President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, popularly known as Baba Jamal, following allegations of voter inducement during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries held in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
The directive, announced in an official statement issued by the Presidency Communications Unit on Friday, marks a swift and decisive response by the President in the wake of growing concerns about the conduct of public officials involved in partisan political contests.
Decision Triggered by Allegations During NDC Primaries
According to the statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP), Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, the recall follows reports of alleged vote-buying activities during the party’s internal elections in Ayawaso East, in which Mr Baba Jamal contested as a candidate.
While allegations of voter inducement were reportedly raised against multiple aspirants during the primaries, the President noted that Baba Jamal stood out as the only contestant who is currently serving as a public officer in a high-ranking diplomatic capacity.
“The President noted that, while the allegations of vote-buying were made against multiple candidates who contested the primaries, Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer among them,” the statement emphasized.
Maintaining Integrity of Public Office
The recall, the Presidency explained, is consistent with the standards of conduct expected of political appointees and public officeholders, particularly those representing Ghana abroad.
President Mahama, the statement said, considers it necessary to act decisively to preserve public confidence in state institutions and avoid any perception of impropriety or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
“Strictly in view of the standards of conduct expected of public officers, the President considers it necessary to act decisively to preserve the integrity of public office,” the release stated.
The move signals a broader commitment by the administration to uphold accountability and ethical governance, even within the context of internal party political processes.
NDC Commences Internal Investigations
The President also acknowledged a public statement made by the General Secretary of the NDC indicating that the party has initiated its own investigations into the allegations arising from the Ayawaso East primaries.
Although the recall does not prejudge the outcome of these internal processes, the Presidency stressed that immediate administrative action was required given the sensitive nature of Baba Jamal’s diplomatic position and the expectations associated with representing Ghana internationally.
The recall, therefore, is being implemented “without prejudice to the ongoing internal party processes,” the statement clarified.
President Mahama has directed the Minister for Foreign Affairs to take all necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to ensure the directive takes immediate effect.
“The recall takes effect immediately, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to give effect to this directive,” the statement concluded.
This development is expected to generate significant political discussion, particularly as it touches on issues of electoral integrity, internal party discipline, and the conduct of state officials participating in partisan contests.
Political observers say the President’s action reflects an effort to reinforce discipline among political appointees and demonstrate intolerance for practices that undermine democratic credibility.
The recall also raises broader questions about the intersection of public office and active political ambition, especially where allegations of misconduct emerge during competitive electoral processes.
As investigations continue within the NDC, many Ghanaians will be watching closely to see whether further disciplinary measures or legal proceedings follow.
For now, the recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria represents one of the most high-profile responses yet by the Mahama administration in its stated pursuit of integrity in public service.
