A Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has released its final report on Ghana's 2024 general elections, which saw John Dramani Mahama return as the country's 14th president.
Led by the former President of Botswana, HE Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the COG concluded that the elections were transparent, credible, and peaceful. In addition, the observers made some recommendations to further strengthen the electoral process and institutions of democracy.
The 16-member independent and multi-disciplinary team was deployed by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC.
Commenting on the final report, Secretary-General Scotland said:
"Ghana's peaceful and credible elections are a testament to the country's maturing democracy. The Commonwealth Observer Group has made a detailed assessment of the election, noting areas of significant strength and identifying opportunities for improvement, including the need for enhanced transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the electoral process.
“I thank the members of the Commonwealth Observer Group for their exceptional work, and I urge the national institutions in Ghana to implement the recommendations they have made. Above all, I thank and congratulate the people of Ghana for their commitment to democracy.”
The report commended the people of Ghana for maintaining an atmosphere of calm throughout the elections. The observers praised the professionalism displayed by polling staff and security agents as well as the diligence of party agents. The members of the COG also noted the statesmanship demonstrated by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in his early concession to President John Dramani Mahama.
The report noted that the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) had established additional polling stations and employed temporary polling staff to support the conduct of the elections. The increased number of polling stations and the capping of the number of voters per polling station were positive steps in the management of the elections, ensuring shorter queues and quicker voting times.
Recalling recommendations made by previous COGs, this report reiterates the need for the development of an effective regulatory framework for campaign financing to prevent corruption and increase transparency. These rules would help to avoid opening the political system to the monetisation of politics and the commercialisation of elections.
The COG also noted the delay in announcing results from some constituencies created some uncertainty and speculation. They recommended that the EC should address this issue in the future to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
The report builds upon the interim statement issued by Commonwealth observers in the days following the election, which was completed and signed by all members of the COG prior to their departure from Ghana.
The final COG report has been distributed to the Government of Ghana, political parties, the Electoral Commission and all relevant stakeholders.
Media contact
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Temitope Kalejaiye, Public Relations and Engagement Officer, Commonwealth Secretariat
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