TIG Post

Tag: Democratic

  • Power is not forever – Minority to govt

    Power is not forever – Minority to govt

    The Minority Caucus in Parliament has cautioned the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to exercise restraint, reminding them that political power is temporary.

    Their remarks come in response to reports that operatives allegedly linked to National Security raided the residence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    Addressing the media, Asokwa MP Patricia Appiagyei condemned the development, describing it as alarming and urging the government to proceed with caution.

    The Caucus stressed that history would judge those who manipulate state institutions for political vendettas.

    They reaffirmed their commitment to resisting oppression, vowing to uphold justice and protect democratic principles in the country.

    “The government must be reminded that power is transient, and history will not judge kindly those who turn state institutions into instruments of oppression. The path this government is taking is a dangerous one. We will not allow tyranny to replace democracy, and we will continue to champion justice, fairness, and democratic governance,” she told the media.

    The Caucus firmly criticized these actions and urged the government to assume full responsibility by promptly apprehending and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

    “We, in the Minority, demand that if the government claims no knowledge of such actions, then it must ensure that all those responsible are arrested and prosecuted immediately. God bless our homeland, Ghana,” the Minority Caucus said.

  • We will not allow any effort to alter election results – NPP

    We will not allow any effort to alter election results – NPP

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has cautioned the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to refrain from attempting to alter the outcomes in constituencies that party has claimed victory in.

    This warning follows reports of escalating tensions and violent incidents at various collation centers.

    In a statement on Sunday in Accra, NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, condemned the disruptive actions of NDC supporters in constituencies like Damongo, Ablekuma North, and Techiman South.

    Kodua emphasized that the NPP’s internal data confirms they have won these constituencies, yet the NDC appears determined to challenge the results.

    He strongly condemned such actions, declaring that the NPP would oppose any efforts to tamper with the election results in these constituencies.

    Additionally, the NPP called on the NDC leadership to take responsibility and denounce the violent actions of their supporters at the collation centers.

    Kodua also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the enforcement of law and order, safeguarding the rights and safety of all individuals involved.

    Kodua stated, “The NPP has with great concern taken notice of the violent conducts of the NDC thugs as some the constituencies collation centres ie Damongo, Ablekuma North, Techiman South, Aowin, Obuasi East, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Fanteakwa North, Ahafo Ano North, Ahafo Ano South West, Akwatia, Trobu and Tema Central.

    “Indeed, data that made our flagbearer to concede this morning shows clearly that the NPP has won the constituencies I have mentioned but the NDC knowing very well that they lost these seats to the NPP are unwilling to accept their fate and are desperately seeking to compel the EC to do their bidding.

    “We vehemently condemn these attacks are serving notice that we shall resist every attempt to temper with the result of the parliamentary elections in these constituencies. I call on the IGP…Mr IGP we believe you have seen what is happening at the various collation centres and as a political party the NPP we are calling on you to maintain law and order at the various collation centres.

    “We must ensure that the rights and safety of all our citizens are protected. We must not allow illegal looting and intimidation of our citizens, and I call on the leadership of the NDC to call its supporters to order and condemn these unnecessary acts of violence.”

  • Kamala Harris clinches Democratic presidential nomination

    Kamala Harris clinches Democratic presidential nomination

    US Vice-President Kamala Harris has officially secured the Democratic presidential nomination through a vote by party delegates.

    During a phone call, Ms. Harris expressed her gratitude, saying she was “honoured to be the presumptive nominee” as the virtual roll call continued ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago later this month.

    Ms. Harris has made history as the first black woman and first South Asian woman to be the presidential candidate for a major US political party. If she wins against Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, in November, she will become America’s first female president.

    After President Joe Biden stepped aside last month and promptly endorsed her, Ms. Harris ran unopposed in the virtual roll call. Several other potential candidates followed Biden’s lead in endorsing her.

    On Friday afternoon, Ms. Harris officially became the nominee after securing support from 2,350 delegates, meeting the required threshold.

    “We believe in the promise of America and that’s what this campaign is about,” she remarked briefly by phone upon reaching the benchmark. “We are in this, we are on the road and it’s not going to be easy, but we’re going to get this done.”

    Democrats have stated that 3,923 delegates, or 99% of the participants, intend to vote for her.

    The roll call began on Thursday and will conclude on Monday.

    While presidential and vice-presidential nominees are usually confirmed at their party conventions, the 2024 DNC’s relatively late date poses risks regarding state ballot access laws.

    Ms. Harris, 59, born in Oakland, California, is the first Democratic nominee in the party’s nearly 200-year history from a western state. Her political career advanced from San Francisco district attorney to California attorney general, and then US senator.

    Before his withdrawal, Mr. Biden had easily secured the Democratic primary, facing minimal opposition despite voter concerns about his age and gaining support from 99% of pledged DNC delegates. However, after a poor debate performance against Trump in June, he faced increasing pressure within the party to step down.

    The decision to conduct a virtual nominating process before the 19-22 August convention was made while Biden was still the presumptive candidate. This move was influenced by Ohio’s ballot access rules, requiring candidates for the November election to be officially selected 90 days prior, by 7 August.

    Although Republican leaders in Ohio had indicated they would enforce this law, lawmakers eventually created an exemption, as they have done previously. Democrats decided on an early roll call to avoid any risks of their candidates being excluded from the ballot.

    Delegates do not need to vote on the vice-presidential pick. Ms. Harris is expected to announce her running mate by Monday.

    Some Republicans and the Trump campaign have criticized replacing Mr. Biden with Ms. Harris, claiming she is the first major party candidate to secure the nomination without holding a press conference or sit-down interview, with some labeling the substitution a “coup.”

    However, since Biden’s endorsement, Ms. Harris has actively campaigned, arguing against Trump in numerous rallies and fundraisers across key states.

    On Friday, her campaign announced raising over $310 million in July, with more than two-thirds of donations coming from first-time contributors. This amount is more than double the $138 million raised by the Trump campaign last month, marking the largest fundraising haul of the 2024 election cycle so far.

  • Why I decided to quit General Secretary position – Asiedu Nketiah explains

    The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has given an explanation of his decision to resign from his position and run for the party’s national chairmanship.

    Speaking in an XYZ TV interview monitored by GhanaWeb, Asiedu Nketiah said that he had served in the General Secretary position for too long and had to leave to give the youth of the party the opportunity to also serve.

    He added that he took the decision to leave the general secretary position eight years ago but was persuaded to stay for the sake of the party.

    “I have never believed that the chief executive of an organisation should be at post for too long. I consider 17 years (as General Secretary of the NDC) to be too long. I have demonstrated this all my life. I decided not to be a Member of Parliament again after three terms, not because somebody could have removed me but because I want to give the youth who had served me the chance to lead,” he said in Twi.

    He added that many people in the NDC had previously told him that they have the dream of becoming general secretary, but they are not contesting because they do not want to challenge him.

    Asiedu Nketiah also explained that people staying in political party positions for too long makes the party less attractive to the youth.

    He added that, comparing the NDC to the NPP (New Patriotic Party), the youth in the NPP transition faster to top positions than their NDC counterparts, which makes them more attractive.

    “Look at this young man who became the General Secretary of the NPP (Justin Kodua Frimpong). He started in the NPP just 10 years ago. So, if he started in the same university as NDC members and he, a TESCON member, has risen from president (of TESCON) to youth organiser and now to the national organiser of the NPP, the youth will be more attracted to the NPP because they will feel they progress faster there,” he said.

    Some leading members of the NDC, including Ambassador Victor Smith and Kojo Adu-Asare, have suggested that Asiedu Ntetiah’s decision to challenge the current chairman of the party, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, is because he is bitter for not being chosen as the running mate of John Dramani Mahama for the 2020 presidential elections.

    The party’s national elections are slated for Saturday, December 17, 2022.
    Candidates will be contesting for various positions, including the National Chairman, National Vice-Chairmen, General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary, National Organiser, Deputy National Organiser, and the National Treasurer and Deputy National Treasurer.

    Others are the National Communications Officer and Deputy, as well as the National Zongo Caucus Coordinator.

    The current National Chairman of the party, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, is expected to face stiff competition from the outgoing General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, for the chairmanship position.

  • Election 2024: We’ll unseat more NPP MPs in Ashanti Region – Nana Akwasi assures

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) says it is targeting more parliamentary seats in the Ashanti Region ahead of the 2024 elections, according to re-elected Regional Chairman Augustus Nana Kwasi Andrews.

    Nana Kwasi however believes this can be achieved in the ruling party’s stronghold with a united and formidable front. The party has already presented lawmakers from Asawase, New Edubiase, Sekyere Afram Plains and Ejura.

    “After my victory [in the Regional Delegates’ Conference], I called all the aspirants and we have resolved to stay united. This time we want to increase our votes in 2024; and we have more seats to snatch in the Ashanti Region, that is my focus for now”, he told dailymailgh.com after a thanksgiving service at a catholic church in Ejisu on Sunday (November 27).

    “We are seeking to bring everybody on board [for the task ahead]”, I am blessed with a more focused team and we shall make it happen. The NDC will win the polls without any bloodshed”, he added.

    NPP not an option

    Nana Akwasi also took on the Akufo-Addo-led administration for the country’s economic woes which he says has been run into a “ditch”.

    “They [NPP] labeled John Mahama as incompetent but what was the exchange rate then and what is the situation now? The prices of petrol products are killing businesses in Ashanti Region. But I must say that the suffering Ghanaians now know that former President Mahama is the best alternative and we shall make it happen under my leadership.”

    The event was heavily attended by former government appointees, former MPs, and other party bigwigs. The catholic church prayed for the team and wished them well in their endeavours.

    Delegates’ Elections

    Augustus Nana Akwasi Andrews was retained after the November 13 polls.

    The elections which saw 61 aspirants contesting the various positions, gave Andrews 637 votes, beating his main contender lawyer Evans Amankwa, who polled 572.

    A former deputy communications officer Alexander Asafo Agyei suffered defeat after contesting his boss, Abass Nurudeen for the communication officer post.

     

  • ‘I’ll wear my own shoes’ – Afriyie Ankrah demystifies filling Asiedu Nketiah’s big shoes

    An aspiring General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, has responded to questions on whether he will be able to adequately fill in the shoes of the longest-serving General Secretary of his party, Asiedu Nketiah.

    According to him, there is no doubt that the position Nketiah has held over the years comes with a large task; however, he is eager to contribute his bit to the party’s future.

    Speaking in the yet-to-be-aired second part of his interview with GhanaWeb TV’s Election Desk, the former Director of Elections of the party acknowledged the immense work that the party’s outgoing Chief Executive Officer has done over the period.

    Elvis Afriyie Ankrah described Asiedu Nketiah as a peculiar character who has paid his dues.

    “I think we must give credit where it is due. Having held that position for 17 years; which led to two electoral victories and, of course, two defeats, I think that he has paid his dues. He’s a peculiar character, somebody that I get along with very well; the same way that I get along with the National Chairman also. I’ve worked with both of them very very closely.

    “I think that there’s a lot to learn from him, but we are also building an NDC for the future. I believe in learning lessons from the [past], looking at the present, and forging a way forward,” he said.

    Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, who is also a former Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, stated that while it appears that should he win the race to be the party’s CEO, he would be left with a huge responsibility of filling a big shoe, he would do things differently.

    He explained that, rather, he would come to the job with his own shoes and execute the job accordingly.

    “So, somebody asked me if I was going to fill his shoes; can I fill his shoes? I said no. I love General’s shoes – beautiful shoes (figuratively), but I’ll wear my own shoes,” he added.

     

     

  • Economic hardship has affected how much people pay for offering – Mahama

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has said that the current economic hardship in Ghana has taken a toll on offerings to God.

    According to him, followers of Christ are unable to give huge offerings in the church due to economic hardship, which has affected the pockets of Ghanaians.

    He was speaking at the 175th-anniversary thanksgiving service of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ho.

    “We must always spread Christian love, especially in this time, when money doesn’t like noise. Especially at this time when we all agree that times are hard. This is the time we must show our Christian charity by loving our neighbours as ourselves.

    “And so whatever little you have to share, you should share with your neighbour. I mean we could tell the hardship in the system from the appeal for funds.

    “When it was ¢2000, madam chair and a few people came and donated, then it came down to ¢1000, then to ¢500, then to ¢200 and ¢100. And when it got to the silver collection, ¢1, ¢2, the place was full, it shows that the pocket was not too good”, he stated.

    Mr Mahama, therefore, appealed to Christians to pray for him and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to win the 2024 general elections.

    This he said would enable him and his party to rescue Ghana from the current economic hardship, rising inflation and suffering.

    “After we pray for Pakistan, Moderator should also say a special prayer for me and for the NDC so that in some year that is just coming, luck will smile on us, God will smile on us and give us the power to come and rescue this country from the suffering we are going through,” he said.

    Mr Mahama lauded the efforts of the E.P Church, Ghana, to the development of the country, especially in the education and health sectors.

    The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, Rt. Okay Rev Dr Lt. Col. Bliss Divine Agbeko (Rtd), advised Christians to remain righteous followers of Christ and persevere to the very end.

    He also implored persons in leadership positions to eschew corruption to earn a place in paradise adding the church would continue to shepherd its congregation for the common good of humanity.

     

  • NDC Polls: VEM Forum calls for stronger, united leadership for election 2024

    A coalition of other Eight Executive Members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from across all Eighteen (18) constituencies of the Volta region are calling for a united and stonger leadership front ahead of election 2024.

    The group at a press briefing during the Volta Regional Delegates Conference of the party in Ho, Saturday, noted that the NDC needs each and everyone now more than ever to wrestle power from the NPP government.

    The group christenened as VEM Forum (Volta Executive Members Forum) is thus urging the new crop of the party’s leadership in the Volta region to take steps to reconcile and bring all party folks on board to deliver victory for the party in 2024.

    In a statement read by Bright Yaw Sachie on behalf of members, the group said, “regional aspirants must know that we all belong to one family. Therefore, the outcome of the elections today should not bring division but rather uniting together for the rescue mission in 2024.”

    The group is also calling on the NDC to involve them more in the party’s activities in ensuring a well coordinated campaign for the elections.

    “Other 8 members have been neglected for too long -they only use us for elections as if we are election machines but that must stop.”

    “Therefore, we are urging the new regional aspirants that will emerge winners to involve us in the new administration because we have a role to play to rescue power from the clueless NPP government,” the group urged.

    According to the group, the country is now at a crossroad amidst unbearable living conditions to which only the NDC can offer a solution.

    To ensure electoral success for the party in 2024, VEM Forum has outlined a number of activities including campaign activities in market places, regular press engagements and door-to-door campaign across the Volta region.

    The group also placed a further call on youth in the Volta region to join their train to canvass votes for the National Democratic Congress.

  • ‘I could not visit a single constituency’- Yamoah Ponkoh reacts to defeat

    Hon. Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh, a defeated Ashanti regional (A/R) Vice-Chairman hopeful of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has attributed his loss to his lack of funds to campaign in the various constituencies in the region, Purefmonline.com reports.

    Speaking to Kwame Adinkrah on Kumasi-based Pure FM after yesterday’s NDC regional executives’ elections, the former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ejisu bemoaned the monetisation of the party’s elections.

    He told Kwame Adinkrah that the party had sacrificed competence for money.

    “Kwame, money has dominated Ghana politics. Today, if you don’t have money forget about capturing a position in a party or government. That is how it goes.

    I personally cannot blame the delegates because we are all in crisis, but the politics have turned to vote buying. It is awful.”

    “Look at me, Kwame, I don’t have money. Sometimes when I wake up, I barely have any money on me to even go for radio interviews. You know this reality, Kwame, because you have continuously been a pillar. You send me money sometimes. But my lack of funds does not erase my political leadership competence. Here we are, sacrificing competence for money.

    I couldn’t visit any constituency to campaign or pay the delegates. I couldn’t! I don’t have money, Kwame, I don’t! But let us not do this to ourselves. It is like politicians are all the same, NDC and NPP.

    So without money, forget it! If you don’t have money, don’t venture into politics!” Hon. Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh exclaimed on Kumasi-based Pure FM.

    Hon. Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh secured 15 votes out of the total votes cast for the Vice Chairmanship position of the NDC in the Ashanti region. The winner, Captain John Kwame Jabari (Rtd), pulled a total of 584 votes.

     

  • Why? Why? Why? – Defeated NDC Chairman Aspirant wails in frustration

    The contest for executive positions in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Northern Region was characterized by drama as a twice-defeated Regional Chairman Aspirant was captured in a video screaming out of frustration.

    Godfred Apasinaba Sulemana Wumbei, who for the second time came close but lost to one Ali Adolf John with less than 20 votes, was heard shouting and asking, “why why why”.

    According to him, he had won the polls, but there had been machinations in collusion with officials of the Electoral Commission to deny him victory.

    “I have won the elections, but some people want to deny me the victory”, he shouted as he spoke to pressmen.

    But the Electoral Commission maintained that he polled 236 votes coming second to Ali Adolf John, who had 347 votes.

    Alhaji Umar Farouk Isshaq had nine votes, whereas Alhaji Hassan Rufai Vellim, who was tipped to win the race, garnered only 93 votes.

    Meanwhile, police who were deployed to the venue clashed with party hoodlums who tried disrupting the process after it emerged that their candidate had lost the polls.

    Videos available to MyNewsGh.com saw armed police slugging it out with the party thugs who tried snatching the ballot papers as they were sorted and put on the table by officials of the Electoral Commission for counting.

    Why? Why?  Why? – Defeated NDC Chairman Aspirant wails in frustration

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    Weeks earlier, a former Director General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Professor Abdulai Baba Salifu, withdrew from contesting as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Northern Regional Chairman.

    It is unclear what triggered his decision to step down on his bid days after the party’s vetting of prospective Regional aspirants for the position that promises to be competitive.

    His withdrawal reduced the number of aspirants seeking to succeed the late Alhaji Ibrahim Mobila, who died barely a month ago, to 4.

  • If you backtrack, you’ll regret it – Muntaka cautions NPP MPs’ decision on Ofori-Atta

    The Minority Chief Whip in Parliament, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has told the Members of Parliament on the majority side that their decision not to support the removal of the finance minister is something they will live to regret.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs have filed a motion in the House calling for a vote of censure against the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, over his poor performance in managing the economy.

    Some weeks ago, 80 MPs from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), forming the majority in parliament, made an unprecedented move when they addressed a press conference, calling on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to sack the finance minister and his counterpart, the Minister of State in charge of Finance, Charles Adu Boahene.

    The MPs explained at the time that the poor performance of their party member had caused a lot of hardships in the country, adversely affecting their constituents, and for this reason they wanted him out.

    However, since then, the MPs have backed down a little after they had a meeting with the president.

    But when he got up in parliament on Thursday, November 10, 2022, to second the motion moved by the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, the Chief Whip, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, told his colleagues on the other side that it would be an error for them to turn their backs now.

    “Our failure today to remove the finance minister will continue to hurt each and every one of us. It will continue to hurt our constituents. It will continue to hurt the economy, it will continue to hurt businesses; businesses are collapsing, ordinary citizens are now struggling to feed themselves.

    “This is a responsibility for all of us and I just want to, Mr. Speaker, urge my colleagues, especially the ‘Rambo 80,’ to have at the back of their mind, ‘You have a reason for rebelling.’ You know this is a finance minister who doesn’t listen. You know the efforts that you’ve made severally to get him to do the right things and he refused. Those are the reasons that led you to rebel.

    “I can assure you that if you backtrack, you will regret it because you know the kind of president and his family that you have: they will surely come after you,” he said.

    The MP for Asawase further called on the NPP MPs to support their motion for the removal of Ken Ofori-Atta as the Minister of Finance so that they can, together, save the country from all the economic mess it is going through.

    “It is better today; you help us to remove him. It will give you mileage, and it will make people believe you. All the rumour that was going round that people made an attempt to bribe you, today, you need to justify it. You need to prove to the world that you were never bribed, that you were never influenced,” he added.

    Earlier, the NPP MPs, led by the Effiduase Asokore legislator, addressed a press briefing where they indicated that while they still hold the view that Ofori-Atta and his counterpart should go, they would not support the motion by their colleagues in the NDC for a vote of censure against him.

     

  • NDC’s regional executives elections begins today

    The regional elections of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), will begin today, Friday, November 11.

    The exercise is expected to end on Sunday, November 13.

    Ahead of this, the party’s Elections Committee has urged all delegates to fully abide by all directives.

    In the Greater Accra Region, the delegates are scheduled to vote for the positions of youth organiser and women organiser today at the Du Bois Memorial Centre.

    The exercise will then continue on Sunday at the Tema Sports Complex.

    At the venue, the delegates will elect a new Chairman, Secretary, and Organizer among others for the Greater Accra Region.

    The incumbent Regional Chairman, Ade Coker is being challenged by three others.

    The three are a former Member of Parliament for Adentan, Nii Ashie Moore, a former parliamentary aspirant for Ningo Prampram, Michael Kwetey Tetteh and Greater Accra Regional Youth Organiser Thomas Mustapha Ashong.

  • Mahama donates ¢1.9m to NDC to support internal elections

    Former President, John Dramani Mahama has donated GH¢1,953,000 to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    The donation is to aid the party in its internal elections with the regional elections commencing today, Friday, November 11.

    This was announced by the National Communications Officer of the party, Sammy Gyamfi in a press statement issued today.

    According to the said statement, GH¢853,000 is for the conduct of the regional elections and the balance for a debt owed to the Electoral Commission (EC) for the conduct of the party’s constituency elections.

    “The NDC’s flag-bearer for the 2020 general elections has donated an amount totalling ¢1,953,000 to support the conduct of the party’s constituency and regional internal elections.

    The donation is made up of an amount of ¢853,000 to the national party leadership for the organization of regional election conferences across the country and an amount of ¢1,100,000 to the Electoral Commission to clear the debt owed them by the party in respect to the just-ended constituency elections of the party,” the release said.

    The release concluded that “the party is most grateful to His Excellency and his generous sponsors for coming to the assistance of the party at this crucial time.”

  • I’m the necessary condition for an NDC victory in 2024 – Afriyie Ankrah to NDC delegates

    A former Director of Elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, has called on NDC delegates to vote for him to become the party’s next general secretary.

    Afriyie Ankrah, who made these remarks while filing his nomination for the position at the party’s headquarters in Accra on Wednesday (November 11), intimated that he is the only person among the other candidates who can ensure that the party is not robbed of its predestined victory in the December 2024 elections.

    He added that the party’s delegates know this fact, and his prayer is that they will make him the replacement for Johnson Asiedu Nketiah come December 17.

    “I love this party! I know you all do. If I thought for a split second that what I am doing would be tantamount to danger for this party, I would gladly excuse myself; however, I know, you know, and the delegates know that for this election of 2024, I am the best person for the job and it’s for that reason why I came to submit my form to contest the position of General Secretary to help organise the party for battle and victory in 2024.

    “I have always believed that when a man gets into his head to do something, and when he exclusively occupies himself in that pursuit, he must succeed, whatever the difficulties. We will win 2024 by all means, but first, I appeal to the best in you delegates to vote massively for me as your next General Secretary,” he said.

    Afriyie Ankrah is expected to face stiff competition from the ex-Deputy Minister of Finance and former Propaganda Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey and the current Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor.

    Over 63 percent of participants in a poll conducted by GhanaWeb in October 2022 said that the current Director of Elections of the NDC should be the replacement of the outgoing General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.

  • I can fight NPP boot for boot; vote for me – Ade Coker

    A Chairman hopeful of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), in the Greater Accra Region, Mr. Joseph Ade-Coker has boldly stated that he can match his opponent in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) boot for boot to win massively in the next general elections in 2024.

    He said the NDC needs a courageous person like him to lead the battle and amass votes for the party to be at the helm of affairs in the country.

    Interacting with NDC delegates during his campaign tour, Mr. Ade Coker said, “I have demonstrated that l have the courage to fight the NPP, they should also watch the posture of the NPP, they have been telling us that they are going to break the eight-year jinx, …If that is the case, the NDC needs a very courageous, bold and articulate person to be able to lead them in the battle in the Greater Accra region, which always determines the winning votes of the NDC. They should vote for me, I have come to you with a message and with a plan.”

    The incumbent Greater Accra regional Chairman of NDC said the calibre of regional executives the delegates will elect internally will determine the party’s chances in the 2024 general elections.

    “The calibre of people you elect tomorrow will determine the success of the NDC going into the 2024 general elections. If you elect people who are not mature, competent, tried and tested, the results will be GIGO, Garbage in Garbage out,” he warned.

    He further advised delegates to desist from being influenced by money and enticing goodies.

    The NDC is expected to elect its regional executives on November 12-13, 2022, to steer the affairs of the party.

     

    Source: Citi News

  • Take stringent measures to fight ailing economy – Citizen Coalition to gov’t

    The Coalition for Democratic Accountability and Inclusive Governance wants the government to immediately take stern measures in solving the current economic challenges facing the country.

    This comes after several complaints by the citizenry and several civil societies about the high prices of goods and services, the depreciation of the cedi against the dollar, and calls for the resignation of the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta are clear indicators that the country is battling economic mishaps.

    Outlining some measures including the resignation of the Finance Minister, and the reshuffling of ministers and their deputies, the Director of Advocacy and Policy Engagement at the Centre for Democratic Development and a member of the coalition, Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante said government must find ways to cut down on expenditure to revive the economy and gain public trust.

    “This crisis offers us a rare opportunity to take bold and courageous steps that will not only restore confidence and repair the strained relationship between state citizens and government, but also help charge a pathway forward through the crisis. We think there are specific morale-boosting actions that should signal readiness, which includes subjecting its leadership to accountability, cutting expenditures, plugging leakages in government spending, and tackling corruption in this regard.”

    “We fully endorse the call by many citizens, the majority of NPP MPs, and many well-meaning Ghanaians, who have asked for the disposal of the Finance Minister and his deputies.”

    “The President should urgently take morale-boosting measures by reshuffling his ministers. Given what has transpired over the last year, it is evident that they have not been excellent, contrary to the President’s assessment”.

    The coalition also known as the Citizens Coalition indicated that the government has lost the trust of bringing back the economy despite the current negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, thus fighting in gaining back the trust should be their focus instead of the current political gimmicks.

    “There is a broken trust between the government and its citizens. That trust has to be rebuilt. And one of the actions that have to be rebuilt really needs to be with the finance minister. The finance minister has to be held accountable. It is a trust-building measure.”

    “So whatever the government is going to do for us citizens to think that they are acting with credibility, they are serious about going forward, it has to be something that is substantial and definite and that’s why everybody says the Finance Minister. He is in charge of the economy, so he must be held accountable. I’m sure the other capable people can continue with the work”.

     

  • #KenMustGo: This is unprecedented; listen to the MPs – Obiri Boahen advises Akufo-Addo

    Former Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen, has advised President Akufo-Addo to listen to the call by some NPP members of parliament to dismiss Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    According to him, if the concerns of these people are ignored, it could affect the democratic stability of the country.

    Speaking on Ade Akye Abia on Okay FM, he said he must consider the call of the NPP MPs as this has never happened in the history of Ghana politics.

    “Mr president, we have learnt history; we know history. But, Mr President, in the supreme interest of our tradition, multiparty democracy, please listen to the MPs. You are in a country you don’t take chances when issues of politics are popping up.

    “We are in a continent where a small issue can escalate. This is not NPP and NDC issue. This is a national issue which goes down to the stability of western democracy. This has never happened in the country’s history,” he said.

    Some Members of Parliament in the majority have threatened to boycott the 2023 budget presentation and debate if the finance minister is not relieved of his post.

    The MPs explained that their position follows several concerns over the poor management of the economy, which has forced the government to seek IMF assistance.

    “We have had occasions to defend allegations of conflicts of interest, lack of confidence, and trust against the leadership of the Finance ministry. The recent development within our economy is of great concern to the greater majority of members of our caucus and our constituents.

    “We have made our great concern to the president through our parliamentary leadership and the leadership of the party without any positive response. We are by this medium communicating our strong desire that the president changes the Minister of Finance and the Minister of state in the Finance Ministry without further delay in order to restore hope in our financial sector and reverse the downwards trend in the growth of the economy,” Andy Appiah Kubi, MP for Asante Akyem North, who spoke on behalf of the MPs said at a press conference.

     

  • Ashia Huang must not be spared; she must be prosecuted – NDC

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says the case involving galamsey kingpin, Aisha Huang, must not be trivialized.

    According to a Deputy General Secretary of NDC, Peter Boamah Otokunor, government must handle the issue with the seriousness it deserves.

    This comes on the back of an accusation by the lawyer for Aisha Huang, Nkrabea Effah Dartey that the media is overstretching the substance of the case involving the Chinese national.

    In a media interview, Mr. Boamah Otokunor stressed that the issue has not been blown out of proportion.

    “I have read commentaries from NPP members and the lawyers defending her that this is not any matter and that, the issue is being blown out of proportion. Look at the crisis the country is going through and the challenge of suffering the worst currency depreciation in the history of this country. Gold is the solution to this problem, but Aisha Huang is doing all manner of things to our mining laws, but because NPP is in power, she is being defended.”

    Peter Boamah Otukunor added that Aisha must be dealt with in accordance with Ghana’s laws.

    “What we are demanding now after finding out that, Aisha Huang is still in the country is the proper application of the law in dealing with her. She must be prosecuted”, he added.