Business mogul, Sir Sam Jonah, has praised the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Ghana Police Service for their roles in the peaceful and successful conduct of the December 7, 2024 elections.

He said the peaceful nature of the process was a testament to the maturity of Ghana’s democracy, the resilience of local institutions and the dedication of the Ghanaian people to safeguarding the foundations of the country.

He, however, condemned fatalities associated with the elections and urged the authorities to investigate the incidents to bring the culprits to book.

In a statement that praised the nation concerning the elections, Sir Sam said the nation once again demonstrated the people’s collective “commitment to democracy by conducting another round of presidential and parliamentary elections”.

“However, we cannot ignore the tragic and unwarranted loss of four lives during this election. These losses are deeply troubling and unacceptable,” the statement said.

Sir Sam added that no Ghanaian should pay the ultimate price for exercising their civic rights, stressing that the sanctity of life was paramount.

“I call on all Ghanaians to join me in condemning this regrettable occurrence. I also urge the relevant authorities to investigate these incidents thoroughly, hold those responsible accountable and put measures in place to ensure this never happens again,” the statement added.

Sir Sam said it was time for unity and reflection after the high-stakes elections.

“Elections, by their nature, can be divisive. But as the dust settles, let us not allow our differences to overshadow our shared destiny.

“Our focus must now shift to rebuilding our economy, which is grappling with significant challenges, and strengthening the institutions that underpin our national stability,” he said.

Critical juncture

Sir Sam is renowned for his business sense, having been a major force in Ghana’s gold mining space for decades.

He has been an iconic statesman with strong views about Ghana’s development needs.

He said having gone through the elections successfully, Ghana now stood at a critical juncture.

“It is my fervent hope that leaders on all sides of the political spectrum will prioritise the welfare of our people and the progress of our nation. I urge Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, to work together in the spirit of patriotism and solidarity,” the statement said.

He referenced the words of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, "The task ahead is great, indeed, and heavy is the responsibility; and yet it is a noble and glorious challenge".

He urged the public to rise to the challenge with determination and unity, stating that “Together, we can build a brighter, stronger and a more inclusive Ghana”.