Report by Joycelyn Adoma Arthur- 7/03/2024

His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana, has emphasized the significance of Ghana’s democracy and called for continued progress and excellence.

Speaking at the 67th anniversary of Ghana’s independence, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the country’s journey towards democracy and the importance of upholding democratic values.

Acknowledging Ghana’s unique path to democracy, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the nation had to forge its own democratic system after more than a century of British colonial rule. He praised the resilience of the Ghanaian people and their commitment to working towards a democratic society. The President expressed pride in the country’s governance architecture and the progress made in the past 31 years, particularly in the area of electoral stability.

While acknowledging that Ghana’s democracy is not perfect, President Akufo-Addo stressed that each election in the country’s Fourth Republic has been an improvement on the previous one. He also highlighted the importance of tolerance for opposing views and cautioned against the dangers of disputed elections, citing examples of other nations that have experienced chaos as a result.

President Akufo-Addo recognized the role of technology in enhancing transparency in the electoral process but also cautioned against the manipulation and spread of falsehoods through technology. He emphasized the need for a vibrant media and free speech as indicators of a functioning democracy, and commended Ghana’s progress in these areas while acknowledging the need for further improvement in public discourse.

“We know that technology is a useful tool that we must embrace to make the electoral process more transparent, but we are very much aware that technology also now makes it possible and easier for the deliberate manipulation and propagation of falsehood to influence public opinion.”

The President highlighted the country’s commitment to resolving disputes through the judicial system, which operates within agreed rules. He called on Ghanaians to aim for excellence in all fields, rather than settling for mediocrity, and emphasized that the work of building a better Ghana is far from complete as long as poverty and injustice persist.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of providing quality education to all Ghanaian children and young people. He expressed pride in the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy, which has removed financial barriers to education and increased enrollment. The President emphasized the need to equip Ghanaian students with the skills necessary to succeed in the modern world, particularly in the fields of science, technology, and the economy.

President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the role of parents in shaping the values of Ghanaian children, emphasizing that the responsibility of upbringing extends beyond the classroom. He called for a consensus on the values that define Ghanaian identity and the transmission of these values to future generations.

Addressing the country’s recent economic challenges, President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism and encouraged Ghanaians to look forward to better times ahead. He assured the nation that Ghana had overcome the worst and urged citizens to continue working towards a brighter future.

“Fellow Ghanaians, I know that we have gone through difficult economic circumstances, but it is clear that we have overcome the worst, and we should be looking forward to better times.”