President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has visited the Upper West Region, delivering a speech that touched on his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president, his administration’s achievements, and his endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as his preferred successor.

The President, speaking before a diverse gathering that included clergy, Muslim clerics, traditional chiefs, and community leaders, underscored his commitment to democracy, assuring the people that he would respect their choice in the upcoming elections.

The President’s visit to the Upper West Region was primarily to express his gratitude to the people of the region and the nation at large for their trust and cooperation throughout his tenure. President Akufo-Addo emphasized the opportunity given to him in serving the nation.

The President went to the Upper West Region, first to thank the people of the region and then the country at large for giving him the opportunity to serve as their president. He said it is the greatest honor that the people of Ghana have done for him.

The President expressed deep gratitude not only for the opportunity to lead the country but also for the collaboration and support he received from the people over the last seven and a half years.

President Akufo-Addo also highlighted how significant this period of his life has been, adding that it marked an era of great responsibility and service.

Highlighting Achievements in the Upper West Region

In his address, President Akufo-Addo took the opportunity to outline some of the key achievements of his administration, particularly those that have impacted the Upper West Region.

According to Rafiq Salam, the President listed various infrastructure and health projects that had been executed under his government. He noted; “He talked about the achievement of his government in the last seven and a half years, where he stated that he has made the country better than he met it.’’

Among the specific projects mentioned were road construction initiatives, and the development of health facilities. He talked about specifically the Upper West Region, roads that they have constructed, including health facilities that they have constructed, including 41 CHPS compounds. He also talked about the the agenda 1111 in the Upper West Region five of them and he also talked about, programs that they have brought into the water sector which has improved the lives of the people.

The President was keen to position these projects as part of his administration’s broader agenda of development and progress for Ghana.

Commitment to Free and Fair Elections

Shifting his focus to the upcoming elections, President Akufo-Addo reassured the people that his government would respect the will of the Ghanaian electorate. The President emphasized that there would be no interference or attempts to “subvert the will of the people,” ensuring that the electoral process would be transparent and free.

This statement was meant to allay concerns about potential electoral malpractice, emphasizing the President’s commitment to democratic principles.

While President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his commitment to a fair electoral process, he also made clear his personal preference for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Describing Bawumia as the most suitable candidate to continue his legacy, the President urged chiefs, clegy, and the general populace to support the Vice President in the upcoming elections. He emphasized; ‘‘For him, his preference is Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the NPP, whom he believes is fit and molded for the job.”

The President called on leaders and voters in the Upper West Region, as well as Ghanaians across the country, to cast their ballots for Dr. Bawumia, emphasizing that the Vice President’s experience and leadership would build upon the achievements of his administration.

Symbolism of Ballot Numbers

In a lighter moment, President Akufo-Addo commented on the symbolism of the ballot numbers assigned to the leading candidates in the upcoming elections.

He also spoke about the issue of the number 8, where Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is number 1, and former President John Dramani Mahama is number 8. He is saying that now [ that Mahama has the number 8,] means that he will lose the next election.

This remark drew laughter from the crowd and underscored the President’s optimism regarding the NPP’s chances in the elections.

In his visit to the Upper West Region, President Akufo-Addo sought to leave a lasting impression by focusing on his legacy of development and service to the nation.

By highlighting his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, health, and water projects, he aimed to remind Ghanaians of the progress made during his tenure. At the same time, he reaffirmed his commitment to a democratic electoral process while endorsing Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as his successor.

His parting remarks, infused with humor about ballot numbers, reflected a leader confident in the future of his party and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.