Security Consultant Professor Emmanuel Kwesi Aning has raised serious concerns about recent comments made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Minister for Agriculture Bryan Acheampong. He suggests that their statements might provoke supporters to reject the results of the upcoming 2024 elections if they do not favor the ruling party.
Prof. Aning referred specifically to President Akufo-Addo’s statement questioning how he could hand over power to a successor whom he has defeated twice in previous elections. The professor argued that such remarks could be perceived as an encouragement to disregard the election results should they be unfavorable to the ruling party.
“This kind of rhetoric can be interpreted as a potential invitation to reject the election results if they do not go the way of the ruling party,” Prof. Aning commented during an appearance on Channel One TV’s Point of View. “It raises concerns about the potential for increased tensions and undermines trust in the electoral process.”
Prof. Aning further criticized comments made by Bryan Acheampong, who asserted that regardless of the opposition’s efforts, the NPP would secure victory in the 2024 elections. Acheampong’s declaration that the NPP would do “whatever it takes to win” was highlighted by Prof. Aning as particularly alarming.
“In a highly polarized and partisan society, such statements can dangerously shape public perception,” Prof. Aning said. “It sets a dangerous precedent where supporters might believe they are entitled to win simply because their leaders have declared it so. This kind of thinking can easily lead to the rejection of legal processes and potential violence.”
He emphasized the need for political leaders to exercise caution in their public statements, particularly in the lead-up to the elections. According to Prof. Aning, inflammatory remarks could incite violence and disrupt the electoral process.
Prof. Aning’s concerns are underscored by the broader context of political polarization in Ghana. He noted that the opposition might respond negatively to such comments, citing former President John Dramani Mahama’s previous statements about the judiciary. Mahama had expressed skepticism about seeking justice through the Supreme Court, indicating a lack of faith in the system’s ability to deliver fair outcomes.
“This kind of environment creates a fertile ground for disregarding the law and challenging the legitimacy of the electoral process,” Prof. Aning warned. “It’s crucial that all political actors recognize the potential consequences of their words and strive to foster a climate of respect for democratic processes.”
The comments from both President Akufo-Addo and Minister Acheampong come at a time of heightened political tension and anticipation for the upcoming elections. Prof. Aning’s warnings reflect broader concerns about maintaining electoral integrity and ensuring a peaceful transition of power.
As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, the emphasis on responsible and measured discourse becomes ever more critical. Political leaders and their supporters must navigate the electoral landscape with an awareness of the impact their words and actions may have on the stability and fairness of the democratic process.
