IEA condemns 'fictitious' Akufo-Addo statement

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has described as ‘mischievous’ a statement making the round on social media that it had called off its Evening Encounter with New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The Institute in a statement Wednesday has urged Ghanaians to “disregard that fictitious statement and treat it with the contempt that it deserves.”

The said message purported to have come from the Institute went viral on social media Wednesday claiming the IEA had called off Mr Akufo-Addo's turn at the Evening Encounter with Presidential Candidates ahead of the December polls.

A portion of the falsified statement read:
“This decision has become necessary due to the unavailability of the NPP’s candidate to avail himself to take his turn at the Evening Encounter and has nothing to do with the IEA’s preparedness.

In order to clear any doubts about our readiness for this exercise, we deemed it fit and proper to inform the general public of this decision, that IEA did everything possible to host all candidates who signed up from the Evening Encounter.”

But the IEA denies its Programmes Director ever having signed any letter to that effect.

It said it has been consistent for over 27 years working “tirelessly to promote good governance, multiparty democracy and sustainable economic development in Ghana” and would not allow its image to be tainted.

IEA said it would make its releases on the Evening Encounter with Presidential Candidates on its website.

“We encourage all to cross check future releases to verify their authenticity or otherwise.”

Read full statement:

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | Email: Austin.powers@myjoyonline.com