Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, says his decision to return home to contest the Ayawaso East parliamentary seat is driven by a deep sense of duty and service to his people, not personal or material gain.

Speaking to journalists after submitting his nomination forms at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Jamal confirmed that his documents had been duly received and accepted by the party.

“I have officially presented my documents to the regional office. They have gone through them, accepted everything, and handed my copy back to me,” he said.

He disclosed that vetting for all aspirants who filed nominations is expected to take place the following day, and expressed appreciation to the media for their interest and coverage of the process.

The former Deputy Minister and one-time Member of Parliament is seeking to return to Parliament after serving the country in a diplomatic capacity in Nigeria. His decision has sparked public debate, with some questioning why he would step away from a high-profile international posting to re-enter domestic politics.

Responding to the concerns, Mr Jamal said his motivation is firmly grounded in humanism and public service.

“My motivation is not materialistic. My motivation is humanism and service to people. I am motivated to come down and serve my people,” he stated.

While acknowledging the honour of his role as High Commissioner, he said he believes his presence is needed more urgently in Ayawaso East and within Ghana’s national political space at this time.

“Even though I am serving the nation out there, I believe there is a greater task on me to come and serve my people here. My presence here will be more useful to my people and to the nation,” he explained.

According to him, leadership sometimes demands difficult decisions.

“When duty calls, where you are needed more, you need to respond. I am responding to the several calls by my people to come down and serve them,” he said.

Mr Jamal assured constituents of his commitment to integrity and hard work if given the opportunity.

“Inshallah, I will continue to serve my people with all my heart and with all my strength,” he added.

Political background and context

Baba Jamal served one term as Member of Parliament for the Akwatia Constituency in the Eastern Region. He was first elected in the 2012 general election and served from 7 January 2013 to 6 January 2017, before losing his seat in the 2016 polls.

He has also previously contested the Ayawaso East NDC parliamentary primary. In the 2024 primaries, Mr Jamal lost to the then-incumbent MP, Nasser Mahama Toure, polling 309 votes against Toure’s 452. The death of the sitting MP has now necessitated a by-election.

Mr Jamal’s latest bid for the Ayawaso East seat is widely seen as part of a political comeback, with the former MP positioning himself as an experienced public servant ready to represent the interests of his constituents both in Parliament and at the national level.

He is contesting the NDC primary ahead of the February 7, 2026, by-election, having taken leave from his diplomatic post to focus on the campaign.