While in New York for the 74th UN General Assembly meeting, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, used the opportunity to reach out to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) to support some governance institutions in the country ahead of the 2020 polls.

The minister appealed for support for the Electoral Commission (EC) as it prepares to hold a referendum concerning the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as well as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

IDEA was founded in 1995 as an intergovernmental organisation to support and strengthen democratic institutions and processes around the world. Ghana is an active member of IDEA and held the vice-president position of the organisation in 2011.

The latest meeting between the foreign affairs minister and the Secretary-General of IDEA, Kevin Casas-Zamora was to review and chart a new course as IDEA prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in next year.

Mr Casas-Zamora commended Ghana for her democratic credentials and presented a book on transitions in Africa to Ms Ayorkor Botchwey. The views of former presidents Rawlings and Kufuor on transitions from one party to another were captured in the book.