GhanaWeb Feature by Etsey Atisu
If the NDC — or rather, some members of the party — continue to engage in acts like these unchecked, the party could be headed for a political mess even worse than what the previous government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were accused of, many of which are now subjects of legal battles in Ghana’s courts.
And very bluntly, what exactly is wrong with Baba Jamal and the woman who is supposed to be mourning the passing of her husband? These two may have opened the first real can of worms of all the things that could go wrong under a second John Dramani Mahama administration.
The National Democratic Congress must be alert, and it appears that is what the party has started doing, with strong statements from the General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, on one hand, and from the Majority Caucus in Parliament on the other.
It still does not make sense that such a brazen show of vote-buying could occur at a time when Ghana is experiencing a governance system that many people are pleased with — even if, according to critics, that goodwill may be short-lived — yet members of that same political fraternity would go to such extremes.
And this was only an internal political contest.
Baba Jamal
Let us lay the foundation properly. Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed is an astute politician who once served a single term as Member of Parliament for Akwatia in the Eastern Region.
He rose through the ranks after serving as Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, later becoming Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development.
These political advancements culminated in what has so far been the highest office he has held — Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria. However, that appointment has now been recalled following events surrounding the Saturday, February 7, 2026, NDC parliamentary primaries to select a candidate for the March 3 by-election to be organised by the Electoral Commission.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of the sitting MP, Naser Toure Mahama.
Hajia Amina Adam
This brings into focus the widow of the late MP, who, following a troubling precedent set in recent Ghanaian politics, also decided to contest to possibly take over her late husband’s parliamentary seat.
Not widely regarded as a political figure in her own right — much like her late husband, who was known more as a quiet but effective constituency organiser than a vocal parliamentarian — Hajia Amina Adam may have hoped to ride on sympathy.
Indeed, several opinion polls, including those by Global InfoAnalytics, had projected a comfortable victory for her. That projection, however, did not materialise — at least not yet.
The problem, however, is not merely her decision to contest, but the allegations that she too participated in the forbidden vote-buying practices that marred the election.
“There has been a clarion call from many quarters in my constituency and beyond for me to step into the shoes of my late husband, who served the Ayawaso East Constituency with distinction.
“I have pondered over the calls from well-meaning members of the constituency, especially the elders and grassroots, and in so doing, I accept the call to serve my people,” she said.
Ayawaso East by-election: Calls grow within NDC for the late MP’s widow to contest
These are her own words. Yet, for a mourning widow who claims to be answering a call to service, is this the kind of defence one gives against allegations of vote-buying?
“I can assure you that people were given money for transportation and not vote-buying, but for those who shared TVs, laptops, Samsung phones, and other items, our candidate did not share such items,” her spokesperson, Ismail Abdul Razak, stated in an interview.
The accusations suggest that as much as GH¢3,000 was allegedly given to each delegate in the Ayawaso East primaries. With over 1,100 accredited delegates, that would amount to a staggering GH¢3.3 million — or approximately $300,788 at current exchange rates.
Even if not every delegate received that amount, a total figure of even GH¢1 million would still be gravely concerning.
What Happened to John Mahama’s Code of Conduct for Appointees?
Launched in May 2025, President John Dramani Mahama’s Code of Conduct for Appointees was designed to improve transparency and fight corruption. It strictly prohibits the purchase of state assets by officials, mandates the immediate declaration of assets, and bans the acceptance of gifts exceeding GH¢20,000.
Violations of the Code attract severe sanctions, including dismissal.
Yet it appears this memo either did not reach Baba Jamal — or Hajia Amina Adam’s inner circle — despite her membership on several governing boards, including the Prestea Sankofa Gold Mine, the Minerals Commission, and the Hajj Board.
Or perhaps this was a deliberate attempt to test the system.
About the NDC Parliamentary Primaries
At the close of polls on Saturday, February 7, 2026, Baba Jamal emerged winner of the NDC parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
Provisional results showed Baba Jamal securing 431 votes, defeating Hajia Amina Adam, who polled 399 votes. Mohammed Ramne obtained 88 votes, Dr Yakubu Azimdow garnered 45, while Najib Sani received just one vote.
The primaries, which attracted over 1,100 accredited delegates, were held amid widespread reports of inducement and vote-buying.
In a statement issued that same day, the NDC confirmed it had been notified of allegations involving some aspirants, describing the acts as a direct violation of party values.
Following the polls, the Majority Caucus in Parliament called for the annulment of the results, citing “widely circulated allegations of vote-buying.”
Ayawaso East NDC Primary: Baba Jamal defends distribution of TV sets, food items
Meanwhile, President Mahama has recalled Baba Jamal’s appointment as High Commissioner to Nigeria.
President Mahama recalls Baba Jamal
What Now?
The NDC today is not a party lacking credibility. It holds historic records — including the largest electoral margin in Ghana’s political history and the return of a former president after eight years in opposition.
Ghanaians did not vote on December 7, 2024, for internal party elections to be tainted by blatant inducement and corruption.
If an aspirant can openly distribute 32-inch television sets and cash to delegates, then justify it as philanthropy, the party must act decisively.
President Mahama’s recall of Baba Jamal is a start — but it is not enough.
When the party’s investigative committee concludes its work, the outcome must be strong enough to deter future aspirants from entertaining such conduct.
Anything less would be a disservice to the reset agenda the NDC claims to represent.
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com