Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has shed light on his recent communication with Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, dispelling speculations of a strained relationship between them.
The Member of Parliament for Assin Central said contrary to what many may think, he maintains an amicable rapport with the Vice President.
In a recent interview on Kessben TV, Agyapong disclosed that he last spoke to Vice President Bawumia shortly after his widely publicized ‘showdown’ outburst during the NPP super delegates conference on August 26. The phone call, he revealed, was facilitated by Sammy Awuku, a former National Organizer of the NPP and a key figure in the Bawumia campaign for the party’s flagbearership.
Agyapong commended Sammy Awuku as one of the party’s level-headed young leaders whom he personally admires. He emphasized that Awuku often plays a crucial role in addressing and resolving issues when they arise.
“I am still on good terms with him (Bawumia), one of his aides, who is very sensible, is Sammy Awuku. He is a young boy who knows his onions. Because of our relationship, whenever anything happens, he comes to me to resolve the issues,” Agyapong remarked.
Reflecting on his “showdown” incident, Agyapong clarified, “After my showdown outburst, Sammy Awuku called the Vice President, and we spoke. I explained matters to him.”
Addressing perceptions of discord between himself and the Vice President, Agyapong attributed any misconceptions to Bawumia’s zealous followers who may not be aware of their ongoing communication.
“Isn’t it the case that today Bawumia makes jest of showdown? His vile followers are the problem; they don’t even know that I talk to him,” Agyapong concluded.
Kennedy Agyapong comments come at a time when questions have arisen regarding his relationship with Vice President Bawumia, given their simultaneous aspirations for the NPP flagbearer position.
Agyapong’s recent vocal criticisms of the Vice President, including insinuations about his knowledge of the whereabouts of the murderer of Ahmed Suale, have further fuelled speculations about tensions within the party.
Many residents, who have called for the fixing of the roads, have continuously fallen victim to the huge potholes and ditches created on the road.
This time around, individuals associated with the leadership of the country who are responsible for addressing such a challenge were victimised.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s convoy encountered difficulties navigating a trench per a video posted on the Accra-based TV3’s social media platform on Thursday.
In the footage, residents of Asempaneye in the Ashanti Region attempted to assist the lead convoy, which appeared to have been stuck for an extended period.
The video also featured a police officer endeavoring to reposition the Toyota V8 vehicle to the right side of the road, but all endeavors proved unsuccessful.
A growing crowd of local residents and bystanders gathered at the scene, all striving to assist the driver in moving the vehicle onto the right side of the road.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia's convoy was stuck at Asempaneye in the Ashanti Region.
Spokesperson for Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed concern over the frequent and harsh criticisms and insults directed at Dr. Bawumia by fellow contenders in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer race.
While acknowledging Dr. Bawumia’s resilience in the face of these insults, Gideon Boako, emphasized that such behavior from his opponents will not secure them victory in the flagbearer contest.
Mr Boako took to social media to underscore that despite the disparagement, Dr. Bawumia remains steadfast in his campaign and is well-positioned to win the presidential primaries scheduled for November 4, leading the NPP into the 2024 general elections.
He urged supporters of rival aspirants to concentrate on promoting their candidates to the party delegates, emphasizing that no amount of insults or attacks will deter the Vice President from prevailing in the race.
“Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is a good man. Yes, he is a good man. In the flagbearer elections campaign, Dr. Bawumia is the most attacked, the most abused, the most vilified, the most disrespected, the most denigrated, and what and what, but he is still calm and very focused.”
“He has not been responding to his attackers and has not shown any sign of the same. I wonder how many of his competitors can do the same.”
“Interestingly, those exhibiting such abusive attitudes against the Veep are the ones crying the most. How interesting it is. First, it was Alan’s supporters. Now it is Ken and his supporters, but Bawumia remains calm.”
Dr Boako also insisted that desperation does not win election for anyone.
“I can understand the desperation and frustration in some of the aspirants, hence the needless attacks.”
“But let it be said that their insults and attacks on the person of the Vice President and his family can not win them the elections. What didn’t we see or hear before the superdelegates and what happened?,” he quizzed.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has cautioned his campaign team members and spokesperson not to attack anybody, even if he is attacked by any aspirant, in the interest of the New Patriotic Party.
“This should be a contest of ideas not insults. So I have told all my staff not to insult or attack anyone. They should stick to sharing my vision and message to delegates. I have told them that even if I am attacked or insulted, they, should not respond because I am a unifier.”
According to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, his main focus is to share his ideas and project the good works of the NPP Government to party stakeholders, as he tours around the country.
Speaking to NPP delegates in Asutifi in the Ahafo Region, Dr. Bawumia said he does not believe in attacking his opponents in an internal contest, when the ultimate objective of every member of the NPP is to see the party defeat the NDC in 2024.
“I don’t believe in attacking my opponents and I won’t do that because it will be toxic and won’t be good for our party,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“This is an internal contest to elect our flagbearer, so why should I attack my opponents or say something against our party? I am running a very decent campaign. I am selling my ideas to delegates and I do that with decorum, with humility, with respect and without mentioning anybody’s name.”
“I am selling my ideas to delegates and I do that with decorum, with humility, with respect and without mentioning anybody's name.” – Dr. Bawumia
Me. This is the kind of leader we want to lead our great party, the party needs a competent candidate who embodies unity and can… pic.twitter.com/dWN0pDiGZj
The vice president’s spokesperson, Dr. Gideon Boako, has responded to an accusation made by Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a candidate for the NPP’s flagbearer position, that the vice president is aware of the identity of the person who murdered journalist Ahmed Suale.
Dr. Boako claims that the statement was pretty careless and unworthy of an NPP flagbearer candidate.
“I have seen a headline published by the Ghana Post newspaper and some online portals on Ahmed Suale and the Vice President’s name mentioned. This is simply a reckless statement not befitting of anyone who wants to lead the NPP. Where did we sleep as a party to wake up to this just because of elections?” he questioned in a Twitter poste dated September 19, 2023.
Dr. Boako’s statement came as a response to an interview on Kessben TV featuring Kennedy Agyapong. During this interview, Agyapong addressed the suggestion that the NPP might face consequences if he were to secure the party’s flagbearership due to allegations of his involvement in the murder of Ahmed Suale.
In his September 18, 2023 interview, Agyapong vehemently denied any connection to Suale’s death, reiterating his innocence. He also raised questions, saying, “Those who compiled the 10 accusations against Ken Agyapong in support of Bawumia—Bawumia is the vice president and heads the Police Council. They are aware of the individuals responsible for Ahmed Suale’s murder. Why haven’t they come forward with that information? Yet, they are pointing fingers at me.” He expressed these thoughts in Twi during the interview.
“If you are a government and your national security (architecture) does not know the person who killed Ahmed Suale, then it means you don’t know what you are doing. Is this one of the ten sins of Kennedy Agyapong?” he added.
About Suale’s murder:
Ahmed Suale was assassinated in Madina on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, by two unknown assailants.
The assailants shot him twice in his chest and once in his neck after breaking into his car.
The Ghana Police Service is still investigating his murder, but no one has been arrested yet.
Ken Agyapong has been blamed for the murder of Suale because he once urged people to beat him up on live TV after disclosing his identity and address.
Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called upon the Member States of the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) to intensify their efforts in achieving the macroeconomic convergence criteria necessary for a single currency by January 2027.
This appeal comes in the wake of the Member States of WAMZ falling short of meeting all four convergence criteria for a monetary union as of June 2023.
Vice President Bawumia delivered this message during his address at the 2023 Mid-Year Statutory Meeting of West Africa Monetary Agency (WAMA), the West Africa Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), and the West Africa Monetary Institute (WAMI) held in Accra on Friday.
The primary objective of the meeting was to assess the macroeconomic development and convergence reports from Member States within WAMZ and evaluate the progress made in meeting both the primary and secondary criteria required for establishing a single currency.
The gathering brought together finance ministers and central bank governors from WAMZ member states, including Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone.
Vice President Bawumia emphasized that the ongoing global geo-economic shifts make it increasingly crucial to pursue comprehensive monetary integration within the sub-region.
“It is important for the Member States of the WAMZ to take ownership of the convergence programme by mainstreaming it into the national macroeconomic frameworks and undertake meaningful reforms to achieving the convergence criteria on a sustained basis, otherwise the vicious cycle of endless postponements will continue to haunt us,” Dr Bawumia stated.
“We, therefore, must double our efforts in ensuring macroeconomic convergence and stability which are the necessary conditions for the take-off of a monetary union.
“As we engage in development activities in our various countries, we should not lose sight of the fact that macroeconomic stability is vital for monetary union to thrive,” he added.
The Vice President emphasized the importance of striking a balance between economic development and maintaining macroeconomic stability.
He acknowledged the formidable challenges in meeting the criteria but highlighted that considerable progress had been achieved over the years in implementing the activities outlined in the ECOWAS single currency roadmap.
“I understand that the name of the proposed single currency has been determined and is called the eco.
“A federal model structure has been adopted for the common central bank, the name of the common central bank has been determined as the Central Bank of West Africa, a flexible exchange rate regime adopted, and inflation targeting framework chosen,” he added.
Nonetheless, he pointed out that more than half of the activities outlined in the roadmap remained unfinished, encompassing tasks such as statistical harmonization, macroeconomic convergence, and capital account liberalization, among others.
He commended the African Development Bank for its substantial financial backing of US$9 million to WAMI for the implementation of the Unique Bank Identity (UBI) Project. This project aimed to establish secure digital banking transactions and enhance bank customer identification.
To address the regulatory requirements of emerging financial technological innovations within a globally interconnected financial system, model legislative instruments have been drafted for adoption by member states.
The Vice-President also highlighted substantial progress in debt and capital market integration, as well as insurance integration within the WAMZ.
He reiterated the Government of Ghana’s commitment to reestablishing macroeconomic stability, which serves as the foundation for sustainable economic growth and development.
“We are leaving no stone unturned under our Post Covid-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG) aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, building resilience through the implementation of wide-ranging and strong structural reforms programming and laying the foundation for stronger, more inclusive growth, while also protecting the poor and the vulnerable”.
In the medium term, he emphasized the government’s determination to exert substantial effort in revitalizing the economy and enhancing its alignment with the convergence criteria.
Vice President Bawumia extended his appreciation to WAMI and all involved stakeholders for their dedication in maintaining the single-currency project as a top priority and ensuring its progress.
Additionally, Ghana’s Finance Minister, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, was appointed as the Chair of the Convergence Council of Ministers and Governors of the Central Banks of the West African Monetary Zone.
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has endorsed vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the ideal candidate to disrupt the nation’s recurring 8-year power alternation cycle.
Speaking to the media, Hawa Koomson stressed that Bawumia is the singular individual capable of recounting the government’s achievements and articulating why the New Patriotic Party (NPP) deserves re-election in 2024.
“Dr. Bawumia is the very one who can break the ‘8’. He has worked with President Akufo-Addo for the past eight years. He knows where we started from and where we are now. So he has a story to tell. Apart from Dr. Bawumia, nobody can tell the story of the government, and that is why we are all supporting him.”
Addressing concerns that Bawumia lacks decision-making authority in the government, Hawa Koomson countered these notions, emphasizing that as Vice President, he is not a mere figurehead and can independently make decisions when required.
She clarified that, “If you say he’s part of the government, yes, but he’s only a vice, he’s supporting the president. He has no say. When the president is not there, Dr. Bawumia cannot chair cabinet meetings or sign any documents unless the president asks him to do it on his behalf. So when he’s in charge, he can make decisions on his own,”she added.
Hawa Koomson expressed unwavering confidence in Bawumia’s prospects, predicting a resounding victory for him in the NPP’s presidential primaries scheduled for November. She cited his immense popularity, experience, and grassroots support as key advantages.
The NPP is gearing up to select its flagbearer for the 2024 elections on November 4, with Dr. Bawumia facing competition from three other contenders: Kennedy Agyapong, the Assin Central MP; Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the former Minister for Agriculture; and Francis Addai-Nimoh.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has conducted a ballot for its potential flagbearers in preparation for the delegates’ conference scheduled for November 4, 2023.
During the ballot held in Accra on September 13, 2023, Kennedy Agyapong drew the first slot, followed by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who selected the second slot. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the former Minister for Agriculture, chose the third slot, while Francis Addai Nimo, former MP for Mampong, secured the fourth slot.
The party’s national election committee oversaw the ballot. The NPP intends to use the national delegates’ conference to elect its flagbearer for the 2024 general elections.
The NPP’s flagbearer race currently involves four prominent contenders: Ken Agyapong, Dr. Bawumia, Dr. Akoto, and Alan Kyeremateng, who withdrew from the race after the Special Delegates Conference.
Ken Agyapong, a prominent NPP Member of Parliament representing Assin Central, has been an outspoken critic of the government and has pledged to bring about change if elected as the flagbearer.
Dr. Bawumia, the current Vice President, is considered the frontrunner and is favored among the party’s intellectuals due to his reputation as a dependable leader.
Dr. Akoto, a former Minister of Agriculture, is recognized as a technocrat with expertise in his field.
The NPP, Ghana’s ruling party since 2017, aspires to secure a third term in office in the 2024 general elections.
The party faces a formidable challenge from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former President John Mahama, who seeks to return to power in 2024.
The 2024 general elections are expected to be closely contested, with the NPP and NDC emerging as the primary contenders.
Former MP, Catherine Afeku, seeking to reclaim the Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira Constituency seat has thrown her weight behind Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the New Patriotic Party’s November primaries.
Madam Afeku used to side with former Trade Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen. But after his withdrawal from the race over alleged involvement by the party leadership, whom he says had thrown their support being one candidate, Madam Afeku had to make a choice with regards to what ship she joined ahead of the primaries.
In an interview on Adom FM, the former MP noted that after several consultations and deliberations, she has decided to side the Vice President, who is considered a front runner, and not the Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong.
She said: “I have engaged the leadership of the party, I have slept and thought about it. I serve the party but I have to make a decision and I throw my support, engery and talent to Dr Bawumia.”
Madam Afeku noted that Mr Kyeremanten’s withdrawal from the race did take a toll on her, but as a politician, she has to take into account the trend in the party, and, as such, will support the Vice President.
“His (Alan Kyerematen) withdrawal hurt me, but I have to support a candidate and I choose Bawumia,” she said.
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, emphatically asserts that in the upcoming 2024 elections, no candidate within the New Patriotic Party can articulate the party’s narrative better than Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East maintains that Dr. Bawumia’s active collaboration with President Akufo-Addo in governance positions him as the most qualified leader to spearhead the party’s aspirations of ‘Breaking the 8-year cycle’.
She highlights Dr. Bawumia’s significant contributions as Vice President, citing his remarkable achievements and undeniable impact that serve as a testament to his capabilities.
During an interview with Citi TV on Tuesday, September 12, Madam Koomson passionately called upon all loyal members of the NPP to unite and rally behind him in order to secure victory in the November 4 election.
“Dr. Bawumia is the very one who can break the ‘8’,” she said. “He has worked with President Akufo-Addo for the past eight years. He knows where we started from and where we are now. So he has a story to tell.”
“Apart from Dr. Bawumia, nobody can tell the story of the government, and that is why we are all supporting him,” she said.
In the New Patriotic Party’s Super Delegates Congress, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the frontrunner. Out of the 10 candidates who had initially picked up forms to contest the central presidential primaries slated for November 4, Dr. Bawumia secured the top position. After tallying the results from all 17 polling centers across the country, Dr. Bawumia garnered an impressive 68.15% of the total votes cast.
Following him was Kennedy Agyapong, the MP for Assin Central, who secured 14.3% of the total votes. Alan Kyerematen, the former Trades Minister, took the third position with 10.29% of the total votes, while former Agric Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto came in fourth with 3.90%.
Interestingly, there was a tie between Francis Addai Nimoh and former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko, both receiving 0.98% of the total votes cast. Consequently, a runoff was scheduled for Saturday, September 2, but the National Council decided to intervene and constitute an electoral college comprised of the National Council members to break the tie between Mr. Agyarko and his competitor, Francis Addai Nimoh.
Regrettably, Mr. Boakye Agyarko formally withdrew from the upcoming runoff election in response to this decision.
Some of us have always held unadulterated conviction that governance is a serious business, and as such, it requires a forward-thinking, serious, and committed candidate to bring about the needed progress.
Nevertheless, this has not always been the case in Ghana’s democratic dispensation. We have more often than not been relying on lousy economic managers whose main preoccupation is to amass wealth to the detriment of the poor and disadvantaged Ghanaians.
Trust me, anybody who holds an isolated thinker’s view that the ecumenically diffused coronavirus and Russia/Ukraine conflict have nothing to do with Ghana’s economic challenges is being economical with the truth.
The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, before the insidious coronavirus, made important gains towards macroeconomic stability, including inflation, which declined to a single digit and within the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG’s) tolerance band; buoyant growth, averaging about five percent, over six percent in 2017-18) and a primary surplus in 2017 for the first time in 15 years (IMF 2018).
Take, for instance, the then-director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Cristine Lagarde observed that the Ghanaian economy, before the unspeakable coronavirus, was in a better place than it was in the previous years under the John Dramani Mahama administration.
That being said, despite the absence of a pernicious coronavirus or Ukraine/Russia impasse during the Mahama administration, Ghanaians became fed up with the extremely harsh conditions amid corruption allegations (Bus branding, Brazil World Cup, SADA, SUBA, GYEEDA, SSNIT, MASLOC, NCA, Ford Expedition Vehicle, amongst others).
If Mahama is not taking Ghanaians for granted, how on earth would he consider returning to the presidency given the dreadful errors in judgment during his tenure in office?
Let us be honest, it is quite erroneous for anybody to assert somewhat anecdotally that Ghana’s economy under Mahama (3.4% growth and 15.4% inflation) was better than the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia record before the insidious coronavirus (8.6% growth and 7.5% inflation).
Where was the sound economic foundation when the Mahama administration wilfully dragged 14% economic growth in 2011 to 3.4% by December 2016 in the absence of the deadly coronavirus.
How can Mahama and cohort claim excellence in economic management when single-digit inflation took a flight to 15.4% by December 2016 in the absence of the Russia/Ukraine war?
How can Mahama audaciously claim a solid economic foundation when the agricultural sector grew in negative figures consistently in the absence of the armyworm invasion?
Where was the favourable economic foundation when the industry sector grew appallingly over the years?
How can Mahama proudly beat his chest and claim ownership of a solid economic foundation when the GDP shrunk from GH47 billion in 2011 to GHC40 billion by December 2016?
Where was the sound economic management when the erstwhile Mahama administration spent profligately thereby raising Ghana’s debt from $9.5 billion in 2009 to a staggering $122.4 billion by December 2016 in the absence of the globally diffused coronavirus or Russia/Ukraine conflict?
Where was the solid economic foundation when former President Mahama unabashedly claimed that his administration had edaciously consumed all the meat on the bone?
The fact of the matter is that the late Mills left a sound economic growth of 14% and Mahama reversed it to 3.4%, the late Mills left the agricultural growth of 7.4% and Mahama dragged it to 2.5%, the late Mills single-digit inflation was reversed to 15.4%, GDP of GHC47 billion shrunk to GH40 billion by Mahama.
It was, therefore, not quite surprising when the unhappy 56.5 % of the electorates voted Mahama out in 2016 and 51.2% voted against him in 2020.
Ghana’s economic growth, just before the inexpressible coronavirus, stood at around 8.6% from 3.4% in December 2016.
Interestingly, in the first two years of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, the industry sector recorded the highest growth rate of 16.7 percent, followed by Agriculture at 8.4 percent and services at 4.3 percent.
Services share of GDP decreased from 56.8 percent in 2016 to 56.2 percent in 2017. The sector’s growth rate also decreased from 5.7 percent in 2016 to 4.3 percent in 2017.
However, two of the subsectors in the services sector recorded double-digit growth rates, including Information and Communication at 13.2 percent and Health and Social Work at 14.4 percent.
The Industry sector, the highest-growing sector with a GDP share of 25.5 percent, had its growth rate increasing from -0.5 percent in 2016 to 16.7 percent in 2017. The Mining and Quarrying subsector recorded the highest growth of 46.7 percent in 2017.
The Agriculture sector expanded from a growth rate of 3.0 percent in 2016 to 8.4 percent in 2017. Its share of GDP, however, declined from 18.7 percent in 2016 to 18.3 percent in 2017. Crops remain the largest activity with a share of 14.2 percent of GDP.
The Non-Oil annual GDP growth rate decreased from 5.0 percent in 2016 to 4.9 percent in 2017. The 2017 Non-oil GDP for industry recorded a growth rate of 0.4 percent, compared with 4.9 percent in 2016. Growth in the fourth quarter of 2017 reached 8.1 percent compared to 9.7 percent in the third quarter (GSS, 2018).
In Mahama’s time in office, the previously single-digit inflation and budget deficit doubled astronomically.
Ghana’s economic growth slowed for the fourth consecutive year to an estimated 3.4% in 2015 from 4% in 2014 as energy rationing (dumsor), high inflation, and ongoing fiscal consolidation weighed on economic activity (World Bank, 2016). Besides, the Mahama administration nauseatingly dragged the economic growth from around 14% in 2011 to around 3.4% as of December 2016.
In addition, the high inflation rate remained elevated at 18.5% in February 2016 compared to 17.7% in February 2015, even after the Central Bank’s 500 bps policy rate hikes (the inflation stood at 15.4% as of October 2016).
Ex-President Mahama, regrettably, did not work his socks off to improve the socio-economic living standards of Ghanaians.
Take, for example, former President Kufuor worked studiously and quadrupled Ghana’s GDP to a staggering GH28 billion in 2008, and the late Mills inherited oil in commercial quantities and managed to increase the GDP to GH47 billion by 2011.
But Mahama disappointingly dragged the GDP to an incredible GHC40 billion as of December 2016.
Former President Mahama and his NDC administration failed to end the dumsor, failed to implement the one-time NHIS premium, jobs were not readily available for the jobless, the economy sunk deeper and deeper into the mire, they reneged on their promise to keep ‘lean’ government, Ghanaians became poorer and poorer, sleazes and corruption escalated to immeasurable proportions, endless borrowings amongst others.
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has unveiled three policies aimed at strengthening the bond between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) grassroots and the party’s leadership if he secures the flagbearer position and wins the presidency in the 2024 elections.
One of these initiatives is the “One Constituency – One Godfather and Mother” program, alongside two others. Bawumia initially introduced the “One Constituency – Ten Appointments” policy and intends to add “One Constituency – One Welfare Office” as the third.
During a campaign stop in the Oti Region, Bawumia explained that these policies are in response to concerns raised by party loyalists who feel excluded from the governance process when the NPP comes into power.
He believes that these policies, if effectively implemented, will lead to better integration between the party and the government.
Bawumia is currently the frontrunner in the race for the NPP flagbearer position, having secured over 68% of the total votes cast in the preliminary round held on August 26. The final election is scheduled for November 4, where he will compete against three other candidates: Kennedy Agyapong, Afriyie Osei Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has issued a call to eligible Ghanaian voters, including those who have recently turned 18 and adults who have yet to register, to make use of the Limited Voter Registration exercise, which commenced on Tuesday, September 12.
This registration process is being carried out at all Electoral Commission district offices across the country. Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the essential right to vote begins with the responsibility of registering with the Electoral Commission (EC) and encouraged citizens to actively participate in this process to ensure their eligibility for the forthcoming 2024 elections.
Dr. Bawumia conveyed this message via a Facebook post, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and the role of voter registration in enabling citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote.
“The right to vote starts with the responsibility of registering with the Electoral Commission (EC).
I urge citizens just turned 18 years old or adults of voting age who have not yet registered to take advantage of the registration exercise starting today, September 12, across all EC district offices and register,” he wrote.
Despite facing an injunction application from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and four other political parties, the Electoral Commission is proceeding with the Limited Voters Registration Exercise that started on September 12.
This registration is taking place at all 268 District Offices. According to the EC, the exercise is scheduled to continue until October 2, 2023.
Eligible individuals who have turned 18 since the last registration in 2020 or those who did not register for various reasons are encouraged to visit their District Office of residence.
To register, they will need either their Ghana Card or Ghana Passport for identification. In cases where eligible applicants do not possess these identification documents, they can be vouched for by two registered voters to facilitate their registration.
The five political parties, which include the NDC, CPP, All People’s Congress, Liberal Party of Ghana, and Great Consolidated Popular Party, filed a lawsuit on September 7 challenging the EC’s decision to limit the voter registration exercise to its district offices.
Their argument centers on the concern that this decision may disenfranchise numerous eligible voters, particularly those in remote areas.
Vice President Dr Mahamud Bawumia asserts his confidence in winning the 2024 presidential elections instead of transferring power to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He alleges that the NDC is apprehensive about his candidacy and highlights the support of Zongo community delegates in the event he leads the NPP in the 2024 election.
During his campaign in the Oti Region ahead of the party’s November 4 primaries, Dr. Bawumia states, “When examining the Northern and Zongo communities, it becomes evident that if I lead the NPP, they will rally behind us. Consequently, the NDC’s chances of winning the elections are diminished.”
He also commits to securing a majority of votes in regions traditionally considered NDC strongholds, aiming to pave the way for the NPP’s victory in the 2024 general elections.
The Vice President said, “That is why they fear Dr Bawumia because they all know that I will give them a showdown.”
Dr. Bawumia emerged as the top candidate in the NPP’s Super Delegate Conference on August 26, securing a spot among the final five flagbearer candidates for the party’s November primaries.
In contrast, Mr. Alan Kyeremateng, a former flagbearer aspirant, officially withdrew from the flagbearership race in a press statement issued on September 5. His decision was based on concerns about the Special Electoral College held on August 26, 2023, which he believed favored one specific aspirant strategically and tactically, among other reasons.
Notably, Mr. Kyeremateng became the second aspirant to withdraw from the flagbearership race, following Boakye Agyarko, who opted out of the run-off election scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2023, where he was set to compete with fellow flagbearer hopeful Francis Addai-Nimoh.
As of now, the candidates vying for the NPP’s flagbearership position include Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong, former Minister of Agriculture Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former Mampong MP Francis Addai-Nimo.
The National Communications Officer for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC),Sammy Gyamfi, has contested claims that Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, independently ordered the interdiction of three senior police officers caught on tape plotting against him.
Sammy Gyamfi asserts that it was, in fact, the Police Council, led by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, that collectively endorsed the interdiction of Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah, Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi, and Superintendent George Lysander Asare.
Speaking on TV3, he said “This meeting was held on Thursday with Bawumia in the chair. They had the meeting late into the night, check from your intel in the police service. The meeting resolved unanimously that these people should be interdicted,”
Sammy Gyamfi highlighted that although the IGP possessed the authority to interdict the officers, he chose to delegate the decision to the Police Council and abstained from the discussions.
“This was not even the IGP exercising his powers under Regulation 105 for somebody to say that this is a conflict of interest,” he stated.
On Thursday, September 7, 2023, the Ghana Police Service announced the interdiction of three senior police officers involved in a recorded plot to oust Dampare.
“The Police Service has interdicted Commissioner of Police (COP) Mr. George Alex Mensah, Superintendent Mr. Emmanuel Eric Gyebi and Superintendent Mr. George Lysander Asare in connection with the audio tape which has become a subject matter of investigation by Parliament.
“The interdiction is to make way for disciplinary proceedings into their conduct in line with Police Service regulations,” the statement said.
Nevertheless, within 24 hours of the interdiction, the police reversed their decision pending the outcome of a parliamentary inquiry into the leaked recordings.
In the aftermath of the withdrawal of Alan Kyerematen, a senior lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Department of History and Political Studies has refuted claims that the NPP primary is a two-horse race between Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Assin Central legislator Kennedy Agyapong.
Dr. Akwasi Amakye Boateng predicts that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the vice president, will win the primaries by a wide majority.
In an interview with Asempa FM on September 7, 2023, the academic said these things and added that he would be amazed if Ken finished even remotely close to Dr. Bawumia. The November 4 primaries.
“I think it is a one-horse race. It would be a straight win for Dr Bawumia. I would be surprised if people in the NPP vote for Kennedy Agyapong,” he said.
Kennedy, in his opinion, is unqualified to govern Ghana because he lacks the necessary skills.
Voters must demonstrate that they are concerned about candidates’ moral character, he continued.
“Kennedy Agyapong socially, traditionally, and intellectually is not presidential material and this must show.
“Ghanaians must demonstrate that we care about people who become our presidents. In the first place, for the development of poor countries… leadership matters. And political leaders in such countries should be knowledgeable generally and in economics,” he said.
Click on link below to watch the interview on Facebook:
Former National Organiser for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammi Awuku, has thrown a word of caution to the campaign team of the Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia following the withdrawal of former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen, from the party’s presidential candidate race as announced on September 5.
Sammi Awuku wants all factions of the ruling party to unite ahead of the 2024 general elections when they go up against the National Democratic Congress and its flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama.
Below is Mr. Awuku’s message to the Bawumia camp;
To Team Bawumia, this is definitely not the time for us to make it “us vrs others” in our party or a time to pass uncomplimentary remarks to aggravate wounds as Dr. Bawumia has admonished us his campaigners.
Instead, this is a time to reach out to each and everyone to make the 2024 campaign and election victory a possibility.
To all the supporters of the candidates who couldn’t make it to the top 5 and supporters of aspirants who made it to the top 5, please let’s come together.Let’s solve our problems together and once again position the NPP still as the party of choice ahead of the 2024 General Elections to deliver economic prosperity for our nation, Ghana.
The challenges we face today as a party and country may be fearsome, but so are our strengths.
Dr. Bawumia and his team will work hand in hand with each and everyone within the NPP and outside the party to once again deliver victory in 2024.
I miss my brothers and sisters in all the camps of our party.Please come and let’s work together!
To my very own astute communicator and sister Hon. Catherine Abelema Afeku,Yaw Buaben Asamoa Esq. Hopeson Adorye,Davis Ansah Opoku MP, Hon. Dr. Samiu Kwadwo Nuamah,Collins Randy Owusu Amankwah, Richard Barima Sarpong you have done a good job and been greatly missed ,
Come join us, and let’s all work for another emphatic New Patriotic Party (NPP: Development in Freedom) victory in 2024.
The journey won’t be easy, but with you all playing a role, Dr. Bawumia can surely lead us all to Break the 8.
I kindly call on you all on behalf of DMB to hit the road together!
ITISPOSSIBLETOGETHER.
Below is a video on why Alan Kyerematen withdrew from NPP presidential candidate race;
Technical Advisor to the Vice President, Dr. Tiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, has contended that the massive support received by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in his bid to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 election is a result of his conduct rather than his privileged position as Vice President.
Dr. Mahama dismissed the notion that Dr. Bawumia’s influence as Vice President was the primary basis for the support from government appointees. He asserted that Dr. Bawumia has conducted himself admirably within the government and treats his colleagues with respect.
During an interview with JoyNews on Tuesday, August 29, Dr. Mahama expressed his objection to the assertion that those supporting the Vice President lack independent thinking.
“It is insulting for the government appointees for people to say that it is because they are appointees that is why they are supporting Dr Bawumia when other members of the government are supporting other candidates and no one is attributing it to any influence. So for me, if we want to be fair, we should be fair to all sides. But it would be demeaning and insulting to say that people are supporting Dr Bawumia because they are government appointees.”
“Any advantage Dr Bawumia is getting from these appointees is based on how he has conducted himself and if he had not done so, I am sure many of these appointees wouldn’t have gone for him. So if there is any advantage he is getting, it is how he has carried himself in government that makes people believe that he is the best person to lead us into the future of the party.”
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the leading candidate in the New Patriotic Party’s Super Delegates Congress. This congress was organized to select five presidential aspirants who will compete in the party’s primaries in November.
Out of the 10 candidates who submitted their forms to contest the primary elections scheduled for November 4, Dr. Bawumia secured the highest percentage of votes after the compilation of results from 16 of the 17 polling centers across the nation. He received 67.10% of the total votes cast, with Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, coming in second with 14.15% of the total votes cast.
The former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Tema East constituency, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, has expressed his belief that out of all the flagbearer aspirants of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) views Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a significant threat.
Glover emphasized that Dr. Bawumia is the candidate who has the potential to lead the NPP to break the tradition of two-term presidencies.
Backing his endorsement of the Vice-President, Glover stated, “he’s the candidate the NDC fears most, of all the 10, when you look around, when you scout around who is the most attacked candidate amongst the 10. It tells you something.
“When NDC [set] their eyes on you, consistently attacking you, then you are the one that they fear the most.”
He further highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s impactful involvement in the NPP’s growth in the Northern Region, describing it as exceptional.
Glover acknowledged Dr. Bawumia’s dedication to the country, particularly referencing his role during the days of the Supreme Court.
He commended the Vice-President’s contributions to the party, labeling him as the candidate that the NDC is most concerned about.
“This is somebody who has sacrificed so much for the country, I’m not saying the others haven’t sacrificed but when you look at the individual contribution, look at the days of the Supreme Court…I think that he has done his best.
“He [Dr Bawumia] has defended this party, he has sacrificed for this party, he is the candidate that the NDC fears so much,” he added.
Glover shared these sentiments with the media during the Super Delegates Conference that took place on Saturday, August 26, 2023, in Ho.
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has shown disinterest in the merger between Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen.
Prior to the just-ended Super Delegates Conference, Bernard Antwi Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, subscribed to the idea of Mr Kyerematen being the running mate of Vice President Dr Bawumia.
But he has changed his stance following the results of the conference held on Saturday, August 16, 2023.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia won the super delegates conference held on Saturday, August 26th, with a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the total valid votes.
Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes, while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes.
According to Chairman Wontumi, the ability of Ken Agyapong to secure the second position, which many thought would be held by Alan Kyerematen makes him best suited to battle the National Democratic Congress (NDC) alongside the Vice President.
He said: “Kennedy is (an) asset and that’s why when I mentioned four people, I mention his name before mine. Everybody is an asset, but if Alan didn’t contest, we wouldn’t be here.
“Then we were talking about Bawumia-Alan but now that Kennedy is second, we are going to talk about Bawumia-Kennedy That is the truth.”
President John Dramani Mahama has said Nana Akufo-Addo’s running mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is being used by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) only to be dumped in the end.
Addressing party supporters in Lawra as part of his campaign tour of the Upper West Region, President Mahama urged the electorate not to be deceived by the role Dr Bawumia was playing in the NPP because he will never be given the opportunity to lead the party.
“Alhaji Aliu Mahama was vice president under the NPP government. He served faithfully under President Kufuor and, so, when eight years was up and President Kufuor was leaving, the natural order of succession is that he should have been given the opportunity to lead that party, but 17 people contested him and defeated him and that is why I say NDC is a party of opportunity because if NDC wasn’t, who am I? A boy from Bole born in Damango, who am I to stand here and call myself president of the Republic of Ghana?” Mr Mahama said.
“[The NDC] is the party that opens its opportunities to all Ghanaians irrespective of what your ethnic affiliation is. Sometimes I feel sad when I see some of our northern brothers running around and also doing this. … They will use you and dump you. I want to live and see the day.
“Let anything happen today and let our brother Bawumia say he is standing for president in NPP. They will never give it to him, I can assure you. When the misfortune hit us and our father Professor Mills passed away, the constitution said the vice president should take over, I did.
“But then we were close to an election. If it was another party, they would have insisted that there should be a congress and in that congress I would have been contested and they would have given the leadership to somebody else,” the president added.
Dr Bawumia has been a critic of the president, describing him as incompetent and incapable of managing the economy.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia secured a notable victory over Alan Kyerematen in the Ashanti Region during the NPP’s Super Delegates Conference, which was considered Kyerematen’s stronghold. Dr. Bawumia received 97 votes out of the total of 121 valid votes cast, while Alan Kyerematen garnered only 10 votes.
Kennedy Agyapong came in third place in the region with 6 votes, and the former Agriculture Minister, Dr. Afriyie Akoto, received 5 votes.
None of the other candidates managed to accumulate any votes. Nevertheless, there was one ballot that was rejected.
The Super Delegates Congress is being held to elect five presidential aspirants to contest the party’s primaries in November this year.
The five candidates with the most votes will move forward to the primaries. They will compete to become the NPP’s chosen candidate for the 2024 general election.
The event marked the successful transition from the old terminal to the new one, signifying the terminal’s full operationalization.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted that this endeavour aligned with the government’s overarching goal to expand the horizons of the aviation sector, positioning Ghana as a hub for aviation in the West African sub-region.
The completion of Phase II of the Tamale International Airport project, alongside associated facilities, is anticipated to provide a significant boost to economic activities.
This development is set to support the Northern Development Authority’s initiatives in harnessing fresh agricultural produce for export, employment generation, and wealth creation.
Emphasising the strategic location of the airport within the Sahelien belt, Dr. Bawumia stressed its role in enhancing market access for local agricultural products, promoting tourism, and attracting passengers from neighbouring nations.
He expressed optimism that the project’s completion would encourage service providers to invest in ventures such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), cargo facilities, and cold storage for storing and exporting fresh produce.
Dr. Bawumia also raised concerns about unauthorised encroachments on airport lands, underscoring the potential risks they pose to future expansion efforts.
He called for collaboration among relevant authorities to safeguard these lands for future expansion while ensuring the safety of lives and property.
She detailed the Operational Readiness and Transfer (ORAT) Phase, which encompassed equipment and system testing, personnel training, and the gradual shift of operations to the new terminal. This meticulous process aimed to minimise the risks associated with such transitions.
Madam Djamson-Tettey praised the dedication and resilience of the ORAT Team for ensuring a seamless migration of operations, acknowledging their pivotal role in the project’s success.
She reaffirmed the Ghana Airports Company Limited’s commitment to delivering top-tier facilities and services to all stakeholders, promising safe and secure airports that offer travellers a pleasant experience.
Phase II of the Tamale Airport Project, initiated in July 2019, encompassed the construction of a terminal building designed to accommodate an annual passenger throughput of 400,000.
Multi-purpose terminal and other ancillary facilities
The newly constructed terminal building boasts several noteworthy features, including a dedicated VIP lounge, two functional boarding gates, and a pair of self-service check-in kiosks. Accompanying these are eight efficient check-in desks, designated airline offices, and commercial retail spaces for added convenience.
Integral to the overall project design is the establishment of a brand-new 5-kilometer road network adjacent to the Tamale-Bolgatanga road.
This purposeful addition serves to ensure convenient and effortless access to the airport for travellers.
Furthermore, the versatile terminal, completed in 2022, played a vital role in accommodating Hajj pilgrims during their annual journey to Mecca in both 2022 and 2023.
The gradual development of the Tamale Airport aligns with a comprehensive strategy aimed at positioning the facility as a viable alternative to the Kotoka International Airport. Of particular significance is its capacity to handle emergency situations involving wide-body aircraft, reinforcing its crucial role within the aviation network.
A specialized survey, jointly conducted by Outcomes International Ghana and the Center for Sustainable African Development Initiatives (C-SADI) UK, has unveiled its projections for the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) Special Delegates elections.
According to the survey, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is expected to secure a commanding victory with a substantial 72.6 percent of the vote.
In the rankings following Dr. Bawumia, Alan Kyeremanten comes in second place with 7.7 percent, Ken Agyapong secures the third position with 4.3 percent, Kwabena Agyepong stands at fourth with 1.8 percent, and Dr. Owusu Akoto occupies the fifth spot with 0.6 percent.
The combined vote share for the remaining five candidates stands at 1.3 percent, while 11.7 percent of delegates remain undecided.
This survey was conducted in light of the evolving campaign dynamics within the NPP Special Delegates election. Outcomes International Ghana and the Center for Sustainable African Development Initiatives (C-SADI) UK collaborated to assess the likelihood of the top five candidates qualifying for the NPP Presidential Primaries scheduled for November 4, 2023.
The study delved into various socio-demographic factors that could influence the election’s outcome, including the impact of ethnicity, geography, and religion on the chances of viable candidates.
Additionally, the survey explored how delegates evaluate a candidate’s suitability.
The survey encompassed all 16 regions of the country and targeted 300 NPP special delegates out of the 961 voters in the electoral college.
The study employed a multistage probability proportional to size sampling (PPS) approach with implicit stratification to optimize survey efficiency and representativeness.
The regional breakdown of the sample size is as follows: Upper West (11 respondents), Upper East (17 respondents), North East (15 respondents), Northern (19 respondents), Savannah (17 respondents), Bono East (19 respondents), Bono (14 respondents), Ahafo (11 respondents), Ashanti (36 respondents), and Eastern (29 respondents). In the Greater Accra region, 29 individuals were interviewed, while Central (19 respondents), Western (19 respondents), Western North (15 respondents), Oti (11 respondents), and Volta (19 respondents) were also included in the study.
Furthermore, the survey targeted various categories of respondents, including Constituency Chairpersons (143 respondents), Regional Executive Members (103 respondents), Members of Parliament (33 respondents), Council of Elders (9 respondents),
National Council Members (8 respondents), Card Bearing Ministers (3 respondents), and Past National Officers (1 respondent).
The campaign team for vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has dismissed allegations of amassing funds to influence delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the upcoming presidential primaries scheduled for Saturday, August 26.
A video circulating on various social media platforms depicts unidentified individuals accumulating money at an undisclosed location.
The accompanying caption asserts that these funds are intended for distribution among delegates to sway their votes in favor of the vice president who is vying for the role of flagbearer within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
However, the spokesperson for Dr. Bawumia, Gideon Boako, has issued a statement to clarify the situation.
He indicated that, This is malicious propaganda. This video is an old video that has been in circulation since 2020, in the lead-up to the 2020 elections. It is so unfortunate that this old video has been adapted by opponents of Dr. Bawumia, who have maliciously captioned it and circulated it widely. This malicious propaganda should be treated with the greatest contempt”.
Read below the full statement by Gideon Boako, Spokesperson to Dr Bawumia
Disregard the propaganda video with a stockpile of money/cash
The attention of the Bawumia campaign team has been drawn to a video circulating on social media and showing some unidentified people stockpiling cash in an unidentified location.
The video comes with the caption that the stockpile of cash is meant to be distributed to delegates ahead of Saturday’s election to influence them to vote for Dr Bawumia.
This is malicious propaganda. This video is an old video that has been in circulation since 2020, in the lead up to the 2020 elections.
It is so unfortunate that this old video has been adapted by opponents of Dr. Bawumia, who have maliciously captioned it and circulating it widely.
This malicious propaganda should be treated with the greatest contempt.
Dr Bawumia’s campaign has been conducted in the most frugal manner, as has been testified to by delegates Team Bawumia urges the teams of other contestants, who can be clearly identified in the captioning and circulation of this video, to embark on genuine decent campaigns, devoid of lies, and mudslinging It is such a decent campaign that the Npp will benefit from.
Kindly find attached the original story on the stockpile of cash when it first came up in 2020.
The Bawumia signal is strong. The campaign team remains focused on delivering a resounding endorsement on Saturday.
It will be possible.
—– Signed —— Gideon Boako, Ph.D Spokesperson to the Vice President
During a Sunday church service on August 20th, Rt. Rev. Prof. Obiri Yeboah Mante, the outgoing moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, lauded Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for his role in promoting religious harmony, going so far as to call him a “Muslim Christian.”
Speaking at the conclusion of the 23rd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at the Ramseyer congregation in Abetifi Kwahu, Rev. Prof. Mante expressed gratitude to God for the presence of Vice President Bawumia in the nation.
He commended the Vice President for his embrace of religious diversity, highlighting his ease and comfort in worshiping alongside Christians despite being a Muslim.
He narrated that “one day at one of our events like this I was standing by the Vice President Bawumia and surprisingly, he sang all the lines of a hymn we were singing. So I asked him how did you learn all of these, and he responded that I used to be a member of the Methodist Boys Brigade when I was young. I don’t know if he finally became an officer, but I think he is more than a Muslim. I think Vice President Bawumia is a Muslim Christian.”
The concluding session of the 23rd General Assembly attracted numerous distinguished individuals from academia, politics, traditional leadership, as well as clergy members representing the Presbyterian Church from various parts of the continent.
During this year’s Assembly, Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye was elected as the new moderator of the church.
The Centre for Sustainable African Development Initiatives, UK, has forecast that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is positioned to secure a substantial victory in the upcoming NPP Super Delegates election on Saturday.
A survey conducted by the group, which delved into the outcome of the Special Delegates Conference and potential top 5 contenders, indicated that Dr. Bawumia is expected to emerge as the winner with a decisive margin.
The remaining candidates are projected to gather relatively modest percentages to secure a spot in the top 5.
According to the findings, which were based on the views of Super Delegates, Dr. Bawumia is anticipated to achieve 72.6% of the votes. Former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen is predicted to come in second with 7.7%.
Kennedy Agyepong is positioned to take the third spot with 4.3%, followed by Kwabena Adjei Agyepong with 1.3%, and former Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto concluding the top 5 with 0.6%.
The survey also disclosed that 13% of the delegates were undecided at the time of the research.
The special delegates, composed of Members of Parliament, constituency chairmen, regional executives, national executives, and other members, were asked about their predictions for the top 5 candidates to be elected by the delegates of NPP’s special electoral college. Additionally, they were questioned about the criteria they use to assess candidates for the NPP flagbearer position.
According to the report, the primary factors considered by delegates when evaluating candidates were the candidate’s vision for the party and the country, as well as their competence.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth wing has unveiled a series of strategies aimed at pressuring the government to retract the imposed 10% tax on betting.
The move follows concerns that this taxation policy disproportionately burdens the country’s youth and the wider betting industry.
The implementation of the 10% betting tax, intended to generate revenue, has faced criticism and opposition.
NDC youth activists assert that this tax places an unfair burden on young Ghanaians who engage in betting for entertainment and sometimes as a source of income.
The National Youth Organiser of the NDC, George Opare Addo, issued a press statement expressing the party’s discontent with the tax. He stated, “We are resolute in safeguarding the earnings that young people acquire through betting.
Through protests, advocacy, civic engagements, and demonstrations, we will ensure our concerns are heard and demand that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia Government reverses its decision.”
The statement outlined their planned actions, which include staging protests at the Ministry of Finance and occupying government premises nationwide. They intend to initiate lawful demonstrations both conventionally and unconventionally, aiming to intensify the resistance against the tax.
The statement also mentioned efforts to mobilize young individuals to confront government officials and call for an end to perceived corruption and insensitivity within the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration.
Additionally, they plan to occupy the Parliament and other government agencies.
In a poll conducted by GhanaWeb regarding the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) superdelegates congress, netizens have decided on the five individuals they would want to see contest for the flagbearership position.
The poll, held from Monday, August 7, 2023, to Friday, August 11, 2023, attracted participation from over 70,000.The question posed was, “Who would you vote for in the NPP Super Delegates Congress?”
Among the 70,463 respondents, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong secured the lead with 18,475 votes, representing more than 26 percent of the total participants.
Former Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, claimed the second spot with 18,143 votes, which accounted for nearly 26 percent of the respondents.
Notably, energy expert Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku achieved a surprising third place, amassing 17,041 votes, equivalent to over 24 percent of the participants.
This outcome surpassed the expectations, especially as he outperformed Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, a major contender in the race.
Vice President Bawumia secured the fourth position, garnering 13,131 votes, which constituted almost 19 percent of the total respondents.
Securing the fifth spot, former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong garnered support from 2,042 participants, which accounted for nearly 3 percent of the total respondents, surpassing 70,000.
The remaining contenders in the poll, namely former Minister of Justice Joe Ghartey, former Food and Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, ex-Member of Parliament for Mampong Francis Addai Nimo, former Minister for Regional Cooperation Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, and former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko, each received less than 1 percent of the total votes cast.
The NPP presidential primaries, scheduled for August and November 2023, will feature 10 contestants.
The NPP’s superdelegates conference is set to take place on August 26, 2023, aimed at narrowing down the contenders to five. Subsequently, the main primaries will occur on November 4, 2023, to determine the party’s presidential candidate for the 2024 elections.
North East Regional Minister, Yidana Zakaria, has conveyed his appreciation to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his prompt response in initiating repair works on the Gbanni-Tinguri road and bridge, which suffered damage due to severe floods.
A prolonged heavy rainfall on Wednesday wreaked havoc in various parts of the North East Region, leading to the collapse of the Gbanni-Tinguri bridge on the Walewale-Nalerigu road and causing damage to sections of the road.
Reacting swiftly to the distressing incident that left many stranded, Vice President Dr. Bawumia intervened by coordinating the involvement of NADMO and the Ministry of Roads to assess the affected area and promptly commence repairs on both the bridge and road, aiming to restore normal transportation services.
This initiative was disclosed by the North East Regional Minister.
On Thursday, the Deputy Minister of Roads, Stephen Jalula, and the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Abass Awolu, visited the impacted location to evaluate the extent of damage. Immediate repair activities have been scheduled to commence.
Expressing relief at the prompt action taken by the Ministry of Roads to address the issue, the Regional Minister commended Dr. Bawumia for his effective response.
“I want to commend the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for his concern and swift intervention. He got officials of the Ministry of Roads to visit here immediately to assess the situation, and the process of bringing relief begins,” he said.
He also confirmed that officials of NADMO have been on sight, and are mobilising relief items to affected persons and households.
Member of Parliament for Akuapem South Osei Bonsu Amoah has endorsed Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s candidacy to lead the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) into the 2024 general elections.
He said the mood and the harmony within his constituency show clearly that it is Dr Bawumia the party needs to retain power.
Addressing the party faithful on Monday, August 7, during Dr Bawumia’s campaign visit to his constituency, Mr Amoah said he and his executives would not disappoint him.
According to him, they will ensure that Dr Bawumia tops the August 26 Special Delegates Conference votes.
“Now the time has come again for us to elect the next flagbearer for our great party and you (party faithful) are sending me as your MP and our constituency chairman to go to Koforidua to elect the five that will proceed to the main elections and mostly elect the one that will lead.”
“But if I look at the energy, the zeal, the chemistry, and preparations and all that is ongoing, the message you have given to us is to go and elect Dr Bawumia.”
“So we will not disappoint you and on August 26, the news will not be that only Akuapem South that has elected Dr Bawumia but the whole Ghana,” he said.
Already, other bigwigs within the party, have endorsed Dr Bawumia’s candidature for the flagbearer position.
Okere MP and current Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Daniel Botwe, is among these persons.
He insisted that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the best strategic choice for the NPP in the 2024 elections.
Dan Botwe made this declaration during a gathering of party members in Okere on Sunday, August 6.
Reflecting on his extensive experience within the party, Mr Botwe emphasised his deep knowledge of the NPP and its key figures.
“When it comes to the future of our beloved country, Ghana, the NPP is the only party that can guarantee progress,” Dan Botwe declared, rallying the crowd.”
“After much thoughtful consideration and careful analysis, I am confident that the best strategic decision for the NPP is to elect Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as our flagbearer,” Botwe asserted, prompting applause from the attendees.
He further highlighted what he said was Bawumia’s record of competence and unwavering loyalty to the NPP as the reasons behind his choice.
Notably, this public endorsement from an influential party member like Dan Botwe gives Bawumia’s candidacy a significant boost.
Administrator of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Communicators Directorate, Paul Kwabena Yandoh, has accused flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong of vote-buying in his campaign ahead of the party’s primaries.
The Administrative Manager at Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s office noted that the camp of the Assin Central MP are reported to be giving delegates of the party GHS200,000 as well as cars in order to vote for Mr Agyapong.
Paul Kwabena Yandoh made this claim while refuting reports of vote-buying against the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, by Lawyer William Kusi, the head of the communication team for Kennedy Agyapong in the Ashanti Region.
“Why do you people accuse others from the opposing camp of sharing money? Sometimes, when you meet people, they claim that others are giving away two hundred thousand, plus cars. And now the lawyer is also saying that they are sharing GH¢50,000, which makes the ordinary Ghanaian worry that the NPP primaries is all about money. This is not true, do you understand?,” he said.
According to him, he is certain of vote-buying by the Kennedy Agyapong camp, as their candidate had earlier boasted of being affluent and his willingness to use money to persuade delegates.
“And in any case, aren’t you the same people who claim to have money? Kennedy Agyapong and his supporters, aren’t you the ones who boasted about having money? Now that the conqueror, the champion, the lion is here, you are complaining that someone else is using money to gain votes. You always campaigned for people to vote for someone with wealth; you urged them to vote for Kennedy because he has opened steel factories and achieved other accomplishments.
“The vice president is diligently performing his job, so why is it that there have been so many allegations against him?” he quizzed.
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) constituency Chairman for Lower Manya Krobo, Emmanuel Nuertey Siakwa, has announced that extensive analysis has led the Lower Manya Krobo Constituency to conclude that Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the sole candidate among the ten flagbearer aspirants capable of leading the NPP to victory in the 2024 elections.
According to him,this realization has sparked a widespread sentiment known as the “strong wind of breaking the 8 with Bawumia,” which the NPP stakeholders in Lower Manya Krobo Constituency strongly support.
During Dr. Bawumia’s visit to the constituency as part of his campaign tour of the Eastern Region, the Constituency Chairman expressed that the decision to endorse Dr. Bawumia was a collective one, aimed at acknowledging his friendship and commitment to the constituency.
He affirmed, “Your Excellency, you are no stranger here. You have been with us throughout the years. Even your wife has embraced this constituency and provided us with her support.”
Pointing to the enthusiasm of the constituents, the Chairman continued, “We are excited to welcome you. We want to align ourselves with the momentum of ‘breaking the 8.’ Lower Manya Krobo is eager to be part of this movement, and we are fully behind you.”
“After a thorough analysis, we are confident that breaking the 8 with Dr. Bawumia is achievable. I’m not suggesting that the other contestants lack intellect, but when all factors are considered, the path to breaking the 8 is feasible with H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.”
Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dan Botwe has urged the rank and file of the party to unite in support of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s candidacy, endorsing him to become the NPP’s next flagbearer.
The MP for the Okere Constituency made the appeal during the Vice President’s visit to the Okere Constituency last Sunday.
Drawing upon his extensive experience as a former General Secretary of the party and after thorough analysis of the various contenders and the current state of both the party and the nation, Dan Botwe asserted that the most fitting individual to steer the NPP forward is undeniably Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“Since we started this flagbearership campaign, I have not spoken. But today I will speak. I was elected General Secretary of the NPP 25 years ago. I have had experience working under several stalwarts of the Party. I know the NPP very well. I know very well all the 10 people contesting. But I am here at Okere saying this. That anyone who knows me knows that I speak the truth and you cannot influence me with anything,” Dan Botwe said.
“I love all the aspirants, but I love the NPP more. My friends in the NPP, if we look at what is happening in Ghana and NPP now, we are looking into the future. Based on my knowledge of the Party and judging from what is happening, I want to say and ask all of you to go and vote for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.”
In his remarks, Dan Botwe emphasized the necessity for the NPP to adopt a strategic approach as they approach the 2024 election. He underlined that the most prudent and effective strategic choice for the party to secure victory in the upcoming election is to designate Vice President Bawumia as their chosen flagbearer.
New Patriotic Party delegates of the Ejumako Enyan Essuam Constituency, have come out to clarify a controversial issue involving the Vice President that has gained massive attention.
In a viral video circulated on social media, the delegates were seen hooting and chanting “Away” in a church auditorium where Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his campaign team were meeting delegates of the party as part of his ongoing flagbearer campaign tour.
But the delegates have clarified that the Vice President was not the subject of their chants, but rather the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, Ransford Kwesi Nyarko.
“It is a total lie that the decent and well-behaved delegates of Ajuamko Enyan Essiam did such a thing to the well-respected Vice President of our country.
“Rather, His Excellency the Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia received a very rapturous welcome in Ajumako Enyan Essiam yesterday. His message of hope was well received by the delegates,” a statement emanating from the group said.
Viewing the action as untoward, the delegates have rendered an apology to Ransford Kwesi Nyarko.
Read the full statement below:
RE: AJUMAKO ENYAN ESSIAM DELEGATES SACK VICE PRESIDENT’S TEAM FOR ATTEMPTING TO DISCREDIT ALAN’S PROMISE OF PAYING POLLING STATION EXECUTIVES*
The attention of the Ajumako Enyan Essiam branch of the New Patriotic Party has been drawn to a video circulating on social media with a fabricated story attached.
It is a total lie that the decent and well-behaved delegates of Ajuamko Enyan Essiam did such a thing to the well-respected Vice President of our country.
Rather, His Exceency the Vice President ,Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia ,.received a very rapturous welcome in Ajumako Enyan Essiam yesterday. His message of hope was well received by the delegates.
The incident in the said video, though unfortunate, took place when the DCE for Ajumako Enyan Essiam was introduced by the MC for the programme. So, it was the DCE who was booed at by some few party people who had come to observe the programme.
We condemn such behaviour’ and apologise to the DCE for Ajumako Enyan. Essiam, Hon Ransford Kwesi Nyarko.
The Vice President delivered a very touching and inspiring message to the good delegates of Ajumako Enyan Essiam which resulted in the delagates giving him a standing ovation and pledging our unflinching support and votes for the Vice President.
The Vice President spoke decently, never attacked any aspirant or his policy. Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia exhibited very sterling leadership qualities through out his speech in Ajuamko Enyan Essiam .
He sounded very measured and reconciliatory and therefore the delegates of Ajuamko Enyan Essiam had no cause to do anything bad to him.
We take this opportunity to thank the Vice President for his visit yesterday and urge him to continue with the decent and reconciliatory manner he has been conducting his campaign.
Please, find attached the original videos of the introduction of the Vice President and the DCE.
Ahead of the New Patriotic Party‘s (NPP) super delegates conference to sieve out the number of presidential hopefuls for the party’s primaries, a spiritual interpretation into the ballot numbers selected by each aspirant has surfaced.
On the ballot, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong appears first, followed by former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen in the second position.
Essikado-Ketan MP Joe Ghartey comes in at number three, Energy Expert Kwadwo Poku at number four, while Dr Afriyie Akoto, former Minister for Food and Agriculture will take the fifth position.
Also, former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong is sixth on the ballot, former Member of Parliament for Mampong Constituency Addai Nimo takes the seventh slot, followed by former Trade Minister Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku at number eight.
Mr. Boakye Agyarko, a former Energy Minister is at number nine and lastly, the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is at number 10.
According to NPP stalwart, Rev. Dr Adom Tuffuor, each of the numbers has a spiritual connotation. He is said to be equipped in the study of numbers – numerology or numeration.
Prior to the explanation, he noted that the significance does not have any direct relationship with the associated aspirants and that “all candidates must work towards winning”.
Number 1 – This signifies creation or the beginning. According to Rev, Dr Tuffuor, this is a number that represents God Almighty. “It also depicts unity,” he added.
He recounted a revelation he had in 2020 where the NPP leadership and government officials had met at the Jubilee House to look at ways to combat corruption.
During discussions, he noted that all but one remained. According to him, the said individual who stayed put forms part of the 10 individuals contesting for the flagbearership position. He withheld the identity of the said individual.
Number 2 – This represents “Witness”. It can also stand for division or separation.
“The Bible says how can two walk together unless they agree,” he said.
Number 3 – The God-head. This, he said shows the trinity of God Almighty – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. For him, it symbolizes “divine completeness”. It also signifies obedience, imitate and likeness.
Number 4 – This number he said signifies Creation. It also stands for the four seasons as well as kingdom, with respect to power or dominance.
Number 5 – This signifies Grace. It also represents atonement, service. Individuals within this region, he says serve.
Number 9 – The number represents fruitfulness. This is an individual who he says will have a massive impact on the country.
Number 10 – This shows law and order. According to him, such an individual is law abiding and ensures all respect the law. This is also a number that represents trial, test and responsibility.
After the explanation, Rev. Dr Adom Tuffuor reiterated that each candidate must justify his inclusion as the numbers does not automatically have an effect on one’s life.
Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has unveiled his “One Constituency 10 Appointments Policy,” which aims to address the longstanding issue of neglecting constituencies during government appointments in Ghana.
During a meeting with delegates from the Awutu Senya East constituency, Vice President Bawumia expressed concerns raised by party loyalists who felt excluded from the governance processes after the party came to power.
To foster better integration between the party and the government, he proposed three initiatives, the first being the appointment process.
Under this policy, all 275 constituencies in Ghana will be given the opportunity to have a representative on various government boards and agencies. Currently, a president can make approximately 7000 appointments. With the addition of one more constituency next year, the total number of constituencies will be 276. The Vice President’s plan is to allocate 10 appointments to each constituency, resulting in a total of 2760 appointments for all constituencies.
By implementing this policy, Vice President Bawumia aims to ensure that no constituency is left out and that party loyalists from every region have a fair chance to participate in the governance of the country.
“Party loyalists tell me that when the party is voted into power to form a government, they are left out in the processes of governance. That is why I’m coming up with three initiatives which I believe that if effectively utilised the party and the government will be well integrated. The first one is appointment. Anytime there are appointments, the constituencies normally say they have been left out.”
“So what I will do is that in governance, a president can make about 7000 appointments, and we have 275 constituencies which we will add one more next year to make them 276, so my plan is that some of the 7000 appointees can come from the constituencies. My proposal is that one constituency, 10 appointments. Doing that will ensure that all the constituencies will have a total of 2760 appointmet,” Dr Bawumia stated.
It was a spirit-filled atmosphere at the 2023 National Development Conference when the gathering in unison offered supplication prayer for three major political figures in the country.
The conference organised by the Church of Pentecost at CoP Convention Centre in Gomoa-Fetteh of the Central Region paved the way for Ghanaians to intercede for Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Presidents John Mahama and John Agyekum Kufuor.
The prayer session on Wednesday, July 26, was led by Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.
He committed the leaders of the country in the hands of God almighty, urging the supreme deity to “take control.”
“All arms of government we bring before you, workers, our young, the old, those who have no work, all parities, we bring before you. Our leaders, traditional leaders, we bring them before you. Lord take control. Direct the affairs of this nation and let your peace which passes all understanding be our portion.
“Using our leaders as point of contact, let your blessings, peace reign and abide. Grant them the courage, humility, grace that they need,” he added.
Apostle Eric Nyamekye called on God Almighty to forgive and remember not the sins committed by the country.
“Guide us Oh Lord, lead us, protect us, change us and transform us. Where we have gone wrong forgive us. Forgive us we pray,” he said.
“With your spirit leading, we will not go astray but that from here, we will bear testimony and have testimonies that yes indeed, God you are sovereign and with us,” he added.
Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, said the purpose of the Church was the “transformation of the National flag” and stated the readiness of the Church to promote a righteous Ghana.
The two-day event, in partnership with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), aims to discuss the need for a national moral vision with concerted efforts at national development.
It brought together major development partners and stakeholders, including former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, former President John Dramani Mahama, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Ministers of State and the Chief Justice, Madam Getrude Araba Torkonoo.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has emphasized the importance of the digitalization efforts he has spearheaded during the tenure of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government.
Speaking at the inaugural Nation Development Conference organized by the Church of Pentecost, which focused on the significance of building moral values to drive Ghana’s development, Dr. Bawumia highlighted that their administration not only advocates for moral values among Ghanaians but has also implemented concrete measures to address unethical behavior.
He specifically cited the successful example of digitalizing the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which effectively put an end to the misappropriation of state funds within the company.
The digitalization drive played a crucial role in curbing the stealing of funds and promoting transparency in the management of state resources.
“We noticed some very, very interesting piece of data which speaks to the problems of ECG. We look at the data and for a period of four years or so the revenue of ECG was virtually constant. We said this cannot be possible. How can you get more customers and revenue was virtually the same?
“They didn’t even take their time to change the value, so we sent in a team to look at the architecture of revenue collection at ECG and digitalise the process. They were collecting GH¢450 million a month.
“When we sent in the team, there was subrogate, a malware was introduced into the system by people working right there and we then brought in a whole new architecture. And after the completion of this digitalisation process, GH¢450 million a month increased into GH¢1.2 billion every month,” he narrated.
During the inaugural National Development Conference, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia highlighted the significant achievements made through digitalization efforts in the Akufo-Addo government. He cited examples such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) where digitalization effectively curbed misappropriation of state funds. Furthermore, revenue collection agencies, including the Passport Office, saw a remarkable increase in revenue from GH¢1 million to GH¢64 million per year, demonstrating the success of these measures.
The conference, held in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association, centered on the theme “Moral Vision and National Development.” Its primary focus was to discuss the necessity of a national moral vision accompanied by a concerted effort for overall national development.
The event was graced by prominent figures, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, and former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama.
Various government officials attended the conference, including Minister for Finance Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Stephen Asamoah Boateng, and Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.
The conference, which commenced on July 27, 2023, was attended by Members of Parliament, including Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, as well as members of the Council of State. Notably present were also members of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana, representatives from various churches in Ghana, and representatives from the National Chief Imam.
On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) organized a balloting event to determine the sequence of its flagbearer hopefuls for the upcoming special delegates conference scheduled for August 26.
During the balloting process, the representatives of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia chose the 10th position for their candidate.
Kennedy Agyapong was allocated the first slot, while Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen secured the second slot.
Check the full list below:
1. Ken Ohene Agyapong 2. Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen 3. Joe Ghartey 4. Kwadwo Poku 5. Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto 6. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong 7. Francis Addai Nimoh 8. Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku 9. Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko 10. Dr Mahamadu Bawumia
Delegates of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) from Kwesimintsim Constituency in the Western Region gathered to offer Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia fervent prayers and heartfelt gospel songs, seeking victory in the upcoming presidential primaries.
The atmosphere was electrifying, filled with spiritual harmony and unwavering belief as the delegates resolutely declared Dr. Bawumia as the NPP’s finest choice and the ideal candidate to lead both the party and the nation.
In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the delegates joined hands in a circle, forming a powerful human chain that demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the NPP, Dr. Bawumia, and the party’s principles.
NPP faithful in support of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
During the prayer session, they fervently beseeched the Almighty God to guide and protect Dr. Bawumia in his political journey. Their voices united in supplication, seeking divine intervention, vision, and wisdom to lead Ghana towards progress and prosperity.
The air resonated with melodious gospel songs that blended harmoniously with the passionate prayers, creating a deeply moving and spiritual experience for all present, including the Vice President himself.
Some delegates knelt in reverence while others stood, all sharing the same spirit, singing songs that echoed their belief in Dr. Bawumia’s vision, competence, and dedication to propel the NPP and Ghana to greater heights.
Through heartfelt testimonials, the delegates expressed their admiration and trust in Dr. Bawumia’s leadership. They praised his remarkable contributions to the party and the nation, acknowledging his pivotal role in various developmental initiatives and impactful economic policies that have positively transformed numerous lives.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, has praised his contender, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for his strategic thinking and leadership qualities.
The Assin Central MP said he has immense respect for the Vice President, who heads the government’s economic management team and has implemented various policies and initiatives to boost the country’s growth and development.
“I have the utmost respect for Vice President Bawumia and his strategic thinking. He has demonstrated time and again his ability to effectively strategise for the benefit of the party and the country as a whole,” he said.
Mr Kennedy Agyapong made these remarks during an interview on Home Radio in the Upper West Region, where he also clarified some statements he made earlier about the government’s decision to seek budgetary support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He explained that his comments were not aimed at criticising the Vice President, but rather a colleague in Parliament who had questioned the government’s strategic approach.
“The truth hurts…so you are the victim, and I am educating you, and you think I’m hitting back? You see, they are not being fair. I did not hit the Vice President but I hit one MP because he said, ‘We don’t want somebody who will come and say that I have done this and that for the party and Ghana, but we want a strategist,’” Mr Agyapong added.
He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the depreciation of the cedi, saying it had cost him over $20 million in five months.
Ghana has recently secured a $3 billion loan from the IMF after China agreed to a debt restructuring deal. The IMF approved the loan based on the government’s Post-COVID-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG), which aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability and includes wide-ranging reforms to build resilience and lay the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth.
The IMF’s decision will release $600 million immediately and will be welcomed by other countries struggling to deal with their debt woes.
The campaign team of Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has disputed reports that a Nigerian Islamic organisation is supporting his campaign.
The claims were made public by a Nigerian journalist named David Humdeyin, who claimed that a group called ACF was sending money to Ghana to assist the Vice President’s campaign.
However, Mr. Bawumia’s campaign’s Communications Directorate stated in a statement that the stories are incorrect and should be ignored.
Below is the full statement.
Allegations of Islamic Funding for the Bawumia Campaign is False
The attention of the Bawumia Campaign Team has been drawn to a post by one David Humdeyin, a journalist in Nigeria, that the Bawumia Campaign is being funded by some Islamic group in Nigeria called the ACF.
We notice that the same narrative has been copied by some persons and groups in Ghana on social media. This narrative is obviously false, fabricated, and only serves the propaganda purposes of its promoters.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Bawumia Campaign has no funding or any linkage with any Islamic group in Nigeria or anywhere else.
We also note that the said David Humdeyin has demonstrated a penchant for making similar claims against some persons and groups in Nigeria without any basis whatsoever
The Bawumia Campaign is focused and will not be distracted by such vain untruths.
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been very diligent and transparent from his days as a scholar, banker, and politician throughout his life and will not depart from these now and forever.
A member of parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri and the majority chief whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has attacked a Nigerian investigative journalist who claimed that a lobby group in northern Nigeria was funding Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s presidential campaign.
Annoh-Dompreh criticized David Hundeyin’s assertion, calling it a dishonorable conduct and a huge trap that the Bawumia campaign would not fall into.
“An anxious posture & strategy planned to smear the DMB. campaign. We love Dr.Bawumia and appreciate his relevance. We cannot be “fooled” into your gaping “trap”. A shameful antic! The support he has comes from the vast population of Ghanaians who believe in visionary leadership,” his tweet read.
A controversial investigative journalist named Hundeyin claimed in a tweet that the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) is financing Bawumia’s presidential campaign.
The purpose of Hundeyin’s allegation was to emphasize a point he was making about how far lobbying and other deceptive tactics may be used to influence political results and further lobbyist interests.
He cited the case of UK government backing groups in Nigeria’s north to buttress his point stating in one of his tweets: “Have you ever wondered how the UK government always seems to be aligned politically with the northern establishment? Yes there is historical context, Harold Wilson, bla bla bla but what else is the reason?
“It’s because of several organisations like the Arewa Consultative Forum,” his tweet read.
The part on Bawumia and the ACF was by way of an example to back up his earlier tweet, it read: “These think tanks and lobby groups spend *millions* of dollars annually on local and foreign political astroturfing on a scale you cannot begin to comprehend.
“For example, the ACF is funding a Muslim candidate (Mahamudu Bawumia) in Ghana’s 2024 election. You already know why.”
In the meantime, the tweet has received a lot of response from Ghanaians who are either rejecting his assertions or calling for clarification from the Bawumia campaign, which is currently in full force ahead of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries.
Frank Annoh-Dompreh, a pro-Bawumia politician and majority chief whip, has rejected the claim, calling it among other things a “shameful antic.”
Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia has laid the groundwork for the construction of a 100-bed Ejura Sekyeredumase District Hospital in the Ashanti Region.
The hospital, which is being built as part of the government’s flagship Agenda 111 Project, will have cutting-edge technology such as X-Rays, Medical Gases, a Haematology Analyzer, a Chemistry Analyzer, a CT Scanner, an MRI, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, Mammography, and a Microbiology Analyzer.
It will also contain employee housing and is planned to be completed in 18 months at a cost of US$16 million.
At the sod-cutting event in Ejura on Tuesday, Vice President Bawumia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of all Ghanaians, which led to the decision to build 111 district hospitals with a variety of uses.
Vice President Bawumia described the Agenda 111 Project as the largest investment in the country’s health infrastructure history since independence.
“We want to ensure that every district in Ghana has a hospital. We have six new regions, so we are also building six new regional hospitals, as well as upgrading the Efia Nkwanta Hospital in the Western Region,” the Vice- President said.
In addition to the construction of the 100-bed Ejura Hospital, there are plans to build two new Psychiatric Hospitals in Kumasi and Tamale.
Furthermore, the Government, as highlighted by Dr. Bawumia, has implemented various initiatives to enhance healthcare accessibility and delivery. These initiatives include the nationwide provision of ambulance services through the One-Constituency, One-Ambulance program, the networking of hospitals to facilitate access to medical case histories, the introduction of the drone medical delivery system, and the implementation of the E-Pharmacy regime.
“We will continually explore ways to improve our healthcare delivery approaches and systems,” Dr Bawumia pledged adding, “a healthy nation is a wealthy nation”.
Chief of Ejura, Barima Osei Hwedie II, appreciates the Government’s numerous projects in the area over the past six and a half years. He calls on citizens to rally behind national development endeavors.
It is alleged that supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Nkawkaw forced Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh and his group out due to an unfinished stadium project.
According to a report from Adomonline.com, Annoh-Dompreh’s speech, in which he advocated for Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as the party’s flagbearer, was abruptly interrupted, causing unrest in the hall.
While the NPP polling station women’s organizer, Berikisu Saani, denied any physical confrontations, Annoh-Dompreh was compelled to leave the venue as he failed to calm down the agitated supporters.
The Nkawkaw stadium, a project promised by Annoh-Dompreh, remains unfinished, intensifying the frustrations of party members.
Saani stressed the importance of completing the stadium project before the 2024 general election, urging the government and constituency leaders to prioritize it. She emphasized the significance of securing both the seat and peace in the constituency.
Expressing her disapproval of the supporters’ actions, Saani called for a more respectful approach to addressing grievances.
“No one exchanged punches at the Paris hall. On Tuesday, Bawumia’s team, headed by Annoh Dompreh, came to visit us, but there was no trading of blows. Annoh-Dompreh assured us that the Nkawkaw stadium would be built for us. After he finished addressing us, some people interrupted him and said, He should stop the lies,” NPP polling station women’s organiser, Berikisu Saani, told Adomonline.com
MP for the Nkawkaw Constituency, Joseph Frimpong, promised that the contractor would arrive by August 15, 2023.
The NPP’s Electoral Party Coordinator, Paul Deyen, explained throughout the chaos that the youngsters were merely venting their dissatisfaction and not provoking any disorderly incidents.
Western Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for Takoradi, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, has criticised his colleague and Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong.
The minister accused Agyapong, a candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearership, of being selfish and unfair in his attacks on the administration and another NPP candidate, Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia.
The minister defended Bawumia from a withering attack by Ken Agyapong, who recently blamed Bawumia for Ghana’s economic troubles, in an interview on Takoradi-based Radio 360 on Monday (July 17).
Darko-Mensah argued that COVID was to blame for the economic downturn, and that fact has been confirmed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is currently bailing out Ghana.
“..we were all in the country when COVID broke. Were you the one who manufactured COVID? Even the IMF who are giving us a bailout said we (NPP) did not create the problem, as our economic challenges are as a result of COVID,” he stressed.
Additionally, Darko-Mensah pointed out that take-or-pay energy-sector contracts, signed during the previous government’s tenure, contributed significantly to the economic challenges. He questioned the relevance of such contracts to Dr. Bawumia, himself, or Ken Ofori-Atta’s decision to seek assistance from the IMF.
Regarding Kennedy Agyapong, Darko-Mensah highlighted that the MP has been a major recipient of government contracts for several years. He suggested that Agyapong should consider returning those contracts and refrain from accepting any new ones due to the current economic challenges faced by the country.
“Ghana is a member of the IMF and they have given us some assistance during COVID. Since Ghana went to the IMF the cedi is stabilising …what intrigues me however is, between you and I, we all know one of the biggest government contractors is the man you are talking about (Kennedy Agyapong).
“When things were bad and he was benefitting, that was right, but now that he wants to be a presidential candidate, he has forgotten about all those benefits he derived and wants us to forget about all that?
“Then he should reverse (sic) all those contracts he earned and hand it to others and say because Ghana is now back to the IMF, I will not take any government contract again. If he continues like that then technically you want to act like a greedy person who wants to benefit both ways.
“If he wants to find someone to blame for Ghana going to IMF, why won’t he also along the lines of equity say that he will not take any of the contracts he is taking during this IMF period? He is just misleading people and it needs to be straightened,” the minister added.
Former Communication Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Yaw Adomako Baafi, has voiced his criticism of Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central and a potential NPP flagbearer. Baafi believes that Agyapong’s recent onslaught against Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also vying for the NPP flagbearer position, is rooted in envy and animosity.
During an interview with Wontumi TV on July 17, 2023, Baafi highlighted that Kennedy Agyapong’s change in attitude towards Dr. Bawumia is a result of his personal desire for power. Baafi recalled instances where Agyapong had previously praised the Vice President as an exceptional individual. However, due to Agyapong’s own ambitions, he has shifted his stance and resorted to making derogatory remarks about Dr. Bawumia.
“Everyone should go to GhanaWeb and see what Kennedy Agyapong was saying about Dr. Bawumia before, that he is the best person, but because you’re contesting with him and based on greed, you are saying all these things, I won’t waste my time on you. But the most important thing is that Bawumia is human, so no matter what, he might have some fault.”
He added “…since 2007 when Bawumia joined the party, I was with my brother Kennedy Agyapong at that time, so I am very careful to speak against him but the point is that when Bawumia set 175 questions for Amissah Arthur I was sitting with him in his station and he was saying Bawumia as intelligent but today he is not right?
“When we went to the Supreme Court and Bawumia was defending (the election petition) he was like; ‘what! this man is intelligent’ but now because of power, you are downgrading him, if you will remember when we were bringing Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong was the only person who spoke against it so he is revisiting his hatred against him.”
Kennedy Agyapong has voiced his criticism of the current administration, specifically targeting the handling of the Ghanaian economy, which is currently operating under an IMF-supported program.
Agyapong expressed concerns about the depreciation of the local currency against the dollar and its significant impact on businesses and livelihoods.
While addressing party delegates in Kintampo, Bono East region, Agyapong recounted his personal experience, stating that he had possessed $40 million in cedi equivalent in March 2022, but by August of the same year, its value had declined to about $16 million due to the depreciation of the cedi.
Although Agyapong did not mention Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia by name, it was evident that his criticisms were directed towards the Head of the Economic Management Team of the government.
Agyapong highlighted the increase in the exchange rate from 4 cedis to 1 dollar during the time of assuming power to the current rate of 12 cedis per dollar, questioning Bawumia’s claims of being a strategist.
On July 12, 2023, the NPP approved all ten candidates, including Kennedy Agyapong, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, and John Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, to contest the flagbearer position.
These candidates will go through a super delegates congress to narrow down the number to five before the party’s main congress on November 4, 2023. Other contenders in the race include Joe Ghartey, Kwadwo Poku, Boakye Agyarko, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, who have all thrown their hats into the ring.
Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has expressed his firm belief that regardless of the circumstances, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would be the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2024 elections.
During a discussion with the Nsawam-Adoagyiri women’s wing of the NPP about the “Eduru meso” mantra, he urged the former Trade Minister, Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, to abandon his aspirations of becoming the party’s flagbearer, as he would not receive the necessary support from the NPP community.
“Now, we would tell him plainly that whether it’s his turn or not, we would let Bawumia lead us, it’s Bawumia that we are going with,” he said to the cheering delegates.
He emphasized how well the NPP has been by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, particularly when he represented the organization in the Supreme Court during the 2012 election lawsuit.
Even prominent lawyers inside the party’s circles, according to Hon. Annoh-Dompreh were unable to defend the party in the 2012 election petition, claiming only Dr. Bawumia was able to do that. He explained that this is why he does not support the “Eduru meso” motto.
He ridiculed, “NPP is the only party with the greatest lawyers yet Dr. Bawumia took it upon himself that he was going to save the party, while someone claimed it wasn’t yet his turn, so now let him be told that whether it’s his turn or not, Bawumia will go.”
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh therefore urged the delegates to support Dr. Bawumia in the upcoming flagbearer election because the latter has the potential to boost the NPP’s votes in 2024.
He used the platform to fire Mr. John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s candidate, that he carries no weight and must therefore forget the 2024 elections. According to Annoh-Dompreh, JM would lose horribly in next year’s polls.
“Santaclausians for Alan,” a group of Adisadel College old students, has called on New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters to vote for Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen as the party’s flagbearer for the 2024 elections.
They hailed him as a symbol of industrialization, job creation, and Ghana’s economic solution.In an interview with the media, Mr. Zack Brew, coordinator of Santaclausians for Alan, highlighted Kyerematen’s longstanding support for the NPP as its financial backbone since 1992.
He described him as a loyalist and dedicated patriot who has served the party and the nation commendably.
Mr. Brew emphasized the need to move away from political falsehoods, which he believed had contributed to the current economic challenges. He advocated for economic reforms centered around industries and job creation.
The spokesperson acknowledged Mr. Kyerematen as a frontrunner among the ten contenders for the NPP Presidential primary, noting his investments in and initiation of innovative policies that have been implemented by the NPP Government.
“He is also a practical economist, a hardworking gentleman with vast experience both locally and internationally,” he said.
He urged delegates in all 16 regions of the country to elect, Mr. Alan Kyerematen as the presidential candidate.
