NDC names three-member committee to probe Ayawaso East voter inducement claims

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has constituted a three-member committee to investigate alleged inducement and vote-buying during its Ayawaso East parliamentary primary held on February 7.

The decision was announced in a statement dated February 7, 2026, and signed by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, who said the move followed earlier commitments to act decisively.

According to the statement, the committee has been tasked to investigate “the reported widespread inducement and vote-buying during the Ayawaso East Parliamentary Primaries” conducted over the weekend.

The party said the step reflects its determination to address allegations that have sparked public debate and internal concern.

The committee will be chaired by former Information Minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi, with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and private legal practitioner Emefa Fugah serving as members.

It is expected to submit its findings by Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

“In line with the Party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and ethical political conduct, the Committee will investigate the allegations and make appropriate recommendations, including sanctions where necessary,” the statement said.

It added that the committee’s mandate would also extend beyond the immediate incident, noting that it would propose “sustainable measures and reforms to decisively end the practice of inducement and vote buying in the Party’s internal electoral processes.”

The NDC assured its members, stakeholders and the general public that it “remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in its internal electoral processes,” while urging calm as investigations proceed.

The committee’s work follows strong language used by the party a day earlier, when it publicly condemned alleged inducement during the Ayawaso East contest.

In that earlier statement, the party said it 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 as they represent an affront to the values and principles of the party and the reset agenda the party is championing,” the statement said, while warning that “swift action” would be taken against anyone found culpable.

The Ayawaso East primary was organised to select a parliamentary candidate following the death of sitting MP Naser Toure Mahama last month. Provisional results showed Baba Jamal polling 431 votes, narrowly beating Hajia Amina Adam, who secured 399 votes, with other aspirants trailing.

The process, however, was overshadowed by allegations that inducements, including the alleged distribution of television sets to delegates, had taken place during voting.

Baba Jamal, Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, has rejected suggestions of wrongdoing, insisting in media engagements that his actions should not be misinterpreted.

The party says further updates on the committee’s work will be communicated in due course as it seeks to safeguard election integrity.