US, UN congratulate Ghana on peaceful polls

The United States (US) and the United Nations (UN) have congratulated Ghanaians on the peaceful conduct of last Saturday’s general election.

In a statement issued by the Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, the US commended President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, on his successful election campaign following the declaration of results by the Electoral Commission (EC).

“We extend further congratulations to Vice-President-elect, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, on becoming Ghana’s first female Vice-President."

“We also applaud Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia for his gracious acceptance of the results,” the statement added.

The US also commended the EC, poll workers, civil society organisations and security personnel who helped in diverse ways to ensure a peaceful and transparent election process. 

Isolated incidents

The statement further said: “We are aware of reports of isolated incidents of violence and at least four confirmed deaths.”

“The United States extends our condolences to the families of those killed and urges a full investigation and accountability."

“We are proud of our enduring partnership and friendship with the people and government of Ghana."

“We look forward to working closely with President-elect Mahama, to carry our historic relationship into the future,” the statement said.

UN Representative

For his part, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, sent a similar congratulatory message to the people of Ghana “for the peaceful, orderly and successful presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday, December 7, 2024”.

In a statement, Mr Santos Simão said: “The sense of responsibility demonstrated by all stakeholders and the commitment of all the candidates and leaders of political parties to ensure that peace and security prevail during the entire electoral process, is once more a significant step towards consolidating the country’s democratic achievements, which will be cited as a model of political maturity and pragmatism”.

“The Special Representative commends Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for his exemplary and gracious concession and calls on Ghanaians to unite behind the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, as Ghana continues to serve as an inspiration for the rising tide of democracy throughout the African continent."

“The United Nations, in coordination with regional partners, will continue to support the people of Ghana towards consolidating democracy and prosperity,” Mr Santos Simão added.