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Tag: Ben Ephson

  • I don’t pity politicians – Ben Ephson says as he blames politicians for monetisation woes in politics

    I don’t pity politicians – Ben Ephson says as he blames politicians for monetisation woes in politics

    Renowned Ghanaian pollster, Ben Ephson, has expressed his lack of sympathy for politicians grappling with the issue of monetization in the country. 

    Ephson, known for his insightful analysis of political dynamics, made these remarks following the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary primaries on Saturday, January 27, 2023.

    Ephson unequivocally laid the blame at the feet of politicians for the rising trend of monetization in politics, stating, “As for the moneyocracy, it is the politicians who have brought it, so they should deal with it.” 

    When pressed on whether he pitied politicians in light of the challenges posed by the monetization of politics, Ephson responded with a resounding, “Not at all, politicians I don’t pity them; they have brought it.”

    The issue of monetization has been a prominent concern in Ghanaian politics, especially in the aftermath of the NPP’s parliamentary primaries, where 28 sitting parliamentarians lost their bids for re-election. Additionally, over a dozen others decided against seeking re-election, with various reasons cited, including personal considerations and the increasing financial burden of running for public office.

    Politicians across the spectrum have faced criticism for the perceived influence of money in electoral processes, with concerns about the potential distortion of democratic principles. Ephson’s straightforward perspective sheds light on the internal challenges within political circles and underscores the need for self-reflection and accountability among politicians.

    As Ghana navigates its political landscape, Ephson’s commentary adds a crucial dimension to the ongoing discourse about the role of money in politics, challenging politicians to address the root causes of monetization and its impact on the democratic process.

  • Pollster Ben Ephson predicts Adwoa Safo’s defeat

    Pollster Ben Ephson predicts Adwoa Safo’s defeat

    Renowned pollster Ben Ephson has forecasted that voters in Dome-Kwabenya are likely to cast their ballots against Member of Parliament Sarah Adwao Safo. This prediction is attributed to her TikTok videos featuring singing and dancing, which Ephson suggests may influence voter sentiment.

    Recalling two videos posted on September 29 and 30, 2021, the Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwao Safo, was observed singing along to gospel songs in the said TikTok clips.

    Within a mere 24 hours of facing accusations of neglecting her duties to constituents, Sarah Adwao Safo deactivated her TikTok account.

    Speaking on the Sunrise show on 3FM Monday, January 22 ahead of the NPP parliamentary primary, Mr Ben Ephson said when asked whether the lawmaker stands a chance of winning as an independent candidate if she loses the primaries and decides to go independent, “If Adwoa Safo goes independent, for the NPP supporters she will perform poorly. When you talk to some of the swing voters, they felt really pissed off by her TikTok dancing. The TikTok dancing was her last straw and most of them refer to it.

    “They felt that the TikTok dancing was like rubbing it on their faces.

    “To go independent, I don’t think that even the swing voters will vote for her, they will really want to punish her.”

  • Voters will punish Adwoa Safo over TikTok video – Ben Ephson

    Voters will punish Adwoa Safo over TikTok video – Ben Ephson

    Renowned pollster Ben Ephson has forecasted that voters in Dome-Kwabenya are likely to cast their ballots against Member of Parliament Sarah Adwao Safo. This prediction is attributed to her TikTok videos featuring singing and dancing, which Ephson suggests may influence voter sentiment.

    Recalling two videos posted on September 29 and 30, 2021, the Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwao Safo, was observed singing along to gospel songs in the said TikTok clips.

    Within a mere 24 hours of facing accusations of neglecting her duties to constituents, Sarah Adwao Safo deactivated her TikTok account.

    Speaking on the Sunrise show on 3FM Monday, January 22 ahead of the NPP parliamentary primary, Mr Ben Ephson said when asked whether the lawmaker stands a chance of winning as an independent candidate if she loses the primaries and decides to go independent, “If Adwoa Safo goes independent, for the NPP supporters she will perform poorly. When you talk to some of the swing voters, they felt really pissed off by her TikTok dancing. The TikTok dancing was her last straw and most of them refer to it.

    “They felt that the TikTok dancing was like rubbing it on their faces.

    “To go independent, I don’t think that even the swing voters will vote for her, they will really want to punish her.”

  • Kufuor sacked ministers who supported Akufo-Addo in 2007 – Ben Ephson

    Kufuor sacked ministers who supported Akufo-Addo in 2007 – Ben Ephson

    Ghanaian journalist and pollster, Benjamin Emmanuel Ephson, claims that a number of ministers appointed by former President John Agyekum Kufuor had their positions stripped off owing to their allegiance to Nana Akufo-Addo (Ghana’s current president) back in 2007.

    In an interview on Hello FM, Mr Ephson noted that these ministers, whose identities he failed to disclose, reportedly lost their jobs for not supporting Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen 15 years ago.

    “15 years ago, Alan was an establishment candidate. Now Akufo-Addo was the victim of establishment candidate . So now if Bawumia is the establishment candidate, Akufo-Addo has been discrete. Ministers of State 15 years ago, under Kufuor, who supported Akufo-Addo, were dismissed. In 2007, Ministers of State, who supported Akufo-Addo and did not support Alan Kyerematen were dismissed,” he stressed.

    According to King Edward De Slave, a journalist of Hello FM, these claims have been refuted by the Office of Kufuor and affiliates.

    But Mr Ephson stood his ground, noting that “there are other names that I don’t want to drag in.”

    Former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen has however refuted the claims that he had the support of former President Kufuor during the said period.

    According to Mr Kyerematen, in 2007, former President John Agyekum Kufuor made it clear that he would not support Alan’s bid for the party’s flagbearership.

    Alan Kyerematen made this revelation in an interview with Bernard Avle, the General Manager of Citi News, on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. He was responding to a question about whether he was a favourite of Kufuor, who appointed him as an ambassador and a trade minister.

    Mr. Kyerematen said that he informed President Kufuor of his intention to contest for the NPP flagbearership in 2007, but he was advised to wait and focus on his work as the Trade Minister.

    “In 2005, all the people who eventually contested, they had started doing underground moves and operations. I had made up my mind at that time, post-2004, 2005, that I would contest. When I went to him to inform him that I have an interest and that my other colleagues have started moves under cover, if he sees that I’m also operating, he should not be surprised about that. His advice to me was, ‘Wait, do your work. If people feel that you are the right person, they themselves would promote you,” he said.

    “[President Kufuor] said, if there are any people that I will support, there are four people: Nana Akufo-Addo – he was the first person he mentioned, Aliu Mahama, Papa Owusu Ankomah and then yourself. Any of you, if you win, bless my soul. I’ll be happy.’ So, it was on that basis that we all carried on,” Alan told Bernard Avle.

  • Ben Ephson ‘fights’ trolls; defends his reputation over failed Assin North prediction

    Ben Ephson ‘fights’ trolls; defends his reputation over failed Assin North prediction

    Pollster Ben Ephson is defending his reputation following his failed prediction in the Assin North by-election results.

    He addressed the backlash has received on social media after his incorrect prediction regarding the outcome of the Assin North by-election.

    Ben Ephson, who serves as the Managing Editor of Daily Dispatch, had initially forecasted a victory for the New Patriotic Party’s Charles Opoku over the National Democratic Congress’ James Gyakye Quayson.

    However, the results from Tuesday’s June 27,2023, by-election revealed a victory for the NDC parliamentary candidate, with an expanded margin compared to the 2020 elections. The result led to social media users mocking Ben Ephson for his recent prediction blunder.

    In response to the criticism, he has acknowledged his error in judgment but emphasized his extensive track record in election forecasting. He pointed out that he has accurately predicted the outcomes of seven elections since 1996, with only one incorrect prediction occurring in 2016.

    During an interview on 3FM on June 27, 2023, he expressed his resilience in the face of criticism, stating, “From 1996, I got it spot-on, these things don’t bother me because I’ve got a track record,” 3news.com quoted him to have said.

    He highlighted that the backlash he received in 2016 was more severe than the current situation and reassured that it would not deter him from making future predictions.

    “What if I got it right? I’m kind of used to it.”

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana officially declared James Gyakye Quayson as the Member of Parliament-elect for the Assin North constituency following the conclusion of the by-election. Quayson, who contested on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), emerged victorious with a significant margin.

    According to the Electoral Commission’s announcement, James Gyakye Quayson garnered a total of 17,245 votes, representing 57.56% of the total votes cast. His closest contender, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), received 12,630 votes, accounting for 42.15% of the votes. Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party Ghana (LPG) secured 87 votes, which represented 0.29% of the overall tally.

    The by-election in Assin North was held to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant following a legal battle that questioned Quayson’s eligibility to hold office due to dual citizenship concerns.

  • Pollster Ben Ephson says Assin North by-election won’t be an easy win for any political party

    Pollster Ben Ephson says Assin North by-election won’t be an easy win for any political party

    Pollster, Ben Ephson has stated that the upcoming by-election at Assin North Constituency will be an interesting contest for both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Congress (NPP).

    Speaking on Starr Today with Joshua Kodjo Mensah Tuesday, Ephson stated that Assin North is a swing seat and no political party will easily win the by-election.

    “Assin North is kind of a swing place so it is not going to be a safe place for anybody. That is going to be interesting.

    “It is up to the two political parties to get people out to vote and definitely a by-election will not have the same energy as the general election. But this will be a higher turnout than Kumawu”, Ben Ephson stated.

    Meanwhile, the Clerk to Parliament, Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah has written to the Electoral Commission (EC) of the occurrence of a vacancy in the Assin North Constituency.

    “I, Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, Clerk to Parliament do hereby formally notify you of the occurrence of a vacancy in the Assin North Constituency necessitated by the Judgement of the Supreme Court dated 17th May, 2023,” he wrote in a letter to the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC).

    However, the NDC is expected to present James Gyakye Quayson for the by-election when the Electoral Commission opens nominations for the contest.

    The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has set Wednesday, May 31, 2023 as date for the opening of nomination for the upcoming Assin North by-election.

    The decision was taken at its Steering Committee (SC) meeting held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 where the timelines for holding parliamentary primary was announced.

    Nominations are to close on Thursday June 1, 2023 while the election has been slated for Wednesday June 7, 2023.

    A statement signed by the General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua said “The Party has also approved detailed Rules and Regulations to govern the conduct of the parliamentary primary election which would be made available to stakeholders. However, Nomination Forms will be available at the Constituency Party Office for purchase.”

  • Two reasons why Bawumia may win 2024 elections – Ben Ephson explains

    Two reasons why Bawumia may win 2024 elections – Ben Ephson explains

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia who is yet to declare his presidential ambition has received enormous support and endorsement from political figures ahead of the 2024 general elections.

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), on the other hand, as expected, believes the Vice President poses no threat to their quest for power come 2025.

    But pollster, Ben Ephson, who has waded into the conversation asserts strongly that victory will be the New Patriotic Party’s, however, on the condition that Dr Bawumia is made flagbearer.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/bawumia-has-already-won-the-elections-in-the-spiritual-realm-pastor-reveals/

    According to Mr Ephson, the Vice President is assured of victory for two reasons – he is accepted by the Christian community and the fact that all Muslims would choose to have one of their own as President.

    In an interview with Onua TV in early April, Mr Ben Ephson said “If Bawumia is made the flagbearer of NPP, he comes with two main advantages; that is many Christians feel comfortable with him even though he is a Muslim and Muslims who used to vote for the NDC would switch and vote for NPP.”

    The Managing Editor of Dispatch also noted that the Muslim community would side with the ruling party as they feel used by the NDC over its inability to provide a Muslim running mate.

    “The Muslims have now noticed that the NDC has taken them for granted for far too long because they don’t take Muslims for even running mate,” he asserted.

    Although Vice President Dr Bawumia has not made an official statement on running in the next presidential election, some Ghanaians believe the Vice President is lacing his boots to do so.

    They hold this assertion because of the statement – “It is Possible!” – shared by Dr Bawumia on his social media pages on April 4, 2023. He has on several occasions spoken about the NPP’s ability to break the 8-cycle governance.

    Should the Vice President register interest, he is expected to go up against former Trade Minister, John Alan Kyerematen, former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto, former Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko, Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Presidential Spokesperson and General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyepong,  former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Joe Ghartey, who is also the MP for Essikado-Ketan; a former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and a former Minister of State, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, who is also a former MP for Offinso North.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/npps-most-influential-lad-sammi-awuku-endorses-bawumia/

    The ruling party has announced that nominations for the Presidential primaries will open on May 26, 2023, and close on June 24, 2023. On November 4, 2022, the NPP will hold its National Congress to elect its flagbearer for the next general elections.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Ben Ephson jabs Alan’s ally who accused him taking bribes

    Ben Ephson jabs Alan’s ally who accused him taking bribes

    Renowned pollster Ben Ephson has dismissed claims bribery allegations peddled by the Ashanti Regional campaign manager for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, Alan Kyerematen.

    In an interview on Akoma TV on April 13, Collins Owusu Amankwah, who is the Ashanti Regional campaign manager for Alan and a former Member of Parliament for Manhyia North, claimed that Ben Ephson’s polls are not credible and alleged that the pollster makes favourable predictions for politicians who pay him.

    However, in response to these allegations, Ben Ephson stated that he is measured in what he says now, adding that “When you are bathing and a man comes for your cloth, you don’t run naked after the person.”

    Ben Epson highlighted that over his 22 years of research, he has achieved 83% accuracy, he also noted that in 2019, he was part of a team of University of Ghana lecturers who conducted research on the list of MPs who were likely to lose their seats.

    “So, I have seen what Alan’s Ashanti Regional campaign manager has said, so let me take my time and say this, there is this saying that goes like ‘When you are bathing and a man person comes for your cloth, you don’t run naked after the person, so I have been very measured in what I say.

    “In 2019, the University of Ghana lecturers that did research about the list of MPs who will lose their seat, I was part of them …he doesn’t believe in research, and he also said I take money and conduct polls…in twenty-two years (22) I have gotten 83% accuracy.

    “I have done 7 polls, national polls…if he wants to help his candidate, Alan, there are people at Alan’s camp who come to me and ask why I said he will be third and I have explained to them,” he added.

  • Ben Ephson’s predictions are aligned to who pays more – Alan’s campaign team

    Ben Ephson’s predictions are aligned to who pays more – Alan’s campaign team

    Former Manhyia North MP, Collins Owusu Amankwah has disagreed with a poll conducted by renowned pollster Ben Ephson that indicates Alan Kyerematen, the front-runner for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential nomination, is losing support from party delegates.

    According to him, Ben Ephson’s claim that Alan is losing popularity is false because his polls are not credible.

    Speaking in an Akoma TV interview on April 13, Owusu Amankwah, who is a member of the campaign team for Alan, alleged that Ben Ephson makes favourable predictions for politicians who pay him.

    “Nobody trusts Ben Ephson now. He sits in his office and listens to serial callers to make predictions.

    “He predicted that the NDC’s former chairman, Ofosu Ampofo, is going to win at the end of the day, Asiedu Nketiah won. He said that John Badu (NPP’s former general secretary) would maintain his seat, but JFK won. He said Sam George will lose his seat… He is not credible.

    “We will no longer pay attention to stomach pollsters, who make predictions based on your ability to pay. Sam George has come to say that if you go to him (Ben Ephson) and give him a fat envelope, he will make projects for you,” he said in Twi.

    The former NPP MP also alleged that Ben Ephson, who is the managing editor of the Daily Dispatch newspaper, is now doing the bidding of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who has also indicated his intention of contesting in the NPP presidential primaries.

    “Today he has turned the Daily Dispatch into the Daily Bawumia,” he said.

  • Stan Dogbe takes on Ben Ephson over claims that Mahama orchestrated Haruna, Muntaka’s removal

    Stan Dogbe takes on Ben Ephson over claims that Mahama orchestrated Haruna, Muntaka’s removal

    Stan Dogbe, the Director of Communications during the John Mahama presidency has taken Ben Ephson to the cleaners over his allegation that the decision by the National Democratic Congress to oust Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka Mubarak as Minority Leader and Chief Whip was the brainwork of the former president and Asiedu Nketiah.

    In his reaction to the move by NDC, the Managing Editor of the Daily Dispatch Newspaper said that John Mahama and Asiedu Nketiah orchestrated the move because it works in their favour.

    Speaking in an interview on Starr FM on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, the pollster indicated that the reasons provided by the party do not justify their actions.

    “I think that it is the working of former President John Mahama and Aseidu Nketiah and I am going to wonder how the minority caucus is going to be. I suspect politically Mr. Aseidu Nketiah and John Mahama’s handiwork. Are they saying that before 2020 these economic issues were not there?

    “No, I don’t think so, you see when you give this reason. You are creating the impression that before 2020 and even before these changes, Haruna and the leadership have not acquainted themselves well enough in dealing with these issues. Or is it an issue of trying to have total control over minority or minority issues in parliament?” Mr. Ephson quizzed.

    He continued: “When you say there are going to be economic issues in 2024, can’t Ato Forson advise Haruna on the way forward? Or they think that Haruna cannot be nodding at everything they say because economic issues have been in the forefront in the run up issues in 2020 elections.”

    In response, Stan Dogbe observed that Ben Ephson has consistently shown bias against John Dramani Mahama.

    According to him, Ben Ephson’s predictions are fuelled by factors other than objectivity and actual analysis of the situation on the ground.

    “This Ben Ephson man is at it again. Obviously, he has always been a shameless character so he cares less about himself when he chooses to go where his stomach leads him.

    “Your sustained negatively against John Mahama will lead you no where ooo, it will not. With your credibility finally eroded as people see through your tabletop so-called research, your new found job is to be attacking and granting interviews to denigrate John Mahama.

    “Me, I wish you well in your new job. Once it puts food on your table, why not. What are we in this world for. Just remember that you cannot destroy what the Lord has planned out.

    We will wait for your next negative campaign against John Mahama,” he posted on Facebook.

  • Ben Ephson predicts Cabinet reshuffle after Alan’s resignation

    Ben Ephson predicts Cabinet reshuffle after Alan’s resignation

    President Akufo-Addo may be planning to change his cabinet by the end of next week, according to pollster Ben Ephson.

    Even so, he is confident it will happen by next Tuesday or Wednesday.

    It comes after Alan Kyerematen, the trade and industry minister, abruptly announced his resignation on January 5 despite extensive rumors to the contrary.

    Bigwigs in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) believe Alan to be the front-runner for the position of party flagbearer in the 2024 elections, replacing President Akufo-Addo.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/alan-kyerematen-reportedly-resigns-as-trade-minister/

    Analysts claim that by resigning, he will be able to devote all of his attention to his bid to become the NPP flagbearer as opposed to continuing to manage his portfolio with a divided focus.

    According to Mr. Ephson, Alan has a lot of catching up to do because many of the NPP delegates may be younger than his generation and may not relate to Alan’s political heft very well.

    Ben Ephson says that catching up is the best course of action because NPP delegates 30 years of age and younger would not readily remember who Alan was to the NPP some 20 years ago when he was at the height of his powers.

    And a few others are anticipated to follow Alan’s lead, else they will be moved out.

    “I believe the reshuffle will occur between now and Tuesday. As for the Agric Minister, even if the reshuffle does not affect him, he will have to resign by the end of the month or he will be sacked,” Ben Ephson said, and explained that former Attorney General Joe Ghartey was not holding any post currently because he declared his interest in the presidency early on.

    Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the minister of agriculture and a politician and agricultural economist, has also expressed interest in running for the party to succeed President Akufo-Addo.

  • It’s an insult to ask party hierarchy to approach Konadu for a comeback – Ben Ephson to Zanetor

    Ghanaian Pollster, Ben Ephson, has expressed disappointment in the Klottey Korle MP, Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings after she called on the NDC to do all they can to bring back Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings to the party.

    Ben, in his opinion, believes there are better ways she could have pleaded with the party than openly beseeching the party.

    He reasoned that it was very disrespectful for Zanetor to ask the party hierarchy to approach the former first lady when she [Konadu] took the step of leaving the party.

    Ben Ephson shared his opinion on the matter during an interview with Happy FM’s Don Prah on the ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ show.

    “As an analyst, I believe there would have been better ways of achieving the same end results. The woman left in 2012 obviously pained by her abysmal performance of challenging Mills. Even the husband could not convince her to return to the party”.

    “My disagreement was with the way Zanetor openly asked the party to approach her to come back. If, for example, you had gone through the council of elders and I am sure one or two Council of Elders members would have said, ‘look since the demise of Rawlings, it is time for Konadu to come back to the party, this will be from among them but to ask the party hierarchy to come and ask her back to the party, I felt that it will be a bit of an insult.”

    The pollster was of the view that because there are procedures that guide actions in the party, it would be appropriate for Konadu Agyeman Rawlings to reapply for the party to accept her again.

    Dr Zanetor Rawlings called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) elders to make amends and bring back her mother, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, to the party.

    The late Rawling’s wife broke away from the NDC after missing out in a flagbearer bid to form her party, the National Democratic Party (NDP).

    Following the death of her husband last year, she withdrew from the 2020 general elections and has since not been active in politics.

    Ghanaian Pollster, Ben Ephson, has expressed disappointment in the Klottey Korle MP, Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings after she called on the NDC to do all they can to bring back Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings to the party.

    Ben, in his opinion, believes there are better ways she could have pleaded with the party than openly beseeching the party.

    He reasoned that it was very disrespectful for Zanetor to ask the party hierarchy to approach the former first lady when she [Konadu] took the step of leaving the party.

    Ben Ephson shared his opinion on the matter during an interview with Happy FM’s Don Prah on the ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ show.

    “As an analyst, I believe there would have been better ways of achieving the same end results. The woman left in 2012 obviously pained by her abysmal performance of challenging Mills. Even the husband could not convince her to return to the party”.

    “My disagreement was with the way Zanetor openly asked the party to approach her to come back. If, for example, you had gone through the council of elders and I am sure one or two Council of Elders members would have said, ‘look since the demise of Rawlings, it is time for Konadu to come back to the party, this will be from among them but to ask the party hierarchy to come and ask her back to the party, I felt that it will be a bit of an insult.”

    The pollster was of the view that because there are procedures that guide actions in the party, it would be appropriate for Konadu Agyeman Rawlings to reapply for the party to accept her again.

    Dr Zanetor Rawlings called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) elders to make amends and bring back her mother, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, to the party.

    The late Rawling’s wife broke away from the NDC after missing out in a flagbearer bid to form her party, the National Democratic Party (NDP).

    Following the death of her husband last year, she withdrew from the 2020 general elections and has since not been active in politics.

    At the 1st anniversary of the late J.J Rawlings on Friday, November 12, 2021, Dr Zanetor Rawlings extended appreciation to the NDC for the continuous support while appealing for the elders in the party to work to bring back her mother.

    Source: happyghana.com

  • Oti region still NDC stronghold in spite of split from Volta Ephson

    Pollster Ben Epshon has revealed that the Oti region will be a stronghold of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in spite of the split from the Volta region.

    Mr Ephson said on the Elections 360 programme with co-host Stephen Anti on TV3 that the split of the region by the Akufo-Addo administration will have no effect on the voting pattern in that part of the country.

    “Oti region will still be an NDC stronghold,” he said on the programme on Monday, October 12.

    Mr Epshon further explained that anytime any of the two leading parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC lost less than 70 per cent of votes in their strongholds they go ahead to lose the elections.

    “You will have to win a certain percentage. For example, any time the NPP has won less than 70 percent in Ashanti and less than 60 percent in Eastern region, they lose the elections because that is your stronghold.

    “In Volta region, a new book I am working on shows that the NDC lost over a hundred thousand votes in Volta region alone compared to 2012.

    “So if you strong hold you are losing votes and you are losing votes in the other places. And that is the cause of apathy.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Renowned journalist, Ben Ephson in ICU after testing positive for COVID-19

    With each passing day more and more Ghanaians are contracting the deadly COVID-19 disease.

    Another renowned personality, pollster and popular journalist Ben Ephson is reported to have contracted the novel coronavirus.

    According to inside information reaching us, the renowned pollster tested positive for Coronavirus and has been admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) receiving treatment.

    Per what we gathered, Ben Ephson started experiencing breathing difficulties and is currently under observation.

    He is not the first journalist to contract the virus in Ghana because some five journalists of Multimedia tested positive for the virus, Joy FM’s Gary Al-Smith was one of those who contracted same and had to be admitted to the Hospital mid-June.

    Meanwhile, not long ago, the Sekondi-Takoradi Mayor, Anthony K.K. Sam and former General Secretary of the NPP Sir John died after testing positive for COVID-19.

    The disease COVID-19 has no respect for status and can catch anybody.

    Born Emmanuel Benjamin Ephson, the ace journalist has distinguished himself among his peers.

    He started reporting for the London based monthly Africa Magazine in 1974 and is also a former BBC and Agence France Presse correspondent.

    Source: opera.com

  • NPP could lose 400,000 votes if parliamentary candidates are hand-picked – Ben Epshon

    Pollster Ben Ephson is predicting the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) will lose not less than 400,000 votes the December 2020 general elections should the party sidestep its primaries and hand-pick parliamentary candidates.

    He explained that apathy will set in if parliamentary candidates are picked and imposed on voters especially in their strongholds.

    Mr Epshon claimed on the Sunrise morning show on 3FM that the NPP has served notice it will handpick its parliamentary candidates for the elections in view of the coronavirus outbreak which has infected 5,735 people in Ghana and killed 29 others.

    Such move, he warned, will spell disaster for the party in the elections if it goes ahead to implement, indicating it will create pain and bitterness among the voters.

    “They (NPP) have made the attempt to protect some sitting MPs,” Mr Ephson said.

    “That idea, even before COVID-19, surfaced they had been trying to protect some sitting MPs and trying to disqualify others.

    “There were statements that in view of COVID-19 they could decide to hand-pick parliamentary candidates for the various constituencies. If they did Nana Akufo-Addo could go into the 2020 elections minus at least 400,000 votes.

    “That is if they decide to avoid elections of their primaries,” he stated

    When host of the show, Alfred Ocansey, asked him how he arrived at that conclusion, he explained that: “The two main parties have 110 seats which are safe for them.

    “The NPP safe seats are quite a bit populated and in 2016 they won on the average of 11,500 to 13,800 in those 110 seats.

    “Now, trying to protect the MPs you are going to disenfranchise others. In 2008 that was happened and they paid dearly for it with apathy.

    “NDC paid dearly for apathy at the grassroots because the government was distanced from the party.

    “Now if even of the 110 seats they decide to handpick, and even 4000 per constituency decides not to go and vote because they know that they have almost won by 11,000, you are talking about 4000 votes per constituency, times 100, that will give you 400,000 votes.”

    Meanwhile the general secretary of the NPP, Mr John Boadu said the party is yet to decid whether or not to handpick the candidates for the elections.

    Source: 3 News

  • Coronavirus: Infect, heal yourself if you trust your medicines Epshon to herbalists

    Managing Editor of the Dispatch and Pollster, Ben Ephson has challenged herbal medicine producers who claim to have a cure for the coronavirus to infect and heal themselves with their products.

    Mr Ephson said this is the only way most Ghanaians will believe the herbal medicine practitioners who claim to have a cure for the COVID-19.

    Some herbal medicine petitioners have asked the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ministry of Health to adopt the use of herbal medicine in treating COVID-19 patients because, in their view, these medicines are potent enough to wipe the virus from the patients.

    But speaking on the Sunrise Show hosted by Alfred Ocansey on 3FM Monday, May 18, Mr Ephson said although he does not belittle the work of the herbal medicine practitioners, they must go the extra mile to prove that their medications are good enough to tackle COVID-19.

    “If you trust your medication and your medication is good, infect yourself and heal yourself. That way you have proof,” he said.

    He added: “If you are tested and you are negative, there are some people who have been tested and are positive.

    “You can go and eat with them and when you are tested positive then you heal yourself. That will be the best example to quieting everybody.”

    He, however, stressed, “I am not belittling traditional medicines.”

    Source: 3 News