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OSP opens probes into vote-buying claims in NPP and NDC primaries

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) says it has begun investigations into allegations of vote buying and vote selling during recent internal elections held by the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In a public notice dated 8 February 2026, the OSP said its inquiry covers the NPP presidential primaries held on 31 January 2026, and the NDC parliamentary primaries in Ayawaso East held on 7 February 2026.

The anti-corruption body said the investigations will examine claims of inducements at the polls, including the sources of funds allegedly used to finance the suspected corrupt acts.

The OSP said it launched a real-time investigation during the Ayawaso East contest after reports of malpractice and intimidation.

It also announced a separate line of inquiry into an alleged assault on one of its officers during the NDC primary, saying candidate Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed allegedly abetted individuals to attack an OSP officer who was carrying out official duties linked to the vote-buying allegations.

The OSP reminded the public that vote buying, vote selling, intimidation, threats of violence and acts of violence connected to elections remain criminal offences, and said it would pursue credible allegations and take action where evidence supports prosecution.