Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for the Ayawaso East by-election, has denied allegations of vote-buying during the party’s recent parliamentary primaries and pledged his full cooperation with investigations into the claims.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Baba Jamal described the allegations as false and said he had not engaged in any form of electoral malpractice. His response follows a communiqué from the Presidency recalling him from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, reportedly based on accusations of vote-buying linked to the Ayawaso East NDC primary.
The statement from the Presidency referenced an earlier release by the NDC’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, who condemned the alleged conduct and announced that the party would investigate the matter.
“I wish to state categorically that I, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, have not engaged in any vote buying or election malpractices,” he said. “I pledge to avail myself to assist the party in its investigation into the subject matter anytime.”
Despite the controversy, Baba Jamal expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the opportunity to serve Ghana as High Commissioner to Nigeria, describing the appointment as an honour and a privilege. He also thanked the leadership and supporters of the NDC in Ayawaso East for the confidence reposed in him to lead the party into the upcoming by-election scheduled for March 3, 2026.
“I sincerely thank the NDC in Ayawaso East for the confidence reposed in me to lead them into the main by-election,” he stated.
The allegations have intensified scrutiny of the Ayawaso East primary, which has already prompted the NDC to set up an internal probe committee to investigate reported irregularities. Party officials say the outcome of the investigation will guide any further disciplinary or corrective action.
The Ayawaso East by-election is expected to be keenly contested, with both major political parties viewing the seat as strategically important ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Baba Jamal Mohamed wins Ayawaso East NDC parliamentary primary