Accra: Following the confirmation of Baba Jamal Ahmed Mohammed as the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election, a video has emerged of him defending his decision to leave his position as Ghana's High Commissioner to Nigeria for Parliament. In the video, Baba Jamal is seen refuting assertions that his decision to give up his position as High Commissioner to contest for a seat in Parliament is motivated by greed.
According to Ghana Web, Baba Jamal expressed that his decision to become a Member of Parliament is motivated by his desire to serve the people of Ayawaso East, emphasizing that his remuneration as High Commissioner is three times that of a legislator. He stated, 'My condition of service [as a high commissioner] is three times that of an MP, but I have decided to leave all and come and serve my people. So, the question everybody should ask is, what is your motivation?'
Baba Jamal further clarified his motivations by declaring, 'My brothers and sisters, I am not motivated by material things. I am motivated by human service. I am not materialistic.' He provided details of his benefits as High Commissioner, including a travel allowance of $547 for official trips within Nigeria, among others.
He explained, 'Every day I spend out there, I am given $547. My telephone allowance is $600. At the end of the month, all that I buy from my $12,000 is food. And so I won't even spend $1,000 on my food.' Baba Jamal, who is also a former Member of Parliament for Akwatia in the Eastern Region, aims to return to Parliament with his candidacy for the Ayawaso East seat.