A scene during the arrival of former President Nana Akufo-Addo in Benin
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo arrived in Cotonou, Benin, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, to commence his duties as Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for Sunday, April 12.
Leading a carefully balanced and multidisciplinary delegation, former President Akufo-Addo will oversee a team comprising 20 long-term observers, 80 short-term observers, and 25 young professionals.
The mission will deploy personnel across all localities in Benin in line with the ECOWAS Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
In a Facebook post announcing his arrival, the former President stated that he remains committed to working alongside the Republic of Benin to ensure a peaceful and credible election that respects the will of the people.
The delegation includes diplomats, electoral experts, representatives of national electoral commissions, members of the ECOWAS Parliament and Council of the Wise, as well as officials from the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
The mission is expected to conclude with his return to Accra on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Former President Akufo-Addo’s extensive experience in governance and diplomacy is viewed as a major asset in overseeing the electoral process.
The mission forms part of ECOWAS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic practices and promote regional stability across West Africa, ensuring elections are conducted transparently and in accordance with international standards.
The EOM will monitor all aspects of the electoral process, from campaign activities to voting and counting, and will provide recommendations aimed at improving future elections within the ECOWAS region.
By Ernest Kofi Adu
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