Earlier this year, I had the privilege of leading a Commonwealth team of eminent persons to observe the electoral process and referendum in Bangladesh. I am pleased to share that our report has now been published.
The report reflects our observations and sets out recommendations aimed at further strengthening democratic institutions and processes in Bangladesh.
The Commonwealth Observer Group has released its final report on Bangladesh’s 2026 elections and referendum, describing it as a "democratic milestone".
The report welcomes the peaceful conduct of the polls and advances in electoral inclusion, while urging further reforms to consolidate democratic progress.
Read the final report: https://t.co/6RUfmrSpmS
#CommonwealthElections🗳️
On Passion Sunday, which is the fifth Sunday in Lent, I had the honour, upon prayerful consideration, to be installed as Honorary Lay Canon of the Anglican Diocese of Koforidua, in the Church of the Province of West Africa, at the St. Peter Anglican Cathedral, Koforidua.
As LAY CANON in the Anglican Communion, I am honoured by the Diocese and Province for sterling work in public service and social justice to undertake special duties in health, evangelism, investments, education, tourism and hospitality.
My experiences and service, throughout my adult life, have been a testimony of God’s love, and a vindication of the words of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as quoted at Matthew 19:26, which states “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
I commit, as I have always, to continued service to the Church, to live a holy life, to pray regularly for God's blessing upon the work of the Church in the world and especially in this Diocese and the West African Province, and to enter gladly into the succession of those in each generation who have served God through the worship offered in this Cathedral, Diocese and Province.
For this, I remain eternally grateful to His Lordship Rt. Rev. Felix Odei Annancy and the officiating clergy of the Anglican Diocese of Koforidua in the Church of the Province of West Africa and the entire Anglican Communion in Ghana and across the world.
Our independence, for us and for future generations, represents the abiding truth that ideas matter; that philosophy shapes politics; that institutions outlive individuals; and that as it is said, eternal vigilance remains the price of liberty.
Happy Anniversary, Fellow Ghanaians.
Bangladesh is home to one of the largest youth populations in the Commonwealth. Energetic, ambitious, and ready to shape the future.
The observations made by the Commonwealth team aren’t just a report. They come with recommendations that help improve electoral processes, inspire confidence, and empower citizens to participate fully in their democracy.
#CommonwealthElections🗳️
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.
"We are here to affirm the Commonwealth’s solidarity with the people of Bangladesh."
The Commonwealth Observer Group has begun its observation of pre-poll arrangements ahead of Bangladesh’s Parliamentary Election & Referendum.
Read the arrival statement: https://t.co/3F4AggDfxG
Commonwealth observers will soon be on the ground in Bangladesh for its upcoming elections and referendum.
See the expertise from across the Commonwealth that makes up the Observer Group, chaired by @NAkufoAddo.
🔗 Read more: https://t.co/cKjYFgigOq
#CommonwealthElections🗳️
Newly-minted flagbearer of our great party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his spouse, @SBawumiaonX, paid a courtesy call on me yesterday, 3rd February, 2026.
Eighteen years ago, I chose Dr. @MBawumia as my running mate. We stood side by side through four elections. I know his mind, his character, his love for Ghana, and his appetite for hard work. He is loyal to party and country. With the full support of our rank and file and the continued generosity of our supporters, I know that he will lead us back to victory.
Honoured to serve as Chairman of the Commonwealth Observer Group for the upcoming Bangladesh Parliamentary Election and Referendum.
#CommonwealthElections 🗳️
The former President of Ghana, H.E. @NAkufoAddo, will lead the Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections and the referendum on the July Charter on 12 February 2026.
🔗 Read more: https://t.co/5pHGhMYJqp
#CommonwealthElections
Undoubtedly one of the most consequential Ghanaian women of her generation, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghana’s longest serving First Lady, became the embodiment of the women’s struggle for self-empowerment.
Her activism struck a chord beyond the borders of Ghana, and, in time, she featured amongst the continent’s best known women. Indeed, in 2018, I had the pleasure, as President of the Republic, to appoint her to lead Ghana’s delegation to South Africa to the funeral of another iconic African woman, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the widow of the late great Madiba, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. She was not a member or sympathiser of my government, but I believed, as I still do, that she was the most appropriate Ghanaian woman to undertake that assignment.
She was a vivacious, sparkling woman whose company and wit I enjoyed very much. My wife Rebecca and I, extend our deepest condolences to her children, Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina and Kimathi, to her wider family and to the entire Ghanaian nation on the loss of this vibrant woman.
At her burial service today Friday, 28th November, 2025, I asked God to bless her and give her soul a peaceful place of abode in His Bosom until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again. Amen.
I am in Luanda, Angola, at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Angola, H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, to participate in the ceremony marking the 50th Anniversary of Angolan independence.
I extend my best wishes to the Government and the friendly people of Angola, and thank them for the warm hospitality extended to me.
Long live Angola!
Long live Ghana - Angola Relations!
Long live Africa!
On Friday, November 7, 2025, I was pleased to receive a courtesy visit from the British High Commissioner to Ghana, H. E. Dr. Christian Rogg.
The visit presented an opportunity for us to discuss and build upon our long-standing diplomatic ties of friendship and cooperation. We also exchanged views on matters of international interest.
On Thursday, 30th October, 2025, I received a delegation from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, who were at my office to pay a courtesy call on me.
Led by their Ambassador, Frederik Landshöft, our discussions focused on the continued solidarity between Ghana, the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union.
It also centred on shared values and commitment to democracy and freedom and on pressing security challenges within the sub-region, as well as, on trade and economic relations between Africa and the European Union.
At the Democracy Union of Africa (DUA) forum in Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday, I reiterated DUA’s important role in leading the discourse in our various nations for the modernisation of our societies, the methods of production, distribution and exchange, and the systems of governance in which inclusion, free of racism and ethnocentrism, is the hallmark of our outreach as we seek to deepen democracy and accountable governance.
I am very grateful to the DUA Forum for naming the African Democracy Award after me.
My wife Rebecca and I are deeply saddened by the news of the untimely passing of the wife of the late first President of the 4th Republic, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, the longest serving First Lady in our history and the Founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, H.E. Mrs Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings.
As a role model for women in Ghana and across Africa, Mrs. Rawlings’ gender advocacy and women empowerment initiatives remain impactful to this day. Her commitment to the growth of the women’s movement in Ghana and Africa can never be forgotten. She was a warm and affectionate woman, with a good sense of humour and was excellent company.
Rebecca, my children and I, extend our deepest condolences to her children and family on this sad occasion.
May her soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Almighty, until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall meet again.
I extend my deepest condolences to the people of the great sisterly nation of Kenya, President William Sameoi Ruto, and to the family of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Kenya, who died in India, earlier today.
News of the passing of this great son of Africa, who, for a long time, was a very good friend of mine, has been received with widespread sadness. Aside the many encounters and thought-experiences upon which we held deep convictions, Prime Minister Odinga and I shared mutual values on strengthening democracy and on advancing the human rights of Africa’s citizens. On 7th January, 2017, he was one of the distinguished dignitaries who attended my inauguration event at the Independence Square, in Accra.
As a founding member of the African Union, I pledged Ghana’s support, without hesitation, when, in 2024, President Ruto visited Ghana to secure our support for Prime Minister Odinga’s candidacy as AU Commission Chairperson. Indeed, he visited me himself in November 2024, as part of his campaign.
His remarkable footprints on Kenya’s stability, democracy and history will remain indelible. He will be sorely missed.
May his soul find peaceful rest in the Bosom of the Almighty, until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again. Amen.
On Friday, 15th August, 2025, my wife and I attended the solemn inter-faith national burial service for our fallen compatriots who lost their lives in a horrific military air crash earlier this month.
Again, I wish their families, the Ghana Armed Forces and the entire nation well, and pray that their souls find rest in the Bosom of the Almighty, until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again.
On Tuesday, 3rd June, 2025, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, led an impressive delegation of Chiefs and noblemen from Asanteman to pay a courtesy call on me at my residence in Nima, Accra.
I extended to him my deepest appreciation for his guidance and support throughout the time I was at the helm of this country, key amongst which was his contribution, as Chairman of the Committee of Eminent Chiefs, which included the Yagbonwura and the Nayiri, towards the peace in Dagbon.
The Otumfuo and I have charted a trajectory of longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation from our formative periods, and such ties have grown even more stronger with the passage of time. As always, I wish him and Asanteman well in all endeavours.