The Chairman of the New Patriotic Party’s Council of Elders, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, has expressed his deep concerns about the current state of affairs within the party in the lead-up to the presidential primary scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023.
During his opening address at the Council of Elders’ meeting held at the Alisa Hotel, Mr. Owusu Agyemang candidly conveyed his apprehensions that personal interests may be taking precedence over the party’s shared objectives.
The NPP is set to choose its flagbearer for the forthcoming 2024 elections on Saturday, November 4, with four prominent party members competing for the position. In a statement that resonated with many within the party, Mr. Owusu-Agyemang remarked, “We’ve allowed our personal interests to overshadow our common goal of party unity.”
Mr. Owusu-Agyemang, a seasoned figure in Ghanaian politics and a former Member of Parliament for New Juaben North, stressed the importance of party members remembering the broader goal of securing electoral victory. He called upon them to prioritize the enduring principles and values that have historically guided the NPP, rather than personal ambitions.
He acknowledged that the race for the flagbearer position had, at times, sparked passionate debates and disagreements within the party and among supporters of the presidential candidates.
Nevertheless, he urged all presidential aspirants to avoid division and strive for unity after the presidential primary on Saturday.
A subchief who confessed to selling a piece of land to two different individuals has publicly been reprimanded by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The first buyer, one of the two victims, brought the chief to the Otumfuo’s Palace, where the chief faced severe questioning outside the regular royal court session. In a video that has been circulating on social media, Otumfuo is seen in his courtyard, surrounded by his subjects and aides.
The chief, accompanied by his entourage, and the complainant are being questioned directly by the Asantehene. It is not currently clear when this incident took place.
At various points in the video, Otumfuo’s voice becomes stern as he addresses issues related to injustice and abuse of power by the chief.
He warned the chief, “If you misbehave, I will destool you immediately. If you sell a land and make a reentry but fail to inform the first owner, why allow someone else on the same parcel? Now the matter is being thrashed, what are insinuating? That you are wiser than everyone else? Is someone not on the land?”.
The original landowner stated that the issue was brought to Manhyia in 2014, and she took the chief to court because he refused to comply with the outcome of the Palace arbitration.
However, the chief denied that the matter had been heard at Manhyia when he was summoned by the courts.
In recent months, Otumfuo has announced his intention to crack down on chiefs involved in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) and the double sale of land.
Several chiefs have been warned of possible destoolment for their involvement in these activities.
Drama unfolded in Parliament on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, as Members of Parliament (MPs) representing constituents affected by recent military brutality in Garu shared their harrowing accounts.
Among them was Mahama Ayariga, the MP for Bawku Central, who detailed the events that led to the Ghana Armed Forces personnel assaulting innocent residents in Garu, Tempane, and Bugri.
Ayariga disclosed that the trouble began when some residents noticed an unfamiliar vehicle behind a local church in their community.
Suspicious of the occupants, they interrogated them and subsequently decided to take them to the Garu police station for verification. It was at this point that the situation escalated.
Upon reaching the police station, it was confirmed that the occupants of the vehicle were two men who had identified themselves as national security operatives.
However, due to past incidents involving national security officers, the residents insisted on searching the vehicle.
Mr Ayariga explained, “When they searched, they found automatic rifles, they found pestles, they found armor, they found bulletproof vests in the vehicle. So, the residents naturally became apprehensive, given previous incidents allegedly involving national security officers.”
The residents expressed their unwillingness to release the said national security operatives until a thorough investigation had been conducted to verify their identities. Later, unknown gunmen suddenly opened fire at the police station, prompting everyone to flee.
Ayariga further recounted that, upon learning of the incident, he contacted the Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, who confirmed that the individuals in police custody were indeed national security operatives.
He advised the residents to allow the operatives to continue their work, and a group of soldiers from Bawku arrived to escort them.
The MP then continued to describe how, in the days following the departure of the national security operatives from Garu, a group of soldiers returned to the community and surrounding areas, causing havoc.
Approximately 40 soldiers, according to Mr Ayariga, launched an attack on the communities at 3:00 a.m., moving from house to house in groups of four. They besieged Garu, Tempane, and Bugri, subjecting residents to beatings and ransacking homes.
Ayariga’s narration shed light on the disturbing events that transpired in the affected areas, sparking discussions and calls for accountability within the parliament.
The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Sheila Bartels, has criticized a flagbearer aspirant in the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries, Kennedy Agyapong, for his recent actions.
Kennedy Agyapong, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, has been publicly addressing issues within the NPP and making allegations against fellow party members.
In October 2023, he accused the Greater Accra Regional Minister of being involved in the illegal sale of lands in Accra.
In a video that has gained widespread attention on social media, Kennedy Agyapong claimed that he himself was a victim of such an illegal land sale, as a piece of land he had purchased near UPSA for $200,000 had become a subject of litigation and was now in court.
Mr Agyapong also asserted that he had played a significant role in securing influential positions for Henry Quartey, who is both the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central and the Greater Accra Regional Minister.
“Henry Quartey, because of the big positions I secured for him, today he claims he is a regional minister with all the lands he has stolen in Accra.
He accused Quartey of benefiting from these positions and of engaging in land-related misconduct in Accra.
Furthermore, Kennedy Agyapong alleged that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team had attempted to bribe him to accept an offer to be his running mate, but he had declined the offer.
He also accused Dr. Bawumia of engaging in actions that could potentially harm the party, claiming that Bawumia and his team were intimidating party members who did not support his candidacy.
In an exclusive interview with the media, Sheila Bartels expressed her concerns about the falsehoods being spread by Kennedy Agyapong, stating that they were damaging the party’s reputation.
She emphasized the importance of party unity for the 2024 elections and criticized Agyapong for his divisive rhetoric.
Sheila Bartels added that the NPP needed to avoid the negative impact of the misinformation and unverified claims that Agyapong had been making.
She stressed the importance of responsible communication within the party and the need to present a united front for the upcoming elections.
“To think the untruth, the lies that he is putting out are killing us because the thing is, there are people that are always vulnerable and when they support you, they will always take whatever you say hook, line and sinker. You don’t go to platforms and say things that you know are untrue and then come back and apologise. When you do that, people who do not hear the apology will continue to see the party in a bad light,” Sheila Bartels added.
Today, Thursday, November 9, 2023, the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, will provide a parliamentary briefing concerning the alleged military actions that affected the residents of Garu and Tempane in the Upper East Region on the early morning of Sunday, October 29, 2023.
This development comes in response to mounting criticism surrounding the incident, which has led to the parliament summoning the minister to provide an explanation.
In the town of Garu, residents endured harsh treatment when some military personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces reportedly carried out a retaliatory assault, resulting in numerous victims requiring hospitalization.
The military’s actions were purportedly in response to a confrontation involving national security operatives who were in the region for a counterterrorism mission.
This move comes after Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed concerns about the military’s actions in the constituency.
Following their concerns voiced on November 1, 2023, during parliamentary proceedings, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, issued a directive to the Minister of National Security.
The Deputy Speaker called for the minister to appear before the entire House to provide an update on the situation on November 9, 2023.
“At the moment, what I want to do is to invite the Minister to appear before the entire House, come and brief us. Probably what we are hearing is different from what the Minister has at his sleeves. So let us invite the Minister to appear before the House, he will come and brief the House, and we will take it on from there.
“So I am asking that the Minister appear before the house on Thursday, the 9th of November 2023, to brief the House concerning issues related to happenings at Garu and Tempane,” the Second Deputy Speaker said.
A subchief who confessed to selling a piece of land to two different individuals has publicly been reprimanded by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The first buyer, one of the two victims, brought the chief to the Otumfuo’s Palace, where the chief faced severe questioning outside the regular royal court session.
In a video that has been circulating on social media, Otumfuo is seen in his courtyard, surrounded by his subjects and aides.
The chief, accompanied by his entourage, and the complainant are being questioned directly by the Asantehene.
It is not currently clear when this incident took place.
At various points in the video, Otumfuo’s voice becomes stern as he addresses issues related to injustice and abuse of power by the chief.
He warned the chief, “If you misbehave, I will destool you immediately. If you sell a land and make a reentry but fail to inform the first owner, why allow someone else on the same parcel? Now the matter is being thrashed, what are insinuating? That you are wiser than everyone else? Is someone not on the land?”.
The original landowner stated that the issue was brought to Manhyia in 2014, and she took the chief to court because he refused to comply with the outcome of the Palace arbitration.
However, the chief denied that the matter had been heard at Manhyia when he was summoned by the courts.
In recent months, Otumfuo has announced his intention to crack down on chiefs involved in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) and the double sale of land. Several chiefs have been warned of possible destoolment for their involvement in these activities.
Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has signed two financial agreements totaling 42 million Euros with the European Union (EU) to promote sustainable development and economic progress in Ghana.
The agreements aim to accelerate Ghana’s digital and green transition, boost the private sector, particularly the agribusiness sector, and strengthen the country’s public financial management systems.
The first agreement, worth €27 million, is the EU Action for Sound Public Financial Management and Private Sector Development program. Its objectives include improving transparency and accountability in public resource management and developing a greener, more digital, and inclusive private sector in Ghana.
The second agreement, valued at €15 million, is the EU-Ghana Partnership for Green Transition and Agribusiness program, with a focus on sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural production.
Ken Ofori-Atta noted that these agreements come at a crucial time, and he expressed confidence in Ghana’s improving economic prospects.
“Truly, Ghana has paid its dues; our fiscal situation has improved, our reviews with the IMF under our Programme are being completed successfully and on time; and broadly speaking, we are making steady progress toward macro-stability and debt sustainability” Mr. Ofori Atta said.
The agribusiness component of the agreements will support the development of value chains such as soya, shea, vegetables, and beekeeping. It will also back sustainable cocoa production and actions to prevent deforestation.
The EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, highlighted the comprehensive approach to sustainable development and how the agreements would align with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy to promote smart, clean, and digital investment cooperation with EU partner countries.
“We in Government are fully committed to ensuring that these resources are deployed effectively, transparently, and in a manner that maximizes their impact” he assured.
The agribusiness component is expected to foster economic growth, promote livelihoods, and enhance food security. The private and public financial aspects of the agreements aim to promote a thriving private sector and improve transparency and accountability in public fund utilization.
Mr. Razaaly assured Ghana of the EU’s support for the Planting for Food and Jobs Program, which seeks to boost the agricultural sector, create opportunities for youth, and increase food production for local consumption and exports.
“The financing agreements that we are signing today is a testament to the strong partnership and shared commitment between the European Union and Ghana,” Mr. Razaaly stated.
Prophet Isaac Owusu-Bempah has shared that the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, once made a commitment to support the construction of his church.
According to Owusu-Bempah, this commitment was initially made by Mrs. Akufo-Addo and later reaffirmed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the 2016 general elections campaign.
Despite this pledge, Owusu-Bempah, who recently severed ties with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed that he is not concerned about the non-fulfillment of this promise.
He emphasized that his ultimate reliance is on God, and he doesn’t place undue expectations on people, as he believes only God’s promises are unwavering.
Owusu-Bempah disclosed that he had prayed for NPP leaders, including Akufo-Addo and his wife, for an extended period.
It was during this time that Mrs. Akufo-Addo initially pledged to assist in building his church, to which he responded with gratitude.
However, he made it clear that he did not support them with prayers in exchange for the promise to construct his church, and he trusts that God will bring his divine plan to fruition in due time.
“If people make promises to me, I don’t rely on them. Even if God through me fulfills their desires, I don’t look up to them, I look up to God because it is only His pledges that are sacrosanct.
“It is true when I used to pray for the NPP leaders, for nine months, thrice every week and Nana Akufo-Addo was part of this process, his wife was also a part.
“It was actually his wife that made that promise first, that ‘if by God’s Grace we win (the 2016 elections), we will build your church for you’ and I responded ‘Glory be to God.’
“I did not rely on it or overly expect it, and that is why I am not worried and have never complained and I never will. Moreover, I did not back them with prayers for a pledge to build my church,” he said adding; “God will in his own time build his own edifice,” he added.
In light of his recent disagreements with the NPP, particularly stemming from an incident when he was arrested in a confrontation with Evangelist Nana Agradaa, Owusu-Bempah discussed the church construction commitment during an interview on Accra-based Okay FM on November 1, 2023.
Notably, this revelation comes just three days before the NPP presidential flagbearership contest, where he has opted not to make any predictions regarding the outcome, a departure from his usual practice.
The Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, has expressed his belief that John Dramani Mahama will offer the best solution to Ghana’s economic challenges if he becomes president.
Mr Adongo argued that the mismanagement of Ghana’s economy, which necessitated an IMF bailout during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure, can only be significantly improved with the victory of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer in the 2024 presidential election.
Adongo emphasized that Ghana is at a critical juncture, having been led into a difficult situation by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He stated, “Our country is at a crossroads and the next government to be formed by the NDC is going to be a government of solutions. If there is anybody with the experience, the humility, and the tenacity of purpose to deliver and solve those problems and bring our country back on track, it is His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.”
“Ghana is not ready to gamble with another try-and-see. When they came and said they knew how to manage the economy, they took us to 54%. We have filed for bankruptcy. Around the world, we are now being teased and we’re now being compared with Suriname and Sri Lanka,” he added.
Isaac Adongo made these remarks at a unity walk in Bolgatanga, where he argued that the struggles to restructure Ghana’s debt are indicative of a struggling and insolvent economy.
While government spokespeople have attributed the country’s economic challenges to the Russia-Ukraine War and COVID-19, Adongo believes it is primarily a result of mismanagement.
Isaac Adongo is seeking a third-term bid to represent his constituency in parliament.
In the aftermath of the legal dispute between former Black Stars player Asamoah Gyan and his ex-wife Gifty, it has been revealed that she presented impostors as her parents during their marriage ceremony.
According to the lawyer for the former Black Stars striker, Edwin Kusi Appiah, this revelation came to light during the testimony of witnesses presented by Asamoah Gyan during the three-year trial.
“When we went to court, people familiar with the woman who testified in court said that the people the woman brought to witness the marriage as her father and mother were actually not her father and mother and they are the people she introduced to Asamoah as her parents,” the lawyer said in an interview UTV on Wednesday, November 1, 2o23.
On October 31, 2023, an Accra High Court passed judgment in the protracted divorce battle between the former Ghana international and his ex-wife, Gifty. The court annulled the marriage that was contracted in 2013, and in the process, made consequential decisions regarding the paternity of the couple’s three children.
Gyan had initially denied paternity, leading the court to conduct a DNA test, which confirmed that he was indeed the father of the children.
Dennis Law, in their report of the case, addressed the paternity issue, stating, “Initially, Asamoah Gyan had denied paternity of their three children, seeking an annulment of their marriage.
He added that however, the court, in its decision on October 31, 2023, established that the three children are indeed the progeny of Asamoah Gyan.
Furthermore, the court made consequential directions concerning the children’s upkeep after the dissolution of the marriage, which included a monthly payment of 25,000 Ghana cedis from Asamoah Gyan to Gifty Gyan.
This stipend is designated for the welfare and upbringing of the three children, excluding expenses such as school fees, medical and dental care, flight tickets, and various other childcare-related costs.
Parents Introduced by Asamoah Gyan's Ex-Wife During Their Marriage Were Not Her Biological Parents – Asamoah Gyan's lawyer Edwin Kusi-Appiah reveals#UTVSportspic.twitter.com/I27cwP9QQG
A member of Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign team, Oliver Amoako, believes that Agyapong’s vision and personality strongly resonate with the Ghanaian people.
Mr Amoako emphasized that Agyapong’s strength lies in his grassroots connections, making him a suitable candidate to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the country.
In an interview with the media, Mr Amoako expressed confidence that Agyapong is the kind of leader needed during challenging times to guide the nation towards improvement.
He stated, “Kennedy Agyapong belongs to the grassroots, and for him, that is where his strength is. So for us, we are just waiting for November 4. Where we are as a country, the personality of Kennedy Agyapong and his vision resonate with the youth and the masses.”
On the other hand, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, another NPP flagbearer hopeful, is confident about securing the mandate of delegates to lead the party into the 2024 general elections.
The NPP is set to elect its flagbearer on Saturday, November 4, with over 200,000 delegates casting their votes among four candidates.
The former Agriculture Minister, Dr. Akoto, pledged to unite the party and appealed to delegates to vote for him.
He stated, “Our monitoring and independent research confirm that victory is on the horizon, and the emerging trends in the mood of the delegates encourage me to make a passionate appeal to the undecided to vote for me on Saturday.”
The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has issued a warning, stating that it may instruct its members to take breaks from work if the government does not engage in discussions about reverting to the trimester system for the academic calendar.
This response comes in light of the recently released academic calendar, which has form 2 and form 3 students under the single-track system commencing their academic year on November 1 and concluding on March 6.
Form two students under the double-track system are expected to begin on March 8 and continue until May 9, allowing minimal rest periods for teachers.
In an interview with the media, the President of NAGRAT, Angel Carbonu, expressed concerns about the confusion surrounding the current education system.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) cannot provide a timeline for resolving the confusion.
Mr Carbonu suggested a solution by not admitting first-year students into the double-track program for the 2023/2024 academic year.
This move would ensure that, within three years, all schools would return to normal operations.
However, he asserted that teachers would not continue working without adequate rest periods, and there might come a time when they decide to take such breaks independently, without relying on management.
“They are more confused than anybody. Because I can assure you, the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES), cannot tell you when the confusion will end. If we were serious, we should not admit the 2023/2024 first years into any double-track programme.
“Then we can say certainly that within three years, all schools will come back to normal if we can discipline ourselves and say we want to end the double track in the next three years.
“Let us not admit form ones into the double track, then I can say within the next three years in 2026, we will all end the double track for schools to run normally. But one thing I can assure everybody is that we will not continue to be working without rest periods. And a time will come when we take the rest period for ourselves, without resorting to management.” Angel Carbonu said.
A civil society organization, Environment Report Ghana, has called on Newmont Africa to cease all exploration operations in the Tano North District until the concerns of farmers impacted by the mining company’s activities are addressed.
In a statement dated Thursday, November 2, 2023, the organization cited data collected from five communities, revealing that Newmont Africa had, among other issues, encroached upon farmlands, including those embroiled in legal disputes.
“Following our three days evidence-gathering visit to five communities in the Tano North District of the Ahafo Region where Newmont Africa is developing a new mining site, we recommend that, the mining company temporarily halt its exploration activities,” the statement read.
The Environment Report listed several reasons for this recommendation, including the destruction of farmlands and fishponds, which has deprived farmers of their livelihoods.
“As a mining company that prides itself on having due regard for the human rights of all persons affected by its mining projects, we recommend that, Newmont Africa temporarily halt all exploration activities at the Ahafo North Project to address the concerns of the farmers, especially the 84 members of the Concern Farmers Association whose land are under litigation as well as the affected fish farmers.
“We also urge Newmont Africa to quickly withdraw all court cases against some members of the Concerned Farmers at Terchire for amicable settlement through a mediator,” the environment advocacy group stated.
A video featuring the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North Constituency in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Theresa Lardi Awuni, has recently gone viral.
In the 31-second video, MP Awuni is seen addressing a gathering, expressing her displeasure towards a branch executive, believed to be from her party.
This executive had questioned her about the use of the District Assembly Common Fund allocated to the constituency on a shared platform they both belong to.
Awuni explained that the executive questioned her regarding the fund, and she responded by saying, “I used it to buy kebabs for your mother and father… is the Common Fund personal money given to us? I haven’t even received it directly.”
The District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) is established to provide resources for the development activities of local government in Ghana. It is sourced from various revenue streams, including a percentage of national tax revenue, income from fund investments, and donations.
The DACF aims to ensure equitable distribution of national resources for development across the country, improving housing, sanitation, primary healthcare, education, and supporting community policing.
The fund is administered by the DACF Administrator, who proposes an annual allocation formula, distributes the fund to various Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and reports to the Ministry of Finance on its utilization.
Despite the benefits of the DACF, it faces challenges such as delayed disbursement, government interference, inadequate funding, misappropriation, and over-reliance on the fund by some district assemblies.
The Administrator of the Common Fund is required to submit an annual financial report to Parliament, detailing the distribution and usage of the fund’s monies.
In summary, the video of MP Awuni highlights her response to questions about the use of the District Assembly Common Fund, a crucial resource for local development in Ghana.
The DACF is designed to promote equitable distribution of resources and support various development projects. However, it faces challenges, and the fund’s financial activities are subject to annual reporting.
The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association in the Greater Accra Region has postponed their scheduled sit-down strike, which was originally planned for November 1 to 3, 2023.
This choice is a result of the actions taken by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in response to the concerns raised by the association regarding the implementation of the Electronic Value Added Tax (E-VAT) and the compliance exercise.
The association communicated this decision during a press conference convened in Accra on November 1, with the Head of Communications, Takyi Addo, speaking to the press.
Below is the full statement:
Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association Calls Off Sit-Down Protest Against GRA’s Compliance and Manual-Policing Exercise
For Immediate Release: November 1, 2023
The leadership of the Abbosey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association wishes to inform the public about the cancellation of our sit-down strike against the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) compliance and monitoring exercise.
The issues that led to our planned demonstration and temporary closure of shops were related to the GRA’s implementation of the Electronic Value Added Tax (E-VAT), which our association perceived as intimidating and lacking in respect.
In light of the concerns raised, the GRA has taken steps to withdraw its personnel from our members’ shops.
Our members have always been law-abiding citizens of Ghana, living in peace and providing services to our fellow citizens.
We, therefore, found it perplexing that the GRA would implement a policy without consulting our association.
It is important to clarify that we do not oppose the E-VAT policy itself but rather the manner in which it was being enforced.
We were baffled by the daily presence of GRA officers monitoring our activities, which seemed to be excessive in the name of revenue generation for the government.
Today, we are pleased to announce that the closure of our shops, which was intended to send a message to the government and the GRA, has been suspended indefinitely.
This decision follows engagements with the GRA and the Customs division, resulting in an agreement to withdraw officers from our shops. Furthermore, the Customs officers stationed along the Accra-Kumasi highway will also be recalled to their respective stations.
We take this opportunity to commend the government for heeding the concerns of our association, and we would like to express our gratitude to all Ghanaians for their support during our protest against the policy.
May God continue to bless our beloved motherland, Ghana.
Nollywood actor, Osita Iheme, has shared his thoughts on the health condition of fellow actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu.
He revealed that he has been in touch with Mr. Ibu and his family since the news of his deteriorating health became public.
Osita Iheme expressed his hopes for Mr. Ibu’s recovery from his serious illness so that he can return to his normal self and continue his acting career.
Speaking during an interview with the media at the Africa Movie Academy Awards held in Nigeria, Osita Iheme thanked God for Mr. Ibu’s life, despite his ailment.
“Sickness is something that can affect anyone. It’s not a new thing. Anybody can fall ill at any time. But we thank God for his life and for keeping us alive. If he’s not well today, tomorrow he will be fine. So by God’s grace, he’s receiving treatment right now, and he should be fine,” Osita Iheme stated.
When asked if he had been in touch with Mr. Ibu since his illness, Osita Iheme confirmed, “Definitely. I’ve been talking to him one-on-one. This illness didn’t just happen today; it’s been ongoing, so we’ve been discussing it.”
Background
Veteran Nigerian actor John Okafor, known as Mr. Ibu, had disclosed that he was battling an undisclosed illness that might lead to the amputation of his leg.
His family provided updates on his condition, revealing that he had undergone five successful surgeries and was recovering in the Intensive Care Unit.
The family expressed their gratitude to the public for their support, donations, and prayers and hoped for Mr. Ibu’s stabilization so that he could receive advanced treatment abroad.
Ghanaian singer Mzbel has expressed concerns that her son, formerly known as Kwame Adepa and now referred to as Okomfo Black, is facing social isolation at school due to his recent comments questioning the existence of God.
This situation arose after an interview featuring Okomfo Black went viral on social media, where he expressed his disbelief in the existence of a supreme deity.
In response to this, a Facebook user named Voice suggested that Christian parents might advise their children not to befriend Mzbel’s son after hearing his interview.
Voice’s post read, “After the spectacular and attention-grabbing interview of #okomfoblack, at his age and the profound knowledge he possesses about our ancestors, I anticipate that African Ghanaian Christians will begin advising their children not to befriend him. However, the good thing is that the gods and the ancestors always support you, champion.”
In reaction to this post, Mzbel shared a copy with the caption, “Yes, it’s already happening at his school.”
In the controversial interview, 10-year-old Okomfo Black expressed unconventional beliefs about God, stating, “I never got to see God as my father or mother.
The only person who cares for me is my mother.” He went on to claim that God does nothing for him, while his mother provides for his needs and takes care of him.
This interview led to a backlash against Mzbel, with criticism directed at her parenting choices and allowing her child to discuss sensitive topics.
In defense of her son, Mzbel took to Instagram to clarify their perspective, emphasizing that they don’t believe in the existence of an Almighty God.
They view anything with life, regardless of its size, as a form of deity. When they pour libation or pray, they acknowledge and honor all these life energies.
They also pay respect to their ancestors, recognizing that their blood and spirit continue within them, as they are descendants of their ancestors.
“YES! We don’t believe in the existence of an Almighty God, because we know that everything or anything that has life no matter how big or small is a God, that is why when we pour libation (Pray) we acknowledge and honour all those energies (God). Our ancestors are dead but their blood and spirit runs through us, we are their DNA so we honour them too,” she wrote.
A flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has unveiled the details of his remuneration from Ghana Gas in lieu of sitting allowances.
Ken Agyapong, who serves as the Board Chairman of the state-owned enterprise, has faced scrutiny for his critical stance towards the government of President Akufo-Addo, despite holding an official appointment within the administration.
During an interview with the media on November 1, 2023, Mr Ayapong shared that he was previously unaware of the exact amount of the allowance he received, as he had recently inquired about it in response to the criticisms leveled against him.
“I don’t even know how much Ghana Gas pays me, I heard Alex Tetteh, Akontombra MP saying I am Board Chair for Ghana Gas. I’m paid an allowance of 2,600 cedis,” Ken disclosed adding that sometimes the meetings are held once in three months.
“Imagine me, Kennedy Agyapong, 2,600 cedis with all the workers I have, he (Alex) should come for the role. My sitting allowance is 2,600 cedis. The funny thing is that, it was when the accusations were flying around that I went to ask the (board) secretary how much the allowance was,” he added.
The aspirant, who also currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, had previously expressed his intention to step down from his position months ago. He cited the appeals made by other board members and the energy minister as the reasons he decided to remain.
However, Ken announced that following the November 4 primaries, if he loses the contest, he will resign from his role.
“I have informed board members that I want to step down, but I take pride in the fact that the board is urging me to stay, much like NAPO,” he remarked.
Kennedy Agyapong will compete for the flagbearer position alongside three other candidates, including Dr. Bawumia, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis-Addai-Nimoh.
The NPP has scheduled November 4, 2023, for the election to choose the next leader of the party as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s successor.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, famously known as Chairman Wontumi has shared a conversation he had with the former Upper East Regional Chairman of the party, late Adams Mahama.
Speaking at a rally that marked the conclusion of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s flagbearer campaign in the Upper East region, Chairman Wontumi disclosed the late Adams Mahama’s wish for Dr. Bawumia is to succeed President Akufo-Addo as the party’s next leader.
Chairman Wontumi revealed that he had a private discussion with Adams Mahama during the latter’s early days as the regional chairman.
He quoted Adams Mahama as saying, “Chairman Wontumi, if you want Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to win the 2016 elections, I also have an interest. Whether I’m dead or alive, what I desire is that after Nana Akufo-Addo, I want Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to be the next president.”
Chairman Wontumi revealed that he had a private discussion with Adams Mahama during the latter’s early days as the regional chairman.
Wontumi went on to express, “Today, I’m pleased to say, ‘Chairman Adams, wherever you are,’ I have thrown my support behind Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and I recall the conversation we had. We are not only assisting him in winning on November 4, but we are committed to helping him secure victory in the 2024 elections.”
Adams Mahama tragically lost his life due to an acid attack in Bolgatanga in May 2015. One person has been sentenced in connection with his murder, and another individual, Gregory Afoko, is still on trial for his alleged involvement in the case.
The Electoral Commission (EC) is scheduled to present the provisional voters register for public review, commencing on Friday, November 3, 2023, and concluding on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, in anticipation of the District Level Elections (DLE).
This exhibition will occur at all 38,622 polling stations across the country, operating between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. throughout the event.
The primary aim of this showcase is to enable prospective voters to confirm and validate their personal information, such as their name, age, gender, and assigned polling station. It also affords individuals the opportunity to request necessary amendments or additions to their details.
Moreover, voters will be able to raise objections to the inclusion of unqualified voters in the register and request the removal of names of deceased individuals.
The Deputy Chair of the EC, Samuel Tettey, made this announcement during a press conference in Accra on Wednesday.
“As part of the commission’s preparation towards the conduct of the district level elections slated for 19 November 2023, the commission will display or exhibit the provisional voters register at all the 38,622 polling stations across the country. The Commission will therefore exhibit the provisional voters register simultaneously at all polling stations which will serve as exhibition centres throughout the country from Friday 3rd November to Tuesday 7th November 2023.”
“The exhibition exercise will start at 7 a.m. and end at 6 p.m. throughout the exercise. The purpose of the exhibition exercise is to allow prospective voters to verify details. That is name, age, sex, etc as captured during the registration exercise, and make requests for amendments or insertions where necessary. It will also help voters to know their polling stations on the day of voting,” he stated.
Two suspects have been brought before an Accra Circuit Court on charges of defrauding an American citizen of $1,205,000.
The alleged scheme involved making false promises to supply the victim with seven 20-foot containers filled with money.
The accused, Dzam Abotsi, a car dealer, and Nana Kwame Yanka, a businessman, are facing charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and defrauding under false pretenses.
The court has granted the accused persons bail in the amount of GHC1 million cedis, with three sureties, one of whom must be justified, and the case has been adjourned to November 23, 2023.
An accomplice identified as Alhaji Tanko, a businessman facing the same charges, is currently at large.
The prosecution revealed that the complainant, Gary Bernsten, is an American Asset Recovery Officer, who was informed about a stash of United States Dollars stored in about 20 containers in Ghana.
Bernsten traveled to Ghana to recover the money and met with Abotsi, the first accused person, who showed him United States dollars concealed in approximately seven containers.
Abotsi charged Bernsten $100,500, in addition to $200,000 for rent and security for the containers, which were paid through cryptocurrency and wire transfers.
However, when Bernsten later visited the warehouse to move the containers to Tema Harbour, he found it empty, leading to the arrests of Abotsi and Yanka.
The prosecution is making efforts to apprehend other individuals who remain at large.
Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has stated that he has made a conscious decision to refrain from responding to the recent comments made by the Second Lady, Samira Bawumia.
Speaking to the media, he stated that countering her remarks could potentially have a detrimental effect on her marriage.
“I have vowed not to comment. You heard what Mrs. Bawumia said about me but I didn’t reply her because if I reply her, her marriage will collapse,” he stated.
Mr Agyapong’s comment comes in the wake of a recent campaign by Samira Bawumia in Amansie constituency. The Second Lady encouraged delegates not to vote for a candidate who had threatened that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would face defeat in the event of his loss in the flagbearer contest.
However, Mr Agyapong believes that Samira Bawumia was indirectly referring to him when she advised against candidates who sought the downfall of the NPP.
She emphasized the importance of party unity and criticized those who were campaigning with anger and advocating for the NPP to go into opposition if their favored candidate did not win.
“It is imperative that our words reflect the gravity of this election for our party, and, for this reason, we must avoid making mistakes and present a unified front. Therefore, we should all unite behind a candidate with the potential to lead us to victory. However, those who engage in campaigning with bitterness and anger, suggesting that we should accept going into opposition if our preferred candidate is not successful, is that a stance we are willing to embrace,” she added.
In response to these comments, Ken Agyapong noted that those who argued that the Second Lady did not mention any names in her speech would be the first to accuse him of insulting women if he were to respond without explicitly naming individuals.
The statement Kennedy Agyepong makes here about Samira Bawumia is very serious.
The recent spillage of the Akosombo Dam has had a notable impact on the cost of tomatoes, leaving tomato vendors grappling with increased expenses, as disclosed by a vendor.
Speaking to The Independent Ghana, the tomato vendor at Agbogbloshie market, Doris Baah stated that the sudden and unforeseen increase in tomato prices has compelled tomato vendors to grapple with the difficulty of elevated expenses and diminished profit margins.
The cost of tomatoes has surged due to the Akosombo Dam spillage, causing local farmers in the region to raise tomato prices. Consequently, customers are reluctant to make purchases, resulting in a notably sluggish market.
As per her account, she returns home empty-handed after numerous unsuccessful efforts to persuade customers to accommodate the prevailing circumstances.
“Tomato cost has become high due to the spillage at the Akosombo Dam, as a result farmers in that area have increased the price of tomatoes. So when customers come they don’t want to buy. Market has become very slow,” she added.
The Volta River Authority’s (VRA) decision to discharge excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong hydroelectric dams, while crucial for dam safety, has posed a multitude of challenges for the affected communities.
Dwellings, farmlands, and even burial grounds have been submerged in floodwaters, disrupting vital services like water and electricity supply and compelling the relocation of residents to higher ground for their safety.
The VRA has defended the controlled spillage due to the rapid filling of both dams to full capacity, primarily due to upstream precipitation.
In the same vein Vegetable farmers in Keta and the neighboring communities along the coastal belt of the Volta Region are grappling with substantial losses resulting from the recent flooding triggered by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
The inundation has had a detrimental impact on various crops, including tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garden eggs.
Speaking to the media, a tomato farmer from Tetekope, Mr. Sadiq Abdulai, revealed that the floodwaters had swept away all his crops, plunging him into significant debt and financial hardships.
“My entire tomato farm of about half an acre had been washed away by the flood and l lost everything.”
He reported investing more than Gh₵9,000 in the farm but yielded no harvest due to the damages.
“Most of us took huge sums of loan from financial institutions and how to pay back would be very difficult, we need help,” he added.
A total of 203,439 delegates will participate in the New Patriotic Party‘s (NPP) presidential elections, slated for Saturday, November 4, 2023.
This election aims to select a flagbearer to represent the party in the upcoming 2024 general elections and will be conducted in various constituencies across all 16 regions of Ghana. A total of 436 delegates will cast their votes at the party’s headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra.
The Ashanti Region is set to have 34,987 delegates participating, while the Ahafo Region will see 4,204 delegates voting. In the Greater Accra Region, 39,134 delegates will exercise their voting rights, and the Volta Region is expected to have 11,995 delegates taking part in the elections. The polling stations within the constituencies have also been disclosed.
The lead-up to this election has witnessed some controversy, with counter-accusations between the camps of Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Mr Agyapong has accused Bawumia of attempting to bribe him to withdraw from the race.
The presidential race features four candidates: Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Minister of Agriculture Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie, and former MP Francis Addai-Nimoh of Mampong.
In a noteworthy development, former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, withdrew from the NPP in September following the Special Delegates Conference.
He declared his intention to run as an independent candidate, citing intimidation of his supporters as a major reason for his decision.
Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has stated that he has made a conscious decision to refrain from responding to the recent comments made by the Second Lady, Samira Bawumia.
Speaking to the media, he stated that countering her remarks could potentially have a detrimental effect on her marriage
“I have vowed not to comment. You heard what Mrs. Bawumia said about me but I didn’t reply her because if I reply her, her marriage will collapse,” he stated.
Mr Agyapong’s comment comes in the wake of a recent campaign by Samira Bawumia in Amansie constituency.
The Second Lady encouraged delegates not to vote for a candidate who had threatened that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would face defeat in the event of his loss in the flagbearer contest.
However, Mr Agyapong believes that Samira Bawumia was indirectly referring to him when she advised against candidates who sought the downfall of the NPP.
She emphasized the importance of party unity and criticized those who were campaigning with anger and advocating for the NPP to go into opposition if their favored candidate did not win.
“It is imperative that our words reflect the gravity of this election for our party, and, for this reason, we must avoid making mistakes and present a unified front. Therefore, we should all unite behind a candidate with the potential to lead us to victory. However, those who engage in campaigning with bitterness and anger, suggesting that we should accept going into opposition if our preferred candidate is not successful, is that a stance we are willing to embrace,” she added.
In response to these comments, Ken Agyapong noted that those who argued that the Second Lady did not mention any names in her speech would be the first to accuse him of insulting women if he were to respond without explicitly naming individuals.
The statement Kennedy Agyepong makes here about Samira Bawumia is very serious.
The National Cathedral Secretariat has initiated an extensive investigation into potential conflict of interest and procurement irregularities related to the construction of the National Cathedral.
The Secretariat has enlisted the services of two reputable audit firms, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and a financial advisory company, Deloitte, to undertake this accountability-driven endeavor.
The Executive Director of the Secretariat, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, made this announcement during a media engagement on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
“At the moment there are two ongoing audits of the National Cathedral project that seeks to look into issues of accountability namely, an investigation by CHRAJ into issues of conflict of interest and procurement and a financial audit by Deloitte. So the notion somehow that we are running away from accountability is simply false,” he stated.
He emphasized the Secretariat’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability, dispelling any misconceptions about evading responsibility.
“Since January CHRAJ has been involved in detailed investigations, we have been cooperating,for the last information I saw from CHRAJ it was a questionnaire to the contractors about how they were selected. Everything is being detailed… We are committed to ensuring that the process takes the time it needs so that we will restore the confidence in this project,” he added.
According to him, the Secretariat is dedicated to ensuring a thorough and credible process is intended to rebuild trust and confidence in the National Cathedral project.
Earlier this year, CHRAJ dismissed a preliminary objection raised against its jurisdiction to investigate procurement breaches related to the construction of the National Cathedral of Ghana.
Subsequently, CHRAJ resumed its investigations into a petition submitted by Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, concerning the alleged procurement breaches.
Mr Ablakwa’s petition had called for an inquiry into three issues: purported procurement irregularities in contractor selection, the payment of GHS2,600,000.00 from state resources to JNS Talent Centre Limited, and allegations of a conflict of interest involving Rev. Victor Kusi-Boateng.
Respondents, including the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori Atta, Apostle Prof Opoku Onyinah, and Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng, had initially objected to CHRAJ’s jurisdiction in the matter.
The Minister of Finance argued that the government’s alleged breach of its commitment to fund the construction and maintenance of the cathedral with contributions from private entities and non-governmental organizations was a political issue outside the commission’s jurisdiction.
We are looking into conflict of interest claims and procurement – National Cathedral Secretariat #INDViral Thomas Partey #MaxTV Asamoah Gyan | R2bees #KONEKTALBUM Bawumia | Shatta | Dbee | Mepe pic.twitter.com/v7lddEcVgt
The Executive Director of the National Cathedral Secretariat, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, has revealed that a report concerning the design work for the National Cathedral has been formally presented to Parliament.
He indicated that this development is a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in the National Cathedral project.
Addressing the media on Wednesday November 1, 2023, he explained that the design work contains reports for the Cathedral, the Bible museum, and the biblical gardens.
“In addition to all that I have said, the design, the report of the design work of the Cathedral, the bible museum and the biblical gardens have also been submitted to Parliament. We are not saying this and keeping this to ourselves, they have been submitted and are with Parliament,” he added.
Furthermore, he shared that the Secretariat has received the first religious statue for the museum and gardens, which will be unveiled to the public once it is cleared from the port.
“I am happy to report that our first religious statue for the museum and the gardens have just been shipped to us from the Abba Anointing Company in Houston Texas, when we take them from the harbor we will make it public,” he stated.
The Executive Director revealed that his outfit has initiated fundraising efforts and are engaging with potential contributors who can provide valuable historical artifacts for the project, underlining the importance of these artifacts to elevate the National Cathedral to a world-class site.
“In addition to fund raising we are already engaging with those who can actually give us artifact because if we want to turn this into a world class site, you need historical artefacts and those you can’t buy you negotiate, some will give them to you as gifts or as permanent exhibitions. Those processes are ongoing on daily basis.
He also stated that the project has not been suspended contrary to widespread claims.
According to him, although construction work on the National Cathedral has stalled temporarily, however, it has not been suspended entirely.
“I want to stress that, there have been issues that the project has been suspended; it hasn’t. The construction has stalled but the National Cathedral is almost an institution; it’s going to be one of the largest institutions. So, the work continues on a daily basis,” he said.
Report on design work of national cathedral have been submitted to Parliament – Secretariat #INDViral Thomas Partey #MaxTV Asamoah Gyan | R2bees #KONEKTALBUM Bawumia | Shatta | Dbee | Mepe pic.twitter.com/inGqTlhygu
The National Cathedral project has not been suspended contrary to widespread claims.
This was disclosed by the Executive Director of the National Cathedral Secretariat, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah while addressing the media on Wednesday, November 1 2023.
According to him, although construction work on the National Cathedral has stalled temporarily, however, it has not been suspended entirely.
“I want to stress that, there have been issues that the project has been suspended; it hasn’t. The construction has stalled but the National Cathedral is almost an institution; it’s going to be one of the largest institutions. So, the work continues on a daily basis,” he said.
The National Cathedral, envisioned as a symbol of unity and pride for Ghanaians and a place of national worship, has been under public scrutiny ever since it was initiated.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has been advocating for financial and corporate scrutiny of the project.
He has further disclosed that work on the project had come to a halt.
This observation was substantiated by media organizations that conducted site visits and confirmed the absence of ongoing work.
On Tuesday, August 30, the Executive Director of the project, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, officially confirmed the suspension of work, despite the continued presence of contractors and their staff at the construction site.
“We have the contractors and their staff on site, but the work has been suspended. We are hoping that within the next couple of weeks, as part of our fundraising and other initiatives we can begin work again… our ability to complete this work keenly depends on Ghanaians supporting it,” he told a delegation that had come to donate towards the project.
He encouraged the Christian community to intensify their support for the project, emphasizing that this was the most reliable means to generate the necessary funds for its completion.
“The money might be big in terms of volume but if indeed we have 21 million Christians and a million can give us GH₵100 a month for a year, we can easily complete this in time.
“I refuse to believe that we can’t get a million Ghanaians out of the 21 million Christians to support this. I still have faith in the Ghanaian and I am confident that we will do this,” he added.
In the meantime, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Reverend Eastwood Anaba, who were members of the Board of Trustees overseeing the National Cathedral project, submitted their resignations.
They cited the government’s failure to appoint an independent accounting firm to audit the public funds contributed to the project as the reason for their resignation.
They expressed regret that the needed audit had not been conducted to restore public confidence and trust in the project.
“Despite our prayers, best hopes and wishes, unfortunately, a needed audit to help restore public confidence and trust in this consequential project has not been enacted to the best of our knowledge. Since January 2023, we awaited news to no avail, regarding the finding of the audit.
“We, therefore, regret that as a matter of conscience and faith, we hereby submit to you our resignation from the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral.”
The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, is set to present the government’s 2024 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on November 15, 2023, as announced by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, during a session in Accra.
The Speaker emphasized the importance of scrutinizing the budget to ensure it meets the needs of all Ghanaians.
He called for a consultative and consensus-building approach in the budget approval deliberations, noting the House’s demonstrated capacity and experience in this regard.
“A few days from now, we will be hosting the Minister of Finance to present the budget statement for the 2024 financial year. We are proposing that it be done on the 15th of November. Please kindly take note of the date.
“As our oversight responsibility requires, we will have to scrutinize the budget to ensure that it serves the needs of all Ghanaians,” adding that “I believe this house will adopt a consultative and consensus-building approach throughout this process. We have demonstrated enough capacity and experience in budget approval deliberations and this will be no different,” he stated.
Mr. Bagbin also stressed the urgency of passing the budget bill, enabling Parliament to engage technical personnel to comply with recent legislations.
In the meantime, the Finance Minister has acknowledged the Akosombo Dam spillage’s impact and indicated that long-term relief measures for the affected communities would be considered in the 2024 budget.
He mentioned that while some relief items had already been provided, more assistance would be included in next year’s budget to address the situation effectively.
“We have mobilized a few things that we would like to share but I think we are also in the budget season and therefore it will not just be numbers that we are working on but true feelings in the field and therefore the need to look at these social interventions in a real way. We will certainly give this an expression immediately and also in the budget,” he stated.
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, is set to appear before Parliament on November 8, where she will provide updates on the recently completed limited voter registration exercise.
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, revealed this information and mentioned that the EC boss would address the House the following week regarding electoral matters.
He stressed the importance of allowing the EC to present its side of the story before forming judgments.
“Mr Speaker, [Alban Bagbin] pursuant to order 44, the leadership of the business committee proposed that the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, be invited to attend upon the house [on] November 8, 2023, at a close sitting to brief members of the house on matters arising from the recently held limited voter registration exercise undertaken by the commission and other related matters.
“Of course, it wasn’t necessary to castigate the EC when you have not heard from them, it was unnecessary,” the Majority Leader said.
During the registration exercise, over 600,000 new voters were registered, commencing on September 12 and concluding on October 2.
Criticism arose from the Minority in Parliament, who disapproved of the EC’s decision to restrict registration to district offices, arguing that this imposed an additional financial burden on Members of Parliament.
The EC’s choice to limit registration centers to district offices faced public criticism, including from the opposition NDC and civil society organizations, who called for more accessible registration locations.
Nevertheless, the EC maintained its approach and completed the registration at district offices by October 2, 2023, without an extension.
The EC’s choice to limit registration centers to district offices faced public criticism, including from the opposition NDC and civil society organizations, who called for more accessible registration locations.
Nevertheless, the EC maintained its approach and completed the registration at district offices by October 2, 2023, without an extension.
The EC’s choice to limit registration centers to district offices faced public criticism, including from the opposition NDC and civil society organizations, who called for more accessible registration locations.
Nevertheless, the EC maintained its approach and completed the registration at district offices by October 2, 2023, without an extension.
The EC’s choice to limit registration centers to district offices faced public criticism, including from the opposition NDC and civil society organizations, who called for more accessible registration locations.
Nevertheless, the EC maintained its approach and completed the registration at district offices by October 2, 2023, without an extension.
The Fanteakwa North delegates have resolutely endorsed Vice President Dr. Bawumia as their preferred candidate for the forthcoming November 4 presidential primaries.
The strong show of support was evident during a series of gatherings organized by Madam Barbara, fondly known as Obaatanpa Barbara, who fervently campaigned for Dr. Bawumia.
Over the course of a week-long program, delegates actively engaged in discussions and vocalized their unwavering commitment to Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy.
Following the conclusion of this initiative, delegates from all 28 electoral areas within the Fanteakwa North Constituency pledged unequivocally to secure a resounding 100% victory for the Vice President in the upcoming November 4 elections.
The New Patriotic Party is currently in the process of selecting its official flagbearer, who will lead the party in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for December 2024.
The contest features notable candidates, including Kennedy Agyapong, who competes against prominent figures such as Vice President Mahumudu Bawumia, former Minister for Agriculture Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai Nimo.
The NPP will convene its national delegates’ conference on November 4 to elect the flagbearer who will lead the party into the 2024 general elections.
The former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, has indicated that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia‘s will become victorious in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer elections scheduled for November 4, 2023.
In his recent statement, Mr Amidu, known for his anti-corruption advocacy and prior role as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, asserted that the upcoming elections would also signify the formal selection of Bawumia as the party’s leader.
“4 November 2023 determines whether Nana Akufo-Addo’s dream, birthed upon losing the 2008 Presidential Elections, never to allow any other person except his preferred candidate in the New Patriotic Party to succeed him should he assume the Presidency of Ghana, will be actualized. The outcome for the 4 November 2023 NPP congress and presidential primaries is certain: Nana Akufo-Addo’s anointed candidate, Mahamudu Bawumia, will be nominated for the 2024 Presidential Elections as programmed,” he added.
Mr Amidu emphasized the role of the August 26, 2023 NPP primaries, where 10 candidates contested and culled out, reinforcing his belief that Bawumia is the sole candidate endorsed by the Nana Akufo-Addo administration.
According to him the current NPP structure is tailored to favor Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the party’s national delegates congress on November 4.
“…The 26 August 2023 NPP primaries, (supper delegates’ conference), to prune down the 10 candidates who did not believe in my intelligence and security analysis that Mahamudu Bawumia is the only candidate Nana Akufo-Addo’s Family and Friends’ Government will unequivocally support to represent the party at the 2024 Presidential elections came to pass with my vindication that the internal primaries was only intended to coronate the chosen and establishment candidate amongst the contestants,” he wrote.
The Ashanti Regional Minister for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Simon Osei Mensah, has issued a stern warning to party members participating in the forthcoming elections.
During a media address, he emphasized that it is imperative for party members to arrive at the election grounds without wearing or displaying paraphernalia associated with any specific candidate.
He further indicated that individuals who violate this directive will face consequences for their actions, as strict measures will be taken against them.
“Party members should be aware that the use of vuvuzelas and ‘soloku’ is prohibited at the election grounds. No one should be observed wearing a candidate’s paraphernalia. Those who disregard this directive will face disciplinary action and will not be exempt from the consequences of their actions,” he added.
The party’s upcoming presidential primary is scheduled for November 4, 2023.
This crucial event aims to determine the party’s flagbearer for the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The election will be conducted across all 16 regions of the country, representing a significant milestone in the party’s democratic process.
The presidential primary features a spirited competition among four candidates, each vying for the NPP’s coveted nomination.
These contenders are Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Member of Parliament for Assin, Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie, former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who hails from the Central Region.
Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has suggested that the flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama is indirectly influencing who the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should elect as their flagbearer ahead of 2024 elections.
Addressing the media, he asserted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer would exert significant influence on the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) deliberations regarding the selection of their flagbearer for the 2024 elections.
He further elaborated that the party is grappling with the decision on whom to choose, as it will be a pivotal factor in their efforts to secure victory in the 2024 elections against the NDC flagbearer.
“Mahama is becoming a significant influence; he appears to be taking on a prophetic role by advising the NPP on their choice of flag bearer. This is quite unexpected,” he stated.
He suggested that the party’s upcoming presidential competition will be marked by numerous developments, as a host of significant occurrences are already in motion in the lead-up to the D-day.
“We can anticipate a series of events unfolding in the November 4 elections. Much will transpire on Saturday, and the outcome will be shaped by the ongoing developments. We are yet to witness the results,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the NPP in the Savannah Region, Alhaji Iddrisu Sulemana, also known as Professor Kalamonia, has brimmed with confidence in Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s popularity within the region.
He has boldly predicted that Dr. Bawumia will receive an overwhelming endorsement, with over 95% of the votes, in the forthcoming NPP presidential primaries slated for November 4.
This declaration came during the inauguration of the newly established Savannah Region NPP Office complex in Damongo on Saturday, October 28, 2023.
The party’s upcoming presidential primary is scheduled for November 4, 2023.
This crucial event aims to determine the party’s flagbearer for the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The election will be conducted across all 16 regions of the country, representing a significant milestone in the party’s democratic process.
The presidential primary features a spirited competition among four candidates, each vying for the NPP’s coveted nomination.
These contenders are Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Member of Parliament for Assin, Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie, former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who hails from the Central Region.
A member of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team, Frederick Opare-Ansah, is of the opinion that Alan Kyerematen’s resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was prompted by his dissatisfaction with finishing in third place in the party’s super delegates conference.
Speaking to the media, Mr Opare-Ansah, a former Suhum MP, stated that “from what I heard, he was unhappy about the position he received, but that, in my opinion, shouldn’t have been the way he chose to exit the NPP.”
Mr Opare-Ansah further elaborated, “I have also listened to what happened, and in fact, the attack was initiated by his agent going out of his way to take on a function that is not his own. For example, if someone shows his ballot, it is not the responsibility of an agent to stop him from putting it in the box; it is a matter for the EC and the police who are there.”
In the super delegates conference, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia secured victory with 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the vote. Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes, while Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes, equivalent to 10.29%.
Alan, expressing discontent with the results and citing unfairness, announced his resignation from the NPP on September 25.
However, Opare-Ansah opined that Alan’s concerns were not substantial issues and that he should have awaited the outcome of investigations into the matter and any subsequent sanctions before taking any further action.
Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has suggested that providing a uniform for National Security officers may help reduce attacks on them by civilians.
His proposal comes in the wake of a military assault on residents of Garu-Tempane as retaliation for an alleged attack on National Security operatives by a vigilante group in Garu.
Mr Ayariga, in an interview condemned the actions of the youth but emphasized the need for the Ministry to establish protocols when deploying officers to specific areas.
He stressed the importance of officers wearing uniforms in areas with security concerns, as it allows civilians to easily identify them as soldiers, police officers, immigration officers, or fire officers.
“We all know that there are security issues in Bawku, Garu, Pusiga, therefore, if any member of the security agencies is moving into that zone, there must be protocols, you should be in your uniform so that the civilians from afar will be able to identify you as a soldier, policeman, immigration man, fire officer. In this instance, they were not in uniforms, they were driving in a Landcruiser which was not numbered [registered].”
“They said they were on an operation and the people didn’t know which operation it was in Garu. You come and be in an obscure corner. The military as an institution has no basis for deciding to go and carry out a mass attack on the entire community because one, two or three of their own were attacked. They must understand that these people were not wearing military uniforms for the people to easily identify that these were soldiers for the people to go and attack them,” Mahama Ayariga told Umaru Sanda Amadu.
In the Garu incident, the officers were not in uniform and were driving an unregistered Land Cruiser, making it difficult for the community to identify them and understand the purpose of their operation.
The reported incident involved military personnel launching a dawn raid on Garu and assaulting residents.
While the Ghana Armed Forces justified their actions, accusing local youth of initiating the attack on National Security operatives, the National Security Ministry refuted the reports and explained that it was a joint operation aimed at seizing weapons used in the October 24 attack by a vigilante group in Garu.
A member of the Interior and Defense Committee of Parliament, Cletus Avoka, hinted that the committee would summon the Minister for National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah, to provide an account of the alleged brutality on Garu residents by personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces.
A prominent media personality, Nana Aba Anamoah, has responded to a post on twitter in which a flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Afriyie Akoto, expressed his belief that he is the right candidate to lead the party in the 2024 general elections and break the eight-year term pattern in office.
The post shared by broadcaster Serwaa Amihere, Dr. Afryie Akoto was quoted as saying, “I am capable of breaking the 8 in the 2024 election.”
Nana Aba Anamoah, in a sarcastic comment, suggested that Dr. Afriyie Akoto is not as likely to break an “8” as the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC), which recently won its eighth trophy in the National Science and Maths Quiz.
“He [Afriyie Akoto] is not PRESEC to break any 8.”
Nana Aba Anamoah’s comment humorously juxtaposed Dr. Afriyie Akoto’s political ambitions with PRESEC’s achievement.
The NPP primaries are scheduled for November 4, 2023, with four candidates vying for the presidential slot: Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, MP for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong, former MP for Mampong Francis Addai-Nimoh, and former Minister of Agriculture Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie.
I’m capable of breaking the 8 in election 2024 – Dr Afriyie Akoto
The legal representative for Asamoah Gyan, Edwin Kusi-Appiah, has disputed the claims that the court ordered his client to transfer a fuel station, two cars, a house in London, and other assets to his ex-wife, Gifty Gyan.
On October 31, 2023, social media circulated information that Gyan had been instructed by the court to provide Gifty with a monthly stipend of GHȼ25,000 for the care and well-being of their three children.
However, Kusi-Appiah clarified that Gyan emerged victorious in the legal proceedings and asserted that the mentioned properties were already in Gifty’s name.
According to him, Gyan had sought to nullify his marriage to Gifty due to her pre-existing marriage, which was discovered after their union and rendered their marriage invalid.
“Gyan went to the court with the petition for annulment of his marriage because his wife whom he married in 2013 was married to another person which was not known to him.
“The wife on the other hand argued that the case brought was not true and that the stipulated marriage was a marriage of convenience and asked the court to dissolve the marriage and not annul it. She also asked the court to give her more than six houses, several cars and other things which the court did not grant.”
Mr. Kusi-Appiah added that the court confirmed that Gifty was indeed married before her union with Gyan and proceeded to annul it.
However, there was no specific clarification regarding the alleged monthly stipend of GHȼ25,000 intended for the care and support of the three children Gyan shares with his ex-wife, Gifty.
The former captain of the Ghana Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan, has criticized his ex-spouse after she disclosed the court’s decision on their divorce case to the public.
On the evening of Tuesday, October 31, 2023, the news of the divorce ruling involving Asamoah Gyan gained widespread attention.
The court decided that the wife should be granted ownership of the footballer’s house in the UK, a four-bedroom house in Spintex, Accra, a parcel of land designated for a fuel station in Prampram, two cars, and a monthly maintenance fee of 25,000 cedis.
Upon media coverage of the ruling, the footballer believed that his ex-wife intentionally went to the media to tarnish his reputation and create the perception that she had won the case.
Asamoah Gyan contended that he was the actual victor in the case, asserting that his ex-wife and her lawyer were disseminating falsehoods to the public due to his status as a public figure.
Asamoah Gyan expressed his viewpoint on Twitter with the following statement:
“Lawyers want to maintain credibility because they lost. The only recourse they have is to take their case to the public and deceive the public because I am a public figure. I have 10 points. They have 2 points. The only avenue available to them now is social media 😂😂😂.”
In a bold move aimed at cleansing Ghana’s media landscape, the Nation Media Commission (NMC) and the National Communication Authority (NCA) have implemented proactive measures to combat the infiltration of money doublers, ritualists, and charlatans into the nation’s airwaves.
This initiative, part of a comprehensive campaign to improve the quality of broadcast content in the country, was officially unveiled on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
At the core of this effort is the establishment of the Broadcasting Monitoring Center, a specialized facility responsible for overseeing and regulating offensive media content.
Furthermore, a toll-free hotline has been activated to enable vigilant media consumers to promptly report instances of objectionable media content.
Speaking at the launch event, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister for Information, commended the collaborative efforts of the NMC and the NCA in setting up this center.
He praised their effective utilization of national resources and stressed the importance of finding a balance between regulatory functions and the right to freedom of expression.
Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah remarked, “First, I want to congratulate both the NMC and NCA for this collaboration. It is an efficient use of the scarce national resources that we have. In many places, you see an attempt to duplicate, but you have collaborated and you’re saving all of us some money, and I want to congratulate you for that.”
Background:
The decision by the NMC and NCA to tackle the dissemination of objectionable content in the media followed a significant stakeholders’ consultative meeting held in 2021. During this meeting, all participants unanimously agreed that regulatory action was necessary due to the increasing presence of unscrupulous individuals on the airwaves.
Prominent figures from Ghana’s media landscape were present at the launch, including Joe Anokye, Director General of the NCA; Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, Chairman of the NMC; George Sarpong, Executive Secretary of the NMC; and Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association. Representatives from various media umbrella organizations also attended.
Joe Anokye expressed his satisfaction with the establishment of the state-of-the-art center, emphasizing that it will greatly assist regulators in monitoring and swiftly addressing offensive media content, which has been on the rise for some time.
Boadu-Ayeboafoh explained that given the increasing prevalence of objectionable broadcasting content, it was essential to establish standards, and this was the purpose of the NCA and NMC in creating the Monitoring Center.
The divorce proceedings involving the former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, and his ex-wife Gifty, reached a conclusion in an Accra High Court on October 31, 2023.
The court officially dissolved their marriage, which had been established in 2013, and issued rulings regarding the paternity and custody of their three children, as well as the distribution of landed and vehicular properties concerning Gifty.
In his initial public response to the case’s resolution, Gyan conveyed through a tweet that he had approached the outcome with maturity and that he had successfully retained a significant portion of his wealth.
Gifty Gyan’s major relief requests and the court’s decisions are as follows:
Reliefs Rejected:
Alimony of US$1 million: The court rejected this request. Alimony is financial support provided to a spouse during separation or following a divorce.
Share of Asamoah Gyan’s stake in various businesses: The court held that Gifty Gyan failed to prove Asamoah Gyan’s ownership in these businesses.
Share of an East Legon mansion and Baby Jet Heights property: The court ruled that these properties were not considered spousal properties.
Cost and legal fees: This request was also dismissed.
Reliefs Granted:
Landed property: Gifty Gyan will receive ownership of Asamoah Gyan’s UK mansion.
Four-bedroom house at Spintex in Accra: This property is awarded to Gifty.
Ownership of land designated for a fuelling station in Prampram: The court granted Gifty this property.
Vehicles: Gifty Gyan is given a BMW and an Infiniti.
These are the outcomes of the court’s decisions regarding the relief requests made by Gifty Gyan in her divorce proceedings with Asamoah Gyan.
A report released on October 31, 2023, by the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), indicates that Ghana’s fiscal position in 2022 witnessed a substantial deterioration compared to the previous year.
The report outlines several pivotal factors that led to this decline, portraying a worrisome picture of the country’s economic prospects.
Ghana had set an ambitious fiscal deficit target of 7.4% of GDP for 2022, indicating a concerted effort to consolidate finances by reducing it by 1.8% of GDP from the 9.2% deficit recorded in 2021.
However, the actual fiscal deficit for 2022 turned out to be 10.7% of GDP, significantly surpassing the target.
According to the ISSER report, “the outturn fiscal deficit of 10.7% by the end of 2022, against the revised target of 6.6%, indicates an unsuccessful consolidation and a worsening of the fiscal position compared to 2021”.
A key contributing factor to this fiscal decline was the constrained global financing conditions that limited Ghana’s access to international capital markets. Moreover, challenges related to the delayed passage of the e-levy, domestic financing, and the rapid depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi exacerbated the country’s debt burden.
The primary drivers of the fiscal deficit were higher government spending and lower revenue compared to the planned targets.
Consequently, Ghana’s public debt as a percentage of GDP rose to 70.7% in 2022, up from 64.5% in 2021.
Quoting the report, “The rise in nominal debt resulted from adverse global financing conditions, loss of investor confidence due to credit downgrades, restricted access to international capital markets, substantial capital flow reversals, and domestic financing difficulties.”
The ISSER report concludes that Ghana’s fiscal performance in 2022 reflects an “unsuccessful fiscal consolidation and underperformance of budget and revised fiscal deficit targets.”
This worrying trend raises crucial questions about the country’s capacity to stabilize its fiscal situation and regain international investors’ confidence.
The report’s findings underscore the necessity for effective fiscal management, reforms, and policies to address the challenges that contributed to Ghana’s deteriorating fiscal position in 2022.
It is likely that the government and relevant stakeholders will need to take prompt and decisive measures to mitigate the adverse economic effects of these developments and foster long-term fiscal stability.
The abducted deacon from the Church of Pentecost, who was taken during the attack on a Johannesburg assembly last Sunday, has been successfully liberated.
Deacon Emmanuel Cudjoe was kidnapped in the aftermath of an armed robbery that occurred during a live church service. The assailants absconded with the belongings and money of church members and forcibly took the deacon with them.
It is worth noting that the Church of Pentecost declared a three-day period of fasting and prayer on Tuesday, October 31, in response to this distressing incident.
However, even before the fasting and prayer session concluded on Thursday, November 2, the deacon was set free.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Charles Owiredu, confirmed that Deacon Cudjoe was released on Tuesday night.
“He is with his family now,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday, November 1.
The Church of Pentecost Deacon/Elder was freed last night. He is with his family now.
The Church of Pentecost has officially announced a three-day period of fasting and prayer in response to the recent abduction of a deacon during their Sunday service in a Johannesburg Assembly in South Africa.
This period of fasting and prayer will commence on Tuesday, October 31 and is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, November 2.
In a statement released by the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, it was emphasized that the early Christian church had fervently prayed for the release of Peter, one of Jesus’s disciples, when he was incarcerated.
Consequently, the current church believes it is imperative to pray for the safe return and well-being of Deacon Emmanuel Cudjoe.
The primary focus of this fasting and prayer initiative is to petition for the health and freedom of their fellow brother.
Additionally, during this period, the church will also engage in intercessory prayers for global peace, with specific attention given to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
The statement further outlined that virtual joint prayer sessions will be conducted daily at 22:00 GMT, broadcasted from the studios of Pent TV and made accessible through platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, or Zoom.
Background Information: On Sunday, October 29, armed robbers abruptly infiltrated the Church of Pentecost assembly in Johannesburg during a worship service, resulting in the theft of valuables and cash. This brief, less-than-five-minute incident left members deeply traumatized, and a deacon was taken hostage.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, as of Monday, October 31, has disclosed that it is collaborating with the church and the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) to expedite the safe release and return of the victim to his family.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has declared that an investigation will be initiated by the house into the recent spillage of the Akosombo dam by the Volta River Authority (VRA).
The spillage of excess water from the dam has resulted in the displacement of thousands of residents and the destruction of numerous properties in various areas of the Volta and Eastern regions.
During a parliamentary session, Speaker Bagbin expressed his dismay that the VRA conducted the spillage without a comprehensive security and safety preparedness plan in place, deeming it unacceptable.
He stated, “But let me say that it is unacceptable that an activity as potentially destructive as dam spillage was done without a well-thought-through security and safety preparedness plan. As such, parliament will take the necessary action to enquire into the matter and make recommendations for the protection of property and lives living along the Volta River and lake and other settlements along river birds.”
“This is a national assignment and parliament should be seen to be leading in finding solutions to this somehow perennial problem confronting the nation”.
Mr Bagbin emphasized that this is a national responsibility, and parliament should take the lead in seeking solutions to this recurrent issue affecting the nation.
He also called on all Members of Parliament to support their colleagues whose constituencies have been impacted by the spillage.
The Volta Regional Organizer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Siki Abibu, issued a stern message to party members and leaders covertly vying for the position of the Party’s running mate in the upcoming general elections.
During a media interview in Sogakope on October 18, Mr. Abibu stressed the imperative of prioritizing the collective interests of the Party over personal ambitions.
He urged party stalwarts to avoid pushing for running mate positions, as it only serves to sow division. Instead, he called for unity within the Party to enhance their chances in the upcoming elections.
“It’s time for some of our party stalwarts to put the collective interest above personal ambitions,” he asserted. “Pushing for running mate positions at this time dangerously creates unnecessary division in the Party. We rather need to focus on uniting as one large family to win the upcoming elections.”
The Organizer’s comments underscore the challenges faced by the Party in maintaining internal cohesion, given the undue pressure on the flagbearer to select a running mate.
Such pressure, orchestrated by influential party figures, traditional leaders, and respected NDC elders, has led to internal divisions and infighting, jeopardizing the Party’s prospects.
Mr. Abibu emphasized the need to unite behind the flagbearer, present a unified front to voters, and avoid distractions.
He also cautioned party members involved in such activities, urging them to cease their efforts and patiently pursue their interests after the Party’s victory in the upcoming election.
“Our primary goal, the Organizer declared, should be to unite behind our flagbearer and present a strong, formidable and cohesive front to the electorate. We cannot afford to be distracted by personal pursuits and internal struggles at this critical juncture.
Mr. Abibu expressed optimism about the Volta Region’s opportunity to have its own presidential candidate after John Mahama’s final term, emphasizing the importance of party unity and the broader goal of winning the elections.
In the increasingly competitive political landscape, his message highlights the urgency for all party members to collaborate toward a common purpose, setting aside personal ambitions for the benefit of the NDC and its supporters.
The Concerned Youth of Offinso have voiced their concerns about what they perceive as an abuse of traditional powers by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in a local chieftaincy dispute.
They have openly opposed the decision of Manhyia Palace, which directed the kingmakers of Offinso Traditional Area to select a new paramount chief following the passing of Nana Wiafe Akenten II.
During a press conference, the youth expressed their belief that Otumfuo had taken undue advantage of the respect accorded to him by the queen mother, rendering her powerless.
“We can say emphatically that Otumfuo has no power to destool or enstool any paramount chief and he should allow Offinso Hemaa to do her work.”
They emphasized that the Asantehene lacked the authority to destool or enstool a paramount chief, insisting that he should allow the Offinso Hemaa to carry out her duties.
In a separate matter, the Offinso Traditional Council refuted claims that Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong, the former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), had been nominated and accepted as the successor to the late Paramount Chief, Nana Awiafe Akenten III.
This nomination, described as a “clandestine” media tactic, was allegedly driven by individuals closely associated with Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko, the town’s queen mother, despite concerns that Dr. Sarpong lacked the necessary local roots and royal lineage for the esteemed position.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II previously declined a request from Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko to accept Dr. Sarpong as her choice for the Offinso stool, advising her to adhere to tradition and customary protocols.
Pollster and Managing Editor of the Dispatch Newspaper, Ben Ephson, has expressed skepticism about Kennedy Agyapong’s departure from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) after the November 4, 2023 flagbearer race.
Mr Ephson’s doubt is based on his belief that Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is likely to win the party’s primaries on that date.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Francis Abban, Ephson suggested that Ken Agyapong would remain with the NPP if there is fairness and no attempts to marginalize or threaten his supporters.
He noted that Bawumia is perceived as the establishment candidate and mentioned past incidents where NPP members openly supporting a different candidate faced consequences.
Ephson emphasized the significant number of supporters that an establishment candidate can gather and the challenge of controlling and silencing them. In this context, he cited that Akufo-Addo faced such challenges when he was not the establishment candidate.
“I think that if there is fairness, if there are cases of intimidation I think that Ken will be on board. During his campaign obviously, he has made those slogans that if there is fairness there would be no problem. I doubt if there will be an attempt to try and marginalize any of his supporters or threaten any of his supporters.
“Everybody will realize that Bawumia is obviously the establishment candidate. In 2007, the numbers were not so huge but Alan Kyerematen lost. In 2007 Ministers of State who were seen openly supporting Akufo-Addo were dismissed. It was that blatant,” Mr. Ephson stated.
He continued: “Akufo-Addo being a victim of strong handedness of the establishment I think have avoided that. Peter Amewu is still at post. The female deputy Finance Minister is still at post as we speak is still at post. I mean 200,000 is a lot of numbers for an establishment candidate to be able to control and gag all of them.”
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has initiated a search for one of his sub chiefs, Baffour Adugyemfuo Kumani, who stands accused of land sales in Kwapra.
In a video broadcasted by Opemsuo FM in Manhyia, the Asantehene expressed his directive, “Go and apprehend him.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II pointed out that he is seeking Baffour Adugyemfuo Kumani due to ongoing land disputes, asserting that the Kwaprehene has been evading him under the pretext of illness.
“Kwaprehene knows why I’m looking for him. He knows I am looking for him because of the land issues. That’s why he is dodging me with the excuse of sickness. And he thinks he is smarter than me,” the Asantehene declares.
The Asantehene emphasized his determination, stating, “I won’t take any excuse from him. When he was young, he sold my land without bringing me my money.”
Despite his earlier forgiveness, the matter has resurfaced, and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II rebuked the kingmakers of Kwapra for not providing Baffour Adugyemfuo Kumani with sound guidance.
He urged the elders to advise him to amend his ways and curb his excesses.
“And you to the elders, I have always cautioned you against his excesses and that you should caution him to change his ways,” he reprimanded.
Jurors of the High Court in Accra have initiated a strike action to protest their unpaid allowances and to seek better treatment from the state.
The strike, in effect since October 26, has resulted in the suspension of several court cases, including the trial of the 14 individuals accused in the death of Major Maxwell Mahama.
The jurors are currently owed more than eight months’ worth of allowances. This is not the first time such action has been taken, as jurors in Accra staged a similar strike in April 2023 for the same reasons. In addition to overdue allowances, the jurors are also requesting increased state protection, considering the risks associated with their roles.
A dissatisfied juror, speaking to the media, he lamented the mistreatment they endure from the state.
The juror accused the Chief Justice and the lawyers they collaborate with of a lack of good faith, asserting that their concerns are not being taken seriously.
He stated, “We risk our lives to do this work for the entire year, and we have not been given anything even to aid our transportation. And we have tried to talk to the Chief Justice and the lawyers that we work with, but they don’t take us seriously. And all that they say is that we are not supposed to strike, but we are not on strike. The fact is, we don’t have money to use as transportation to come to court, and that is the truth.”
Furthermore, the juror accused the government of reneging on its promise to pay their allowances promptly. He pointed out that the agreed-upon payment amounts were never disputed, but the government has failed to honor its commitment.
“They cannot even stand by their own decision and pay us,” the juror concluded. “That is not the agreement we signed for.”
