Kufuor Gets ECOWAS Post

Posted on: www.dailyguideghana.com

By William Yaw Owusu

Saturday September 24, 2011.
After launching his foundation to promote excellence in leadership, governance and development, Former President John Agyekum Kufuor is on the move again, this time around in Liberia to promote peace democracy.

He has commenced a four-day pre-election mission in Liberia as the Special Envoy of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) with former Nigerian Head of state of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar as joint Special Envoy.

The two leaders are expected to get first hand information and brief ECOWAS on preparations towards Liberia's second general election since it returned to constitutional rule almost five years ago after more than a decade of civil war.

Sixteen political parties including the ruling Congress for Democratic Change of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who is seeking a second five-year term, will take part in the election slated for October.

President Sirleaf when she became the leader of Liberia had said she would not contest for a second term in office and her turnaround has shocked many.

The two former Presidents held separate meetings with officials of the United Nations Mission in Liberia and the Independent Electoral Commission of Liberia (INEC) on arrival.

Former President Kufuor made a passionate appeal to INEC to live to conduct the elections in a manner would win the trust and confidence of all the parties and the people.

He told the INEC strictly apply the electoral rule to ensure a successful election because history beckons Liberia.

Both Madam Ellen Margaret Loj, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Liberia and Mr. James Fromayan, Chairman of INEC, were concerned about the use of intemperate language by political actors which they said has the tendency to plunge the country into chaos once again.

Mr. Kufuor and General Abubakar are expected to meet President Johnson-Sirleaf and later representatives of political parties, civil society and the media.