President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye-Ofosu announced the recall on Saturday in a press statement noting that the decision follows allegations of voter inducement in the National Democratic Congress primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
Mr Kwakye-Ofosu stated that Mr. Baba Jamal, who is a candidate in the primaries, participated in the election where the allegations emerged.
He stated that in his directive to the Minister for Foreign Affairs recalling Mr. Baba Jamal as High Commissioner, the President noted that while the allegations of vote-buying were made against multiple candidates who contested the primaries, Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer among them.
According to the spokesperson, the President has noted the public statement by the General Secretary of the NDC indicating that the party has commenced its own investigations into the allegations arising from the primaries.
Kwakye-Ofosu stated that without prejudice to the ongoing internal party processes, and strictly in view of the standards of conduct expected of public officers, the President considers it necessary to act decisively to preserve the integrity of public office.
He said the recall is also intended to avoid any perception of impropriety or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
The recall takes effect immediately, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to give effect to the directive.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
