By Daniel Bampoe
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the East Ayawaso Constituency has unfolded amid intense political competition, heightened emotions, and public scrutiny, as aspirants battle for the party’s ticket ahead of the March 3, 2026 by-election.
The by-election became necessary following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Naser Toure Mahama, whose passing in January 2026 created a vacancy in one of the NDC’s most politically strategic strongholds in Greater Accra.
As voting commenced at the Nima Cluster of Schools on Saturday, February 7, the atmosphere was charged with both anticipation and controversy.
The campaign team of Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and a former Member of Parliament for Akwatia, distributed 32-inch television sets, boiled eggs, and reportedly cash support (GHC 3,000) to some party delegates participating in the primary.
The distribution of items drew attention within and outside the voting centre, with brief jostling reported among delegates attempting to access the food items.
The development quickly sparked debate over the ethics of campaign practices during internal party elections, particularly in a constituency where political loyalty and grassroots mobilisation are central to electoral success.
Responding to the situation, Baba Jamal publicly stated that the items were merely gifts and not intended to influence voting behaviour.
“Sharing the TV sets is only a gift, but allowing that gift to influence your votes is what is wrong,” he told journalists, insisting that delegates should vote based on conscience and conviction rather than material inducement.
The primary itself forms part of the NDC’s internal process to select a candidate to contest the vacant East Ayawaso seat, following a successful vetting exercise that cleared five aspirants to compete.
The candidates include Mohammed Ramme, the NDC Constituency Chairman; Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late MP; Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed; Dr Yakubu Azindow, an educationist; and Najib Mohammed Sani, a grassroots party activist.
Beyond the campaign activities, the contest reflects deeper political dynamics within the constituency.
East Ayawaso has long been regarded as an NDC stronghold, making the party’s primary more decisive than the by-election itself. Internal competition, therefore, carries significant political weight, as the eventual winner is widely seen as the favourite to retain the seat in Parliament.
Polling trends and political analysis further intensified interest in the race.
Surveys by Global Info Analytics indicated that Hajia Amina Adam was leading delegate preference with 58 per cent, positioning her as the frontrunner, driven largely by sympathy support following the death of her husband.
Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed and Dr Yakubu Azindow were also identified as strong contenders, benefiting from national visibility, professional profiles, and established political networks.
Security for the primary was provided by the Ghana Police Service, while the Electoral Commission supervised the voting process, with over 1,100 delegates expected to cast their ballots.
A total of 551 votes was required for an absolute majority to secure the party’s nomination.
Historically, East Ayawaso has been shaped by strong party structures, religious networks, and community mobilisation, making delegate politics highly influential.
The current contest reflects not only a fight for political office, but also a broader struggle over party control, legacy politics, and the future direction of the NDC in urban Muslim-dominated constituencies in Accra.
