Winner in the Ayawaso East NDC parliamentary primary, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, has defended giving out television sets and other items to delegates, insisting the gestures were not intended to influence voting.
Speaking to the media after casting his vote at the Nima Cluster of Schools on Saturday, February 7, 2026, Baba Jamal questioned critics of his gifts.
“So if you give television sets to people, what is wrong with it? This is not the first time I am gifting things to people. Those who know me know that every Christmas and every occasion…” he said.
He revealed that he also placed GHS 2.5 million for free loans to support people in his constituency.
Baba Jamal emphasized that gifting is not the same as vote-buying, arguing that the key factor is whether the gift is intended to manipulate voters’ choices.
“If somebody gives you a gift, you can take it. But allowing that gift to influence your vote—that is what is wrong. It is not the item itself; it is the intention behind it,” he explained.
He further noted that gifts have been part of his ongoing community engagement, aimed at bringing people together and providing support rather than swaying the primary.
“I do not think I have gone wrong. I’ve met people, I’ve spoken to them, and I hope they will see reason and come along with me,” he added.
Source: Ernest Kelvin Okanta
