The Service Progressive Alliance (SPA) has called on the government to initiate reforms to Ghana’s primary election system, citing persistent vote-buying and other electoral malpractices that it says threaten the integrity of the country’s democracy.
In a statement issued in Accra on February 8, 2026, the group commended the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for setting up a three-member committee to investigate allegations of vote-buying against Baba Jamal during the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary.
SPA also praised President John Dramani Mahama for recalling Baba Jamal from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, pending the outcome of the investigations, describing the action as a demonstration of accountability and decisive leadership.
According to the alliance, the investigation highlights a broader national problem, as vote-buying has gradually become widespread within Ghana’s political system.
The group blamed the situation on the current delegate-based primary election system, which it said gives disproportionate power to a small group of delegates, creating opportunities for corruption, undue influence, and financial inducements.
SPA argued that genuine efforts to eliminate vote-buying must address the delegate system itself, which it described as the “bedrock” of the problem.
The alliance proposed a more inclusive primary election model that would allow all eligible voters within a constituency to participate in the selection of parliamentary candidates, regardless of political affiliation.
According to SPA, such a system would reduce the influence of money and party leadership, increase transparency and accountability, and ensure that candidates better represent the people they seek to serve.
The group urged the government to lead the implementation of the proposed reforms through amendments to the Political Parties Act, 2000 (Act 574), to empower constituents rather than political party structures in choosing parliamentary candidates.
SPA said the proposed reforms could help restore public confidence in the electoral process, promote good governance, and strengthen Ghana’s democracy.
The statement was signed by Nana Otupiri Darko, General Secretary of the Service Progressive Alliance, who called on political parties and stakeholders to work together toward creating a more inclusive and representative electoral system.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
