Ghana Prepares for Peaceful Elections as ECOWAS Commends Democratic Tradition

By Paul Ejime in Ghana

GHANA IS gearing up for its 7th December 2024 general elections as President Nana Akufo-Addo, set to complete his second term on 7th January 2025, assures the nation of a peaceful and credible transition.

The president reaffirmed this commitment during a meeting with the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, led by former Nigerian Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, at the Jubilee House in Accra on 3 December.

Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of maintaining Ghana’s democratic tradition amidst regional challenges, such as violent extremism and military takeovers, which have seen three ECOWAS member states withdraw from the bloc.

He highlighted Ghana’s electoral institutions’ proven track record of conducting credible elections under its fourth Republic since 1992.

“The responsibility is on us to respond to these challenges with the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections,” Akufo-Addo said.

He added that Ghana’s elections carry particular significance as a founding member of ECOWAS, committed to upholding democracy in the region.

Dr Sambo commended Ghana’s consistent democratic practice, which has ensured nine uninterrupted election cycles and peaceful transitions.

He urged the president and key stakeholders to rally the nation for transparent elections that would further solidify Ghana’s standing as a beacon of democracy in West Africa.

The ECOWAS delegation included Baboucarr Blaise Jagne, former Gambian Foreign Minister, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Ambassador Mohamed Lawan Gana, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana.

Separately, Jean Mensa, Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, assured the delegation of the commission’s readiness for credible elections.

Dr Sambo called on the commission and security agencies to act with professionalism and neutrality throughout the electoral process.

Mensa briefed the mission on ongoing preparations, underscoring efforts to ensure peaceful and transparent polls.