Akufo-Addo Promises Smooth Transfer of Power

In a departure from his previous stance, President Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians of the government’s steadfast commitment to preserving the nation’s esteemed democratic principles and territorial integrity, particularly in the lead-up to, during, and following the December 7 general election.

President Akufo-Addo on April 25, 2024, conveyed to the paramount chief of the Waala traditional area, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV his discomfort with the prospect of relinquishing political power to an opponent he has defeated consecutively. He emphatically stated his refusal to hand over power to his predecessor, John Dramani Mahama, asserting that he would do so only over his dead body.

“Before the election is held, I am going to come here and pay my proper goodbye to you and thank you for the cooperation that I received from you when I was president. God willing, when I come, I will come with the man who is going to be my successor. Wa Naa, you know that the man I removed from the seat, I cannot have him as my successor and as a traditional ruler, you understand what I am saying.“

But speaking at a grand durbar of the Chiefs and people of Effutu in the Central Region, marking the culmination of the annual Aboakyer Festival, President Akufo-Addo emphasized Ghana’s distinguished reputation in West Africa as a bastion of democracy and peace, vital for attracting and retaining investment.

Highlighting Ghana’s strides in socioeconomic development and democratic governance under his leadership, the President underscored the imperative of preventing any descent into political unrest, which could jeopardize the hard-won progress.

The weeklong Aboakyer Festival, themed “Promoting Tradition and Development,” showcased a myriad of cultural activities and community engagements, including musical shows, community clean-up exercises, health walks, regatta competitions, and marathon races.

Addressing the assembled chiefs, President Akufo-Addo called upon all stakeholders to eschew actions that could disrupt the country’s peace, stressing that elections should not serve as platforms for conflict but rather as opportunities to reinforce democracy. He urged political maturity and collective responsibility in ensuring a smooth electoral process, affirming Ghana’s commitment to global peace and stability.

In response, Neenyi Ghartey, the Omanhen of Effutu Traditional Area, commended the President for key infrastructural developments in the region, including the construction of a fish landing facility and the ongoing reconstruction of the Kasoa-Winneba Road. While expressing gratitude for these initiatives, he appealed to the government to modernize the Winneba Market Complex to accommodate the burgeoning trader population, further enhancing economic prospects in the area.

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