Nana Akufo-Addo
President Nana Akufo-Addo has addressed growing concerns about the recent arrests of protesters and opposition claims of stifling dissent.
According to the President, he doesnot have the power to jail protesters, stressing that the country’s courts are independent institutions.
“The courts in Ghana are independent, and people misconduct themselves and are brought before the court. It’s for the court to deal with them,” President Akufo-Addo told France 24 in an exclusive interview during his recent trip abroad.
When asked if politics played a role, he replied, “It has nothing to do with the executive. Their behaviours that led them in problem with the police and with the courts. I don’t have problems with protests.”
President Akufo-Addo highlighted his own history of leading protests, which aided his political career, and reassured that nothing is being done in the country to prevent people from expressing their views.
“Nothing is done in Ghana to prevent people from airing their views on anything,” he stressed.
“How can the President, who himself benefited from leading protests, have problems with protests?” he asked.
2024 Elections
Regarding the upcoming December 7 elections, President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in his Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s ability to win the presidential election, citing his strong campaign and the positive resonance of his message, especially among young people.
“I believe that he (Dr. Bawumia), first of all, he’s waging a good campaign. He has a message that is resonating, especially with the young people in Ghana. And secondly, he has a record, a good record, to defend,” he added.
According to him, this is in spite of the economic difficulties faced by the country.
President Akufo-Addo also pointed to his administration’s achievements, including major reforms in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and the digital economy.
“So there’s a record in which he’s campaigning with and at the same time, he’s also brought some new ideas to the surface, which are ideas, especially of how the young people can also now get involved in developing themselves and the nation’s economy,” he intimated.
“Ghanaians know we didn’t waste our nearly eight years in office. We’ve seen significant improvements in key areas,” President Akufo-Addo said. “My Vice President has a good record to defend and new ideas to involve young people in developing themselves and the nation’s economy.”
President Akufo-Addo’s optimism about his Vice President’s chances was clear: “I believe he’ll win, and you’ll remember this discussion when you hear the news.”
By Ernest Kofi Adu