The Government of Ghana has recalled its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Ahmed, amid allegations linking him to electoral malpractice during a recent party primary election.

The recall, ordered by President John Dramani Mahama, was announced in a presidential statement released on Saturday. The directive took immediate effect, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructed to initiate the necessary diplomatic and administrative procedures.

According to the statement, the decision follows allegations of voter inducement and vote-buying during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency. Ahmed, who was serving as Ghana’s envoy to Nigeria at the time, also contested in the primary.

Reports from the exercise alleged that items including television sets and foodstuffs were distributed to delegates—acts critics and election observers described as inducements. Ahmed has, however, denied wrongdoing, insisting the items were offered as goodwill gestures and not intended to influence voting.

Explaining the recall, the Presidency said the action was taken “to uphold the ethical standards expected of public officers and to avoid any perception of impropriety.” It added that the allegations raised concerns about a possible breach of Ghana’s Code of Conduct for political appointees, which regulates the political activities of serving officials.

The Ayawaso East primary was organised to select the NDC’s candidate for a parliamentary by-election following the death of the sitting member of Parliament. Ahmed emerged as the winner of the contest, securing the highest number of votes among the aspirants.

Meanwhile, the NDC has announced the launch of an internal investigation into the allegations of inducement and other irregularities surrounding the primary. Party officials said the probe is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes.