ECOWAS deploys election observers ahead of Ghana's general elections

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dispatched 120 observers to oversee the presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana. This deployment, part of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (ECOWAS-EOM), took place on December 5, 2024, in Accra, preceding the general elections scheduled for December 7.

H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, sanctioned the deployment of 21 long-term observers and 120 short-term election observers across Ghana's 16 regions and 216 districts. These observers are tasked with supporting and monitoring the electoral process.

The observer team comprises members from various ECOWAS bodies including its Parliament, Community Court of Justice, representatives from member states' foreign ministries, and experts from the region.

In welcoming these observers, H.E. Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, emphasized ECOWAS's commitment to supporting democratic processes through electoral assistance. He stated that "the peaceful conduct and credible outcome of this election is key to strengthening Ghana’s democratic credentials."

Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs at ECOWAS Commission, reiterated that this electoral support aligns with protocols established by ECOWAS for democracy and governance since 2001.

H.E. Mohammed Namadi Sambo heads the observation mission. The former Vice President of Nigeria expressed gratitude towards the observers for their service to regional stability. He remarked on the importance of ensuring peace during elections: “Our work...is not only to consolidate democracy but also to ensure peace and stability before, during and after elections in our Member States.”

Vice President Sambo urged observers to maintain transparency and fairness throughout their mission while adhering to ECOWAS standards.

Additionally, ECOWAS has provided a $210 thousand grant to stakeholders such as NCCE, NPC, CODEO, and FOSDA as part of its support for peaceful electoral processes in Ghana.