Ghana’s President John Mahama has recalled the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Ahmed, over alleged links to electoral malpractice during his party’s parliamentary primaries.
A statement from the Ghanaian Presidency on Saturday said Ahmed, who contested in the National Democratic Congress primaries for the Ayawaso East Constituency, was recalled because of allegations tied to the exercise.
The Presidency said the decision takes immediate effect and is meant to prevent any perception of impropriety or conflict with the government’s code of conduct for political appointees.
According to the statement, Ahmed’s continued stay in office was no longer appropriate under the circumstances. It noted that allegations of voter inducement were raised against several aspirants who took part in the primaries.
The recall follows reports of irregularities during the NDC parliamentary primaries held on Saturday in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
President Mahama directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to carry out the recall after the party’s General Secretary announced that an internal investigation had begun.
“The President has noted the public statement by the General Secretary of the NDC indicating that the party has commenced investigations,” the statement said.
It added that the President acted to protect the integrity of public office while party investigations continue, and instructed the Foreign Affairs Minister to complete the necessary diplomatic steps.
