Ghana recalls High Commissioner to Nigeria over alleged role in election rigging

By Goli Innocent

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.

A statement from the Ghanaian Presidency on Saturday in Accra explained that Ahmed, who contested in the primaries, was recalled due to his alleged role in irregularities while serving as a public officer.

The recall takes immediate effect to prevent any perception of impropriety or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.

Although multiple aspirants faced accusations of vote-buying during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries, the Presidency said Ahmed’s continued stay in office had become untenable under the circumstances.

“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 reads.

“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,” it added.

Ahmed’s recall highlights Ghana’s commitment to upholding the integrity of public office and ensuring that allegations of electoral malpractice are taken seriously, even when they involve senior diplomatic officials.

The development comes amid broader scrutiny of internal party primaries and efforts to reinforce transparency in Ghanaian politics.