Ghana’s 2024 Elections Deemed Peaceful and Credible by EU Experts

Ghana’s 2024 general elections have been hailed by the European Union (EU) Election Expert Mission as a strong display of democratic maturity. The Mission described the electoral process as peaceful, credible, and transparent, noting that the country’s commitment to democratic governance continues to inspire confidence across Africa.

In a ceremony held in Accra on Tuesday evening, EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Ramiandrasoa Razaaly, formally presented the mission’s final report to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs. Jean Mensa. The document provided a comprehensive overview of the Mission’s two-month observation of the presidential and parliamentary elections, which were conducted in December 2024.

Speaking during the presentation, Ambassador Razaaly commended Ghana for what he called “a well-organized, competitive, and generally peaceful electoral process.” He noted that the elections upheld essential democratic rights, including freedoms of speech, movement, and political association, while giving citizens the opportunity to express their will at the ballot box.

“The elections reflected a broad respect for civil and political rights. Campaigns were inclusive, and the overall environment allowed voters to participate freely,” Razaaly stated. He acknowledged the significant role played by the Electoral Commission in maintaining transparency throughout the process, adding that the EC’s openness helped bolster public confidence in the results.

Beyond the technical and procedural aspects, the EU Ambassador praised Ghana’s democratic culture and civic engagement. He shared personal anecdotes from visits to various communities across Accra, including Makola Market, Korle-Bu, and Chorkor. “Wherever we went, we encountered citizens who were engaged, informed, and passionate about preserving their democratic system. Even in the face of social and economic frustrations, the commitment to democratic participation was clear,” he observed.

Razaaly also pointed out that Ghana’s elections continue to serve as a model for the continent. “Ghana’s example is frequently cited in our conversations with electoral stakeholders across Africa. Your democratic values, openness to scrutiny, and respect for fundamental freedoms are inspiring,” he said.

While the overall assessment was positive, the EU Mission’s report identified several areas where Ghana’s electoral process could be further improved. Among the key recommendations were enhanced identity verification methods for new voters, a review of the current guarantor system, and stricter regulations on political campaign financing.

The report also raised concerns about the use of state resources during campaigns and the influence of unregulated spending. The Mission urged Ghana to intensify efforts to ensure fair competition and equal access for all candidates. Furthermore, it called for improvements in the management of election results, including more accurate ballot reconciliation and faster collation at both constituency and regional levels.

Another critical point raised was the need to address misinformation and disinformation, which the report noted could undermine public trust. The Mission recommended enhanced collaboration between the Electoral Commission, civil society, and media outlets to counter false narratives and promote credible information.

In response, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa welcomed the findings and thanked the EU Mission for its continued support and feedback. She emphasized that the Commission was committed to using the insights and recommendations to enhance future elections. “This report provides us with valuable lessons. We intend to act on them to strengthen our electoral system and better serve the Ghanaian people,” she said.

Mrs. Mensa also highlighted the importance of public education and cross-sector collaboration in improving electoral integrity. She called for a national dialogue on campaign financing laws and electoral reforms that reflect Ghana’s evolving democratic needs.

Concluding her remarks, the EC Chairperson expressed appreciation for the EU’s partnership and looked forward to further collaboration ahead of the 2028 elections. “We value this relationship and believe it will continue to grow as we work together to promote democratic excellence in Ghana,” she noted.

Ghana’s 2024 elections, while not without challenges, have reaffirmed the country’s place as a democratic leader in the region. The EU’s endorsement underscores Ghana’s progress and the enduring strength of its institutions and citizenry.