President Akufo-Addo has condemned the “Agyapadie” document as a malicious attempt by his political opponents to tarnish his credibility and integrity.

Speaking at the Ghana Report Summit, which focused on “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024,” the President addressed the harmful impact of false information on the democratic process.

The Agyapadie document alleges that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is involved in a scheme to seize state assets. President Akufo-Addo dismissed these claims as fabricated, aimed at discrediting his administration.

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

He recounted previous instances of similar tactics: “In the lead-up to the 2008, 2012, and 2016 presidential elections, I was the target of numerous false and malicious stories aimed at attacking my character. In 2008, unfounded allegations of drug trafficking were spread, along with rumors about my health designed to question my ability to serve as President.”

“In 2012, there were false reports of my alleged arrest in London for drug possession and fabricated quotes intended to incite ethnic tensions. In 2016, opposition sympathizers alleged that I had killed my late wife. Now, with the 2024 elections approaching, they are using the fabricated ‘Agyapadie’ document as evidence of a supposed grand scheme by my party to seize state assets,” he recounted.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to combat misinformation and disinformation. He advocated for stronger regulatory measures to hold individuals and organizations accountable for spreading false information.

“Collaborations with technology companies are essential for developing mechanisms to monitor and control the spread of misinformation on digital platforms,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of misinformation and promote media literacy.

“Supporting fact-checking organizations to verify information and debunk false claims is crucial. All political actors must commit to truthfulness and transparency in their campaigns.

The spread of false information for political gain undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust,” he added.

President Akufo-Addo called for constructive dialogue among political parties and candidates, urging them to present their policies and ideas to the electorate honestly and respectfully.

He also highlighted the significant role of civil society organizations in promoting transparency, accountability, and media literacy.

“The public must play their part by verifying information before sharing it and relying on reputable news sources,” he concluded.