

In his statement, Baba Jamal also thanked President John Dramani Mahama for the opportunity to serve as High Commissioner, saying, “I want to use this opportunity to thank H.E the President for the honour done me.” He further expressed gratitude to party members in Ayawaso East for the confidence reposed in him ahead of the March 3, 2026 by-election.