Akufo-Addo leads Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh polls
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will lead a Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh’s forthcoming Parliamentary Election and Referendum, scheduled for February 12.
As leader of the high-level team, Akufo-Addo will oversee the observation of the electoral process, focusing on pre-poll preparations, stakeholder engagement, and the country’s overall readiness for voting day.
Akufo-Addo confirmed his arrival in Dhaka on Sunday, February 8, in a Facebook post, and stated that the Observer Group had already commenced preliminary engagements with key stakeholders.
According to Akufo-Addo, the team has initiated a series of consultations to gain a broad understanding of Bangladesh’s political and electoral environment in advance 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.
“The group have met with representatives of the media, civil society, youth and women’s groups, political parties and other stakeholders.”
These engagements form a critical part of the Commonwealth’s election observation process, allowing the team to hear directly from a wide range of actors and assess the credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral process.
Akufo-Addo’s role demonstrates his continued dedication to international diplomacy and democratic governance after completing his presidency.
As President of Ghana, he actively engaged in regional and global affairs, particularly in promoting 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, observing voting, counting, and results collation.
Akufo-Addo officially handed over power 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.
