The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has stated that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) does not subscribe to rigging elections, as it is not part of their DNA.
“As far as the ruling NPP is concerned, we are a party born from the noble Danquah-Dombo-Busia political tradition; we spearheaded the national resistance to authoritarian one-party rule in Ghana in the first Republic. Rigging is not part of our DNA,” he said.
Speaking on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at the 13th Biennial and 51st Conference of the Methodist Church-Ghana, which was held at the Wesley Cathedral in Adum-Kumasi, under the theme: “Discipleship: Growing into Christian Maturity,” President Akufo-Addo told the congregation that the upcoming polls will augment Ghana’s democratic credentials.
He argued that the NPP, which was born from the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition abhors political authoritarian style of governance and as a result they kicked against such antecedents in post-independence encounters.
The president, therefore, assured Ghanaians that the upcoming elections would be held in a free and fair manner.
He said Ghana cherishes her reputation as the beacon of democracy on the African continent and the conduct of the forthcoming election will reinforce this reputation.
President Akufo-Addo declared that “The Akufo-Addo-led NPP government is clear about its obligation and duty to ensure that the impending elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace and security, in full transparency and respect for the electoral laws of our country.”
The President also took the opportunity to criticise those who have been raising fears of electoral malpractice, including some members of the clergy.
He expressed disappointment in those who, instead of promoting peace, have been predicting “election rigging and Kenya-style blood-letting.”
He stated, “They will be disappointed. The 2024 elections, like the previous ones we have held in Ghana in the 4th Republic, will be conducted peacefully and in total compliance with the laws of the country.”
He also praised the Vice President and the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for presenting an “exciting vision for Ghana’s future,” adding a challenge to the opposition leader, who he claimed is afraid to debate Bawumia.
The president lauded the Methodist Church for rallying behind his administration and hailed the church for the pivotal role it plays in society.
Earlier, the outgoing Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most. Rev. Dr. Paul Boafo, implored Ghanaians to abide by the tenets of democracy since it is a process and not an event.
Dr. Paul Boafo hailed the government of the day for creating additional regions, saying that these new regions had aided the Methodist Church Ghana to plant new churches.
Touching on the December general elections, the Methodist Prelate implored on Ghanaians to avoid vitriolic language.
