President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s promise not to interfere in the upcoming December elections is a positive statement, but it’s natural to have skepticism given the government’s past broken promises.
Trust is fostered through consistent action, not just empty promises or rhetoric. It’s the tangible results and follow-through on commitments that truly build and maintain trust.
Ghanaians will be watching closely to see if the President’s words translate into tangible actions, ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
Furthermore, the government’s commitment to neutrality and non-interference is crucial for credible elections.
However, memories of unfulfilled promises, such as the failed vow to build a factory in every district or the unresolved corruption cases, make it challenging to blindly trust this promise.
Accordingly, NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has expressed skepticism over President Akufo-Addo’s assurance of non-interference in the 2024 general elections, questioning the President’s commitment to fairness and neutrality in the upcoming polls.
As such, Fifi Kwetey dismissed President Akufo-Addo’s assurances as “empty rhetoric” and “vacuous promises”, implying that the President’s words lacked sincerity and tangible commitment.
He also accused the President of hypocrisy, pointing out that his actions consistently contradict his words, thereby systematically eroding trust and credibility.
Fifi Kwetey cited the President’s broken promise to prioritize the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) over his own political tenure, highlighting the stark contrast between his words and actions as the scourge continues to imperil water sources and lives.
“Between you and I, the words of Nana Akufo-Addo are very hollow, shallow, and lack substance. He’s proven in 8 years, what he says and what he does are virtually polls apart. I will not take the words of Nana Akufo-Addo to the bank. I will never trust any words that come from him.
“The man says he’s putting his presidency on the line over ‘galamsey’, what have we seen? The very opposite of it. So, his word is worth nothing, and NDC, we simply don’t put a premium on it”.
Fifi Fiavi Kwetey
President’s Actions Undermine Trust In Electoral Process
Furthermore, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey criticized the President’s defiant appointment of an NPP communicator as an EC Commissioner, disregarding widespread public outcry and concerns about partiality in the electoral process.
This move, Fifi Kwetey argued, further eroded trust in the President’s commitment to fairness and impartiality in the upcoming elections.
“In the history of our country, have you heard of a President who puts amongst the commissioners of the Electoral Commission a card-bearing communicator of the NPP? Nana Akufo-Addo did that, the country spoke, NDC wrote to the Council of State and said this is simply not right. So many other people spoke, did he change? No, he never changed. He simply doesn’t care, he’s stone-deaf”.
Fifi Fiavi Kwetey
As such, Fifi Kwetey asserted that he and the NDC have completely lost faith in President Akufo-Addo’s words, declaring that they no longer have any confidence in his promises or commitments, given his consistent failure to follow through on his pledges. “We do not trust him” he added.
It is now crucial that President Akufo-Addo takes tangible steps to demonstrate a genuine and unwavering commitment to ensuring the integrity, transparency, and accountability of the electoral process, in order to rebuild trust with the public and restore faith in the democratic system.
Tangible measures, such as guaranteeing the Electoral Commission’s autonomy and addressing the ongoing voter registration issues, are vital steps towards restoring trust and ensuring the credibility of the electoral process.
Ultimately, actions speak louder than words. The President’s promise is a step in the right direction, but consistent effort and tangible results are necessary to rebuild trust and ensure a credible electoral process in Ghana.
The NDC must take deliberate steps to rebuild its fractured relationship with the Electoral Commission, fostering a renewed sense of trust and collaboration to mitigate the risks of mistrust and ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process on December 7th.
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