Transparency International Ghana condemns vote buying in Ayawaso East NDC Primary
9 February 2026
Transparency International Ghana has strongly condemned reported incidents of vote buying and inducements during the February 7 Ayawaso East Constituency primary of the National Democratic Congress.
TI Ghana expressed concern over what it described as the open display and distribution of high-value items such as television sets during the Ayawaso East primary. According to the organisation, such actions, regardless of how they are described, amount to undue influence and violate the principles of free, fair and transparent elections.
TI Ghana cited provisions of the law that criminalise bribery, treating and undue influence, and reminded citizens that participation in such acts before, during or after elections is punishable by law.
The organisation commended President John Dramani Mahama for the swift recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, describing it as a decisive response to the issue. It also praised the National Democratic Congress and the Majority Caucus in Parliament for openly condemning vote buying and supporting calls for the annulment of the Ayawaso East primary.
TI Ghana welcomed proposals that any candidate found culpable in the alleged misconduct should be barred from participating in future party primaries.
The organisation urged citizens to reject electoral corruption by prioritising national development over personal gain and by providing credible evidence to relevant authorities for investigation. It also called on political parties to strengthen internal systems and protocols to prevent and address similar incidents in future elections.
Additionally, TI Ghana appealed for strong institutional cooperation and public support for the Office of the Special Prosecutor to thoroughly investigate and prosecute all individuals implicated in the allegations. It further urged the courts to handle such cases swiftly and impartially to demonstrate that impunity will no longer be tolerated.
Source: Abigail Arthur / Citi NewsRoom
