Ghana withdraws envoy from Nigeria amid alleged electoral irregularities

The Government of Ghana has recalled its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Ahmed, amid allegations connecting him to electoral misconduct during a party primary election in Ghana.

The decision, directed by President John Mahama, was communicated in a presidential statement released on Saturday. The recall took immediate effect, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tasked with handling all required diplomatic and administrative procedures.

The action follows claims of voter inducement and vote-buying during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency. At the time of the election, Ahmed was serving as Ghana’s envoy to Nigeria and was also a candidate in the contest.

Reports from the primary alleged that items including television sets and food supplies were distributed to delegates, which critics described as inducements. Ahmed has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the items were acts of goodwill and not meant to influence voters.

In explaining the recall, the Presidency said the decision was taken to uphold the ethical standards expected of public officials and to prevent any perception of impropriety. The government also pointed to concerns over a potential violation of Ghana’s Code of Conduct for political appointees, which regulates the political involvement of serving officials.

The Ayawaso East primary was conducted to select the NDC’s candidate for a parliamentary by-election following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament. Ahmed emerged as the winner, securing the highest number of votes among the contestants.

Meanwhile, the NDC has announced the launch of an internal investigation into allegations of inducement and other irregularities linked to the primary. Party officials said the inquiry is intended to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes.