President John Mahama of Ghana has recalled the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Ahmed, over alleged links to electoral malpractices during the parliamentary primaries for the Ayawaso East Constituency.

A statement issued by the Ghanaian Presidency on Saturday in Accra said Ahmed, who was an aspirant in the primaries, was recalled due to his alleged involvement in electoral malpractice while serving as a public officer.

According to the statement, the recall takes immediate effect and is aimed at preventing any perception of impropriety or a breach of the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.

The Presidency noted that Ahmed’s continued stay in office had become untenable under the circumstances, even though allegations of vote-buying were reportedly made against several aspirants who participated in the primaries.

The decision followed reports of voter inducement during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries held on Saturday in the constituency.

The statement said President Mahama directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to recall the High Commissioner after the NDC’s General Secretary announced that the party had begun investigations into the alleged malpractice.

“The President has noted the public statement by the General Secretary of the NDC indicating that the party has commenced investigations into the allegations arising from the primaries,” the statement said.

“Without prejudice to the ongoing internal party processes, and in line with the standards of conduct expected of public officers, the President considers it necessary to act decisively to safeguard the integrity of public office.

“The recall takes immediate effect, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to implement this directive,” it added.