President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commended Ghanaians for their steadfast commitment to democracy, as reflected in the peaceful conduct of the 2024 general elections. Speaking on December 17, during the commissioning of a new office complex for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the president highlighted the elections as a testament to Ghana’s political maturity and democratic resilience.
“The successful conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024, stands as a testament to the resilience of our democracy,” President Akufo-Addo stated. “The peaceful nature of the electoral process and the gracious concession of Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP presidential candidate, are powerful reminders that democracy remains the foundation of our progress and national unity.”
This year’s elections saw former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) reclaim the presidency, securing a decisive 56.55% of the valid votes, representing 6,328,397 votes. His closest contender, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), garnered 4,657,304 votes.
The president lauded the peaceful transition process and urged Ghanaians to remain united as the country moves forward under new leadership.
Democracy: The Foundation of Ghana’s Success
President Akufo-Addo reflected on Ghana’s journey as a democratic nation, emphasizing the collective efforts that have made the country a beacon of political stability in Africa. He acknowledged the commitment of Ghanaians to free and fair elections, noting that the peaceful outcome of the 2024 polls reaffirms the country’s standing as a model of democracy on the continent.
The gracious concession speech by Vice President Bawumia was also celebrated as a hallmark of democratic maturity. “Democracy is about the will of the people, and Vice President Bawumia’s acceptance of the results demonstrates his respect for the democratic process and his commitment to national unity,” Akufo-Addo added.
A Victory Amid Unresolved Parliamentary Results
While the presidential race concluded smoothly, uncertainty lingers in 12 parliamentary constituencies, where results are yet to be finalized. This has created some tension in these areas, with political parties urging the Electoral Commission to expedite the process and ensure transparency.
Despite these unresolved issues, the overall conduct of the elections has been widely praised. International observers, local election monitors, and civil society organizations have all commended Ghana’s electoral commission for its professionalism and efficiency in managing the polls.
The Role of Leadership in Strengthening Democracy
Akufo-Addo emphasized that Ghana’s democratic resilience is not just the result of strong institutions but also the collective commitment of its leaders and citizens to uphold democratic principles. He pointed out that the peaceful transition of power, even in the face of political competition, underscores the strength of Ghana’s democracy.
The president further called on political leaders to continue prioritizing the interests of the nation above party affiliations. “As leaders, we have a duty to preserve the peace and stability of our nation. Democracy is not just about elections; it’s about governance, inclusion, and the collective pursuit of development,” he stated.
Challenges Ahead for the Incoming Administration
As John Dramani Mahama prepares to assume office, he faces the dual challenge of managing high expectations from his supporters and addressing the socio-economic issues that dominated the election campaign. Mahama has pledged to focus on youth empowerment, job creation, and anti-corruption efforts, which resonated strongly with voters.
Mahama’s victory marks his second return to the presidency, a rare feat in Ghana’s political history. His campaign was built on promises of economic recovery and a renewed focus on governance transparency.
Building on Ghana’s Democratic Legacy
The peaceful conclusion of the 2024 elections adds another chapter to Ghana’s democratic story, which has been characterized by consistent progress since the advent of the Fourth Republic. Observers believe that the country’s ability to conduct free, fair, and peaceful elections has strengthened its position as a leader in African democracy.
However, the elections also highlighted areas that require improvement, including the need for electoral reforms to address delays in the announcement of parliamentary results. Civil society groups have urged the incoming administration to prioritize these reforms to further enhance Ghana’s democratic processes.
A Hopeful Future
As President Akufo-Addo concludes his tenure, he expressed optimism about Ghana’s future under Mahama’s leadership. He encouraged all Ghanaians to rally behind the incoming administration and work together to build a prosperous and united nation.
“The success of this election is a victory for all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation. Let us continue to cherish and protect our democracy, as it is the cornerstone of our progress and development,” Akufo-Addo concluded.
The 2024 elections have indeed reinforced Ghana’s status as a democratic powerhouse in Africa, offering hope and inspiration for the continent and the world.
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