President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a peaceful and transparent general election in December 2024.
In his Founders’ Day address, Akufo-Addo emphasized the paramount importance of the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.
He promised that his government would take all necessary steps to secure it and ensure that the will of the Ghanaian people is expressed freely and without external influence.
“As we approach the upcoming December elections, let me assure you of my government’s determination to ensure they are free, fair, credible, and transparent.
It is the will of the Ghanaian people that will be freely expressed and not the will of any candidate or political party,” Akufo-Addo said.
He also underscored the importance of strict law enforcement against vigilantism, aiming to maintain peace and order throughout the electoral period.
“The integrity of our electoral process is paramount, and we will take all necessary steps to secure it.
He added that the law against vigilantism would be strictly applied without fear or favour, ensuring peace and order throughout the electoral period.
Akufo-Addo also celebrated Founders’ Day by reflecting on its historical significance in his address.
He recalled the formation of the Aborigines Rights Protection Society (ARPS) in 1897 and the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947, both crucial in Ghana’s journey to independence.
“Tomorrow, as we commemorate these historical milestones, we pay tribute to successive generations of Ghanaians who contributed to attaining our national independence.
It is most appropriate that we have chosen this date to honour their sacrifices, resilience, and intense dedication to freedom and justice,” he stated.
Akufo-Addo also addressed the ongoing debate about the founding of modern Ghana. He rejected the notion that Ghana was founded by one individual, affirming that Kwame Nkrumah played a significant role but built upon the efforts of many others, including the ARPS and UGCC.
“The contributions of the leaders before him were instrumental in shaping the political landscape and facilitated Kwame Nkrumah’s rise to prominence.
While Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions are undeniable, it is essential to recognize that he stood on the shoulders of past leaders,” Akufo-Addo said.
The President highlighted Ghana’s progress in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture, and outlined his administration’s focus areas for future development.
These include investing in education, healthcare, agriculture, economic development, security, and democratic institutions.
“As we celebrate Founders’ Day, let us remember the lessons of our history and honour the courage and sacrifices of those who came before us.
Let us continue to revere those who fought for our freedom and our democracy, and let us recommit ourselves to the ideals of freedom, justice, and democracy,” he concluded.
Akufo-Addo’s address was a call to action for Ghanaians to uphold the values and principles that have guided the nation’s development while preparing for a fair and transparent electoral process.
