Former President Goodluck Jonathan, leading a delegation of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) observation mission, arrived in Accra, Ghana ahead of the country’s general elections slated for December 7.

This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by WAEF’s Communications Officer, Wealth Dickson Ominabo, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria.

Upon arrival, Jonathan urged Ghanaians to prioritise patriotism and work towards ensuring peaceful, free, and transparent elections.

Members of the delegation include former Burkinabe Prime Minister and President of ECOWAS, Mr Kadre Ouedraogo; Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ms Ann Iyonu; and Jonathan’s Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze.

Jonathan lauded Ghanaians for their unwavering commitment to democratic principles, noting that the nation’s history of peaceful political transitions continues to serve as a beacon of hope for democratic governance across the African continent.

He remarked, “The upcoming elections present another opportunity for Ghanaians to reinforce their dedication to democracy, stability, and development.”

The mission leaders also urged Ghana’s electoral commission and security agencies to maintain independence and neutrality to ensure a credible electoral process.

Jonathan stated, “WAEF urges the Electoral Commission of Ghana to uphold its mandate of conducting free and fair elections and ensuring the transparency and credibility of the 2024 elections as a way of building trust among the electorate and stakeholders.

“We encourage the security agencies to sustain their professional conduct, maintain their neutrality and a peaceful electoral environment by ensuring impartial deployment to safeguard voting materials, polling centres, and citizens across the country.”

He also appealed to political parties and candidates to commit to peaceful campaigns devoid of hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric, and personal attacks as the end of campaign activities approaches.

The former President further called on political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders to respect the integrity of the electoral process and resolve disputes through lawful and constitutional channels.

Jonathan appealed to the youth and party supporters to remain law-abiding during and after the elections, urging them to avoid intimidation or violence.

Describing Ghana as a democratic model, he emphasised the importance of safeguarding its democratic legacy by rejecting violence, intimidation, or actions that could compromise 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 added.