The Speaker of the 8th Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has urged the Electoral Commission of Ghana to conduct the 2024 elections with integrity, transparency, and trust.

He made this clarion call at the 8th Harmattan School, of the University for Development Studies, Tamale on Wednesday 7th February,2024.

Speaking as the Guest of Honor on the theme: Accountable governance, violent extremism and the 2024 elections, the Speaker urged the EC to prioritize the will and safety of the voter, and the stability of the country.

“The Commissioners of the EC and their entire Staff, whether permanent or temporary, must spare a thought for the sanctity of the electoral process, safety of the voter, the protection and security of political parties, and the stability of the country. Political parties should also play to the rules and regulations governing the voting process instead of taking rigid positions on issues. We have a nation to build in peace and we must all be committed to that”.

He emphasized that the last three years have seen a succession of military coups in sub-Saharan Africa, alongside pockets of extremism in certain sub-regions.

He stressed the need for thoughtful contemplation to comprehend the underlying causes that have led to these circumstances.

According to him, the issues leading to military interventions, which ultimately impede democratic processes, can only be addressed when leadership is held accountable to the people.

He again appealed to Ghanaians to be accommodating, considerate and loyal to the state instead of being excessively reactive in every little situation that arises.

“Let us all rise up to the occasion and ensure a free, fair and transparent 2024 elections”.

The Speaker launched a $100,000 UDS Research Fund which is to provide financial resources in the form of grants to qualified people (faculty, staff, students, etc.) for purposes of conducting relevant (i.e., applied, problem solving and interdisciplinary) research for the socioeconomic development of northern Ghana and beyond.

He made a personal donation of GHC 50,000.00. as a seed money to the fund.