Hey #Ghana, you did it again!
The past few weeks was a great display of Ghana’s vibrant democracy. It was quite a journey ! Over the last few weeks, European Union in Ghana stood on the front row at manifesto launches, #IPAC meetings, the #PeacePact signing and countless other events, all building up to the #E-Day climax on 7 December.
From the crack of dawn, 88 diplomats from the #EU and its Member States, Norway and Switzerland, visited approximately 430 polling stations (yes 430 !!!) on E-Day, covering 10 regions across the country. They witnessed first-hand the generally peaceful voting process and the professional conduct of polling staff and security forces. We watched the counting and collation. I chose Jamestown polling station. The gates closed at 5.00 pm sharp (no Ghana time!) and the orderly counting began…Ayekoo Electoral Commission of Ghana and its Chair, #JeanMensa.
This time around, the EU focused its efforts on domestic institutions and civil society. Together with Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, we contributed to the overall deployment of 4000 domestic observers (yes, 4000). Great job #IDEG #CODEO #WANEP #NCCE #NPC #KAIPTC !!!
All pieces finally landed altogether smoothly on Monday 9 Dec, 5.00 pm. But this you already know.
European Union in Ghana acknowledges the great democratic culture of the Ghanaian people. Once again, this was an amazing journey. The dedication and commitment of all voters, party agents, and local observers have been admirable.
We congratulate President-elect H.E John Dramani Mahama on a clear and decisive victory. We look forward to working with the new administration and deepen even further the already excellent EU-Ghana partnership. Jobs, prosperity, peace and sustainability. Hand-in-hand towards a bright future for Ghana and all Ghanaians.
Finally, I want to salute Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for taking the bold and honourable step to concede defeat in such a dignified and expedient manner. And to personally thank him for having been a great co-chair of the past EU-Ghana partnership dialogues.
Despite isolated incidents, the overall process was remarkable.
One last uplifting anecdote. While chit-chatting at press events, African electoral experts confided to me that they were envisaging to bring home some of Ghana's best practices. How about that ? This is the best thing about democracy. If you share it, it does not make you poorer. On the contrary... #GhanaToTheWorld !