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Arriving in Accra over the weekend, the WAEF team has already begun consultations aimed at minimising election-related conflicts and promoting free and fair electoral processes in the region.
The West African Elders Forum (WAEF) commenced its pre-election assessment mission in Accra, Ghana, on Monday.
The delegation is led by former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, alongside Kadre Desire Ouedrago, the former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso and past president of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission.
Arriving in Accra over the weekend, the WAEF team has already begun consultations aimed at minimising election-related conflicts and promoting free and fair electoral processes in the region.
However, their discussions included meetings with key political figures, such as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and incumbent Vice President, and former President John Mahama, the flagbearer for the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The delegation has also engaged with various civil society groups.
Meanwhile, in Tuesday, the WAEF mission is scheduled to continue its discussions with other crucial stakeholders, including the leadership of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the Electoral Security Task Force, and the National Peace Council (NPC).
Jonathan explained the importance of the Forum’s efforts, stating that their mediation is part of a broader strategy to prevent election-related conflicts throughout West Africa.
He pointed out that poorly organised elections are often a source of unrest in the region, reinforcing the need for adherence to regional and international electoral protocols to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and prevent conflicts.
He commended Ghana as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, noting that the nation has earned a reputation for conducting peaceful elections.
He stated, “In comparison to most African countries, Ghana stands out as a positive example of democratic practice. We are very hopeful that the upcoming election will proceed similarly.”
The 2024 polls will mark Ghana’s ninth consecutive general election since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1992.
The West African Elders Forum (WAEF), convened by Dr Jonathan, is a non-partisan, home-grown platform comprising former Heads of State and elder statesmen and women from West Africa. It aims to mediate conflicts, resolve election-related issues, and support democracy, peace, and security in the region.
According to Ms. Ann Iyonu, head of the WAEF secretariat, the Forum has effectively mediated peaceful elections in The Gambia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and most recently, Senegal since its establishment in 2020.
“This aligns with our primary objective of supporting West African nations in their efforts to strengthen their democracies,” she added.
