Prosper Okoye
Ghana has recalled its high commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, over allegations that he was involved in vote-buying during a party primary election, the presidency said.
The recall was ordered by President John Dramani Mahama and took immediate effect, according to a statement released over the weekend. The Foreign Ministry was directed to complete the required diplomatic procedures.
The move follows allegations that Ahmed offered inducements to delegates during a National Democratic Congress, or NDC, parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East constituency.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAhmed, who was Ghana’s envoy to Nigeria at the time, was also a candidate in the contest.
Local media reported that items including television sets and food were distributed to delegates during the primary.
Critics said the items were intended to influence voting, an allegation Ahmed has denied, saying they were gestures of goodwill.
The presidency said the recall was necessary to uphold ethical standards for public officials and to avoid any perception of wrongdoing. It cited possible violations of Ghana’s code of conduct, which restricts the political activities of serving government appointees.
The primary was held to choose the NDC’s candidate for a parliamentary by-election following the death of the sitting lawmaker. Ahmed was declared the winner.
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The NDC has since opened an internal investigation into allegations of vote-buying and other irregularities during the contest. The party said the probe is aimed at protecting the integrity of its internal democratic process.
The recall is a rare step in Ghana’s diplomacy and reflects the Mahama administration’s effort to enforce accountability in public office.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
