Former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, leader of the West Africa Elders Forum, has emphasized the importance of Ghana emerging victorious in the upcoming December 7 general elections.
According to him, the stability of one nation affects the entire region, stating “When one country goes down, a country like Ghana goes down and it will affect the entire region.”
Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was speaking during a meeting with the National Election Security Task Force in Ghana, where he addressed key stakeholders, including military and paramilitary leaders from both Ghana and Nigeria. He expressed gratitude for their commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
The West Africa Elders Forum, established in 2020, aims to address electoral challenges that can lead to conflict.
The Nigerian Former President noted that approximately 70% of regional conflicts stem from poorly conducted elections. “Our goal is to interact with key stakeholders months before elections to mitigate potential issues,” he said, underscoring the forum’s preventive diplomacy approach.
He praised Ghana’s track record in democratic practices, calling it a model for the region.
“By all standards, Ghana is a good example of democracy in Africa,” he asserted. He stressed that successful elections require public confidence in both the Electoral Commission and security institutions.
Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare echoed Dr. Jonathan’s sentiments, highlighting the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to maintain peace and security throughout the electoral process.
As Ghana prepares for the elections, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working for the stability of not just Ghana, but the entire West African region, emphasizing the broader implications of the electoral process for Africa as a whole.
