The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has set up a three-member committee to investigate the incidents of bribery and vote buying that characterised the party’s primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency on Saturday, February 7.
Most delegates received TV sets and motorbikes in the full glare of the public while some are alleged to have pocketed GH¢3,000 each from some camps.
These allegations were largely levelled against three aspirants – Baba Jamal, who has since been recalled as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria over the incident, Hajia Amina Adams and Mohammed Ramne.
The party, in a statement after the primaries won by Baba Jamal, condemned the allegations and assured of thorough investigations and concomitant sanctions.
Barely 24 hours after that statement, the party has announced the committee members.
The committee will be chaired by leading member of the party, Kofi Totobi Quakyi with Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central Mahama Ayariga and Emefa Fugah as members.
The committee is expected to submit its report on Tuesday, February 10.
“In line with the party’s internal democracy, transparency, and ethical political conduct, the Committee will investigate the allegations and make appropriate recommendations, including sanctions where necessary,” a statement signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey said.
“The Committee’s mandate will also include making recommendations for sustainable measures and reforms to decisively end the practice of inducement and vote buying in the party’s internal electoral processes.”
The NDC assured its rank and file, stakeholders, and, indeed, all members of the public that it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in its internal electoral processes.
“Members and supporters are, therefore, urged to remain calm as the Committee undertakes its work.”