President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has described the “Agyapadie” document as a fabricated document by his opponents to undermine his political career.
Speaking at the Ghana Report Summit, themed “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024,” the President highlighted the dangers of false information in the democratic process.
The Agyapadie document alleges a grand scheme by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to annex state assets.
According to President Akufo-Addo, the fabricated document has been circulated by opposition operatives as evidence of the NPP’s supposed plans.
“This baseless accusation is yet another example of the malicious tactics used to undermine my credibility and integrity,” the President stated.
“In the run-up to the 2008, 2012 and 2016 presidential elections, I was a target of numerous false and malicious stories attacking my credibility and integrity. In 2008, baseless allegations of drug trafficking were spread, along with numerous rumours about my health intended to cast doubt on my ability to serve as President.
“Again, the 2012 election saw false reports of my alleged arrest in London for drug possession and fabricated quotes designed to stir ethnic tension. In 2016, it was alleged by sympathizers of the opposition that I had killed my late wife. Today, with a few months to the 2024 elections, they are at it again. The fabricated document entitled ‘Agyapadie’ is being spread around by operatives of the opposition as evidence of a grand scheme by my party to annex the assets of the state,” he recounted.
President Akufo-Addo emphasised that combating misinformation and disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening regulatory frameworks to hold individuals and organizations accountable for spreading false information is crucial.
Collaborations with technology companies are essential to develop mechanisms for monitoring and curbing the spread of false information on digital platforms.
Public awareness campaigns are also vital. Educating citizens about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation and promoting media literacy can empower voters to make informed decisions. Supporting fact-checking organizations to verify information and debunk false claims is another important strategy.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for all political actors to commit to truthfulness and transparency in their campaigns.
The spread of false information for political gain undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust. Political parties and candidates must engage in constructive dialogue, presenting their ideas and policies to the electorate truthfully and respectfully.
Civil society organizations play an invaluable role in promoting transparency, accountability, and media literacy. Their advocacy efforts are essential in curbing misinformation and disinformation. The public also has a crucial role to play by verifying information before sharing it and relying on reputable news sources.
