The COG, led by the former president of Botswana, HE Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, issued its preliminary assessment at a press conference in Accra. Addressing journalists, he said Vice President Bawumia's move was essential in de-escalating potential tension.

Dr Masisi said:

"I speak from personal experience when I say it is a highly significant gesture".

The statement made recommendations on some aspects of the electoral process and also condemned the reported cases of violence which led to death and injuries.  The observers called on respective authorities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Commenting on the participation and inclusion of citizens in electoral processes, including persons living with disabilities, the statement said:

"We observed that persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the elderly were given priority and that visually impaired voters were provided tactile jackets at some polling stations.  Polling officials also provided sign language interpretation at some polling stations. This must be commended.

"However, we noted accessibility challenges at some polling stations with stairs. We also observed that voting booths were too high for some voters using wheelchairs. Adjustable voting booths would have been helpful in this regard.  More needs to be done to ensure that PWDs exercise their franchise with dignity, and in accordance with the law."

The COG, in its statement, applauded the people of Ghana for turning out in an orderly manner to exercise their franchise, and the Electoral Commission, polling staff, political parties, police and the media for their respective roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the elections.

The Commonwealth Observer Group was constituted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, and arrived in Ghana on 29 November. It will depart on 13 December 2024.

Before their departure, the observer will prepare its final report, an independent assessment setting out its full findings on the entire electoral process, with detailed recommendations to further improve Ghana's electoral process. The report will then be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General and thereafter shared with the Government of Ghana, the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders, including the public.

Read the full interim statement