The Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has raised serious concerns about alleged vote-buying during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in Ayawaso East, warning that such practices pose a grave danger to Ghana’s democratic system and electoral credibility.
Tensions have risen following reports that delegates at the NDC primary held on Saturday, February 7, were allegedly induced with 32-inch television sets and money by the camp of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed.
The controversy has prompted the NDC to establish a three-member investigative committee chaired by former Minister of Information, Kofi Totobi Quakyi, tasked with probing the allegations and recommending appropriate sanctions and reforms.
The matter has attracted further national attention after President John Dramani Mahama recalled Baba Jamal from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria.
In addition, the NDC Majority Caucus in Parliament has called for the annulment of the disputed primary, citing concerns over the integrity of the process.
The unfolding developments have also drawn the attention of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, a move that has been welcomed by some political actors, although scepticism remains over whether investigations will translate into decisive action and accountability.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Sunday, February 8, Richard Ahiagbah described the alleged incidents as blatant and deeply troubling, arguing that they undermine the rule of law and erode the essence of democratic choice.
According to him, such conduct weakens the power of citizens to shape national development through free and fair elections.
Ahiagbah further questioned the mixed signals emerging from the opposition party, noting the apparent contradiction between calls for an investigation and simultaneous demands by the NDC Majority for the annulment of the primary, stressing that the situation has not been taken lightly by the Ghanaian public.
“What happened in Ayawaso East was glaring and egregious, right in our faces. Beyond being unlawful, it distorts democracy and minimises the impact of citizen power in shaping the country’s development through elections.”
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