Akufo-Addo assures diplomats: December polls will not be close

The 2008 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, MP, has assured members of the Diplomatic Corps in Ghana that this year's general elections results are not going to be a close call and that they should not buy into opposition propaganda.

 Addressing Accra's diplomatic community at the NPP Clubhouse, at Ridge, Accra, Thursday, C urged them not to be alarmed by "ceaseless talk' that Ghana may follow 'the examples of Kenya and Zimbabwe by those who have a vested interest in a contested election.'

Describing it as false alarm, Nana said to the ambassadors gathered, 'Indeed, some of you may have inadvertently bought into the propaganda.'

Nana assured them, 'Nothing can be further from the truth.' He said there is clear evidence for those who don't rely on opposition propaganda on the urban airwaves that the NPP is on course to a resounding victory.

'Since the beginning of this campaign, I have visited every constituency a number of times. Yesterday, I returned from visiting some constituencies in the Western Region.

I can assure you that this election will not be close.'

Nana Akufo-Addo explained, 'From the size of the of the larger and more enthusiastic crowds that have met me as well as opinion polls by reputable local and international firms that shows us not only ahead but widening our lead, I predict in all humility that I will be elected the next President and my party, the New patriotic Party, will retain and almost certainly increase its parliamentary majority.'

Also, Nana Akufo-Addo took the opportunity to assure the diplomats of the NPP's 'commitment to and determination to work for an election whose result we can all respect and be proud of.

It is my belief that no drop of Ghanaian blood need to be spilled in these elections.' Nana Akufo-Addo went further to criticise opposition parties that have gone out deliberately to discredit the Electoral Commission.

'Your Excellencies,' he told the ambassadors, 'the Electoral Commission was established under the  Indeed, the current Chairman and Deputy Commissioners were appointed by former President Rawlings.

 While over the years, we have had occasion to disagree with the Commission and still do on some issues, it is by and large a well-respected body both at home and abroad.'

He continued, 'The attempts by some, particularly in the NDC, to discredit it in a cynical effort to undermine the integrity of the December elections is unprincipled and harmful to our country's interest.'

Nana stated that Ghana can do better than 'aspire to follow the unfortunate events in Kenya and Zimbabwe.

WE can show the world, as we have done over the last one and a half decades that in Africa there can be free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections.

We urge all parties, institutions and the international community to join us in working for such an outcome.'

Following the address, Nana and his running mate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, each held a series of one on one conversations to discuss the international view of the country's upcoming election with members of the diplomatic community.