By Vincent Kwofie
Hon. Akwasi Opong-Fosu, Board Chair of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and former Minister of Local Government, has called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to suspend the outcome of its Ayawaso East parliamentary primary until investigations into alleged vote buying are concluded.
He further argued that if the allegations are substantiated, the party must annul the results and impose sanctions in line with its constitution.
His call follows the NDC’s decision to launch an official probe into claims that delegates were induced with cash, motorbikes, food items, and electronic appliances during the party’s February 7 primary.
In a statement, the NDC’s national leadership condemned the alleged acts, describing them as violations of the party’s values and internal democratic principles, and warned that severe sanctions—including possible annulment of results—would apply if wrongdoing is established.
The primary was won by Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, who secured 431 votes, narrowly defeating Hajia Amina Adam, who polled 399 votes.
Mr Baba Jamal has since admitted distributing 32-inch NASCO television sets and other items but maintained that the gesture was an expression of appreciation rather than an attempt to influence delegates.
In a widely circulated Facebook post, Mr Opong-Fosu, a former Member of Parliament for Amenfi East, welcomed the decision by the party’s National Executive Committee to investigate the matter, saying it provided reassurance to grassroots members.
“In the interest of due process, procedural fairness, and the integrity of the party’s internal democratic mechanisms, it is respectfully recommended that the use and effect of the declared results be suspended pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigations,” he stated.
He added that should the investigation confirm the allegations, the party must not hesitate to annul the results and apply appropriate sanctions, including possible disqualification from future internal contests.
Mr Opong-Fosu linked his position to the NDC’s broader Reset Agenda, which prioritises institutional renewal, economic recovery, and the restoration of public confidence in democratic governance.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations have renewed calls for an end to inducements in party primaries, warning that vote buying erodes internal democracy and weakens public trust in political institutions.
The NDC has reiterated its commitment to a clean, transparent, and credible process, assuring members and the public that the investigation will be handled with fairness and accountability.
Mr Opong-Fosu’s intervention highlights growing internal pressure within the party for discipline and reform as it positions itself for future electoral contests.
