BY Issah Olegor
Veteran politician and diplomat Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed has officially declared his intention to contest the Ayawaso East parliamentary seat in Nima, following the passing of four-term lawmaker Naser Toure Mahama.
The declaration was made via a podcast broadcast from his base in Nigeria, signaling his re-entry into constituency politics after his recent diplomatic appointment.
Baba Jamal, who previously served as Member of Parliament for Akwatia in the Eastern Region, contested the Ayawaso East NDC primary in the past but was unsuccessful.
He now served as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria during President John Mahama’s second term, gaining international governance experience while maintaining his connections with his home constituency in Nima, Accra.
In his announcement, Baba Jamal addressed his constituents directly, emphasizing a call for unity, development, and transformation in Ayawaso East.
“This is the time we need to change the narrative in East Ayawaso. This is the time we need to come together and give ourselves a different image,” he stated.
He urged the delegates, whom he referred to as the “kingmakers,” to support his bid and highlighted his commitment to collaboration, community development, and improving local governance.
Baba Jamal also reaffirmed his decades-long engagement with the community.
He recalled working with local leaders, including malams, pastors, and chiefs, on various social and economic initiatives.
Over the years, he has spearheaded programs such as Meeme Microfinance, which supports local entrepreneurs, and the Mahama Center, which has helped families reclaim over GH₵ 4 million in inheritance funds.
In 2025, he launched a GH₵ 1 million interest-free loan scheme for female party executives, later extended to spouses of male party officers—demonstrating a commitment to inclusive development.
The announcement comes amid a crowded field of potential aspirants jostling for the NDC ticket in Ayawaso East, including:
Hajia Amina Adams, widow of the departed MP;
Dr. Yakubu Azindow, educationist and policy advocate;
Yahaya Alhassan, social activist with strong grassroots networks; Mahmuda Salley, businessman and local entrepreneur; Abdul Salam Mohammed Darrul, youth activist and nursing officer; Sanda Mohammed Umar, assembly member and Abdul Razzaq Mohammed, party stalwart with long-term involvement in the constituency.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled the by-election for March 3, 2026, with the nomination period from February 9 to 11, 2026.
The seat was vacated following the death of Naser Toure Mahama, and the EC’s rules require the constituency to elect a new representative within 60 days.
Political analysts note that Baba Jamal’s entry strengthens the contest, as he combines community engagement, political experience, and party loyalty, positioning him as a frontrunner among multiple aspirants.
They also anticipate that his longstanding personal ties to Nima and active role in constituency development will influence the delegates’ decision-making during the primary process.
In closing his podcast, Jamal appealed to all constituents to join him in his vision: “Together, we will work together… We need an orientation change. We need to change the conscience of our people. We need to develop our community.”
The coming weeks are expected to see intense campaigning, consultations, and internal party discussions, as the NDC seeks to select a candidate capable of maintaining its stronghold in one of Accra’s most vibrant constituencies.
