President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate recall of Mr. Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed (Baba Jamal) from his post as Ghana’s
High Commissioner to Nigeria. The directive, issued late Saturday, February 7, 2026, follows a wave of controversy surrounding the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries in Ayawaso East.
The recall marks one of the swiftest disciplinary actions against a high-ranking diplomat in recent history, emphasizing the administration’s "zero-tolerance" stance on the perception of impropriety by political appointees.
The Ayawaso East Controversy
The decision was triggered by reports of voter inducement during the Saturday primaries, where Baba Jamal was contesting for the seat left vacant after the passing of the former legislator in January.
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Allegations: Multiple candidates were accused of vote-buying, but Baba Jamal was specifically targeted for action as the only serving public officer among the aspirants.
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The Result: Despite the controversy, Baba Jamal was declared the winner of the primary, polling 431 votes to defeat his closest rival, Hajia Amina Adam (399 votes).
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Party Response: The NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, confirmed that the party has launched an internal investigation and warned of possible annulment if bribery is proven.
Governance Over Politics
Presidential Spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu clarified that the President’s decision is "without prejudice" to the NDC’s internal investigations. Instead, the move is a strictly administrative enforcement of the Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
The President noted that as a serving diplomat, Baba Jamal is held to a higher standard of conduct. To maintain the integrity of the High Commission in Abuja and avoid a conflict of interest, the recall was deemed necessary to prevent any "perception of impropriety."
Diplomatic Next Steps
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has been directed to:
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Formally notify the Nigerian government of the recall.
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Oversee the administrative transition at the Ghana High Commission in Abuja.
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Ensure that Ghana–Nigeria bilateral relations remain stable during the transition.
The Bottom Line
While Baba Jamal technically won the Ayawaso East primary on Feb 7, his victory cost him his diplomatic post as President Mahama acted to protect the reputation of the public service amid widespread bribery allegations.
