As his presidency nears its conclusion, Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured the international community that the upcoming 2024 general elections in Ghana will be free, fair, and transparent.
Speaking at the 79th 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.
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. With President Akufo-Addo constitutionally limited to two terms, the election will mark the first time in 16 years that an incumbent president is not on the ballot. This has raised the stakes for both major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as they compete to win the presidency.
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.
The President’s remarks were met with approval from many quarters, with diplomats and international observers praising Ghana’s commitment to democratic governance. "Ghana’s track record of peaceful elections and strong democratic institutions is an example for the rest of the continent," said a senior UN official who attended the session. "We are confident that the 2024 elections will continue this tradition of stability and transparency."
As his presidency nears its conclusion, President Akufo-Addo’s legacy as a defender of democracy and good governance remains firmly intact. 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.
In closing his address to the General Assembly, President Akufo-Addo urged the international community to continue supporting efforts to promote peace, democracy, and development across Africa. "We must recognize that the fight for peace goes beyond government actions. It is a fight for humanity itself," he said.
With just months remaining in his presidency, President Akufo-Addo’s pledge of free, fair, and transparent elections in 2024 serves as a reaffirmation of Ghana’s enduring commitment to democracy, even in the face of regional challenges. As the world watches, Ghana is poised to demonstrate, once again, that democratic governance remains the cornerstone of its national identity.
