The West African Elders Forum (WAEF) observation mission, led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, arrived in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday ahead of the December 7 general election.
The delegation includes former Burkinabe Prime Minister and ECOWAS President, Mr. Kadre Ouedraogo; Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ms. Ann Iyonu; and Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze.
In a statement released by WAEF’s Communications Officer, Dickson Ominabo, Jonathan called on Ghanaians to demonstrate patriotism by ensuring peaceful, free, and transparent elections. He also urged Ghana’s Electoral Commission and security agencies to remain independent and neutral in carrying out their responsibilities, thereby ensuring credible polling.
Jonathan commended Ghana for its steadfast commitment to democratic values, noting that the nation’s history of peaceful political transitions serves as a model for the rest of Africa.
“The upcoming elections present another opportunity for Ghanaians to reinforce their dedication to democracy, stability, and development,” Jonathan said.
He further called on the Electoral Commission to uphold its mandate by conducting transparent and credible elections to foster trust among voters and stakeholders. Similarly, he urged security agencies to maintain professionalism and neutrality, ensuring a peaceful electoral environment by safeguarding polling centers, voting materials, and citizens.
As campaign activities wind down, Jonathan appealed to political parties and candidates to commit to peaceful campaigns, avoiding hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric, and personal attacks. He also emphasized the need to resolve electoral disputes through lawful and constitutional means.
Addressing Ghanaian youth and party supporters, Jonathan encouraged them to remain law-abiding and shun violence and intimidation during and after the elections.
Describing Ghana as a beacon of democracy, he urged citizens to protect this legacy by rejecting any actions that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
“By working together, Ghanaians can once again affirm the country’s position as a model of democracy built on peaceful, free, fair, and transparent elections,” Jonathan stated.
