Dr. Frank Bannor, Development Economist and Head of Research at the Danquah Institute, has underscored President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ‘s commitment to democratic principles, peaceful dispute resolution, and electoral reforms in Ghana.
In an interview on Adom TV’s Badwam Show on August 21, 2024, Dr. Bannor praised President Akufo-Addo for consistently promoting free, fair, and transparent elections domestically and internationally.
He pointed to the President’s vocal support for electoral integrity, which is evident in his speeches and engagements at the 2017 African Union Summit and the 2018 United Nations General Assembly.
Dr. Bannor emphasized that stable democracies are crucial for national development, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He expressed confidence in President Akufo-Addo’s dedication to maintaining Ghana’s reputation as a stable democratic nation.
“President Akufo-Addo will not take any action that could undermine Ghana’s standing as a stable and democratic nation,” Dr Bannor asserted.
The NPP’s dedication to democratic values was highlighted through their publication of “The 1996 Elections in Ghana: The Fraudulent Process,” which documented alleged electoral malpractices in the 1996 general elections.
Dr Bannor explained that the book addressed voter suppression and ballot tampering issues, reflecting the party’s efforts to advocate for electoral reforms.
Dr Bannor also recounted the NPP’s response to the 2008 general elections, describing the defeat as one of the closest and most contentious in Ghana’s history.
Despite losing to Atta Mills by a narrow margin in the runoff election, President Akufo-Addo accepted the results in good faith.
The NPP challenged the 2012 election results in court, though their petitions were unsuccessful.
Dr. Bannor praised Akufo-Addo’s approach to the Supreme Court petition, which he viewed as demonstrating democratic principles.
He noted that this approach set a precedent for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to challenge the 2020 election results in court.
During President John Kufuor’s administration, Dr Bannor also highlighted Akufo-Addo’s role in repealing the criminal libel law in 2001.
He commended Akufo-Addo’s long-standing advocacy against the law, which he argued was contrary to democratic principles and free expression.
Addressing election-related tensions, Dr. Bannor warned against the detrimental effects of war rhetoric, particularly with upcoming elections on the horizon.
He cited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a cautionary example, noting that despite its resource wealth, the DRC has struggled with severe electoral violence and instability.
Dr Bannor stressed the importance of democratic processes and stability for national progress, urging Ghanaians to safeguard the peace and democratic integrity they enjoy.
He concluded that Ghana’s commitment to democratic values is a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges.
