President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, popularly known as Baba Jamal, following allegations of voter inducement during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
Baba Jamal, who was one of the candidates in the closely watched primaries held on Saturday, has been accused—alongside other contenders—of engaging in vote-buying. However, the Presidency noted that Baba Jamal stood out as “the only serving public officer among them,” a distinction that influenced the President’s decision to act swiftly.
In a directive addressed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, President Mahama stressed that while allegations were made against multiple candidates, the standards expected of public office holders required a firmer response in Baba Jamal’s case.
“Without prejudice to the ongoing internal party processes,”the President said, the recall was necessary “to preserve the integrity of public office and to avoid any perception of impropriety or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.”
The decision also comes amid confirmation from the General Secretary of the NDC that the party has launched its own investigations into the allegations arising from the primaries. The President acknowledged the party’s internal processes but made it clear that executive responsibility demanded immediate action.
The recall takes effect immediately, with the Minister for Foreign Affairs directed to “take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps” to implement the decision.
The move has already sparked debate within political circles, with some viewing it as a strong signal that the Mahama administration intends to enforce ethical standards among public officers, regardless of political affiliation or internal party considerations.
For now, Baba Jamal’s recall underscores a broader message from the Presidency: public office comes with heightened responsibility and allegations that threaten public trust will not be taken lightly.
