Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is leading a Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh’s Parliamentary Election and Referendum scheduled for February 12.

The former Ghanaian leader is heading the high-level team mandated to observe the electoral process, with a focus on pre-poll preparations, stakeholder engagement and the country’s overall readiness ahead of voting day.

In a Facebook post, Akufo-Addo confirmed his arrival in Dhaka on Sunday, February 8, noting that the Observer Group had already begun preliminary engagements with key stakeholders.

According to him, the team has commenced a series of consultations to gain broad insight into Bangladesh’s political and electoral environment ahead of the polls.

“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.

“The group have met with representatives of the media, civil society, youth and women’s groups, political parties and other stakeholders.”

These engagements form a critical part of the Commonwealth’s election observation process, allowing the team to hear directly from a wide range of actors and assess the credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral process.

Akufo-Addo’s role reflects his continued engagement in international diplomacy and democratic governance following the completion of his presidency.

During his time as Ghana’s President, he played an active role in regional and global affairs, particularly in the promotion of democracy, constitutional governance and multilateral cooperation through institutions such as the African Union, ECOWAS and the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Observer Group is expected to remain in Bangladesh through election day and the immediate post-election period, observing voting, counting and results collation.

Akufo-Addo officially handed over office on January 7, 2025, after serving two terms as President of Ghana. This assignment marks one of his first major international roles since leaving office.