The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has firmly denied claims that it forecasted violence during Ghana's 2024 general elections, refuting reports published by The Herald newspaper on August 21, 2024.

The newspaper had alleged that ECOWAS, in a ‘draft statement’ from its recent Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission, suggested the potential for violence during the upcoming electoral process.

In an official statement, ECOWAS clarified that its pre-electoral missions do not release findings publicly. Such reports, the Commission emphasized, are confidential and prepared exclusively for the President of the Commission to guide engagements with member states.

The Commission strongly rejected the claim that it had predicted any violence in Ghana's elections, labelling the article a gross distortion of its procedures and findings.

“To educate The Herald, ECOWAS pre-electoral Missions do not issue statements on their findings. Reports of such missions are confidential and meant only for the President of the Commission to aid his engagements with the authorities in Member States,” the statement read.

The Commission further stated that the preliminary report from its recent mission in Ghana was still under review. At no time, ECOWAS stressed, had it suggested violence in the electoral process. The organization criticized The Herald for misrepresenting its practices and distorting public information to support partisan narratives.

“The ECOWAS Commission rightly holds Ghana in high esteem as a model of maturing democracy and tolerance on the continent and often cites the country for regulation in the region,” the statement continued. ECOWAS condemned efforts by sections of the media to misuse its name in attempts to incite division and unrest among Ghana’s population.

ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to peace and democratic stability in Ghana, expressing confidence in the country’s capacity for a peaceful election in 2024.

“Ghana deserves better,” the Commission concluded, refuting any attempts to stir discord ahead of the elections.