Jonathan Champions Peaceful Elections In Ghana As WAEF Leads Observation Mission

By Onoja Baba Baba, Nigeria

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has taken the helm of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) election observation mission in Ghana, arriving in Accra on Wednesday ahead of the December 7 general elections.

WAEF’s Communications Officer, Wealth Dickson Ominabo, disclosed the team’s arrival in a statement released to the media on Wednesday.

The high-profile delegation includes former Burkinabe Prime Minister Kadre Ouedraogo, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Ann Iyonu, and Special Adviser to Jonathan Ikechukwu Eze.

Their mission underscores a regional commitment to ensuring peaceful, transparent, and credible elections in one of Africa’s leading democracies.

Speaking upon arrival, Jonathan urged Ghanaians to uphold their legacy of peaceful political transitions. “The upcoming elections present another opportunity for Ghanaians to reinforce their dedication to democracy, stability, and development,” he said in a statement.

Jonathan lauded Ghana’s role as a democratic leader on the continent, describing its history of orderly elections as a model for other nations. He encouraged all stakeholders to reject violence and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

The observation mission called on Ghana’s Electoral Commission to uphold its independence and ensure the transparency of the election process. The team also urged security agencies to act professionally and impartially, safeguarding citizens, polling materials, and electoral venues.

“As we approach the end of campaign activities, we urge all political parties and candidates to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful campaigns devoid of hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric, and personal attacks,” Jonathan emphasized.

Jonathan specifically addressed Ghana’s youth, advising them to refrain from violence and acts of intimidation. He encouraged them to contribute positively to the democratic process, further strengthening Ghana’s reputation as a stable and peaceful nation.

In his concluding remarks, Jonathan expressed confidence in Ghana’s ability to deliver another credible election. “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.

The WAEF mission is part of broader efforts to support democratic stability in West Africa, underscoring the region’s commitment to credible electoral processes. All eyes are now on Ghana as it prepares to showcase its democratic strength to the world once more.