President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, popularly known as Baba Jamal, from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The decision was announced following allegations of voter inducement and vote-buying during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency, in which Baba Jamal was a contestant.
In a directive to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the President noted that while allegations of inducement have been levelled against more than one aspirant in the Ayawaso East contest, Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer among them. The presidency indicated that this distinction required decisive action consistent with the standards of conduct expected of holders of public office.
President Mahama also referenced a statement from the NDC General Secretary confirming that the party has initiated internal investigations into the alleged irregularities associated with the primaries.
The recall, according to the statement, is without prejudice to the ongoing internal processes of the party. However, in line with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees and the need to safeguard the integrity of public office while avoiding any perception of impropriety or conflict of interest, the President deemed it necessary to act promptly.
The directive takes immediate effect. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been instructed to begin the required administrative and diplomatic procedures to facilitate the recall.
The statement was issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP), Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
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