“To put weight on the President’s condemnation of the Ayawaso violence will be like putting premium on the words of Akpeteshie Kwaku or Kofi Kagyingyi, the two notorious drunkards who used to roam the streets of Kete-Krachi whenever the intoxicating liquid from the palm trees seized control of their nervous system and anointed their tongues with vulgarities. It will be like trying to convince an adult with his or her sanity intact to trust the promises a man makes to a woman at the peak of his sexual ecstasy.”
The above are the exact words of award-winning Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni who has authored an article saying the words of President Akufo-Addo in condemning the violence that occurred at the Ayawaso Wuogon by-election should not be believed by anyone.
According to the Multimedia journalist writing in his personal capacity and not expressing the views of his employers, the words of President Akufo-Addo on the Ayawaso Wuogon violence is comparable to the words of two notorious Kete-Krachi drunkards who roamed the streets and spoke in a vulgar manner when the alcohol takes control of them.
Mr Azure Awuni cited instances in the past when President Akufo-Addo issued statements and called for investigations, and yet, nothing came out of it.
On former President Mahama’s response to the attacks, Manasseh wrote: “President Mahama’s words are unfortunate, but President Akufo-Addo’s empty condemnation for the past two years of growing violence is worse”
“Former President Mahama, like those who complain about the growing insecurity in Ghana, is a powerless man. He has a role to play in ensuring peace in Ghana, but the man who has sworn an oath to keep this nation safe and has been given the power to do so is President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He is the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.” He added.
In the wake of the violent disturbances that took place during the by-election, President Akufo-Addo issued a public statement to condemn the incidence.
“The isolated incident of violence, which occurred in the early stages of the election, was unfortunate and regrettable, and I condemn it in no uncertain terms. A by-election should be a peaceful and happy event, no matter how competitive. The Police is committed to conducting a rapid inquiry into the matter, and I expect all persons who are found culpable, at the end of the process, to face the full rigours of the law,” the President said in a press statement.
“I commend the Electoral Commission for the professionalism it displayed in conducting a free, fair, transparent and credible election, despite the isolated challenge it faced.The Ghanaian people have, again, demonstrated to the world their deep attachment to the principles of democratic accountability and the rule of law. Ghana’s democracy is robust, and will only grow from strength to strength.” He added.