President John Mahama of Ghana has ordered the immediate recall of the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Ahmed, following allegations linking him to irregularities during the National Democratic Congress, NDC, parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
In a statement released on Saturday in Accra, the Ghanaian Presidency explained that the decision was taken because Ahmed, who reportedly contested in the primaries, is a serving public officer and must be held to the standards outlined in the government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
The Presidency said the move was necessary to prevent any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest, stressing that his continued retention as High Commissioner had become untenable under the circumstances.
“The recall takes effect immediately and is intended to safeguard the integrity of public office and uphold the standards of conduct expected of political appointees,” the statement said.
The action follows allegations of vote buying and voter inducement during the NDC parliamentary primaries held on Saturday in the constituency.
While similar accusations were reportedly made against several aspirants who took part in the exercise, the Presidency noted that decisive steps were required given Ahmed’s diplomatic position.
President Mahama also acknowledged a public announcement by the NDC’s General Secretary confirming that the party had commenced an internal investigation into the alleged malpractice.
“Without prejudice to the ongoing internal party processes, and strictly in view of the standards of conduct expected of public officers, the President considers it necessary to act decisively to preserve the integrity of public office,” the statement added.
The President also directed the Minister for Foreign Affairs to take all necessary administrative and diplomatic measures to effect the recall with immediate effect.
