President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, following allegations of voter inducement during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Friday, the recall follows claims of vote-buying at the primaries, in which Mr. Baba Jamal was a contestant. While the allegations were made against several candidates, the President noted that Mr. Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer among those involved.
According to the statement, the directive was communicated to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, instructing the immediate recall of Mr. Baba Jamal from his diplomatic post in Abuja.
The Presidency also referenced a public statement by the General Secretary of the NDC confirming that the party has begun its own internal investigations into the allegations arising from the primaries.
The statement emphasized that the President’s decision was taken without prejudice to the ongoing internal party processes. It explained that the recall was necessary to uphold the standards of conduct expected of public officers and to protect the integrity of public office.
“The President considers it necessary to act decisively to preserve the integrity of public office and to avoid any perception of impropriety or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees,” the statement said.
The recall takes effect immediately, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the required administrative and diplomatic steps to implement the decision.
The statement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Spokesperson to the President, who also serves as Minister for Government Communications.
