The leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have lauded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for successfully overseeing a peaceful and credible general election in Ghana.
At the final ECOWAS meeting of 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria, ECOWAS Chairman Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised President Akufo-Addo for his unwavering commitment to democracy and the welfare of his country.
Tinubu highlighted the President’s dedication to maintaining democratic integrity and political stability in Ghana, emphasizing the success of the election as an example for the region.
Speaking during the meeting, Tinubu congratulated President Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for their efforts in conducting a successful election. He noted that the process had been smooth, transparent, and free of significant electoral violence, reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as one of the most stable and democratic nations in West Africa.
“I congratulate President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for the successful election and urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritize our country’s national unity to ensure the political stability of the region,” Tinubu said.
ECOWAS observers closely monitored the 2024 general elections in Ghana and noted the seamless execution of the voting process and the absence of violence, both of which contributed to the peaceful outcome. The election further solidified Ghana’s standing as a model for democratic governance in West Africa.
Tinubu emphasized that the successful conduct of elections like those in Ghana not only promoted national unity but also contributed to regional stability.
He urged other ECOWAS member states to look to Ghana’s example and strive for democratic excellence. The peaceful transition of power and transparent election procedures provide a source of inspiration for neighboring countries seeking to enhance their own electoral practices.
The 2024 elections saw former President John Dramani Mahama make a triumphant return to office, defeating Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Mahama secured 56 percent of the vote, while Bawumia garnered 41 percent, according to the official results from the Ghana Electoral Commission.
Mahama’s victory ends the eight-year tenure of the NPP, led by President Akufo-Addo, who is set to leave office after a term marked by significant economic challenges, including an IMF bailout and a debt default. The successful elections are expected to foster strengthened regional cooperation and encourage further development of democratic institutions within ECOWAS member states.
As Ghana prepares for the return of John Dramani Mahama to office on January 7, 2025, the ECOWAS leadership has reiterated its support for Ghana’s continued progress in democratic governance.