Madam Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has officially confirmed that the general elections held on December 7, 2024, were conducted in a manner that was free, fair, credible, and transparent.
Her statement was made during the official declaration of the presidential results at the National Collation Centre in Accra, marking a significant moment in Ghana’s democratic process.
In her address, Madam Mensa articulated the EC’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsiveness at the heart of all electoral operations. She expressed her confidence in the integrity of the elections, stating, “As a commission, we have fulfilled our aspiration to ensure transparency, accountability, exclusiveness, and responsiveness at the heart of all our operations, and I can confidently say that, with the help of God, we have fulfilled the aspirations and expectations of the citizenry.”
Madam Mensa underscored the importance of conducting elections that reflected the true will of the people, emphasizing that the EC managed to deliver an election that was not only credible but also peaceful. “We have conducted elections that are credible, free, fair, transparent, and peaceful. Elections that have ensured that the will of the people is expressed at the polls,” she remarked. Her words resonated with many Ghanaians who have placed immense trust in the electoral process since the return to democratic governance in the early 1990s.
Furthermore, she highlighted the significance of voter participation, asserting that the election process accurately mirrored the electorate’s sentiments. “These elections have ensured that every vote counts. As a country, we take pride in the fact that our electoral processes, initiated since 1992, uphold and guarantee the voter’s choice. We take pride in the fact that the voter’s choice, as expressed at the polls, is sacrosanct,” Madam Mensa emphasized. This statement reinforces the foundational principle of democracy: the belief that each citizen’s vote holds value and significance in shaping the nation’s future.
Madam Mensa also addressed the challenges that the Electoral Commission faced in the lead-up to the elections. Despite these hurdles, she reaffirmed the EC’s unwavering commitment to delivering a smooth and orderly electoral process. “Our commitment to ensuring a credible electoral process was unwavering, and we are grateful to all stakeholders who contributed to making these elections a success,” she stated.
The chairperson’s remarks come after a period of heightened anticipation and scrutiny from both the public and international observers. Many Ghanaians, along with representatives from various global organizations, closely monitored the electoral process to ensure its integrity and transparency. The successful management of the election is viewed as a pivotal milestone for Ghana’s democratic development, enhancing the country’s reputation as a model of democratic governance within the African continent.
The 2024 elections were marked by significant voter engagement, with a notable turnout that reflected the citizens’ enthusiasm and commitment to participating in the democratic process. The EC’s effective organization of the elections, which included voter education initiatives and logistics planning, contributed to the smooth execution of the electoral activities.
In the lead-up to the elections, the EC had faced various criticisms and concerns regarding its operational readiness and the potential for electoral malpractices. However, the successful outcome of the electoral process has helped to alleviate these concerns, reinforcing public confidence in the Commission’s ability to manage future elections.
In her closing remarks, Madam Mensa extended her gratitude to the security agencies, political parties, civil society organizations, and the electorate for their roles in ensuring a peaceful election environment. She noted that the collective efforts of all stakeholders were instrumental in upholding the integrity of the electoral process. “It is through our combined efforts that we have demonstrated our commitment to upholding the democratic principles that Ghana stands for. I commend every individual and organization that played a part in this process,” she said.
As Ghana moves forward following the successful conclusion of the elections, the EC’s leadership is expected to focus on strengthening electoral processes and addressing any areas for improvement identified during the recent elections. Ongoing dialogue with political parties and stakeholders will be crucial in maintaining the momentum of democratic development and ensuring that future elections continue to reflect the will of the people.
The successful execution of the December 2024 general elections is a testament to Ghana’s resilience as a democratic nation and its commitment to upholding the rights of its citizens. With the affirmation of free and fair elections, the focus now shifts to the newly elected leaders and their mandate to govern effectively and responsively in addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation.
In conclusion, Madam Jean Mensa’s confirmation of the credibility of the December 2024 elections serves not only as a reassurance to Ghanaians but also as a beacon of hope for the future of democracy in Ghana. The EC’s dedication to transparency and accountability will continue to be essential as the country navigates the path of governance, unity, and progress. As the new administration prepares to take office, the expectations of the electorate will be high, underscoring the importance of effective leadership that truly reflects the democratic ideals upon which the nation was founded.
