In a Facebook post Friday, Mr Annan wrote, “In the spirit of democracy, I call on the losers to concede as quickly as possible to defuse tensions and allay uncertainties.”

He further congratulated Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, PPP; Dr Edward Mahama, PNC; Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, NDP; Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, CPP and independent candidate, Jacob Osei Yeboah for accepting defeat in light of the preliminary results and clear trends.

Mr Annan also congratulated the Electoral Commission (EC), its staff and Ghanaians for conducting a “good election…worthy of our democratic tradition.”

“I also applaud the support and the diligence of the electoral observers – national and international,” the statement said.

Mr Annan further called on the candidates, their parties and supporters to remain calm until the announcement of the final results by the EC.

“There is no reason for incitement… The people of Ghana are waiting and watching. Let’s not disappoint them.”