The Office of the Special Prosecutor OSP has launched investigations into alleged vote buying and vote selling during two major political party primaries held in January and February 2026.

In a public notice issued on Sunday, February 8, the OSP confirmed that it is probing allegations arising from the New Patriotic Party presidential primary conducted on January 31, 2026, as well as the National Democratic Congress parliamentary primary held in the Ayawaso East Constituency on February 7, 2026.

According to the OSP, the investigations focus on suspected vote buying, vote selling and the sources of funding used to facilitate the alleged corrupt practices.

The Office disclosed that it began real time monitoring and investigations during the NDC Ayawaso East parliamentary primary. During the process, one of its officers who was deployed to the constituency was allegedly assaulted while attempting to serve an investigative directive on Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, who later emerged as the winner of the primary.

The OSP alleged that Mr Baba Jamal aided and abetted individuals described as thugs to physically attack the officer while he was lawfully performing his duties in connection with investigations into alleged vote buying and vote selling.

As a result of the incident, the Office said it has opened a separate and additional investigation into the alleged assault of an authorised officer of the OSP in the performance of his functions, with Mr Baba Jamal named as a person of interest.

The Special Prosecutor reminded the public that Ghanaian law strictly prohibits corrupt practices related to public elections. It warned that vote buying, vote selling, intimidation, threats of violence and acts of violence during elections constitute serious criminal offences.

The OSP’s probe into the Ayawaso East primary follows widespread reports of voter inducement during the exercise. Mr Baba Jamal won the contest with 431 votes, narrowly defeating Hajia Amina Adam, who secured 399 votes. Mohammed Ramne polled 88 votes, Dr Yakubu Azindow obtained 45 votes, while Najib Mohammed Sani recorded one vote.

Following the developments, President John Dramani Mahama recalled Mr Baba Jamal from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, citing the need to safeguard the integrity of public office.

Separately, the NDC has constituted a three member committee to investigate allegations of inducement during the primary. The committee is chaired by former Foreign Affairs Minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi, with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and legal practitioner Emefa Fugah serving as members.

The General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, condemned the reported incidents, describing them as an affront to the party’s values and principles.

Investigations by the OSP into both primaries are ongoing.