Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has arrived in Ghana to lead a delegation from the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) on a pre-election assessment mission ahead of the country's presidential elections scheduled for December 7, 2024. This initiative aims to promote peace and ensure the integrity of the electoral process in the region.
The WAEF delegation, which includes notable figures such as former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Mr. Kadre Ouedrago, and Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ms. Ann Iyonu, commenced its activities with consultations involving key political stakeholders. Meetings have been held with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the ruling New Patriotic Party's presidential candidate, and former President John Mahama, who represents the National Democratic Congress.
In a statement upon arrival, Jonathan emphasized the importance of conducting free and fair elections as a cornerstone for democracy in West Africa. "The upcoming elections present another opportunity for Ghanaians to reinforce their dedication to democracy, stability, and development," he stated. He commended Ghana's historical commitment to peaceful political transitions and urged all stakeholders to uphold democratic values during the electoral process.
The WAEF is dedicated to mitigating election-related conflicts through dialogue and mediation. Jonathan highlighted that poorly organized elections often lead to unrest, stressing that adherence to regional and international electoral protocols is essential for maintaining peace.
The delegation will continue its engagements with other critical stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission of Ghana and the National Peace Council. Jonathan called on these bodies to ensure their independence and neutrality throughout the electoral process.