With just three days to go until Ghana’s pivotal general election on Saturday, December 7, 2024, outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo has pledged to ensure the process is peaceful and credible.
Meeting with the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission at Jubilee House in Accra on December 3, President Akufo-Addo emphasized his commitment to democratic values. “I came into office through a peaceful and credible election, and I want to leave through the same process,” he stated, adding that the upcoming elections will reaffirm Ghana’s dedication to democracy and stability.
As Akufo-Addo approaches the end of his mandatory two terms on January 7, 2025, he highlighted the importance of Ghana’s elections amidst regional challenges, including political instability and violent extremism in some ECOWAS member states. “The responsibility is on us to respond to these challenges with free, fair, and credible elections,” he said, noting Ghana’s long history of successful polls under its Fourth Republic since 1992.
Former Nigerian Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, leading the ECOWAS delegation, praised Ghana’s democratic tradition, describing it as a beacon for the region. He called on stakeholders to ensure peaceful and transparent elections, consolidating Ghana’s reputation as a democratic leader in West Africa.
The ECOWAS team, which includes Gambia’s former Foreign Minister Baboucarr Blaise Jagne and ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Abdel-Fatau Musah, held discussions with Ghana’s Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa. Mrs. Mensa assured the delegation that preparations were on track for credible presidential and parliamentary elections, and she urged all stakeholders, including security agencies, to maintain professionalism and neutrality.
President Akufo-Addo was joined at the meeting by senior government officials, including Foreign Minister Shirley Botchwey, Interior Minister Henry Quartey, and newly appointed Commonwealth Secretary-General Kow Essuma.
Ghana’s elections, the ninth consecutive cycle since the return to multiparty democracy, are seen as a test of its democratic resilience and a symbol of hope for a region grappling with political instability.