A former member of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), Sergeant Daniel Alolga Akata Pore, has advised President Akufo-Addo to exercise caution with his public statements.
He criticized the president’s remarks about not handing over power to a previously defeated opponent, John Mahama, stating that such comments are unbecoming of his position and could be detrimental to the nation’s welfare.
Sergeant Akata Pore indicated that President Akufo-Addo’s public comments concerning the 2024 elections could threaten the country’s current democratic state.
He advised the president to abandon such a demeanor.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews, Sergeant Akata Pore implored the president to refrain from making light of serious matters through his speeches if he wishes for democracy to endure.
“Some of the language used by politicians is also unhelpful. The president has stated he will not hand over power—is this merely political rhetoric? As a president, one should not make jokes. Is it also jest when he declares he will ensure Bawumia‘s victory by any means? Being in a position of power, such statements are concerning, especially if they lead to an actual refusal to hand over power.
“That’s not the kind of language the president should be using. It doesn’t help. And one of his ministers also said a similar thing. So, basically what I’m saying is, if you want this democracy to last, you want the middle class to continue enjoying the honeypot that they’ve gotten from the 1992 constitution, then bring some decency into your behavior,” he said.