Ayawaso East Political Crisis: NDC Probes Vote-Buying Allegations as NPP Names Candidate for 2026 By-Election

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is at a critical juncture as it concludes a high-stakes investigation into alleged vote-buying during the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary held on February 7. A three-member investigative committee, which saw former MP Inusah Fuseini replace Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga to ensure impartiality, is set to submit its findings to the party’s Functional Executive Committee. The probe follows reports of widespread inducements, including television sets and cash, offered to delegates to influence the outcome. The results of this internal investigation are pivotal, as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has already positioned its candidate, Baba Ali Yussif, for the constituency’s upcoming by-election scheduled for March 3, 2026.

The controversy has reached the highest levels of government, resulting in the recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, by President John Dramani Mahama. Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu clarified that the recall was a response to the gravity of the allegations and not a definitive admission of guilt, noting that the decision could be reversed if investigations clear Baba Jamal. For his part, Baba Jamal has vehemently denied the claims, citing his history of accepting previous primary defeats as evidence of his commitment to party unity and integrity. However, the situation remains complex as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has also launched a parallel investigation into the alleged corrupt practices.

Local tensions are rising within the constituency, with the Ayawaso Council of Zongo Chiefs warning the NDC leadership against annulling the primary results. The council maintains that Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed’s victory reflects the genuine will of the delegates and cautioned that a cancellation could trigger unrest in the area. Meanwhile, the NPP is moving forward with its electoral strategy, having acclaimed Constituency Secretary Baba Ali Yussif as its candidate. Supported by the National Executive Committee and a recommendation from a Search Committee led by John Boadu, the NPP is urging its members to rally behind Yussif to secure victory and enhance representation for the constituency.

Beyond the Ayawaso East crisis, the NDC has launched a nationwide membership registration exercise to bolster its grassroots support ahead of future political activities. Running from February 10 to March 30, 2026, the exercise aims to create a transparent new party register managed by branch secretaries. This organizational push comes at a somber time for the party following the sudden death of Nana Kwadwo Busia, the NDC Communications Officer for Jaman South. As the NDC navigates these internal challenges and organizational milestones, the findings of the Ayawaso East probe will likely set a significant precedent for how the party addresses electoral integrity in the lead-up to the 2026 polls.