The leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for successfully overseeing a peaceful and credible general election in Ghana.

ECOWAS Chairman Bola Ahmed Tinubu lauded President Akufo-Addo as a committed democrat who prioritises his country’s welfare, highlighting his dedication to maintaining democratic integrity and stability.

Speaking at the final ECOWAS meeting of 2024 held in Abuja, Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised Ghana’s election process as an exemplary display of democratic principles.

“I congratulate President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for the successful election and urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritise our country’s national unity to ensure the political stability of the region.”

The 2024 general elections in Ghana were closely monitored by ECOWAS observers, who noted the smooth conduct of the electoral process, transparent voting procedures, and the absence of significant electoral violence.

The successful election has reinforced Ghana’s reputation as one of the most stable and democratic nations in West Africa.

Tinubu emphasized the importance of such successful elections in promoting regional stability and inspiring other member states to strive for democratic excellence.

The positive outcome of the 2024 elections is expected to bolster regional cooperation and strengthen democratic institutions within ECOWAS member states.

Ghana’s continued commitment to democracy serves as a model for neighbouring countries seeking to enhance their own electoral processes.

Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama is set to return to office on January 7, 2025, after winning the 2024 election and defeating ruling party candidate Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.

Mahama won 56 percent of the votes in Saturday’s presidential ballot, compared to the ruling party candidate and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who secured 41 percent, the electoral commission said in announcing official results.

The landslide comeback for former president Mahama ended eight years in power for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose last term was marked by Ghana’s worst economic turmoil in years, an IMF bailout and a debt default.