Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed addressing the press
National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament-elect for Ayawaso East Constituency, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, has promised a new chapter for the constituency after winning the March 3 by-election.
He secured 10,884 votes, and defeated the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Yussif Ali Baba, who obtained 4,009 votes.
After being declared winner, Baba Jamal described the result as a collective triumph rather than a personal achievement.
He said, “This victory is not for me alone. It is for the good people of Ayawaso East.”
He thanked residents for the confidence they placed in him, assuring them that their mandate would not be taken for granted.
The MP-elect dedicated his victory to his 93-year-old mother, Mimi, who he said had always believed he would return to Parliament.
“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 stated.
Baba Jamal also acknowledged his wife and children, and expressed appreciation for their support and endurance throughout his political journey.
The MP-elect extended gratitude to the leadership of the NDC at the national, regional and constituency levels, as well as supporters from Akwatia, who joined his campaign efforts.
“I want to also give special thanks to the national executives of NDC, the Chairman and the General Secretary,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to President John Mahama for the opportunity to serve in Nigeria, stating that the experience had strengthened his capacity to contribute effectively in Parliament.
“Let me also give a special thanks to President John Mahama. Once again, for finding me worthy to go and work in Nigeria. Those few months in Nigeria added to my experience, and I am bringing that knowledge back to serve this country better,” he stressed.
Baba Jamal also promised to deliver meaningful change, asserting that he would ensure the constituency receives the development it deserves.
“I want to assure the people of Ayawaso East that the resetting of Ayawaso East 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 pointed out.
He also lauded the media for their continuous coverage during the campaign period and called for partnership.
Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party’s candidate, Baba Ali Yusif, has conceded defeat, stating that he accepts the outcome in good faith.
Speaking to the media at the collation centre on March 3, Baba Yusif said the will of the constituents must be respected.
“The people have made their decision, and that is final. We accept it in good faith,” he said.
The NPP candidate maintained that his team worked tirelessly but fell short of their expectations.
“We campaigned more vigorously than any other candidate. We went house to house, but we couldn’t achieve the outcome we hoped for. Their victory is not surprising,” he remarked.
Baba Yusif also attributed the low voter turnout to what he described as growing public dissatisfaction with the NDC government.
“People have lost confidence in the NDC. If all we can pull is 20,000 votes for all candidates, it means the people have lost confidence,” he asserted.
By Vera Owusu Sarpong & Florence Adom Asamoah