President John Mahama of Ghana has ordered the immediate 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 issued by the Ghanaian Presidency in Accra on Saturday said Ahmed, who was an aspirant in the primaries, was recalled due to his alleged role in voter inducement while serving as a public officer.
According to the statement, the decision takes immediate effect and is aimed at preventing any perception of impropriety or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
It noted that Ahmed’s continued stay in office had become untenable under the circumstances, even though allegations of vote-buying were reportedly made against several aspirants who took part in the exercise.
The action followed claims of voter inducement during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries held on Saturday in the constituency.
The Presidency said the recall was ordered after the NDC’s General Secretary announced that the party had begun investigations into 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 of Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to give effect to this directive,” the statement said.