The United States Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Virginia Palmer, has expressed her country’s readiness to work with the incoming government of President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking at the National Collation Center shortly after the Electoral Commission declared Mahama the winner of the 2024 presidential election, Ambassador Palmer praised Ghana’s electoral process and called for continued efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.
“We look forward to working with the incoming government, Ghana’s electoral institutions, and civil society to build confidence in these critical institutions,” she said.
The 2024 presidential election unfolded under intense scrutiny, with high stakes driven by economic challenges, including Ghana’s debt crisis and ongoing engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Despite fears of unrest, the election concluded peacefully, reaffirming Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
Ambassador Palmer lauded the transparency of the process, emphasizing the role of technology and media. “An ordinary citizen could even compute these results because they were posted and photographed by the media,” she remarked. “The media plays a very important role, and I salute you for your work.”
She noted that the efficiency of biometric devices contributed significantly to the credibility of the polls. However, she acknowledged concerns over declining trust in electoral institutions, citing Afrobarometer surveys. She urged stakeholders to address this trend, emphasizing the importance of protecting public confidence in the Electoral Commission, judiciary, and civil society.
Ambassador Palmer underscored the deep ties between Ghana and the United States, pointing to historical and cultural connections, robust trade relations, and shared values.
“The relationship between Ghana and the United States is very strong, rooted in history, culture, and shared commitments. With over $3 billion in bilateral trade and Ghana’s leadership in ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations, I am confident our partnership will grow even stronger,” she stated.
As John Dramani Mahama prepares to assume office, Ambassador Palmer expressed optimism about Ghana’s future and its ability to address its challenges while maintaining its position as a leader in democracy and international cooperation.
“Ghana has shown resilience and commitment to democratic values, even in challenging times. The peaceful conclusion of this election is a victory for all Ghanaians,” she added.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Ebenezer Madugu
