By: Sarah Baafi
Former President of Ghana, 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 President is chairing a high-level team tasked with monitoring the electoral process, with particular attention to pre-election preparations, stakeholder engagements, and the country’s overall readiness ahead of voting day.
Confirming his arrival in Dhaka on Sunday, February 8, Former President Akufo-Addo disclosed in a Facebook post that the Observer Group had already begun preliminary consultations with key stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
According to him, the team has initiated a series of engagements aimed at gaining a comprehensive understanding of 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.
“The group have met with representatives of the media, civil society, youth and women’s groups, political parties and other stakeholders.”
These interactions are a core component of the Commonwealth’s election observation mandate, providing the team with first-hand perspectives from diverse groups while assessing the credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral process.
Akufo-Addo’s appointment underscores his continued involvement in international diplomacy and democratic governance following the end of his presidency.
While in office, he was a prominent figure in regional and global affairs, particularly in advancing democracy, constitutional rule and multilateral cooperation through platforms 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 procedures, vote counting and the collation of results.
Former President Akufo-Addo officially handed over power on January 7, 2025, after completing two terms as President of Ghana. This assignment represents one of his first major international engagements since leaving office.
