Mahama promises free and fair elections

President John Dramani Mahama has said his administration would do everything possible to ensure that the November 7 General Election is a free and fair. He said Ghana had in its repertoire seven successful elections and this year’s polls would not be different in terms of good security, adequate logistics and other facilities. “The successful elections in some African countries last year has sent a clear message to the world that Africa is ready and forging ahead in democratic dispensation, ” he said.
President Mahama, who was addressing members of the Diplomatic Corps as part of his Annual Get-Together with them, said the Government was committed to maintaining the peace that had united Ghanaians over the years. The programme brought together Diplomats, Government officials and representatives of international organisations, who had the opportunity to interact with the President, the Vice President, the First Lady and some Ministers of State.
President Mahama said as an icon of democracy and successful elections, Ghana would continue to blaze the political trail by ensuring that only the best and positive political practices are implemented to further deepen its democratic credentials. On good neighborliness on the continent, President Mahama called for unity among all African countries to solve their common challenges without attracting international interventions. He said West Africa demonstrated maximum unity during the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, explaining that it would be expedient to exhibit the same level of unity and cooperation to tackle other nagging issues on the continent.
Apart from diseases, which he said had no borders, President Mahama appealed to African countries to brace themselves against the insurgent terrorists attacks in the world. He said:”Ghana considers an attack on one as an attack on all …and this is the time for the world to unite against terrorists’ attacks.” President Mahama said the recent attacks in France, Mali, Kenya, Burkina Faso and the activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria, were clear signs of insecurity, therefore, every country had to prepare against their practices. On economic cooperation in the West African Sub-region, President Mahama indicated the readiness of Ghana to ensure that the implementation of common tariffs were successful. He said Ghana would fast track the movement of people and goods at its borders with her neighbours as part of the steps to enhance integration and cooperation in the region. Mrs Pavilin Tendai Musoka, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, commended Ghana for spearheading the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease in the recent outbreak when President Mahama was the chairman of Economic Community for West African States. “Ghana played a significant role in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in Africa… and the appointment of President Mahama as the co-Chair of the Sustainable Development Goals cannot go without recognition,” she said. Mrs Musoka, who is also the Zimbabwean Ambassador to Ghana, commended other African countries for successfully organising their general elections last year.
 
Source – Citifm