Losers must quickly concede defeat - Kofi Annan

Former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, has urged losers in Ghana's elections to quickly concede defeat in order to reduce tension in the West African country.

Mr. Annan in a post on his facebook page commended the Electoral Commission for conducting a "smooth election worthy of democratic tradition".

He however called on candidates and party supporters to remain calm until the official declaration of the results by the Electoral Commission.

“I want to congratulate the Election Commission, its staff and the people of Ghana for conducting a good election on 7 December, worthy of our democratic tradition. I also applaud the support and the diligence of the electoral observers – national and international".

"I call on the candidates, their parties and their supporters to remain calm until the announcement of the final results by the Election Commission. There is no reason for incitement.

"In the spirit of democracy, I call on the losers to concede as quickly as possible to defuse tensions and allay uncertainties. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the five candidates who have already done so in light of the preliminary results and clear trends.

“The people of Ghana are waiting and watching, let’s not disappoint them,” Mr. Annan wrote.