Ayawaso East Constituency Primaries: Mahama Recalls Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria Over Alleged Vote Buying in NDC

Ayawaso East Constituency: President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed from his post as Ghana’s High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria following allegations of electoral misconduct during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency.

The directive was confirmed in a press statement issued by Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu. According to the statement, the President’s decision stems from accusations of voter inducement linked to the primaries held on February 7, 2026, in which Mr Baba Jamal participated as a candidate.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that while several aspirants have been accused of engaging in vote buying, Baba Jamal was the only individual serving as a public officer at the time. The President therefore deemed it necessary to act swiftly to safeguard the credibility and integrity of public office.

The government also acknowledged that the NDC’s General Secretary had announced the party’s own internal investigations into the alleged irregularities. However, the Presidency emphasised that the recall was carried out independently of ongoing party processes and was instead guided by the ethical standards expected of political appointees and public officials.

According to the statement, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been directed to implement the President’s decision immediately and undertake all necessary diplomatic and administrative steps to effect the recall.

Meanwhile, the NDC’s national leadership has strongly condemned reports of widespread vote buying during the Ayawaso East primaries. In a separate statement dated February 7, General Secretary Fifi Kwetey described the alleged inducements as a direct violation of the party’s principles and reform agenda.

Mr Kwetey revealed that the party has launched a comprehensive internal investigation into the incidents and warned that any candidate found guilty would face swift disciplinary action. He also indicated that future infractions of a similar nature could attract more severe penalties, including the possible cancellation of election results.

Ayawaso East Constituency Primaries

Reports from sources present at the primaries suggested that some aspirants allegedly offered cash and various items to delegates in exchange for votes. The alleged incentives reportedly included televisions, refrigerators, motorbikes, ice chests, bags of rice, and cash payments that could reach as high as GHS3,000 per delegate.

Observers also claimed that the practice of inducement was widespread across multiple polling centres, with some delegates openly demanding financial rewards from candidates. In one instance, a delegate allegedly approached a rival camp for payment but was reportedly exposed.

Several candidates contested the NDC’s parliamentary slot in the Ayawaso East Constituency, including Mohammed Ramme, the NDC Constituency Chairman; Amina Adam, widow of the late Member of Parliament; Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed; Yakubu Azindow; and Najib Mohammed.

The parliamentary by-election for the constituency has been scheduled for March 3, 2026, by the Electoral Commission following the passing of the sitting MP, Mahama Naser Toure, which created a vacancy in Parliament. The EC stated that the decision was made in line with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.

The developments have intensified national conversations around electoral integrity, internal party accountability, and the conduct expected of public officials involved in political processes.

Source: 3news.com

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