The Government of Ghana has recalled its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Ahmed, following allegations linking him to electoral malpractice during the recent parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
President John Mahama ordered the immediate recall after claims of voter inducement emerged from the National Democratic Congress primaries held on Saturday.
Ahmed, who reportedly participated as an aspirant in the contest, was accused of engaging in activities considered incompatible with his role as a serving public officer.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ghanaian Presidency in Accra, the government said the decision was taken to uphold the integrity of public office and to prevent any appearance of conflict of interest.
“In view of the standards of conduct expected of political appointees, the President considers it necessary to act decisively to preserve public confidence in state institutions,” the statement said.
The Presidency explained that although allegations of vote-buying were raised against multiple aspirants, Ahmed’s continued service as High Commissioner was deemed untenable under the circumstances.
“Without prejudice to ongoing internal party investigations, the recall takes immediate effect to avoid any perception of impropriety,” the statement added.
President Mahama also directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to take all necessary diplomatic and administrative steps to implement the recall.
The move follows a public announcement by the NDC’s General Secretary, who confirmed that the party had launched an internal investigation into allegations arising from the primaries.
“The party has commenced investigations into reports of voter inducement during the Ayawaso East primaries,” the NDC official stated.
The Ghanaian government emphasized that the recall does not pre-empt the outcome of the party’s internal processes but reflects the administration’s commitment to ethical governance and accountability among public office holders.
