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 in Ghana.
The recall was ordered by President John Mahama and confirmed in a presidential statement issued on Saturday. The directive takes immediate effect, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructed to commence the necessary diplomatic and administrative procedures.
According to the statement, the decision is connected to allegations of voter inducement and vote-buying during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
Ahmed, who was serving as Ghana’s envoy to Nigeria at the time, also contested in the primary election. Reports from the exercise alleged that items including television sets and foodstuffs were distributed to delegates, actions critics described as inducements. Ahmed has, however, denied wrongdoing, insisting the items were gestures of goodwill and not intended to influence voters.
Explaining the recall, the Presidency said the move was necessary to uphold the ethical standards expected of public office holders and to prevent any perception of impropriety. The government also cited concerns over a possible breach of Ghana’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees, which regulates the political activities of serving officials.
The Ayawaso East primary was conducted to select the NDC’s candidate for a parliamentary by-election following the death of the sitting lawmaker. Ahmed reportedly emerged winner of the contest, polling the highest number of votes among the aspirants.
Meanwhile, the NDC has announced the commencement of an internal investigation into allegations of inducement and other irregularities during the primary, saying the probe is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the party’s internal democratic process.
