WED DEC 11 2024-theGBJournal| The West African Elders Forum (WAEF) led by former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has congratulated the President-elect of Ghana, Mr. John Mahama, and commended Ghanaians for the largely peaceful and orderly conduct of the December 7, 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.
The Elders whose mission left Ghana on Wednesday following the official announcement of the election results by the Electoral Commission of Ghana described the election as transparent, stressing that Ghana has once more “demonstrated its unwavering commitment to democracy, peace, and stability, reaffirming its position as a beacon of democratic governance in West Africa.”
In a statement issued in Accra on Wednesday, Dr. Jonathan also commended Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for conceding defeat and congratulating the president-elect, even before the official declaration of results, describing the action as the reflection of “true statesmanship, exemplary display of patriotism and a commitment to Ghana’s peace and democratic progress.”
In the statement, WAEF further said: “The Forum extends its heartfelt congratulations to the people of Ghana for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the December 7, 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.
We are pleased that, once again, Ghana has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to democracy, peace, and stability, reaffirming its position as a beacon of democratic governance in West Africa.”
While felicitating Mahama, the Forum stated: “We congratulate President-Elect, H.E. John Dramani Mahama as well as the leadership, and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on his victory at the polls.
We note that this victory is a reflection of the will of the Ghanaian people, expressed through a peaceful and transparent electoral process. It is for this reason that we call on the President-elect and his supporters to attend to the victory with magnanimity, humility, and respect for all.”
While acclaiming the concession of defeat by Dr. Bawumia as a good development for democracy in Africa, WAEF stated: “The continuing trend in West Africa of candidates conceding defeat ahead of official announcements of results, which also happened earlier this year in Liberia and Senegal, marks a significant step toward democratic consolidation and the entrenchment of a culture of peaceful political transitions in the region.
The Elders also extended “deep appreciation to the incumbent President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for his leadership throughout this process.
We equally appreciate him for creating an enabling environment that allowed the Forum and other election observation groups to conduct their missions freely and effectively in Ghana.”
The Forum further commended the Electoral Commission (EC), the Joint Security Task Force, political parties, and civil society organisations for their professionalism, vigilance, and commitment during the electoral process.
The Forum however condemned the violent incidents that led to the tragic loss of lives and the destruction of electoral materials, including the burning of the Electoral Commission’s office in the Domingo District, Savannah Region.
“Elections must never be approached as a war or a ‘do-or-die’ affair. They are opportunities for citizens to peacefully express their will and determine their collective future. We reiterate that no political ambition is worth the blood of innocent citizens. Violence undermines the very essence of democracy and erodes the hard-earned peace and stability that Ghana is renowned for.”
WAEF’s charge to the leadership, presidential candidate and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who lost to the opposition is to see the outcome as a victory for Ghana and an opportunity to restrategise before the next election.
“The next elections offer yet another opportunity to try again—to refine strategies, strengthen institutions, and reconnect with the aspirations of the people. Democracy is a continuous process, and each election provides a chance to learn, grow, and come back stronger.”
“We call on all stakeholders, particularly political leaders, to restrain their supporters and embrace dialogue and lawful means of addressing grievances. We urge security agencies to swiftly investigate and hold accountable those responsible for these incidents while ensuring the safety of all citizens and electoral materials.”
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