Ghanaian press zooms in on President’s comments on democracy in Ghana, others

APA – Accra (Ghana)
The concern raised by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that three years after winning the 2020 elections, his main opponent, John Dramani Mahama is yet to congratulate him on the elections victory is one of the leading stories in the Ghanaian press on Monday.
The Graphic reports that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in a message to the nation on the Constitution Day on January 7, has said three years after winning the 2020 elections, his main opponent, John Dramani Mahama was yet to congratulate him on the elections victory.
“On a lighter note. three (3) years on, I am still waiting for my main opponent in the 2020 elections to congratulate me on my victory,” President Akufo-Addo said.
By common consent, all well-meaning Ghanaians have agreed that the democratic form of governance is the most preferable, and we must do everything possible to guarantee the longevity of the 4th Republic.
I have spent my adult life fighting for our individual and collective rights, and it is, therefore, gratifying to note that the nation’s adherence to democracy has not waned. We know that there are no quick fixes to the challenges confronting us, and, as we have seen in recent times, democratic structures of governance are capable of accommodating the most difficult of circumstances.
We have, happily, turned the corner on our economic situation, as we experience the rebound of the national economy, and we will continue to work strongly at the problems facing the nation, knowing that the solution, every four (4) years, rests, in part, on the sovereign will of the Ghanaian people, when you exercise your power to choose freely your leaders to manage the affairs of the country.
Democracies are grounded on viable elections, and, this year, like we have done on eight (8) other preceding occasions, we will go to the polls to elect the President and my successor. No true democrat can disregard the importance of elections and the sanctity of the ballot.
It must, thus, be in our collective interest to ensure that the rules and regulations for the conduct of this year’s elections are fair and transparent, and that we all develop respect for them, a respect that should not be a function of whether you win or lose.
The newspaper says that Ecobank Ghana PLC has appointed Abena Osei-Poku as its substantive Managing Director and Regional Executive for the Anglophone West Africa (AWA) Region of the Ecobank Group.
Her appointment took effect from January 1, 2024.
Mrs Osei-Poku will take over from Joana Mensah, who is the immediate past Acting Managing Director, a position she assumed from August 15, 2023, following the retirement of the former Managing Director, Dan Sackey.
Mrs. Osei-Poku is an accomplished Pan-African business leader with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Her expertise spans Corporate and Investment banking, Business banking and Risk Management at the regional level.
She started her career as a private banker with First Atlantic Merchant Bank. She later joined Standard Chartered Bank Ghana as an Assistant Relationship Manager and then became the Credit Manager for Multinational Corporates.
The Graphic also reports that in anticipation of the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire, the Ghana Supporters Union (GSU) has officially launched its website and social media handles to foster improved communication and engagement with its stakeholders.
The unveiling ceremony took place on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the prestigious Accra Metropolitan Assembly Hall, attended by enthusiastic members and supporters. The website, accessible through www.ghanasupporters.com, is designed to provide a seamless experience for both local and international fans interested in joining the vibrant community of Ghana Supporters.
The General Secretary of the GSU, Kassim Awal Osman, highlighted the significance of this milestone, emphasizing the Union’s commitment to global outreach.
Osman stated, “After seven years of unity under one umbrella, we felt it was time to extend our arms to both local and international enthusiasts. Our newly launched website serves as a platform to showcase and exhibit the remarkable work the Ghana Supporters are involved in.”
Osman added, “Gone are the days when potential members faced difficulties joining our group due to a lack of means to contact us. Now, anyone wishing to be part of Ghana Supporters can easily visit the website, register, and become a member from the comfort of their homes.”
Expressing optimism about the AFCON 2024 in Ivory Coast, Osman conveyed the Union’s eagerness to support the Black Stars. He revealed plans for a large contingent to travel by road to Abijan, expressing gratitude for the support received from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
“We’ve been informed that we are going by road. Mustapha Ussif has been very supportive, and this time around, we believe he can arrange about ten buses for us to invade Abijan with our red, gold, and green colours,” Osman concluded.
The Ghanaian Times says that the Office of the President has denied the allegation of intended changes in the hierarchy of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for political reasons.
According the office, there has never been any such contemplation let alone the decision to effect such changes within the hierarchy of the military.
A statement issued in Accra on Thursday and signed by the Director of Communication at the Presidency, Mr Eugene Arhin said it had taken note of some publications on social media alleging that the presidency intended to deliberately orchestrate changes within the hierarchy of the Armed Forces for political reasons.
It explained that the publications further alleged that the sole aim of the intended changes was to use the Military to brutalise citizens during the conduct of the December 7 general elections.
The publications were made following a meeting held at the Presidency on Tuesday, January, 2 this year with the leadership of the GAF.
It said “Indeed, the President of the Republic and Commander-In -Chief of the Armed Forces, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, held a meeting with Heads of Security agencies at Jubilee House on 2nd January 2024, a meeting which has become an annual feature on the President’s calendar at the beginning of the New Year.
“At these meetings, the Heads of Security agencies call on the President to offer him their best wishes for the coming year, with the President also using the opportunity to express his appreciation to them for their continued commitment to safeguarding the peace and stability of the nation, “ the statement noted.
It explained that contrary to the allegations made in the publication on social media, no such discussions about changes to the hierarchy of the Armed Forces formed part of the meeting.
GIK/APA