Akufo-Addo Leads Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh Polls
Former Ghanaian President heads Commonwealth mission to assess transparency and credibility of Bangladesh’s February 12 elections.
- Akufo-Addo leads Commonwealth election observers in Bangladesh.
- Team engages key stakeholders ahead of February 12 polls.
- Mission will observe voting and post-election processes.
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is leading a Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh’s Parliamentary Election and Referendum scheduled for February 12.
The former Ghanaian leader is heading a high-level team tasked with observing the electoral process, including pre-election preparations, stakeholder engagements, and the country’s overall readiness ahead of polling day.
In a Facebook post, Mr Akufo-Addo confirmed his arrival in Dhaka on Sunday, February 8, stating that the Observer Group had already begun preliminary engagements with key stakeholders.
According to him, the team has commenced a series of consultations aimed at gaining broad insight into Bangladesh’s political and electoral landscape ahead of the polls.
“Arrived in Dhaka, Bangladesh, as Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group to observe pre-poll arrangements ahead of the country’s Parliamentary Election and Referendum on February 12,” he wrote. “The group has met with representatives of the media, civil society, youth and women’s groups, political parties, and other stakeholders.”
These engagements form a key part of the Commonwealth’s election observation process, enabling the team to hear directly from a wide range of actors and assess the credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness of the electoral process.
Mr Akufo-Addo’s appointment underscores his continued involvement in international diplomacy and democratic governance following the end of his presidency.
During his tenure as President of Ghana, he played an active role in regional and global affairs, particularly in advancing democracy, constitutional governance, and multilateral cooperation through institutions such as the African Union, ECOWAS, and the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Observer Group is expected to remain in Bangladesh through election day and the immediate post-election period to observe voting, counting, and the collation of results.
Mr Akufo-Addo officially handed over office on January 7, 2025, after serving two terms as President of Ghana. This assignment marks one of his first major international roles since leaving office.
