By GNA Team
Accra, Dec. 08, GNA – Ghana has solidified its reputation as the most developed democracy in the West African sub-Region with a successful ninth General Election under the Fourth Republican Constitution.
The peaceful election is seen by many as encouraging against the backdrop of the deteriorating democracy in the Region, characterised by a wave of military coups and violent extremism in recent times.
In spite of the few skirmishes recorded in some of the 276 constituencies across the country, the general atmosphere in the 2024 December 07 election was that of serene and demonstration of political maturity.
A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to many the polling stations saw the electorates casting their ballots without much difficulty and controversies.
Citizens of all ages, including the aged and first time voters, were present to exercise their franchise, eager to vote to choose their preferred candidates.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in the course of the electoral process, said he was satisfied with the peaceful manner in which the election was conducted.
“I have monitored all the reports from across the country, and everything seems to be going well.
“We thank God for that,” he told the media after casting his ballot.
The President, an ardent supporter of democracy, has all along rooted for the country to uphold civilian rule as against military regime.
He insists democracy is the best form of governance, citing the country’s history under military regimes characterised by human rights abuses, intimidation and oppressive rule.
Madam Emilly Lartey, 86, in an interview, said: “This is victory for Ghana, and we must be proud of our achievement.”
She said there was the need for the nation to continue to uphold the rule of law for sustainable development and growth.
Akua Baah, 18, and a first time voter, was beside herself with joy, casting her maiden ballot at the Holy Child Polling Station in the Tema West Constituency of the Greater Accra Region.
“It is an interesting experience,” she noted, urging the youth to cherish their civic responsibility.
Ghana’s democratic dispensation under the Fourth Republic has been dominated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a centre-right and liberal-conservative party, and National Democratic Congress (NDC), a centre-left party.
The focus of most international pro-democracy organisations and political pundits was on Ghana ahead of this year’s elections, looking at whether or not the West African nation would pass another crucial democratic test.
After 32 years of democratic dispensation, the country remains resilient in protecting the gains made to enhance peace and stability.
Whatever the outcome of the 2024 elections, it is expected that the nation would continue to uphold and defend its cherished political credentials.
Meanwhile, a considerable number of supporters of the main opposition NDC have started jubilating, as they anticipate victory in the polls.
At the Odododiodio Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, there was wild jubilation by the NDC activists deep into the night as results from the polling stations trickled in.
Similar scenes were also witnessed at the Ayawaso-West Wuogon, Ayawaso-Central,and Assin-Central
constituencies.
This year’s elections had a total of 18, 774, 159 million registered voters across 276 constituencies casting their ballots in 40, 648 poling stations.
GNA