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Tag: 2020 election

  • No constituency was left out in the 2020 election -Majority Leader

    No constituency was left out in the 2020 election -Majority Leader

    The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has asserted that no constituency has been left without representation in Parliament.

    His remarks were in response to the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who voiced disappointment over the delay in electing a representative for the residents of Santrokofi, Akpofu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL).

    The 2020 elections in Ghana were marked by controversy, particularly concerning the alleged disenfranchisement of the SALL community.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with critics like Franklin Cudjoe, president of IMANI Africa, accusing the EC of gross incompetence. Cudjoe argued that the EC’s actions led to the disenfranchisement of the SALL community.

    However, the EC refuted these allegations, explaining that the inability of SALL voters to participate in the parliamentary elections on December 7, 2020, was not a deliberate act of disenfranchisement.

    The EC clarified that it was unable to establish the Guan constituency, which would have included SALL, due to late requests and Parliament being in recess at the time.

    In a rebuttal to Dr. Forson’s claim in Parliament on Friday, the Majority Leader emphasized that no constituency was excluded from the 2020 elections.

    Afenyo-Markin urged the Minority Leader to avoid misleading Ghanaians and to ensure his facts are accurate before making such claims.

    “The issue of the creation of a constituency for representation is a matter for the EC. And in this 8th parliament, no constituency has been denied representation. At the time of the 2020 election Mr Speaker no such constituency was left out in the 2020 election.

    “So Mr Speaker, the minority leader should not mislead the people of Ghana. When he is raising issues of constitution, he should be well grounded and ensure that the right thing is done,” he stated.

  • Vote-buying has become a trend under NPP – Political Analyst

    Vote-buying has become a trend under NPP – Political Analyst

    Political analyst, Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere has remarked that the degree of commercialization within the country’s electoral system is more prevalent under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration compared to previous regimes.

    Dr. Asante Otchere’s observations follow an incident involving the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) for the Kwadaso constituency, Dr. Kingsley Nyarko, who was captured on camera distributing a white envelope to two Electoral Commission officials during the Ejisu by-election on Tuesday, April 30.

    The circulating video of the NPP MP has sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about addressing the longstanding issue of commercializing the electoral process.

    However, the Electoral Commission, in its initial inquiries into the matter, stated that the envelope’s contents were intended for lunch and not to influence its officials.

    “It is just quite unfortunate. This kind of opulence and daylight influence of elections has raised its ugly head more than ever in the regime of the NPP.

    “I can say that there is not a single regime that is innocent of this practice but the level at which we are seeing now is just quite unbelieveable and mind-blowing,” Dr. Asante Otchere said on TV3 News 360.

    He added, “If Dr. Nyarko had not been caught on video, he wouldn’t have accepted that I gave this envelope to the EC officials to buy water.”

    Expressing his dismay, Dr. Asante Otchere remarked, “This kind of lavishness and overt interference in elections has become more prevalent than ever under the NPP regime. While no regime is entirely innocent of such practices, the current extent is simply staggering.”

    He continued, “Had Dr. Nyarko not been captured on video, he likely would not have admitted to providing the envelope to the EC officials for refreshments.”

    Furthermore, Dr. Asante Otchere pointed out that the government resorts to vote-buying and electoral interference due to the failure of its policies to address the populace’s issues.

    “The government’s interventions have not yielded the desired outcomes, prompting it to resort to purchasing votes,” he stressed, suggesting that the resources used to influence voters could instead be invested in projects beneficial to the electorate.

    Dr. Asante Otchere strongly criticized the NPP, stating, “It is disgraceful for a party that prides itself on being a democracy torchbearer. In terms of the Fourth Republic, they have regressed significantly and deserve unequivocal condemnation.”

    Additionally, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which abstained from the by-election, has declared its intent to pursue Dr. Nyarko’s alleged bribery of EC officials to a logical conclusion.

  • EC announces final certified presidential, parliamentary results

    The Electoral Commission is announcing the final results of the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections.

    The event is happening at the Electoral Commission’s Headquarters.

    Electoral Commission Chair, Jean Mensa is making the big announcement, flanked by her deputies.

    Meanwhile, scores of party supporters of both parties have thronged the venue ahead of the announcement.

    Watch the link below:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABR0nWhVlp8

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ill make you proud to be a Ghanaian Mahama pledges

    The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Dramani Mahama, says the next NDC government will be committed to building a nation that creates opportunities for all Ghanaians, not a privileged few.

    He says working hard to creating jobs, reducing hardship and achieving universal access to healthcare through the implementation of Free Primary Healthcare will all be on top of the agenda of the next NDC government.

    Speaking in a wrap-up interview of his five-day campaign tour of the Western Region on Woezor TV in Takoradi on Friday, Mr Mahama said “just like you, I believe everybody, all of us, should have access to healthcare. This is why the NDC will be rolling out a Free Primary Healthcare Plan for all. Just like you, I believe mothers are sacred, and they deserve quality time with their newborn babies.

    “This is why we are increasing the maternity leave for mothers to four months. Just like you, I believe women are equal to men, and their voice should always be heard. This is why I chose Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang as my running mate. Just like you, I believe young people are right to expect to live in a modern, vibrant Ghana.”

    Mr Mahama said he will work towards transforming Ghana into a knowledge-based economy will and drive development through digitised platforms that provide millions of opportunities for young people to harness their talent, skills and potentials.

    “This is why I am running for President. I will make you proud to be a Ghanaian. I will make you proud of who you are, make you hope for what we can become a truly developed nation. Be proud of what we can become as a country and join me in my quest to lead our country there, by voting for me, John Mahama, number 2 on the ballot paper on 7th December,” he added.

    Mr Mahama, therefore, urged the electorates to make it a collective duty to bring about the change that they all desire for their community and country.

    “In John Dramani Mahama, you have a President you can TRUST, a President with a track record of development, a President that knows and has the experience of managing difficult situations. I have a great vision for our country. Together, we can leave a legacy. The time is now. Vote John Mahama for jobs and prosperity for all,” he concluded.

    Source: angelonline.com.gh

  • Election 2020: Ayawaso MCE meets Dumelo, Lydia over growing tensions

    The MCE for Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly Sandra Owusu-Ahinkorah has called for calm in the on-going registration exercise.

    The MCE who is also the chairperson of the Municipal Security Council made the passionate appeal when she invited the leading parliamentary contenders for the upcoming December polls.

    Sitting MP Lydia Seyram Alhassan represented the NPP while Mr John Dumelo also represents the NDC.

    The meeting assessed the first two phases of the voter registration process such as the busing of people to registration centres, use of macho-men and the alleged attempts by foreigners to take part in the exercise.

    The candidates expressed their satisfaction over the meeting and pledged to play by the rules and maintain peace before, during and after the December polls.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Meet the 27 years old MP and what awaits her in the 2020 election

    Francisca Oteng-Mensah is the incumbent member of parliament of the New Patriotic Party for the Kwabre East Constituency. Born on Valentine’s Day in 1993, Hon. Francisca Oteng-Mensah was known as the youngest parliamentarian of the fourth republic of Ghana at the time of being elected in 2016.

    She happens to be the daughter of Mrs. Joyce Oteng and the CEO of Angel Group of Companies Dr. Kwaku Oteng, who is a doctor and a businessman.

    She was a second year Law student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology when she contested and won the 2016 election as the MP for Kwabre East Constituency. Before KNUST, she attended the Mamponteng Roman Catholic School, then to Revival Preparatory School at Breman and finally to Supreme Saviour International. She completed her Junior High education at Angel Educational Complex then went to St. Roses SHS for her senior high school education.

    In the 2016 general elections, she managed to win by a huge percentage but it is yet to see if she will be able to manage such huge numbers in these years elections. These were the results in the previous election which guaranteed her the seat 71,757 votes out of the 86,611 valid votes cast = 83.08%. Others: Adams Iddisah (NDC) 13,673 = 15.83%, Grace Affram (PPP) 403 = 0.47%, Jahdilhaq Mohammed Mustapha (PNC) 364 = 0.42% and Emmanuel Boadu Osei (CPP) 172 = 0.20%.

    Hon. Francisca Oteng-Mensah is contesting the seat once again in this year’s election hoping to be re-elected for a second term and futune seems to be on her side considering the reviews she is receiving in her first term in office. Majority of the delegates in her constituency believes she is the right person to represent the party at the general elections although the party is yet to organise it’s primaries. Twenty-six (26) out of the thirty-one New Patriotic Party (NPP) Electoral Area Coordinators in the Kwabre East Constituency of the Ashanti Region have declared their support for a second term for the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Francisca Oteng Mensah.

    It has been suggested she will be going unopposed in the party’s parliamentary primaries. A press statement issued by the party executives read in parts “The kind of leadership that Hon. Francisca Oteng Mensah is exhibiting in the constituency is one of humility, selflessness, representative and sensitive with the necessary competence to deliver the needful; her level of intelligence, coupled with her burning desire to empower the youth and women is a great testimony to the fact that, she again becomes the face of the Kwabre East Constituency in Parliament”.

    Based on comments such as this alone, one can be assured that the young MP has got the support of the party. She has even got the support of the President who once made a pronouncement at a durbar of chiefs and people of Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti region at the palace of Mampontenghene, Barima Saasi Ayeboafo II on Thursday, October 10 2019.

    The only thing that stands in her way now is the aspirants from the other political parties although the Ashanti region happens to be the strong hold of the NPP. The closest challenge at the 2016 elections managed only 15.83% so if that is anything to go by, Hon. Francisca Oteng-Mensah should be very optimistic about retaining the seat.

  • NPP accuses the NDC for planning to sponsor coup makers to oust the NPP government in a press conference

    The Leadership of the NPP in the five Northern Regions has accused the NDC of planning to sponsor Coup makers to oust the NPP government ahead of the 2020 elections.

    This serious allegations were made in a press conference in Tamale. The NPP communication director of the Savannah region made these allegations when he spoke on behalf of the NPP. According to his statement, the NDC are warmongers and the leadership of the NPP in the five Northern Regions has made an official report to the Ghana police and other security agencies.

    He alleged that the NDC is “poised to send the Northern Region back to the dark days after several resources were committed into restoring peace in Dagbon.

    Mr Issah Mohamed said the leadership of the NDC led by the General Secretary Aseidu Nketia made a recent visit to the region to engage the youth group and promised to release guns and ammunition’s to them for the execution of the said plot. He added that a similar visit was made to a rival chief of the Nanton Chieftaincy dispute with promise of getting him into Nanton either by hook or crook.

    According to the communication director of the NPP who spoke “May we humbly apprise the minds of the media to an equally dangerous and strenuous attempt by the NDC to sponsor a coup plot”

    He cited Mahama’s comment he made recently to reject the election results if the exercise was not fairly conducted as a confirmation.

    He added that the NDC in their visit to the regions was inciting the people against the new voter registration exercise.

    Source: 3new.com

  • Who will you vote for? ‘Akufo-Addo’ or ‘Mahama’. 2020 election.

    As the 2020 election is fast approaching, it is up to Ghanaians to decide who to rule the country. Thankfully, we have quite a number of contestants to choose from.

    The main candidates who are most liked in terms of Ghanaian politics are now Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo and the former president John Dramani Mahama.

    Former president John Dramani Mahama served the nation as president from the year 2013 to 2016. He had the chance to shiw Ghanaians what he can offer.

    During his era, he did what he could for the country.

    Some of his innovations include infrastructural development such as roads, hospitals, schools, extension of electricity to rural areas, provision of water and many others.

    Some of his most memorable infrastructures are the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, AKA Ghana Dubai. The Kejetia lorry park.

    Those are some of his achievements for the nation.

    Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo, the current President of the great republic of Ghana. He took the mandate from the hands of John Dramani Mahama from the year 2017 up to date. He has been granted a four year trial by the Ghanaian voters to show what he has for the country.

    Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo has done a lot for the country since his term of power.

    Here are some of the things that he has done so far.

    His key point, during the campaign, the free Senior High School has been fulfilled. He did that immediately he took over power.

    Some other achievements are; provision of ambulances for health purpose, construction of roads which are ongoing, and many other things that might come to mind.

    In view of this, the two leaders, namely; Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo and John Dramani Mahama have been given enough time to justify that the deserve another four years in power.

    They have both done what they can; each of them thinks that he has done well in his era.

    Now it is up to us, to judge the two with our thumbs.

    Who deserves another four years?

    Type your answer at the comments section below.

    Source: News Hub Creator

  • Ghana looks up to media for violent-free election 2020 Police Commander

    Superintendent Stephen Tenkorang, the Bono Regional Commander of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) says the nation looks up to the media to uphold professional standards to ensure a peaceful Election 2020.

    He emphasised the Police and other security services had the capacity and were determined to create a peaceful atmosphere for the smooth conduct of the Election 2020, devoid of intimidation and hooliganism.

    But, he expressed the fear that unprofessional media work would have the potential to heighten tension, charged the atmosphere, and cause election violence.

    Interacting with selected News Editors at a forum held at Abesim, near Sunyani, Supt. Tenkorang said election violence was unacceptable and the existing Police-media relationship ought to be strengthened to help easily identify and tackle once and for all factors that contributed to election-related violence.

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) organised the forum, as part of a 14-month project the Association is implementing with support from STAR-Ghana Foundation.

    Titled “No to political vigilantism and Electoral Violence in Ghana”, the project aimed at contributing to national discourse in disbanding political vigilantism and eliminating electoral violence in Ghana.

    It further seeks to enhance the capacity of media in conflict-sensitive reporting, given its crucial role as one of the key gatekeepers in election management and reportage in Ghana.

    Supt. Tenkorang indicated that the Bono Region had no election hotspots, but few flashpoints had been identified, and the Police would require media collaboration to ensure that tensions were not heightened in those flashpoints at the heat of the electioneering.

    He appealed to the leadership of the GJA to help flush out miscreants and unprofessional media practitioners who had invaded the media fraternity and soiling the image of the profession.

    Dr. Roland Affail Monney, the President of the GJA indicated Journalists also had their political parties of choice but cautioned them not to allow their voting pattern to affect their professional work and standards.

    He emphasised that journalism and politics drove development, and the media must ensure that they avoid tendencies that could scale-up tensions in the political landscape by ensuring that they sieve stories and design useful programmes that would build society.

    “We have professional, ethical, and godly responsibility to save Ghana from nation wreckers because political parties are like Suarez, and they want to score goals through fair or foul means”, he said.

    “Our interest as journalists must not be who wins Election 2020, but our interest must be on how the general election would be free, fair, credible and peaceful”, the GJA President stated.

    Dr. John Ekow Otoo, the Deputy Director, Public Health at the Bono Regional Health Directorate commended the GJA and the local media for their collaboration with the GHS so far in helping to stem the spread of the COVID-19 in the region.

    He said because COVID-19 was novel, signs, symptoms, and mode of transmission kept on changing and called on the media to intensify public education so that the frequent use of sanitizers, handwashing with soap under running water, and social distancing protocols would not relapse.

    Dr. Otoo said the region had scale-up precautionary measures and heightened surveillance at the various borders to stem the spread of the virus disease.

    Source: GNA

  • Elections or no elections; Ghana should be peaceful – Opanyin Agyekum

    The Dean of the School of Performing Arts of the University of Ghana, Legon, Professor Kofi Agyekum, popularly known as Opanyin Agyekum has called on the Electoral Commission and its stakeholders to pre-plan contingency measures for Ghana’s elections.

    According to Opanyin Agyekum, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that there is the possibility of the country’s elections being interrupted, thus the framers of the constitution should take a cue from the current situation.

    Opanyin Agyekum was commenting on the clash between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the compilation of a new voters’ register and whether or not the elections can be held in spite of the outbreak of the COVID-19.

    Speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s ”Kokrokoo”, Opanyin Agyekum called for a consensus among the parties on the issue and advised that there should be peace in the nation whether or not this year’s elections will come off.

    ”Whether we hold the elections or not, there should be peace…When we finish voting, it should be possible for people to go about their work the following the day and if by chance, we are not able to hold the elections, people should still be able to go work the next day or days ahead. So, this should be our preparations for the six months ahead of us”, he said.

    Source: Peace FM

  • NDC plans to kidnap and kill diplomats to make government unpopular – Kennedy Agyapong alleges

    Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has alleged that some key members of the opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC), have intended to assassinate several diplomats and expatriates as the 2020 general elections approaches.

    According to Mr. Agyapong, some members of the NDC are “willing to kill” to gain back the power they lost in 2016 .

    “NDC is so desperate to the extent they are willing to kill to gain power and this time not even Ghanaians, they want to kill expatriates… they will start killing diplomats, expatriates,” he said.

    Mr. Agyapong who has been ‘closely monitoring” the activities of the NDC addressed the President directly on the matter, advising close attention be given it, since the scheme is intended to present the current administration in a bad light to the rest of the world.

    “Let’s take some things very seriously. With all due respect, President Akufo-Addo should take this seriously, National Security should also take this seriously. Whatever I say about the NDC, they do it. I have been monitoring them, every two to three weeks, especially at Kumasi.

    “..Mahama has already made insinuations to that effect saying Ghana is not stable, and so they want to do this to confirm that indeed Ghana is not stable. And so they will start killing diplomats, expatriates. I am pleading with the President to make the National Security very vigilante on the matter and provide maximum security for these expatriates because they intend to use that to disgrace us.They will follow expatriates to their houses and kill them, to present it internationally that Ghana is not stable,” he added.

    Mr. Agyapong detailing the plot, said in some parts of Kumasi the plan is seemingly being executed through the incessant killing of foreigners under the pretext of robbery.

    “…that is what they are going to do and that is to kill people in a bid to incite fears of insecurity to disgrace the NPP. And so if you a foreigner living in Kumasi beef your security…. Their target is, if they should get about 28%-30% of Ashanti votes, they are likely to win the elections.”

    Mr. Agyapong has also alleged that the NDC has plans of using some Kumasi market security personnel to start fires in major markets in that enclave and are willing to pay any amount to get that done.

    He specifically pointed out former Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Joseph Yamin and some others as involved in the said plan and is appealing for their arrest.

    Source: backend.theindependentghana.com

  • Government wont exploit coronavirus to extend its mandate Oppong-Nkrumah

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah says government will invest its energy and creativity at fighting the Coronavirus pandemic rather than extending the mandate of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    Speaking to the Press on Tuesday, the Information Minister explained that the government does not see any justifiable reason to use the virus as bait to extend their stay in power.

    He indicated that instead of wasting precious time on this, it is imperative that they focus their energies on fighting and bringing finality to the fight against COVID-19.

    “The government is of the view that instead of contemplating measures that are not envisaged in the Constitution, our best energies, our innovation and creativity should be invested in exploring how a country like ours can have safe and free elections.”

    Ghana has recorded 5,127 cases so far with 12 people losing their lives.

    In the latest update of 427, the Greater Accra Region has recorded 89 new cases while the Ashanti Region has 307 new cases.

    The Central Region has also recorded 27 new cases with the Western and Volta regions recording three and one, respectively.

    Source: My News GH

  • EC has not yet released any election timetable – Sylvia Annoh

    The Electoral Commission has urged the public, especially its stakeholders to disregard alleged election timetable and letters circulating on social media purported to have emanated from the Commission.

    A statement signed by Mrs Sylvia Annoh, Acting Director, Public Affairs of EC and copied to the Ghana News Agency and signed said the Commission had its plans set for the compilation of the new Voters Register with a new Voter Management System for the upcoming 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections and had not been released yet.

    It said the Commission was sensitive to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and would abide by the necessary precautions and safety protocols in the execution of its mandate when it deemed appropriate to begin the compilation of the register.

    The statement noted with grave concern the comment by Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minority Leader, which attacked the integrity and mandate of the Commission at his press conference on May 7.

    It said Mr Iddrisu was reported to have registered the displeasure of the National Democratic Congress on the management of the COVID-19 by the Commission in the performance of it official duties.

    The statement refuted the allegation that the Commission had received Personal Protective Equipment from the government and found it troubling that Mr Iddrisu would put out such information.

    It said the Commission would not be subjected to the direction of any person or authority in the discharge of its duties except as provided in the 1992 Constitution or any other law consistent with it.

    Source: GNA

  • Election 2020: We’ll compile new register under COVID-19 protocols EC

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana has said it will observe all the necessary safety measures to curb the spread of Coronavirus when it begins compiling a new register of voters.

    “All stakeholders are hereby reminded that plans are far advanced for the compilation of a new voter register with a new voter management system for the upcoming 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections”, the EC said in a statement on Monday, 11 May 2020 signed by Acting Public Affairs Director Sylvia Annor.

    The Commission said it is “sensitive to the current state of affairs due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will abide by the necessary precautions and safety protocols in the execution of its mandate when it deems it appropriate to begin the compilation of the register”.

    The exercise had been scheduled to start in April but has been put on ice indefinitely following the outbreak of Coronavirus in Ghana.

    The EC’s statement was in response to a comment passed by Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, who castigated the Chair as running the election management body like an NGO.

    Source: Class FM

  • Akufo-Addo wont stay on as president if 2020 elections dont come off Majority Leader

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will not continue to wield power as the Commander in Chief and first gentleman of the land even if the Electoral Commission (EC) is unable to conduct the 2020 presidential and parliament elections due to the outbreak of the global pandemic, the Coronavirus, Majority Leader of Parliament has disclosed.

    While addressing members of the House after presenting the business statement, Mr KyeiMensah-Bonsu intimated that, although there was no clear cut provision in the constituency on who becomes president in the event of unforeseen circumstances causing the EC to not hold elections, Nana Akufo-Addo had already hinted of not staying on beyond his mandatory term.

    He disclosed that the president had revealed in previous engagements that he did not have any intentions of staying on as president after January 6, 2021, if the EC fails to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in December due to the Coronavirus which presently has no end in sight.

    “The President does not intend to stay one day beyond the constitutional mandate given to him up to the midnight of January 6, 2020, and has strongly urged that whatever must be done in the current circumstances must be done,” he said.

    The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs response came on the back of concerns by Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu on the need for the House to invite the electoral body to provide updates on their preparedness ahead of the December polls this year.

    “The independent EC, created under Article 45 of the Constitution, owes members of this House and Ghanaians a duty, hence they must be summoned to appear before the House to give their roadmap as to their preparedness in view of COVID-19.

    “Our democracy has evolved and our democracy will survive COVID-19,” he said, saying that “if we cannot get them to come and brief the Committee of the Whole at least they must come to the Special Budget Committee,” he noted.

    Mr Kyei Mensah Bonsu, however, stressed that regardless of whatever happens with the EC, the president was bent on stepping down once his tenure was over and had already assured Ghanaians to that effect.

    “So Mr Speaker, we all have to look up to the Electoral Commission to put in the required measures for the conduct of the elections,” he said.

    “Because the Constitution we all do recognise is a bit ambivalent beyond January 7, 2021 when elections cannot be conducted,” he said, claiming that the Constitution was also not clear who should be the President in times of unforeseen circumstances.

    “There is a bit of ambivalence and some lacuna except to say that for Parliament in the event of any emergency, provision is made expressly under the Constitution to have the life of Parliament extended by one year and in any event not more than four years.

    “In the 12 months, who becomes the head of state? Is it Speaker in the absence of the President or the Vice President? That is a bit troubling to us as a nation,” he added.

    Graphic reports that the legislator pointed out that in any event, the Constitution provided that when the Speaker acted as the President in the absence of a President or a Vice President, elections must be conducted within three months to elect a President.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 2020 Elections: We could still flout social distancing directive with validation process – EC

    Dr Serebour Quaicoe, Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission (EC) says even if they plan to use the current Voters’ Register for the 2020 elections they will still see lots of human contacts which will flout the social distancing measures. Dr Quaicoe says to be able to use the current register, a limited registration and validation exercise will have to be done and that involves a lot of human contacts.

    He is off the view that Ghana is better off compiling a new register because both processes will have people coming close to each other.

    READ ALSO: There is a possibility current Voters’ Register could be used for 2020 elections – EC

    “Even if we are to use the current Voters’ Register, there will still be human contact, there will not be any social distancing, because we would have to do a cleaning exercise of the current register, do a limited registration and validation exercise and do some form of other exercises, people will troop in to do that, so using the old register or current will still flout the social distancing measure, all these validation exercises brings us to square one so we are better off using that to compile a new one”

    He also explained why the current register was used for the 2019 MMDCEs election but not fit to be used for the general elections.

    “When it comes to District elections people do not go to court to challenge the results but a general elections people can take us on that is why we need a new one so we know it is totally credible, we do not want to make mistakes at all in a general election,” he said on Joy FMs NewsFile.

    The EC initially scheduled April 18, 2020, for the compilation of the new voters’ register ahead of the December 2020 elections but following the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus in the country it was postponed and a new date has not been announced.

    They have on several occasions explained that Ghana needs a new Voters’ Register because it wants to ensure that the register that is used on the election day is more credible and efficient than the existing one hence the need for a new Biometric Voter Management System (BVMS).

    Dr Quaicoe, however, says there is still a possibility that we may use the current Voters’ Register for the elections in December but it will need a lot of adjustment.

    As of April 15, 2020, Ghana had recorded 641 COVID-19 cases with 83 recoveries and 8 deaths so far.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • There is a possibility current voters’ register could be used for 2020 elections – EC

    Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission (EC) Dr Serebour Quaicoe, says there is still a possibility that the current Voters’ Register will be used for the 2020 elections.

    This he said will be determined by the deadly COVID-19 which has forced the EC to halt its plans of compiling a new Voters’ Register.

    The EC since last year has justified why they need to compile a new register for the 2020 general elections.

    The EC has said it wants to ensure that the register that is used on the election day is more credible and efficient than the existing one hence the need for a new Biometric Voter Management System (BVMS).

    “There is a possibility we could use the current register for election 2020, but remember some over 1 million Ghanaians may not be registered, I know someone who came from outside and wants to contest in primaries but has no voters register, we have stated our case that using the current register is not fit for the purpose, it will cause issues, but we are not insensitive to what Ghanaians are saying, I don’t want any of my family members to contract the disease, everything we are doing now is just preparing if the pandemic is over” he spoke on Joy FMs NewsFile.

    Dr Quaicoe in course of the week insisted that only a new voters’ register can ensure Ghana has a credible 2020 elections, however, he believes that is now dependent on the existence of COVID-19.

    The EC initially scheduled April 18, 2020, for the compilation of the new Voters’ Register ahead of the December 2020 elections but following the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus in the country it was postponed and a new date has not been announced.

    Ghana is currently battling with the novel coronavirus and many have suggested the EC find alternatives to the compilation of the new voters’ register.

    This is because compiling a new voters register will see a lot of human contacts and health experts have advised that we practice social distancing to ensure the COVID-19 does not spread.

    As of April 15, 2020, Ghana had recorded 641 COVID-19 cases with 83 recoveries and 8 deaths so far.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • NDC, PNC walk out of IPAC meeting

    Some four political parties including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the People’s National Convention (PNC) walked out of an ongoing Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting.

    In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the EC in line with the President’s directive on public gathering resolves to divide the parties into two different groups and thus asking one member to represent each party.

    Chairman of the PNC Bernard Monah is unhappy with the EC’s arrangement and believes the EC should have chosen a bigger venue to contain all representatives.

    The NDC earlier sent a request to the EC to postpone all future meetings indefinitely due to the Covid-19 outbreak but the EC says it can not grant such a request.

    They also requested that if the activities of the EC is essential then a bigger venue should be chosen for such a meeting going forward.

    The meeting is currently underway and the NPP, PPP and representatives from the LPG are engaging the EC.

    This is not the first time the NDC has walked out of an IPAC meeting as they did the same in December last year.

    The EC will also meet APC and the other less active political parties all in the name of discussing whether there should be a postponement for the April 8 Voter’s registration exercise or not.

    The Electoral Commission has had to deal with firm opposition ever since the decision to compile a new Voters’ Register surfaced.

    Even though there are calls by these opposition parties to rescind this decision, the EC says the compilation of the voters’ register will begin in April.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Right Alliance Africa calls on EC to stop compilation of voters register amidst COVID-19 crisis

    Right Alliance Africa as a matter of urgency is calling on the Electoral Commission (EC) to suspend plans to conduct the new Biometric Voters Register which slated to take place from 18 April in the wake of the pandemic coronavirus.

    On Thursday, March 12 2020, the Ghana Health Service announced to the general public the first two confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID 19) in the country.

    The notice was accompanied by advice to the general public to avoid gatherings and any crowded places as well as to take precaution to avoid contracting the virus which is very contagious.

    Earlier on Sunday, 15th March, 2020, at 1.00 pm, at a press conference held by the Ministry of Information, it was announced that there have been 100 suspected cases of coronavirus recorded within the past three days with 6 of the cases having been confirmed. It was also confirmed that one of the cases of the virus concerns a University of Ghana student.

    The EC biometric registration exercise is a public health concern at this time of the COVID-19 crisis. Public gathering has been banned and we have been admonished by the health authority to avoid bodily contact with people.

    The conduction of the new biometric voters’ register will not inure to the health safety of the registrants since it would entail the public to gather, queue to register as voters, and they would have contacts with the Biometric Voters Register (BVR) device which might be infected with the virus.

    We are on this note calling on the EC to take precaution to suspend the plans to conduct the new Biometric Voters Register until government brings the COVID-19 under control and prevention.

    Issue by Right Alliance-Africa

    Michael Sumaila Nlasia (Director of Communication): 0548455071

    Simon Agbovi (Executive Secretary): 0506264685

    Source: Right Alliance-Africa

  • Call EC boss to order – Oscar Doe to religious organizations

    Chairman of Doscar Group Holdings, HRH Oscar Yao Doe has urged religious and civil society organizations in Ghana to immediately call the Electoral Commissioner, Jean Mansa to order.

    He accused the EC boss of acting against public trust for failing to build a consensus among political parties about whether to compile a new voter register or maintain the existing one.

    According to him, her actions in office have become a major threat to the country’s democracy and peace. He also said that President Akufo-Addo has failed Ghanaians for sticking with Mansa as the Electoral Commissioner, while suggesting that the selection of subsequent ECs must be led by civil society organizations, and such appointment must receive 2/3 majority of the parliament.

    Read his full statement below.

    A Country full of empty-headed, needy, greedy grabbers and poor-minded degree holders with “zero love” for country. Their only focus is to amass wealth at the expense of the peaceful co-existence of Ghanaians.

    Based on her own behaviour and lack of ability to build a consensus among political parties about whether to compile a new voter register or maintain the existing one, Madam Jean Mensa has acted “against public trust”. Therefore, history shall consider her as the “worst” Electoral Commissioner since the 4th Republic from 1992.

    Jean Mansa’s actions through multiple dubious procurement discrepancies are the biggest threats to our democracy and peace. It’s about time for our religious and civil society organisations to call her out immediately before it’s too late. Wrong is wrong. It’s obvious her intentions are not “PURE”.

    Leaders will come and go, but we cannot afford a situation where few individuals act on selfish interests to damage the unity of Ghana.

    Again, President Akufo-Addo has failed Ghanaians. He is acting divisively, dangerously, and incompetently with the aim of hanging on to power with narrow-mindedness. He doesn’t care about the consequences.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • December polls will be in good atmosphere Akufo-Addo assures

    President Akufo-Addo has reiterated his commitment to ensuring a free and fair general election in December 2020 in order to protect the democratic gains and reputation of Ghana both in Africa and the rest of the world.

    Addressing the paramount chief of Ziavi Traditional Area and his delegation at the Jubilee House when they paid a courtesy call on him, President Akufo-Addo, said his administration stands ready to protect the Internationally recognized and enviable reputation of Ghana as a beacon of democracy on the African continent.

    “I want to assure you that the government is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that the forthcoming campaign and elections are conducted in a good atmosphere in our country. Ghana is today the beacon of democracy on the African continent and this year is am determined to do whatever I can to consolidate that reputation as a country of peace and stability where the elections are held in a good atmosphere and the results easily acceptable by all and sundry, winners and losers alike”.

    Paramount Chief of Ziavi Traditional Area

    Togbe Kwaku Ayim, Paramount Chief of Ziavi Traditional Area in his opening remarks suggested that the State should give consideration to training Chiefs and Traditional leaders in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms in order to equip them to deal with disputes more efficiently and effectively in their various traditional areas. President Akufo-Addo in response to the request indicated that he is very sympathetic to the suggestion. He urged the Minister for Chieftancy and Religious Kofi Dzamesi, who was present at the meeting to pick up the suggestion and do well to make it work.

    Challenges of Ziavi

    Togbe Kwaku Ayim also raised several challenges that his traditional area is facing and asked the President to turn some State resources towards their concerns and deal with them forthwith. President Akufo-Addo assured the leadership of the Ziavi Traditional Area that their concerns will definitely receive the attention it deserves by his administration.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Malawi president to contest cancelled election win in court

    Malawi’s president is planning to contest a court decision overturning his election in May last year.

    A spokesman for Peter Mutharika said he would lodge an appeal with the Constitutional Court.

    On Monday judges annulled the vote, citing widespread irregularities. They ordered a new election within 150 days.

    Malawi’s governing Democratic Progressive Party has urged its supporters to remain peaceful.

    The opposition leader, Lazarus Chakwera, told thousands of celebrating supporters that the verdict was a victory for democracy.

    He came a close second to Mr Mutharika, and went to court alleging fraud.

    Source: bbc

  • Malawi court cancels Peter Mutharika election, orders new vote

    Malawi’s constitutional court on Monday ordered a new presidential election after annulling the results of a vote that re-elected President Peter Mutharika in May, citing widespread polling irregularities, including the use of correction fluid on ballot papers.

    The verdict, which is expected to stoke turmoil in the traditionally peaceful southern African country, can be appealed by Mutharika, who will remain president until the fresh polls.

    “We hold that the first respondent (Mutharika) was not duly elected as president of Malawi on May 21, 2019,” ruled lead judge Healey Potani.

    “We hereby nullify the results of the presidential elections and we order for a fresh election,” he said.

    A new election should be organised within 150 days, the court said. In the meantime the status in the presidency, including the office of the vice president, revert to what it was prior to last year’s presidential election.

    Sporadic protests have broken out across the country since Mutharika was declared the winner of the May vote by a narrow margin with 38.5 percent of the vote.

    Runner-up Lazarus Chakwera, who lost by just 159,000 votes, alleges he was robbed of victory and went to court.

    UNJUSTIFIABLE

    The case gripped the nation and kept Malawians glued to radio stations for hours on end, listening to live broadcast of witnesses presenting evidence of the alleged vote rigging during a six-month-long hearing.

    On Monday security was tightened with a heavy military presence around the court and businesses pulled down their shutters for the week, fearing violence erupting after the ruling was announced.

    Judges were driven to court in a military armoured vehicle.

    An army helicopter occasionally hovered above the courthouse and the central business district as the 500-page verdict was read out.

    “It is clear that the use of Tippex (correction fluid) was employed by (electoral commission) officers to hide votes,” said judge Ivy Kamanga, taking a turn reading the judgement that took more than nine hours to deliver.

    “Use of Tippex was unjustifiable and an irregularity,” she said, adding the way in which the electoral commission “dealt with the alterations was not in line with the law, hence it was irregular”.

    The court also said that only a quarter of the results sheets were verified and it “finds this to be a serious malpractice that undermined the elections”.

    ‘PIVOTAL MOMENT’

    It is the first time a presidential election has been challenged on legal grounds in Malawi since independence from Britain in 1964.

    The outcome echoes a historic decision by Kenya’s judiciary to annul presidential election results over claims of widespread irregularities in 2017.

    “Credible, free and fair elections form a solid foundation for democracy,” Potani said in a preamble to the judgement.

    Protesters took to the streets over several months last year demanding the resignation of the electoral commission chief, and many demonstrations turned violent.

    Anger flared last month after Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda claimed bribes had been offered to the five judges presiding over the case.

    Malawi’s anti-graft body vowed to probe the allegations and arrested top banker Thom Mpinganjira last week.

    The opposition has urged supporters to maintain peace and accept the court’s decision.

    Mutharika, 79, has repeatedly dismissed opposition accusations that election was rigged and brushed off doubts about the official results.

    In a joint statement, British, American and several European ambassadors referred Thursday to the verdict as a “pivotal moment” in Malawi’s history.

    Source: theeastafrican.co.ke

  • 2020 Election: I’ll make sure you vote in ‘peace, freedom’ Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Akufo-Addo has said his government will ensure that Ghanaians vote to choose their next set of national leaders in an atmosphere of freedom and peace during the 2020 presidential and parliamentary polls.

    Speaking at a festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at the Jubilee House on Friday, 20 December 2019, Mr Akufo-Addo said: “For the first time in our country, all three arms of government: the Judiciary, the Legislature and the Executive, have each held a festival of Nine lessons and Carols”.

    Read: Political parties must desist from announcing election results NCCE

    “It is a strong testimony of the determination of each arm to be guided in their work by the Christian values of faith, love, charity and reconciliation”, he noted.

    “This commitment”, the President observed, “Is particularly important, especially as we enter a new year in which the nation is going to conduct a general election so that our people can choose the person or persons they want to manage the affairs of the nation on their behalf”.

    Read: EC to compile new register for 2020 elections

    “We have a responsibility to ensure that we put our best foot forward beginning with the people in this house [Presidency]”, the President acknowledged, adding: “We will be conducting the 8th general election of our history in the fourth republic. We have to ensure that it is peaceful, and orderly so that our people can make their choice in freedom and peace”.

    “I am very optimistic that that will be the case and that the reputation of our nation as a beacon of democracy will be further strengthened”, Mr Akufo-Addo hoped.

     

    Source: classfmonline.com