President John Dramani Mahama has sacked Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, following allegations of vote-buying linked to the recent NDC parliamentary primaries in Ayawaso East.
The decision takes immediate effect and was announced in a statement issued on February 7, 2026, by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
According to the Presidency, allegations of inducement surfaced during the highly contested NDC primaries, in which Baba Jamal emerged as the winner. While the claims were reportedly made against multiple candidates, the statement emphasized that Baba Jamal was the only serving public office holder, necessitating decisive action.
The move, the Presidency explained, is aimed at protecting the integrity of public office and ensuring strict adherence to the government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
Following the dismissal, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been directed to immediately initiate the required administrative and diplomatic processes to effect Baba Jamal’s recall from Nigeria.
The controversy stems from the NDC parliamentary primary in Ayawaso East, held ahead of a by-election scheduled for March 3, 2026, necessitated by the death of the sitting MP, Naser Toure Mahama.
Baba Jamal won the primary with 431 votes, narrowly defeating Hajia Amina Adam, who polled 399 votes. Former Constituency Chairman Mohammed Ramne placed third with 88 votes, while Najib Mohammed Sani secured one vote.
Meanwhile, the NDC has announced the commencement of internal investigations into the alleged vote-buying claims surrounding the primaries.
The Ayawaso East contest has since sparked intense public debate, with growing calls for greater transparency, accountability, and fairness in internal party elections across the political divide.
By paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
