Exposing the Hypocrisy of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

In the aftermath of Ghana's 2020 general elections, eight innocent citizens, including minors, were brutally gunned down at election collation centers. Despite the gravity of this bloodshed, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has remained shockingly silent, neither offering condolences to the bereaved families nor condemning the perpetrators. This conspicuous silence starkly contrasts with his quick, vocal stance on similar incidents in other nations, revealing a disturbing hypocrisy in his professed commitment to democracy and human rights.

During the 2020 elections, violence erupted in Tamale, Techiman, Odorkor, Ablekuma, and Savelugu, primarily after Election Day. The Ghana Police Service reported ongoing investigations and arrests, but progress has been painfully slow and shrouded in opacity.

The President’s failure to publicly address these tragedies and ensure justice for the victims not only disrespects those who lost their lives but also undermines the core principles of accountability and justice.

A similarly egregious incident occurred during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election in early 2019. There, state-sanctioned thugs allegedly linked to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) launched a violent assault, resulting in severe injuries and the public humiliation of a sitting member of parliament. Despite a commission of inquiry recommending sanctions against those responsible, the government has taken no substantive action. This renders the investigation a hollow exercise, designed to placate public outrage without delivering real justice

In stark contrast, President Akufo-Addo has been swift to condemn undemocratic actions abroad. Following the 2021 Capitol riots in the United States, he condemned the violence and lauded the resilience of American democratic institutions. Similarly, he vociferously condemned the coup in Guinea, calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional. These prompt responses underscore his selective outrage and raise serious questions about his commitment to democratic values at home.

By failing to address the violence that marred recent elections, President Akufo-Addo not only disrespects the victims and their families but also casts a long shadow over Ghana’s democratic credentials. His silence and inaction on these critical domestic issues are glaring inconsistencies that must be condemned. It is imperative that the President takes immediate, decisive action to address these failings, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and that such incidents never recur.

Ghanaians deserve a leader who practices what he preaches. President Akufo-Addo's failure to condemn and act on electoral violence at home while positioning himself as a global defender of democracy is nothing short of disgraceful. This hypocrisy must be called out and rectified. The President must confront these issues head-on, righting the wrongs in his own backyard before projecting his democratic ideals internationally. Only through genuine accountability and justice can he restore faith in his leadership and commitment to human rights.

Silence in the Face of Domestic Tragedies

The violence that erupted during the 2020 elections is a stark reminder of the perils faced by citizens in a supposedly democratic nation. Victims such as Zakaria Samira, a 12-year-old girl, and Musah Fuseini, a 14-year-old boy, were among those whose lives were cut tragically. These are not just statistics; these are human lives, families forever altered, and communities left in mourning. The lack of a presidential address or a heartfelt public condemnation of these heinous acts sends a chilling message: that their lives and their suffering are not a priority for the nation’s highest office.

Empty Promises and Unfulfilled Commitments

The Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, where state-sponsored thugs attacked civilians, is another glaring example of the administration's failure. Despite a commission's findings that identified the perpetrators and recommended sanctions, no substantial action has been taken. The president's assurances that those responsible would face the "full rigours of the law" have proven to be empty promises. This inaction not only betrays the victims but also emboldens those who would use violence to achieve political ends.

A Global Defender or a Domestic Hypocrite?

President Akufo-Addo’s swift condemnations of undemocratic actions abroad, such as his comments on the Capitol riots and the coup in Guinea, are designed to portray him as a global champion of democracy. He has often been quick to tweet or issue statements condemning violence and advocating for the rule of law in other countries. Yet, his deafening silence on violence and injustices within Ghana reveals a stark double standard.

For instance, in January 2021, following the storming of the U.S. Capitol by insurrectionists, President Akufo-Addo quickly condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic processes and the rule of law. Similarly, after the military coup in Guinea in September 2021, he called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order, positioning himself as a steadfast advocate for democracy. These statements, while commendable, highlight his glaring inaction and silence on similar, if not more severe, issues within his own country.

The Path Forward: Demanding Accountability

The time for silence and inaction is over. President Akufo-Addo must take immediate, concrete steps to address the violence that has marred Ghana's recent elections before we go into the December 7 elections.

Ghanaians deserve leadership that genuinely upholds the principles of democracy and human rights, not just in rhetoric but in action. President Akufo-Addo’s failure to condemn and act on domestic violence while championing democracy abroad is a betrayal of these principles. The hypocrisy must end, and true accountability must begin. Only through such decisive actions can the president restore faith in his leadership and demonstrate a real commitment to the values he professes to uphold.