Ghana Recalls High Commissioner to Nigeria Over Alleged Election Malpractice

President John Mahama has recalled Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Ahmed, following allegations of electoral misconduct during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Accra, the Presidency said the recall takes immediate effect. Mr Ahmed, who was also an aspirant in the primaries, is alleged to have been involved in voter inducement while serving as a public officer.

The Presidency said the decision was taken to prevent any perception of impropriety and to uphold the government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees. It noted that although similar allegations were made against several aspirants, Mr Ahmed’s position as a serving diplomat made his continued stay in office untenable.

The move follows reports of voter inducement during the party’s primaries held earlier in the day. The statement referenced a public announcement by the NDC General Secretary confirming that the party had begun an internal investigation into the incident.

President Mahama directed the Minister for Foreign Affairs to carry out the recall and complete the necessary administrative and diplomatic procedures.

According to the statement, the action is intended to safeguard the integrity of public office while investigations proceed.