President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria following allegations of vote-buying during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ayawaso East parliamentary primary.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Presidency on Saturday night, February 7, 2026.
The decision follows controversy surrounding the party’s primary held on Saturday, in which Baba Jamal contested and emerged victorious. In media interviews after the election, some delegates admitted receiving television sets from one of the aspirants.
Footage circulating on social media also appeared to show delegates being handed 32-inch television sets, allegedly distributed by Baba Jamal’s campaign team.
Also read: Baba Jamal wins NDC Parliamentary Primary for Ayawaso East By-Election
Speaking on Channel One TV, Baba Jamal defended the distribution of the items, insisting they were gifts and not inducements.
“So if you give television sets to people, what is wrong?” he asked. “This is not the first time I have given things to people. If someone gives you a gift, you can accept it. What is wrong is allowing that gift to influence your vote.”
The Presidency said the recall was prompted by allegations that some delegates were induced during the party’s internal election. The statement, signed by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, noted that although multiple candidates faced similar accusations, Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer among them.
“The President noted that while allegations of vote buying were made against several candidates, Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer involved,” the statement said.
As a result, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been directed to begin the necessary administrative and diplomatic processes to effect the recall with immediate effect.
Reports also suggested that boiled eggs were distributed to some delegates during the primary.
Meanwhile, the NDC, in a statement signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, condemned the alleged acts of vote-buying, describing them as contrary to the party’s values and reset agenda.
“The party vehemently condemns these actions in no uncertain terms as they represent an affront to our principles,” the statement said.
The party announced that investigations have begun into the matter and warned that sanctions would be applied where candidates are found culpable. It added that future incidents of inducement and vote-buying could lead to severe sanctions, including the possible cancellation of elections.
Despite the controversy, the primary was held under tight security. Baba Jamal won with 431 votes, defeating Hajia Amina Adam, who secured 399 votes. Mohammed Ramne polled 88 votes, Dr Yakubu Azimdow obtained 45 votes, while Najib Sani received one vote, according to provisional figures.
The Electoral Commission has scheduled March 3, 2025, for the Ayawaso East by-election following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Naser Toure.
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