Ghana recalls Envoy to Nigeria over alleged vote buying

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

The recall, ordered by President John Mahama, was announced in a statement on Saturday.

According to the statement, the directive takes immediate effect, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructed to initiate all necessary diplomatic and administrative procedures to implement the decision.

The government said the action was connected to allegations of voter inducement and vote-buying during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency.

The primary was organised to select the party’s candidate for a parliamentary by-election following the death of the sitting member of the House of Parliament.

Ahmed, who was serving as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria at the time of the primary, was also one of the contestants in the election.

Reports from the exercise alleged that items, including television sets and foodstuffs, were distributed to delegates, actions that opponents and election observers described as inducements intended to influence voting.

While acknowledging the reports, Ahmed has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the items shared were gestures of goodwill and not meant to sway voters’ choices.

Despite his explanation, the government said the recall was necessary to protect the integrity of public office and prevent any perception of impropriety.

“The move was necessary to uphold the ethical standards expected of public officers and to avoid any perception of impropriety,” the statement said.

It added that the decision was also informed by concerns over a possible breach of Ghana’s Code of Conduct for political appointees, which places restrictions on the political activities of serving government officials.

The presidency noted that although Ahmed emerged as the winner of the Ayawaso East primary, securing the highest number of votes among the aspirants, the allegations surrounding the process required decisive action to preserve public confidence in governance and democratic institutions.

Meanwhile, the NDC has announced the commencement of an internal investigation into the allegations of inducement and other irregularities reported during the primary election.

Party officials said the probe is aimed at safeguarding the credibility of the party’s internal democratic processes and ensuring that its candidates emerge through transparent and fair contests.

Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the development to our correspondent in Abuja during a telephone conversation, describing the matter as an internal issue for the Government of Ghana.

“Yes, he has been recalled. The next step is for him to board a flight and return,” Ebienfa said.