By Diana Oppong Mensah

Ghana, a country widely regarded as the “beacon of democracy” in Africa, is expected to live up to its reputation once again as it prepares to go to the polls on December 7, 2024.

The processes have already started, and they have been largely peaceful so far. The various campaign activities by the various political parties and potential candidates have been conducted in a manner that deserves the commendation of all.

As a body that advocates peace and a healthy political climate, we have conducted a series of studies with respect to the country’s 2024 elections and related processes based on which we can confidently conclude that Ghana is affirming its reputation as a democratically stable country in the subregion.

While we intend to publish detailed findings from our research in subsequent publications, we would want to seize the opportunity to share an important observation, which is the level of interest shown by the first-time voters and the youth of the country in the upcoming general election.

Between 80 and 90 per cent of them are expected to participate fully in the elections. The fact that the processes have so far been peaceful has contributed to this strong desire by the youth to exercise their franchise.

The Women Network for Peace-Ghana will, therefore, commend the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the political parties, the media, civil society organisations and the other stakeholders for the great job done so far.

We hope and believe that the processes will continue to be peaceful as expected. Africa is looking up to Ghana. The world is watching Ghana. We will do it once again. Thank you.

The writer is the President of Women Network for Peace-Ghana,Diana Oppong Mensah,