Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed optimism about the success of Ghana's Dec. 7 general elections, a statement has said.

The statement from the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja on Tuesday stated that the Obasanjo-led Observation Mission observed that preparations towards the elections were satisfactory.

"We are here as witnesses to what promises to be peaceful, transparent, credible, free and fair elections," Obasanjo said.

He also commended Ghana's history of successful elections and Ghanaians, especially political parties for "signing up to violence-free elections".

The ECOWAS Observation team led by Obasanjo comprises representatives of various segments of the West African society.

The team's visit is within the context of the sub-region's provision of support to member states holding elections.

An ECOWAS assessment mission was in Ghana in October to review preparations for the elections.

The mission interacted with representatives of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and the National Electoral Commission.