The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced investigations into alleged vote-buying and vote-selling during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary held on January 31, 2026, as well as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary conducted in the Ayawaso East Constituency on February 7, 2026.
In a public notice issued on Sunday, February 8, 2026, the OSP said the investigations also extend to the sources of funding behind the alleged corrupt practices in both internal party elections.
Real-Time Investigation at Ayawaso East
According to the OSP, it initiated a real-time investigation during the NDC parliamentary primary at Ayawaso East, following reports of voter inducement and vote-selling at various polling centres.
The Office disclosed that one of its officers deployed to the field was allegedly assaulted while attempting to serve an investigative directive on Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, the eventual winner of the primary.
The officer was reportedly attacked after Baba Jamal was linked to allegations of vote-buying and vote-selling. The OSP alleged that the candidate aided and abetted individuals described as thugs to physically assault the officer in the course of his lawful duties.
“Consequently, the Office has opened a further investigation into the alleged assault of an authorised officer of the Office in the performance of his functions in relation to Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed,” the OSP stated.
Separate Investigation into Assault
The OSP confirmed that the alleged assault has triggered a separate criminal investigation, in addition to the ongoing probe into electoral corruption linked to the Ayawaso East primary.
The Office stressed that acts of intimidation, threats, or violence against public officers in the conduct of elections constitute serious offences under Ghanaian law.
Vote-Buying Investigations Also Target NPP Primary
The OSP also confirmed that investigations are underway into the NPP presidential primaries held on January 31, 2026, focusing on similar allegations of vote-buying, vote-selling, and illicit campaign financing.
“The investigations relate to allegations of vote buying, vote selling and the sources of funding of the alleged corrupt acts,” the notice said.
OSP Issues Strong Warning
The Office of the Special Prosecutor reminded the public and political actors that corrupt practices in public elections are criminal offences.
“It is a serious offence to engage in vote buying, vote selling, intimidation, threats of violence, and acts of violence in relation to elections,” the OSP warned.
Political Fallout
The OSP’s investigation into the Ayawaso East primary comes amid growing political repercussions. President John Dramani Mahama has recalled Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed from his post as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, citing the need to protect the integrity of public office.
Baba Jamal won the Ayawaso East primary with 431 votes, narrowly defeating Hajia Amina Adam, who secured 399 votes. Other contenders included Mohammed Ramne (88 votes), Dr Yakubu Azimdow (45 votes), and Najib Sani (1 vote).
