Can Baba Jamal stage a successful political comeback in Ayawaso East?

Ghana's former High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, is set to make a major return to frontline politics as he vies for the parliamentary seat in Ayawaso East on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Before entering Parliament, he served as Managing Director of Meeme Business Venture in Akwatia, where he gained experience in management and entrepreneurship

Baba Jamal was a member of the 6th Parliament for Akwatia Constituency.

Baba Jamal wins NDC parliamentary primaries in Ayawaso East

His early political career was characterised by legal challenges, petitions and reruns, particularly after the closely contested 2008 parliamentary election, which ended up in protracted court battles.

In December 2012, Ahmed won the parliamentary seat for Akwatia constituency for the first time, on the ticket of the NDC obtaining 50.44% of the total valid votes cast.

He, however, lost the seat to New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Mercy Ama Sey in the 2016 General Elections after he polled 15,905 votes while Ama Sey garnered 21,433 of the total valid votes cast.

Although he lost his parliamentary seat in the 2016 general elections, he remained active in Ghanaian politics and continued contributing to party strategy and organisation.

After leaving Parliament, he continued to play a significant role within the party.

Global InfoAnalytics poll tips Baba Jamal for 75% win in Ayawaso-East by-election

His next major role took him beyond domestic politics. He was appointed Ghana's former High Commissioner to Nigeria by President John Dramani Mahama.

However, that role was short-lived. Following the death of the incumbent Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, Naser Toure Mahama, Baba Jamal contested and won the NDC parliamentary primaries.

On February 7, 2026, Baba Jamal emerged victorious in the NDC primaries securing 431 votes, narrowly edging out Hajia Amina Adam, the widow of the late MP, who garnered 399 votes.

His win, however, was not without controversy, the NDC set up an internal committee to investigate allegations of vote-buying and voter inducement, but he was subsequently cleared to contest the election.

President John Mahama recalled Baba Jamal from his diplomatic post following the allegations of vote-buying.

March 3 by-election

The March 3, 2026, by-election in Ayawaso East promises to be a closely watched political battle. Baba Jamal faces formidable competition from Baba Ali Yussif (NPP), representing the New Patriotic Party,

Ibrahim Iddrisu (Liberal People’s Party) is also in the race, alongside independent candidates Alhaji Mohammed Umar Sanda and David Kannor.

Umar Sanda’s independent candidacy comes after his expulsion from the NDC for defying party rules.

Baba Jamal has stated that his decision to contest the parliamentary seat is driven by his desire to serve the people at the grassroots level and contribute directly to development in the constituency.

He has said that returning to Parliament will enable him to advocate for improved infrastructure, youth employment, education, and community welfare programs.

His campaign has focused heavily on community engagement and long-term development initiatives for residents of Ayawaso East.

An opinion poll by Global InfoAnalytics has projected a strong victory for Baba Jamal.

The survey, conducted between February 28 and March 1, 2026, sampled 972 voters across the constituency. The results suggest that Baba Jamal has built a commanding lead ahead of election day.

According to the polls, the NDC candidate is projected to secure 75% of the vote, placing him far ahead of his main opponent, Baba Ali, who is projected to obtain 21% of the votes.

While the poll shows strong support for the NDC, the final outcome will ultimately be decided by voters on March 3, 2026.

JKB/VPO

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