A delegation from the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), led by former President Goodluck Jonathan, arrived in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday ahead of the country’s general elections on December 7.
WAEF’s Communications Officer, Wealth Dickson Ominabo, shared this information in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday.
In the statement, Ominabo quoted Jonathan urging Ghanaians to demonstrate patriotism and ensure peaceful, free, and transparent elections.
The delegation also includes former Burkinabe Prime Minister and President of ECOWAS, Mr. Kadre Ouedraogo; Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ms. Ann Iyonu; and Jonathan’s Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze.
Jonathan praised the people of Ghana for their strong commitment to democratic values, noting that Ghana’s history of peaceful political transitions has been a shining example of democratic governance across Africa.
“The upcoming elections present another opportunity for Ghanaians to reinforce their dedication to democracy, stability, and development,” he stated.
The mission leaders also charged the electoral commission of Ghana and the security agencies to keep to their mandate of independence and neutrality to ensure a credible polling process.
He added, “WAEF urges the Electoral Commission of Ghana to uphold its mandate of conducting free and fair elections and ensuring the transparency and credibility of the 2024 elections as a way of building trust among the electorate and stakeholders.
“We encourage the security agencies to sustain their professional conduct, maintain their neutrality and a peaceful electoral environment by ensuring impartial deployment to safeguard voting materials, polling centres, and citizens across the country.
“As we approach the end of campaign activities, we urge all political parties and their candidates to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful campaigns devoid of hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric, and personal attacks.”
The former President also urged political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, promising to resolve any disputes through lawful and constitutional means.
Jonathan further appealed to the youth and party supporters to maintain law and order during and after the elections, refraining from any acts of intimidation or violence.
Calling Ghana a model of democracy, Jonathan encouraged Ghanaians to protect the country’s democratic legacy by rejecting violence, intimidation, and any actions that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
“By working together, Ghanaians can once again assert the country’s position as a model of democracy built on a tradition of peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections,” he said.