The Acting Director of the Women, Youth, Peace, and Security Institute at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) emphasised the crucial role newly trained election observers will play in safeguarding Ghana’s democratic process as the nation approaches its 2024 general elections.

Horname Nuagbesenu reflected on the significance of the Election Observation Training for women and youth.

"Your participation is a testament to the commitment of women and youth to uphold democracy and integrity in Ghana. You are the custodians of transparency, ensuring that every vote is counted fairly, and every voice is heard,” she said.

Nuagbesenu said this while addressing an audience that included the Regional Director of the Department of Gender, representatives from the Regional Peace Council, members of the Women Situation Room Project Consortium, and the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA).

The training, which emphasised election observation as more than an academic exercise, prepared participants for an active role in monitoring and ensuring peaceful, fair, and transparent elections.

Nuagbesenu underscored the importance of women and youth in this process, describing them as "not just the leaders of tomorrow but the force of change today."

She noted that by involving themselves in election observation, they were breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and promoting inclusion and representation in Ghana’s democratic processes.

Women and youth are often catalysts for reducing electoral malpractice and violence. Their presence as observers, according to Nuagbesenu, has the power to encourage greater voter turnout and instill confidence in marginalized communities.

“When you take your place as observers, you provide a sense of security and hope for a fair and just society.”

She called upon the participants to embody professionalism and integrity, reminding them that their vigilance would contribute to fostering a peaceful voting environment.

Nuagbesenu also expressed gratitude to the various partners that helped bring the training to fruition, including FOSDA, Women in Law and Development Africa (WILDAF), and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN).

These organisations, she noted, demonstrated a shared commitment to democratic governance and empowerment, which has been instrumental in enabling women and youth to serve as defenders of democracy.

Patrice Ann Robertson, the course prefect, shared her reflections on the comprehensive training, stating, “We have learned how to observe with honesty and dedication. Our role is to be the eyes and ears on the ground, reporting back to the Women’s Situation Room to strengthen future elections and address any emerging challenges.”

Robertson noted that the Women’s Situation Room, introduced in Ghana in 2016 and founded by Counselor Yvette Chesson-Wureh in Liberia, has been a powerful platform for peace, justice, and accountability in Ghana’s electoral process.

Reflecting on recent global electoral advancements, Robertson pointed to the 2024 U.S. elections as an example of improved accessibility, with early voting and streamlined procedures enhancing participation.

She remarked that such innovations serve as a benchmark for Ghana, inspiring continued efforts toward a transparent, inclusive, and accessible election process.

Robertson also addressed the marginalisation of women in Ghana’s political landscape. Despite being a majority, women hold only about 14 per cent of parliamentary seats. However, programmes like this training and platforms such as the Women’s Situation Room are beginning to shift this balance, empowering women to engage more actively in the democratic process.

The upcoming 2024 elections in Ghana hold particular significance, with the ruling New Patriotic Party aiming to “break the 8” and retain power, while the National Democratic Congress introduces a female running mate for Vice President.

Additionally, independent and smaller parties add to the diversity of the political landscape. As Ghana’s political atmosphere intensifies, Nuagbesenu’s call for a peaceful, transparent, and fair election resonates strongly with all observers.

Following Nuagbesenu’s speech, the Senior Programmes Officer at KAIPTC, Agnes Agbevadi, encouraged the participants to become agents of peace and change.

She further underscored the programme’s mission to empower these young men and women to serve not only as observers but as ambassadors of Ghana’s democratic ideals.

The training culminated with a certificate ceremony, celebrating the participants' commitment to building a stronger and more resilient democracy in Ghana. As these newly trained election observers prepare to head into the field, their skills and dedication serve as a reminder of the transformative power of an inclusive, participatory electoral process.

“Together, let us build a stronger, more resilient democracy,” Nuagbesenu said.