Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is set to complete his mandatory two terms by 7th January 2025, has assured the nation that the upcoming general elections on 7th December 2024 will be peaceful and credible.
“I came to office as a result of a peaceful and credible election, and I want to go out through the same process,” Akufo-Addo told the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, led by former Nigerian Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, during a meeting at Jubilee House in Accra on 3rd December.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining Ghana’s democratic tradition.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the broader challenges facing the ECOWAS region, including violent extremism and political instability, particularly following the decision of three member states to withdraw from the regional bloc. “The responsibility is on us to respond to these challenges with the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections,” he stated, adding that the upcoming elections in Ghana would be of particular significance, given the country’s key role in the region.
The President expressed confidence in Ghana’s electoral institutions, which have a strong track record of conducting credible elections since the country’s return to democracy in 1992. He also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the values of ECOWAS, having previously chaired the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Dr. Sambo commended Ghana’s unbroken tradition of regular elections and peaceful transfers of power, noting that the upcoming elections would mark the ninth cycle of democratic elections in the country. He urged Akufo-Addo to inspire the nation to come together for peaceful, transparent, and credible elections, reinforcing Ghana’s leadership role in promoting democracy across the ECOWAS region.
The ECOWAS delegation included Deputy Head of Mission Baboucarr Blaise Jagne, Gambia’s former Foreign Minister Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Ambassador Mohamed Lawan Gana, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana.
In a separate meeting with Jean Mensa, Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, Dr. Sambo called on the electoral body and security agencies to maintain professionalism and neutrality throughout the election process.
Mrs. Mensa assured the delegation that preparations were progressing well for the 7th December elections, with the Electoral Commission committed to ensuring a peaceful and credible process.
