President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu as Ghana’s High Commissioner-Designate to Nigeria, marking a significant diplomatic move aimed at strengthening relations between the two West African nations.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The appointment is seen not merely as a routine diplomatic change, but as a strategic step to reinforce Ghana’s representation in Africa’s most populous country and largest economy.
Baba Sadiq is a well-known figure in Ghana’s public space, particularly within the creative and media industries. In recent years, he has also been active in partisan politics, serving as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Okaikwei Central during the 2024 general elections. His transition from domestic politics to diplomacy signals a new chapter in his public service career.
As High Commissioner-Designate, Sadiq will be responsible for advancing Ghana’s interests in Nigeria across several critical areas. Chief among these is the promotion of economic growth through deeper trade and commercial partnerships between the two countries, both key players within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Strengthening cultural exchange will also form part of his mandate, building on the shared historical and social ties that connect the peoples of Ghana and Nigeria. In addition, he is expected to help maintain diplomatic stability in a region often shaped by complex political and security dynamics.
The appointment also represents a reset of Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Nigeria following the recall of the previous High Commissioner, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, popularly known as Baba Jamal. He was recalled on February 7, 2026, after allegations of voter inducement during the NDC parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency, a contest he had won while seeking to replace the late Member of Parliament, Nasser Mahama Toure.
With Baba Sadiq’s nomination, the Mahama administration appears intent on restoring focus and stability to one of Ghana’s most important foreign missions. His confirmation and subsequent tenure will be closely watched as Ghana works to deepen its diplomatic and economic engagement with Nigeria.
