As his presidency nears its conclusion, President Nana Akufo-Addo has assured the international community that the upcoming 2024 general elections in Ghana 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 said. “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 ranking 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 said.
He 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.”
The President’s 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 emphasized 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.
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