Ayawaso East MP-elect, NDC’s Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, says his recent assignment in Nigeria has strengthened his resolve and sharpened his experience as he prepares to return to Parliament.

“Once again for finding me worthy to go and work in Nigeria. Those few months that I stayed in Nigeria have added to my experience, which I’m taking to Parliament to serve this country better.”

He secured victory in the by-election with 10,884 votes, defeating the NPP’s Yussif Ali Baba, who polled 4,009 votes.

Moments after he was declared the winner, Baba Jamal framed the victory as collective rather than personal.

“I want to thank the Almighty Allah for giving us this victory. I want to state that this victory is not for me, Baba Jamal alone; it’s for the good people of Ayawaso East.”

He expressed gratitude to constituents for renewing their confidence in him.

“So I want to thank all of them for having confidence in me and electing me as their parliamentary candidate-elect.”

The win, he said, carries deep personal meaning. He dedicated it to his 93-year-old mother.

“Let me state that I dedicate this victory to my 93-year-old mother, Mimi, for promising to support me and ensuring that one day I will go back to Parliament. Today, her vision and wish have come true.”

He thanked Allah for her life and extended appreciation to his immediate family.

“I also want to thank my wife here and my family, my children, for the spirit of endurance that they’ve gone through since I made this project my vision to go back to Parliament. I know they’ve gone through a lot, and I thank them for standing beside me and supporting me all this time.”

Baba Jamal acknowledged the backing of the NDC hierarchy and grassroots supporters.

“I want to also give special thanks to the national executives of NDC, the chairman and the General Secretary. I also want to thank the regional executives of Greater Accra. I want to also thank the constituency executives of Ayawaso East and, more so, my people from Akwatia who came in their numbers to support me for this project.”

He reserved special appreciation for President John Mahama for the opportunity to serve abroad, saying the experience in Nigeria has prepared him for the task ahead.

Looking forward, he promised immediate action.

“I want to assure the people of Ayawaso East that the resetting of East Ayawaso starts now. We are going to Parliament. We are coming to reset the whole constituency and ensure that what Ayawaso East deserves comes to pass.”

He also extended gratitude to the media for their sustained coverage.

“For all this year that the press you have been chasing, working with us… I understand that sometimes, late at night, you follow us. I want to thank the press for your support.”

He signalled a partnership approach with the media going forward.

“I want to believe that I’m going to form a partnership with the press as we reset Ayawaso East, so we are going to work together. Please correct us when we are wrong, but please do that in a good and proper professional way.”

With his return to Parliament secured, Baba Jamal says he is bringing renewed experience, gratitude and a promise to “reset” Ayawaso East.