‎Ghana recalls High Commissioner to Nigeria over alleged electoral malpractice

‎Accra, Ghana — Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has ordered the immediate recall of the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, following allegations of electoral malpractice during internal party primaries.
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‎In a statement issued by the Presidency on Saturday, February 7, 2026, Mr. Mahama directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate the necessary diplomatic and administrative steps to bring Mr. Ahmed back to Ghana with immediate effect.
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‎The decision comes amid claims of voter inducement and vote buying during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency, held to choose a candidate ahead of a by-election. While several aspirants were accused of impropriety, Mr. Ahmed — who was both Ghana’s envoy to Nigeria and a contestant in the contest — was singled out because he held public office at the time.
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‎According to the presidency, the move aims to uphold ethical standards expected of public officials and to prevent any perception of impropriety or conflict with Ghana’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
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‎In response to the recall, Mr. Ahmed has denied engaging in any vote buying and described the allegations as unfounded, pledging to cooperate with ongoing investigations by the NDC into the primaries.
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‎The party’s internal probe is expected to further examine reports of inducements, including the distribution of items to delegates, in efforts to protect the integrity of its nomination process.