News
‘Agyapadie’ is a fabricated document by my political opponents – Akufo-Addo
In a compelling address today at the Ghana Report Summit, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo shed light on the fabricated narratives that have been used to undermine his political career, focusing on the “Agyapadie” document, which first surfaced in the run-up to the 2020 elecrions.
The Summit, themed “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024,” highlighted the dangers of false information in the democratic process.
The Agyapadie document alleges a grand scheme by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to annex state assets. According to President Akufo-Addo, this fabricated document has been circulated by opposition operatives as evidence of the NPP’s supposed plans.
“This baseless accusation is yet another example of the malicious tactics used to undermine my credibility and integrity,” the President stated.
President Akufo-Addo’s political career has been fraught with similar false accusations, dating back to the 2008 presidential election. During that campaign, baseless allegations of drug trafficking were spread to tarnish his image. Rumors about his health were also circulated to cast doubt on his ability to serve as President. Opponents accused then-President John Kufuor of selling all of Ghana’s gold reserves, a claim that was patently false.
The 2012 election cycle saw a continuation of these tactics, with false reports of Akufo-Addo’s alleged arrest in London for drug possession making headlines. Fabricated quotes designed to stir ethnic tensions were also disseminated, aiming to divide the electorate. In 2016, opponents stooped to a new low, alleging that Akufo-Addo had killed his late wife, a claim that was not only false but deeply offensive.
“As the 2024 General Elections approach, the Agyapadie document is the latest in a series of lies aimed at discrediting President Akufo-Addo and his party. This fictitious narrative, like the ones before it, highlights the importance of discerning truth from falsehood and remaining vigilant against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that combating misinformation and disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening regulatory frameworks to hold individuals and organizations accountable for spreading false information is crucial.
He added that collaborations with technology companies are essential to develop mechanisms for monitoring and curbing the spread of false information on digital platforms.Public awareness campaigns are also vital.
“Educating citizens about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation and promoting media literacy can empower voters to make informed decisions. Supporting fact-checking organizations to verify information and debunk false claims is another important strategy,” he said.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for all political actors to commit to truthfulness and transparency in their campaign,” The spread of false information for political gain undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust. Political parties and candidates must engage in constructive dialogue, presenting their ideas and policies to the electorate in a truthful and respectful manner.”
According to him, the Civil society organizations play an invaluable role in promoting transparency, accountability, and media literacy.
He added that their advocacy efforts are essential in curbing misinformation and disinformation. The public also has a crucial role to play by verifying information before sharing it and relying on reputable news sources.
“The Agyapadie scandal serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some will go to undermine political opponents. As Ghana prepares for the 2024 General Elections, it is imperative to address these challenges head-on. By working together – government, media, civil society, and the public – Ghana can create an environment where truth prevails, and its democracy thrives,” he concluded.
News
Ghana-Colombia strengthens ties through diplomatic engagement
In an important diplomatic engagement, the Colombian Ambassador to Ghana H.E. Daniel Garces Carabali paid a courtesy call on the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, at his office in Accra to discuss some key areas of collaboration.
The meeting focused on pressing issues, including security, decongestion of Ghana’s prisons, prison reform programmes, training programmes, improving the welfare of prisoners and enhancing disaster management in the country.
The courtesy call underscores the growing bilateral ties between Ghana and Colombia, building on previous engagements, such as the visit of the Colombian Vice President to Ghana in 2023.
The meeting demonstrates the commitment of both nations to fostering cooperation and addressing shared challenges.
News
Ghana to host African Catholic Journalists from August 10
The Union Catholique Africaine de la Presse (UCAP), also known as the African Catholic Union of the Press, in collaboration with the Catholic Association of Media Practitioners-Ghana (CAMP-G), is set to host its prestigious Triennial Congress from August 10 to 17 August, 2025.
The programme would be held at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Legon, Accra, Ghana.
This landmark event, the most significant gathering of Catholic journalists in Africa, will bring together media professionals, researchers, and experts in digital technology from across the continent and beyond.
The theme for the Congress is: “Balancing Technological Progress and the Preservation of Human Values in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
Congress Highlights
The UCAP Congress 2025 will feature discussions and deliberations on critical issues arising from or related to integral human development, particularly within the framework of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Some of the key sub-themes to be addressed include:Corporate Social Responsibility in Managing the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Values, Deploying AI in Eco-friendly Business Start-ups in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges, Technology and the Reprogramming of Social Reality, Distortion of Reality in Social and Digital Media, Ecological Education and Action Against Unsustainable Exploitation of Natural Resources, and Media and the Promotion of the Recommendations of the Synod on Synodality in Africa.
Participants will include media professionals from both ecclesiastical and lay organisations, media researchers and academics, representatives from the Vatican, government agencies, NGOs, civil society, and the digital technology sector.
Objectives of the Congress
The primary goal of this Congress is to strengthen the capacities of media professionals and educate the public on the necessity of preserving human values amid rapid technological progress. Specific objectives include; Training 100 media practitioners in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, with a focus on balancing innovation and human values.
This will include promoting ethics and bioethics in technical research and technological innovations through media.
Advocating for human values such as respect for life, human dignity, charity, solidarity, and human rights and assessing the impact of technological progress to better understand the challenges, risks, and opportunities presented by AI will be part of the objectives.
UCAP is a continental organisation dedicated to promoting communication within the Catholic Church and its partners in Africa. With a mission to foster spiritual growth, collaboration, and responsible journalism, UCAP works to spread the Gospel, uphold human values, and support developmental initiatives across Africa and beyond.
UCAP is an independent, autonomous, non-political, and non-profit organisation comprising African Catholic journalists, communicators, academics, researchers, and institutions in various media fields.
