Ghanaian President Mahama pledges to consolidate democracy

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama pledged here on Thursday to consolidate the country's democratic credentials by ensuring free, fair, transparent and peaceful polls in November.

Delivering his State of the Nation Address in his first term as president in parliament, Mahama urged all political parties to ensure that the electioneering process was devoid of acrimony.

"Mr. Speaker, I pledge as president to do everything in my power to work for a free, fair and transparent election. And every support that can be given to the Electoral Commission (EC) by government we will give to ensure that they are able to carry out their mandate. Mr. Speaker, let the election be clean and devoid of insults," he stated.

Mahama urged all Ghanaians to support the EC which has been acclaimed the world over for its good work in the past to deliver once again a free and fair election in November.

He lauded the EC for gaining recognition all over the world for the good work it has done over the years in delivering six successful elections since the promulgation of the 1992 Constitution.

"I have absolutely no doubt that our Electoral Commission will rise to the occasion and deliver a 7th successful election, come November, this year," the president added.

He urged all, including the political parties, to support the commission to be able to put in place the processes that would make this election successful.

Mahama also expressed confidence in the ability of the security services to provide security during the elections to secure the peace of the country.

"Mr Speaker, as I said, 2016 is an election year and we are confident that all our security agencies will join hands once again to secure the peace and stability of our nation before, during and after the November 7 general election," he said.

However, Nana Akumea, Communications Director for the main opposition New Patriotic Party, lambasted the president for this approach. Endit