Ghana Orders Immediate Recall of Envoy to Nigeria Over Alleged Electoral Malpractice

The Ghanaian government has ordered the immediate recall of its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Ahmed, over allegations of electoral malpractice during a parliamentary primary election in Ghana.

The directive was announced in a statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of Government Communications and spokesperson to the President.

According to the statement, the recall takes immediate effect, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructed to initiate the necessary diplomatic and administrative procedures.

The Presidency noted that although allegations were made against several candidates who contested the primaries, Ahmed was the only serving public officer among them, prompting the government’s decision.

The recall is linked to allegations of voter inducement and vote-buying during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency held on Saturday, February 7.

Reports from the primary indicated that items including television sets and foodstuffs were distributed to delegates –  actions critics and observers described as inducements. Ahmed has, however, denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the items were gestures of goodwill and not intended to influence voting.

Despite the significance of recalling a sitting High Commissioner, the government said the move is not expected to affect Ghana’s diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

Ghana and Nigeria maintain strong bilateral ties spanning trade, energy, migration, and regional security cooperation, and frequently align positions within ECOWAS and other multilateral platforms.

Diplomatic recalls arising from domestic governance concerns are typically treated as internal administrative measures rather than indications of bilateral tension.

Explaining the decision, the Presidency said the recall was “necessary to uphold the ethical standards expected of public officers and to avoid any perception of impropriety.”