A Development Economist and Head of Research at the Danquah Institute, Dr. Frank Bannor has emphasized the unwavering commitment of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to upholding democratic processes, peaceful dispute resolution, and advocating for electoral reforms in Ghanaian politics.
Speaking at an event, Dr. Bannor highlighted President Akufo-Addo’s consistent efforts to champion free, fair, and transparent elections, both within Ghana and on international platforms.
He pointed out that the President’s dedication to electoral integrity is not just rhetoric but is reflected in his policies and actions.
Dr. Bannor cited the President’s advocacy for transparency during the 2017 African Union Summit and the 2018 United Nations General Assembly as examples of his commitment.
Dr. Bannor stressed that stable democracies are crucial for the development and prosperity of nations, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He expressed confidence that President Akufo-Addo is dedicated to maintaining Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of peaceful democracy in the region.
“President Akufo-Addo will not take any action that could undermine Ghana’s standing as a stable and democratic nation,” he remarked.
In illustrating the NPP’s commitment to democracy, Dr. Bannor referenced the party’s historical actions, including the publication of a book titled “The 1996 Elections in Ghana: The Fraudulent Process,” which documented the party’s allegations of electoral malpractices during the 1996 general elections.
He explained that the book provided evidence of issues such as voter suppression and ballot tampering, which the NPP believed undermined the legitimacy of the election results.
This, according to Dr. Bannor, was part of the party’s broader effort to challenge the results and advocate for electoral reforms.
Dr. Bannor also recounted the NPP’s response to the 2008 general elections, which he described as one of the closest and most contentious in Ghana’s history.
Despite the narrow defeat in the runoff election, President Akufo-Addo accepted the results in good faith, demonstrating the party’s respect for democratic principles.
Additionally, Dr. Bannor highlighted the NPP’s democratic response to the 2012 election results, where the party challenged the outcome in court.
Although the petitions to the Supreme Court were ultimately unsuccessful in altering the results, Dr. Bannor noted that Akufo-Addo’s approach set a democratic precedent, later followed by the NDC in challenging the 2020 election results in court.
Dr. Bannor also praised Akufo-Addo’s role in the removal of the criminal libel law in 2001, under President Kufuor’s administration.
He explained that Nana Akufo-Addo, a vocal critic of the law, argued that such restrictions were contrary to democratic principles and free expression.
The repeal of the law was part of a broader push for democratic reforms and the protection of individual freedoms.
In his remarks, Dr. Bannor warned against the detrimental effects of war rhetoric, especially with upcoming elections approaching. He drew attention to the ongoing challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite its wealth of natural resources, highlighting the critical importance of democratic processes and stability for national progress.
“We have only one Ghana, and we must safeguard the peace we’re enjoying,” he urged, calling on all political actors and citizens to commit to peaceful governance.
Dr. Bannor concluded by stating that Ghana’s commitment to democratic integrity and peaceful governance serves as a model for other nations facing similar challenges.
