Prominent Ghanaian broadcaster Paul Adom-Otchere has praised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, hailing him as the most influential politician of Ghana’s 4th Republic.
His comments were made during the launch of his book, Africa’s New Constitutional Leadership: 77 Stories that Defined Ghana’s 4th Republic, on November 29, 2024.
Adom-Otchere highlighted President Akufo-Addo’s transformative impact on Ghana’s political landscape, citing his active involvement in key moments like the ‘Kume Preko’ protest in the 1990s and his powerful political campaigns.
According to Adom-Otchere, Akufo-Addo’s influence goes beyond electoral victories, leaving a lasting legacy in the country’s governance and democratic evolution.
The broadcaster’s remarks align with his book’s central theme, which chronicles pivotal milestones in Ghana’s 4th Republic, including the contributions of various leaders to the nation’s political development.
“Nana Akufo-Addo is the most impactful politician of the 4th Republic. We considered mobilization, demonstration, and influence as key aspects of democracy. In the 4th Republic, Nana Addo stands as the greatest mobilizer, from the ‘Kume Preko’ event to the department of campaigns and elections,” Adom-Otchere said.
He continued, “As far as the 4th Republic is concerned, Akufo-Addo led the NPP’s campaign in the 2000 elections with the famous ‘wo mba tsa k3mi’ [we’re changing government]. This campaign played a crucial role in the NPP’s victory. He is the one who led the Department of Campaign and Elections.”
Adom-Otchere also credited President Akufo-Addo with surpassing the conciliatory efforts of his peers, referencing the 2008 election when Akufo-Addo gracefully acknowledged his defeat, despite being only 25,000 votes behind the winner.
“On conciliatory politics, no one comes close to Akufo-Addo. He conceded defeat in 2008, with just 25,000 votes separating him from the winner. That effort is a hallmark of democratic maturity, and on that front, he excels,” Adom-Otchere remarked.
He went on to commend President Akufo-Addo for his efforts in promoting media diversity during elections, particularly his role in securing court-mandated equal airtime for all political parties.
“Akufo-Addo led numerous legal battles, including the NPP v. GBC case, which compelled the state broadcaster to provide equal time to all political parties during elections. This was a significant step in enhancing media plurality, and once again, Akufo-Addo led the way,” he said.
The broadcaster also acknowledged the President’s contribution to expanding the New Patriotic Party’s electoral college.
“Expanding the franchise was another crucial aspect of Akufo-Addo’s leadership. In 2010, he insisted that the NPP amend its constitution to expand the electoral college, which had previously only included 2,000 members. Akufo-Addo’s leadership was key to this change, which has had a lasting impact on the party’s democratic processes,” Adom-Otchere concluded.
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