Akufo-Addo to lead Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh elections

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is chairing a Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh’s Parliamentary Election and Referendum scheduled for February 12.

The former Ghanaian leader is leading a high-level delegation tasked with monitoring the electoral process, with particular attention to pre-election preparations, stakeholder engagement and the country’s readiness ahead of polling day.

In a Facebook post, Akufo-Addo confirmed his arrival in Dhaka on Sunday, February 8, stating that the Observer Group had already begun preliminary engagements with key stakeholders.

He said the team has initiated a series of consultations to gain a comprehensive understanding of Bangladesh’s political and electoral landscape ahead of the vote.

“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,” he wrote.
“The group have met with representatives of the media, civil society, youth and women’s groups, political parties and other stakeholders.”

These interactions form a crucial part of the Commonwealth’s election observation process, enabling the team to hear directly from a broad range of actors and assess the transparency, credibility 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.

As President of Ghana, he was actively engaged in regional and global affairs, particularly in promoting democracy, constitutional rule and multilateral cooperation through bodies 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, vote counting and the collation of results.

Akufo-Addo officially handed over power on January 7, 2025, after completing two terms in office. This role marks one of his first major international assignments since leaving office.