President John Mahama of Ghana has recalled the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Ahmed, over alleged involvement in electoral malpractices during the parliamentary primaries for the Ayawaso East Constituency.
The Ghanaian Presidency announced Ahmed’s recall in a statement issued on Saturday in Accra. Ahmed, who is also an aspirant, was recalled following claims linking him to misconduct in the election process while serving as a public officer.
The recall takes immediate effect. The Presidency said the action is meant to prevent any perception of wrongdoing or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
Ahmed’s continued stay in office was no longer sustainable under the circumstances, the Presidency said. Several aspirants who took part in the primaries faced allegations of vote buying.
The recall follows reports of voter inducement during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries held on Saturday in the constituency.
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Mahama directed the Minister for Foreign Affairs to carry out the recall after the NDC’s General Secretary announced that the party had begun an investigation 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 for Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to give effect to this directive,” the statement added.
(NAN)