The Government of Ghana has recalled its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Ahmed, following allegations linking him to electoral malpractice during a party primary election in Ghana. The recall, ordered by President John Mahama, has taken immediate effect and has drawn attention both in Ghana and Nigeria because of the diplomatic position held by Ahmed at the time of the alleged incident.
The decision was announced in a presidential statement issued on Saturday. According to the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to begin the necessary diplomatic and administrative procedures to formalise the recall. The government said the action was taken in the interest of integrity, transparency, and public trust.
The recall is 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 an upcoming parliamentary by-election.
The by-election became necessary following the death of the sitting member of parliament representing the constituency. As required by Ghana’s electoral process, the ruling party in the constituency, the NDC, moved to choose a new candidate through an internal primary election.
Mohammed Ahmed, who was Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria at the time, contested in the primary election alongside other aspirants. Reports from the exercise alleged that inducements were given to delegates to influence their votes. These allegations have since generated public debate and concern.
According to reports from party members and observers at the primary, items such as television sets, foodstuffs, and other materials were distributed to some delegates. Critics of the exercise described the distribution as an attempt to buy votes and compromise the fairness of the election.
Ahmed has denied the allegations. He maintained that the items shared were acts of goodwill and not intended to influence voting. According to him, the gestures were misunderstood and should not be seen as inducement or bribery.
Despite his defence, the Presidency said the recall was necessary to uphold ethical standards expected of public officers, especially those holding sensitive diplomatic positions.
“The move was necessary to uphold the ethical standards expected of public officers and to avoid any perception of impropriety,” the statement said.
The government also raised concerns about a possible breach of Ghana’s Code of Conduct for political appointees. The code regulates the political activities of serving officials, particularly those holding appointments that require neutrality and high moral conduct.
Although Ahmed emerged as the winner of the Ayawaso East primary, securing the highest number of votes among the aspirants, the controversy surrounding the process has continued to grow. Some party members have called for a thorough review of the primary, while others have urged the leadership to take firm action to protect the image of the party.
The National Democratic Congress has also responded to the situation. In a separate statement, the party announced that it had launched an internal investigation into the allegations of inducement and other irregularities linked to the primary election.
According to party officials, the probe is aimed at protecting the credibility of the NDC and ensuring that its internal democratic processes remain transparent and fair. The party said it would not tolerate actions that undermine its values or damage public confidence.
“The party is committed to internal democracy and fairness,” an NDC official said. “Any conduct that goes against these principles will be fully investigated and addressed.”
The development has sparked reactions across Ghana, with civil society groups and political commentators offering different views. While some have praised the government for acting swiftly, others have called for due process and warned against rushing to judgment before investigations are concluded.
In Nigeria, the recall has also attracted attention because of the close diplomatic and economic ties between both countries. Ghana and Nigeria share strong historical relations, and their high commissioners play key roles in managing bilateral issues, including trade, migration, and regional security.
Diplomatic sources in Abuja said the recall would not affect relations between the two countries. They explained that recalling an envoy for internal political reasons is a normal diplomatic practice and does not signal any dispute between Ghana and Nigeria.
Mohammed Ahmed was appointed High Commissioner to Nigeria to represent Ghana’s interests in one of its most important diplomatic postings. Nigeria hosts a large Ghanaian community and is a major partner in West Africa. The High Commission in Abuja handles a wide range of issues, including consular services and political engagement.
Under diplomatic rules, a recalled envoy is expected to return home to address the issues leading to the recall. The government may later decide whether to redeploy, discipline, or replace the official, depending on the outcome of investigations.
The issue has also reopened discussions about vote buying and inducement in African politics. Across the continent, electoral malpractice remains a major concern, especially during party primaries and general elections. Critics argue that such practices weaken democracy and reduce public trust in political institutions.
In Ghana, which is often praised for its democratic stability, authorities have repeatedly promised to tackle electoral misconduct. Observers say actions like the recall of a serving envoy send a strong message that no one is above ethical rules.
As investigations by both the government and the NDC continue, attention will remain on the Ayawaso East primary and its outcome. The party’s final decision on the matter could influence the by-election and shape public opinion ahead of future elections.
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