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As the country gets ready to elect a new president and members of the ninth Parliament, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaians to preserve the country’s hard-won democratic values.
In a moving and introspective speech from Jubilee House on the eve of Ghana’s general elections in 2024, the president emphasized the election’s importance as a continuation of Ghana’s democratic journey and called it a turning point for the country.
“Tomorrow, Saturday, 7th December, we head to the polls to elect a new President of the Republic and members of the ninth Parliament to steer the affairs of our nation,” he said.
Akufo-Addo reflected on his time as president and Ghana’s democratic development, expressing great delight in the nation’s accomplishments and pointing out the generational change in attitudes about elections, pointing out that younger Ghanaians now view voting as a necessary but routine aspect of civic life.
“Democracy is not just the right to vote; it is the right to live in dignity,” highlighting the wider importance of democratic government, the President said. He went on to say that Ghana’s reputation as a stable country on the African continent has been solidified by its continuous ability to organize peaceful elections.
Reminding people that “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” Akufo-Addo used Thomas Jefferson to highlight the necessity of continuously preserving and fostering the nation’s democratic flame.
As the country gets ready to cast its ballots, the President said he had faith that the Electoral Commission would conduct a legitimate and transparent election. He praised the organization as a pillar of Ghanaian democracy and exhorted everyone to back its efforts.
“We have every reason to trust the Electoral Commission,” he affirmed. “It is an institution that has proven itself to be transparent, efficient, and capable of delivering free, fair, and credible elections.”
Akufo-Addo also noted the vibrant nature of Ghana’s campaign season, which he described as “colourful, loud, and spirited.” With the campaign period now over, he urged Ghanaians to reflect deeply and prepare to make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Applying a timeless principle, President Akufo-Addo urged citizens to exercise their right to vote, characterizing it as both a civic duty and a moral responsibility. He acknowledged the role of security in protecting the electoral process and assured citizens that the necessary steps had been taken to maintain peace and order. “The security agencies, led by the Ghana Police Service, have made the necessary deployments and preparations to ensure peace, law, and order before, during, and after the election,” he said.
“Go out, cast your ballot freely for your preferred candidate, and do so in an environment of peace and dignity,” he urged. “The ballot is stronger than the bullet, and through it, we can shape the future of our beloved nation.”
“Together, we can reaffirm Ghana’s place as a model democracy, an inspiration for Africa, and a source of pride for all her citizens. May God bless us all and continue to make Ghana great and strong.”
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
