- The West African Elders Forum (WAEF) is pleased to have been on ground in the
Republic of Ghana during the period of the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections
which held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in line with its mandate of conducting regular
interface with stakeholders in the sub-region in the interest of peace, especially at election
time. - 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. - We extend 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. This demonstration of
openness and respect for democratic processes reflects the President’s commitment to
fostering peace, dialogue, and stability during this critical period. - 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. - We note with admiration the concession of defeat by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice
President of the Republic of Ghana and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party
(NPP), even before the official declaration of results. This reflects true statesmanship,
exemplary display of patriotism and a commitment to Ghana’s peace and democratic
progress. - The continuing trend in West Africa of candidates conceding defeat ahead of official
announcements of results, which happened earlier this year in Liberia and Senegal, marks a
significant step towards democratic consolidation and the entrenchment of a culture of
peaceful political transitions in the region. - We appreciate the work of the Electoral Commission (EC), the Joint Security Task Force,
political parties, and civil society organisations for their professionalism, vigilance, and
commitment to upholding Ghana’s democratic values. - WAEF commends all political parties and their candidates for their active participation
in the elections and, most importantly, for respecting the electoral process and the will of the
people. - To the leadership, Presidential Candidate and supporters of the New Patriotic Party
(NPP), we understand the disappointment that comes with this development, but we
encourage you to see the outcome of the recent elections as a victory for Ghana. - 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 deeply regret the violent incidents that led to the tragic loss of lives, injuries to
voters, 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. - 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. - The West African Elders Forum remains committed to supporting Ghana and other West
African nations in their democratic journeys. We encourage ongoing dialogue, peaceful
conflict resolution, and institutional strengthening to ensure continued stability in the region. - Together, let us celebrate this milestone and work towards a future of peace, progress,
and prosperity for Ghana and West Africa.
Signed,
Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
Chairman, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF)
Head of WAEF Election Mission to the 2024 Ghana General Elections
Thursday December 11, 2024
