The National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency primaries held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, were overshadowed by allegations of vote buying, violence, and electoral irregularities in several parts of Ghana.
Reports and video footage from various constituencies showed delegates allegedly receiving cash, television sets, mobile phones, washing machines, refrigerators, cooking stoves, standing fans, clothing, and other household appliances from aspirants seeking their support.
The incidents have raised concerns about internal party democracy, electoral transparency, and the credibility of the NDC’s candidate-selection process ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Violence and Electoral Disputes Disrupt NDC Primaries
Several constituencies experienced disturbances that disrupted voting, ballot counting, and other electoral procedures.
In Odododiodioo in the Greater Accra Region, violence reportedly erupted after voting ended, forcing Electoral Commission officials to suspend the sorting and counting of ballots. Video footage showed a police officer carrying a ballot box away from the scene as individuals pursued him. The ballot box was reportedly taken to a police station for safekeeping.
At Tema East, disagreements over the ballot-counting procedure created tension among aspirants and their supporters, disrupting the process.
In Sefwi Akontombra in the Western North Region, suspected thugs reportedly seized ballot boxes, prompting police officers to fire warning shots in an attempt to restore order.
Kintampo North in the Bono East Region also experienced serious disturbances, with gunshots reportedly heard as police struggled to control the situation.
Meanwhile, in Ledzokuku, Teshie, police officers were seen attempting to restrain angry delegates amid chaotic scenes.
The incidents have raised questions about election security, the protection of ballot materials, and the ability of party officials to resolve electoral disputes peacefully.
Allegations of Cash and Household Appliances Used to Influence Delegates
Apart from the reported violence, allegations of vote buying emerged from several constituencies.
In Fomena in the Ashanti Region, some delegates reportedly accused a contestant of distributing money and Huawei mobile phones.
In Suhum in the Eastern Region, video footage allegedly showed delegates receiving blenders, table-top refrigerators, and cash.
Similar scenes were reported in Amasaman, where standing fans, cooking stoves, and other household items were allegedly distributed.
In Amenfi East in the Western Region, delegates reportedly received televisions, clothing, and cash. Despite the alleged distribution of gifts, the election was suspended.
These incidents have intensified concerns that financial inducements and material benefits are increasingly influencing internal party elections rather than candidates competing solely on their leadership abilities, policies, and commitment to party development.
Vote Buying and Ghana’s Electoral Laws
The reported incidents have also renewed debate about the legal framework governing vote buying in Ghana.
Section 33 of the Representation of the People Law, 1992, is cited in discussions about electoral bribery, although the extent to which its provisions apply specifically to internal party primaries requires legal clarification.
The key issue is whether the allegations will trigger investigations and whether individuals found to have engaged in misconduct will face appropriate sanctions.
The Ghana Police Service and other relevant investigative bodies may face pressure to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported violence, ballot-box seizures, gunfire, and alleged distribution of gifts.
The NDC also faces calls to investigate the incidents transparently and enforce its internal disciplinary rules against any aspirants, delegates, or supporters found responsible for wrongdoing.
NDC Faces Pressure to Restore Confidence in Internal Elections
The reported incidents have raised broader concerns about political accountability, electoral integrity, and the rising cost of political competition in Ghana.
Critics of vote buying argue that distributing cash and expensive household appliances to delegates can undermine merit-based leadership selection and create expectations of financial rewards or other benefits after candidates assume office.
Violence and intimidation pose additional risks by threatening the safety of election officials, security personnel, and delegates seeking to exercise their voting rights freely.
The NDC must now address outstanding disputes, establish the facts surrounding the reported incidents, and determine whether any party rules were breached.
The party’s response could have significant implications for public confidence in its internal democratic processes ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Ultimately, the credibility of the constituency primaries will depend on whether allegations of vote buying and violence are properly investigated and whether proven misconduct results in meaningful accountability.
Source: newsthemegh.com