In a compelling address today at the Ghana Report Summit, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo shed light on the fabricated narratives that have been used to undermine his political career, focusing on the “Agyapadie” document, which first surfaced in the run-up to the 2020 elecrions.

The Summit, themed “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024,” 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, this 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.

President Akufo-Addo’s political career has been fraught with similar false accusations, dating back to the 2008 presidential election. During that campaign, baseless allegations of drug trafficking were spread to tarnish his image. Rumors about his health were also circulated to cast doubt on his ability to serve as President. In a particularly egregious lie, opponents accused then-President John Kufuor of selling all of Ghana’s gold reserves, a claim that was patently false.

The 2012 election cycle saw a continuation of these tactics, with false reports of Akufo-Addo’s alleged arrest in London for drug possession making headlines. Fabricated quotes designed to stir ethnic tensions were also disseminated, aiming to divide the electorate. In 2016, opponents stooped to a new low, alleging that Akufo-Addo had killed his late wife, a claim that was not only false but deeply offensive.

As the 2024 General Elections approach, the Agyapadie document is the latest in a series of lies aimed at discrediting President Akufo-Addo and his party. This fictitious narrative, like the ones before it, highlights the importance of discerning truth from falsehood and remaining vigilant against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized 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 in a truthful and respectful manner.

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.

The Agyapadie scandal serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some will go to undermine political opponents. As Ghana prepares for the 2024 General Elections, it is imperative to address these challenges head-on. By working together – government, media, civil society, and the public – Ghana can create an environment where truth prevails, and its democracy thrives.