President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed from his post as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, citing the need to uphold standards governing the conduct of public office holders.
The directive was announced on Saturday, February 7, through a press statement signed by the Minister of Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu. According to the statement, the decision follows Baba Jamal’s active participation in, and subsequent victory at, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
Baba Jamal, who served as Ghana’s envoy to Nigeria at the time of the primary, won the closely contested race with 431 votes, narrowly defeating Hajia Amina Adam, who polled 399 votes. The election drew widespread attention both within the party and in the broader public space due to its competitiveness and allegations surrounding campaign conduct.
In explaining the decision, the Presidency acknowledged that allegations of vote inducement and improper conduct were raised against multiple aspirants during the primary. However, President Mahama noted that Baba Jamal was the only contestant who was also a serving public officer at the time of the election. As such, his involvement raised specific concerns regarding compliance with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
The President emphasised that while the NDC has initiated its own internal investigations into issues arising from the primary, the executive arm of government could not ignore the implications of a senior diplomat participating in a partisan electoral contest. The recall, the statement said, was therefore necessary to protect the integrity of public office and reinforce ethical standards within government.
“The decision underscores the President’s commitment to ensuring that public officers adhere strictly to the Code of Conduct and avoid actions that may undermine public confidence in state institutions,” the statement noted.
The recall takes effect immediately, bringing Baba Jamal’s diplomatic assignment in Abuja to an end. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has been directed to oversee all administrative and diplomatic steps required to formally implement the recall and ensure continuity at Ghana’s High Commission in Nigeria.
Diplomatic sources say the Foreign Affairs Ministry is expected to notify Nigerian authorities through the appropriate channels and make interim arrangements to manage Ghana’s diplomatic representation in Abuja until a replacement or acting High Commissioner is appointed.
Baba Jamal’s recall comes at a politically sensitive time, as the NDC prepares for the Ayawaso East by-election following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament. As the party’s newly elected parliamentary candidate, Baba Jamal is expected to now focus fully on campaigning to retain the seat for the NDC.
Political analysts say the President’s action sends a strong signal about the separation between public office and partisan political activity, particularly for individuals occupying sensitive positions such as diplomatic posts. They note that ambassadors and high commissioners are expected to maintain political neutrality while in office, even when they are known party affiliates.
Supporters of the move argue that it reinforces discipline within government and prevents conflicts of interest, while critics contend that the timing may complicate the party’s preparations for the by-election. Nevertheless, the Presidency maintains that adherence to ethical standards must take precedence over political considerations.
Within the NDC, reactions have been mixed. Some party members have welcomed the decision as a necessary step to protect the party’s image and demonstrate accountability, while others have expressed concern about its potential impact on campaign momentum in Ayawaso East.
As of Saturday evening, Baba Jamal had not issued a formal public response to the recall. However, party sources say he remains committed to working with the NDC leadership and grassroots supporters to secure victory in the upcoming by-election.
The development adds a new dimension to the political landscape in Ayawaso East and highlights the broader debate over the role of public officers in active partisan politics. With the recall now in effect, attention is expected to shift to how quickly the Foreign Affairs Ministry completes the transition and how the NDC manages unity as it heads into a crucial electoral contest.
Source: Africa Publicity
