Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says the ‘Tikusayi’ demonstration which was recently embarked upon by some opposition political parties regarding the voter’s register, passed off without any incident and is a clear departure from the unfortunate past.
According to the President, “five years ago, we had demonstrations in Accra calling for a new, credible register, in which some citizens were maimed and brutalised. Indeed, a citizen, young Justice Adzakuma, lost his eye and died last year. May God bless his soul.”
He continued, “Today, we are having peaceful demonstrations in Tamale, this time protesting against the decision of the Electoral Commission, whose constitutional remit it is to compile an electoral register, to have now a new, improved register. Fortunately, in this new era, there are no casualties. God bless Ghana.”
The President made this known on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, when he delivered the opening address at the 71st New Year School, at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, Legon, on the theme “Attaining Ghana Beyond Aid: Challenges and Prospects.”
Stressing that “Ghana Beyond Aid is meant to be more than a slogan”, President Akufo-Addo stated that “it is meant to change our mindset from one of dependency to one of achieving our destiny. It is meant to put us in charge of our own affairs, and make us truly independent.”
He, thus, urged the Ghanaian people to “believe in ourselves, we can do it, especially in this new decade, in this new century, in which hope, optimism, and progress will define the unfolding Ghanaian reality.”
Describing the terrorist outrages taking place in the Sahel and in northern Nigeria as “the greatest security challenge facing the nations of ECOWAS”, President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that Armed Forces and security agencies have to be on full alert to confront this unwanted menace.
“We are the authors of the Accra Initiative, which seeks to strengthen co-ordination and co-operation between the security and intelligence agencies of Benin, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Ghana, who have lately been joined by Mali and Nige,” he said.
The President added that “We are required also to deny the terrorists and violent extremists any space by marshalling the rapid development of the areas in the northern parts of our country, which provide the most obvious targets of recruitment. We have to employ a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy.”
Latest Stories
-
Have confidence, trust in EC – Peace Council entreats political parties
6 mins -
Ato Forson warns of IMF deal disruption by end of year amid Cedi decline
16 mins -
Order your appointees to release FX stashed in their homes – Ato Forson to Akufo-Addo
40 mins -
Michael Baidoo scores and assists as Elfsborg thrash AIK
43 mins -
Former Minister recounts being mocked for using old car model after leaving office
1 hour -
Cash Waterfall Mechanism has been designed to benefit IPPs – VRA Senior Staff
1 hour -
Bawumia promises to guarantee regular payment of nurses trainee allowances
2 hours -
We would help Ghana cut down on cable imports – Fenice Founder
2 hours -
Government seeks to transform Ghanaian SMEs into millionaire companies
2 hours -
Visa waivers propel South Africa’s tourism sector with 2.4m visitors
2 hours -
WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations: It’s too early to celebrate – Laryea Kingston
2 hours -
Africa offers a fertile ground for Fintech startups to grow – Bawumia
2 hours -
Mahama promises joint effort to restore devastated ‘galamsey’ lands
2 hours -
Financial inclusion key to Africa’s development – Deputy Governor of BOG
2 hours -
WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations: Our game plan worked perfectly – Laryea Kingston
3 hours