Franklin Cudjoe Criticizes NDC Over Baba Jamal U-Turn: The Purpose of Party Statements and Electoral Integrity

The decision by Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) to clear Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed to contest the Ayawaso East parliamentary by-election, despite an internal committee’s finding of vote-buying during the party’s primary, has sparked significant public debate. Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of the policy think tank IMANI Africa, has been a prominent critic, labeling the party’s handling of the situation a “comedy of mistakes.” His central question—”What’s the purpose in issuing statements?”—strikes at the heart of political communication, consistency, and accountability. This article provides a comprehensive, SEO-optimized analysis of the controversy, its background, the implications for Ghanaian democracy, and the broader lessons for political organizations worldwide.

Introduction: The Core of the Controversy

The Ayawaso East constituency by-election, scheduled for March 3, 2026, became a focal point for national discourse on political integrity following events in early February 2026. The catalyst was the NDC’s internal primary held on February 7, 2026, where Baba Jamal defeated Hajia Amina Adam by a narrow margin of 431 votes to 399. However, the party’s own investigative committee concluded that “popular vote procuring” (commonly referred to as vote-buying) occurred during this primary. Despite these findings, the NDC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) subsequently cleared Baba Jamal to be the party’s candidate for the upcoming by-election. This reversal prompted fierce criticism from governance analysts like Franklin Cudjoe, who questioned the value and credibility of the party’s initial statements and investigative processes.

Key Points at a Glance

• Primary Allegation: The NDC’s internal committee found evidence of vote-buying in the February 7, 2026, parliamentary primary for Ayawaso East.
• Party Reversal: Despite the findings, the NDC’s top leadership cleared candidate Baba Jamal to contest the subsequent by-election, citing time constraints before the nomination deadline.
• Key Critic: Franklin Cudjoe of IMANI Africa condemned the flip-flop as a “comedy of mistakes,” undermining the party’s statements and public trust.
• Context: The by-election was necessitated by the death of incumbent MP Mahama Naser Toure on January 4, 2026. Baba Jamal was Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria before being recalled by President John Dramani Mahama on February 7 pending investigations.
• Legal Layer: Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor announced separate investigations into vote-buying, vote-selling, and the source of funds for alleged inducements during the primary.
• Central Question: The incident raises fundamental questions about the purpose of internal party statements, disciplinary actions, and their consistency with public pronouncements on anti-corruption and electoral integrity.

Background: Timeline and Political Context

The Sequence of Events

1. January 4, 2026: The Ayawaso East parliamentary seat becomes vacant following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure.
2. February 7, 2026: The NDC holds its internal primary to select a candidate for the by-election. Baba Jamal narrowly wins against Hajia Amina Adam.
3. February 7 (Same Day): President John Dramani Mahama, who is also the NDC’s flagbearer, recalls Baba Jamal from his diplomatic post as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, stating it is pending the outcome of investigations into the primary.
4. Post-Primary Investigation: The NDC’s own internal investigative committee completes its work and confirms that incidents of vote-buying (“popular vote procuring”) took place during the February 7 primary.
5. February 10-11, 2026: The NDC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meets and decides to clear Baba Jamal to file his nomination papers for the by-election, which is set for March 3. The nomination deadline with the Electoral Commission is February 11.
6. February 11, 2026: NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey publicly announces the decision, citing “time constraints” as a major factor. The party states it must field a candidate before the EC’s deadline. Franklin Cudjoe gives his critical interview on the Joy Super Morning Show the same day.
7. Ongoing: The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) confirms it has launched its own independent, parallel investigation into the allegations of electoral malpractice and the financial flows involved.

Ghana’s Electoral and Party System

Ghana operates a multi-party democracy with a robust, independent Electoral Commission (EC) that oversees all public elections. Political parties are responsible for their own internal democratization processes, including the selection of candidates for public office. These internal primaries are not regulated by the EC but are governed by each party’s constitution and guidelines. However, findings of misconduct in these primaries, especially vote-buying, have national implications because they:

• Erode public confidence in the party’s commitment to clean elections.
• Potentially violate Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act and the Representation of the People’s Law, which criminalize electoral corruption.
• Set a precedent for candidate behavior in the general election phase.

The NDC, as one of Ghana’s two major parties, has historically positioned itself as a social democratic alternative committed to probity and accountability. This incident thus places that self-proclaimed identity under intense scrutiny.

Analysis: Deconstructing the “Comedy of Mistakes”

Franklin Cudjoe’s characterization is a sharp critique of perceived institutional incoherence. To understand its weight, we must analyze the conflicting actions and statements.

The Paradox of the Investigative Statement

By commissioning and accepting a report that found vote-buying, the NDC made an implicit statement: “We take electoral corruption seriously and will investigate allegations.” The logical, expected follow-through, from a governance perspective, would be to act on the findings—by disqualifying the implicated candidate, sanctioning them, or at minimum, referring the report to relevant state investigative bodies like the Special Prosecutor with a clear stance. Instead, the NEC’s decision to clear the candidate, citing logistical time pressure, created a profound dissonance. The initial statement (the finding) was rendered practically null. As Cudjoe notes, this invites the public to ask: “What was the purpose of that investigation and announcement if it leads to no consequence?” The perceived purpose shifts from accountability to mere performative governance—issuing statements to *appear* responsive without the will to enact real discipline.

The “Time Constraint” Justification: Valid or Convenient?

The NDC General Secretary’s point about needing to meet the EC’s nomination deadline is a procedural reality. However, analysts argue it is a weak justification for overriding substantive findings of misconduct. The party had days between the primary (Feb 7) and the nomination deadline (Feb 11). The argument hinges on whether the party’s processes for vetting and deciding on a candidate *must* be completed within that window, or if the NEC could have used the investigative finding to select an alternative candidate (e.g., the runner-up, Hajia Amina Adam) who was not implicated. The choice to stick with the implicated candidate suggests that electoral expediency—fielding a perceived strong candidate—trumped disciplinary integrity. This prioritization sends a message that winning the by-election is more important than the ethical means of getting there, a classic utilitarian calculation in politics that often backfires in the court of public opinion.

Implications for Political Party Credibility

Political parties are the primary vehicles for candidate recruitment and policy articulation in a democracy. Their internal health is a leading indicator of national democratic health. When a major party like the NDC openly reverses a disciplinary finding due to “time constraints,” several credibility damages occur:

• Erosion of Moral Authority: The party’s ability to critique the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) on corruption or electoral misconduct is severely weakened. It opens the NDC to charges of hypocrisy.
• Normalization of Misconduct: It signals to other aspiring candidates that vote-buying may be a viable strategy. The risk of being caught is low (an internal committee’s finding is not a legal bar), and the reward (candidacy) is high.
• Alienation of the Base: Rank-and-file members who participated in a clean primary or supported the runner-up may feel betrayed, leading to apathy or rebellion in the general election.
• Public Cynicism: It reinforces a widespread public belief that all political parties are corrupt and that internal party democracy is a sham. This fuels voter apathy and distrust in the entire political system.

The Role of External Actors: IMANI Africa and the Office of the Special Prosecutor

Franklin Cudjoe, through IMANI Africa, is performing a crucial watchdog function. Civil society organizations (CSOs) like his provide independent analysis that parties often ignore internally. His public criticism forces the issue into the mainstream media, creating a record and applying public pressure. The involvement of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is a critical development. The OSP is an independent, high-profile anti-corruption agency. Its parallel investigation moves the issue from an internal party squabble to a potential state-level criminal matter. If the OSP finds sufficient evidence, it could prosecute individuals for vote-buying under Ghanaian law, irrespective of the NDC’s internal decision. This creates a two-track accountability system: the party’s (flawed) internal process and the state’s legal process. The NDC’s reversal makes the OSP’s work even more vital for upholding the law.

Practical Advice: For Political Parties, Candidates, and Voters

This incident is a teachable moment. Here is actionable advice for each stakeholder.

For Political Parties: Building Consistent Integrity

1. Align Actions with Statements: If a party issues a statement condemning an act (like vote-buying) and finds it occurred, the subsequent action must be consistent. Establish a clear, pre-published disciplinary code with fixed penalties for verified offenses. Apply it without fear or favor.
2. Decouple Candidate Selection from Short-Term Electoral Gain: The long-term brand value of a “party of integrity” is worth more than winning a single by-election. Have the courage to select an unblemished candidate even if it seems less electorally advantageous in the short term.
3. Transparent Vetting Processes: The investigation and decision-making process should be as transparent as possible. Publish the findings of the investigative committee (redacting sensitive personal data) and the detailed reasoning of the NEC for its final decision. Transparency builds credibility, even when decisions are tough.
4. Pre-Election Protocols: Establish clear protocols for handling allegations *before* primaries. Who investigates? What is the timeline? What are the appeal processes? Having rules in place beforehand prevents ad-hoc, seemingly biased decisions later.
5. Engage with State Institutions: If an internal investigation finds evidence of a crime, the party has a civic duty to formally refer the matter to the police or OSP. This demonstrates a commitment to the rule of law over party loyalty.

For Candidates and Aspirants: Ethical Campaigning

1. Reject Vote-Buying Temptations: Understand that vote-buying is a crime (under Ghana’s Representation of the People’s Law, 1992) that can lead to prosecution, disqualification, and a lifetime criminal record. The short-term gain is not worth the long-term legal and reputational risk.
2. Campaign on Issues: Develop a platform based on constituency needs, policy ideas, and personal competence. This builds a sustainable, credible brand that can withstand attacks.
3. Document Everything: Keep records of campaign expenditures and activities. If you are falsely accused, you need evidence to clear your name. If you are tempted to engage in malpractice, the documentation risk should be a deterrent.

For Voters and the Public: Exercising Informed Choice

1. Hold Parties Accountable at the Ballot Box: If a party fields a candidate implicated in corruption, vote for an alternative candidate from another party or an independent. Your vote is your primary tool for enforcing standards.
2. Demand Transparency: Use social media and community engagements to demand explanations from party officials. Ask: “Why was the finding ignored?” “What was the NEC’s full deliberation?”
3. Support Civil Society: Engage with and amplify the work of credible CSOs like IMANI Africa, Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD), and others that monitor electoral integrity.
4. Report Evidence: If you have evidence of vote-buying or selling, report it to the Special Prosecutor, the Electoral Commission, or the police. Citizen evidence is crucial for enforcement.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions

Q1: Is vote-buying really illegal in Ghana?

A: Yes. Vote-buying and vote-selling are criminal offenses under Ghana’s Representation of the People’s Law, 1992 (PNDCL 284) and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Section 20 of PNDCL 284 specifically deals with bribery and undue influence. The law prohibits giving, offering, or receiving any gift or inducement to vote or refrain from voting for a particular candidate. Conviction can lead to fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from holding public office.

Q2: Can the Electoral Commission disqualify a candidate based on the NDC’s internal findings?

A: No, not directly. The EC’s mandate is to administer public elections based on the constitutional and legal requirements for candidature (e.g., age, citizenship, filing fees, no bankruptcy, no insanity). The EC does not adjudicate on internal party disputes or disciplinary matters. However, if there is a *legal* petition filed with the EC alleging that a candidate has committed an offense that makes them unqualified under the law (