Dawn Zuokumor
A delegation from the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), headed by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, arrived in Ghana on Wednesday to support the country’s preparations for its December 7 general elections.
The visit highlights ongoing regional efforts to ensure peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral processes.
Wealth Dickson Ominabo, WAEF’s communications officer, confirmed the delegation’s arrival in a statement, emphasizing the forum’s commitment to promoting democratic stability in West Africa.
Call for Peaceful and Transparent Elections
Addressing Ghanaians upon arrival, Jonathan urged citizens to prioritize patriotism and contribute to peaceful, free, and fair elections. He lauded Ghana’s record of smooth democratic transitions, calling it a beacon of stability for the region.
“The upcoming elections present another opportunity for Ghanaians to reinforce their dedication to democracy, stability, and development,” Jonathan stated.
He also called on Ghana’s Electoral Commission and security agencies to maintain impartiality and neutrality throughout the electoral process. Credible elections, he stressed, are vital for fostering trust among voters and stakeholders.
High-Profile Delegation
The WAEF delegation includes notable figures such as:
Kadre Ouedraogo: Former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso and former ECOWAS President,
Ms. Ann Iyonu: Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ikechukwu Eze: Special Adviser to Goodluck Jonathan.
In a joint statement, the leaders urged Ghanaian security agencies to ensure professional and impartial conduct during the elections, focusing on the protection of polling materials and maintaining order.
“We encourage security agencies to sustain their professional conduct and impartial deployment to maintain peace during the elections,” the statement read.
Commitment to Democratic Values
Jonathan further appealed to political parties and candidates to avoid hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric. He urged them to resolve disputes through legal channels, reinforcing Ghana’s position as a model for democracy in the region.
“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,” Jonathan noted.
About WAEF
The West African Elders Forum, established in 2021 under the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, is a non-partisan platform of former heads of state focused on mediating electoral conflicts and fostering democratic governance. The forum collaborates with regional bodies like ECOWAS and the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWAS) to promote peace and stability across the sub-region.
As Ghana approaches its elections, WAEF’s presence underscores its commitment to safeguarding democratic values and preventing electoral violence.
The forum’s intervention is seen as pivotal in maintaining Ghana’s legacy of peaceful and credible elections.