The Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, has on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, assured the United States and the rest of the international community in Ghana that the Akufo-Addo administration will ensure that the 7 December 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections are executed freely, fairly and transparently.
Godfred Dame made this commitment on behalf of the Government of Ghana in his address as Special Guest of Honour at the US Embassy in Accra on Thursday, 4 July 2024, during the ceremony to celebrate the 248th Independence Anniversary of the United States of America.
In his address, the A-G observed that there are about 64 countries holding elections in their respective countries across the globe in 2024, including the United States of America and Ghana. He expressed the hope that the elections taking place in Ghana and the United States would be free of any undue challenges that tend to cast doubts about the outcome.
Elections in Ghana and the US
Dame also extended what he said was his heartfelt wishes for a successful and smooth electoral process in the USA, so that the United States can attain a future filled with hope, progress, and the collective well-being of all Americans.
“As you may all be aware, we are at a momentous point in the practice of democracy around the world, as 2024 will witness national elections in more than sixty-four (64) countries globally, including Ghana and the United States of America.
“As we prepare for the upcoming elections, it is my hope and belief that the process will be smooth, devoid of polemics and tribulations, and once again consolidate the status of our two nations as models for democracy around the world,” the AG Godfred Yeboah Dame remarked.
“The democratic process does not only shape the future leadership of a country but also reflects the aspirations and prosperities of her citizens. The world will watch with keen interest as voters in both countries exercise their democratic rights, and open the next chapter of the two nations in their respective political landscapes.
“In this regard, whilst recognising the importance of civic engagement in promoting social justice and strengthening democracy, the Government of Ghana assures the United States of America and the entire international community of its commitment to ensuring that Ghana’s upcoming elections will be peaceful, transparent, free and fair,” Godfred Dame further remarked.
Security cooperation
On issues of security, Godfred Dame said “Cooperation remains a critical component of Ghana and the United States of America’s bilateral relationship. He welcomed the recent 10-year plan of the US government to support efforts aimed at addressing terrorism and violent extremism on the African continent.
“The United States and Ghana have worked together to enhance regional security, combat terrorism, and promote peacekeeping efforts. Joint training programmes and capacity-building initiatives have strengthened the capacities of our security forces and contributed to greater stability in the region.
“We welcome President Biden’s 10-year plan of over $100 million to implement the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability within the West African region, aimed at addressing regional threats of violent extremism,” the Attorney General Said.
Strong US-Ghana relations
US and Ghana relations according to Godfred Yeboah Dame, have been rewarding to both countries and, there is every reason to improve on it and make them stronger for the mutual benefit of the peoples of Ghana and the United States of America.
He indicated that the United States has been steadfast in its support of Ghana’s quest for self-determination and freedom, with the warm and fruitful friendship between [the] two nations growing immensely over time, and expanding into various spheres of collaboration, cooperation, and bilateral visits between our two countries.
“Without a doubt, economic and trade cooperation is a cornerstone of our relationship. The United States remains a significant trade and investment partner for Ghana, contributing to our economic growth and job creation.
“Ghana is committed to leveraging the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is instrumental in promoting trade, creating jobs, and fostering innovation across various sectors of Ghana’s economy and driving economic growth and prosperity,” the Attorney General said.
“It is imperative to note the effort of the US Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in contributing to the development of Ghana in various sectors of the country’s economy. In 2023, USAID dedicated over $140 million in support of health, economic growth, agriculture, education, governance, and security issues in Ghana.
“USAID also provided $3.7 million and learning materials to Ghanaian public schools for 1.2 million pupils from primaries 1 to 3 in over 11,000 schools,” Dame added. Ghana together with the USA has collaborated on several initiatives and programmes which have boosted the mutual development of our respective countries’ economies,” Dame added.
Reporting by Wilberforce Asare in Accra
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