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.
Before the polls, he said, the team had started a number of engagements to get a thorough grasp of Bangladesh’s political and electoral environment. 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 has met with representatives of the media, civil society, youth and women’s groups, political parties, and other stakeholders.” A crucial part of the Commonwealth’s election observation mandate, these exchanges give the team firsthand accounts from a range of groups and help them evaluate the legitimacy, openness, and inclusivity of the voting 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.
It is anticipated that the Commonwealth Observer Group will stay in Bangladesh during election day and the immediate post-election period to observe voting procedures, count votes, and compile 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.
