Ato Forson named AfDB presidential election Returning Officer

Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has been named the Returning Officer for the ongoing African Development Bank (AfDB) presidential elections during the Bank’s Annual Meetings.

The election will determine the next President of the AfDB, succeeding Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who has led the institution since his first election on May 28, 2015, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Five candidates are contesting for the top job:

1. Amadou Hott – Senegal
2. Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo – Zambia
3. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah – Mauritania
4. Abbas Mahamat Tolli – Chad
5. Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala – South Africa

As Returning Officer, Dr. Forson is tasked with overseeing the election process in accordance with Article 5 of the Bank’s electoral rules. His responsibilities include confirming that ballot boxes are empty before each voting round, ensuring vote counts match the number of eligible voters, rejecting invalid ballots, and validating the final vote tally.

He will work alongside the Secretary General, the General Counsel, and a technical team to ensure accurate and transparent results as per Article 7 of the rules.

Dr. Forson’s appointment reflects the trust the AfDB Board of Governors has in his integrity, professionalism, and dedication to transparency in international finance governance.