Former Upper East Regional Minister and lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba, Professor Avea Ephraim Nsoh, has described calls by the Majority Caucus in Parliament for the annulment of the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary results as hypocritical.
Prof. Nsoh’s comments follow allegations surrounding the Ayawaso East internal election, in which Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, a candidate in the contest, was reportedly seen distributing 32-inch television sets to delegates in an attempt to influence voting. The development sparked public outrage and led to swift action by President H.E. John Dramani Mahama, who subsequently recalled Baba Jamal from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has also issued a statement on the matter, calling for a full investigation into the allegations.
Speaking on the BlueWaves Breakfast Show, Prof. Nsoh strongly condemned the alleged vote-buying incident and commended President Mahama for what he described as decisive and timely leadership in addressing the situation.
“The President’s swift response sends a clear signal that such conduct will not be tolerated, regardless of one’s political standing,” he said.
Reacting specifically to the Majority Caucus’ call for the annulment of the election results, Prof. Nsoh questioned the moral authority of Members of Parliament to lead such criticism. He argued that both Majority and Minority MPs lack the locus standi to condemn the alleged actions, given the prevalence of similar practices within Ghana’s political landscape.
“Both Majority and Minority MPs should not be the ones speaking on this issue because, in one way or another, many of them are involved in such practices,” Prof. Nsoh stated.
He concluded by urging the leadership of the NDC to take a critical look at its internal electoral systems, particularly the delegate-based voting structure. According to him, the current system encourages the monetization of internal elections and creates fertile ground for vote-buying and undue influence.
Prof. Nsoh called on the party to undertake comprehensive reforms to promote transparency, fairness, and integrity in its internal democratic processes.
Source: BlueWaves Radio 93.7 | Maurice Duncan
