TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • 400,000 seedlings distributed to coconut farmers — GEPA

    As part of its commitment to boost Ghana’s non-traditional export sector, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), has distributed 400,000 coconut seedlings to farmers across the country under the Government of Ghana Coconut Revitalization Programme.

    The coconut seedlings distribution exercise which commenced in June 2020 and intended to accelerate the production of the tree crop for export, has been lauded by key industry stakeholders, particularly the Coconut Federation of Ghana (COCOFEG), as a timely intervention to farmers in the wake of the COVID-19 coronavirus health crisis.

    CEO of Ignite Farms, a commercial coconut grower and exporter based in the Bono East Region, Jeffery Osei Bonsu, lauded GEPA for the initiative and pledged to continue collaborating with the government to grow the industry.

    Mr. Osei Bonsu said the government’s supply of 10,000 coconut seedlings to the company will ease its cost of production and give it a significant boost to thrive in the industry.

    Director of GEPA in charge of Ashanti, Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions, George Danquah Ameyaw, said the distribution of seedlings forms part of the government’s flagship programme, Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD), which is being spearheaded by GEPA.

    He said, just as the Western Region, Ghana’s middle belt has the potential of becoming a hub for the production and processing of coconut for both the domestic and export markets.

    Ghana’s coconut industry, according to organisers of the 2019 International Coconut Festival held in Accra, has a potential of earning the country 2.8 billion dollars of revenue annually.

    Underscoring its enormous economic potential, the Government of Ghana added coconut into the National Tree Crop Development Authority (NTCDA), which was established in 2019 and mandated to develop and regulate production, processing, marketing and export of coconut and other selected tree crops.

    The implementation of the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS), which was launched in October 2020 and currently being championed by GEPA, is also expected to develop businesses to produce value-added products for export.

    In 2017, Ghana was ranked 14th on the list of the world’s top coconut producers, with 383,960 metric tonnes produced that year alone according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Corporate Statistical Database.

    Source: Lord Kweku Sekyi, Contributor

  • Akufo-Addo vows to work hard to put Ghana on economic recovery

    President-elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has resolved to work extra harder to turn the fortunes of the country around.

    He also expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for giving him a resounding victory in the 2020 presidential elections.

    Addressing party officials and faithful at his him after the declaration of the presidential results by the Returning Officer of the 2020 presidential election, Jean Mensa, on Wednesday Nana Akufo-Addo said he is committed to put the country on the road to prosperity by working hard.

    “Just as I have been doing since 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 size and margin of this election constitute for me an endorsement of the policies and programs initiated by my government.”

    “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 will do my best not to let you down.”

    He also committed to working together with the minority in parliament in the interest of the nation.

    “The Ghanaian people through the results have made it loud and clear that the two parties must work together for the good of the country. Now is the time for each and every one of us, irrespective of our political affiliations, to work hard and place Ghana where we want it to be.”

    The President-elect said he seeks to “reverse the adverse effect COVID-19 has had on our economy and lives” in his second term.

    Nana Akufo-Addo, who led the New Patriotic Party into the December 7 polls, obtained 6,730,413 votes out of a total of 13,434,574, representing 51.59% while the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama placed second, garnering 6,214,889 which represents 47.36% of the total ballots cast.

    Source: Business 24

  • Give MPs developmental role and not only lawmaking NPP MP-elect

    Member of Parliament (MP)-elect for the Ejisu Constituency in the Ashanti Region Lawyer John Kumah has suggested an amendment of the law to include developmental roles in the duties of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the various constituencies across the country.

    “We have the capacity to build this country without aid; we can do it… we have to put our mind into it, we can do it. This is why I have suggested that we have to redefine the role of the MP and make it a development focus project”. Lawyer John Kumah said this in an interview with Kumasi-based Nhyira FM monitored by MyNewsGH.com.

    Members of Parliament are not responsible for developing their constituencies; however, most of them when contesting for the position tend to make huge promises to their constituents.

    In most occasions, these members of Parliament fail to fulfil their promise incurring the wrath of constituents.

    But speaking to Nhyira FM, Mr. John Kumah noted that giving MPs the opportunity to go into development will go a long way to make their constituencies better.

    According to him, lawmakers must also focus on some key sectors in their constituencies which can be explored, to make them useful, create jobs and make money out of them for the development of the country.

    He insisted that, the agriculture sector alone has greater prospects for development if Members of Parliament engage themselves in the sector.

    Source: My News GH

  • Physically challenged, homeless mother of 8 begs for support

    For Tema residents, you might have seen her at the TDC traffic light at Community 1 with a pan full of lemons sitting in a wheelchair under an umbrella.

    Elizabeth Boadiwaa is her name. A 48-year-old woman with eight children. She was not born physically incapacitated but she’s had to live with it after a wrong injection by a doctor at age 15.

    Due to this, she is unable to walk and needs leg callipers (physically handicapped shoes) to aid her movement.

    Speaking on Daily hustle on SVTV Africa, Elizabeth said that she has to sleep and bathe at a market place. Rainy nights are the most difficult times.

    Her youngest child completed JHS this year and two others completed SHS, all with good grades. According to her, their father has deserted the kids and don’t cater to them.

    Please you want to support Madam Elizabeth, kindly call +233-244790902

    Watch the full interview below

    Source: svtvafrica.com

  • NPP will go to court over electoral malfeasance – John Boadu

    Mr John Boadu, General-Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) says the Party will go to court over electoral malfeasance after the Electoral Commission (EC) has officially declared the 2020 general election.

    According to him, an electoral officer voted during the Special Voting on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, and voted again at the main election on Monday, December 7.

    He noted that the conduct of the electoral officer amounted to multiple voting and would challenge the result from that particular polling station in court.

    Even though Mr Boadu did not disclose the exact polling station the incident happened.

    Mr John Boadu told journalists in Accra on Wednesday, ahead of the declaration of the 2020 Presidential Election.

    He indicated that although the leadership had agreed to sign the parliamentary declaration form of that particular constituency, the Party will head to court for redress.

    Mr Boadu said based on the Party’s tabulation of the general election, the NPP had won 137 parliamentary seats, however, four or five parliamentary results were under dispute and believed that the NPP would win those seats to form the Majority in Parliament.

    “We are a Party of peace and do not win election just for winning sake but we win to develop this country,” Mr Boadu added.

    Ghana went to the polls on December 7, 2020, to elect a President and 275 parliamentarians to steer the affairs of the country for the next four years.

    Source: GNA

  • Baffour Awuah’s revoked appointment cost NPP downfall in Upper West Denkyira

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has for the first time lost in Upper West Denkyira Parliamentary seat in the 2020 General elections.

    According to grapevine source, the defeat is as a result of the revocation of the appointment of Dr Baffour Awuah.

    Dr Baffour Awuah, a former medical practitioner at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, a consultant radiation oncologist and former head of oncology directorate before he became medical director at KATH was so closed to become the Chief Executive Officer but he was shot in the foot by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo-leaving the constituents peeved.

    Dr. Baffour Awuah confirmed in 2019 that government cancelled its decision to appoint him as the new Director-General of the Ghana Health Service.

    But some reports, however, suggest that the termination follows information forwarded to the seat of government by a Medical Team loyal to the New Patriotic Party that revealed the new GHS boss is an opposition NDC loyalist since 1992 but managed to warm his way into NPP after January 7, 2017.

    Upper West Denkyira Consistency has been a stronghold for the New Patriotic Party but due to the unfair treatment meted out to Dr. Baffour Awuah, The NPP appreciated a defeat at the constituency.

    Even though, there was numerous calls from the Chiefs, Opinion leaders, youth groups and Constituents fell on dead ears

    The statistics of the polls stand as follows;

    2004: NPP 12, 072

    NDC 5, 339

    Parliamentary Results: NPP 12, 177 NDC- 5,445

    2008: NPP amassed 10,668

    NDC 6,291

    Parliamentary: NPP 9, 339

    NDC 1, 769

    2012 Presidential: NPP 15, 364

    NDC: 10, 830

    Parliamentary: NPP 14,111

    NDC: 10, 192

    2016: NPP 17,068

    NDC: 10, 030

    Parliamentary: NPP 16,881

    NDC: 10,655

    2020: NPP: 18, 413

    NDC: 17, 136

    Parliament: NPP 15, 662

    NDC: 16, 159

    The figures above shows clearly that Upper Denkyira west was a stronghold of the ruling NPP until this year’s Elections

    Source: Ofori Frimpong, Contributor

  • Absence of Techiman South collation results will not influence presidential verdict EC

    Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa says the declaration of Nana Akufo-Addo as President-elect will not be affected by the absence of Techiman South Constituency collated results.

    According to the returning officer of the Presidential election, the collation will not make any difference to the existing percentage and vote cast by the electorate.

    “A collation of all results from the Techiman South Constituency added to the percentage and vote of the second candidate, John Dramani Mahama would be a percentage of 47.873% of total vote cast.

    “And Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo would obtain 50.8% of the total vote cast.

    “It is on that basis that we say the outcome of the election will not change, hence our declaration of the 2020 Presidential result without that of Techiman South,” she said.

    Madam Jean Mensa announced the verdict using the existing Presidential results of 270 out of 275 constituencies, with Akufo-Addo gaining 51.17% and John Mahama winning 47.46%.

    The returning officer moved to declare Akufo-Addo as President-elect of the Republic of Ghana.

    She used the opportunity to caution Ghanaians to let “peace reign”.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Victory Speech: I will do my best not to let you down – President-elect Akufo-Addo

    President-elect Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has extended an olive branch to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) after being elected for a second four-year term in the 2020 General Election.

    In a victory speech at his Nima residence in Accra, President Akufo-Addo said the decisive margin of his victory constitutes an endorsement of the policies and programmes of his New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration has instituted over the past four year years.

    He won the poll with 6,730,413 votes which represent 51.595 per cent of the total valid votes cast – 515,524 votes more than his closest competitor, John Dramani Mahama from the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) who got 47.366 per cent of the valid votes cast.

    He said he was 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 will do my best not to let you down”.

    Olive branch

    “The period for campaigning is over and the outcome of the election has been decided. The Ghanaian people through the results have made it loud and clear that the two parties; the NDC and NPP must work together especially in Parliament for the good of the country,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    “Now is the time for each and every one of us, irrespective of our political affiliation to unite, join hands, stand shoulder to shoulder and work hard to place Ghana where she deserves to be. A prosperous and dynamic member of the global community making her own unique contribution to the growth of world civilization”.

    Immediate task

    Laying out the immediate task of his second term, President Akufo-Addo promised to regain Ghana’s reputation as the fastest-growing economy in the world by reversing the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Ghanaian economy and the lives of its citizens.

    He added that he would do all to put the nation on course for a full economic recovery.

    “Before the pandemic struck, Ghana in recent years was one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, I give you my word, we will regain that reputation,” he said.

    Best Election

    The President also commended the Jean Mensah-led Electoral Commission for delivering what he described as “one of the best elections” in the history of Ghana.

    He said the poll held on Monday across the country’s 16 regions had won universal acclaim even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The Electoral Commission even in the midst of the pandemic has done a yeoman’s job and we can only urge them to continue on the path and achieve even greater strides in future”.

    President Akufo-Addo commended the Ghanaian electorate for their orderliness and adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols on election day.

    He also commended the country’s security services and the media for contributing towards the success of the poll.

    Condemnation

    The President condemned what he described as”isolated incidents of post-electoral violence” in Odododiodio and Techiman that resulted in the death of four persons.

    “We must work to avoid a repetition of such events in future,” he stressed.

    Moderate celebrations

    Urging moderate celebrations by supporters of the NPP, President Akufo-Addo said they should desist from untoward acts.

    “At the end of the day, despite holding different political views, we shall all remember that we are all part of one family, one Ghanaian family with a common overriding agenda which is to oversee the growth and development of Mother Ghana.

    “Let us continue to conduct ourselves with decorum and maintain the peace and stability of the nation which is the envy of many around the world”.

    He further pledged to advance the peace, progress and prosperity of all Ghanaians.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Election 2020: Full list of presidential results

    The Returning Officer for the just-ended 2020 general election, Jean Mensa, has declared Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the President of Ghana for the next four years.

    This was after she announced the results of 274 out of 275 constituencies in the country, leaving out the Techiman South constituency.

    According to the Electoral Commission, the total number of valid votes cast was 13,434,574 representing 79% of total registered voters.

    The sitting President, Akufo-Addo obtained 6,730,413 votes, representing 51.59% while his main contender, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama followed suite with 6,214,889, 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 105,565 votes, representing 0.80% of the total ballots cast.

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

    Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (NPP) 6,730,413 (51.595%)

    John Dramani Mahama (NDC) 6,214,889 (47.366%)

    Christian Kwabena Andrews (GUM) 105,565 (0.805%)

    Ivor Kobina Greenstreet (CPP) 12,215 (0.093%)

    Akua Donkor (GFP) 5,575 (0.024%)

    Henry Herbert Lartey (GCPP) 3,574 (0.027%)

    Hassan Ayariga (APC) 7,140 (0.054%)

    Percival Kofi Akpaloo (LPG) 7,690 (0.059%)

    David Asibi Ayindenaba Apasera (PNC) 10,887 (0.083%)

    Brigitte Akosua Dzogbenuku (PPP) 6,848 (0.052%)

    Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings (NDP) 6,612 (0.050%)

    Alfred Kwame Asiedu Walker (Independent candidate) 9,703 (0.074%)

    Source: citinewsroom

  • This is the day the Lord has made – Akufo-Addo says after winning 2020 election

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians that he will work hard to ensure a prosperous nation for all.

    “I give you my word that I will continue to work very hard for a prosperous Ghana,” President Akufo-Addo said following his re-election at the just ended December 7 polls. 

    President Akufo-Addo won the poll with 6,730,413 votes which represent 51.595 per cent of the total valid votes cast – 515,524 votes more than his closest competitor, John Dramani Mahama from the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) who got 47.366 per cent of the valid votes cast.

    In a victory speech at his Nima residence in Accra, President Akufo-Add said “I’m determined to do all in my power to accomplish the task of this new mandate.”

    “I assure you, fellow Ghanaians, that I will do my best not to let you down.”

    He also attributed his victory to God’s grace, saying, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

    “I give thanks to the Almighty God for his continuous mercies and granting my party and I this all important win,” he added. 

    “It’s been a hard fought one which has resulted in an incontestable result and I am duly grateful for how far he has brought us,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    He noted however that he was certain of victory considering the “amount of work that we have done since coming into office in 2017.”

    He expressed appreciation to Ghanaians for entrusting him with the power to progress the nation in the right direction.

    “I’m extremely grateful to you for this victory.  I am deeply humbled by your show of confidence and I do not take this lightly. Just as I have been doing in 2017, I give you my word that I will continue to work very hard,” he said.

    He also acknowledged that the parliamentary election results were an indication that the NPP and NDC must work together for the growth of the country.

    “Now is the time for each and every one of us, irrespective of our political affiliation to unite, join hands, stand shoulder to shoulder and work hard to place Ghana where she belongs to be.”

    Immediate task

    President Akufo-Addo emphasised that his immediate task was to put Ghana back on the path of recovery following the negative impact of the Coronavius disease on the nation.

    He said “My immediate task will be to continue the process of reversing the effects COVID-19 has had on our nation and our lives and put the economy on course for full recovery and development. Before the pandemic struck, Ghana in recent years was one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. I give you my word, we will regain that reputation.”

    Commendations

    The President als0 commended the Jean Mensah-led Electoral Commission for delivering what he described as “one of the best elections” in the history of Ghana.

    He said the poll held on Monday across the country’s 16 regions had won universal acclaim even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The Electoral Commission even in the midst of the pandemic has done a yeoman’s job and we can only urge them to continue on the path and achieve even greater strides in future,” he said.

    President Akufo-Addo commended the Ghanaian electorate for their orderliness and adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols on election day.

    He also commended the country’s security services and the media for contributing towards the success of the poll.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Election 2020: Incumbent NDC MPs who failed to retain their seats

    So far, at least 18 incumbent National Democrstic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament (MPs) have lost their seats.

    That is aside from the 10 NDC MPs who lost their primaries last year, and seven others who are retiring.

    That means 35 current NDC MPs out of the 106 are not returning to Parliament.

    Almost 72 incumbent NPP legislators are also not returning to Parliament.

    In total at least 110 out of the 275 current MPs are not returning to the House from January 7, 2021.

    Below is the list of NDC MPs and their constituencies.

    1) Adams Mutawakilu Damongo
    2) Edward Kaale Ewola Dery Lambuisie
    3) Abdul Rauf Tanko Yagaba Kubori
    4) Sualihu Dandaawa Alhassan Karaga
    5) Mohammed Abdul Aziz Mion
    6) Charles Binipom Bintin Saboba
    7) Wahab Wumbei Suhuyini Tolon
    8) Simon Acheampong Tampi Tatale Sanguli
    9) Alhassan Umar Zabzugu
    10) Mahama Shaibu Daboya Mankarigu
    11) Mumuni Alhassan Salaga North
    12) Dr Robert Baba Kuganab-Lem Binduri
    13) Samuel Abdulai Jananyite Chereponi
    14) Joseph Naabu Yunyoo
    15) Felicia Adjei Kintampo South
    16) Mohammed Massawud Pru West
    17) Derek Darko Ohene Asifo Bekoe Upper West Akim
    18) Mumuni Alhassan Salaga North

    Source: myjoyonline

  • EC declares NPP’s Akufo-Addo winner of 2020 presidential election

    Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been given the mandate to govern Ghana for the next four years from January 7, 2021 to January 6, 2025.

    This follows the declaration by the Electoral Commission (EC) that he is the winner of the presidential election held on Monday, December 7, 2020.

    Nana Akufo-Addo who contested the election on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) won with 6,730,413 votes which represents 51.595 percent of the total valid votes cast.

    His closest competitor, John Dramani Mahama from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) got 6,214,889 votes representing 47.36 per cent.

    The total valid votes cast was 13, 434,574 representing 79 per cent of the total registered voters.

    Declaring the results Wednesday evening [December 9, 2020], 48 hours after the polls closed, the Chairperson of the EC, Mrs Jean Mensa described the elections as “incident free” and “peaceful.”

    She said the technology deployed on Election Day worked efficiently and effectively.

    She said the usual hustle and long queues at polling stations in past elections were all absent.

    Without Techiman South

    The election results was declared without the Techiman South constituency where the results is in dispute.

    The number of registered voters in that constituency is 128,018.

    The chairperson of the EC said: “the results is not ready because they are being contested, as such collation has not been completed.”

    “It is important to note however, the difference between the total number of votes between the first and second candidates is 515,524 votes. As a result, if you add the 128,018 full results to the results of the second candidate [John Dramani Mahama], it will not change the outcome of the election, hence our declaration of the 2020 presidential results without that of Techiman South,” Mrs Mensa said.

    “Indeed if we were to add the entire results, or collate all the results of the Techiman South constituency and that to the percentage and votes of the second candidate, Mr John Dramani Mahama, he will obtain 47.873 percent of the total votes cast and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will obtain 50.8 percent of the total votes cast.

    “It is on that basis that we say that the outcome of the election will not change, hence our declaration of the 2020 presidential election without that of Techiman South,” Mrs Mensa added.

    “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, on the basis of the foregoing election results, and by the power vested in me as the chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, and the Returning Officer of the presidential election, it is my duty and honour to declare Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as President-elect of the Republic of Ghana. May God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong, let peace rain,” Mrs Mensa declared.

    More to follow

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Be cautious in your communications Peace Ambassador to political parties

    A peace ambassador at the Office of the National Chief Imam, Clemence Gyato, has urged political parties to be cautious with their choice of words since it can bring about electoral disputes in the country.

    This has become necessary due to the tensions emanating from the two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    In a statement, Clemence Gyato “entreated political parties and their supporters to exercise circumspection in their communications to the public”.

    He added that, “electoral disputes have thrown many countries into devastation and the least we can do for our motherland is to preserve the enviable peace we have”.

    Notwithstanding that, he applauded the Electoral Commission and various political parties for participating in conducting a peaceful election.

    “The Electoral Commission, the political parties, and Ghanaians, in general deserve plaudits for the peaceful and orderly in which the exercise was conducted,” he added.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Election 2020: Show integrity in outstanding electoral processes CSOs to EC

    Some Civil Society Organizations have called on the Electoral Commission to show integrity in the declaration of the results.

    “We call on all the leadership and staff of the Electoral Commission to remain responsible, tolerant and continue to show a high level of integrity in all the outstanding processes.”

    The CSOs coalition which comprises Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), IMANI-Ghana, Penplusbytes, Citizens Movement Against Corruption (CMaC), Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Ghana Integrity Initiative, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), SEND Ghana and Renel Ghana Foundation (RGF) commended Ghanaians and the Electoral Commission on the peaceful conduct of the general election irrespective of the reports of violence in a few areas.

    In a statement issued by the group, they advised the two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP), to “get their members to stay calm, while we wait for the Electoral Commission to provide all the certified results and make the final declaration.”

    They also encouraged the parties to desist from holding further press conferences and allow the EC to work.

    Click here to read the full statement

    Source: citinewsroom

  • No NDC party agent was ejected from national collation centre EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has dismissed claims that a representative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rojo Mettle Nunoo was ejected from the national collation centre on Tuesday.

    The Commission in a statement said, “Rojo Mettle Nunoo was never at any point driven out of the national collation centre.”

    It added that is taken aback by such a claim.

    “The allegation comes as a surprise to the Commission. Mr Rojo Mettle Nunoo has comported himself and cooperated with the staff of the Commission and other Political Party Agents throughout the process of validating the results coming from the Regional Collation Centres and has expressed no concerns with the certified results released so far.”

    The election management body further indicated that the National collation centre has been “peaceful and cordial throughout the process.”

    Below is the full statement;

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Stop declaring election results, its not your job GJA warns media houses

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has cautioned all media houses to refrain from declaring the results of the just-ended general elections held on Monday, December 7, 2020.

    The Association reminded the media that the declaration of the election results is a constitutional mandate assigned to only the Electoral Commission (EC).

    In a press release signed by the GJA President, Affail Monney, it noted that the media can only report certified results by the EC as well as make projections but do not have the power to adjudge any political party the winner in the presidential race.

    The release stressed that “as the nation awaits the result declaration by the EC and as the two leading political parties make claims and counterclaims, the GJA urges the media to use their platforms to cool down tension and calm the nerves of Ghanaians. The GJA believes at this critical moment, the media must play a constructive role rather than inflame passion or act in an untoward manner that may lead to the disturbance of the peace.”

    “After the declaration of the results, the media must focus on and promote the acceptance of the results by all and the need to foster national security. These are the charges the media have to keep and they must not dare not fail the nation.”

    This warning comes after some media conglomerates declared NPP’s Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the winner of the presidential race.

    .

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • NDC will resist any alteration of results Minority Leader

    The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, has said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will resist any attempt to change the Techiman South parliamentary results.

    In a press briefing at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), the re-elected Tamale South Member of Parliament said the governing party is using military officers to intimidate electoral officers to recount the ballots in the process to change results in their favour.

    “The military cannot intimidate us with their guns,” he said.

    He added that it is illegal to recount the results at a polling station.

    “It is not legally permissible to do recount at collation centres and using the military to intimidate for a recount.

    “Collation centres are centres for aggregation of polls from polling stations. They are not to be used for the purpose of recounting.”

    Source: 3 News

  • GUMs Osofo Kyiri Abosom congratulates Akufo-Addo

    The Flagbearer of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) party has reportedly called President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to concede defeat in the just-ended election. 

    The Communications Director at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin disclosed this in a Facebook post.

    The presidential candidate of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Henry Herbert Lartey has reportedly also conceded defeat.

    Mr. Lartey, according to Mr. Arhin congratulated President Akufo-Addo for supposedly emerging victorious in the election.

    “The Presidential candidate of the GCPP, Dr. Henry Herbert Lartey, has just called President Akufo-Addo to concede defeat and congratulate him on his victory in the presidential election.”

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has not officially announced the winner of the presidential election. 

    In an announcement, Jean Mensah, the Chairperson of the EC, said they had received the results of 14 out of the 16 regions.

    The EC has confirmed 7 of the results received from those regions. 

    Source: citinewsroom

  • 12-year-old shot dead in Savelugu over results declaration

    An unknown assailant has shot a 12-year-old dead, injured three others in Savelugu.

    This comes after the NDC candidate was declared the winner in the parliamentary race in that constituency.

    The incident occurred Tuesday, December 8, 2020, when NDC supporters stormed the Savelugu township to celebrate the win of their parliamentary candidate elect.

    Divisional Police Command, DSP Twumasi Ankrah, confirmed the shooting incident to Daily Guide.

    According to him, the police were able to retrieve AK47 guns upon their arrival at the scene.

    In the interview, he stated that “When police went to the scene, we retrieved AK47 empty shells.”

    DSP Twumasi Ankrah furthered that the Savelugu police have begun investigations into the matter.

    He, however, urged residents to be cautious to prevent mayhem in Savelugu after the Electoral Commission announces the winner of the presidential race later today.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Election 2020: Police confirms 5 deaths in 3 regions

    The Ghana police has confirmed the death of 5 civilians across the nation between December 7, 2020, and December 9, 2020.

    The five deaths were recorded in the Odododiodio in the Greater Region, Techiman South Constituency in the Bono East Region, and Savelugu Constituency in the Northern Region.

    The Joint Operation centre of the National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF) recorded a total number of 61 electoral and post-electoral nationwide of which 21 are true cases of electoral violence that involved gunshots resulting in the death of 6.

    This is according to a statement released by the Director of Public Affairs, Superintendent of Police, Sheila Kessie Abyaie-Buckman.

    She commended the public for their cooperation with pre-security measures put in place bad executed through the electioneering period.

    She, however, added that the “NESFT deems the incident recorded could have been avoided and therefore condemns their occurrences and promise to investigate each of them”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Recounting of votes at collation centre unlawful NDC

    The National Democratic Congress has expressed dismay over what it describes as “unwarranted recounting of votes” at some collation centres across the nation.

    The Party said such acts did not only contravene the laws that governed the electoral process but also caused “undue delay in collating the results.”

    Speaking at a fourth update by the Party on the December polls, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of the NDC, said laws governing the polls only allowed recounting to be done at polling stations.

    He said the law only permitted recounting at a collation centre if a dissatisfied agent(s) had filed complaint sheet challenging the results of the ballots cast.

    The General Secretary said it was, therefore, surprising that many collation centres continued to allow recount even though no such formal complaint had been filed by party agents at polling station levels.

    “In fact, the process of recounting cannot be initiated at the collation centre at all, the law is very very clear. If at the polling station you disagree with any result you will call for a recount at the polling station. And the Presiding Officer must comply for the first time,” he said.

    “If you are not satisfied, you can call for a second recount, if the presiding officer disagrees with you, then you indicate that you want the content of a particular ballot box to be recounted at the collation centre. It is only there and then that a box can be reopened at a collation centre for a recount.”

    “We wish to report that out of the 275 constituencies, the NDC has won 141. That put us in a clear majority and will be giving John Mahama the needed majority in Parliament to be able to conduct his business as President.”

    “What the clear majority means in a Parliamentary term is that the NDC will be selecting the next Speaker of Parliament, the First Deputy Speaker will be selecting all Chairmen of parliamentary select and standing committees. That gives us absolute control of the house,” he added.

    Source: GNA

  • Peace Council expresses concern over NDC/NPP declaration of results

    The National Peace Council (NPC) on Tuesday expressed concern over the declaration of the results of the December 7 polls by both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    The Reverend Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, NPC Chairman, said the Council had noted with grave concern the press conferences organized by the two main political parties to declare their results of the just-ended elections.

    “We would like to reiterate that the Electoral Commission (EC) is the only constitutionally mandated institution to declare the results of the presidential elections,” Rev Dr Adu-Gyamfi stated at a press conference organized by the NPC and the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) in Accra.

    “We, therefore, call on all actors involved to respect and adhere to the laws of the country and exercise patience as the EC undertake its mandate,” he said.

    He expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their patriotism on Election Day and their patience in the post-voting activities.

    He called on the National Election Security Taskforce to take control of the situation and respond appropriately.

    “We continue to encourage all media houses to be circumspect in their reportage of the ongoing counting and coalition processes and appeal to Ghanaians and as we wait for the EC’s declaration of the official results,” Rev Dr Adu-Gyamfi said.

    “We entreat the international observer missions in the country to continue their preventive diplomatic engagement with the stakeholders to neutralize the tension.”

    The press conference was to formally bring to a closure the WANEP/NPC’s Electoral violence Monitoring, Analysis and Mitigation (EMAM) Election Situation Room (ESR).

    Source: GNA

  • Lets wait patiently for the presidential results – Peace Council

    The Reverend Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the National Peace Council, has appealed to political parties and the citizenry to wait patiently for the Electoral Commission to formally declare the presidential election results of the 2020 polls.

    He said that was the only way to ensure peace prevailed ahead of the declaration and asked political parties to refrain from organizing press conferences.

    Rev. Adu-Gyamfi made the appeal when he granted an interview to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Tuesday.

    He said press conferences by the two main political parties were brewing tension and must be discouraged.

    The Chairman of the Peace Council maintained that Ghana was a beacon of democracy and must be seen as giving hope to the continent and urged all political parties and their supporters to relax and wait patiently for the formal declaration by the EC.

    The EC had planned to formally declare results of the presidential elections in 24 hours after polls ended but unlikely to declare the results early as scheduled.

    Source: GNA

  • Election 2020: Don’t dare me again – Sam George warns NPP PC

    The incumbent Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram Constituency, Samuel Nartey George has sent a strong word of caution to his main opponent in the 2020 Parliamentary race, Alex Martey not to ever dare him again.

    Alex Martey had predicted that he will beat the incumbent NDC MP by an overwhelming vote on December 7, only for him to lose miserably.

    Sam George polled 48,601 votes against Alex Martey who secured 19,911 votes in the 2020 Parliamentary race.

    Sam George who was confident of his chances of winning the elections, had promised to defeat his contender by a 20,000 margin and he did just that as he earned 28,690 votes in margin.

    However, speaking after the polls, Sam George advised Alex Martey not to ever dare him again. He added that a lion like himself can never be terrified by a hyena like Alex Martey.

    “In coming into this elections he said he was the hyena and that the hyena was coming to chase out the lion. If he had DSTV and watched National Geographic he would know the hyena could not stand up to the lion, Sam George said.

    He added “He promised me 20,000 votes but he did not get 20,000 votes. But I have no words for him but to tell him to cut his coat according to his size. Next time when you want to pick a fight, know who you going to fight.”

    Watch the video below

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Election 2020: International communities call for calm ahead of results declaration

    The Heads of ECOWAS and African Union Election Observation Missions, and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel and Head of UNOWAS has urged all political stakeholders and the Ghanaian citizenry to exercise patience and remain calm as the Electoral Commission (EC) prepares to officially declare the presidential election results.

    A joint statement of ECOWAS, African Union and UNOWAS issued on 8 December 2020 entreated all political parties, especially the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to abide by their commitments to peace throughout the electioneering period.

    Part of the statement read: “In recognition of the important role of political leaders, especially the two major parties, the NPP and NDC, in preserving the peace in line with their commitments, including the signing of the Peace Pact on 4 December 2020, we urge all political parties and their leadership to respect the spirit and letter of these commitments.

    “Furthermore, we appeal to political parties and their followers to refrain from any conduct that may undermine the successful conclusion of the electoral process. We also call on state institutions to continue to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism and transparency”.

    The international communities also commended “the people of Ghana for the peaceful conduct of the 7 December 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.”

    Source: Class FM

  • CBD empty as pockets of traders’ record low sales

    The Central Business District (CBD) of Accra was empty with pockets of traders conducting business in front of closed shops and pavement on Tuesday.

    The Ghana News Agency monitoring team, during a tour of the CBD on Monday to assess the impact of the elections on sales, showed that most shops at Makola, Rawlings Park, and Tudu were closed.

    The usually busy streets were empty while commercial drivers struggled to get passengers.

    Speaking to the GNA at Tudu, Emmanuel Arhin, who trades in ladies dresses said sales had generally been slow, and that, he was among the early voters at Santa Maria and decided to come down to the market to do business.

    He said because of low sales, he would be leaving the market for home.

    Ama Achaa, who deals in men under wear said she came to Tudu about 05:30 hours but but sales has been bad due to the ongoing polls.

    Achaa said she would be voting at Kinbu Senior High School later on, saying that; “I will only walk to the place and cast my ballot.

    Ruth Quaicoe a roasted plantain seller at the Rawlings Park said she arrived at the Rawlings Park at about 09:00 hours to sell for the few people around who may need food to eat.

    Ruth said she was yet to cast her ballot at Dansoman, adding that, due to the low traffic, she hopes to get to Dansoman early to cast her vote by 15:00 hours.

    A middle aged woman who only gave her name as Erica said she travelled from Osu to purchase some items but the shops were closed.

    According to her on previous holidays, she gets whatever she wants to buy but this time around almost all the shops were closed.

    Belinda Mensah, a resident of Kasoa, who was at the CBD to sell pepper and onions has not made enough sales because a few people were around.

    Belinda said “sales has been slow. I will soon pack my items and go home to cast my ballot”.

    Another trader, Anita Sammy, who sells nose masks said she thought people would need nose masks for the election but the Makola market area was virtually empty.

    According to Anita she would be casting her vote at Kwashieman but was waiting to see if some customers would show up to buy before leaving.

    Source: GNA

  • Be patient and allow EC to declare election results NCCE

    The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has entreated all political parties and Ghanaians to exercise restraint in their actions and words as they await the electoral results from the Electoral Commission

    “The Commission entreats all political parties and the general public to be measured in their utterances and actions as well as exercise restraint and allow the Electoral Commission to perform its constitutional mandate of declaring the election results.”

    The counting of ballots started yesterday, December 7, 2020, after the voting process ended at about 5 pm nationwide and is currently ongoing.

    In a statement released by the NCCE, the commission expressed concern over the isolated reports of violence that happened in a few places.

    Isolated reports of violence

    ï‚· Alleged shooting incident at the Step to Christ Polling Centre in the Awutu Senya-East
    Constituency, where a journalist was injured.
    ï‚· Alleged shooting of a journalist at Ablekuma Central Constituency
    ï‚· Alleged shooting of a ballot box snatcher at Obrachire in the Awutu Senya West
    Constituency.
    ï‚· Death of two and injuring of one person after an alleged shooting incident at the Modak
    Hotel, Korley Wokon in the Odododiodio Constituency. Gunshots at the City Engineers
    cluster of Polling stations also in the Odododiodioo Constituency.
    ï‚· Burning down of the Electoral Commission office in the Fomena Constituency.

    They stated that: “the NCCE commends the Security Services for the efforts of maintaining law and order before, during, and after the close of polls. The NCCE further calls on the Election Security Taskforce to step up efforts to protect and preserve our national peace in order to maintain and jealously guard the gains made in our democratic journey.”

    Click here to read the full statement

    Source: citinewsroom

  • NDC wins 14 parliamentary seats in Upper East

    Confirmed results from the Electoral Commission (EC) indicates that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has won 14 parliamentary seats out of the 15 seats in the Upper East Region.

    According to the EC the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama, was ahead of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)flagbearer, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo.

    Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the NDC incumbent Member of Parliament (MP)for Bolgatanga East, got 12,394 votes to beat the NPP candidate Mr Emmanuel Abugre Abole, who had 6,042.

    Mr Sampson Tangombu Chiragia, the NDC parliamentary candidate for the Navrongo Central pulled 26,947to beat the Upper East Regional Minister, Madama Tangoba Abayage, who secured 15,821 votes.

    Mr Cletus Apul Avoka, the NDC parliamentary candidate for the Zebilla constituency unseat the Upper East Deputy Regional Minister, Mr Frank Adongo Fuseine. MrAvoka secured 33,616 while his main contender got 15,997.

    For the Builsa North and Builsa South Constituencies, Mr James Agalga and MrClement Apaak the incumbent NDC MPs retained their seats.

    Mr Agalga secured 13,826 to beat the NPP parliamentary candidate, Abakasi Maurice James, who obtained 13,826. MrApaak got 7,451 to beat his main contender, MrGariba Danial Kwame, who secured 5,674 votes.

    The seating MP for the Nabdam, MrMark Kurt Nawaanihad 10,842 votes to beat Mr Boniface Gambilla, the NPP parliamentary candidate, who got 7,924 votes.

    Mr Mahama Ayariga, the seating MP for Bawku Central retained the seat with 25,490 votes, He to beat his opponent, Madam Gabiana Agbanwaa Bugri, the NPP parliamentary, who polled 23,125 votes.

    The incumbent NDC MP for the Garu Constituency, Alalugah Albert Akuka, secured5,720 votes to beat his opponent, MrMusah Osman of the NPP, who got 9,344 votes

    The NDC MP for the Pusiga, Madam Laadi Ayii Ayamba, retained her seat when she pulled 14, 929 while Mr Abdul-Karim ZanniDubiure of the NPP had 14,866 votes.

    For the Bongo constituency, the NDC MP, Mr Edmond BawaAbambirehad 26,268 votes to beat the District Chief Executive for the area, Mr Peter Ayinbisa Ayamga,of the NPP, who secured 17,276 votes.

    Mr Thomas Dalu, the NDC candidate for Chiana-Pagahad 21, 954 votes to beat the NPP candidate, who had 15, 540 votes.

    The incumbent NDC MP for Bolgatanga Central, Mr Isaac Adongo, obtained 38,000 votes to defeat Rex Simeon Azar, who secured 22,000.

    For the Binduri constituency the incumbent NDC candidate, Dr. Robert Baba Kuganab-lem, who got 14, 562 votes, lost to Mr Abdulai Abanga, who secured 15,540 votes. .

    Source: Ghanaian Times

  • NDC retains New Edubiase and Ejura-Sekyedumase seats

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) retained the New Edubiase and Ejura-Sekyedumase parliamentary seats to further consolidate its stronghold in these constituencies.

    This is in addition to the Asawase constituency, which is also the strongest and formidable seat of the party in the Ashanti Region.

    Mr Abdul Salam Adams recaptured the New Edubiase seat which was taken away by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2016 elections, with 19,693 votes as against that of Mr George Oduro, the incumbent Member of Parliament, who had 17,592 votes.

    Other parliamentary candidates were Emmanuel Nsiah Asare of CPP 143 and Benjamin Brobbey, an independent candidate who got 92 votes.

    At Ejura-Sekyedumase, Braimah Mohammed Bawa of NDC polled 30,056 votes to retain the seat for the party.

    His closest contender, Mohammed Salisu Bamba of the NPP obtained 25,009 votes, while Adams Husein of CPP had 119; Larry Samuel of PNC had 53 and Osman Muba of the NDP had 30 votes.

    The Ashanti regional branch of the NPP had prior to the December 07 general elections, launched agenda 47/47 to capture these parliamentary seats from the NDC.

    However, the results in the 2020 parliamentary elections have proved that NDC was still very strong in these areas.

    Source: GNA

  • Farouk Aliu Mahama wins Yendi parliamentary seat

    Farouk Aliu Mahama, son of late former Vice President of Ghana, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, has won the Yendi parliamentary seat for the New Patriotic Party.

    Farouk Mahama won the seat with 40,624 votes. His main contender, Alhassan Abdul Fatawu of the opposition National Democratic Congress also garnered 24,755 votes.

    Prior to the election on December 7, 2020, the MP-elect predicted that he would win 80% of the total votes.

    Farouk Aliu Mahama will be taking over the position from Alhaji Mohammed Habib Tijani who is also the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

    Alhaji Mohammed Habib Tijani has been the MP of Yendi since 2012. 

    Source: citinewsroom

  • NDC seems to be only interested in the parliamentary elections – John Boadu

    General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party, Mr. John Boadu, has said that he is struggling to understand why the opposition National Democratic Congress will jubilate after claiming the minority seats in Parliament.

    According to John Boadu, the New Patriotic Party are confident of victory in both the parliamentary and the presidential elections so they see no reason why the NDC will think otherwise.

    He wondered why their main contender, the National Democratic Congress, will celebrate after claiming the minority seats in Parliament once again.

    “For us in the New Patriotic Party, we know we have won the Presidential seat and you can see that our opponents are congratulating us in disguise. They seemed to be interested only in Parliament and even with that, they are in the minority.”

    He also credits the NDC for the improvement they’ve had in the Parliamentary elections.

    “I don’t know why they are so happy with being in the minority, they have improved and you can give it to them but my view is that Nana Addo has proven once again that his policies and visions have been endorsed by the people of this country,” John Boadu told the press at the Accra International Conference Centre.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Nobody cares if Mahama concedes defeat or not – NPP

    The General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party, John Boadu, has said that his party does not care if former President John Dramani Mahama concedes defeat in the 2020 presidential elections or not.

    Reports went viral that John Dramani Mahama, presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress has placed a call to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to congratulate him for winning the 2020 presidential elections.

    However, John Dramani Mahama has denied these reports in no certain terms saying, “I want to state categorically and firmly that I have not congratulated any person.”

    Reacting to Mahama’s response in his engagement with the media at the Accra International Conference Centre, John Boadu stated that they in the NPP do not care if Mahama concedes defeat or not.

    “Who cares if Mahama concedes or congratulate his opponent. This is because congratulating your opponent is not a prerequisite for anything but only shows good conduct and statesmanship.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • NDC claims to have won 20 seats in the Greater Accra Region

    The opposition National Democratic Congress is claiming to have won the majority of parliamentary seats in the Greater Accra Region, stating that they have won 20 seats in total.

    Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Peter Boamah Otukonor made this claim at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, December 8.

    The presser came barely an hour after John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the party, spoke to the media, voicing out his concerns over the electoral process.

    “So, in all, we have won 20 seats in Greater Accra and this is a major victory because as you may be aware, Greater Accra is a swing region any hardly can any political party would be able to win 20 seats out of the 34 seats available.”

    “Below are the constituencies we have won in Greater Accra, La Dade Kotopon, Ada, Sege, Ningo Pampram, Kpone- Katamanso, Shai-Osudoku, Tema East, Ashaiman, Krowor, Korle Klottey, Ayawaso East, Ayawaso North, Okaikwei North, Madina, Adenta, Domeabra-Obom, Ablekuma Central, Ablekuma South, Ledzokuku and almighty Odododiodoo,” Peter Boamah Otukonor concluded.

    Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has announced that they will declare the Presidential results today, December 9, 2020.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • EC receives 14 presidential results, seven certified so far

    The Electoral Commission has released the results from seven regions.

    The Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa announced at a press conference that they have received presidential results from fourteen of the sixteen regions.

    She stated a press conference held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, that they are currently working to certify the remaining seven regional results they have obtained.

    The commission is yet to receive election results from the Northern and the Bono East Regions.

    “As we speak, the Commission has received 14 out of the 16 regional results. We have the national collation centre where we have had representatives of the various political parties since yesterday. As the results come in, the party representatives review them against what they themselves have received from the regions and once they are satisfied that the results that have come to us from the regions are a true reflection of what they have received, they then append their signatures to it before the results are brought to my attention. As returning officer of the 2020 presidential election, I then certify these results. Out of the 14 results received, we have certified seven up to date”, she noted.

    See the certified seven regional results released by the Electoral Commission in the post below

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • EC releases presidential election results from 7 regions

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has said that it has received results from 14 regions and out of that, seven of them have been certified.

    The remaining seven results are going through the certification process and would be released immediately that is done.

    The Chairperson of the EC, Mrs Jean Mensa made this known at a press briefing on Wednesday dawn [December 9, 2020] at 12:30 am.

    She mentioned the two remaining regions where results are still outstanding as Bono East and Northern.

    The seven regions where the results have been certified and released are Volta, North East, Central, Ahafo, Upper West, Oti and Bono.

    Those outstanding are Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Western North, Upper East, Greater Accra and Savannah.

    A total of the results from the seven regions are as follows:

    Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (NPP) 1,500,310

    John Dramani Mahama (NDC) 1,997,450

    Below are copies of the regional results released by the EC

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Duncan-Williams, Peace Council, NCCE chairpersons spotted at EC office

    Reverend Nicholas Duncan-Williams of the Action Chapel, the chairman of the National Peace Council, Reverend Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, the chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Josephine Osei, and observers from some international organizations have been spotted at the premises of the Electoral Commission.

    GhanaWeb has been told that these highly revered persons who are key figures in ensuring peace and stability in the country arrived at the EC premise in the late hours of Tuesday, December 8.

    GhanaWeb can report that the leadership of the Electoral Commission are in meeting with the aforementioned figures.

    It is understood that a press conference will be held after the meeting where the EC will update Ghanaians on progress made so far.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • ECOWAS, AU, UNOWAS commend Ghana for peaceful election

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commended Ghana for the conduct of a peaceful election on Monday, December 7.

    A joint statement issued by ECOWAS, African Union and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) also urged political stakeholders and citizens to exercise patience and remain calm even as the Electoral Commission was yet to announce the final official results.

    The statement also urged the two leading political parties; NPP and NDC, to respect the spirit and letter of the Peace Pact they signed on December 4 and ensure that the peace of the country was preserved.

    “Furthermore, we appeal to political parties and their followers to refrain from any conduct that may undermine the successful conclusion of the electoral process. We also call on state institutions to continue to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism and transparency,” it added.

    Below is the full statement

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Shai Osudoku incumbent MP retains seat

    For the second consecutive time, Madam Linda Akweley Ocloo, the incumbent parliamentary candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of Shai-Osudoku in the Greater Accra Region, has won the parliamentary seat.

    She polled 32,526 votes out of the 48,416 valid votes cast.

    Her only contender, Mr Benjamin Nargeh of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), obtained 15,900 of total valid votes cast.

    The Returning Officer, Mr Philip Avuduahor, who declared the polls, thanked all stakeholders, especially the District Chief Executive, Mr Daniel Akuffo, for the peaceful environment within which the polls were conducted.

    He mentioned the voter population as 69,904 with voter turnout of 48, 055 and rejected ballot 1,126.

    On the Presidential slot, the NDC Flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama, won by 34,555 out of a total valid votes of 48,055, while President Nana Akufo Addo, leader of the New Patriotic Party, won by 12,920 votes.

    Of the 12 presidential candidates, the next to pull a surprise was the first-timer, Mr Christian Kwabena Andrew of the Ghana Union Movement, who polled 395 votes with all others polling less than 50 votes.

    In her victory speech, Madam Ocloo thanked all stakeholders who contributed to her success.

    She said it was her yearning desire that the NDC Flagbearer would win the slot to enable her to achieve the developmental objectives of the constituency.

    Madam Ocloo said in the next administration, her major priorities would be to focus on the youth and roads.

    She said she had trained about 600 youths in skills development adding that she sought to widen the scope.

    The MP charged the Shai-Osudoku District Assembly to release the Common Fund on time to enable her to deliver on her mandate.

    Source: GNA

  • Your comment could incite violence, be calm – Gyampo reacts to Mahama’s ‘victory’ utterance

    Associate Professor with the University of Ghana, Prof. Ransford Edward Gyampo has called on former President John Dramani Mahama to refrain from passing comments that have the potential of instigating violence.

    The former President who is the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday evening said the party will resist any attempt by the Electoral Commission to circumvent the results of the 2020 polls.

    Flanked by some executives of the party at a brief media engagement, Mr. Mahama said, “No attempt should be made to steal this election. We’ll resist it. I’ve looked at the results we’ve collated so far and I’m excited about the results. We’ve won in 10 regions out of 16…”

    “We will resist any attempt to subvert the will of the people. Some of what is happening is unacceptable. Nana Akufo-Addo continues to show credentials that are not democratic. You cannot use the military to overturn some of the results in constituencies that we have won.”

    But making a submission on UTV, Prof. Gyampo said it was unfortunate for Mr. Mahama to pass such a comment. According to the lecturer, the NDC flagbearer’s remark could inform some persons who are not level-headed’s decision to misbehave.

    He said: “Even though they are within his rights, it can prepare some people’s mindset. Once we haven’t heard the certified results, there is no cause for alarm unless you have enough evidence to prove the election is being rigged.”

    Gyampo noted that there are avenues for any candidate to seek redress hence due process must be followed instead of uttering such remarks. He reminded Mr. Mahama of his right to challenge the results in court or make his evidence known to the Ghanaian people.

    “We’ve not seen any attempt by the EC to rig; what has happened are things that are normally associated with elections so let’s wait till the results are declared,” he urged.

    Prior to this engagement with the media, the NDC had held three press conferences to proclaim it had won 140 parliamentary seats and was happy about the outcome of the presidential results it had gathered so far. The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) counter-attacked with two press conferences as they rubbished the claims.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Police records few Electoral malpractices

    The Accra Regional Election Security Task Force recorded few cases of electoral malpractices during the December 7 polls.

    They included alleged shooting incidents and multiple voting.

    Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Effia Tenge, who is Head of the Public Affairs Unit, Accra Regional Police Command told the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

    She said the electoral malpractices were recorded in the Odododiodio, Ablekuma Central and Ayawaso East Constituencies.

    Narrating the Odododiodio incident, she said on Monday, December 7, at about 2036 hours whilst the Parliamentary results were trickling in, gunshots were fired into the jubilating crowd from a nearby hotel (Madock).

    She said two persons were pronounced dead as a result of the shooting whiles six others who sustained injuries are currently on admission, recei ving treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

    On the multiple voting, DSP Tenge said, one Eunice Lartey, 36 and Andrew Kofi Sabah were also arrested at the Trobo Constituency.

    She said a deaf and dumb woman who was arrested for malpractice was later released.

    She said the deaf and dumb woman sent a specimen of a ballot paper to the polling station where she voted and it was mistaken for a genuine ballot paper by other voters at the polling station who caused her arrest.

    DSP Tenge said at the Ablekuma Central Constituency there was another shooting incident when counting was ongoing.

    She said during the compilation of results an Electoral Officer sent a pink sheet outside after entering the collation centre.

    DSP Tenge said the mob seeing her with the pink sheet pounced on her but were swiftly rescued by security officials.

    She said one person, whose name was given as Coca entered the centre and without provocation pulled a gun and shot indiscriminately around.

    She said four persons sustained injuries as a result.

    Source: GNA

  • Tarkwa-Nsuaem: Mireku Duker narrowly escapes defeat; beats DJ, Joy in hot contest

    The incumbent Member of Parliament for the Tarkwa-Nsuaem constituency, George Mireku Duker, has been able to shrug off the deep-seated challenge he faced in the parliamentary race.

    His main contenders, John Justice Abban of the National Democratic Congress and Joy Joyceline Andoh, an independent candidate, put up a fierce contest, yet, despite success being very unlikely, Mr. Mireku Duker was able to win, against all odds.

    The former Municipal Chief Executive of the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly, George Mireku Duker has had to fall on all of his arsenals to deflate the incursions of the two, and he has been successful at doing albeit the marginal difference.

    He polled 31,913 (33.60%), Justice John Abban of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) polled 31,855 (33.54%), with the independent candidate, Joy Joyceline Ando also polling 28,846 (30.37).

    Source: universnewsroom.com

  • Majority leader retains seat

    Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, retained his seat in the December 7 general election.

    Mr Mensah Bonsu, who is also the Majority Leader in Parliament, obtained 57,095 votes to beat five other contestants in the elections.

    They were Mr Francis Dodovi, NDC 9,312, Suleman Mohammed, CPP 299, George Prempeh, Independent candidate 11,217, and Mubarack Mohammed, APC 213.

    In the Presidential Election, NPP obtained 65,733 votes, NDC 12,534, GUM 212, CPP 27, GFP 12, GCPP 6, APC 10, LPG 14, PNC 13, PPP 5, NDP 10 and Independent candidate 5.

    Total valid votes were 78,581 while 582 votes were rejected.

    Source: GNA

  • Election 2020: Herbert Lartey congratulates Akufo-Addo

    The presidential candidate of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Henry Herbert Lartey has conceded defeat in the just-ended elections held on Monday, December 7, 2020.

    Although the Electoral Commission is yet to announce the winner of the presidential race, Mr. Lartey called President Akufo-Addo to throw in the towel.

    This was disclosed by the Communications Director at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin in a Facebook post on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.

    Mr. Lartey, according to Eugene Arhin, used the opportunity to congratulate President Akufo-Addo for supposedly emerging victorious in the election.

    “The Presidential candidate of the GCPP, Dr. Henry Herbert Lartey, has just called President Akufo-Addo to concede defeat and congratulate him on his victory in the presidential election.”

    The Returning Officer of the presidential election, Jean Mensa, promised to announce the results 24 hours after the close of polls. She subsequently postponed the deadline and said a new deadline will be announced in due course.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Weve captured Parliament; ready to select Speaker and other leaders NDC

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) says its independent collated results show it has grabbed majority of seats in the next Parliament of Ghana.

    It says the conviction has propelled its readiness to choose the next Speaker of Parliament and the First Deputy Speaker as well as the leadership of the various select and standing committees of the House.

    General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia at a press conference on Tuesday disclosed that “NDC has captured Parliament as we speak now and because of that, NDC will select the next Speaker of Parliament and the next First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and all the chairmen of Parliament select and standing committees”.

    Mr. Nketia also accused the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) of conniving with the Electoral Commission to turn the tables round in its favour to take over Parliament.

    He has therefore urged persons who have voted for NDC parliamentary candidates to ensure that ballots are protected to safeguard the seats they have already acquired in Parliament.

    “I believe that the NPP is in a very uncomfortable situation because whatever they do, it is clear that NDC controls Parliament now so that is why they want the Electoral Commission to try and find ways to try to collate results that have been declared for our parliamentary candidate. That is why I am calling on the electorate to rise and protect their votes.”

    “I wish also to emphasize that there is pressure from the headquarters of the Commission and the government on the various returning officers who have declared certified results of the parliamentary election according to the power vested in them by law to revise and do recounting and re-collation which are all illegal and want the various citizens who cast their votes to protect that vote and ensure that nobody steals that verdict”, he added.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Thank you for giving NDC a working majority in the next Parliament Mahama

    John Dramani Mahama, the NDC Presidential Candidate, claims Ghanaians have given the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) “a working majority” in parliament.

    According to him, Ghanaians have voted for change.

    In a post on his Facebook timeline, the former President wrote, “Thank you for voting for change and giving the NDC a working majority in the next Parliament. Thank you, Ghana.”

    The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) are both claiming victory in the general elections.

    Both parties claimed that they have secured the most seats in parliament and are leading the presidential race as well.

    John Boadu, General Secretary of the NPP told the media that, they have taken over regions that were formally controlled by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    He indicated the NPP now controls three out of the five regions of the north, including the Savannah region where the NDC Presidential Candidate, John Mahama hails.

    “The NPP won 63 seats above what the NDC had in 2016 as such, surprisingly, the NDC is insisting on flipped seats. But they do not mention the many seats they have flopped,” John Boadu said.

    The NDC, on the other hand, at a press briefing, accused the NPP of deceiving Ghanaians.

    Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the NDC Director of Elections insisted that the NDC has won a majority of Parliamentary seats in the presidential and parliamentary elections adding that the NPP has not dominated any of the northern regions.

    “We won 14 out of 15 in the Upper East Region, we won 8 out of 11 Constituencies in the Upper West region, we won 9 out of 18 seats in the Northern region,” Afriyie Ankrah said.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Jubilant NDC supporters mass up at party headquarters as leaders declare victory

    The headquarters of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is teeming with jubilant party supporters following assurances by the party leaders that victory has been secured in the just ended December 7 polls.

    At a press conference held at the headquarters, General Secretary, Johnson Aseidu Nketia, declared that the results trickling in from all 275 constituencies across the country to the party data centre show the NDC has secured 141 seats in the legislature.

    A party needs 138 seats to form a Majority in Ghana’s Parliament.

    Mr Aseidu Nketia also said while the party cannot declare the election results that its presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, has garnered majority of the votes, there is strong evidence that he [Mahama] will be the next occupant of the Flagstaff House.

    These assurances prompted a huge crowd that had massed up at the venue of the press conference to begin jubilation.

    Some danced, others sped to and fro on their motorbikes, while others sprayed white powder on themselves to signify victory.

    Former President John Dramani Mahama is attempting to win back the Presidency from Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Mr Mahama lost to Akufo-Addo in the 2016 election by a huge margin.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ellembelle Polls: Kofi-Buah and Bonzoh unite after elections

    The beauty of politics came to play once again once again when the NPP Parliamentary Candidate in the just ended elections, Mr. Kwasi Bonzoh approached his NDC opponent and incumbent MP, Mr. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah to congratulate him on his victory.

    Mr.Bonzoh who is also the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, conferred with Mr. Armah Buah in a brotherly manner for more than 30 minutes.

    Mr. Bonzoh described his loss as the “sweetest defeat” since he started contesting Mr. Buah in 2012.

    He was full of mixed feelings as he boldly declared the forces within his party which had worked against his victory.

    Mr. Buah said his victory was a continuation of the Ellembelle Development train which started in 2009 to fastrack the socio-economic transformation of the District.

    He mentioned major developmental projects to be executed such as the Adoabo free point should the NDC be declared winner of the polls.

    Mr. Buah added that the asphalt overlay in the District will be continued to give the the area a total facelift.

    He said the NDC was ready to steer the wheel and better the living conditions of Ghanaians.

    Mr.Armah-Kofi Buah also had words of admonition for his opponent in a tete a tete conversation.

    Although the office of the Electoral Commission was yet to officially declare winner in the Ellembelle Parliamentary elections, provisional results pegs the NDC candidate at 32,110 votes and the NPP Candidate at 23,999 votes.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • NDC rejects NPP’s parliamentary majority claim

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday rejected claims by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that it is currently holding majority parliamentary seats in the ongoing Presidential and Parliamentary elections counts.

    It also debunked the assertion by the NPP that it was leading in the five regions of the North.

    Reacting to the press conference organized by the New Patriotic Party, asserting that it was leading in the parliamentary seats; Mr Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Director of Elections of the NDC said such claims were false and called on Ghanaians not to countenance it.

    He claimed that the NDC rather had the advantage in the parliamentary polls because it had secured 140 seats out of the available 275.

    He explained that the party had also won major swing constituencies and regions putting it in a better position to secure the majority at the end of the collation.

    The NDC’s Director of Elections said: “our opponents have made some desperate attempts to throw the dust into the eyes of Ghanaians but we want to state clearly, emphatically and unambiguously that it is not true the NPP has the majority in parliament.”

    He also expressed displeasure over delays concerning the arrival of collated numbers to the Electoral Commission’s (EC) regional offices for onward dissemination to the headquarters and called for immediate ratification to ensure results were delivered on time to mute unforeseen tensions.

    Mr Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, Member of Parliament for Ketu South cautioned the NPP to desist from acts that would undermine the success chalked so far.

    “We are going to ensure that the right numbers are declared and no matter of intimidation would change that,” he added.

    Source: GNA

  • Ato Forson retains Ajumako Enyan Essiam seat for a fourth term

    The incumbent Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Essiam Constituency in the Central Region who also doubles as the Minority Ranking Member on Finance Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson has won the seat with a huge margin.

    He polled 39,229 to beat his closest contender Dr. Rashid Kwesi Etuaful who secured 28,669 votes.

    Before the 2020 poll, Hon. Ato Forson said 2020 parliamentary will be the easiest election he will ever contest since he became a Politician, adding that his opponent Dr. Rashid Kwesi Etuaful was very light hence he will win massively.

    “I have twenty years to spend on the Ajumako Enyan Essiam Constituency seat as a Member of Parliament before going on retirement, so I am not going to stop contesting the seat.

    According to Ato Forson, the NDC party has seized the Ajumako Enyan Essiam Constituency seat for 60 years so NPP should not attempt to wrestle it as they are bound to fail.

    “The people of Ajumako Enyan Essiam Constituency retained me due to my hard work in terms of developmental projects I have brought in my Constituency and I am promising my Constituents to watch out for more developmental projects coming year.”

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Akpaloo concedes defeat; congratulates Akufo-Addo

    The flagbearer for the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Percival Kofi Akpaloo has conceded defeat to the President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    He also congratulated him for giving his political party a good fight in the just ended general election across the country.

    In congratulating the President in a post he shared on Facebook, Kofi Akpaloo said: “Congratulations to HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo for his re-election as president of the Republic of Ghana”.

    The New Patriotic Party has made public its final tabulation of all results from the 16 regions at its collation centre in Accra where the figures clearly put them ahead of its major contender, the NDC.

    The NPP has projected about 51.49% win over the NDCs 47.17% of total votes cast in the election held on December 7, 2020.

    Source: My News GH