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Election rigging not part of the NPP’s DNA –President Akufo-Addo
In a speech delivered at the Wesley Cathedral in Kumasi during the 13th Biennial/51st Annual Conference of the Methodist Church of Ghana, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo confidently dismissed concerns about potential electoral misconduct in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The President, whose tenure will come to an end this year, reassured Ghanaians of the government’s commitment to a transparent, fair, and peaceful election process, emphasizing the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) democratic principles and historical commitment to fair play.
Speaking to an audience of Methodist clergy and congregants, President Akufo-Addo declared, “The Akufo-Addo-led NPP Government is clear about its obligation and duty to ensure that the impending elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace and security, in full transparency and respect for the electoral laws of our country.”
Additionally, he highlighted that the security agencies are prepared to uphold their responsibilities to guarantee that the elections reflect the free will of the Ghanaian people, devoid of any violence or intimidation.
The President also took the opportunity to criticize those who have been raising fears of electoral malpractice, including some members of the clergy.
He expressed disappointment in those who, instead of promoting peace, have been predicting “election rigging and Kenyan-style blood-letting.”
In a direct rebuke, he stated, “They will be disappointed. The 2024 elections, like the previous ones we have held in Ghana in the 4th Republic, will be conducted peacefully and in total compliance with the laws of the country.”
He underscored that the NPP, founded on the Danquah-Dombo-Busia political tradition, has always been a champion of democracy and a staunch opponent of authoritarian rule.
“Rigging is not part of our DNA. “We are eternal democrats; we trust and accept the freely expressed judgement of the people,” he stressed.
He cited his personal experience of accepting electoral results, referencing the outcomes of the 2008 and 2012 elections, which he accepted despite losing.
President Akufo-Addo further emphasized that the NPP’s strategy for the upcoming elections is grounded in its record of governance over the past eight years. He expressed pride in his administration’s achievements across various sectors, including the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and digitization.
He also praised the Vice President and the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for presenting an “exciting vision for Ghana’s future,” adding a challenge to the Opposition Leader, who he claimed is afraid to debate Bawumia.
In closing, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to leaving office peacefully, just as he was elected. “I came out of a peaceful election, and I will leave in a peaceful election,” he affirmed, reinforcing his message of maintaining Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy on the African continent.
The President’s address at the Methodist Conference was not just a call for unity and peace but also a strong statement of confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions and processes.
As the nation gears up for the December elections, President Akufo-Addo’s remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving democratic values and ensuring that the will of the people prevails.
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UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to
UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association5 of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to commence the payment process by the 13th of June 2025, this will be considered a strike notice by UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG across all campuses to the government.”
“We urge the government to act swiftly to avert any disruption to the academic calendar and to ensure that the welfare of teachers and the broader academic community is prioritised,” the statement concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Chief Imam endorses ‘Let Love Lead’s’ clean-up campaign at Nkrumah Circle
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has thrown his weight behind the upcoming city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The revered Islamic leader gave his blessing during a consultative meeting with organisers of the exercise, calling the initiative a “commendable national duty” that aligns with both religious and civic responsibility.
The clean-up, which marks the third edition of a growing sanitation drive, is being organised by community stakeholders and supported by civil society groups.
This year’s exercise is especially symbolic as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives at the same location.
“The well-being of our people and the cleanliness of our environment are acts of faith and service,” the Chief Imam said.
“We must all come together—Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and non-religious people alike—to honour the memory of those lost and prevent future tragedies,” He added.
Organisers, ‘Let Love Lead’, say the Chief Imam’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the campaign, which already enjoys growing national support.
Engagements have also been held with traditional rulers, MPs, government officials, and social influencers to galvanise wider participation.
This year’s event is expected to go beyond sanitation. Side activities include medical outreach, disaster preparedness education, interfaith prayers, and donations to victims of the June 3 disaster.
Nene Lartey Osakonor I (Big Dawood), a traditional leader spearheading coordination, described the Chief Imam’s support as “invaluable.”
He said, “We are deeply honoured by the Chief Imam’s endorsement.
“His message is a powerful reminder that sanitation is not just a government or NGO responsibility—it’s a spiritual and civic duty,” he added.
More institutions, volunteers, and media houses are expected to join the campaign as the date draws near.
