Security Consultant Prof. Emmanuel Kwesi Aning has expressed concern over recent remarks made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Minister for Agriculture Bryan Acheampong, suggesting that their comments may incite supporters to disregard the law during the 2024 elections.
Prof. Aning referenced a statement by President Akufo-Addo, in which he questioned, “How can I hand over to someone I defeated twice as my successor?”
He argued that such rhetoric could be interpreted as an invitation to reject the election results if they do not favour the ruling party.
These comments, according to Prof. Aning, raise alarms about potential tensions and undermine trust in the electoral process.
He urged political leaders to be cautious with their statements to avoid inciting their followers and ensure peace ahead of the 2024 elections.
“That is almost encouraging people to say we will not accept the results of the elections if the elections do not go our way, and that itself is potential incitement to violence,” he stated on the Point of View on Channel One TV on Monday.
He further linked this to comments made by Bryan Acheampong, who declared, “I have said that whether the NDC likes it or not, they will never win election 2024. You can check their records; they will not win. The NPP will win the elections. The NPP exists to win elections, so we will do whatever it takes to win the elections.”
Prof Aning warned that such statements could be dangerously interpreted in a highly polarized and partisan society.
“In a very polarized partisan society where people are sensitive to these statements, it creates the foundation for flouting the law and saying, ‘but our leaders said we will, so we cannot lose because we are the incumbent party,’” he explained.
He also highlighted the potential repercussions from the opposition, citing former President Mahama’s stance: “We won’t go to the Supreme Court again because we know we won’t get justice.”
Source: citinewsroom.com
