The Government of Ghana has recalled its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, following allegations of electoral malpractice during a National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
The recall was ordered by President John Mahama and announced in a presidential statement over the weekend, taking effect immediately.
According to the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to carry out all necessary diplomatic and administrative processes.
The move comes after reports that Ahmed, who was contesting in the primary while serving as Ghana’s envoy to Nigeria, was allegedly involved in voter inducement and vote buying, with items such as televisions and foodstuffs reportedly distributed to delegates.
Ahmed, however, maintains that these were gestures of goodwill and not intended to influence votes.
The presidency explained that the recall was necessary to uphold ethical standards for public officers and avoid perceptions of impropriety, citing potential breaches of Ghana’s Code of Conduct for political appointees.
Ahmed reportedly won the primary, securing the highest votes among the aspirants.
In response, the NDC has launched an internal investigation into the allegations to safeguard the integrity of its internal democratic processes.
Observers noted that the recall is a rare diplomatic action, reflecting the Mahama administration’s emphasis on accountability and ethical conduct in public office.
