Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has been named the Returning Officer for the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) presidential elections at the ongoing Annual Meetings. This election aims to select a successor to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who became the 8th elected President of the AfDB Group on May 28, 2015.
The candidates competing for the presidency are Mr. Amadou Hott from Senegal, Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo from Zambia, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah from Mauritania, Mr. Abbas Mahamat Tolli from Chad, and Ms. Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala from South Africa.
Dr. Forson’s responsibilities as Returning Officer include ensuring the voting process’s integrity and smooth conduct as per Article 5 of the Bank’s electoral rules. His tasks involve verifying that the ballot box is empty before each voting round, confirming that ballots cast match eligible voters’ numbers, rejecting invalid ballots, and certifying only valid votes are counted.
He will receive support from the Secretary General, General Counsel, and a technical team to ensure accurate vote tabulation according to Article 7 of the rules.
“Dr. Forson’s appointment to this pivotal role reflects the confidence the AfDB Board of Governors places in his integrity, professionalism, and deep commitment to transparency and good governance in multilateral financial institutions.”