Ghanaian President John Mahama has ordered the recall of the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Ahmed, over alleged involvement in electoral malpractice during the parliamentary primaries for the Ayawaso East Constituency.
A statement from the Ghanaian Presidency issued on Saturday in Accra said Ahmed, who was also an aspirant, was recalled because of his alleged participation in election malpractice while serving as a public official.
The statement noted that the recall takes immediate effect and was taken to prevent any perception of wrongdoing or a breach of the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
It added that his continued stay in office was no longer appropriate under the circumstances, even though allegations of vote buying were reportedly made against several aspirants who took part in the primaries.
The move follows claims of voter inducement during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries held on Saturday in the constituency.
According to the statement, the president directed the Minister for Foreign Affairs to carry out the recall after the NDC’s General Secretary announced that the party had begun investigating the incident.
“The President has also noted the public statement by the General Secretary of the NDC indicating that the party has commenced investigations into the allegations arising from the primaries.
“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 recall takes effect immediately, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to give effect to this directive,” the statement added.
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