The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has praised Ghana for successfully conducting its recent general elections, noting that the country drew lessons from Nigeria in handling constituency election results.
Speaking in a video obtained by Chronicles Reporters, Prof. Yakubu, who has faced criticism in Nigeria over the controversial 2019 and 2023 elections, commended Ghana for its electoral innovations and political stability, which contributed to the smooth conduct of the 2024 presidential polls.
Former Ghanaian president John Mahama emerged victorious in the December 7, 2024, presidential election after his main rival, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat. In a statement, Bawumia acknowledged the outcome, saying, “The people of Ghana have spoken and they have voted for change at this time. We respect this with all humility.”
According to reports from AFP, Ghana’s Electoral Commission stated that the official results were expected to be announced by Tuesday.
Prof. Yakubu highlighted the perseverance of political leaders in Ghana, referencing the current president, Nana Akufo-Addo, who contested several elections before his eventual success. “Rarely in Ghana do you see people moving from one party to another with every general election. This consistency provides stability, both for the political parties and their supporters,” he remarked.
He also emphasized the practical lessons Ghana adopted from Nigeria, particularly in managing election results at the constituency level. “Until their last election, all results in Ghana were sent to the Electoral Commission’s headquarters in Accra, covering both parliamentary and presidential elections. Learning from Nigeria’s system, they now use returning officers to announce parliamentary results within constituencies, with only the presidential results sent to Accra. This adjustment has significantly expedited the process,” Yakubu explained.
Expressing satisfaction with Ghana’s progress, he added, “We are pleased to see the election process and its outcomes have been commendable. Nigeria remains committed to supporting our colleagues in Ghana’s Electoral Commission.”
The election marks the end of two terms under the New Patriotic Party, led by President Akufo-Addo, whose administration faced economic challenges, including high inflation and a debt crisis.
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