President recalls Ghana’s high commissioner to Nigeria over vote-buying allegations

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, popularly known as Baba Jamal, from his post as Ghana’s High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The announcement was issued on Saturday, February 7, by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.

The decision followed allegations of voter inducement during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency, with the President noting that although similar claims were made against other candidates, Mr. Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer implicated.

In a directive to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, President Mahama emphasized that the action was taken in line with the high standards of conduct expected of public officers.

He further referenced a public statement by the General Secretary of the NDC confirming that the party has initiated its own internal investigations into the alleged vote-buying incident.

While the recall is without prejudice to the ongoing internal party processes, the President stated that the move was necessary to safeguard the integrity of public office and to prevent any perception of impropriety or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.

The recall takes immediate effect. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been instructed to undertake all necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to implement the directive.