President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has committed to ensuring that the 2024 General Election is transparent, free, fair, and devoid of violence.
He has warned those contemplating causing disruptions during the election to rethink their plans, emphasizing that he will not tolerate any acts of violence.
The President made these remarks while joining the chiefs and people of Elmina at the Benya Lagoon for the rituals marking the official commencement of this year’s Bakatue Festival.
This ritual symbolizes the spiritual lifting of the ban on fishing in the lagoon, Bakatue, which is observed on the first Tuesday of July, a month after the traditional authorities impose the ban.
The Bakatue Festival is celebrated to offer prayers of appreciation to the gods and ask for a good fishing year.
This year’s festival is on the theme: “Patronising made in Ghana goods and services to enhance economic development: The role of the people of Anomansa.”
President Akufo-Addo noted that Ghana is globally recognized as a beacon of democracy and urged all citizens to protect this legacy by working together to ensure a peaceful election.
“We are going to elect a leader; we are not going for war. I want them to understand that my government will not allow any nation wrecker to plunge this country into a state of war and anarchy because of the election,” he stated.
“The election will be transparent and fair such that the verdict will be accepted by all, regardless of who wins or loses,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo’s visit was historic because it was the first time a Ghanaian president has participated in the ceremonies on Tuesday. He lauded the Elmina people and chiefs for conserving and advancing their cultural legacy, calling Bakatue one of Ghana’s greatest celebrations.
Citing the Elmina Fishing Harbour as a major initiative, the President emphasized his fairness and honesty with the Elmina community on growth.
He bemoaned the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidates’ continuous rejection in Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem and urged the locals to support the NPP candidate in the next election.
In response to appeals from the Omanhen of the Edina Traditional Area, Nana Kodwo Conduah VI, President Akufo-Addo pledged to desilt the choked Benya Lagoon and personally provide a bus for Edinaman Senior High School.
However, he was cautious about promising to lift the ban on the transhipment of fish at sea from industrial trawlers to local canoes, known as Saiko. He noted that the Ministry of Fisheries opposes the practice but promised to discuss the issue with the sector minister.
“We will consider your appeal for a fund to support festivals in Ghana,” he also added.
Nana Conduah expressed his gratitude to the President for prioritizing development in Elmina. However, he also presented several urgent requests.
He appealed for assistance in dredging the heavily silted lagoon, which is a crucial source of livelihood for the community. Additionally, he reiterated the need for a school bus for Edinaman Secondary School to facilitate student transportation.
The Omanhen highlighted a defect at the fishing harbor that prevents the reception of large boats, urging the President to address this issue. He also brought up the contentious issue of Saiko, asking the President to reconsider the ban as many locals rely on it for their livelihood.
Furthermore, Nana Conduah requested a portion of the revenue generated by Elmina Castle to support education and other development projects.
“Festivals are vital for stimulating the local economy, yet we struggle to organize them due to insufficient funds and sponsorship,” he lamented.
“I am appealing to you for the establishment of a special fund to sponsor festivals in the country,” he added.
“I am, therefore, appealing to you for a special fund to sponsor festivals in the country,” he added.
