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“NPP’s path to victory lies in its record, not rigging” – President Akufo-Addo
As Ghana gears up for the December 2024 general elections, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has unequivocally dispelled any claims that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will resort to rigging to secure victory.
Speaking at the Ghana Bar Association’s Annual Conference in Kumasi, the President reiterated his party’s firm commitment to upholding democratic principles, highlighting that free, fair, and transparent elections are the cornerstone of any healthy democracy.
Akufo-Addo noted that democracy in Ghana has flourished over the years, allowing for greater political participation and representation.
“The voices of women, youth, and marginalized groups, which were often silenced during the years of military rule, are now heard loud and clear,” he said. This vibrant and inclusive political landscape, he argued, is a testament to Ghana’s democratic evolution, with Parliament becoming more representative and civil society more engaged than ever before,” he added.
As the election season approaches, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of peaceful, fair, and transparent elections.
“Elections are not merely a democratic ritual; they are the very lifeblood of our political system. They are the mechanism through which the people exercise their sovereign will, choose their leaders, and hold them accountable,” he added.
Addressing the allegations that the NPP could only win the 2024 elections through electoral manipulation, President Akufo-Addo categorically dismissed such claims.
He stated that the NPP’s track record of governance, combined with the compelling vision of its flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, will be enough to secure victory.
“The NPP’s path to victory is through a robust defense of its exceptional, proven track record in office and the continuing modernization of Ghana’s future, championed by our excellent presidential candidate and his dynamic running mate,” Akufo-Addo remarked.
He emphasized that rigging is not part of the NPP’s DNA, describing the party as long-standing champions of multiparty democracy. He further dismissed accusations of electoral malpractice, saying that these were preemptive excuses by those who fear an NPP victory.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that maintaining electoral integrity requires a collective commitment from all stakeholders involved in the electoral process. He urged political parties, the Electoral Commission (EC), security agencies, civil society, and the media to uphold the highest standards of transparency and fairness.
“The integrity of the electoral process is the foundation upon which the legitimacy of government rests,” he said.
The President further emphasized that when elections are free and transparent, the results are accepted by all parties, including those who lose.
In this regard, he placed a special responsibility on the Electoral Commission, calling on the body to act impartially and independently in overseeing the elections.
He encouraged the EC to ensure that all logistical arrangements are in place and that any electoral disputes are resolved swiftly and transparently.
Akufo-Addo also stressed the importance of the EC remaining the sole authority responsible for declaring election results.
He warned against political parties declaring results before the EC does so, noting that such actions could lead to confusion and misinformation.
“The EC’s role as an impartial and independent body ensures that its results reflect the true will of the people, free from partisan influence,” the President noted.
Reflecting on the broader context of African elections, President Akufo-Addo cautioned against the dangers of elections marred by violence, irregularities, and lack of transparency.
Such situations, he warned, can lead to disputed results and political instability. “We should learn from these experiences and ensure that Ghana does not ever fall into the same trap,” he said.
The President reaffirmed that his government is committed to doing everything within its power to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted peacefully, fairly, and transparently.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by some opposition voices about potential electoral misconduct, President Akufo-Addo reminded the audience that successive Electoral Commissioners, including Kwadwo Afari Gyan, Charlotte Osei, and the current commissioner, Jean Mensa, have all emphasized that rigging elections in Ghana is nearly impossible due to the robust systems in place.
The President pointed out that those alleging NPP’s intent to rig the 2024 elections are likely preparing excuses in anticipation of a potential NPP victory.
President Akufo-Addo concluded by reaffirming the NPP’s unwavering commitment to democracy.
He underscored the importance of democratic values such as the rule of law, accountability, and respect for differing opinions.
“Our democracy is healthier than ever before, and we intend to protect and nurture it for future generations,” he stated.
With the 2024 elections on the horizon, President Akufo-Addo’s message is clear: the NPP will not resort to underhanded tactics to win.
Instead, it will rely on its achievements in office and its vision for the future to convince the Ghanaian electorate. As the President put it, “The will of the people is paramount, and it is this will that will decide the outcome of the elections.”
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Involve men in breast cancer conversations …Breast cancer advocate
Raisa
A Journalist and breast cancer advocate, Ms Raissa Sambou, has called for the inclusion of men in breast cancer conversations.
She said men play a crucial role in breast cancer conversations, not only because they can be affected by the disease themselves but also because they can help their partners detect early signs.
The inclusion of men in the conversation has dominated discussion on the disease during an ongoing door-to-door campaign to raise awareness on breast cancer in rural communities, focusing on both men and women who often lack access to healthcare information and treatment.
Ms Sambou, a breast cancer survivor, told The Spectator that her campaign aims to educate people in an underserved areas on early detection and prevention.
According to Ms Sambou, by encouraging and reminding women to perform regular self-breast examinations, men can support early detection, which is key to successful treatment.
“Unfortunately, there have been instances where men have distanced themselves from their wives or engaged in infidelity following breast cancer treatments, particularly when it involves the loss of a breast.
“Through education, these situations can be minimised, as men learn to be more empathetic and supportive, understanding the physical and emotional toll the disease takes on their partners,” she explained.
Educating men on these issues fosters stronger familial bonds and helps reduce stigma and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer.
“Men should not be excluded from breast cancer conversations because they can also be affected by the disease,” she said.
Additionally, she noted that when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, the entire family is impacted, hence the need for men to be educated on how they can provide emotional and practical support during such difficult times.
Through her initiative, dubbed ‘The Raissa Child Protection Initiative,’ the award winning journalist advocates for the wellbeing of children by empowering their parents to take better care of them.
“If parents are not healthy, they cannot care for their children,” she noted, stressing the importance of health in child protection efforts.
She revealed that the campaign, which began in Tomefa, a fishing community in the Ga South Municipality, also seeks to dispel the misconceptions surrounding breast cancer in rural areas, where fear and stigma often prevent early treatment.
Ms Sambou states that the initiative was to expand to parts of the Eastern and Central regions, with the goal of improving awareness and saving lives in areas where access to healthcare is limited.
She also underscored the importance of adopting a preventive approach to managing chronic health issues, especially given the limited resources at many healthcare facilities in Ghana.
She also expressed concern that rural residents often have to travel long distances across regions to access basic medical services like mammograms and CT scans.
This, Ms Sambou noted, contributes to the high number of undiagnosed cancers and late-stage diagnoses, which severely impact treatment outcomes.
She further lamented that even in cases of early detection, the lack of adequate cancer treatment equipment in the country often hampers patient survival.
At the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the nation’s largest referral centre, she explained that only two radiotherapy machines serve hundreds of patients, forcing many to wait for months before receiving treatment.
“My campaign is not only focused on awareness but also on advocacy for improved healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural communities, to ensure that early detection leads to timely and effective treatment,” she added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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Women urged to pursue dreams with determination at ‘She Triumph Conference 2024’
Ms Ibrahim.
Young women have been urged to pursue their dreams with determination and self-awareness at the second edition of ‘She Triumph Conference 2024’.
The conference which was held in Accra last Saturday on the theme: “Resilience and determination of womanhood,” featured keynote speakers from various fields, including business, arts and science.
Participants at the conference.
The speakers urged the over 650 young women present at the conference to showcase their unique talents while advocating for women’s empowerment.
The Marketing Manager of Electroland Ghana Limited, Hajia Adiza Ibrahim, urged young women not to feel pressured by societal expectations but instead focus on self-discovery.
“Identify who you are and what you possess; it’s not a competition, but you want to be recognised for your individuality,” she said.
Drawing from her personal journey, she highlighted the importance of building a personal brand grounded in authenticity and hard work, saying, “I have built my reputation with truth and passion.”
The Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Kuburah Diamonds Foundation acknowledged the challenges women face in today’s fast-paced, competitive world, urging attendees to cultivate their own identities and strive for excellence.
Ms Ibrahim, popularly known as ‘Kuburah Diamond’, stressed the need to prove oneself in various spheres, whether in academia or professional environments, urging them to exceed expectations when given the opportunity.
According to the founder of ‘She Triumph Conference’, Mrs Deborah Borketey-Tackie, the event was to train young women to gain skills to enable them become entrepreneurs and create employment opportunities for the youth.
These skills, she said included photography, beading, wig making, makeup artistry, balloon decoration and baking among others.
She indicated that 18 students who were trained in these skills had graduated and awarded at the conference.
Mrs Borketey-Tackie said the first and second runner-ups received GH¢10,000 and GH¢5,000 respectively from Omanye Royals Kingdom based in Canada.
By Cecilia Lagba Yada
