Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has arrived in Cotonou to lead the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Election Observation Mission for Benin’s presidential election scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026.
The former Ghanaian leader is heading a multidisciplinary team tasked with monitoring the polls to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process that reflects the will of the Beninese people.
Upon his arrival on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Cotonou International Airport, Akufo-Addo was received by Dr Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, alongside other senior officials including the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin and Ghana’s Ambassador to Benin.
Leading the mission, Akufo-Addo is overseeing the deployment of 20 long-term observers, 80 short-term observers, and 25 young professionals. These observers will be stationed across various localities in Benin to closely monitor all aspects of the electoral process.
The ECOWAS Election Observation Mission operates under the framework of the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. Observers will assess key elements including the technical conduct of the polls, the neutrality of state institutions, the political environment, and overall adherence to democratic standards.
In statements upon arrival, Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with Beninese authorities and stakeholders to promote a credible election that strengthens public confidence in the outcome.
According to ECOWAS, the presence of the mission is expected to serve as a catalyst for advancing democratic governance, stability, and credibility not only in Benin but across the West African region.
