Ghana’s opposition leader has warned the media to be circumspect with their reportage in 2016 because the reputation of the country “hinges on the general elections.”

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said all eyes will be on the young oil-producing West African country as it holds its seventh presidential and parliamentary polls under the Fourth Republic.

He will be competing with incumbent John Dramani Mahama for the second time, having lost the 2012 elections.

Speaking at a cocktail party with the media to wrap up the year 2015, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer noted the media has a crucial role to play to “ensure a free and fair election.”

“We are about to enter our seventh election,” the former Foreign Affairs minister told the gathering. “Ideally, this one should be the best election of all. Our whole reputation and image and profile in the world – peace and stability – hinges very much on how we are going to approach next year’s elections.”

He added: “Let us all involve ourselves in making sure that we have a free and fair election in Ghana next year. With that we guarantee ourselves a continuation of the peace and stability of our country.”

Nana Addo said his government will focus on deepening Ghana’s democracy, develop local power and authority and “I’m counting and relying on you to get our words to the people and not too much of a spin on them.”

“I’m hoping that the next time we meet here, you’ll be speaking to the president [of Ghana].”

The former attorney general admonished the media to be bold, focused and resolute because "you are defending those who can not speak and who constitute the majority. The year ahead of us is going to see a very vibrant cooperation among us."