Baba Jamal, the parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso East constituency on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has strongly denied allegations that he engaged in bribery and vote-buying, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
Jamal said he had never offered money or any form of inducement to influence voters or delegates, insisting his political activities have always complied with the law and party regulations.
Speaking to the media in Accra, Jamal, who has been recalled from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria by President John Dramani Mahama with immediate effect, said gifts do not have a timeline.
He said “I wish to state categorically that I, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, have not engaged in any vote buying or electoral malpractice.” He stated that he is willing to cooperate with any investigation related to the matter.
He expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve as High Commissioner to Nigeria, describing it as an honour.
Jamal thanked party members in the Ayawaso East constituency for their confidence in him to lead the NDC in the upcoming parliamentary by-election scheduled for March 3, 2026, reaffirming his dedication to the party and its democratic principles as preparations for the by-election intensify.
The primary saw Baba Jamal emerge victorious with 431 votes. His closest contender, Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late MP Naser Toure, garnered 399 votes, while Mohammed Ramme, Dr Yakubu Azindow, and Mohammed Najib received 88, 45, and 1 votes, respectively.
Baba Jamal’s campaign is alleged to have distributed items, including 32-inch televisions and boiled eggs, to delegates. The campaign has insisted that these gestures were acts of goodwill, not intended to sway the outcome of the internal NDC primaries.
President John Dramani Mahama, following the bribery allegations, directed the immediate recall of Baba Jamal from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria.
The directive, announced in a press statement signed by Minister for Government Communication Felix Kwakye Ofosu on Saturday, February 7, follows Baba Jamal’s participation and subsequent victory in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary for the Ayawaso East Constituency.
While multiple candidates faced allegations of vote-buying during the primaries, President Mahama noted that Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer implicated. He emphasised that, although the NDC has launched its own investigations, decisive action was necessary to uphold the integrity of public office and ensure compliance with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
The recall takes effect immediately. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has been instructed to carry out all necessary administrative and diplomatic procedures to implement the President’s directive.
