Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has arrived in Cotonou as head of the ECOWAS-CEDEAO election observation mission ahead of the presidential elections in Benin.

The elections are scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, with the regional bloc deploying observers to monitor the process and ensure credibility, transparency, and adherence to democratic principles.

Akufo-Addo is leading the mission under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which plays a key role in promoting democratic governance and electoral integrity across West Africa.

The mission is expected to engage key stakeholders, observe electoral processes, and provide an independent assessment of the conduct of the elections.

His appointment underscores ECOWAS’ commitment to leveraging experienced statesmen in supporting peaceful and credible elections within the sub-region.