President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians that the upcoming December 7 elections would be free, fair, transparent, and peaceful.
Addressing an assembly of chiefs, government officials, and residents gathered at the grand durbar of the 2024 Anlo Hogbetsotso Za festival, President Akufo-Addo emphasized his commitment to upholding Ghana’s democratic traditions, promising to hand over power to whoever the people choose.
“As we all know, without peace, there can be no proper development. The peace we are currently enjoying is the peace we will carry through to the elections on 7th December.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The festival, a significant cultural event for the Anlo people, provided a platform for the President to not only pledge electoral integrity but also to express gratitude for the support his administration has received from the Anlo community over the years.
In his remarks, he stressed that maintaining peace in the nation was essential for progress and underscored his commitment to ensuring that this peace extends through the election period.
In a further commitment to democratic principles, President Akufo-Addo pledged to honor the choice of Ghanaians, stating, “On the 7th of December, I will hand over the baton of national leadership to whoever the people of Ghana choose to succeed me.”
President Akufo-Addo also shared that his recent national tour was a means to personally thank Ghanaians for their support during his administration.
While the Volta Region was a planned stop on his tour, he explained that he chose to use the Hogbetsotso festival as an opportunity to express appreciation to the people of Anlo and the broader Volta Region.
The Hogbetsotso Za festival, traditionally celebrated in November, commemorates the historic migration of the Anlo people from Notsie in present-day Togo to their current location in Ghana.
For the President, it was a fitting occasion to address the importance of unity and democracy, especially with elections approaching. Akufo-Addo’s remarks at the festival reflect a commitment to reinforce Ghana’s position as a beacon of democracy in the region.
National House of Chiefs Calls for Peaceful Elections
Coinciding with the President’s assurances, the National House of Chiefs released a statement urging all Ghanaians to respect the rule of law as the nation prepares for the December polls.
“Ghana proudly boasts of three decades of democratic elections and peaceful transfer of power, earning recognition as West Africa’s beacon of democracy,” the statement read.
The National House of Chiefs underscored the importance of upholding these values, admonishing citizens to refrain from actions that might undermine democracy, including electoral manipulation, violence, and media coercion.
The Chiefs emphasized the need for stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission (EC) and related agencies, to execute their duties impartially.
“As leaders in our communities, we have a duty to guide our people toward peaceful conduct and respect for democratic values. We should support all efforts to ensure the December elections are conducted peacefully.”
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area,
Ahead of the December 7 elections, several organizations and political leaders have been advocating for a calm and transparent electoral process.
The Electoral Commission, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has been working on finalizing voter lists, setting up polling stations, and ensuring the readiness of election officials across the country.
With the December elections nearing, the responsibility now rests on all Ghanaians—leaders, citizens, and institutions alike—to work together in upholding the nation’s cherished democratic values.
President Akufo-Addo’s pledge to honor the election results, regardless of outcome, is a significant step toward ensuring a peaceful and orderly transition that will continue to bolster Ghana’s democratic image.
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