By Ewoenam Kpodo
Anloga (VR), Nov 3, GNA – President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has made a commitment to peacefully transfer power to the winner of Ghana’s upcoming presidential election on December 7.
This promise underscores Ghana’s dedication to upholding democratic principles and ensuring a smooth transition of national leadership.
Mr Akufo-Addo gave the assurance at this year’s Hogbetsotsoza, the traditional festival of the chiefs and people of Anlo at Anloga, attended by Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area and Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area.
The President noted that not only was he ready for peaceful transfer of power but also committed to a peaceful and transparent electoral process to keep the country’s prevailing peace necessary for development.
“I want to assure the people of Anlo, the people of Volta Region and the people of Ghana that the forthcoming elections in December are going to be free, fair, transparent and peaceful. And on the 7th of December, I will hand over the baton of national leadership to whoever the people of Ghana choose on the 7th of December.
President Akufo-Addo assured Togbi Sri III, the Awoamefia of Anlo that his concerns for the completion of ongoing projects in the Anlo area would be addressed.
“These last few months of my government, I will do my best. But I want to assure that even after I go, they will be dealt with.”
He wished Togbi Sri who he referred to as his “good friend,” well in his continuing reign noting, “For this being the last Hogbetsotso of my Presidency, I felt it necessary to come today to pay my respect to Awoamefia.”
“I thank you very much for all your support, advice and counsel all these past eight years and I pray to God to give you long life and more success in your reign,” the President said.
Togbi Sri, the Awoamefia thanked the President for the inclusion of Municipal and District Assemblies in Anlo without district hospitals in the ambitious Agenda 111 project, aiming to improve healthcare access across the country.
He also touched on ongoing processes to secure the Anlo coastline under the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project, the proposed Keta Port Project, and the dredging of the Keta Lagoon among others to give the area the needed development.
The various speakers at the festival including Prof Opoku-Agyemang, Osabarima Atta and Daasebre Boateng highlighted the significance of keeping the peace before, during and after the December 7 elections.
Some patrons at the celebration who spoke with the Ghana News Agency expressed their delight with the messages at the durbar, especially the pronouncement by the President concerning the elections.
“We can rest assured that our President is dedicated to upholding the country’s democratic traditions. The transfer of power is a critical aspect of any democratic system, and President Akufo-Addo’s promise sets a positive tone for the election’s outcome,” one of them who identified herself only as Perfect said.
The festival, also known as Hogbeza, commemorates the legendary exodus of the Ewe-Dogbo folks from Notsie in present-day Togo and is celebrated every first Saturday in November at Anloga, attracting chiefs and people across Eweland, other parts of the country and from the diaspora.
The 2024 edition, which organisation was led for the first time, by the Anlo Youth Council, the umbrella body of the youth of Anlo, was held on the theme: “Strengthening Bonds and Embracing Our Shared Heritage.”
GNA