President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on Ghanaians to uphold the nation’s hard-earned democratic values as they prepare to elect a new president and members of the ninth Parliament.
Speaking from Jubilee House in a stirring and reflective address delivered on the eve of Ghana’s 2024 general elections, the President emphasised the significance of the election as a continuation of Ghana’s democratic journey, describing it as a pivotal moment for the nation.
“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.
Reflecting on his tenure as President and Ghana’s democratic evolution, Akufo-Addo expressed immense pride in the country’s achievements, highlighting the generational shift in attitudes toward elections, noting that younger Ghanaians now regard voting as a routine yet vital part of civic life.
“Democracy is not just the right to vote; it is the right to live in dignity,” the President stated, underscoring the broader significance of democratic governance. He added that Ghana’s consistent ability to hold peaceful elections has cemented its reputation as a beacon of stability on the African continent.
Quoting Thomas Jefferson, Akufo-Addo reminded citizens that “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” emphasising the need to continually protect and nurture the country’s democratic flame.
As the nation prepares to vote, the President expressed confidence in the Electoral Commission’s ability to deliver a transparent and credible election. He lauded the institution as a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy, urging all citizens to support its work.
“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.
Acknowledging the role of security in safeguarding the electoral process, the President assured citizens that the necessary measures 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. He called on the electorate to cooperate with security personnel and refrain from acts of violence or intimidation.
Quoting a timeless principle, he added, “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.”
President Akufo-Addo appealed to citizens to exercise their right to vote, describing it as both a civic duty and a moral responsibility.
“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.”
