Former President 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 leader is heading the high-level team tasked with observing the electoral process, with particular focus on pre-election preparations, stakeholder engagement and the country’s overall readiness ahead of polling day.
In a 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.
“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.”
According to him, the engagements are aimed at gaining broad insight into Bangladesh’s political and electoral environment ahead of the polls. Such consultations form a critical component of the Commonwealth’s election observation process, allowing the team to assess the credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral process.
The Observer Group is expected to remain in Bangladesh through election day and the immediate post-election period, monitoring voting, counting and results collation.
Akufo-Addo’s appointment reflects his continued involvement in international diplomacy and democratic governance following the completion of his presidency. During his tenure as President of Ghana, he played an active role in regional and global affairs, particularly in the promotion of democracy, constitutional rule and multilateral cooperation through institutions such as ECOWAS, the African Union and the Commonwealth.
Akufo-Addo officially handed over office on January 7, 2025, after serving two terms as President of Ghana. This assignment marks one of his first major international roles since leaving office.
