Former President John Dramani Mahama has commended various religious groups in the country for cooling off tempers in the heat of elections, and their immense contribution towards ensuring peace in the country.

The Former President, who was addressing some Congolese Religious Leaders who paid him a courtesy call, said the work and contribution of religious groups before, during and after elections go a long way in strengthening the democracy of a country like Ghana.

“We appreciate the work that the religious organization is doing. They meet with the Electoral Commission and political parties when the temperature is becoming too hot, and they call all of us and cool us down to let us know that Ghana will exist even after we the politicians are gone ,” he said.

A delegation made up of heads of various Christian and Muslim organisations in DR Congo held discussions with the former President on how DR Congo can ensure a peaceful environment before, during and after their elections as Ghana has been doing successfully for years.

The delegation led by the Electoral Commissioner of DR Congo, Nangaa Yobeluo Corneille, sought to acquire from Ghana how activities of various institutions and systems including Ghana’s faith-based organizations – the National Peace Council and Political Parties – impact on the electoral process of Ghana.

Former President Mahama stated that Ghana is always ready to share its best practices with other African countries to ensure peace on the African continent.

According to the Former President, in as much as religious bodies and other civil society groups put in measures to ensure peace prevails, the larger responsibility lies with the Electoral Commission and its processes.

“However you advocate peace, if the Electoral Commission is not transparent, free and fair, the likelihood that electoral dispute will occur is very real.”

He stated that Ghana’s electoral process has consistently improved and evolved over the years.