The Government of Ghana has recalled its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Ahmed, following allegations linking him to electoral malpractice during a party primary election.
The decision, ordered by President John Mahama, was announced in a presidential statement released on Saturday and took immediate effect. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was directed to begin all required diplomatic and administrative procedures.
The recall is tied to claims of voter inducement and vote-buying during the National Democratic Congress parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency. Ahmed, who was Ghana’s envoy to Nigeria at the time, also contested in the election.
Reports from the primary alleged that items including television sets and food supplies were shared with delegates, actions critics described as inducements. Ahmed, however, denied any wrongdoing, insisting the items were acts of goodwill and not intended to influence votes.
In explaining the move, the Presidency said the recall was necessary to uphold the ethical standards expected of public officers and to prevent any perception of impropriety. It also raised concerns about a possible violation of Ghana’s Code of Conduct for political appointees, which governs the political activities of serving officials.
The Ayawaso East primary was held to choose the NDC’s candidate for a parliamentary by-election following the death of the sitting member of parliament. Ahmed emerged as the winner, polling the highest number of votes among the aspirants.
Meanwhile, the NDC has launched an internal investigation into allegations of inducement and other irregularities surrounding the primary, saying the probe is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes.
