The Government of Ghana has recalled its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Ahmed, following allegations of electoral misconduct during a party primary election in the country.
The recall was ordered by President John Mahama and confirmed in a presidential statement on Saturday, with immediate effect. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was directed to carry out the necessary diplomatic and administrative arrangements.
The decision comes amid claims 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, was also a candidate in the primary election.
Reports indicated that items such as television sets and foodstuffs were distributed to delegates, actions that critics described as inducements. Ahmed, however, defended the gestures, saying they were acts of goodwill and not intended to influence the outcome of the vote.
In explaining the recall, the Presidency said the move was necessary to maintain the ethical standards expected of public officers and to prevent any perception of impropriety. The government also highlighted potential violations of Ghana’s Code of Conduct for political appointees, which regulates the political involvement of serving officials.
“The Ayawaso East primary was organised to select the NDC’s candidate for a parliamentary by-election following the death of the sitting member of parliament. Ahmed emerged victorious, securing the highest number of votes among the aspirants,” the statement noted.
Meanwhile, the NDC has launched an internal investigation into the alleged inducements and other irregularities during the primary, aiming to safeguard the integrity of its internal democratic processes.
