Legal activist Quaye Frank has called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to annul the results of the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary and conduct a fresh rerun, following allegations that delegates were induced with gifts during the voting process.
His call comes after President John Dramani Mahama directed the immediate recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria over reports linked to the distribution of 32-inch television sets to delegates during the primary on Saturday, February 7.
While commending the President’s action as a step toward accountability, in a statement, Mr. Quaye argued that the administrative recall does not resolve the integrity concerns surrounding the electoral process.
“The recall addresses the conduct of a public officer, but it does not solve the legal crisis created by the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary,” he said.
Alleged Breach of Electoral Laws
According to the legal activist, the distribution of high-value electronic items during an ongoing poll may constitute bribery and treating under Ghana’s Representation of the People Law, 1992 (PNDCL 284). He cited Section 33 of the law, which defines bribery as giving valuable consideration to influence a voter, and Section 34, which criminalizes treating aimed at corruptly influencing votes.
He also referenced the case of Luguterah v. Interim Electoral Commission (1971), where the court held that elections tainted by illegality must be annulled.
Internal Party Democracy Concerns
Quaye Frank further argued that such actions undermine the principle of internal party democracy guaranteed under Article 55(5) of the 1992 Constitution and the Political Parties Act, 2000 (Act 574).
He urged the party’s leadership, including Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia and General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey, to take decisive action to protect the party’s integrity.
“If delegates were influenced by gifts, then ‘one man, one vote’ has been replaced by ‘one gift, one vote,’” he said, describing the practice as a breach of democratic norms.
Call for Rerun and Disqualification
The legal activist proposed that the NDC should declare the results void and organize a fresh primary, with candidates found culpable disqualified from contesting. He cited Appiah v. Attorney General (1970), arguing that elections not conducted substantially in accordance with the law should be nullified.
He warned that allowing the results to stand could damage the party’s credibility as it positions itself as a reform-oriented alternative to the governing party.
Broader Anti-Corruption Argument
Quaye Frank also linked vote inducement practices to broader corruption concerns in Ghanaian politics, warning that candidates who buy their way into office may later seek to recoup their investments through patronage and corrupt practices.
He said the NDC must demonstrate commitment to integrity by taking a principled stance, even if it means sacrificing a contested victory.
“We cannot normalize the auctioning of our democracy. The winner must be chosen by the hearts and minds of the people, not by campaign gifts,” he stated.
 to annul the results of the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary and conduct a fresh rerun, following allegations that delegates were induced with gifts during the voting process.){kind=link}