The ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) has commended the peaceful and largely transparent execution of Ghana’s 2024 general elections, despite a few isolated incidents.
In a preliminary statement issued at a press conference in Accra on Monday, December 9, 2024, the Mission reported that the elections generally met national and regional standards. The professionalism of polling staff and the effective deployment of security forces contributed to a safe and orderly voting process.
Dr. Namadi Sambo, Head of the ECOWAS Mission and former Vice-President of Nigeria, praised the inclusivity of the elections, noting the measures taken to accommodate voters with disabilities and the visually impaired, enabling them to cast their ballots independently.
He also acknowledged an isolated security incident in Nyankpala, Northern Ghana, which resulted in one death and one injury but emphasized that it did not disrupt the overall peaceful nature of the election.
The Mission praised the sportsmanship shown by the presidential candidates, notably Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who conceded defeat before the official results were announced, helping to reduce post-election tensions.
The EOM also extended its congratulations to President-elect John Dramani Mahama and commended outgoing President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his leadership during his two terms, particularly for his contributions to regional integration and his tenure as ECOWAS Chair.
The EOM deployed 70 observer teams to 871 polling stations in 54 districts spanning all 16 regions of Ghana. Dr. Sambo’s remarks were supported by representatives from the African Union, the Commonwealth, and other international organizations that also monitored the elections.
In closing, the mission congratulated the people of Ghana for their peaceful participation and called for ongoing efforts to strengthen democracy throughout the region.
