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Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has asserted that conducting free, fair, and transparent elections is crucial for maintaining peace and political stability in Africa. He made these remarks during the official opening of the Democrat Union of Africa (DUA Forum 2024) in Accra on August 8, 2024. The event, organized by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), focused on the theme, “Strengthening Democratic Institutions for Political Stability: Crafting Africa’s Response,” and gathered participants from across Africa and beyond.
In his keynote address, Dr. Bawumia emphasized Ghana’s democratic achievements, stating, “Ghana’s democratic journey is a testament to the importance of nurturing democratic institutions.” He praised the country’s transparent and credible electoral processes, highlighting the role of the Electoral Commission in ensuring fair elections. “The peaceful transition of power between different political parties over the past three decades is a hallmark of our democracy, demonstrating our commitment to upholding the will of the people,” he added.
Reflecting on the forum’s theme, Dr. Bawumia noted, “This year’s theme, ‘Strengthening Democratic Institutions for Political Stability: Crafting Africa’s Response,’ is both timely and critical as it underscores the pivotal role that a robust democratic framework plays in fostering political stability and socioeconomic progress.” He highlighted Ghana as a model for democratic consolidation in Africa and expressed hope that the forum would stimulate solution-oriented discussions and a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions across the continent.
He urged participants to draw inspiration from Ghana’s experiences and work collectively to enhance democracies across Africa. “Our collective efforts can transform Africa into a beacon of democracy, stability, and prosperity,” Dr. Bawumia said. He pointed to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals as frameworks for achieving these objectives.
Dr. Bawumia called on all political leaders and stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to democratic governance. “Let us work together to strengthen our democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, and create an environment where every African can thrive,” he urged. He stressed that the future of Africa depends on the actions taken today and expressed optimism about crafting a better future for the continent.
Praising President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership, Dr. Bawumia noted significant achievements under his administration. “Our government’s focus on education, healthcare, and digitalization has led to remarkable progress,” he said. He highlighted the introduction of free senior high school education and improvements in healthcare infrastructure and the National Health Insurance Scheme as key accomplishments.
In closing, Dr. Bawumia extended his best wishes to all political parties and candidates participating in upcoming elections across Africa. He also expressed optimism about Ghana’s own forthcoming general elections in December, which he anticipates will be a historic moment for the country’s democracy.
The forum featured representatives from various political parties, including the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Uganda, Inkatha Freedom Party in South Africa, Unity Party in Liberia, PDCI-RDA in Ivory Coast, and others from across the continent.
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