The Electoral Commission of Ghana has earned praise from the government of the United States of America and the European Union for supervising a peaceful and transparent electoral process in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

In a statement dated December 9, 2024, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, recognised, among other stakeholders, the role of the Electoral Commission in organising a peaceful and transparent process that goes to the heart of strengthening Ghana's democracy.

"The United States congratulates President-elect John Mahama on his successful election campaign, following the declaration of results by Ghana's Electoral Commission. We extend further congratulations to Vice President-elect Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on becoming Ghana's first female vice president. The United States commends the Electoral Commission, its hundreds of thousands of poll workers, civil society, and the country's security forces, who helped ensure a peaceful and transparent process. We also applaud Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia for his gracious acceptance of the results," the statement said.

While emphasising the relationship between Ghana and the US, the Secretary of State expressed hopes of working with the newly elected government to further grow the relationship the two nations enjoy.

"The United States is proud of our enduring partnership and friendship with the people and government of Ghana. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Mahama to carry our historic relationship into the future," the statement added.

Similarly, the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Ramiandrasoa Razaaly, congratulated the Electoral Commission and its Chairperson, Madam Jean Mensa, while detailing how the Union closely monitored the entire electoral process, including on election day.

"The past few weeks was a great display of Ghana's vibrant democracy. It was quite a journey! Over the last few weeks, the European Union in Ghana stood on the front row at manifesto launches, IPAC meetings, the Peace Pact signing and countless other events, all building up to the E-Day climax on December 7.

"From the crack of dawn, 88 diplomats from the EU and its Member States, Norway and Switzerland, visited approximately 430 polling stations (yes 430 !!!) on E-Day, covering ten regions across the country.

"They witnessed first-hand the generally peaceful voting process and the professional conduct of polling staff and security forces. We watched the counting and collation. I chose Jamestown polling station. The gates closed at 5.00 pm sharp (no Ghana time !), and the orderly counting began… Ayekoo Electoral Commission of Ghana and its chair Jean Mensa," he posted on his LinkedIn page.

He described the electoral process as remarkable despite some isolated incidents and congratulated John Dramani Mahama, the president-elect, while lauding Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for conceding defeat.

"We congratulate President-elect H.E John Dramani Mahama on a clear and decisive victory. We look forward to working with the new administration and deepen even further the already excellent EU-Ghana partnership. Jobs, prosperity, peace and sustainability. Hand in hand towards a bright future for Ghana and all Ghanaians.

"Finally, I want to salute Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for taking the bold and honourable step to concede defeat in such a dignified and expedient manner. And to personally thank him for having been a great co-chair of the past EU-Ghana partnership dialogues," the Ambassador said.

The 2024 general election results

In the 2024 presidential race, former President Mahama, who was the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, won the race according to the results declared by the Electoral Commission. He beat 12 other candidates with 56.55% of the total valid votes.

His closest contender, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party, obtained 41.61% of the total valid votes.

GA

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