Philipp Stalder, the Switzerland Ambassador to Ghana
Philipp Stalder, the Switzerland Ambassador to Ghana, says he is of the firm belief that Ghana will once again prove to the world why it is considered the beacon of democracy in Africa, with the upcoming December 7 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections.
According to him, Ghana has over the years adhered to the tenets of fairness and transparency, adding that he is therefore not expecting anything different in the general elections.
The Ambassador made the remarks yesterday when he addressed the media at a press conference at the Switzerland Embassy in Ghana.
Avoid conflicts
Mt Stalder advised the electorate to exercise their franchise in the upcoming elections in full decorum in order to avert the effects of post-electoral conflicts.
According to him, the exercise, slated for December 7, 2020 should reflect the provisions of democratic principles as practiced in the country over the years.
“The elections in my view should reflect the very good track record of Ghana as being the democratic country where elections take place freely and fairly,” he said.
Mr Stalder expressed optimism that the 2020 elections will be as successful as it has always been.
“I have no doubt to think that this year we will have again, fair and free elections… there should be no violence, there should be freedom of press, freedom of expression which is fully the case in Ghana, so that everybody will have free and fair votes…”he told the media.
The ambassador, on the back of the elections, also announced President Akufo-Addo’s official visit to his home country which forms part measures to strengthen Ghana’s bilateral relations with Switzerland.
Official visit
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on the invitation of his Switz counterpart, Her Excellency Simonetta Sommaruga will on February 28-29 pay a state visit to the country.
The visit is a reciprocal one paid to Ghana, in July 2017, by the 91st President of the Swiss Confederation, Her Excellency Doris Leuthard, who was the first European leader to visit Ghana in the Akufo-Addo presidency.
