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“NPP’s path to victory lies in its record, not rigging” – President Akufo-Addo
As Ghana gears up for the December 2024 general elections, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has unequivocally dispelled any claims that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will resort to rigging to secure victory.
Speaking at the Ghana Bar Association’s Annual Conference in Kumasi, the President reiterated his party’s firm commitment to upholding democratic principles, highlighting that free, fair, and transparent elections are the cornerstone of any healthy democracy.
Akufo-Addo noted that democracy in Ghana has flourished over the years, allowing for greater political participation and representation.
“The voices of women, youth, and marginalized groups, which were often silenced during the years of military rule, are now heard loud and clear,” he said. This vibrant and inclusive political landscape, he argued, is a testament to Ghana’s democratic evolution, with Parliament becoming more representative and civil society more engaged than ever before,” he added.
As the election season approaches, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of peaceful, fair, and transparent elections.
“Elections are not merely a democratic ritual; they are the very lifeblood of our political system. They are the mechanism through which the people exercise their sovereign will, choose their leaders, and hold them accountable,” he added.
Addressing the allegations that the NPP could only win the 2024 elections through electoral manipulation, President Akufo-Addo categorically dismissed such claims.
He stated that the NPP’s track record of governance, combined with the compelling vision of its flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, will be enough to secure victory.
“The NPP’s path to victory is through a robust defense of its exceptional, proven track record in office and the continuing modernization of Ghana’s future, championed by our excellent presidential candidate and his dynamic running mate,” Akufo-Addo remarked.
He emphasized that rigging is not part of the NPP’s DNA, describing the party as long-standing champions of multiparty democracy. He further dismissed accusations of electoral malpractice, saying that these were preemptive excuses by those who fear an NPP victory.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that maintaining electoral integrity requires a collective commitment from all stakeholders involved in the electoral process. He urged political parties, the Electoral Commission (EC), security agencies, civil society, and the media to uphold the highest standards of transparency and fairness.
“The integrity of the electoral process is the foundation upon which the legitimacy of government rests,” he said.
The President further emphasized that when elections are free and transparent, the results are accepted by all parties, including those who lose.
In this regard, he placed a special responsibility on the Electoral Commission, calling on the body to act impartially and independently in overseeing the elections.
He encouraged the EC to ensure that all logistical arrangements are in place and that any electoral disputes are resolved swiftly and transparently.
Akufo-Addo also stressed the importance of the EC remaining the sole authority responsible for declaring election results.
He warned against political parties declaring results before the EC does so, noting that such actions could lead to confusion and misinformation.
“The EC’s role as an impartial and independent body ensures that its results reflect the true will of the people, free from partisan influence,” the President noted.
Reflecting on the broader context of African elections, President Akufo-Addo cautioned against the dangers of elections marred by violence, irregularities, and lack of transparency.
Such situations, he warned, can lead to disputed results and political instability. “We should learn from these experiences and ensure that Ghana does not ever fall into the same trap,” he said.
The President reaffirmed that his government is committed to doing everything within its power to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted peacefully, fairly, and transparently.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by some opposition voices about potential electoral misconduct, President Akufo-Addo reminded the audience that successive Electoral Commissioners, including Kwadwo Afari Gyan, Charlotte Osei, and the current commissioner, Jean Mensa, have all emphasized that rigging elections in Ghana is nearly impossible due to the robust systems in place.
The President pointed out that those alleging NPP’s intent to rig the 2024 elections are likely preparing excuses in anticipation of a potential NPP victory.
President Akufo-Addo concluded by reaffirming the NPP’s unwavering commitment to democracy.
He underscored the importance of democratic values such as the rule of law, accountability, and respect for differing opinions.
“Our democracy is healthier than ever before, and we intend to protect and nurture it for future generations,” he stated.
With the 2024 elections on the horizon, President Akufo-Addo’s message is clear: the NPP will not resort to underhanded tactics to win.
Instead, it will rely on its achievements in office and its vision for the future to convince the Ghanaian electorate. As the President put it, “The will of the people is paramount, and it is this will that will decide the outcome of the elections.”
The National Media Commission has appointed Dr Isaac Okpoti Nai as the new Managing Director of New Times Corporation, publishers of Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers.
In an engagement with staff of the Corporation today, June 5, 2026, Dr.Nai, expressed his appreciation to everyone for holding the forth and contributing to the growth of the company.
He said, his leadership philosophy is based on professionalism, integrity and team work.
The new Managing Director said, he will be on a journey which would require everyone to take ‘ownership’.
” You need to work as though the company belongs to you. You are not doing it for me, take ownership, let’s work as a team,” he stressed.
With this, he said “we will be able to grow and sustain NTC. Let’s respect deadline and time.”
Dr.Nai pleaded with the staff to play their roles effectively to add value to NTC.
The Board led by Prof Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo expressed his excitement and wished the new MD and staff well in the years ahead.
The Chairperson of the Interim Management Committee, Dr.Charity Binka urged the staff to give the new MD their utmost support to help him succeed.
The appointment dated June 5, 2026, was done by the National Media Commission (NMC) In consultation with His Excellency the President of Ghana.
The appointment is in accordance with Article 168 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and section 2(1)(e) of the National Media Commission Act, 1994 (Act 449).
Dr. Isaac Okpoti Nai is a management executive, academic, and corporate leader with over 25 years of professional experience spanning financial management, corporate governance, strategic planning, internal audit, risk management, and organisational development across Ghana and the United Kingdom,.
Before this appointment, Dr. Nai served as General Manager, Finance and Administration at the State Housing Company Limited.
Dr.Nai has held senior leadership positions with the Ghana Integrity Initiative (Transparency International Ghana), Central Region Development Commission, London Borough of Croydon, London Borough of Merton and Ananemantey & Co. His experience covers both public and private sector institutions, including donor-funded organizations, local government authorities, financial institutions, and higher education establishments.
As an academic, he has lectured in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, and Management, contributing to the development of future business leaders and professionals.
Dr. Nai holds a Doctor of Business Administration (Financial Management) from Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom, an MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from the University of Greenwich, and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICA).
Throughout his career, Dr. Nai has been recognised for strengthening financial controls, improving organisational performance, leading transformational initiatives, and providing strategic leadership that delivers sustainable growth and value creation.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
MomsConnectGH marks Mental Health Awareness Day and Mother’s Day with donation to Accra Psychiatric Hospital
As part of activities to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Day and Mother’s Day, MomsConnectGH last Saturday organised a donation drive to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital under its outreach initiative, The Hannah Project.
The initiative formed part of the organisation’s broader commitment to supporting vulnerable groups in society while creating awareness around mental health challenges, particularly those affecting women and mothers.
The donation included essential supplies and welfare items for patients at the hospital.
Speaking during the donation, Co-Partner of MomsConnectGH, Elizabeth Owusu-Boadi, said the initiative was inspired by the need to show compassion and support to people facing mental health challenges, especially women and mothers.
She noted that many women continue to struggle silently with mental health conditions such as postpartum depression.
“Postpartum depression is one of the mental health issues many women go through, yet it is not spoken about enough. Many mothers suffer in silence because of stigma, lack of awareness, and limited support systems,” she said.
Mrs Owusu-Boadi explained that the decision to visit the Accra Psychiatric Hospital was intentional and aimed at reminding patients that they are loved, valued, and not forgotten.
“We wanted to come here not just with donations, but with kindness, hope, and support for the patients and staff here,” she added.
She also called on the government, civil society organisations, and private institutions to increase support for psychiatric healthcare facilities across the country.
“Mental healthcare is just as important as physical healthcare. We all have a role to play in supporting mental health institutions and creating more awareness around these issues,” she stated.
Head of Public Relations at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Dr Peggy Asiedu Ekremet, thanked MomsConnectGH for the gesture and encouraged the public to pay more attention to mental health.
“Mental health issues can affect anyone. Seeking help is a sign of strength and not weakness. We encourage people to speak up and seek professional support when they need it,” she said.
MomsConnectGH said The Hannah Project forms part of its broader mission to build a supportive community for mothers while impacting lives positively through outreach and wellness initiatives.
The group also expressed appreciation to all individuals, partners, and organisations who contributed to the success of the donation exercise.
