The former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has commended Ghana’s robust security measures ahead of the 2024 elections.
According to him, the security measures put in place by the Ghana Police Service will ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
Speaking to the media in Accra, the former Nigerian leader expressed optimism about the country’s December 7 elections after receiving a comprehensive security briefing from the National Security Taskforce, led by Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
Mr. Jonathan, leading the West African Elders Forum, said the December 7 elections are poised for success, per the robust procedures and tactics put in place by the National Security Taskforce, Electoral Commission, and stakeholders.
“Looking at the calibre of people that make up this Security Taskforce, and listening to the Inspector General of Police, I am assured of a credible and peaceful election,” he stressed.
He stated that Africa’s electoral challenges have led to devastating consequences, with over 70% of conflicts on the continent stemming from poorly conducted elections, which often snowball into widespread conflicts.
“However, Ghana stands out as a shining exception, boasting one of the most credible electoral processes in Africa. Ghana is a good example of the practice of democracy. And I know the election this year will not be different,” he noted.
He urged the Electoral Commission and the security agencies to implement the stringent security and electoral measures to safeguard the trust and confidence of the citizenry.
Chairman of the National Security Taskforce, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, while addressing the meeting with the West African Elders Forum at the Police Headquarters, highlighted the integration of election security measures into mainstream security protocols.
According to him, this strategic move is based on lessons learned from previous elections, ensuring a robust and proactive approach to maintaining peace and stability during the electoral process.
“Although Ghana has experienced pockets of electoral violence in the past, the peaceful conduct of recent district assembly elections, by-elections, and internal party elections demonstrates significant improvement in security management during elections,” the IGP stated.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke