By Boakye Stephen | reporting for Ghana News, Canada

Date: 9 February 2026

Ghana’s political and governance landscape is facing renewed public scrutiny as two major developments dominate national attention: the ongoing Bawku chieftaincy court proceedings and escalating controversy surrounding the NDC’s parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East constituency. Together, these issues raise pressing questions about the rule of law, democratic integrity, and public confidence in state and political institutions.

 

AYAWASO EAST PRIMARY: TENSE VOTE, ALLEGATIONS, AND CALLS FOR ANNULMENT

The NDC’s parliamentary primary in Ayawaso East opened with intense campaigning, jubilation among delegates, and tight security. Voting began around 9 a.m. with a heavy police presence as officers blocked roads and redirected traffic to maintain order.

Observers indicated that nearly 57% of delegates were initially undecided, suggesting a highly competitive race. As voting progressed, tensions rose when allegations surfaced that some delegates had been induced with gifts and items.

• Vote-buying allegations

Reports circulating in the constituency claimed that items such as televisions, cash, and other goods were distributed to delegates. One aspirant alleged that the night before voting saw heavy movement and inducement attempts.

Despite the controversy, former High Commissioner to Nigeria Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed emerged victorious, polling 431 votes to secure the NDC parliamentary candidacy.

However, the results were immediately contested.

The Majority Caucus in Parliament has formally called on the NDC to annul the primary, citing allegations of vote-buying and inducement. In a statement, the caucus said it strongly condemns the developments “against the background of the agenda to reset the politics of the country.”

The caucus demanded:

Immediate annulment of the primary

Disqualification of any candidate proven to have engaged in inducement

Measures to restore credibility in Ghanaian politics

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and the caucus emphasized their commitment to integrity and ethical political conduct.

BABA JAMAL’S DEFENCE

Baba Jamal has denied wrongdoing, insisting that his long-standing charitable support for constituents should not be misinterpreted.

“If you give to people, what is wrong with it? This is not the first time I’m giving to people. Those who know me know that every Christmas and, on many occasions, I have provided support, including free loans,” he said.

He further argued:

“If somebody gives you a gift, you can take it. Allowing that gift to influence your vote is what is wrong. It is not the item; it is the intention.”

He also questioned whether there is a legally defined period during which gifts cannot be given to constituents.

In response to the controversy, a three-member committee has been set up within the NDC to investigate the allegations.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has reportedly recalled Baba Jamal from his diplomatic post pending investigations, a move seen as an attempt to protect institutional credibility.

 

CONSTITUENCY REACTIONS

Residents of Ayawaso East have expressed mixed reactions. Some welcomed the result, while others raised concerns about candidate selection and local representation.

One constituent remarked:

“We have seen outsiders come and go. Those born here understand the community better. People are watching closely to see whether this leadership will truly help the constituency.”

There are also concerns that the controversy could affect confidence ahead of the upcoming by-election scheduled for 3 March.

 

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BAWKU CHIEFTAINCY CASE: COURT GRANTS BAIL

In a separate but equally sensitive matter, the Accra High Court granted GH₵100,000 bail to Alhaji Seidu Abagre (Naa Sheriga Kulga II), a central figure in the Bawku chieftaincy dispute.

Bail conditions

Must remain in Accra

Must report regularly to the court

Must not return to Bawku for now due to security concerns

Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu clarified that the bail amount functions as a security guarantee rather than immediate cash payment unless conditions are breached.

Abagre faces charges including allegedly acting as a chief without proper qualification under the Chieftaincy Act. His removal from Bawku in December 2025 followed mediation efforts led by the Asantehene.

However, the Mamprugu Traditional Council disputes the state’s actions, arguing:

An arrest does not remove a chief under customary law

Only traditional authorities can destool or enskin a chief

State involvement risks worsening tensions

Economic impact

Instability in Bawku has reportedly:

Affected cross-border trade

Weakened the once-thriving Bawku market

Reduced investor confidence

The case highlights the delicate balance between constitutional authority and customary governance.

 

ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY

By Boakye Stephen

These two developments, though different in nature, share a common thread: public trust in institutions.

Positive signs

Institutional response:

Investigative committees are being formed.

Parliament is demanding accountability.

Courts are handling sensitive chieftaincy matters within legal frameworks.

Security management:

Heavy police presence prevented violence during the Ayawaso primary.

Bail conditions in the Bawku case aim to prevent escalation.

Public engagement:

Citizens are openly discussing ethics, representation, and fairness.

Media scrutiny remains strong.

 

 

Negative concerns

Normalization of inducement politics

If gift-giving during elections becomes routine, the line between generosity and inducement becomes blurred, weakening democratic credibility.

Enforcement challenges

Even when allegations are widespread, proving vote-buying is extremely difficult. This gap risks making electoral laws appear symbolic rather than enforceable.

Institutional trust deficit

Both the Bawku dispute and the Ayawaso controversy highlight skepticism about:

Neutral enforcement of laws

Political fairness

Accountability mechanisms

Custom vs. state tensions

The Bawku case reflects deeper national questions about how Ghana balances constitutional authority with traditional governance systems.

 

 

WHAT MUST BE DONE

Transparent investigations

Findings from the Ayawaso probe must be public and evidence-based, regardless of political consequences.

Clear enforcement of electoral laws

Ghana needs stronger mechanisms to detect and deter inducement in both primaries and national elections.

Civic education

Voters must be reminded that accepting gifts tied to voting undermines long-term development and representation.

Respect for customary and legal systems

In Bawku, dialogue between traditional authorities and the state must be sustained to prevent escalation.

Political leadership by example

Parties must demonstrate that ethical breaches carry real consequences.

 

CONCLUSION

Ghana remains one of Africa’s most stable democracies, but stability must not lead to complacency. The Ayawaso East controversy and the Bawku chieftaincy case are critical tests of the country’s commitment to justice, transparency, and democratic ethics.

Handled well, these situations could strengthen institutions and restore public confidence. Mishandled, they risk deepening skepticism and weakening trust.

The coming weeks will be decisive.

• By Boakye Stephen | reporting for Ghana News, Canada