The National Democratic Congress candidate in the ongoing Ayawaso East by-election and Ghana’s ex-High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal has cast his vote in the race he is highly tipped to win.

He called for a peaceful and orderly electoral process, after he cast his vote at the Alhaji Iddrisu House 2 polling station in the constituency.

Speaking to the press, Baba Jamal expressed gratitude to supporters and journalists alike. “Finally, I have voted at my polling station. I am very grateful to all of you for your participation and coverage,” he said. “This has not been an easy journey, starting from the primaries through to today, but I thank Almighty Allah for guiding me through to this point.”

He said he had visited more than 25 polling stations and commended the Ghana Police Service for maintaining law and order. “The process has been very, very peaceful. We commend the police for taking good care of the process,” he noted.

Acknowledging the apparent lack of voter enthusiasm, Baba Jamal attributed it to the predominantly Muslim nature of the community (Muslims are fasting in the month of Ramadan), and expressed optimism that participation would increase as the day progresses. He also called on his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding. “

We want to see a peaceful process, a peaceful election. We pray that Almighty Allah, in this month of Ramadan, will ensure that we have a peaceful process. It is God who makes kings; my prayer is that if God decides my fate, He will remember me in His blessings and grant me the opportunity to lead the people of East Ayawaso,” he added.

Baba Jamal reiterated that his motivation for entering politics is rooted in service rather than material gain.

“I am not motivated by materialistic things. I am motivated by human service, and that is why I am here—to serve my people. I have done it before in Akwatia, and I am confident I will do it even better in Ayawaso East.”

He thanked the media and the electorate, emphasising the importance of fair reporting and a peaceful electoral process. “Thank you all, and I wish you well as the day goes by. Please, let us all report fairly,” he said.

The Ayawaso East by-election was triggered by the death of sitting MP Naser Toure Mahama, who passed away on January 4 after a brief illness. Five candidates are contesting the seat, with NDC's Baba Jamal widely tipped as the frontrunner based on pre-election polling.