UK’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, has underscored the importance of dialogue and transparency in Ghana’s upcoming elections.
The Minister emphasized that all candidates are committed to ensuring a fair process, noting that it is crucial for them to engage in meaningful conversations about the standards they expect to be upheld throughout the election.
“The most important thing is that they speak to each other about the sort of standards they want to see achieved,” the Minister stated in and interview on September 18.
He stressed the need for confidence in democratic mechanisms, particularly the role of institutions like the Electoral Commission and the National Peace Council, in ensuring fairness. According to the Minister, the focus should be on setting benchmarks for democracy that will lead to a transparent and credible election process.
He is optimistic that the major political parties will work towards a peaceful election, emphasizing that dialogue is key to maintaining the democratic gains Ghana has made.
“Ghana needs to focus in the longer term, with a government that has that mandate. And fairness and transparency are key,” he added.
The Minister also addressed concerns about the potential challenge that short-term election promises may pose to Ghana’s long-term democratic stability. He remarked that this is a challenge facing all democracies, not just Ghana, and highlighted the need for continued focus on long-term goals, such as those outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 agenda.
The 2030 agenda, he noted, is now closer than ever, and meeting these targets will lay the foundation for a sustainable future. “Electoral cycles can sort of take your eye away from those longer-term things,” he observed, but noted that the success of any government lies in delivering for the people.
Drawing parallels with the UK’s political evolution, Lord Collins expressed his confidence that Ghana, like many stable democracies, would eventually move towards focusing on improving existing systems rather than debating their necessity.
“When a government does something that works and delivers for its people, then all political parties can support it,” he concluded.
The Minister’s remarks reflect the UK’s ongoing support for Ghana’s democracy, as well as a broader international focus on maintaining democratic processes across Africa.
Read also:
We will also demonstrate against EC if NDC’s request for forensic audit is granted – NPP
