As his presidency comes to an end on January 7 2025, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reassured the international community that Ghana’s upcoming 2024 general elections will be free, fair and transparent.
Speaking at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to democracy and underscored the country’s reputation as a beacon of democratic governance in Africa.
“As my presidency draws to a close, I want to assure this Assembly that the upcoming 2024 elections in Ghana will be free, fair and transparent,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
“Ghanaians have demonstrated time and time again, in the last three decades, their strong attachment to democracy, which they will not permit to be undermined.”
Ghana’s democratic credentials have long been held in high regard, with the country consistently ranked as one of Africa’s most stable and peaceful democracies. Since transitioning to multi-party democracy in 1992, Ghana has held eight successive peaceful elections, with power changing hands between political parties on multiple occasions.
This history of democratic stability has earned the West African nation praise from the international community, and the upcoming 2024 elections are expected to be a critical test of Ghana’s continued leadership in African democracy.
“The Electoral Commission, supported by Ghana’s security services, is well-equipped to ensure that the will of the Ghanaian people is respected,” President Akufo-Addo stressed.
The President also highlighted the crucial role of the country’s democratic institutions in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. “Ghana has long been a beacon of democracy in Africa, and we intend to keep it that way.”
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions in the region, with several West African countries experiencing military coups in recent years.
President Akufo-Addo expressed concern over the political instability in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where military juntas have overthrown democratically elected governments. “Ongoing developments in West Africa are deeply troubling,” he said.
“These coups are stark reminders that democracy is, indeed, fragile and must be continually nurtured.”
In contrast, President Akufo-Addo emphasised that Ghana remains resolute in its commitment to upholding democratic values and the rule of law. “The people of Ghana, from every corner of the country, have made their voices clear: they will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the democratic process,” he said.
The President’s assurance of free and fair elections comes at a critical juncture, as Ghana prepares for what is expected to be a highly contested presidential election in 2024.
Despite the political intensity surrounding the upcoming elections, President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in the resilience of Ghana’s democratic institutions and the will of the Ghanaian people.
“The 2024 elections will be proof of our enduring adherence to the rule of law, transparency, and the principles of democratic accountability that have guided our nation in recent decades,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo’s legacy as a defender of democracy and good governance remains firmly intact as throughout his two terms in office, he has championed reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, promoting transparency, and upholding the rule of law.
Under his leadership, Ghana has maintained its status as one of Africa’s most vibrant democracies, with a strong commitment to human rights and political pluralism.
President Akufo-Addo urged the international community to continue supporting efforts to promote peace, democracy, and development across Africa. “We must recognise that the fight for peace goes beyond government actions. It is a fight for humanity itself,” he said.
Rex Mainoo Yeboah
