By Ify Onyekwere
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed 120 observers across Ghana to monitor the country’s Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for December 7, 2024. This deployment marks a significant step in the regional bloc’s commitment to fostering democracy and ensuring peaceful electoral processes in its member states.
The ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) includes 21 long-term observers and 120 short-term observers, stationed in all 16 regions and 216 districts of Ghana. The observers represent diverse institutions, including the ECOWAS Parliament, Community Court of Justice, ministries of foreign affairs, and election commissions from member states.
Welcoming the delegation, H.E. Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, emphasized the bloc’s dedication to supporting democratic governance. He remarked, “The peaceful conduct and credible outcome of this election will strengthen Ghana’s democratic credentials and reaffirm ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting democracy in the region.”
H.E. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, former Vice President of Nigeria and Head of the ECOWAS-EOM, highlighted the significance of the mission in ensuring stability and progress. “Elections often trigger conflict in our region. Our work is essential not only for consolidating democracy but also for safeguarding peace and stability in West Africa,” he said, urging observers to uphold transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in their assessments.
ECOWAS electoral assistance aligns with its 2001 Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which mandates timely pre-election and observation missions. The regional body has also allocated $210 million to key Ghanaian stakeholders, including the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the National Peace Council (NPC), and civil society organizations, to support a credible electoral process.
The mission underscores ECOWAS’ broader vision of transitioning from an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of People” by 2050. As Ghana prepares for this critical election, the bloc’s presence reaffirms its role as a pillar of democracy and stability in West Africa.
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