Obasanjo optimistic of successful Ghana elections

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo is optimistic that Ghana will hold a successful election coming December 7, 2012.

Obasanjo who is head of ECOWAS’250-member Observation Mission for Ghana’s upcoming December 7 election, expressed his optimism based on satisfactory preparations and Ghana’s proven tradition and reputation in democratic governance.

“We are here as witnesses to what promises to be peaceful, transparent, credible, free and fair elections,” Obasanjo said on arrival in Accra December 3, 2012, according to an ECOWAS communiqué.

He added that given Ghana’s reputable history, the December 7 presidential and legislative polls would not be an exception.

According to the communiqué, Obasanjo commended Ghanaians in general and all the stakeholders, including the national electoral commission, and especially the political parties and their leaders for signing up to a peaceful and violence-free electoral process, towards strengthening and deepening the democratic culture in the country and the region.

The ECOWAS Observation team, led by Chief Obasanjo and comprising representatives of various segments of the West African society, is in Ghana within the context of the region’s instrument for provision of support to Member States holding elections.

Meanwhile, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo, is also expected in Ghana to provide additional support to the Mission and to “express ECOWAS’ solidarity with the Government and people of Ghana during the elections,” the communiqué stated.

By Ekow Quandzie