TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • NDC has no right to compromise the peace in Ghana Most Rev. Emmanuel Asante

    Immediate Past Chairman of the National Peace Council, Most Rev. Emmanuel Asante says the National Democratic Congress (NDC) cannot be allowed to compromise the peace Ghana currently enjoys.

    According to him, the NDC must appreciate the importance of the 42 days set aside for election petition to seek redress in Court and not on the streets of Ghana.

    “Former President Mahama and the NDC are saying they will not accept the results of the election, there is nothing wrong with that.

    “They have every right to express their views, but they do not have the right to compromise the peace of this country in expressing their views.

    “If they feel strongly that they have been given a raw deal, they should rather take the legal path to seek redress,” he said.

    He went on to state that the actions of the NDC put a strain on the peace pact the presidential candidate of the NDC, former President Mahama and President-elect, Akufo-Addo signed prior to the 2020 general elections,

    He urged the NDC to go to Court to settle their claims and assertions.

    “I am waiting to see that they take that step rather than hitting the streets, burning tyres and inciting people to match to different places to demand what they consider to be their right,” he said,

    Source: myjoyonline

  • EC finalizing processes to declare Sene West parliamentary results

    The Electoral Commission (EC) says it is concluding processes to declare the outcome of the parliamentary results of the Sene West Constituency.

    Sene West in the Bono East Region is the only constituency whose results are yet to be declared by the Commission due to a dispute at the constituency level.

    So far, results for 274 seats out of the 275 parliamentary seats have been officially declared with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) winning 137 parliamentary seats putting it ahead of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) which has won 136 seats.

    There is also an independent candidate who won a parliamentary seat in the Fomena constituency of the Ashanti Region.

    But the EC in a statement issued on Monday, December 14, 2020, indicated that it will in the coming days, bring finality to the issue of who won the Sene West constituency seat.

    “The Sene West parliamentary election is yet to be finalized and the outcome declared. The Commission assures the General Public that it is working to finalize the issues regarding the Sene West Constituency to enable the transparent, fair credible, and peaceful conclusion of the process. We expect to bring finality to this issue within the shortest possible time”, the statement noted.

    Both the NDC and NPP have claimed that they have won majority seats in Parliament.

    The NDC insists that it has won 140 parliamentary seats after the closing of polls on December 7, 2020, the NPP has disputed the claim.

    According to the EC, it is aware of contests to some parliamentary seats by both NPP and the NDC in a number of constituencies.

    But the Commission says it “entreats the political parties to use the laid down processes established by law to seek redress to their concerns”.

    A number of civil society organizations and religious groups have urged both parties and their supporters to exercise restraint over the post-election agitations.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Parliament to approve ex-gratia for members of Executive

    Parliament is set to approve the emoluments for Article 71 office holders in the Executive.

    The intended action is on the agenda of the house after it reconvened yesterday, Monday, December 14, 2020.

    In June this year, the President inaugurated a five-member Committee to make recommendations on the salaries, allowances and privileges for article 71 officeholders.

    The report of the Committee has not been presented to Parliament but the Speaker, Prof  Mike Oquaye says the house must make a determination on the matter before the house is finally dissolved.

    “Again with accordance with the 1992 Constitution, this house will be required to consider the approval of the Executive component of Article 71 officer holders report before the dissolution of the House.”

    Article 71 office holders include the President, the Vice-President, the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court.

    The rest are Members of Parliament (MPs), Ministers of State, political appointees and public servants.

    The payment of ex gratia to former public office holders is a controversial issue in Ghana, with details of the payments made to these officials, particularly former presidents, generating massive public interest.

    In recent years, however, arguments have surfaced about the number of officials who benefit from the ex gratia payments and whether there is a need for the payments at all.

    In 2017, a Ghanaian lawyer, Elikplim L. Agbemava, went to the Supreme Court seeking clarification on some of the benefits enjoyed by the Article 71 officeholders.

    The lawyer wanted presidential staffers who benefit from salaries, allowances, and privileges like the Article 71 officeholders, to be stripped of such gratuities claiming it “is inconsistent with Article 71 and therefore unconstitutional.”

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Runaway soldier declared wanted over involvement in police motor riders death

    A uniformed soldier only identified Sergeant Asiedu from Burma Camp has been declared wanted by the police over his role in the death of a police motor rider with the Nima Division in Accra, Sargent Justice Appiah Kubi.

    The said military officer who was at the scene of an accident where his vehicle was involved leading to the death of the policeman, is reported to have escaped at the blind side of police investigators.

    According to police sources available to MyNewsGh.com, the accident occurred around the Hajj Village bypass.

    According to eyewitnesses, the military Officer informed police that his brother who was in a Hyundai Santefe DV- 5670-20 was involved in an accident with a Ford Ranger with registration number GV 1342 14 and he called for a towing truck to tow the vehicle to Dzorwulu.

    The said Military officer who had then parked his Toyota pick-up in the inner lane MyNewsGh.com gathered, raised his hand and waved the police rider. In response, the rider turned to watch the officer at the scene, but unfortunately, he crashed into a Toyota Hilux pick-up parked in the inner lane near the accident scene by the said Military officer. The rider managed to veer off after the first impact and crashed again into the open drainage in the outer lane.

    He sustained serious injuries and in process of pulling out the police rider from the gutter by the two Policemen, the Military officer drove his vehicle away unnoticed.

    The rider was rushed to the 37 military Hospital for treatment but the medical Doctor on duty to examine him, pronounced him dead on arrival.

    The body of the deceased rider was conveyed to the Police Hospital mortuary for preservation and awaiting autopsy.

    Source: My News GH

  • Until Jean Mensa gives NDC back their seats there will be no peace Ashaiman MP

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has indicated that members of the National Democratic Congress will embark on several demonstrations until the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission corrects the abnormalities in the 2020 elections results.

    According to Ernest Henry Norgbey, the party wants back their Sene East and Techiman East seats which they [NDC] alleged was given in favour of the New Patriotic Party.

    They have called on the Electoral Commission to do the needful as they want their votes to be counted.

    “We just organised ourselves to do a peaceful demonstration to show Ghanaians that the people of Ashiaman will not sleep for the incompetence of Jean Mensa to steal the verdict for Nana Akufo-Addo. That is what we are witnessing today, that we want our votes to be counted.” He said.

    “We want our seats; Sene East, Techiman South, and the other seats that were stolen from us back before we get the peace that we want in Ghana. We have all been preaching peace, so why is it that after an election, results are announced for there to be chaos. It means that something untoward happened,” he fumed in an interview with Citi News.

    Some members of the National Democratic Congress have embarked on demonstrations across country after the electoral commission declared Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the winner of the December polls.

    Their protest begun after Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu told supporters the NDC does not accept the results of the presidential elections as announced by the Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC) Jean Mensa

    At a press conference Haruna Iddrisu expressed reservations about the way and manner in which the polls were conducted hence, the rejection.

    “We reject the presidential elections as announced by the chair of the Electoral Commission. And we also want to serve notice that the blatant effort even to deny us of a parliamentary majority will be fiercely resisted,” the Tamale South lawmaker said.

    Some supporters in Bolgatanga, Tamale were seen on the streets burning car tyres in disapproval of the election results.

    Some Ashiaman supporters and NDC Women wing also hit the street yesterday to protest against the EC. They are stated that they intend to continuously hold a peace protest until their votes counts.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Election 2020: EC officers who tampered with presidential ballot papers busted

    The two officers of the Electoral Commission who tampered with the Presidential ballot papers in Awutu Senya West and Bawku Central have been arrested and are currently in Police custody.

    The officers are; Mary Adatsi of DAJHS, Twimine B110104A, Awutu Senya West, and Ahmed Shafawu of the Alhaji Salam Grinding Mill polling station, Bawku Central.

    In the case of the Bawku Central, only one of such ballots was used.

    However, in the case of Awutu Senya West, none of the ballots were used.

    This was disclosed by the election management body in a statement.

    Meanwhile, the EC has assured the public that the said offenders will be prosecuted and dealt with by law.

    The electoral officers were caught cutting some candidates off the presidential papers before handing them over to voters to cast their votes.

    Source: Class FM

  • Okoe-Boye moves to hospital for community service a week after humiliating defeat

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ledzokuku Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye has resumed his community service of providing consultation for his people.

    Dr Okoe-Boye lost his seat in the just-ended parliamentary elections to the surprise of many who thought he should have been maintained.

    Constituents have blamed his decision not to attend their funerals and naming ceremonies and the fact that he is always wearing a three-piece suit as some of the reasons why they kicked him out.

    Some have also said that during the lockdown, he did not provide them with very good food hence the decision to vote him out.

    But regardless of the fact that he has been booted out of office, the Doctor is back to the consultation room to provide consultancy service to his constituents.

    Sharing his experience on his Facebook wall, the Member of Parliament said “First post-election Monday consultations at the Lekma Hospital. Some staff were happy to see me doing fine, some surprised at my activity having assumed that not winning the Parliamentary election meant away with community service. It is important to understand that the joy a true Leader experiences does not lie in the position he holds but in the Service his people receive. I thank God that you do not have to necessarily hold a position to assist others experience a better world. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow.”

    Source: My News GH

  • Election 2020: Court is the best option Gatsi to NDC

    Dean of the Business School of the University of Cape Coast Professor John Gatsi has called for a legal action against the Electoral Commission (EC) to compel the elections management body to explain disparity claims with regard to the results of the recently held general elections.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the results as announced by the EC and the party’s Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama believes the results were manipulated in favour of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    But in an opinion piece on the elections, Professor Gasti said just as the rejection of the election results put demands on the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and government, it is important for the party and candidates who rejected the results to appreciate the responsibility to voters.

    He added that if the Electoral Commission does not act timely, legal action should be sought.

    “Refusal to go to court as the final game plan will create huge reputation challenges. At the court, the electoral commission will be cross-examined with relevant questions and the public will know everything and judge for themselves. A political party has the future in mind in all of its strategic games.

    “We should accept and unite to resolve the electoral problems now. Hypocrisy does not promote peace, it only silences people and plant pain and bitterness in their hearts and daily meditation to emerge at a later date and perhaps in another form. We do not have angels in political parties, the Electoral Commission and government. We should accept that mistakes can occur and sometimes they may be intentional. That is why we must work together.”

    Read below his full post…

    Rejection of 2020 Presidential Results. Congratulations and Observers Report: My Comment as a voter- Prof. John Gatsi

    In a democracy rejecting election results based on concrete facts and documented evidence is a strong weapon to protect democracy, preserve the votes of voters and legitimize continuous participation in elections. If the picture is painted as though once unacceptable results are declared nothing can be done to secure the votes of the electorates, we create mistrust in democratic pillars of an election, vote accountability and transparency.

    The weight of damage to democratic institutional quality, trust and legitimacy of a government cannot be measured. It takes a maximum of 4 hours to correct alleged errors to ensure peace. It seems some people still think peace means the absence of war. In terms of elections the absence of demonstrations, calls for the right thing to be done, inability to express emotional pain of proven theft of votes means peace. Accepting results one believes with an evidential value of the fraud, misreporting, disregard for the rules of engagement only piles up anger that may explode later. The time-tested remedial process in elections may confirm the candidate who was earlier declared winner or the candidate who rejected the results may become the winner. What is important is that at the end of the remedial process transparency is given a chance and independence and voter satisfaction is achieved. Just as consumption of a service or a product gives utility, voters maximize their utility or satisfaction with a transparent process.

    Foreign observers report and congratulations

    The European Union (EU) Observers reported that voters freely participated in voting at the polling stations but collation was not transparent or collation does not meet the minimum standard required to declare elections results. The votes cast by voters generated votes( data) through counting as required at the polling stations. Per the EU observers, the votes generated at the polling stations meet the standard required and that the polling accounts or the vote data generated at the polling stations can be relied upon for the purposes of the declaration. The observers are clearly saying there is a credibility problem with the vote data generated at the point of collation and transmission.

    If declared results are rejected based on these observations, the best response does the collation again especially at the constituencies and regions where the alleged errors occurred.

    Millions of congratulations to the candidate in whose favour the declaration was made is not insulation for the wrong basis for the declaration. Congratulations irrespective of where it comes from does not serve as immunity from a rejection of the results if the basis of the rejection is blessed with facts and evidence.

    The Presidency is rotational among political parties and individuals guided by the votes of people. Counting the votes of people with sanctified commitment is the highest service to the nation and citizens. Counting and collating votes in a predetermined manner to favour a particular candidate is wicked and demonstrates enmity to the state and citizens.

    Since rejecting election outcomes is an important element of protecting our democracy if it is based on facts and evidence, we should be open and willing to listen to and obtain the basis for the rejection rather than calling for peace when correcting the errors is the surest path to sustainable peace.

    Just as the rejection of the election results put demands of the electoral Commission, security agencies and government, it is important for the party and candidates who rejected the results to appreciate the responsibility to voters. The responsibilities include- explaining and making available to voters and key stakeholders the facts and the evidence. If the electoral Commission does not act timely, this should trigger legal action.

    Refusal to go to court as the final game plan will create huge reputation challenges. At the court, the electoral commission will be cross-examined with relevant questions and the public will know everything and judge for themselves. A political party has the future in mind in all of its strategic games.

    We should accept and unite to resolve the electoral problems now. Hypocrisy does not promote peace, it only silences people and plant pain and bitterness in their hearts and daily meditation to emerge at a later date and perhaps in another form. We do not have angels in political parties, the Electoral Commission and government. We should accept that mistakes can occur and sometimes they may be intentional. That is why we must work together.

    Source: 3 News

  • Coronavirus: Ghana’s active cases now at 930 – GHS

    Ghana has recorded 89 new cases of the Novel Coronavirus disease bringing the total number of active cases to 930 as at December 8 2020.

    This is according to the latest update released by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on December 14, 2020.

    Recoveries for the country now stand at 51,676 with the overall total number of cases for the country at 52,933 cases.

    The death toll, however, has risen to 327, according to the Ghana Health Service.

    Cummulative Cases per Region:

    Greater Accra Region – 29,083

    Ashanti Region – 11,146

    Western Region – 3,073

    Eastern Region – 2,594

    Central Region – 2,063

    Bono East Region – 788

    Volta Region – 719

    Western North Region – 662

    Bono Region – 619

    Northern Region – 556

    Ahafo Region – 530

    Upper East Region – 372

    Oti Region – 244

    Upper West Region – 90

    Savannah Region – 62

    North East Region – 22

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Man, 54, pours acid on 18-year-old girlfriend, mother

    An 18-year-old girl and her mother have been hospitalized after an acid attack allegedly by a 54-year-old man.

    The suspect, Nana Yaw Mante, a businessman allegedly poured the acid on his ex-girlfriend and mother while in a room at Awukugua in the Okere District of the Eastern Region.

    Both have been hospitalized and undergoing treatment.

    The suspect was convicted few months ago by Koforidua Magistrate Court “A” to a fine of Ghc1,200 and ordered to pay a compensation of Gh1000 to the victim for filming and circulating sexually explicit videos and pictures of the victim.

    Background

    The 54-year-old Businessman was put before a Koforidua Magistrate Court for filming and circulating nude videos of his 18-year-old ex-girlfriend.

    He was charged for obscenity contrary to section 281(i) B of the Criminal Offence Act,29/60.

    The Prosecutor, Sergeant George Defia told the Court presided over by His Worship Nana Osei Assibey on Tuesday, May 19 that the convict and the victim, a Senior High School dropout are both natives of Awukugua in the Okere District of the Eastern Region.

    According to the prosecuting Officer, two years ago, Nana Yaw Mante met the victim who had dropped out of school due to financial challenges, and under the pretext of assisting her to go back to school, took undue advantage and entered into a sexual relationship with her.

    Family of the victim became suspicious and confronted the accused person but he denied having sexual relations with the victim. The relationship hit the rocks due to disapproval and pestering by the family. However, in 2019, the convict convinced the victim and they reunited.

    Nana Yaw Mante, for fear of losing the victim again, told her that he had taken her to a shrine and the gods were demanding to see her nakedness.

    In November 2019, he lured the victim to Dawu near Adukrom-Akuapem where he recorded series of sexually explicit videos of themselves.

    He later circulated the videos of the victim to her Aunty and two other men he alleged were also dating the victim. The videos went viral on social media in February 2020.

    The victim reported the incident to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) at the Regional Police Headquarters in Koforidua.

    He was arrested on February 7, 2020 and in his caution statement admitted recording the sexually explicit videos of the victim and sharing same.

    The receivers of the videos confirmed to Police during interrogation that the accused sent it to them but denied circulating it on social media.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Mahama prays with Proverbs 16:20 after rejecting results

    Flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama on Sunday, 14 December 2020 visited the Ringway Assemblies of God Church for fellowship.

    This happens to be his first church service following his defeat in the December 7 polls.

    Mr. Mahama was accompanied to Church by his Vice-Presidential Candidate Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and their families.

    Mr. Mahama who is currently challenging the election results quoted a Scripture from the Bible on Facebook which read; “Provers 16:20 He that handles a matter wisely shall find good: and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.”

    Meanwhile, it is unclear what the NDC and Mr. Mahama intend to do about the election results but many Ghanaians and Civil Society Organisations have entreated them to proceed to court and settle any kind of dispute legally.

    The opposition party believes the EC rigged the 2020 polls for the sitting President and his government.

    Click the link below to see the facebook post

    https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJDMahama%2Fposts%2F3933762973301496&show_text=true&width=552&height=760&appId

    Source: Class FM

  • Physically challenged lady gets employed at SVTV Africa

    Delali Agbosu, a physically challenged lady has earned employment at SVTV Africa as a journalist after years of searching for dream job.

    A few months ago, SVTV Africa interviewed a physically challenged lady called Delali Agbosu who found it difficult to secure a job even with a diploma certificate.

    Presently, Delali is gainfully employed at SVTV Africa, where she will write and later on interview physically challenged individuals. She was living with a family here in Accra, but after the interview, her former lecturer offered to give her accommodation.

    According to Agbosu, many employers bluntly tell her they can’t employ her due to her condition. As a result, she decided to study journalism and has a certificate now.

    Moreover, some generous Ghanaians through SVTV Africa have sent an amount of 5,000gh to Delali for her upkeep, a wheelchair and food items. Her daughter has also been gifted some clothes.

    Her condition was due to a wrongful injection when she visited the hospital for treatment years ago.

    Delali thanked everyone that helped her in one way or the other and also to SVTV Africa for the job opportunity.

    Watch the video below;

    Source: svtvafrica.com

  • Election 2020: Results were not publicly displayed in 17 polling stations – EU observers

    European Union observers in the just ended Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Ghana have said results were not publicly displayed in 17 polling stations they observed.

    The observers however noted, “voting was conducted in a generally peaceful atmosphere and voting procedures were mostly followed, including the biometric verification of voters”.

    “Furthermore, presiding officers appeared to have difficulties completing the result forms. The polling station result forms were not publicly displayed in 17 polling stations although party agents received signed copy of the result form in all cases,” the EU observers said in their 12-page report on the election.

    The report also praised civil society organisations in the country.

    “Ghanaian civil society has a strong presence and a leading role in electoral observation. Domestic observation is organised, credible and well perceived by stakeholders. The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), a network of 43 organisations advocating for democratic institutional development and human rights, leads the national observation activities.

    “CODEO, with support from the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD Ghana), amongst others, deployed around 4,000 observers on election day. CODEO issued reports on registration, campaigning and incidents, and set up a parallel vote tabulation (PVT) exercise. The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) deployed some 700 observers”.

    It also raised concerns over the collation process in the polls.

    “Collation of results at the constituency level was observed in 35 constituency collation centres with many of them being visited repeatedly. Collation process was less well organised and less transparent often due to a lack of detailed procedures, inadequate facilities and overcrowding which at times led to agents and observers not having a clear view of the procedures and the filling in of result forms.

    “Instances of unrest and tension were observed in Asawase, Sunyani West and Techiman South constituencies. The results were collated in the presence of party agents and observers and key transparency measures were adhered to”.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Election 2020: Democracy not war Agyinasare condemns use of firearms on unarmed civilians

    Bishop Charles Agyinasare has condemned the use of firearm by some security personnel against unarmed civilians, which resulted in some deaths during the recently-held presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana.

    “Nobody needs to die because of an election”, the Presiding Bishop of Perez Chapel International told the congregation at the Perez Dome on Sunday, 13 December 2020.

    “We, therefore, condemn the use of firearms on unarmed civilians”, he noted, adding: “We ask that proper investigations be conducted in the deaths of people who wanted to defend their vote”.

    He noted: “Democracy is not war” and, so, urged Christians to “continue to pray for peace to prevail”.

    Bishop Agyinasare congratulated President Nana Akufo-Addo for winning the presidential poll and urged the candidate of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Mahama, who is contesting the results, to do so “peacefully”.

    “In 2012, when a similar thing happened, it was not easy in this country. A number of people have already lost their lives”, Bishop Agyinasare noted.

    Source: Class FM

  • Police invites Jomoro NDC, NPP executives after clash leaves 2 injured

    Police at Jomoro in the Western Region has invited executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to a meeting after a clash between their sympathisers left two persons injured.

    Public Relations Officer of the Western Region, DSP Olivia Adiku explained that the clash occurred as members of the two parties celebrated their victories.

    “The NPP were excited about a presidential win and the NDC were jubilating following the victory of their elected MP, Dorcas Affo-Toffey,” she told JoyNews.

    However, Police in Jomoro say two sympathizers of the NPP and NDC who sustained injuries during the clash have been treated and discharged.

    She further urged the public to disregard a video circulating online showing a man whose limbs had been severed following the incident as not a true reflection of the incident.

    DSP Adiku said calm has been restored to the area and executives of the two parties have been invited by the Regional Commander to settle their differences.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Armed robbers attack rural bank, bolt with GH¢93,445

    Masked armed robbers numbering five on Sunday dawn attacked the Ahantaman Rural Bank Limited in Abura, in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District of the Central Region.

    Police investigators confirm to MyNewsGh.com that two of the robbers armed with pump-action guns first attacked the colleague Security men at their security post.

    They tied their hands, legs and mouth with a sellotape and woolen strings and two of them holding the guns stood guard on them whilst the other three who were not armed but were with different types of implements managed to break one of the windows open and entered into the banking hall.

    It is gathered that the robbers after operating for about two hours left the banking premises. One of the security guards however managed to untie himself to seek help

    The police were thereafter notified about the incident but upon visiting the scene, they detected that the robbers caused damage to one of the banking hall sliding window and its burglar proof to gain ingress into the banking hall.

    Further damages were caused to two inner doors of the bank before reaching the strong room which was well fortified with specialised metal door.

    The robbers with a wall cutter cut through the wall creating a hole into the strong room. They also cut the iron bars of the gate of the Vault thereby taking away an amount of GHC93,445.45.

    The robbers caused damage to two CCTV cameras, disconnected the CCTV server and took away the CCTV Recorder and Alarm Panel.

    Meanwhile, the two victims who have no physical injuries on them have been issued with Police Medical Report form to attend hospital for a checkup

    Source: My News GH

  • CID invites Power FMs Boamah Bennie for allegedly insulting, threatening Akufo-Addo

    The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has invited a journalist with Accra-based Power FM, Oheneba Boamah Bennie for allegedly insulting and threatening President Nana Akufo-Addo.

    He is said to have recorded a live video on his Facebook page in which he was heard insulting and issuing series of threats to the President of the Republic of Ghana.

    The Police in a letter to the management of Power FM asked for the release of Mr. Bennie to report to “Superintendent/1U at the CID Headquarters, 4th floor, Room 13 on Monday. 14/12/2020 at 1000hours” to assist with investigations.

    Below is the letter from the Police

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Go to court if you disagree with election results IDEG, CFI to political parties

    The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) and the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI) have asked political parties that disagree with the results of the just-ended elections, as announced by the Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC) Jean Mensa to go to court to resolve the issues.

    IDEG and CFI said this is the best approach to resolving any election-related dispute.

    The comments come after the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said he will not accept the results of the elections because in his view, the results were manipulated in favour of Akufo-Addo by the Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC) Jean Mensa.

    Addressing the nation on Thursday December 11, the presidential candidate of the NDC said “The facts and figures on the pink sheets available to us indicate that numerous steps have been taken to manipulate the elections in favour of the incumbent.

    “This calls into question the credibility of one of our most important institutional pillars of democracy, the Electoral Commission. It is now obvious to many objective minds that the Commission and its chairperson have been used to manipulate results from the various constituencies and in that process seek to subvert the sovereign will of the Ghana people.”

    He added “Since the inception of the Fourth Republic, final election results have always been declared within a 72hour period to allow for thorough and diligence collation.

    “Surprisingly, this Electoral Commission chairperson announced quite suspiciously for reasons known to her a hurried 24hour deadline which as we all know could not and would not be met.

    “The Chairperson of the EC in less than 24 hours after her declaration has admitted that she made unacceptable errors which go to the heart of the entire electoral process and cast deep doubt on the credibility of the announced outcome.”

    But a joint statement issued by IDEG and CFI on Friday December 11 said “wish to commend Ghanaians for the high turnout and the orderly manner in which the electorate exercised their franchise on December 7. We further wish to commend the Electoral Commission and the political parties for their role in delivering relatively peaceful election. We however observed with growing concern that both the presidential and parliamentary elections results have stoked partisan controversy with both sides claiming victory.

    “The disputed results have raised questions about the credibility of the outcome of the elections which can only be resolved in a court of law. Accordingly, we urge the aggrieved parties to resort to the court system to deal with the disputed aspects of the results instead of resorting to violence. The public has the right to know the truth about any discrepancies relating to the results because this election was the best opportunity for the electorate to exercise their sovereign right.

    “The courts have the mandate and the tools to investigate, review and resolve any election related disputes based on the evidence provided in a transparent manner. Moreover, the supreme court is not only an avenue for peaceful resolution of election conflicts, but also clarifying electoral rules and regulations in order to improve electoral standards and advance critical reforms in the electoral system as demonstrated by the supreme court of Ghana in 2013.

    “In the meantime, we appeal to the leaders and supporters of the two parties, to conduct themselves peacefully, mindful of the commitments their presidential candidates made by signing the Presidential Election Peace Pact on Thursday 4th December 2020 at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra. In this pact, the leaders pledged: That we hereby commit ourselves and our supporters to peaceful elections in the December 2020 general elections; That we undertake to accept the results of the said elections; That we undertake to restrain our supporters from resorting to violence in the aftermath of the said elections; and That we are committed to the Judicial resolution of all election disputes.”

    “Furthermore, we appeal to the National Chief Imam, the National Peace Council and the National House of Chiefs to engage and ensure that the Electoral Commission acts expeditiously on all complaints and encourage the parties to go to court as they have committed in the peace pact agreement.”

    “Finally, we appeal to all Ghanaians including our vibrant youth to honor the memory of the founding father of the Fourth Republic, former President Jerry John Rawlings, by maintaining the peace, stability and security of the nation. Going forward, we entreat that collectively as a nation, we renounce violence as an option for resolving electoral disputes.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Tamale NDC supporters engaged police in a gun battle – Police

    The Northern Regional Crime Officer Supt, Bernard Baba Ananga has disclosed to GhanaWeb that, some people believed to be sympathizers of the NDC who was found burning tires on the streets of Tamale last night, engaged the police in a gun battle when the police went to clear them off from the streets.

    Speaking to GhanaWeb, Supt. Bernard narrated that, the incident happened after the former president John Dramani Mahama finished addressing the media around 9:40, some people took to the streets of Tamale and started burning tires at intersections.

    He added that, when the incident came to their notice and realizing it could escalate, they immediately mobilized to support the already limited number of police duty to patrol in the night to manage the situation after the election.

    “More police were sent to the streets as the protesters also increased in numbers, and so, we had to go and clear the street but some of them resisted”

    “Some of them fired at us from unknown locations,” Supt Bernard said, citing “Changli” and “Tishegu” as some of the communities the firing was coming from, adding that, with the assistance of the military, they were able to overpower them.

    Supt Bernard noticed that, the guns that were been used by the protesters sounded like that of machine guns, AK47, pistols and snippers.

    He proceeded that, “when we tried to clear the burning tires off on the streets some hidden snippers fired at us again, which we also fired back.”

    Supt. Bernard noted that, as the military increased their numbers, they were able to manage the whole township from Tamale to Savelugu. “the situation was brought under control, and calm and peace was restored.”

    He also said no arrest has been made but the police have intensified preparation and surveillance to ensure such a thing doesn’t repeat.

    He, therefore, call on the general public to always feel free to volunteer information, adding that, it is the only way the police can track down those miscreants.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Jean Mensa has not travelled outside Ghana – EC debunks rumours

    The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Jean Mensa, has not travelled outside the country after declaring the election 2020 presidential results, the Commission has said.

    This follows recent rumours that the EC Chairperson together with her deputies sought refuge in another country following the official declaration on December 9, 2020.

    In a statement released on Friday December 11, the Commission states unequivocally that Jean Mensa and her commissioners are still at post dispensing their duties as expected.

    “We wish to state that Mrs. Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, as well as all the Commissioners are at post discharging their legally mandated duties…,” the statement read in part.

    The EC has also, in the same vein, branded reports suggesting that commissioners had travelled outside Ghana absolute falsehood.

    The EC Chairperson has come under attack for what has been widely described as error-riddled election result which she announced to Ghanaians on Wednesday.

    Read full statement below;

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Go to court if you think 2020 election was rigged – GUM tells Mahama

    The presidential candidate of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) Reverend Christian Kwabena Andrews, also known as Osofo Kyiri Abosom, has advised former President John Dramani Maham to go to court to challenge the results of the presidential election if he feels it has been rigged.

    The reverend minister said there is no other solution for the candidate to explore aside from going to court.

    He said the agitations and disagreements from the two major parties will amount to nothing.

    The best solution he stressed is for the NDC to use the court to contest the results.

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has clearly stated that the government used the Electoral Commission (EC) to manipulate results in favour of the incumbent President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    For this reason, Mr Mahama said the party will not accept anything short of the true reflection of the votes of the people.

    He said there is no doubt that Ghanaians in all regions voted for change in both the parliamentary and presidential elections.

    “I stand before you tonight unwilling to accept the fictionalised result of a flawed election.”

    He added: “There is no doubt that every Ghanaian in this country voted for change. We did so both In the presidential and parliamentary elections.

    “I am a staunch believer in the experiment of democracy, a system of governance that allows the ultimate decision-making power to rest in the hands of you the good people of Ghana. We the people who with an eye towards the future we will like for our dear country elect representatives to forward and realize that vision. Government serves at the choice and direction of the people of this great nation.”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Hanna Tetteh congratulates sister for defeating George Andah

    Former Member of Parliament (MP) of Awutu Senya West constituency in the Central Region Hannah Tetteh has congratulated her sister Mrs. Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui for defeating the incumbent MP for the area George Andah in the just-ended general elections.

    Gizella polled 32,708 while George Andah who defeated Hannah Tetteh in the 2016 elections, polled 29,832 in the December 7, elections.

    In a Facebook post, Ms. Tetteh who is currently the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union said “Congratulations to my sister Mrs. Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui on being declared the winner of the Parliamentary polls and the next MP for Awutu Senya West!”

    Meanwhile, George Andah has asked Gizella to work tirelessly to progress the constituency.

    In a statement after the polls, George Andah said “I also extend congratulations to ASWC MP-elect, Mrs. Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui and her team.

    “I wish her every success and trust she will work tirelessly to continue on the progress for the better of our shared and beloved people of ASWC.

    “I am of the firm belief that God knows best and He has a reason for everything that He does. I will take some time to step back for now, review our actions and inactions to gain deeper insights in order to consolidate our success journey going forward.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Volta Police Command appreciates cooperation from residents during elections

    The Volta Regional Police Command has commended the major stakeholders and the public for a largely successful conduct of the general election on Monday in terms of security.

    Sergeant Prince Dogbatse, Regional Public Relations Officer of the Command speaking to the Ghana News Agency appreciated the largely peaceful nature of the elections across the region without incidents.

    He said prior to the elections, the Command identified some 631 hotspots in the region, which made the inhabitants alarmed about the volatile nature of the upcoming election, which again hiked the tension and insecurity in the population.

    He said this hotspot identification was to inform the Command of deployment strategies, officers and men and what numbers to deal with in a volatile situation.

    Sergeant Dogbatse said the role of the public was unique in the 2020 electioneering period, which he said emanated from the many engagements the Command had with major actors including; seminars, media training, peace concerts and simulation exercises to let the public know of their readiness and responsibilities at the polls.

    “The Command appreciates the cooperation and hopes this relationship would extend and cascade into the future.”

    On the yuletide, he cautioned residents of the region to maintain personal security to avoid attacks from miscreants, who would want to take advantage of the season.

    Sergeant Dogbatse urged the business community to avoid travelling with bulk monies to make them prey to any attacks leading to injuries and deaths.
    He said the Command was ready to protect lives and property even in the yuletide and asked all to take personal responsibility for their security.

    Source: GNA

  • GhanaWeb journalists traumatised after attack at NDC Headquarters

    Two GhanaWeb staff who were attacked by irate National Democratic Congress supporters at the party’s headquarters on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, have been left traumatised.

    The supporters attacked Laud Adu-Asare who is Head of Political Desk and Sandra Obiribea, a videographer, at the party’s premises in the course of covering a scheduled press conference by the party executives.

    A distressed Laud Adu-Asare had his shirt and media jacket torn with bruises on his left arm from the assault while Sandra also escaped a knife attack.

    “Let’s kill her, lets beat her. You the media caused all this. This keeps ringing a bell anytime I am left alone. Though my family and company have been supportive, I still can’t shake off the nightmare I experienced,” a distraught Sandra said.

    The two have undergone medical treatment and are helping with police investigation. They are also scheduled to receive psychological help.

    Company equipment including tripod and identification cards were also stolen as a result of the attack by the irate supporters.

    The NDC has not reacted to the attack on the GhanaWeb journalists. However, GhanaWeb maintains its decision to withdraw from covering NDC events until steps are taken by the party to avoid any further occurrences.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Keta MP-elect gets 24-hour police protection after near-fatal attack

    Newly-elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Keta, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, will get round-the-clock police protection following a near-fatal attack by unknown gunmen.

    The Keta Municipal Police Command gave the assurance on Friday, December 11, 2020, according to a report by Citi News.

    Keta Municipal Police Commander told an angry crowd NDC supporters who had stormed a police post in the area that the police will provide 24-hour protection for the MP-elect.

    “I have been to the hospital with this Assembly Man (Gilbert Keklie) to see the MP and I have assured him of our 24-hour protection from henceforth,” one Commander Supt. Abakah is quoted by a Citi News report.

    Mr Gakpey was elected on December 7, 2020, as a first-time MP for the Keta constituency.

    He was attacked by some gunmen on Friday dawn, December 11, 2020, around 1:00 am at his residence at Afiadenyigba.

    The MP-elect escaped with injuries after begging for his life, reports indicate.

    Residents have been infuriated by the incident.

    The NDC believes the attack is politically motivated and suspects members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) vigilante groups.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Dont wear political party paraphernalia to church on Sunday Christian Council warns

    The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has called on Christians to avoid wearing political party paraphernalia to church on Sunday, 13 December 2020 for the sake of peace, unity, and national cohesion following the declaration of the winner of the 7 December Presidential election by Electoral Commission.

    The main opposition leader John Dramani Mahama has rejected the election result after the incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo was declared the winner.

    This decision by Mr. Mahama and the NDC is causing tension to rise in some parts of the country.

    To this end, the CCG, in a statement urged supporters of the winning candidate to celebrate moderately and avoid comments that can inflame violence with political opponents.

    “We also appeal to supporters of the losing candidate to accept the loss graciously,” the statement signed by Rev. Dr. Cyril Fayose CCG General Secretary said.

    The CCG further encouraged pastors to use the coming Sunday to thank God for a peaceful election and to preach unity among the Ghanaian people.

    Source: Class FM

  • Police retrieve AK47 riffles from NDC PC, others after Savelugu shooting

    The Northern Regional Security Taskforce has announced it has retrieved an AK47 rifle with two magazines loaded with 60 rounds of ammunition at the residence of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate and MP-elect for the Savelugu constituency, Alhaji Yakubu Iddris.

    According to the task force, they also retrieved another AK47 rifle loaded with 40 rounds of ammunition and 21 additional G3 ammunition from the residence of the Chief of Doku, Naa Mohammed Ahmed, in Savelugu.

    Alhassan Dawuda, 30 years and Mohammed Fadila, 27 years were also arrested for possession of firearms.

    At a press briefing in Tamale, the Northern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Timothy Yoosa Bonga revealed the NDC Parliamentary Candidate and MP-elect for the Savelugu constituency, Alhaji Yakubu Iddris, is yet to report to the police.

    He also indicated the shooting incident which claimed the life of an 11-year-old girl with three others injured after an unknown person fired a gun into an NDC crowd is under investigation.

    Meanwhile, Northern Regional Minister and Chairman of the Northern Region Security Council, Salifu Saeed, has condemned the burning of lorry tyres by some NDC faithfuls in Tamale.

    According to him, the security will deal with any group of persons whose actions and inactions will mare the peace of the region.

    Source: 3 News

  • Juventus star Ronaldo picks up where he left off at Camp Nou by setting new record

    Cristiano Ronaldo picked up right where he left off at the Camp Nou on Tuesday as he terrorized Barcelona once again at their home stadium.

    Ronaldo made his long-awaited return to the stadium on Tuesday as he faced Barcelona for the first time since leaving Real Madrid in 2018.

    During his time in La Liga, Ronaldo proved one of Barcelona’s all-time great rivals as the Portuguese’s Real Madrid frequently did battle with Lionel Messi’s Barcelona.

    That historic rivalry moved into another chapter when Ronaldo opted to head to Juventus, but the Portuguese star showed just how little has changed with a vintage performance on Tuesday.

    Ronaldo fired two goals in what ended as a lopsided 3-0 Juventus win as he was joined by Weston McKennie on the scoresheet.

    The former Real Madrid stars first came in the 13th minute came via a penalty while his second, which was scored in the 52nd minute, was also fired from the spot.

    With the goals, Ronaldo has scored 14 goals at the Camp Nou in all competitions, more than at any other away stadium in his club career – while the double also put him past the 650 marks overall.

    Additionally, Ronaldo became the first player in the history of the Champions League to convert twice from the spot at Barcelona’s home ground.

    In terms of their Champions League standing, Tuesday’s loss harmed Barcelona, who finished second in the group with Juventus finishing top.

    The two giants finished level on 15 points, having only lost to one another throughout this group stage run.

    However, Juventus have gone top on head-to-head results, despite their 2-0 loss to Barca in their first clash.

    Both will move on to the knockout stages, although Barca will do so on the heels of a historic loss, which saw them concede two goals in the first 20 minutes of a Champions League home game for the first time ever.

    With Tuesday’s result, Juventus became the first Italian side ever to score at least three goals at the Camp Nou in the UEFA competition.

    Next up for Juventus is a visit to Genoa on Sunday while Barcelona will now look ahead to their match against Levante at the Camp Nou.

    Source: goal.com

  • US tops daily record for coronavirus deaths, hospitalisations

    The latest numbers of newly reported coronavirus deaths and hospitalisations shattered records in the United States on Wednesday.

    There were 3,054 reported deaths, the highest single-day total to date and nearly 300 deaths higher than the previous record set in May, according to the organization, data from the Covid Tracking Project showed.

    The highest-ever number of people – 106,688 – are hospitalised with Covid-19, according to the organization, the latest in a weeks-long streak of record-setting daily figures.

    According to Johns Hopkins University data released on Wednesday, the country logged a record 215,860 new infections a day earlier.

    New cases per day have rocketed to more than 200,000 on average.

    While vaccines are within sight, health experts expect the upcoming Christmas holidays to further fuel the widespread surge.

    The US, which has a population of around 330 million, has recorded 15.4 million infections since the start of the pandemic and is approaching 300,000 deaths – far more than any other nation.

    Source: GNA

  • Congo President to seek re-election after 36 years at the helm

    The president of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, who is one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, will seek a fourth term in elections due next March, the country’s ruling coalition said on Thursday.

    The 77-year-old has led the central African country, also called Congo-Brazzaville for a total of 36 years since he first became president in 1979.

    His bid to run for the top job comes after nominations by the 17 parties that make up his presidential majority.

    “The presidential majority believes that of all its leaders, it is President Sassou Nguesso who holds all the trump cards,” said Pierre Moussa, acting chairman of the parties in the coalition.

    He has yet to announce his candidacy but he could do so during a speech to the Nation on December 19 when he could also set the date of the vote which is scheduled for March 2021.

    Bloodshed

    The country staged a referendum in 2015 to remove a 70 year age limit and a ban on presidents serving more than two terms.

    The move paved the way for Sassou Nguesso to secure a third term in elections in March 2016, which sparked bloodshed.

    His rivals, former general Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and former minister Andre Okombi Salissa, disputed the results.

    They were arrested, put on trial and each handed 20 years in jail on charges of undermining state security.

    Congo is an oil-rich but impoverished country.

    It is in the grip of a deep economic crisis, triggered by the slump in oil prices but worsened by long-standing debt and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

    Source: africanews.com

  • Provisional results show Cameroon’s ruling party wins sweeping victory in first-ever regional elections

    The ruling Cameroon’s People Democratic Movement (CPDM) won a sweeping victory in the first-ever regional elections held last Sunday, according to provisional results released by regional supervisory commissions on Wednesday.

    Fourteen political parties contested in the elections and CPDM won the majority of the 700 councillors voted in 58 divisional headquarters of the country.

    “The trends based on the echoes from the 10 regions are that our party is doing quite well. After all that is not surprising because, out of the more than 10,000 (municipal) councillors who voted, CPDM constituted more than 90 percent of the voters.” Elvis Ngolle Ngolle, Senior Communication Official of the Party and a former Minister told Xinhua on phone.

    “What we will do with the victory is that we will continue to push for a decentralised Cameroon where citizens are now direct participants in the making of decisions concerning the country at all levels,” Ngolle added.

    According to Cameroon Electoral Code, political parties have the right to file petitions on partial or total cancellation of the election operations in competent courts of law, after which final results will be proclaimed.

    The elections took place on Sunday, with authorities expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the polls, despite interruptions from armed separatists in the country’s restive English-speaking regions.

    The regional council which is the assembly for the affairs of the region will be effectively established in the 10 regions of the country in the days ahead, according to the electoral body Elections Cameroon (ELECAM).

    Source: GNA

  • Nigeria refutes U.S. on religious freedom blacklist

    Nigerian government has formally rejected an allegation by the United States that the west African country is engaged in violation of religious freedom.

    Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry said in an official statement reaching Xinhua on Wednesday that the engagement with the U.S. government on the development will be “vigorous”.

    The reaction followed Nigeria’s listing by the U.S. amongst “Countries of Particular Concern” for religious freedom, accusing Nigeria and other countries of violation of religious freedom.

    The statement said the development was “surprising”, noting as a secular country, the government remained committed to ensuring “respect and protection of all citizens’ right to religious freedom and promotion of religious tolerance and harmony”.

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria received the news with surprise, that a secular country under a democratic government will be so designated,” the statement said.

    Although Nigeria is multi-religious and multi-ethnic, the constitution expressly states that the government shall not adopt any religion as a state religion, the statement said.

    “Furthermore, section 38 of the constitution guarantees that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion including freedom to change his/her religion or belief. And freedom to manifest and propagate his/her religion or belief. Religious liberty in Nigeria has never been in question, therefore any claim contrary to that is completely false and untrue,” it added.

    Source: GNA

  • African countries to get COVID-19 vaccines in early 2021

    African countries will have access to the COVID-19 vaccines from the end of January through the first quarter of 2021, said a special envoy of the African Union (AU) on Wednesday.

    Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the AU Special Envoy on Mobilising International Economic Support for the continent’s fight against COVID-19, gave the assurance after a closed-door meeting with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama in the capital city of Abuja.

    “As long as one person has it (COVID-19) in the world, no one is safe. And that is why poorer countries, lower-middle-income countries like Nigeria, need to get it as quickly as possible,” said Okonjo-Iweala, who is also Nigeria’s candidate for the Office of the Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

    The international initiative to get the COVID-19 vaccines distributed to developing and poorer countries in a quick and affordable manner involved the World Health Organization, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and the international community, she said.

    A platform called the COVAX facility has been developed with 186 countries on board, she noted, saying that the parties interested in serving the poor countries include 92 countries, for which resources have been raised in an attempt to distribute the vaccines quickly.

    She said the vaccines will initially be made available for frontline health workers, followed by some other target groups – older people, and those with underlying conditions.

    “I think the COVAX facility can cover about 20 percent to 23 percent of the population by the end of next year,” Okonjo-Iweala said.

    According to the AU envoy, Africans are blessed for not having the same incidence rate of COVID-19 as those of other continents. However, she warned African nations against complacency.

    The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the African continent has reached 2,284,907 as of Wednesday, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    The continental disease control agency said in a statement that the death toll related to the pandemic stood at 54,503. A total of 1,961,471 people have recovered across the continent so far.

    Source: GNA

  • Morocco normalizes relations with Israel under US brokered deal

    A big day for Morocco.

    Donald Trump announced on twitter the US had recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region.

    The announcement is part of a deal, which makes Morocco the latest Arab league country to agree to normalize relations with Israel.

    With US help, the kingdom becomes the fourth state to normalize relations with Israel since August.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel celebrated the announcement at a prearranged, televised Hanukkah lighting ceremony at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem.

    “I think that this is the foundation on which we can now build. This peace will resume liaison offices quickly between Israel and Morocco and work as rapidly as possible to establish full diplomatic relations. We’ll also institute direct flights between Morocco and Israel and Israel and Morocco giving this bridge of peace an even more solid foundation. This will be a very warm peace. Peace as never. The light of peace on this Hanukah day has never shown brighter than today in the Middle East.” Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel:

    Netanyahu had been accompanied by David M. Friedman, the American ambassador to Israel.

    On the subject of the Western Sahara, Morocco has always maintained the region is part of its territory although the African Union recognizes it as an independent state.

    The disputed region which is a former Spanish colony, was annexed by Morocco in 1975. It has since then been the subject of a long-running territorial dispute between Morocco and its indigenous Saharawi people, which is led by the pro-independence Polisario Front.

    Source: africanews.com

  • DR Congo parliament votes to oust pro-Kabila speaker

    Legislators in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday voted to remove the National Assembly speaker, as the political rift between President Felix Tshisekedi and supporters of his predecessor Joseph Kabila deepens.

    After parliament became a scene of brawls between MPS this week, they voted in favour of a petition to force out the National Assembly’s pro-Kabila speaker, Jeanine Mabunda.

    The petition was launched by Tshisekedi loyalists after the president announced on Sunday that he would seek to forge another coalition within the FCC, which controls 300 of 500 seats in parliament, or would otherwise dissolve the assembly.

    The coalition, formed in 2018 after Tshisekedi’s election, has prevented the president from passing much-needed reforms.

    A total of 484 MPs out of 500 were present at a tense session late Thursday debating whether to oust the assembly’s speaker Mabunda, with 281 voting in favor and 200 against.

    ‘Dictatorial regime’

    The speaker asked the assembly to reject the petition against her due to “purely technical and non-political” reasons.

    But the FCC accuses Tshisekedi of breaching the constitution.

    The party says Tshisekedi is plotting to establish a “dictatorial regime, in the service of personal power”.

    Kabila, who is still only 49 after ruling for 18 years, retains huge clout through political allies and appointees in the military.

    On Thursday Tshisekedi met with around 50 high-ranking army officials, who “reaffirmed their determination to only carry out his orders”, the presidency said on Twitter.

    Tshisekedi also met with military leaders last week, the head of the elite Republican Guard ordering his troops “not to plot” against the president.

    On Monday, pro-Tshisekedi MPs trashed furniture on the National Assembly’s podium, and on Tuesday, legislators on both sides brawled in the building’s lobby, prompting the police to intervene.

    Tshisekedi has been verbally supported by other countries, including the United States, France, and Belgium.

    Source: africanews.com

  • New Fifa Rankings: How Akonnor and Ghana finished 2020

    Ghana ends the year 2020 as the 52nd best men’s national football team in the world, according to the latest Fifa Rankings.

    Released on Thursday on Fifa’s official website, the new table sees the Black Stars, sandwiched between Greece (51) and Costa Rica (53), locked on their position from last month, also with no change in the total accumulated points.

    The lack of movement, which was generally the case of all other nations on the ranking, is a result of the team’s activity since the last ranking was announced in November.

    Ghana produced a mixed bag of results in their last set of international assignments, beating Sudan 1-0 in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier in Cape Coast courtesy of an Andre Ayew double but fell 1-0 away in the reverse fixture in Omdurman as Mohamed Abdelrahman struck late to win all three points for his side.

    The scores saw the CK Akonnor’s side drop down by four places on the November edition of the rankings.

    At the continental level, Ghana still hold eighth position, just above Mali (57) and Burkina Faso (58) in Africa’s Top 10. Senegal (20) continue to lead the pack, followed by Tunisia (26), Algeria (31), Morocco (35), Nigeria (35), Egypt (49) and Cameroon (50).

    The mixed results against Sudan also saw Ghana move from sixth to eighth on the continent in the November ranking.

    Back on the world table, there was no change among the top 57 countries due to the only two recognised international matches played across the globe since the last update.

    Belgium are still top of the table, their third straight time of finishing the year as leaders, while France, Brazil, England and Portugal hold the second, third, fourth and fifth positions respectively. Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico and Italy, in that order, sit sixth to tenth.

    Ghana returns to action on March 2021 with an Afcon 2022 qualifying double-header against South Africa (away) and Sao Tome and Principe (home) to conclude the series. The 2022 World Cup qualifiers will then take centre stage for the rest of the year.

    According to Fifa, the next edition of the world rankings will be announced on February 18, 2021.

    Source: goal.com

  • GPL Week 5 Preview – Inter Allies vs. Bechem United

    Inter Allies FC will be looking for a rebound on Saturday when they take on Bechem United at the Accra Sports Stadium in the Ghana Premier League.

    The capital-based side suffered a 1-0 defeat in the hands of King Faisal Babes FC in Techiman in their last league fixture.

    Inter Allies currently lie at the 11th position managing a single victory from four matches so far in the season and drawn once and lost twice.

    Head coach Tony Lokko has exited the club following a mutual termination on Wednesday leaving the position vacant.

    Technical director and youth development director Henrik Peters Lehm takes over on the interim for Saturday’s game.

    Goalkeeper Rashid Seidu has been named the club’s player of the month and is expected to replicate his form against the Hunters.

    Richmond Nii Lamptey is expected to be fit for this weekend’s match after missing the game against King Faisal through an injury.

    Bechem United make a second trip to the Greater Accra this season aiming to protect their unbeaten streak after three games.

    They opened their campaign in Dansoman where they held Liberty Professionals to a 1-1 draw coming from behind.

    The Hunters have recorded a win and a draw in their other two matches against WAFA SC and Aduana Stars respectively.

    Bechem have managed only a draw in their five previous games as guests to Inter Allies and have lost all of the last three in the Ghana premiership.

    Kwaku Danso and his men would want to change the status quo on Saturday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    Striker Prince Kwabena Adu didn’t make the journey to Dormaa Ahenkro to face Aduana in the last fixture.

    The prolific attacker is expected back in the fold for Bechem for the trip to Accra as he looks to find his mojo this campaign. He is yet to get to his best.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • EC’s computational errors have tainted the credibility of 2020 polls – Research Group

    A research institution named Research and Grant Institute of Ghana (REGIG) has raised concerns over the declared results for the presidential election saying the EC must provide answers over anomalies they have detected.

    The independent and non-governmental organization dedicated to the generation, dissemination, and utilization of research and data in Ghana and beyond, in an analysis released, said the results and details provided by the EC is questionable.

    “As researchers and data scientists, we are particular about the validity and reliability of the methodology used to obtain data. As we will be using the data for research purposes, it is extremely important we know the data curation process, as well as steps taken to rectify data anomalies. We call on the EC to take steps to provide answers to the pressing issues contained in this press release as we work together to strengthen our democratic institutions with data and science.”

    The EC on Thursday issued a statement admitting an error in the declared results.

    The Electoral Commission has clarified that its Chairperson, Jean Mensa, “inadvertently used 13,433,573 as the total valid votes cast.”

    “The total valid votes cast is 13,119,460. This does not change the percentages stated for each candidate and the declaration made by the Chairperson,” the EC said in the statement issued Thursday, December 10, 2020.

    The statement is coming after some top members of the NDC raised questions over the credibility of the percentage given the candidates.

    Reading to this, the institute said: “While the response from the EC is very timely, there are several lingering questions relating to the credibility of the presidential election results that researchers, data scientists, policy makers and political stakeholders demand answers for. This is particularly important given that the error was not limited to the total number of valid votes cast but also the total number of valid votes obtained by each candidate and their corresponding percentages.

    a. What accounted for the gross computational error in the results declared by the EC on the 9th of December, 2020?

    b. Was the result computed manually or an automated statistical software was used? If statistical software was used, what software was used and what could have contributed to such anomalies? If manual computation was used, how was it done and by who?

    c. Did the EC audit or verify the accuracy of the results prior to the declaration? How much due diligence was undertaken and by who?
    d. When did the EC notice the anomaly? Was it before, during and after the declaration of the result? How did the anomaly come to the attention to the EC? Was it an internal check or external prompt?

    e. What were the reasons behind or factors that contributed to some candidates recording an increase in votes whereas for others, there was a decrease in the number of valid votes obtained in the revised results released by the EC on 10th December 2020?

    f. What is the integrity of the supposed revised presidential results for advancing statistical discourses relating to the 2020 presidential election in Ghana published by the EC on 10th December 2020? What processes were adopted in revising the results?

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • CODEO condemns Odododiodio incident

    The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has condemned the shooting incident that took place within the Odododiodio constituency in the Greater Accra region during the December 7 election.

    Speaking to the media, the Acting Chairman of CODEO, Sheikh Armiyawo Shuaib described the Odododiodio incident as “regrettable”.

    He also called for swift investigations to find the perpetrators of the Odododiodio incident and other similar cases across the country.

    “The Odododiodio incident is one that comes very close to us. Very regrettable. In our report we indicated there were incidents of violence but like we mentioned, the cases of violence were not as widespread as to have marred the smoothness of the elections or to affect the integrity of the elections nationally.

    “So we regret those things. We never expected that in elections, somebody will lose his life or any drop of blood will fall on our land but our election contestation usually gives rise to some of those things but we hope that the security agencies will do their investigations and those who are found to have perpetrated some of those violence and criminal things will be brought to book,” Mr. Shuaib said.

    Two persons were confirmed dead in Odododiodoo after a gunfight and clashes erupted between the supporters of two main political parties in the area on Monday, 7 December 2020.

    Meanwhile, CODEO indicated that “the Electoral Commission (EC) has done its best to put in place the necessary arrangements to ensure that we are able to have smooth, transparent and fair elections”.

    Source: Class FM

  • Election 2020: Govern as President of all citizens Dr Kofi Amoah advises Akufo-Addo

    Celebrated Ghanaian businessman, Dr Kofi Amoah has joined various personalities in congratulating President-elect Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo on emerging the winner of the 2020 Presidential elections.

    This comes after Ghanaians went to the polls on Monday, December 7, 2020, to cast their ballot in a bid to elect a President and 275 Members of Parliament as part of a four-year constitutional mandate.

    In a post shared on Twitter, Dr Kofi Amoah urged the President-elect and Vice President-elect to govern the citizenry as one people irrespective of their political party affiliation.

    “Congrats to President-elect Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and Vice President-elect Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. My humble advice is that you may have campaigned as the NPP candidate, but I pray that post swearing-in, you will govern as President of ALL CITIZENS. Our nation needs REAL UNITY,” the tweet read.

    Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Jean Mensa on Wednesday, December 9, announced that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party polled 6,730,413, representing 51.595 percent while John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress garnered 6, 214, 889 representing 47.366 percent in the 8th election in the 4th Republic that had 12 candidates.

    See Dr Kofi Amoah’s tweet below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Over 3.5 million Ghanaians failed to vote in 2020 polls

    Data from the Electoral Commission (EC) shows that the 2020 parliamentary and presidential election ended with a 79 percent voter turnout.

    The EC disclosed that out of the total number of 17,027,641 registered voters on the electoral roll 13,434,857 of them turned up at the polling centres to exercise their franchise on election day.

    This implies that 3,592,784 voters did not vote.

    Chairperson of the Commission, Jean Mensa announced this during her declaration of the final results of the presidential election on Wednesday [December 9, 2020] evening.

    “The election was conducted in 38,622 polling stations across the country and in 275 constituencies. At the end of the transparent, fair, orderly, timely and peaceful Presidential Elections, the total number of valid votes cast was 13,432,857 representing 79% of the total registered voters”, she said.

    Further details show the total valid votes in the polls were 13,119,460.

    Total rejected ballots were 313,397 representing 2.333 per cent of the total votes.

    Comparison with 216 polls 

    In the 2016 elections, the total registered voters were 15,712,499. Out of this number, however, those who voted were 10,880,999.

    This data translated into 69.25 per cent voter turnout in the last election.

    The total number of valid votes then was 10,713,650.

    However, 167,346 of these votes representing 1.54 were recorded as invalid

    Distribution of 2020 votes

    The sitting President, Akufo-Addo obtained 6,730,587 votes, representing 51.30% while his main contender, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama followed suite with 6,213,182, representing 47.36% of the total ballots cast.

    Christian Kwabena Andrews, the flagbearer of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) placed third in the race, garnering 105,548 votes, representing 0.80% of the total ballots cast.

    The Returning Officer of the 2020 presidential election, Jean Mensa, also announced the figures exclude results from the Techiman South constituency which is currently under dispute.

    Below is the full list of the results from the 2020 elections as announced by the EC:

    Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (NPP) 6,730,587  (51.302%)

    John Dramani Mahama (NDC) 6,213,182 (47.359%)

    Christian Kwabena Andrews (GUM) 105,548  (0.805%)

    Ivor Kobina Greenstreet (CPP) 12,200 (0.093%)

    Akua Donkor (GFP) 5,574  (0.024%)

    Henry Herbert Lartey (GCPP) 3,564 (0.027%)

    Hassan Ayariga (APC) 7,138 (0.054%)

    Percival Kofi Akpaloo (LPG) 7,683 (0.059%)

    David Asibi Ayindenaba Apasera (PNC) 10,882 (0.083%)

    Brigitte Akosua Dzogbenuku (PPP) 6,849 (0.052%)

    Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings (NDP) 6,549 (0.050%)

    Alfred Kwame Asiedu Walker (Independent candidate) 9,704 (0.074%)

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Election related violence horrible – Akufo-Addo

    President-elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has condemned the violence recorded at Techiman and Odododiodoo during the 2020 general elections saying it should not repeat itself again.

    Delivering his victory speech after he was the declared winner, the president said the country must work to avoid the repetition of such events in future

    “I condemn in no uncertain terms the isolated incidents of post-electoral violence in Odododiodio and Techiman that led to a few regrettable deaths. May their souls rest in peace. We must work to avoid the repetition of such events in future.”

    He described the polls as peaceful and credible despite the violence recorded.

    “The orderly, commendable, and peaceful conduct of Ghanaians on election day is to be widely applauded. The high rates of adherence to COVID-19 protocols on the day ensured that the exercise passed off safely.”

    He commended the security agencies saying: “To the security services, who ensured the peace and safety of the process, Ghana will forever be in your debt. Your role has been invaluable in preserving law and order.”

    “And, lastly, but by no means the least, the praise of the nation goes to the media for the extensive coverage provided before, during, and after the conduct of the polls. I also say a big thank you to the domestic and international Election Observer Teams that have been in our country for the period of the election for their concern.”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Rojo Mettle Nunoo was not thrown out of national collation centre EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has described as “surprising” reports that National Democratic Congress representative Rojo Mettle Nunoo was thrown out of the national collation centre on Tuesday, 8 December 2020.

    According to the EC, the report is “false.”

    “Mr Rojo Mettle Nunoo was never at any point driven out of the national collation centre. This allegation comes as a surprise to the Commission,” the election management body said in a statement.

    Read the full statement below:

    Source: Class FM

  • Im personally happy that our next Parliament is tight – Anyidoho

    Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Atta-Mills Institute (AMI), Koku Anyidoho has said he is happy that Ghana will have a “tight parliament” next year.

    He said this is good for democracy in Ghana and would make negotiations in the House great.

    He was reacting to the outcome of the results for the parliamentary election.

    To him, the polls revealed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) cannot take the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for granted because it is still a formidable party.

    “The NDC is a strong political party that the NPP can not take for granted. I am personally happy that we have a tight parliament. It is good for democracy. It will enhance negotiation.”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • We will recapture our parliamentary seats from the NDC with hard work Akufo-Addo vows

    The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) undoubtedly suffered a greater defeat by losing more than thirty (30) of their parliamentary seats to the opposition party, the National Democratic Congress with one going to an Independent candidate.

    On the back of this development, President-elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has promised party supporters that his administration will work effortlessly in the next four years to ensure that they recapture all fallen parliamentary seats across the constituencies.

    Speaking at his residence after his official declaration as president-elect, Nana Addo promised to do his best to overturn the situation come 2024.

    “I want to assure you that, we will recapture all our parliamentary seats from the NDC. We will take it back with hard work and it all starts now. We will efficiently work in the next four years given us.”

    Notwithstanding, the ruling party says it will challenge the result of some parliamentary elections including the Savelugu constituency results that went in favour of the NDC.

    Nana Akufo-Addo polled 6,730,413, representing 51.595% while John Mahama garnered 6, 214, 889 representing 47.366% in the 8th election in the 4th Republic that had a dozen candidates.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Continue supporting me, I won’t forget you Akufo-Addo to NPP supporters

    President-elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has pledged to reward Ghanaians and his party supporters who sacrificed to ensure his victory in the 2020 presidential elections which took place on December 7.

    According to him, the result of the elections confirms that the country is impressed with the good work of the New Patriotic Party hence the promise to even do more in his second term in office as president.

    “I am going to work hard in office to ensure that every Ghanaian has a good life. Continue to support me, I won’t forget any of you,” said Nana Addo on Wednesday, December 9, 2020.

    Adding: “I will urge you to have patience and understanding for myself and the vice president, you will not be excluded from our plans. May God bless each one of you.”

    Nana Akufo-Addo polled 6,730,413, representing 51.595% while John Mahama garnered 6, 214, 889 representing 47.366% in the 8th election in the 4th Republic that had a dozen candidates.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ill work like I have everything to lose Akufo-Addo

    President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has promised the people of Ghana that he will not renege on his effort to make the country a better place.

    To him, unlike other Presidents who take the people for granted when they are given a second term, he has a different character and will work like he has a lot to lose.

    The President made this known while reading his victory speech at his residence at Nima in Accra.

    “There could be that tendency for an incumbent president who has just secured a second term in office, to as it where, take it easy and relax because there is nothing more to lose or prove. I am of a different character.

    “Just as I have been doing since January 2017, I give you my word that I will continue to work very hard to build a prosperous and progressive Ghana for which we yearn. The decisive margin of victory in this election constitutes for me an endorsement of the policies and programmes initiated by my government and put before the electorate…and I am determined to do all in my power to accomplish the task of this new mandate and thereby justify the confidence reposed in me.”

    “I assure you fellow Ghanaians that I would do my best not to let you down,” the President added.

    Source: My News GH

  • EC revises disparities in presidential election results percentages

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana has explained some disparities in the December 7 presidential election results percentages which was declared by the Chairperson of the Commission on Wednesday, December 9, 2020.

    The EC in a statement stated that, Jean Mensa â€œinadvertently used 13,433,573 as the total valid votes cast.”

    “The total valid votes cast is 13,119,460. This does not change the percentages stated for each candidate and the declaration made by the Chairperson,” a statement from the EC issued Thursday morning, December 10, 2020, said.

    Jean Mensa on Wednesday, December 9, announced that, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo polled 6,730,413, representing 51.595% while John Mahama garnered 6, 214, 889 representing 47.366% in the 8th election in the 4th Republic that had a dozen candidates.

    The result, the Chairperson noted “exclude that of the Techiman South Constituency, with a voter population of 1 hundred and 28 thousand and 18 (128,018). The said election results are not ready because they are being contested. As such collation is not complete. The difference between the total number of votes between by the first and second candidates is 5 hundred and 15 thousand, 5 hundred and 24 votes (515,524)”.

    “As a result, even if we added the 1 hundred and 28 thousand and 18 (128,018) to the results of the 2nd candidate, it would not change the outcome of the Presidential Election. Hence our declaration of the 2020 results without that of Techiman South”.

    “If we were to add the results from Techiman South Constituency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo would obtain 50.8% of the votes and John Dramani Mahama, would obtain 47.873% of the votes”.

    The EC has since provided a summary of the 2020 presidential election results without the Techiman South constituency.

    The percentages are as follows:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Rate of Inflation slows to 9.8 percent in November

    The year-on-year rate of inflation slowed for the fourth consecutive month to 9.8 percent in November compared with 10.1 percent the previous month.

    Professor Samuel Annim, the Government Statistician, who announced the rate, said the drop was the fourth consecutive monthly fall post-COVID-19.

    Month-on-month inflation was 0.3 percent, he said.

    The food inflation rate stood at 11.7 percent and non-food inflation was 8.3 percent. Inflation in locally produced items stood at 11.5 percent and imported items at 5.6 percent.

    Prof. Annim said stark variation continued to exist across regions, and source and type of items.

    At the regional level, the overall year-on-year inflation ranged from 3.4 percent in the Upper West and Volta Regions to 15.2 percent in Greater Accra.

    Prof. Annim said Greater Accra was the only region which recorded a food inflation rate of 13.7 percent.

    Source: GNA

  • BoG addresses digital payment needs of SMEs

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has established a new merchant payment system that will introduce a tiered account structure to ensure that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are able to access merchant accounts tailored to their needs.

    According to the central bank, the tiered account structure will ensure that different customer types are able to sign on to electronic money accounts suitable to their needs, thereby promoting inclusive access to digital payments.

    This, the BoG said, is to ensure that SMEs that do not meet the stipulated merchant requirements under the Payment Systems and Services Act 2019 (Act 987) get the opportunity to access merchant accounts that will enable them to accept payments by debit or credit cards.

    Section 32 (1) of the Payment Systems and Services Act mandates categorisation of customer electronic money account on risk-based Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, which is evidenced by the tiered KYC account structure.

    At present, the merchant account requirements under Act 987 can be met by merchants that have been registered as corporate entities only, which excludes SMEs.

    “This apparent misalignment of digital payments at a merchant point of sale undermines the national digitisation agenda on account of SMEs constituting over 85 percent of businesses in Ghana,” the central bank said.

    To remedy the situation, the bank has established tiered merchant account categories on risk-based KYC requirements with commensurate transactional limits.

    The first tier covers small-size entities with average monthly transaction value of not more than GH¢5,000, whereas the second tier covers medium-size entities with an average monthly transaction value of between GH¢5,000 and GH¢15,000. The third tier covers corporate entities with an average monthly transaction value of above GH¢15,000.

    Source: Business 24