ECOWAS deploys observers for Dec. 7 election

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed over 100 observers to Ghana for the December 7 general elections.

According to Serigne Mamadou Ka, Head of the Electoral Assistance Division of ECOWAS, an initial team of 16 long-term observers arrived on November 20, 2024, while a group of 90 short-term observers would arrive on December 2 or 3.

The observers will be led by former Nigerian Vice-President, Nnamadi Sambo.

Mr. Ka emphasised that “ECOWAS has a history of deploying observers to member states to ensure peaceful and credible elections. This mission is part of the organisation’s efforts to promote democracy and stability in the region.” He also stressed that “we want peaceful elections… Election is an event that is constitutionally mandated. When it comes, everyone wants to win. But at the end of the day, there is only one winner, and the others will have to follow.”

In addition to deploying observers, ECOWAS has also provided a grant of $210,000 to support two state institutions and two civil society organisations in Ghana.

The beneficiary institutions are the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), National Peace Council (NPC), Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), and Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA).

Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Ghana, presented the grant and emphasised that it was to reaffirm ECOWAS’ commitment to supporting Ghana’s democratic process.

He urged Ghanaians to “have a peaceful and credible election. Ghana is a model for democracy in the region, and we want this election to reinforce that.”

The grant will support various activities, including civic and voter education, peace and mediation efforts, and fact-checking initiatives.

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to ECOWAS for the support.