President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu as Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The official announcement was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, March 1, 2026, confirming that Baba Sadiq will take up the role pending the completion of the necessary diplomatic processes.

The appointment follows the recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, popularly known as Baba Jamal, who had been serving as Ghana’s envoy to Nigeria. His recall came after he decided to contest the Ayawaso East by-election following the death of the Member of Parliament, Nasser Mahama Toure.

The diplomatic post had come under scrutiny since February 7, 2026, when Baba Jamal was recalled by President Mahama. The decision followed allegations of voter inducement during the National Democratic Congress parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency, a contest Jamal won after seeking to replace the late MP.

By naming Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu as his successor, President Mahama appears to be seeking a reset in Ghana’s diplomatic engagement with Abuja, while also rewarding a prominent figure within the governing party. 

Baba Sadiq, a well-known personality in Ghana’s creative and media industries, most recently served as the National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate for Okaikwei Central during the 2024 general elections.

His transition from domestic partisan politics to frontline diplomacy signals a shift in his public career. As High Commissioner-designate, he is expected to represent Ghana’s interests in Nigeria and work to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.

Ghana and Nigeria share deep historical, cultural and economic links, but relations have at times been tested by trade disputes, migration concerns and regulatory tensions affecting businesses in both countries. The new envoy will therefore assume office at a time when careful diplomacy and sustained engagement are considered crucial.