Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has congratulated Nana Akufo-Addo on his electoral victory, and also the people of Ghana for the way they handled the 2016 electoral process.
He further lauded President John Mahama for conceding defeat on Friday (December 9) night when the election results were declared.
“I congratulate our new president-elect wholeheartedly, and I also commend President Mahama for graciously conceding defeat,” said Mr Annan.
According to him, although Ghana is facing economic challenges, Mr Akufo-Addo has the capacity to turn things round for the good of the country.
“Mr Akufo-Addo will be taking over at a time of economic difficulties but he has the skills and experience to help the country face up to this challenge,” he stated
Mr Annan also praised the people and authorities of Ghana for ensuring a peaceful campaign and for their calm while awaiting the announcement of the results by the Electoral Commission.
“The people of Ghana have proved worthy of our democratic tradition,” he stated.
The Electoral Commission announced late on Friday that Mr Akufo-Addo had secured 53.85 per cent of votes, against his chief rival, the incumbent President John Mahama, who received 44.4 per cent.
National and international observers called the elections free and fair.
Mr Annan noted that at a time when democratic traditions were being challenged in some countries in Africa and beyond, a peaceful transition of political power in Ghana “makes me feel proud to be a Ghanaian”.
