The Government of Ghana has recalled its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Baba Ahmed, following allegations linking him to electoral malpractice during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
The recall was announced in a statement issued by the Ghanaian Presidency on Saturday in Accra.
According to the statement, President John Mahama ordered the immediate recall of the High Commissioner after allegations emerged that Ahmed, who is also an aspirant in the primaries, may have engaged in conduct inconsistent with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
The Presidency explained that the decision was taken to prevent any perception of impropriety or conflict of interest, stressing that Ahmed’s continued stay in office was no longer tenable under the circumstances.
Although allegations of voter inducement were reportedly levelled against several aspirants who participated in the primaries, the Presidency said decisive action was required to uphold the integrity of public office.
The recall followed reports of alleged vote buying during the NDC parliamentary primaries held on Saturday in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
The statement disclosed that President Mahama directed the Minister for Foreign Affairs to initiate the recall after the NDC’s General Secretary publicly confirmed that the party had commenced internal investigations into the allegations.
“The President has 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 said.
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