Voters in Ghana continued their nation’s long tradition of democracy this month, turning out in large numbers to elect President John Dramani Mahama to a full term succeeding the West African nation’s former president, John Atta Mills, who died this summer.
Technical problems hampered the balloting in some locations and caused officials to extend voting into a second day, but international observers found the election, free, fair and transparent, with President Mahama garnering 50.7 percent of the votes cast.
In all, nearly 80 percent of the nation’s 14 million registered voters took part in the December 7 and 8 balloting. Since 1992, no other West African country has held six free, fair and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections with two interparty transfers of power.
The United States congratulates President Mahama and commends the Ghanaian people for their dedication to democracy and the rule of law. Introducing new voter identification to help prevent fraud, Ghana’s Electoral Commission is setting high standards for its neighbors.
The United States and Ghana continue to enjoy a close friendship based on a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Once again, Ghana has showed itself to be a beacon of stability and peace in Africa. We look forward to deepening our relationship with the Ghanaian people and working closely with President Mahama’s administration.
Technical problems hampered the balloting in some locations and caused officials to extend voting into a second day, but international observers found the election, free, fair and transparent, with President Mahama garnering 50.7 percent of the votes cast.
In all, nearly 80 percent of the nation’s 14 million registered voters took part in the December 7 and 8 balloting. Since 1992, no other West African country has held six free, fair and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections with two interparty transfers of power.
The United States congratulates President Mahama and commends the Ghanaian people for their dedication to democracy and the rule of law. Introducing new voter identification to help prevent fraud, Ghana’s Electoral Commission is setting high standards for its neighbors.
The United States and Ghana continue to enjoy a close friendship based on a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Once again, Ghana has showed itself to be a beacon of stability and peace in Africa. We look forward to deepening our relationship with the Ghanaian people and working closely with President Mahama’s administration.
