Akufo-Addo Denounces ‘Agyapadie’ as a Fabricated Document by Political Opponents

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has dismissed the ‘Agyapadie’ document as a fabrication by his political opponents intended to undermine his career.

Speaking at the Ghana Report Summit, themed ‘Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024,’ the President emphasized the risks posed by false information in the democratic process.

The ‘Agyapadie’ document claims that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is involved in a scheme to seize state assets. According to President Akufo-Addo, this fabricated document has been circulated by opposition figures as purported evidence of the NPP’s alleged 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 emphasized that addressing misinformation and disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening regulatory frameworks to hold individuals and organizations accountable for spreading false information is essential.

Collaboration with technology companies is crucial to developing mechanisms for monitoring and reducing the spread of false information on digital platforms.

Public awareness campaigns are also important. Educating citizens about the risks of misinformation and disinformation, as well as promoting media literacy, can help voters make informed decisions. Supporting fact-checking organizations to verify information and debunk false claims is another key strategy.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the importance of all political actors committing to truthfulness and transparency in their campaigns.

The dissemination 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 with honesty and respect.

Civil society organizations are vital in promoting transparency, accountability, and media literacy. Their advocacy is crucial in combating misinformation and disinformation. The public also plays an essential role by verifying information before sharing it and relying on reputable news sources.