By Emmanuel Nduka Emmanuel
President John Mahama has recalled the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Ahmed, following allegations of his involvement in electoral irregularities during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries for the Ayawaso East Constituency.
A statement issued by the Ghanaian Presidency in Accra on Saturday said the decision followed claims of misconduct against Ahmed, who was a contestant in the primaries, and concerns over his conduct while serving as a public officer.
According to the statement, the recall takes immediate effect and is intended to prevent any perception of impropriety or conflict with the government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
While acknowledging that several aspirants faced accusations of vote-buying during the primaries, the Presidency noted that Ahmed’s continued stay in office had become untenable given the circumstances surrounding his alleged actions.
“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,” the statement said.
“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,” it added.
The statement further disclosed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to give effect to the recall.
The Ghanaian government said Ahmed’s recall underscores its stance on accountability and resolve to uphold ethical standards in public service, even when senior diplomatic officials are involved.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of internal party primaries in Ghana and renewed efforts to strengthen transparency and credibility in the country’s political process.
