In its final evaluation of Ghana’s general elections in 2024, the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) called for improvements in electoral accountability and transparency while reaffirming that the process was credible, transparent, and peaceful.
A 16-member independent committee headed by former Botswana President His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi monitored the election, which saw John Dramani Mahama elected as Ghana’s 14th president.
The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, sent the team.
“Ghana’s peaceful and credible elections are a testament to the country’s maturing democracy,” Secretary-General Scotland said in her remarks on the report, praising Ghana’s democratic progress. In their thorough evaluation of the election, the Commonwealth Observer Group identified both areas of notable strength and areas for improvement, such as the need for increased accountability, openness, and inclusivity in the voting process.
She also praised the Ghanaian people for their dedication to democracy and urged Ghana’s institutions to implement the group’s recommendations.
The professionalism of security services, party agents, and poll workers was emphasized in the report, along with the peaceful environment that persisted during the polls.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was also commended for his early concession, which showed statesmanship and reduced tensions following the election.
In order to enhance the voting experience, shorten lines, and expedite the process, the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) was praised for putting policies in place including more polling places and temporary poll workers.
The report did, however, restate earlier suggestions regarding the necessity of a strong regulatory framework for campaign funding.
It cautioned that in the absence of such steps, Ghana’s democratic integrity may be jeopardized by the growing monetization of politics.
Additionally, observers observed that some constituencies’ results were delayed, which led to ambiguity and conjecture. In order to increase public trust in the process, the report encouraged the EC to address this issue in upcoming elections.
The Ghanaian government, political parties, the EC, and other stakeholders have received the final report, which expands upon the interim statement issued soon after the elections, for evaluation and implementation.
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