President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has accused his political opponents of orchestrating a false narrative that blames him for the death of his late wife, Eleanor Akufo-Addo.
He also claims that these same opponents are responsible for circulating the controversial ‘Agyapadie’ document, which some believe outlines a plan for state capture during his administration.
Speaking at the Ghana Report Summit on the theme ‘Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation in the Upcoming Election,’ President Akufo-Addo urged Ghanaians to reject fake news.
He emphasized that political discourse should focus on issues rather than personal attacks.
Reflecting on past experiences, he recounted how he was the target of numerous false and malicious stories in the lead-up to the 2008, 2012, and 2016 presidential elections
He mentioned that similar tactics are being used again, with the ‘Agyapadie’ document being spread by opposition operatives as evidence of a scheme to annex state assets.
“In the run-up to the 2008, 2012 and 2016 presidential elections, I was a target of numerous false and malicious stories attacking my credibility and integrity. In 2008, baseless allegations of drug trafficking were spread, along with numerous rumours about my health intended to cast doubt on my ability to serve as President.
“Again, the 2012 election saw false reports of my alleged arrest in London for drug possession and fabricated quotes designed to stir ethnic tension. In 2016, it was alleged by sympathizers of the opposition that I had killed my late wife. Today, with a few months to the 2024 elections, they are at it again. The fabricated document entitled ‘Agyapadie’ is being spread around by operatives of the opposition as evidence of a grand scheme by my party to annex the assets of the state,” he recounted.
The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly dismissed the ‘Agyapadie’ document as fake.
However, some Ghanaians find it hard to believe the document is false, as it seems to describe current events in the country.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the dangers of misinformation, noting that it can skew public perception, create confusion, and undermine the electoral process’s credibility.
He stressed the need for accurate and reliable information, especially as the 2024 general elections approach.
He also urged proactive measures to curb the spread of false information, warning that campaigns based on misinformation can exploit societal divisions, incite violence, and disrupt public order.