President Akufo-Addo has vehemently condemned the conduct of certain members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who were captured in viral videos brandishing machetes around the office premises of the party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama. This incident occurred following a purported cleanup exercise on Thursday, 23 November 2023.
Speaking at the Victory Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Adentan Fafraha, Accra, during the valedictory church service for the outgoing Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Rt. Reverend Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, President Akufo-Addo expressed his strong disapproval of the behavior exhibited by the NDC supporters.
He emphasized that such actions would have no place in the lead-up to, during, or after the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
“It is my honest hope that the machetes and weapons brandished last week at the residence of the NDC’s presidential candidate, the former President John Mahama are not signs of things to come in the run-up of the 2024 elections elections.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
“If it is, I can assure them that they will find no success with them. I want to state for the record that under my watch, no person or group of persons no matter their political coloration will destabilize our country nor destroy the peace that all of us are enjoying. It will not happen.”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
Moreover, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that his administration is diligently working to revitalize the nation’s prosperity. He affirmed that the policies and programs currently in execution are a reliable means to stabilize the country’s economy.
“I want to assure you that the Akufo-Addo government is working hard to return the economy to a high rate of growth and characterize the management of the economy in the years preceding the COVID outbreak in 2020, which made the economy one of the fastest-growing in the world at the time.
“We can only do so if we forge ahead in unity and faith and have the belief that by the grace of Almighty God, the fortunes of Ghana under the presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo will be restored. I know times have been bad, but it is clear that our economy is rebounding back, and we are turning back the corner to growth and development.”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The President also acknowledged that “to get here, we had to make some difficult and hard decisions” as recent policies and programs being implemented are meant to address the nation’s challenges.
“And it is evident that they are doing so”, he emphasized.
In addition, Nana Addo stressed that the government will continue to need the understanding and active cooperation of all citizens.
Securing Ghana’s Stability In The Face Of Another Critical Election
As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, safeguarding its democratic processes is paramount to ensuring a fair, transparent, and credible electoral system. Several key measures can be implemented to protect Ghana’s democracy in the lead-up to this crucial event.
It is essential to guarantee the independence and impartiality of electoral institutions. Ensuring that bodies such as the Electoral Commission operate free from external influence is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. Adequate resources, training, and support should be provided to these institutions to enhance their capacity to organize and oversee elections effectively.
Ghanaian voter
Additionally, fostering a culture of civic education and engagement is crucial for upholding democracy. Educating citizens on their rights and responsibilities, as well as the importance of their participation in the electoral process, can contribute to informed decision-making and discourage electoral malpractices. Civil society organizations, media outlets, and educational institutions play pivotal roles in disseminating accurate information and promoting civic awareness.
As the incumbent government had assured to fight all forms of violence, it must also realize that it has an exclusive onus in ensuring a level playing field for all political parties. That, too, is another cornerstone for protecting Ghana’s democracy. Fair and equal access to media coverage, public spaces, and resources will enable diverse voices to be heard and prevent the dominance of any single party.
Ghana’s enviable democracy still lacks a very important regulation; campaign finance regulations. The passing and implementation of such laws could further contribute to a transparent electoral landscape, curbing the undue influence of money in politics.
Electoral security is paramount in safeguarding the democratic process. Collaborative efforts between security agencies, political stakeholders, and communities can help prevent and address potential threats to the electoral process, such as violence and intimidation. Building trust among these stakeholders is crucial for fostering a peaceful environment in which citizens feel safe to exercise their democratic rights.
By prioritizing these measures among others, Ghana can navigate the electoral process with integrity and strengthen the foundations of its democracy for the benefit of all citizens.
