A delegation of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, arrived in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday to observe the December 7 general elections.
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 and Head of Media and Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze.
In a statement released by WAEF Communications Officer Dickson Ominabo, Jonathan urged Ghanaians to uphold patriotism and work towards peaceful, free, and transparent elections.
### **Call for Electoral Credibility and Security Neutrality**
Jonathan emphasized the importance of an independent and neutral Electoral Commission of Ghana, urging it to deliver credible elections to build trust among the electorate. He also called on security agencies to maintain professionalism and neutrality to safeguard the electoral process.
“We encourage the security agencies to sustain their professional conduct, maintain their neutrality and create a peaceful electoral environment by ensuring impartial deployment to safeguard voting materials, polling centres, and citizens,” Jonathan stated.
### **Appeal for Peaceful Campaigns**
The former president urged political parties and candidates to avoid hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric during the campaigns, emphasizing the need for respect and peaceful resolutions to electoral disputes through constitutional channels.
Jonathan praised Ghana’s commitment to democratic governance and peaceful political transitions, describing the nation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
### **Ghanaians Encouraged to Safeguard Democracy**
Jonathan called on the youth and party supporters to remain law-abiding and avoid violence during and after the elections. He reminded Ghanaians of their democratic legacy, urging them to reject any actions that could undermine 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 concluded.
The WAEF delegation’s presence underscores the significance of the elections in consolidating Ghana’s reputation as a stable and democratic nation in the region.
