Author: Chris Kodo

The Parliamentary Minority has strongly criticized the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, characterizing their actions during the #OccupyBoG protest as a form of betrayal.

According to NDC Members of Parliament, the police are resolute in their efforts to obstruct their endeavor to hold the Bank of Ghana Governor and his deputies accountable for the losses incurred at the central bank in the previous year.

The Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, addressing the media on the development on Wednesday, August 30, said they are not perturbed by the conduct of the police.

According to the Ellembelle MP, they will proceed with the intended action to demand accountability for the managers of the central bank.

“We received a letter on Wednesday from the Ghana Police Service accompanied by a bailiff from the Accra High Court who served a notice or motion for an order to prohibit our Bank of Ghana protest, and we must say that we are very disappointed with this development which is an attempt to scatter the protest which is intended to hold the governor and his deputies accountable for their mismanagement of the bank which resulted in an unprecedented and colossal loss of GHS60.8 billion, an amount which has had serious consequences on the economy and pushed close to one million Ghanaians into poverty.”

“And let us assure the people of Ghana that, as representatives, we will keep our sacred duty and we will uphold the public interest in line with our constitutionally guaranteed right to publicly protest, and we want to assure the people of Ghana that we have resolved to embark on this protest and nothing will stop us.”

The Ghana Police Service on Wednesday filed for an injunction against the Minority’s proposed routes for its protest.

The group will on September 5 seek to march from Makola, through Rawlings Park and Opera Square to the frontage of the Bank of Ghana.

However, the police argue that the route is often overcrowded with human and vehicular traffic and thus going by that route could endanger public order, public safety and the running of essential services.

They had proposed an alternate route starting from the Parliament House through the Osu Cemetery Traffic Light to end at Independence Square, which the minority rejected.

The injunction, which will be heard on September 4 is to prevent the Minority from using their preferred route.

The Minority in reaction to the injunction application also described it as a “breach of trust” and expressed their utter disappointment at the conduct of the police.

They intend to defend their case and embark on the protest on their preferred routes.

Builsa South Member of Parliament, Dr Clement Apaak, has advised the Electoral Commission (EC) to heed the valuable advice of Goasomanhene Nana Akwasi Bosompra I and prolong the limited registration process to locations beyond the district offices.

Dr Apaak is urging the EC to reconsider its imprudent choice of concentrating the limited registration process solely at district offices, a move that could potentially undermine the people’s democratic intentions.

The traditional leader pointed out that the EC’s choice to confine the registration procedure to its district offices would hinder numerous individuals from completing their registration.

This comes after the EC announced a limited voter registration period for eligible Ghanaians who turned 18 after the 2020 registration period, as well as other eligible voters, from September 12, 2023, to October 2, 2023.

According to the EC’s Chairperson, Jean Mensa, the exercise will take place at all of the EC’s 268 district offices across the country.

In response, the traditional ruler requested that the EC reverse its decision and expand the registration centres.

According to him, such a move would deprive a number of Ghanaians of the right to vote.

Instead, he wants the commission to start the process of holding the exercise in the electoral areas.

According to him, this could lead to some people with resources but not the qualifications to be elected abusing the process by busing people to registration centres and then demanding their votes.

In response to the comments, Dr. Apaak urged the EC Chairperson to heed the chief’s wise counsel and expand the registration centres.

He stated that the EC chair should understand that her job is to ensure that every Ghanaian eligible to vote has the opportunity to register and vote.

He claims that the EC chair is violating this constitutional duty and that the chief is correct in urging the EC to expand the registration centres.

“Jean Mensa must understand that her job is to ensure that every Ghanaian citizen who has attained voting age is given everything opportunity to register and to vote. Unfortunately, she seems to relish doing the opposite. The Chief is right, listen to reason Madam.”

Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy has issued a warning to the public and political candidates, highlighting the dangers of the monetization of politics through practices such as vote buying and selling. She emphasized that these actions pose a significant threat to the practice of democracy in the nation.

Addy pointed out that the trend of political parties and candidates distributing money to voters to sway their voting decisions has been growing in strength over time. She stressed that the inability of most voters to resist this practice has negative repercussions for the country’s democratic system, as the money given comes with expectations of gaining leadership roles.

She highlighted that not only does the conditional nature of this practice make it problematic, as the money given is expected to be accounted for, but it also creates the impression that democracy can be purchased in the country.

Consequently, the Chairperson called upon the public to refrain from accepting money from political candidates and parties, emphasizing that this approach would strengthen the democratic practice of the country.

Addy shared her concerns during the launch of the NCCE’s 30th-anniversary celebration, held under the theme, ‘Thirty Years of Sustaining Ghana’s Democracy through Effective Civic Education.’

Throughout the year-long anniversary celebration, there will be panel discussions involving statesmen discussing the role of Independent Government Institutions (IGIs) in upholding democracy. Additionally, activities will include visits to branches of government, civic awards to acknowledge patriotic citizens and national contributors, among other events.

A representative from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Stephen Azantilow, expressed gratitude for the NCCE’s ongoing support, noting that CHRAJ’s history is intertwined with that of the NCCE and that the NCCE’s existence has aided in protecting fundamental human rights, advocating for accountability, and nurturing respect for democracy in Ghana.

The National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to enhance its efforts in educating the public about the forthcoming limited voter registration exercise.

The NCCE further suggested that the EC should consider employing mobile vans as a means of disseminating information to the populace.

Deputy Chairperson, Samuel Asare Akumoah, stressed the importance of the EC explaining to the citizens the significance of participating in the registration process.

The EC is scheduled to initiate a limited voter registration for eligible Ghanaians who turned 18 years after the 2020 registration and other eligible voters from September 12, 2023, to October 2, 2023.

“In the past, the motivation was that the voter’s ID card was used for things other than elections, so people would spend money to go and get it. Now they have the Ghana Card, which they can use for other things. If this is for elections, and they feel they don’t need it, they might not register. We need to motivate them; it’s essential that we provide access,” remarked the Deputy Chairperson of the National Commission on Civic Education.

Seven political parties in the country have expressed dissatisfaction with the Electoral Commission’s decision to confine the upcoming voter registration exercise to its district offices.

According to these political parties, such a move could disenfranchise individuals who have come of voting age.

They propose that the commission broaden the registration process to include electoral areas.

These seven political parties have pledged to persist until the EC registers every eligible Ghanaian who has reached the voting age.\

The Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has vehemently defended the government’s flagship initiative, Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ), asserting that the policy has brought about a remarkable transformation in food production and a substantial reduction in imports.

In his perspective, the policy has played a substantial role in slashing rice imports from an annual 950,000 metric tons to approximately 500,000 metric tons.

During an interview on The Point of View on Citi TV, Mr. Acheampong opposed the notion that the policy has primarily been ineffective. He asserted that the production of major grains consumed in Ghana has witnessed significant yield increases since the program’s inception in 2017.

“We used to import 950,000 metric tons of rice annually, and now it’s about 500,000 metric tons. So, PFJ has halved rice imports. Presently, we produce more maize than we consume, exceed our yam consumption, and in fact, we’re the world’s largest yam exporter. We also surpass our plantain consumption.”

When questioned about the challenges poultry farmers face in accessing maize for livestock feed despite surplus production, Mr. Acheampong responded, “We’re not producing at the price that the poultry industry requires, and that’s a separate issue. Poultry farmers not being able to acquire maize at a fixed cost doesn’t signify the policy’s failure.”

“I assert with confidence that our maize production outpaces consumption in this country. The struggles faced by poultry farmers to acquire feed do not indicate the program’s failure,” Mr. Acheampong emphasized.

Planting for Food and Jobs constitutes a flagship agricultural initiative of the Government, implemented through five distinct modules.

The first module, PFJ (Crops), aims to enhance food security, ensure the immediate availability of selected food crops in the market, and create employment opportunities.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially inaugurated this module on April 19, 2017, in Goaso, within the then Brong Ahafo Region.

It is anticipated that the Ghana cedi will maintain its stability in relation to the US dollar throughout the upcoming week.

This is a result of the anticipated foreign exchange auction intended for Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs).

As analysts predict a rise in corporate demand and the potential repatriation of offshore forex from coupon payments on the new bonds, the cedi is expected to maintain its stability throughout the current week.

Last week, the local currency remained firm on the spot market, while posting a mixed performance on the interbank market amidst tinny foreign exchange liquidity.

This is despite increased corporate demand, drying up liquidity, although the market experienced minimal activities from offshore investors.

US Federal Reserve announced a cautious policy rate hike due to easing prices and a strengthening US economy. This announcement helped calm market uncertainties as investors foresee a moderate policy hike.

The cedi opened the week at a mid-rate of ¢11.43 to a dollar and traded steadily, gaining 0.44% on the retail market. It also made weekly gains of 0.34% and 0.20% versus the pound and the euro on the retail market.

On the interbank market, the cedi slid marginally (-0.05%) against the American greenback, but strengthened against the pound (+0.75%) and the euro (+1.30%).

Presently, the local currency has lost about 11.23% to the dollar on the retail market and about 21% on the interbank market.

Energy expert and a failed candidate in the NPP presidential race, Kwadwo Poku, has expressed his openness to a potential presidential candidacy in the future.

Poku, who participated in the super delegates conference but was excluded from the final five candidates out of the initial ten, affirmed his determination to continue pursuing the possibility of becoming the NPP’s presidential nominee.

He made the statements during an interview with Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM’s Kwabena Agyapong.

Poku, who received only three votes, stated that he expected more votes because the delegates agreed to add him to the list of five.

According to him, the delegates he spoke with grumbled bitterly about neglect.

Some of them informed him that people who come to them for political power promise them heaven and earth, but when they obtain what they want, access to them becomes an issue.

Poku stated that he promised the delegates that he would provide them with greater leadership and that they would have easier access to him than the others.

However, he did not make the list of five, claiming that the outcome of Saturday’s election proved that the delegates did not support his policies and programmes.

He remarked that this has not discouraged him, but rather encouraged him to run the race again.

He claims that he has learned a lot from what has occurred and that he will not give up.

The 4 fishmongers who were arrested for the continuous sun-drying of fresh herrings, commonly known as “Keta School Boys,” on public pavements near the Korle Lagoon, have been released following the payment of a fine of GH¢200 each.

Cecilia Klottey, Regina Okinkoi, Okailey Norrah Ayi, and Mercy Tetteh were taken into custody and their merchandise confiscated on Friday, August 25, by Environmental Health Officers from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

The AMA indicated that the actions of these women were subjecting the fish to vehicular smoke, potentially jeopardizing the fish’s quality and safety.

Florence Kuukyi, an Environmental Officer at the AMA, spoke with Citi News, revealing that the fishmongers were set free after satisfying the fine requirement and signing a commitment to refrain from drying fish on the pavement in the future.

“It is our responsibility to engage with the community to educate our clients about sanitation best practices, food hygiene, waste management, and other related matters. On August 25, a Friday, environmental officers, including myself, were conducting our routine house-to-house inspections and education. Upon returning, we noticed these women were drying herrings on the pavement. We apprehended them, collected and disposed of the fish. They paid a fine of GH¢200 each and agreed to sign an undertaking,” she explained.

The AMA has issued a stern caution to fishmongers, advising against the drying of fish on public pavements due to the associated health risks. The Assembly has also encouraged the public to promptly report any instances of such activities to the AMA.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, held a meeting with a high-ranking American diplomat at the Jubilee House.

Per a social media update by Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary of State in the Africa Bureau at the US State Department, the discussions during the meeting included deliberations on the political circumstances in Niger, among other matters.

“Pleased to meet with President Akufo-Addo today in Accra. The U.S. and Ghana stand together for democracy in Niger,” she captioned her tweet before calling on the military junta to preserve constitutional order.

The junta is known as Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP) or the National Council for Saveguarding the Homeland.

“We call on the CNSP to preserve constitutional order and to release President Bazoum and his family,” the diplomat’s post added.

It was accompanied by two photos of her meeting with the president.

Niger’s democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum was removed by the Abdourahmane Tchiani-led junta on July 26.

A threat by the regional bloc to remove them by force has led to tensions in the country as their three-year transition has roundly been rejected by ECOWAS.

Brice Clothaire Oligui Nguema, the commander-in-chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard, has emerged as the leader of the military junta responsible for ousting President Ali Bongo Ondimba on August 30, 2023. Nguema’s swift ascendancy within the country’s power dynamics marks a significant shift from electoral processes to military intervention.

According to a report by aljazeera.com, Nguema, a cousin of former President Ali Bongo, played a prominent role in orchestrating the overturn of the election results. His influence, the report details, is the result of a unique blend of military expertise, diplomatic engagements, and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Raised in a family with military roots, Nguema’s journey led him to the Royal Military Academy of Meknes in Morocco, where he honed his skills. He later served as an “aide-de-camp” to a commander within the Republican Guard during the presidency of former leader Omar Bongo.

Following the passing of Omar Bongo in 2009 and the subsequent rise of Ali Bongo, Nguema embarked on diplomatic missions to Morocco and Senegal before assuming leadership of the Republican Guard a decade later. The Republican Guard, distinguishable by their distinctive green berets, is entrusted with the vital responsibility of ensuring presidential security.

Nguema’s commitment to his role was reportedly expressed through a song he composed, vowing to defend the president with “honor and loyalty.” He was also known to be active within Gabonese entrepreneurial circles and was believed to have amassed significant wealth.

In 2020, an investigation by The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) highlighted Nguema’s real estate investments in the United States, where he acquired properties using substantial amounts of cash.

Recent media statements attributed to Nguema shed light on his motivations for participating in the coup attempt. In an interview with French newspaper Le Monde, he voiced concerns about Ali Bongo’s health following a stroke in 2018, suggesting it contributed to political discontent. Nguema accused the government of violating the constitution and criticized the electoral process.

Proposing a transition of power, Nguema suggested that Bongo could retire and enjoy his rights as a Gabonese citizen.

As of now, President Ali Bongo remains under house arrest following the annulled election in which he secured over 64% of the vote. Brice Clothaire Oligui Nguema’s ascendancy as the junta leader raises questions about the future of Gabon’s political landscape and the dynamics between military authority and democratic processes.

MP representing the North Tongu constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised doubts about the impact of former Gabonese President Ali Bongo’s appeal for assistance shortly following his removal by a military junta.

Ablakwa’s criticism was based on the observation that shortly before his removal from power, Ali Bongo had taken actions such as internet shutdowns and the prohibition of certain media channels like RFI, TV Monde, and France 24.

Ablakwa pointed out that the restriction on media activities casts doubt on the viability of Bongo’s plea for global assistance, as creating awareness and generating public concern necessitate access to information dissemination platforms like the internet and media organizations.

“Gabon’s Ali Bongo who is calling for noise appears to have forgotten that a few days ago he shut down the internet & banned critical media such as RFI, TV Monde & France 24.

“How can noise make an impact without media & internet?

“True Democracy benefits both rulers & the ruled,” he said in a Twitter post on August 30, 2023.

In the wake of a coup, former President Ali Bongo released a video message appealing for international assistance following his abrupt removal from office by the military.

Bongo’s plea was shared on social media in a 51-second video, where he is seen speaking from an undisclosed location within the presidential palace.

The former president urged his global allies to “make noise” against his arrest, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, August 30.

This plea was accompanied by confirmation that he is currently isolated within the palace, his wife detained elsewhere, and his son taken into custody by the junta.