UK pledges support for peaceful, transparent elections  

The United Kingdom (UK) has reaffirmed its commitment to Ghana’s democratic stability by pledging support for a peaceful and transparent electoral process in the upcoming 2024 election.

The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, underscored UK’s neutral stance in the election but emphasised its dedication to seeing Ghana remain the most stable and successful democracy in the region.

She said the British High Commission, in collaboration with other diplomatic missions, would deploy observers across the country to witness the democratic process firsthand. 

This commitment, she said, also included funding independent domestic observers to ensure a fair and credible election.

“Unfortunately, my colleagues and I are frequently told by a range of people that they fear Ghana's 2024 election will be less peaceful than previous elections. 

That's worrying for everyone because an election that's not peaceful would be incredibly damaging for Ghana, as well as dangerous of course for those directly involved. But the good thing is that politicians and others in influential positions can prevent this from happening,” she said.

Celebration

The British High Commissioner was speaking at the commemoration of the 76th birthday of His Royal Majesty King Charles III yesterday.

She hosted over 800 guests in honour of the birthday celebration.

The invited guests included President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, as well as other government officials, political party leaders, chiefs, members of diplomatic missions, and British-Ghanaian diaspora.

Bilateral partnership 

“The UK cares deeply about Ghana’s democracy and future success because of our shared democratic values. We know that the economy and security of both our countries will be strengthened by working closely together. 

“A strong bilateral partnership, rooted in learning from the past and looking to the future, has the potential to improve lives in both our nations,” the British High Commissioner said.

She also congratulated the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on her recent election as Commonwealth Secretary-General. 

She was certain that the Commonwealth was in very capable hands and looked forward to working with her in her new role in the coming years. 

Gratitude 

Mr Kan-Dapaah expressed his gratitude to the UK for its enduring support in areas ranging from health and education to security.

He said UK’s contributions had been instrumental in Ghana’s efforts to maintain stability across the continent. 

Additionally, he said the country was grateful for the UK’s role in training Ghanaian health workers in disease outbreak preparedness, which proved invaluable in containing the 2022 Marburg virus outbreak.

“Over the past decade, the UK has also supported numerous Ghanaian students in their educational journeys through the Ghana Education Outcomes Project, enabling them to pursue knowledge and skills that will contribute to our nation’s growth. 

“These initiatives clearly demonstrate the enduring partnership between Ghana and the UK and the continuous strengthening of our relationship,” Mr Kan-Dapaah said. 

“It is my sincere hope that, under the reign of King Charles III, the partnership between our two countries will continue to grow, ensuring peace, prosperity, and security for both our nations and for the wider region,” he added.