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Election rigging not part of the NPP’s DNA –President Akufo-Addo
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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.
President John Dramani Mahama has called on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana and face the legal processes surrounding the investigations involving him.
Speaking on the process of extraditing fugitives during his Resetting Ghana Tour in the Volta Region today, Mr. Mahama explained that bringing a person back from another country is a legal matter that must follow international procedures and respect the rights of the individual.
He noted that extradition can only take place if Ghana has an extradition treaty with the country where the individual is staying.
According to him, the requesting country must file an application, after which the person has the right to challenge the request before a judge.
“The person has the right to take a lawyer, go before a judge, and if he doesn’t want to come, he can argue against coming,” the President stated.
Mr. Mahama disclosed that the Attorney General’s Department has already filed an extradition application and is submitting additional documents requested by the relevant authorities.
He added that the matter will eventually be determined by an American judge, who will decide whether Mr. Ofori-Atta should be returned to Ghana.
The President appealed directly to the former Finance Minister to return voluntarily.
Recalling events during Mr. Ofori-Atta’s tenure in office, Mr. Mahama referred to a period when more than 80 Members of Parliament from the then governing New Patriotic Party called for his removal.
He noted that the former minister had responded by saying he was like a father who could not abandon his children.
Drawing on that statement, the President urged him to come back to Ghana.
“We are begging you, Father, come back. Your children are calling you to come back,” Mr. Mahama remarked.
He questioned why someone who believes he has done nothing wrong would leave the country, adding that the legal process should be allowed to take its course.
Mr. Mahama, however, stressed that the matter remains before the courts and will proceed according to the law.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the mandate given to him by Ghanaians is for one term, adding that his administration is focused on delivering on the promises made to the people.
Speaking during his ‘Resetting Ghana Tour’ in the Volta Region on Friday, July 17, President Mahama addressed the issue of the ongoing debate over a possible third term, the President maintained that his priority is to fulfil his campaign commitments rather than speculate about another term in office.
“The people of Ghana gave me a mandate for one term, and I am working hard to meet the promises I made them,” he stated. He added that he constantly reminds his ministers to “number our days” so they remain focused on delivering results before the end of their time in office.
Mr. Mahama acknowledged that some individuals have gone to the Supreme Court to seek an interpretation of the constitutional provisions governing the tenure of the President.
He indicated that seeking the court’s interpretation is within their rights but expressed the view that the constitutional provision is already clear.
“If you ask my personal opinion, I believe it is clear. I’ve read it several times, and it says exactly what it means,” the President remarked.
He reiterated that, in his view, Ghanaians have given him one additional term and stressed that he intends to use that period to honour the trust placed in him by the electorate.
By: Jacob Aggrey
