Mahama meets Goodluck Jonathan; calls for neutrality, fairness in upcoming elections
8th October 2024
Former President John Dramani Mahama and the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have held a crucial meeting with the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, ahead of Ghana’s 2024 general elections. The meeting, held in Accra, was part of a broader pre-election assessment mission aimed at ensuring peace and transparency during the upcoming polls.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, spokesperson for President Mahama, said the discussions revolved around the role of the Electoral Commission (EC) and the need for it to act impartially in its constitutional duties. She emphasized that the NDC has raised numerous concerns about the EC’s preparedness, including issues related to voter registration and the integrity of the voter roll.
Mogtari noted that the West African Elders Forum is not in Ghana as election observers but as a group of former African leaders committed to maintaining peace and stability across the continent. They held discussions with Mahama on the work of the EC and its relations with political parties, particularly the NDC. According to her, Mahama reiterated his calls for the EC to fulfill its constitutional mandate as a neutral arbiter, pointing out delays and lapses in its operations.
She further disclosed that the NDC expressed concerns over some EC members’ perceived bias against the party. The NDC has lodged complaints regarding voter registration irregularities and has criticized the EC’s plan to conduct online voter register exhibitions, citing limited internet access for many Ghanaians.
In his remarks, former President Goodluck Jonathan urged the media to maintain neutrality in their coverage of the elections, emphasizing the importance of unbiased reporting to safeguard peace and fairness.
Mogtari concluded by stating that the NDC is focused on winning the elections and will continue to hold the EC accountable while advocating for reforms to ensure a transparent process.