Akufo-Addo urges jubilant supporters not to endanger lives, properties

Ghana’s president elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has advised Ghanaians to exercise caution in order not to endanger lives and property amid the wild jubilation that has characterised his victory in Wednesday’s elections.

Thousands of Ghanaians across the country, mostly supporters of the New Patriotic Party poured onto the streets to celebrate their victory in the December 7 general elections.

After three days of anxious wait, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Oseir at exactly 8:45pm Friday declared Nana Akufo-Addo as winner of the presidential poll.

Nana Akufo-Addo who failed twice in the 2008 and 2012 elections beat strong competition from incumbent John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress and five others to clinch victory at his third attempt.

At 8:45pm Friday, the Electoral Commission’s chairperson, Mrs Charlotte Osei declared Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party the winner in Wednesday’s presidential poll.

The declaration, which many were yearning for, has sparked wild celebrations nationwide.

At least four people are feared dead at Suhum-Okorase in the Eastern Region and 20 others in serious condition at the Suhum Government Hospital after a car rammed into jubilant supporters Friday night.

Delivering his speech to the nation moments after he was declared president-elect, Nana Akufo-Addo advised jubilant supporters to be measured in their celebration.

“While this occasion will understandably lead to widespread jubilation amongst party supporters and sympathisers, I entreat them to respect the peace and property and lives of everybody, especially those of our political opponents,” he urged.

The New Patriotic Party, he said, is a party founded on the rule of law and asked that supporters show magnanimity in their celebration, saying “ We are the party of the rule of law and we should act accordingly with magnanimity in our moment of victory”.

My victory humbling

Nana Akufo-Addo commended the people of Ghana for giving him such an overwhelming victory in the poll, which he has described as credible.

“There’s never been a more humbling moment in my life and I thank you the good people of Ghana for this massive show of support and the confidence you’ve reposed in my and my party,” he stated.

“You are to be commended for the mature, peaceful, orderly manner which you once again exercised your democratic franchise. The democratic credential of our nation has further enhanced by your conduct,” he stated.