Agyapadie’ is a fabricated document by my political rivals – Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has branded the "Agyapadie" document as a fabrication created by his opponents to damage his political career.

Speaking at the Ghana Report Summit, titled "Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation - Election 2024," the President emphasized the hazards of incorrect information in the democratic process. The Agyapadie dossier suggests a major conspiracy by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to seize public assets. According to President Akufo-Addo, his political rivals have circulated the falsified document as proof of the NPP's alleged objectives

"This baseless accusation is yet another example of the malicious tactics used to undermine my credibility and integrity,” the President stated.

“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 remarked. 

President Akufo-Addo highlighted that combatting misinformation and disinformation necessitates a multifaceted strategy.

According to the president,  Improving regulatory mechanisms to hold individuals and organizations accountable for propagating misleading information is critical as well as collaborations with technology businesses. He says they are also are critical for developing tools to monitor and prevent the spread of incorrect information on digital platforms.

Akufo-Addo also indicated that Public awareness initiatives are also important and educating citizens on the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, as well as fostering media literacy, can help voters make more informed decisions.

According to him another key option is to support fact-checking organizations that verify information and dispel misleading claims.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of truthfulness and transparency in political campaigns throughout his speech. 

He stated that spreading misleading information for political advantage harms democracy and erodes public trust and Political parties and candidates must participate in constructive discourse with the electorate, presenting their thoughts and proposals honestly and respectfully. 

He again noted that Civil society organizations play an important role in promoting openness, accountability, and media literacy. T

According to him, their advocacy efforts are critical for combating misinformation and disinformation.

Finally he stated that the general population must also play an important part in validating information before sharing it and relying on credible news sources.

Source: Lead News Online