Transparency International Ghana (TI-Ghana) has strongly condemned reported incidents of vote-buying and inducements during the Ayawaso East primary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), warning that such practices pose a serious threat to Ghana’s democratic integrity.

In a press release issued on February 9, 2026, the anti-corruption organisation said the alleged distribution of high-value items during the primary and the public defence of such actions by some actors sent a “troubling signal” about the state of internal party democracy in the country.

TI-Ghana said the incidents formed part of a worrying pattern of increasing frequency and brazenness of vote-buying in both internal party elections and national polls, noting that similar concerns had been raised during recent NPP presidential primaries.

Threat to Democratic Integrity

According to the organisation, the display and distribution of items such as television sets and other high-value goods, even when presented as goodwill gestures, amount to undue influence.

“These actions constitute undue influence and compromise the fundamental principles of free, fair, and transparent elections,” the statement said, adding that such practices undermine public confidence in electoral processes and expose deeper challenges related to political party financing and election ethics.

TI-Ghana also expressed concern about what it described as the growing tendency among sections of the public to normalise bribery by reframing it as acceptable political gifting.

The organisation warned that accepting inducements from political actors before, during or after elections weakens electoral accountability and erodes citizens’ civic responsibility.

The statement stressed that participation in vote-buying or inducement schemes constitutes a criminal offence under Part V of the Representation of the People Act, 1992 (PNDCL 284), citing provisions on bribery, treating and undue influence.

TI-Ghana noted that citizens who accept inducements to influence electoral outcomes not only betray their civic duties but also expose themselves to potential prosecution under the law.

The organisation commended President John Dramani Mahama for what it described as the swift recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and praised the NDC and the Majority Caucus in Parliament for openly condemning vote-buying.

TI-Ghana particularly welcomed calls by the Majority Caucus for the annulment of the Ayawaso East primary and for the imposition of sanctions, including banning candidates found culpable from participating in future primaries.

TI-Ghana urged citizens to support efforts to combat electoral corruption by prioritising national development over personal gain, committing to electing suitable leaders, and providing credible evidence to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

The organisation also called on political parties to establish strong internal structures and protocols to prevent and address electoral misconduct.

In addition, TI-Ghana expressed the expectation that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) would receive the necessary institutional support to investigate and prosecute all persons implicated in the allegations, and urged the courts to adjudicate such cases expeditiously and without fear or favour.