TIG Post

Tag: Election 2020

  • Former President Mahama to embark on a four-day-tour of Western North Region

    Former President John Dramani Mahama and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is set to embark on a four-day tour in the Western North Region beginning on Sunday, 4th October to Wednesday 7th October.

    The former President is scheduled to pay working visits to the Paramount chiefs of Waiwso, Chirano, Suaman, Aowin, and Anwhiaso traditional areas.

    Mr Mahama would hold a durbar to interact with the electorates at Aprutu, Bopa, Enchi, Aciamfo, Akontombra Nkwanta, Dadieso, Kwasuo, and Karlo all in the Akontombra, Aowin, and Suaman constituencies.

    He will also address the chiefs and people of Bonsu-Nkwanta, Mafia, Bonzian, Patakro, Bodi, and Kojina.

    Some other communities he plans to visit are Adabokrom, Asemnyenakrom, Akatiso, Dwenase and Surano, Tanoso, and Waiwso all in the Juabeso, Bodi, Bia West, Bia East, Waiwso, and the Bibiani Anwhiaso Bekwai constituencies.

    Mr Goerge Ofori Dunkwa, Regional Secretary of the party who confirmed the former President’s visit in a statement said Mr Mahama would on the final day of his tour launch the party’s national campaign at Sefwi Dwenase in the Waiwso constituency.

    He said the NDC flagbearer will be accompanied by his Vice Presidential Candidate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, General Secretary Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia among others.

    Source: GNA

  • Afotey Agbo wishes Bawumia well

    The regent of Katamanso and sitting Member of Parliament (MP) of Kpone Katamanso, Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo has wished the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia well in the upcoming elections.

    He said whatever the outcome of the elections, they [NDC] will accept it.

    “The Vice President is not my enemy, he is there for all of us and so whatever the outcome of the elections, we will accept it and then work with it,” he added.

    Speaking when the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia called on him at his palace at Katamanso Thursday [October 1. 2020], Nii Afotey Agbo said he is a friend to most of the NPP executives and therefore politics should not be about insults.

    Nii Afotey Agbo who was addressing Dr Bawumia and his entourage said even though his party – NDC – was in opposition, he was going about his activities freely without harassment.

    He said where there was the need to advise, he would do so and advised against politics of insults.

    Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo has been representing the people of Kpone Katamanso on the ticket of the NDC in Parliament since January 2005 – 4th, 5th, 6th and the current 7th Parliament – but he has decided to step down this time around and concentrate on his chieftaincy role.

    He is therefore not contesting in the 2020 parliamentary election in Kpone Katamanso.

    He was one time the Greater Accra Regional Minister as well as the Volta Regional Minister under the NDC regime.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Anomalies characterise one-day voter registration – EC urges calm

    The one-day voter registration exercise on Thursday, October 1 was fraught with anomalies at some centres.

    According to the Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC) some of the biometric voter registration (BVR) kits issued voter identity numbers that have already been issued to some of the applicants.

    “This error has been corrected,” the Commission said in a statement at the end of the exercise.

    “The affected applicants will be contacted and issued with new ID cards with unique numbers.”

    The anomalies with the voter register has been a grave source of concern for the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), for which reason its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, and his running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, suspended their campaigns. They have since resumed.

    But the EC assured that all those anomalies have been rectified with the missing names restored.

    Its Chair, Jean Mensa, told journalists last week that the errors have been reduced to barely 7,000 from 60,000.

    In the latest reported cases, the EC assured that “the biometric and biographic details of the affected applicants are intact”.

    Source: 3 News

  • Your work will end in 2024 Okyenhene to Akufo-Addo

    The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, says President Akufo-Addo will end his work as leader of the country in 2024, seemingly endorsing the President ahead of the December polls.

    The Okyenhene while speaking on behalf of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs during a campaign tour of the area by the President, praised the NPP flagbearer for his handling of the COVID crisis in Ghana.

    “The whole world is praising Akufo-Addo for the good work he did in containing COVID in Ghana when even more resourceful nations still grapple with the virus. So when his work comes to a close; and his work is not ending now, even if it will end that will be around 2024, he should build a presidential library which will teach people how he handled the COVID virus in Ghana,” the Okyenhene said.

    On Monday, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, assured the President that his record in office “will speak for him” in the 2020 polls.

    “Your good works in office will speak for you going forward into the election. We, in Asanteman, remember, we do not forget. Asanteman will, therefore, remember your good works on election day. All I can offer you is prayers and blessings.”

    Even though Chiefs and traditional rulers are not to engage in partisan politics, the Asante noted that “we vote. We will vote based on the good works of the candidate.”

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, thus, urged President Akufo-Addo to direct his communicators and information dissemination machinery to “tell Ghanaians exactly what his Government has done and what is being done” in their respective communities, in the run-up to the December elections.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Voter ID numbers duplicated during one-day voter registration exercise

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has indicated that there was the duplication of some voter ID numbers during the registration process earlier on October 1.

    “It has come to the attention of the Commission that a number of Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits at some Registration Centres have issued Applicants with Voter ID numbers that have already been issued,” the EC said in a statement.

    But the commission added that “this error has been corrected.”

    The affected applicants will be contacted and issued with new ID cards with unique numbers,” according to the commission.

    “It is important to note that, the biometric and biographic details of the affected Applicants are intact,” the EC assured further.

    The electoral roll was opened from 7 am to 6 pm at its district offices for persons who could not participate in the mass registration exercise organised in June and July.

    Some of the people who participated are voters who were outside the country due to COVID-19 restrictions, those who were under a 14-day mandatory quarantine and could not take part in the mass voter registration, and eligible voters who were duly issued voter ID cards but whose names are missing from the register under exhibition.

    Persons who recently turned 18 were also given the chance to register.

    The Public Elections Regulations law indicated that the EC can “include in the register of voters, the name of a person who qualifies for registration as a voter and is registered but shall not include in the register of voters the name of a person who qualifies to register as a voter for an election but who registers less than sixty days to that election.”

    Find below the full statement

    Source: citinewsroom

  • NDC govt to prosecute crime perpetrators in Kasoa

    The Awutu Senya East Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Stephen Ofosu Agyare, has warned that a future NDC government will investigate and prosecute anyone involved in any atrocity in the Constituency.

    The Chairman said people have committed serious crimes under the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) but because they are members of the government, they are left to go uninvestigated and unprosecuted.

    Chairman Ofosu Agyare gave the warning in an interview with Onua FM on Wednesday, when the station took its morning show to Kasoa.

    He was commenting on alleged shooting by the Member of Parliament, Mavis Hawa Koomson ,and the burning of some motor bikes by some suspected supporters of the NPP during the voter registration exercise.

    The Chairman said criminal cases do not have expired time so even if these cases have not been prosecuted, an NDC government will ensure that these people are brought to book.

    Source: 3 News

  • Abronye playing politics; crowd that met me in Bono bigger than Ive ever seen Mahama

    The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Mahama says he was warmly received in the Bono Region during his campaign tour last week contrary to claims by the Bono Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Kwame Baffoe (Abronye), that the former president cut short his tour of the region to avoid “disgrace” because of the low turnout recorded at Sunyani Odumasi on Sunday, 21 September 2020.

    Mr Mahama, on the other hand, noted that he was overwhelmed by the rousing reception he received in the area.

    In an interview with Woezor TV on Wednesday, 1 October 2020, to wrap up his three-day tour of the region, Mr Mahama said: “We got there at 1 am, you can’t believe that the chiefs of Odumase No.1 and No. 2 were sitting and waiting for us. The number of people who received us at that time of the night is bigger than anything I’ve ever seen since I started campaigning in Sunyani West since 2008.”

    “It was a very good crowd of enthusiastic young people. They received us very well late in the night and then the next morning, what happened with the exhibition of the register happened and then we left,” he added.

    Mr Mahama noted that Abronye was “definitely playing politics” when he made the claim that he [Mahama] was unhappy with the low turnouts during his campaigns, forcing him to cut short his tour.

    Source: Class FM

  • Election 2020: ‘We wont tolerate political mobsters COP Yohuno

    The Ghana Police Service has cautioned Political Parties to desist from shielding electoral offenders before, during and after the December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

    According to the Police, it is ready to “unmask and strip any mobster or fugitive off his or her political colouration” to face Prosecution without fear or favour

    The Director-General for Special Duties at the Ghana Police Service COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno said this during the passing out of 113 male recruits at the Koforidua Police Training School in the Eastern region on Wednesday.

    “To the Political Parties, please be on alert and know that the preferred season for social misfits, bandits, hooligans and criminals to run to you has come so that you can offer them your party and political identity to enable them commit their violence in the name of politics. Please do not insulate and cocoon them with your Political identity,” he said.

    He stated the Police is not oblivious of the enormous tasks ahead of ensuring peaceful election as the political tensions have started mounting up with seasonal route marches protests, physical confrontations, surprise attacks, destruction of party billboards and posters associated to the election adding that it is well prepared to deal with security challenges.

    COP Tetteh Yohuno, however, cautioned the youth, ”not to allow themselves to be used as puppets to foment troubles”

    He expressed profound gratitude to government for the exceptional commitment made towards recruitment, training of personnel of the service and equipping the Service ahead of this task.

    He explained, five batches of recruits have already passed out since government gave clearance for 8000 young men and women in 2018 to be recruited into the service with the sixth batch still in training.

    At the Senior level, COP Yohuno stated “the Police Academy, for the 1st time in history has run three(3) successive cadet officers courses -Course 47, Course 48 and Course 49 in a space of two and half years”

    He said some 1,924 constables were recently encamped and trained on high-risk operation by the Formed Police Unit (FPU), counter-terrorism Unit (CTU) and Special Weapon and Tactics(SWAT).

    Recruits

    COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno advised the newly recruited constables to be disciplined, law-abiding, professional and desist from being politically biased since the Police system will fish out bad nuts and cast them off.

    A total of One thousand one hundred and eighty-three (1,183) Police Recruits were concurrently passed-out Wednesday, September 30, 2020 in all the five Police Training Schools in the country after successfully undergoing the mandatory six months basic police training.

    The five Police training schools are the National Police Training School (NPTS), Accra; Police Public Safety Training School (PPSTS), Pwalugu; Regional Police Training Schools (RPTS) at Ho, Kumasi and Koforidua.

    The fresh Constables studied basic aspects of practical police duties, community policing, human rights, criminal investigation, law of evidence, criminal law and procedure, weaponry, and tactical operations among others.

    For the first time, a standardised examination was conducted for all the Recruits in their final examinations with Edith Dede Nako Mensah of the PPSTS/Pwalugu, emerging as the Overall Best Recruit.

    At the various schools, the following were adjudged Best Recruits: Stephen Dugba NPTS/Accra; Ledi Divine Kwasi RPTS/Kumasi; Dennis Dzandu RPTS/ Koforidua and Daniel Adjei RPTS/ Ho.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Im certain of landslide victory in December polls Akufo-Addo

    The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says he expects a landslide victory in the 2020 general elections following his impressive first-term performance.

    The President believes he has kept faith with the people of Ghana who gave him their mandate to lead the country and is hopeful of massive endorsement that would surpass the one he had in the 2016 polls.

    “After four years in office, I am confident that I have delivered to the expectations of the majority of Ghanaians and I am certain of a landslide victory in December,” he stated.

    He was speaking at a durbar held in his honour at Juaso in the Asante-Akim South Municipality as part of his three-day working visit to the Ashanti Region ahead of the 2020 general elections.

    He was accompanied by some Ministers of State in including Mr. Mathew Opoku-Prempeh, Minister of Education, Mr. Alan Kyerematen, Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Kwasi Amoako Atta, Minister of Roads and Highways, and Mr. Simon Osei Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister.

    President Akufo-Addo said he won the 2016 election on the back of the good policies he promised Ghanaians and the poor governance of the then Mahama administration.

    He said his government had managed every sector of the economy better than the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and called on Ghanaians to renew his mandate to consolidate the gains over the last four years.

    President Akufo-Addo appealed to the people of the three Asante-Akim areas to maintain their Members of Parliament (MPs) to support his next administration to implement pragmatic policies to improve the lives of the people.

    The President urged the people not to deliver anything less than 95 percent of votes in the Municipality to ensure massive victory for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Mr. Kwasi Amoako Atta, the Roads, and Highways Minister said 12 out of 16 roads were currently under construction in the Municipality with the remaining four going through procurement processes.

    He assured the people of speedy completion of the Juaso and Obogu Town Roads Projects after the chiefs complained of the slow progress of work.

    President Akufo-Addo used his visit to commission a 12-unit classroom block at Juaso Senior High School and two factories at Asankare under the One District One Factory Programme.

    —

    Files from GNA were used for this piece

  • Twifo-Hemang dressmakers clamour for NDC’s return

    Dozens of dressmakers and their trainees in Twifo-Hemang in the Central Region have held a massive street procession as they declared their support for former President John Dramani Mahama, Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    The dressmakers, who were drenched by a downpour they defied, held various placards and chanted slogans in the ecstatic procession on Tuesday to welcome Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice Presidential Candidate of the NDC, who is touring the area.

    Some of the placards held by the dressmakers, who are members of the Ghana National Dressmakers and Tailors Association read “JM we need you,” “JM we need your sewing machines,” “Seamstresses and Tailors are suffering,” “John & Jane Dressmakers need you now,” and “We need jobs,” among others.

    According to the leaders of the group, the withdrawal of support facilities such as soft loans and sewing machines that were provided during the tenure of the NDC, has adversely affected the dressmaking industry in the region.

    “Now, our trainees graduate without any assistance to open up their shops. The situation has become too difficult for us here,” said Cynthia Adu, one of the leaders.

    Abraham Donkor, Secretary for Twifo Tailors Association, described the lack of government support for the dressmaking business in the area as retrogressive, adding that the situation has negatively affected their livelihoods.

    He expressed optimism that the NDC would save the situation by restoring the incentive packages, in addition to the implementation of new plans stipulated in its manifesto for the small scale dressmaking industry.

    Mr Donkor indicated their desire to expand and modernise their business for enhanced service delivery, and, therefore, urged the NDC to consider facilitating the provision of industrial sewing machines for their area.

    Addressing the dressmakers and other women groups gathered at the Forever Young training centre at Twifo-Hemang, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang thanked the group for the show of support, saying their testimony resonates with the good performance track record of the NDC administration.

    “Good work always speaks,” she said, and assured them that “you can trust the NDC to work in your interest.”

    Source: Class FM

  • Mahama gave out nose masks on campaign tour not cash – Agyenim Boateng

    The 2020 Campaign Spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), James Agyenim Boateng, has described as false, reports in sections of the media about John Mahama sharing money as part of his campaign tour in the Bono Region.

    In a trending video circulating on various social media platforms, the NDC flagbearer is seen handing throwing what some say looked like money into a crowd that gathered around his vehicle on the resumption of his campaign tour on Monday, September 28.

    But speaking on on the An?pa B?fo? morning show on Angel 102.9 FM on Tuesday, Mr. Agyenim Boateng urged the public to disregard the said publications.

    “Yes, Mr. Mahama was sharing something but not money as it was claimed. He was rather sharing his campaign nose masks with an inscription of his name- John Mahama 2020. He even shared some of his campaign T-shirts,” the former Deputy Information Minister told host, Nana Yaa Brefo.

    He added: “At other places, he even shared his campaign t-shirts and aprons. So if you saw him giving something out to a particular person in the video, then it was his campaign nose mask.”

    Mr. Agyenim Boateng added that though the former President, John Dramani Mahama is a generous man, he does his generous works behind scenes and not in the open.

    He used the opportunity to highlight some policies to be implemented by the Mahama-led NDC, should they be voted back in power on December 7, 2020.

    He Boateng mentioned that, “Mahama will make access to health facilities universal with or without the use of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). That is to say, there will be Free Primary Healthcare and he has also promised to complete all abandoned projects.”

    Meanwhile, John Dramani Mahama is expected to continue with his campaign tour today, September 29, 2020, to the Jaaman Constituency and five other Constituencies in the Bono Region.

    Source: angelonline.com.gh

  • Ghana will be completely transformed in next 2 years – Bawumia assures Ghanaians

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says Ghana will become a completely transformed country in the next two years.

    According to him, the incumbent government led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is on the right track and will need more years to complete his vision for the nation.

    Delivering a speech at the grand launch of “Aspirants Unite for Victory”, a movement by Parliamentary aspirants who lost in the 2020 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Primaries to unite and forge ahead for victory in the elections this year, Dr. Bawumia disclosed that Ghana will, in the next NPP administration, become one of the most digitized economies in the world.

    The “Aspirants Unite for Victory” movement was launched on Monday, September 28, 2020 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in the Greater Accra Region.

    The Vice President charged Ghanaians to give four more years to the Akufo-Addo administration to continue the good works, stressing it will be a grave mistake for them to vote former President John Dramani Mahama back to power.

    “By the grace of God, in another two or three years, this is going to be a completely different country. We’re going to have completely new systems. We’ll be one of the most digitized economies on the face of Africa. There’s no doubt about that. Give us just a couple of more years, with what we’re doing, it is going to be an amazing country to live in. I believe so and so we don’t make all this progress and then go back to incompetence. We cannot chart this course and go back to incompetence,” he said.

    He also advised members and supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party to have a common purpose as the nation gears up for the December 7 elections.

    “I think that our collective interest must at all times override our personal interest. Our love for the party must be even demonstrated more in times of difficulty and not when all is well and rosy because that is easy for anybody to do. Aspirants Unite for Victory 2020 have shown the way and hope that they’re given the needed support as they join forces with the national campaign team to help canvass for votes from house-to-house, door-to-door and hamlet-to-hamlet to ensure a decisive and emphatic victory.”

    “It’s our every expectation that the strength of our party from North, South, East and West; we’re united and poised to work for victory with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.”

    Source: Peace FM

  • Ghanaians have waited too long for you Chief to Naana Jane

    The Nkosohen of Atti-Morkwa Traditional Council in the Central Region, Togbe Gottah says the opposition NDC Running mate, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang ascending to the office of Vice President after the December 7 election is a foregone conclusion.

    “Ghanaians have waited soo long to get female as a Vice President but thank God we have already gotten somebody and indeed she really deserves it,” he stated.

    Addressing a gathering when Prof. Jaane Naana Opoku Agyemang visited Twifu Bimpogya, he urged his people to vote for the NDC party to come back to power and complete all the uncompleted projects it started before being voted out of power.

    He noted that all the projects in his community were initiated by the NDC government and since the NPP assumed power it has abandoned all the projects, hence the need to vote the NDC back to power.

    Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang on her part urged the people to vote massively for the NDC to come and continue with the developmental agenda it started while in power which has been abandoned.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • George Oduro urges NPP youth not to insult opponents

    Mr George Oduro, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, has advised activists of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to engage in politics of insults as they campaign to win the 2020 elections.

    He said politics was a competition of ideas and since the NPP had a lot of innovative ideas to sell to the populace to transform their living conditions, the activists should concentrate on that to ensure a resounding victory in the December 7 elections.

    Mr Oduro, who is also the Member of Parliament for Adansi South, gave the advice at the inauguration of a club dubbed; “Friends of Oduro Fun Club,” at Obuobi, near New Edubiase in the Ashanti Region.

    The Club is made up of youth and NPP activists in the constituency, who are working to retain power in the 2020 general elections.

    Mr Oduro appealed to supporters and members of other political parties to also stay away from politics of insults to ensure peace and unity in the area before, during and after the polls.

    He said people voted to elect leaders who would work to improve their living conditions and urged the electorates to consider benefits they would derive from political leadership before they cast their ballot.

    Mr Oduro said through the various social interventions such as the Free Senior High School, Planting for Food and Jobs, One District One Factory, and support for cocoa farmers, the lives of many Ghanaians had changed for the better.

    The government had shown greater commitment in its first term in office to transform and change the destiny of the people hence the need to give it a second term to continue, he added.

    Source: GNA

  • EC detects 88,000 duplicate voter ID cards in register

    The Electoral Commission (EC) says all duplicate voter identification numbers that were detected during the just-ended voter registration excercise have been “remedied” and the affected applicants have been re-issued new numbers.

    According to the Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs Jean Mensa, the duplicates occurred because the registration kits were offline hence all voter ID cards were issued independently.

    She said 88,000 duplicates were detected and that the Commission was in the process of issuing new ID cards.

    Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, September 28, Mrs Mensa said political parties and their agents would be invited to monitor the re-issuance of the said duplicate ID cards.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Ablekuma West NDC launches 2020 campaign

    The Ablekuma West constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially launched it’s 2020 campaign ahead of the December general elections.

    The event which came off on Sunday 27th September, 2020 at Dansoman, attracted a lot of top political dignitaries and sympathizers of the party.

    This was to officially present the policies to the constituents ahead of the December polls.

    Speaking during the launch, the Parliamentary Candidate, Rev. Kweku Addo, stated that he has outlined better initiatives for his constituents and would implement them when voted for.

    “If you vote wisely for me and John Dramani Mahama and he wins, from Otorjor to Tunga, we don’t have any public school there but when we come into power, I will together with John Dramani Mahama build an ultramodern public school for you. And with the youths, John Dramani is promoting TVET and Dansoman has the best vocational school which is New Century School and I will push for all the youths to get quality education and won’t be allowed to pay any fees,” he said.

    He added that there would be an Adult Development center to cater for the old age and less privileged in the constituency.

    “When I win the elections with the power of God, I will establish and build an adult center for our aged mothers and fathers in Ablekuma West to enable them to have enough rest and education about healthy life.”

    He lamented on the lack of recreational centers and promised to provide the constituency with an AstroTurf.

    “In this constituency, we have a lot of youths who are talented and are interested in football but there is no proper playing field. So when you give me the node, I will build an AstroTurf for the youth, and I am sure this can also help discover more talents,” the P.C said.

    He, however, added that the NDC is more concerned about the poor plights of the fishermen in his constituency.

    “The NDC will work hand in hand with other companies in order to lift the poor business plights of the fishermen. When the NDC was in power, we provided everything in order to make their lives more comfortable. I promise to establish a retirement fund for them and improve upon their businesses but without them, we won’t be able to get good fish.

    “I will make sure to secure jobs and enroll youths in fashion designing and hairdressing training in order for them to make ends meet in the future, Rev. Kweku Addo stated. Five times each year, I will make sure I meet all stakeholders who play vital roles in the development of the constituency, i.e. chiefs, assembly members, youths and the rest. We will discuss the developmental ideas in order to lift the image of the NDC and Ablekuma West at large,” he disclosed.

    The National Vice Chairman of the NDC, Alhaji Saeed Sinare, also urged the constituents to rally behind the party to ensure victory in 2020.

    “John Dramani Mahama needs us, our MP in the making needs all of us. Let us give them the support they need, let us make sure John Dramani Mahama comes 2021 he will be our next president for the republic of Ghana.

    “Don’t let anyone deceive you, the manifesto that the leader of this party presented to you is the best ever in the history of this country. If we are going to have another 4 years of this NPP, then this country will be doomed forever so let us work hard and vote them out,” Alhaji stressed.

    Aside the launch, the Parliamentary Candidate, Rev. Kweku Addo also took the opportunity to unveil the blueprints which contains his 7 THEMATIC PILLAR PLEDGE to the people of Ablekuma West.

    Source: Nicholas Akussah, Contributor

  • Adwoa Safo launches 2020 manifesto for Dome-Kwabenya constituency

    Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya constituency, Hon. Lawyer Adwoa Safo, has launched the Dome-Kwabenya 2020 Manifesto dubbed; “Leadership of Service, Protecting Our Progress,Transforming Ghana For All, Dome-Kwabenya In Perspetive” in Accra.

    According to Adwoa Safo, the manifesto is a compendium of projects undertaken under the last 8 years of her tenure and what she seeks to achieve in the next fours years.

    The manifesto also highlights key government programs and projects in Dome-Kwabenya.

    She explained, the idea for the ‘Dome-Kwabenya Manifesto’ was born out of the premise of breaking down the 2020 NPP manifesto to make it applicable to the lives of her constituents.

    Hon Adwoa Safo was joined by Hon. Janet Tulasi Mensah, MCE Ga East, Constituency Executives led by Chairman Robert Osei Bonsu, Dome-Kwabenya Campaign Team, Chiefs, Imams, Polling Station Executives and the rank and file of the party in Dome-Kwabenya.

    Source: Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong

  • Election 2020: We are targeting 1.5m votes difference – Lord Commey

    The Director of Operations at the Jubliee House and Deputy Campaign Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Lord Commey has asked party people to work hard to better the 2016 election results.

    Mr Commey who spoke at Kumasi in the Ashanti Region at the just ended outdooring of the Regional Parliamentary Candidates appealed to the party supporters to work vigorously to retain the party in the 2020 general election.

    He said his boss, Mac Manu has put all things in place for the victory of the party.

    He quoted the Methodist hymn book 578 first stanza and the first line which says “A charge to keep I have” to advice the party supporters and Parliamentary Candidates to work day and night to help the party win another term to improve the lives of Ghanaians.

    He said 47/47 calls for hard work and he believes the party in the region can marshal all their might to win big in the Ashanti Region.

    Lord Commey on behalf of their flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo introduced the NPP’s Parliamentary Candidates from the various constituencies in the Region to the supporters.

    Notable among them were, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu for Suame, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh of Manhyia South, Asenso Boakye for Bantama, Dr Kingsley Nyarko for Kwadaso, Patricia Appiagyei for Asokwa, Alidu Seidu for Asawasi, Dr Marfo of Oforikrom.

    Source: Bright Barwuah, Contributor

  • Kasoa and Ajumako hot spots for election 2020 – Central Regional Minister tells IGP

    The Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan, has stated that the Central Region is safe when it comes to security for election 2020 but Kasoa and Ajumako are now hotspots which Inspector General of Police (IGP), James Oppong Boanuh, and Regional Command need to do something about before, during and after the elections.

    According to him, as Head of Regional Security Council in the Region, he will do everything possible to bring law and order to all parts of the Region but the IGP should have critical look on Kasoa and Ajumako since those places are not safe.

    The IGP added that he is aware of reported cases in Kasoa and Ajumako adding that the Police Command will restore peace in these areas.

    Mr Boanuh made this known when he visited the Region to have firsthand information about the security in the Region and measures the Regional Police Command has put in place to curtail any crime as the nation gears up for election 2020.

    The Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabrima Nana Kwasi Atta II also appealed to the Police to ensure safety in the country.

    Source: Peace FM

  • NPP boasts of 9 new SHS projects

    The Administrator of Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), Mr Richard Ampofo Boadu, has revealed that in 2019, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) awarded nine contracts for model senior high schools to be built in various locations across the country to improve access to senior high school.

    He made the revelation when he met the press at the Ministry of Information in Accra on Thursday, September 25, 2020, to present a status report on the GETFund.

    Providing the breakdown of the schools, he disclosed that the projects included one Creative Arts School, the first in the country; one model technical school; five model science-based schools being built from scratch and two existing schools are being upgraded to model schools.

    Mr Boadu further stated that each model is a complex of various infrastructure types that mobilisations have been paid to contractors on these projects and works are actively ongoing.

    The facilities include Administration Block, Creative Arts / Science Block, Dormitory Blocks, Dining Hall with Kitchen, Staff Accommodation, Library Block, recreational facilities, laboratories, roads and external works and service and maintenance sheds.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • EC urged to publish names of defective ID cards on website

    Former President John Mahama has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to publish in full all names of applicants with defective ID cards on its website to ensure transparency in the voter exhibition exercise.

    Mr Mahama expressed concern about the many irregularities which had characterised the ongoing voter exhibition exercise including omission of names, duplication of numbers, and wrong identities of registrants.

    He stated that these anomalies if not resolved, would lead to political unrest, which may affect the country’s democratic values.

    The former President said this on Thursday at a press conference in Accra to expressed the party’s dissatisfaction about irregularities at the ongoing voter exhibition exercise.

    The exercise started from Friday, September 18 to 25, 2020 but was extended to Sunday, September 27 at an Inter-Party Advisory Committee on September 24.

    He said selected exhibition centres in the Greater Accra, Central, Ashanti, Savannah, Volta and other Regions have witnessed anomalies which needed urgent attention to rectify the problem to avoid any untoward situation.

    He said some EC officials were seen on social media printing new voter’s cards to individuals with duplicate ID cards numbers, without the notice of the political parties.

    He said the conduct of the EC had generated anxiety from the public that the December polls would not be free and fair elections.

    “These warning signs do not augur well for the country, we will resist any form of intimidation from all quarters because the sovereign power comes from the people,” he said.

    Mr Mahama called on the Commission to begin a regular comprehensive and transparent dialogue with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee to resolve any electoral flaws ahead of the December polls.

    He said over the years, the EC had had a cordial relationship with IPAC and assisted the Commission to carry out its constitutional duties and ensured general acceptance of election results.

    Mr Mahama said the EC had ignored in recent times valuable advice from IPAC which had necessitated these occurrences in the electoral processes leading to the elections.

    He said the party would not accept the results of a flawed election from the Commission.

    He appealed to International Election Observers to focus their attention on Ghana and to monitor the country’s electoral processes.

    Mr Mahama appealed to Ghanaians to visit the exhibition centres stations with their ID cards and ensure that their details were accurate in the register.

    He urged the party’s executive to suspend all campaigns and monitor the voter exhibition exercise to avoid any form of manipulations.

    Reacting to the issues, the Commission in a statement on September 21, explained that during the just ended registration exercise, few centres experienced the production of duplicate ID cards which resulted from registration kits bearing the same codes.

    Source: GNA

  • Ghana mulls second-round voter registration for general election

    The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana is considering a second round of voter registration for specific groups ahead of the general election in December, officials said on Thursday.

    The EC told party representatives at the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting that the supplementary registration would target three categories of eligible voters.

    Those targeted include people who were outside the country during the COVID-19 restrictions, those who were under a 14-day mandatory quarantine and could not take part in the mass voter registration, and eligible voters who have duly issued voter identity cards but whose names are missing from the register on exhibition.

    However, representatives of the ruling New Patriotic Party and opposition National Democratic Congress at the IPAC meeting held that those going to register in the supplementary activity would not be able to vote in the December elections because their registration would not meet the statutory 60-day period before elections.

    Local media reported that an ongoing exhibition has revealed flaws in the provisional register, as some people who duly registered, could not find their names on the list.

    Source: News Ghana

  • Those affected by duplicate ID numbers can still vote on December 7 – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has clarified that those who have been affected by the duplicate voter identification card numbers in the recent mass registration exercise, can still vote on December 7, 2020 whether or not they pick up their new cards.

     “I also want to establish that, but because of possible use of the ID card for other purposes [such as bank transactions], for voting the [duplicate] ID numbers will not have any effect, because if you go there [voting centre], your biometrics will be scanned, your picture will appear, you will be verified biometrically and you will vote, it has nothing to do with the ID card [number], but because people normally use the ID card for other purposes, that is why we decided to change [them].”

    “I want to explain again that, whether you have an ID card or not, on the 7th December, once you are duly registered, you can still vote,” the Director of Elections at the EC, Dr Serebour Quaicoe said this in a television interview on Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana programme monitored by Graphic Online on Thursday night [September 24, 2020].

    Dr Quaicoe gave the explanation when the host of the television programme, Paul Adom Otchere phoned him and asked him about the means through which the Commission was reaching out to voters affected by the duplicate ID numbers and how they were getting them to pick up their new ID cards before Election Day noting that it is not everybody who will go to an exhibition centre to verify their details.

    Dr Quaicoe explained that, “if the Commission had not informed the people, that there has been duplicate of ID card [numbers], they wouldn’t have known… the video that was leaked and we said it is misleading, if you listen to the voice over, it said that we are doing registration, that is what the video was saying, [but] the people were not doing registration, they were only laminating, so the misleading part we said was in reference to the voice over that said we were doing new registration. Nobody is denying the fact that the ID cards were being laminated, but it was not new registration.”

    60,000 duplicate ID numbers

    The EC Director of Elections revealed that it has been detected that about 60,000 registered voters got duplicate voter identification numbers during the last mass registration exercise.

    This anomaly, he said is across about 100 to 110 districts.

    He explained that the problem was generated by the biometric (BVD) kits during the mass registration process and was detected by the system itself when all the data was put together at the national level.

    He said the system itself has subsequently generated new voter ID numbers for the about 60,000 registered voters to correct the anomaly and new cards have been printed.

    He said the anomaly is not something that is new and that it is a historical problem with the process as there were similar challenges in 2012 and 2016.

    “In 2012, I think that in Central Tongu or so, all the people who registered in that particular district, their ID numbers were replaced. It affected Weija, a lot of them. These are issues that normally occur, the system will detect it at the data centre and the new cards are printed and replaced,” he said.

    He said in all a total of about 16.9million people were registered in the last exercise, which is the highest ever voters registered in Ghana.

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) through its flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday reiterated that the party will not accept the results of a flawed election.

    Mr Mahama also mentioned that the EC had taken what he described as “unacceptable steps” which have the potential to disturb Ghana’s democracy.

    “Our party the National Democratic Congress and I have unflinching commitment to our democracy and we will do everything in our power to ensure it continues to be an anchor of this country peace and stability.

    “Let me also remind you that in the past few years, we have repeatedly drawn attention to a considerable number of unacceptable steps taken by the Electoral Commission as presently constituted. These steps have the potential to wreak the democratic architecture that has seen the conduct of seven successful elections for the past twenty or more years.

    The NDC specifically mentioned the duplication of voter ID numbers, same picture for all registered voters in some polling stations and omission of some names in the register which is currently being exhibited as some of its concerns.

    The NDC has argued that those problems have largely been detected in its strongholds and suspects that it was a deliberate attempt to remove its sympathisers and supporters from the voters register.

    The party said it would have expected that “in good faith” the EC would have informed the political parties and get them involved in the process of resolving the anomalies.

    The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) on its part has said those anomalies are administrative issues meant to be resolved and that is why the EC was exhibiting the register for the public to flag the anomalies for resolution.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Election 2020: There can only be a winner or loser; let peace reign! – Opanyin Agyekum to political parties

    Dean of the School of Performing Arts of the University of Ghana, Legon, Professor Kofi Agyekum has advised political parties in the country, particularly the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to pysche themselves well ahead of the December 7 elections.

    According to him, the Presidential elections will end in only two ways, so the parties must be ready to face the outcome of the elections even before Ghanaians go into the polls to cast their ballots.

    The political parties have already launched their manifestos and began their campaigns aimed at attaining victory in the elections.

    The incumbent government led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is hopeful of retaining power while former President and NDC Presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama is seeking re-election.

    This is the first time that a former President will be contesting a sitting President, which therefore makes this year’s elections a historic one.

    Although the parties and their aspirants are yet to file nominations at the Electoral Commission (EC), they however show signs of readiness to give one another a tough competition.

    Making his submissions on ‘Kokrokoo’ on Peace FM, Professor Kofi Agyekum, popularly called Opanyin Agyekum has asked the parties to be peaceful.

    He noted that there can only be a winner or loser in the elections, hence calling on the parties to avoid chaos when the Electoral Management Body announces the winner of the elections.

    Speaking directly to the political parties and their Presidential candidates, Opanyin Agyekum stressed; “There will never be a tie. Even if there is a tie, we will go for a run-off. So, all the parties should make up their mind that there are two things involved in the battle they’re going into; either you win or lose. Be content with whatever results you get.”

    Source: Peace FM

  • Ghana will be peaceful Deputy National Security Minister assures

    Deputy National Security Minister Henry Quartey has appealed to Ghanaians to continue living in peace before, during and after the presidential and parliamentary elections.

    He noted that Ghanaians have enjoyed relative peace over the years, hence, there is no need to jeopardize it during the polls.

    He assured all stakeholders and development partners (DPs) that measures have been put in place to forestall violence during the elections.

    “I will appeal to all Ghanaians, non-state actors, development partners both home and abroad to get involved in our quest to sustain the peace in Ghana,” he said at a forum organized by the West African Network for Peace Building (WANEP) in Accra on Wednesday, September 23.

    Ghanaians go to the polls on December 7, 2020, to elect a president and members of parliament to steer affairs of the country for the next four years.

    The political parties have started campaigning ahead of the poll to get their candidates elected.

    The two main parties, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the main opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC), have all launched their manifestos as part of their preparations towards the elections.

    Both parties have made a number of promises to Ghanaians.

    Source: 3 News

  • EC reacts: Allegations regarding removal of NDC supporters from voters register ‘unfounded’

    The Electoral Commission has said that the allegations that it was removing the names of supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from the voters register ahead of Election 2020 was “unfounded.”

    In a press statement issued Wednesday evening, [September 23, 2020], the EC said, “Our attention has been drawn to statements in the media by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer to the effect that the Electoral Commission is carrying out an agenda to remove the names of its supporters and sympathisers from the Voters Register.”

    “This allegation is false,” the EC said in the press statement.

    The NDC flagbearer, Mr John Dramani Mahama and his running mate, Prof Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang on Tuesday cut short their campaign tours in the Bono and Central regions respectively.

    They explained that they were returning to Accra to address issues of challenges with the provisional voters register for Election 2020.

    Mr Mahama has scheduled a press address on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 1pm to speak on what he terms as “widespread anomalies” in the provisional voters register for Election 2020, which the Electoral Commission is currently exhibiting.

    His spokesperson, James Agyenim-Boateng has explained that the address will focus on the “integrity challenges of the electoral process and unfolding events that threaten to undermine Ghana’s stability and democracy.”

    EC’s reaction

    But reacting to the allegations, the Electoral Commission said it has, from the beginning of the compilation of the Voters Register, lived up to its motto of “Fairness, Transparency and Accountability.”

    It explained that at every point, it has provided factual, accurate and evidence based information to its stakeholders on voter statistics per region, district, gender, age among others.

    It added that to date every interested Ghanaian has information on the number of persons who registered in the just concluded Voter Registration Exercise based on the information the Commission provided.

    “It is a paradox, therefore, to suggest that the same Commission now seeks to remove persons from the Voters Register. Had that been the agenda of the Commission, it would not have given detailed information to Stakeholders throughout the Registration process. We assure the general public that these allegations are unfounded.”

    The EC explained that the exhibition of the Provisional Voters Register has been provided for in the Law (C.I. 91) and that the Law recognising that a registration process is not full proof, has provided a mechanism called “Exhibition” to allow citizens to verify their details to ensure that they are captured in the register or that their details such as sex, age, name are accurate.

    It said the Exhibition also affords voters the opportunity to correct errors detected.

    “Additionally, the Law provides for inclusion to allow persons who registered but whose names are not on the register, to file to be included in the register.”

    According to the Electoral Commission, “this process is not new and has always formed part of our processes.”

    It said in a nutshell, the exhibition exercise provides an opportunity to stakeholders to unearth problems with the register for the purpose of fixing it.

    This, it said was exactly what the EC was doing. “We are fixing the issues unearthed.”

    “We assure the public that the Commission is working to ensure the margin of error with the Voters Register is negligible. We are confident that at the end of the process, we will bequeath the nation with a register that reflects truth and integrity, a register that is credible and comprises eligible Ghanaians only. May God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong. Let Peace Reign,” the EC stated.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Mahama to speak on ‘widespread anomalies’ in provisional voters register

    Former President John Dramani Mahama will on Thursday, September 24, 2020 speak on what he terms as “widespread anomalies” in the provisional voters register for Election 2020, which the Electoral Commission is currently exhibiting.

    A press statement issued by Mahama’s Campaign Spokesman, James Agyenim-Boateng said Mr Mahama will speak to the nation from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquarters in Accra at 1pm.

    He said the address will focus on the “integrity challenges of the electoral process and unfolding events that threaten to undermine Ghana’s stability and democracy.”

    “Both Mr Mahama and his vice presidential candidate, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, have suspended their tours of the Bono and Central Regions respectively following reports of widespread anomalies in the Electoral Commission’s provisional voters register, which is currently on exhibition at the polling stations throughout the country,” the statement said.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Let My Vote Count chides EC for voter register anomalies

    Pressure group Let My Vote Count Alliance (LMVCA) is advising the Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC) to desist from using cluster systems in subsequent voter registrations.

    This, according to the group, would help avoid double registration and improper deletion of names from the register.

    They have blamed the EC and ascribed the alleged double registration and missing of names from the current voter register to the use of the cluster system of registration.

    Director of Operations for LMVCA John Hall, speaking on the Yensempa morning show on Onua FM on Wednesday, September 23 censured the EC for grouping polling centers during the registration exercise instead of allowing people to register at their polling centers.

    He wants EC to henceforth stop using the cluster system during registration exercises to avoid double registration and unpardonable errors in the voters register.

    “I will advise the EC that going forward they should stop using cluster systems of registration to avoid needless errors which create unnecessary tension during election periods.”

    He told host Anokyewaaba Adwoa Serwaa that people feel “ostracized” in the ongoing voter exhibition exercise because of the fact that their names might have been moved to different polling centers.

    And this, according to him, is as a result of how EC grouped polling centers during the registration exercise.

    John Hall, however, believes the EC has competent officers who can swiftly rectify and improve the voter register to salvage the situation.

    He urged EC to extend the voters register exhibition by two more days to allow its officials deal with the situation in allowing disgruntled applicants to find their names in the register and locate their polling centers ahead of December 7 polls.

    He thus entreated the general public to exercise patience at polling centers and ably cooperate with the EC officials to help identify their names and locate voting centers.

    Source: 3 News

  • NPPs Charles Bissues face swollen after fight with Tarkwa-Nsuem MP

    Less than 72 hours after the alleged fight between presidential staffer Charles Bissue and Tarkwa-Nsuem MP George Mireku Duker, pictures of the former with his face swollen has hit social media.

    The trending photos also show Mr Bissue with a bloodied eye which is forced open for examination.

    JoyNews sources say the fight between the two governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) politicians occurred at the Kingston Hotel in Takoradi during a workshop for Regional executives and Parliamentary Candidates.

    According to sources, Mr Mireku Duker and Charles Bissue have not been on good terms since the latter allegedly supported an independent candidate over the incumbent during the parliamentary primaries.

    The report further indicates that, during the meeting, there was a misunderstanding between the MP and the regional party executive.

    Eyewitnesses say Mr Bissue who is also the Regional Secretary for the Party, amid the confusion grabbed the hands of Mr Duker and bite it several times causing the MP to bleed profusely.

    The development is believed to have led to the exchange of punches between the two.

    Charles Bissue and MP for Tarkwa-Nsuem, George Mireku Duker

    Charles Bissue and MP for Tarkwa-Nsuem, George Mireku Duker

    Although Mr Bissue had refused to talk to journalists about the fight, the MP has confirmed the incident.

    According to him, he had visited the hospital for treatment.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • We didn’t endorse NDC – Asankrangwa Chiefs

    Chiefs at Asankrangwa have denied reports circulating that they have endorsed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the December 7 polls.

    The Gyaasehene of Asankrangwa, Nana Adu Boahen is said to have made some statements to suggest they are solidly behind the NDC for victory, when NDC Running Mate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang visited the Amenfi West constituency on Tuesday, September 22, 2020.

    In a statement copied to Peacefmonline, the Chiefs want the general public to know that the words of the Gyaasehene have been misconstrued, hence the need to set the records straight.

    ”The language we employed in our speech is the language use for every Presidential candidate and running mate who pays a courtesy call on Nananom. The Divisional Council has the history of neutrality on politics. We do so, acutely aware of the political divide that has polarised our traditional area and constituency. Rather than endorse, we encourage–and that is what we did when the lady Professor took her turn to visit us. It’s unfortunate that the language of neutrality Nana Adu Boahen employed, perhaps with the embellishment of royal diplomatic semantics, didn’t sit well with sections of the public.

    ”We spoke, being aware that all political parties have an equal chance of emerging victorious on the December 7 election, hence our reference to the lady Professor that, being in the race, she like all other candidates, has the potential to emerge victorious. We asked that when she has her turn to be in power, she should remember our deplorable circumstances and help us.”

    The Chiefs also stated emphatically that ”the act of political endorsement is alien to our standard of neutrality and therefore would not engage in this divisive scheme…”

    Read full statement below:

    WE DIDN’T ENDORSE NDC–ASANKRANGWA CHIEFS

    The Asankrangwa Divisional Area of the Wassa Amenfi Divisional Council issues this explanatory note to clear the misconceptions arising out of the statement made by Nana Adu Boahen, when Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman, the running mate to the NDC flag bearer visited the Amenfi West Constituency on the 15th September 2020. Nana Adu Boahen’s statement has been misconstrued, and we want to set the records straight as espoused below.

    The language we employed in our speech is the language use for every Presidential candidate and running mate who pays a courtesy call on Nananom. The Divisional Council has the history of neutrality on politics. We do so, acutely aware of the political divide that has polarised our traditional area and constituency.

    Rather than endorse, we encourage–and that is what we did when the lady Professor took her turn to visit us. It’s unfortunate that the language of neutrality Nana Adu Boahen employed, perhaps with the embellishment of royal diplomatic semantics, didn’t sit well with sections of the public.

    We spoke, being aware that all political parties have an equal chance of emerging victorious on the December 7 election, hence our reference to the lady Professor that, being in the race, she like all other candidates, has the potential to emerge victorious. We asked that when she has her turn to be in power, she should remember our deplorable circumstances and help us.

    We spoke, knowing that any of the parties that comes to power on January 7 can potentially help us with development projects. As traditional rulers, we speak what will benefit the mass of our people.

    This explanatory note does not proceed from prejudice, ill-will or fear; neither is it borne out of sychophancy or eye pleasing service. When it comes to Chiefs endorsing political parties and candidates, the Asankrangwa Divisional Area have the benefit of history that attest to our neutrality.

    We stick to our statement that our area has long been neglected by politicians since 1992. This we reiterated during the visit of the Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman, and we shall continue to engage any other visiting political party on such developmental issues.

    In conclusion, we Nananom of the Asankragwa Divisional Area, wants to affirm that the act of political endorsement is alien to our standard of neutrality and therefore would not engage in this divisive scheme which have a strong potential of hurting our common purpose and unity as a nation.

    Signed

    Andrew Kwame Appiah

    Stool Secretary

    Asankrangwa Divisional Area.

    Source: Peace FM

  • 2020 elections: NPP will win four more seats in Greater Accra – Youth Organizer

    The Greater Accra Regional Youth Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Moses Abor has hinted of plans by the party to maintain all their 21 seats in the region and win three more seats in the upcoming parliamentary election.

    The young politician says the NPP will leave no stone unturned in winning massively in the region and also ensure victory for the party.

    Mr. Abor said the NPP will be engaging in a house to house campaign and sell the message of the NPP so Ghanaians will vote them comer December 7, 2020.

    To him, the gains made under the NPP must be protected because a vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will destroy all the gains made under this current administration.

    ”Our vision is agenda maintain and increase. We are maintaining our 21 seats and increasing it by 3 or 4 seats in the upcoming parliamentary election. We want to win the 2020 elections and we will not relax in achieving that vision, he added.

    He was speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5 Fm.

    Source: rainbownradioonline.com

  • IPSPJ calls for peaceful elections in December

    The International Parliament for Safety, Peace and Justice in Ghana has called on all political parties to make a strong statement of peace ahead of the 2020 general elections and stand by it.

    In a news release on the day of the international day of peace. The body reminded all Ghanaians to work towards building a peaceful coexistence and uphold peace before, during and after the 2020 general elections.

    “The 2020 Theme: Shaping Peace Together cannot be more relevant than a time when the nation is preparing for its general elections”
    Country Director Ambassador Alexander Obeng Boateng said.

    “Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

    The day is also a great reminder to the election management body and the security service to uphold issues of safety in the conduct of the polls” he added.

    Background

    The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.

    The United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Election 2020: Ursula Owusu adopts Nkwanta South constituency

    The Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma West constituency, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has for the second time charged the people of the Nkwanta South Constituency to vote massively for the NPP in the December 2020 elections in appreciation of the goodwill shown by President Akufo-Addo to the good people of the Oti Region.

    The Ablekuma West Lawmaker having fell in love with the newly created Oti region visited to rally support for the NPP’s Parliamentary Candidate for Nkwanta South, Sherifa Sekyere Tijani who is poised to make history by wrestling the seat from the NDC.

    Joined by the Oti Regional NPP executives, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful toured the Constituency amidst a retail rally which saw many youth groups present their expectations from government. The groups promised to support the NPP in achieving its developmental goals.

    The NPP’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Constituency, Madam Sherifa Sekyere Tijani was full of praise for Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful for the support she has given her bid. She was confident that come December 2020, the NPP will win the Nkwanta South Seat for the first time in Ghana’s history.

    The Ministry of Communications under the leadership of Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful trained about 583 basic school girls in computer skills in the Oti Region.

    Source: Peace FM

  • We’ll vote for Akufo-Addo for fixing our roads Kansaworodo queen mother

    The queen mother of Kansaworodo in the Essikado Constituency of the Western Region, Nana Akua Mansa II has commended President Akufo-Addo for the massive road development in the area.

    Speaking during a visit by Vice President Bawumia to the area to inspect ongoing road projects and also cut the sod for the construction of a market in the area, Nana Akua Mansa II also emphatically endorsed the President’s second term bid.

    “We thank the NPP government for fixing our road in Kansaworodo.

    “Today, we can also beat our chest and say we have the road fixed,” the queen mother said.

    “For what you have done for us, it is 4 more for Nana,” she added.

    The queen mother said, hitherto, deplorable roads remained one of Kansaworodo’s biggest challenges, and they are very grateful to the President for bringing development to the area.

    Apart from the road, Kansaworodo is about to get a new market, as a sod was cut for the commencement of the construction of the new market.

    The queen mother said the construction of the market, is another reason why her people will vote massively for President Akufo-Addo and the Member of Parliament for the area, Joe Ghartey.

    “We are confident we will very soon have our new market.

    “This is why we say 4 more for Nana and 4 more for Joe Ghartey.”

    Nana Akua Mansa II, on behalf of the community, thanked Dr Bawumia for being the first Vice President to visit the community.

    “This means so much to us and we thank you very much for this historic visit,” she said.

    While commending the government and assuring it of the community’s unflinching support towards the second term bid, she appealed to the Vice President for the government to consider the community for more development, especially the improvement on their water supply and fixing of more roads.

    Source: Class FM

  • NADMO conducts election 2020 simulation exercise

    The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), under the leadership of Hon. Eric Nana Agyemang -Prempeh, has organized a full scale simulation exercise with the aim of preparing disaster management workers ahead of this years upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary Election.

    According to the Director General of NADMO, he is guided by the concept of strategic pessimism, “I encouraged the representative of the participating agencies to prepare in the event of any unlikely situation of electioneering crisis”.

    The exercise was comprised of both a table top and full scale simulation exercise which took place at the Nadmo Headquarters and Greater Accra Nadmo regional office via Zoom.

    Speaking to the press, Greater Accra NADMO Director, Hon. Archibold Cobbina revealed that, under the leadership of his Director General, Hon. Agyemang Prempeh, NADMO is ready to coordinate for any unforseen disturbances.

    He urged all Ghanaians to restrain from any activity that will disturb the peace of Ghana going into election 2020.

    The exercise involved the United Nations, which will coordinate international support in case of any crisis.

    The event was also graced by representatives of the Electoral Commission, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Police Service , the National Security, the Ghana Health Service, the BNI, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Immigration Service among others.

    Source: Samuel Obeng, Contributor

  • Don’t be deceived by the ongoing sod-cutting of projects – Nzema Akropong Chief to voters

    The Divisional Chief of Nzema Akropong in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, Nana Adu Kwame II has charged eligible voters not to be deceived by the ongoing sod-cutting of projects being undertaken by President Akufo-Addo and his government.

    Eligible Ghanaians will go to the polls and elect their President and Members of Parliament (MPs) for the next four years on December 7, 2020 but some Ghanaians are criticizing the current administration for embarking on sod-cutting of projects at this point in time instead of commissioning of projects.

    The next to join these critics is the Divisional Chief of Nzema Akropong.

    Addressing the Vice Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at Asasetre lorry park in the Ellembelle Constituency as part of her four-day rescue mission tour to Western Region, Nana Adu Kwame II, the Divisional Chief of Nzema Akropong state that the NPP government has nothing to offer Ghanaians and the good people of Ellembelle.

    He urged the gathering not to fall for the Akufo-Addo-led government’s on-going sod cutting of new projects and retain them come December 7.

    “The NPP government has nothing to offer you so if you don’t know Zongo just go to the North”, he reminded the gathering.

    Nana Adu Kwame II quizzed President Akufo-Addo what did he do in the last three and half years and now going round the country to cut sod for projects.

    “We have just three months to the election and you now cutting sod. What were you doing. What were you doing the past three and half months. We don’t use three months to go to election to cut sod ?”, he asked President Akufo-Addo.

    He added, “we have three months to election and they are now busy going round to cut sod, you put pickaxe in your vehicle and you get here you come out from your vehicle and starting cutting sod, nobody here should be deceived”.

    The outspoken Chief fathomed why people to universities and complete and come home without getting work to do.

    He, therefore seized, the opportunity to commend former President John Mahama for promising to legalise Okada business in this country when elected into power.

    “Right now my headache is that today if you go to university and poly and complete you don’t get work to do and the good news is that when John Mahama comes to power, he will legalise Okada business to be more lucrative so we have to vote for him, Okada riders must vote for him”, he stressed.

    “…and we have many people unemployed now. So why would you protest the Okada thing?” he questioned NPP members.

    Nana Adu Kwame II took the opportunity to appeal to women in the area to vote massively for John Mahama for selecting a woman as his running mate and stated that Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman would be the next Vice President in Ghana after December 7 polls.

    He also applauded women for continuing to help men.

    “…you cook for us, you fetch water for us and also women have time to go politics, if you fail this women (Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman) because John Mahama if becomes president she will join him and if it happens, you women will be happy and your lives will be better”, he told the women.

    He lauded John Mahama and Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah for promising to upgrade the Asasetre Market into a modern status.

    “John Mahama and Armah Buah have said if they come to power, they will construct an ultra-modern market for women at Asasetre because what you are currently in, anytime the rain falls, it beat you so if someone is coming to build a new one for you, what should you do for the person, you vote for the person”.

    He also commended Mr John Mahama for doing so many things in Ellembelle District than any President.

    He said it was John Mahama who constructed the Atuabo Ghana Gas Processing Plant, constructing Agona Nkwanta to Elubo road, constructing All Bokazo to Atuabo oil enclave road.

    He added that it was John Mahama and Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah who first constructed CHPs compounds in Ellembelle District of which his community also benefited.

    “John Mahama is the man who says and he does it, he has done it before in Ellembelle and he has track records here, he brought Ghana Gas, he constructed Agona Nkwanta to Elubo road, he constructed Alla Bokazo to Atuabo road”

    “A time came when we do transit before reaching Eikwe hospital and the transit here means, unless you take a canoe to cross the river on Eikwe road before taking another commercial vehicle to Eikwe hospital but today the bridge you see over the river, it was John Mahama’ and his NDC who did it”, he recounted.

    “What I will say again is that it is only the NDC that comes to power and think about we Nzemas, when they were in power they were the first to build so many CHPs compounds in Ellembelle and they even built one for my Community, a time came before you will take a sick person to hospital we have to carry on a hammock before a person can get access to health care at Axim or Eikwe, but today we have so many CHPs compounds all over in Ellembelle and it was NDC who did that is John Mahama and Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah”.

    He emphasized that, “John Mahama and Armah Buah have people at heart, they think about human being and these are the people we should vote for and not those that have done nothing”.

    On behalf of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council, Nana Adu Kwame II took the opportunity and appealed to Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman to liaise with John Mahama to build the delayed Atuabo Freeport when elected into power to create jobs for the youth.

    “I was the one who performed the libation for the commencement of the Atuabo Freeport so we are appealing that when John Mahama comes to power he should build the Atuabo Freeport for us so that the youth will get work to do”, he urged.

    On her part, the Vice Presidential Candidate Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman thanked the Chiefs and people of Asasetre enclave for welcoming her in their numbers.

    She therefore promised that the next NDC government would build an ultra-modern market complex for the good people of Asasetre and its environs.

    She also advised them against politics of insults and continue to live in peace and harmony.

    Source: Daniel Kaku, Contributor

  • I’ll retrieve guns from NPP vigilante groups for security services Mahama

    The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Dramani Mahama, has said should he win the 7 December polls, his next government will see to the retrieval of arms and weapons from pro-New Patriotic Party (NPP) vigilante groups.

    The retrieved weapons, he noted, will be given to the security services to beef up their logistics and weaponry so they can combat crime in the country.

    Speaking at an NDC town hall meeting in Kumasi on Tuesday, 15 September 2020, the former President said: “We will give the guns and bulletproof vests that the Invisible Forces and Delta Forces are using to threaten us, to our military and policemen to fight armed robbers”.

    He also promised to investigate the deaths of the late Abuakwa North Member of Parliament, J. B. Danquah-Adu and investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale.

    Though the J.B. Danquah-Adu case is pending in court while investigations are underway in the Hussein-Suale case, the former president said he will “ensure swift investigations into the cases” if he is re-elected.

    Additionally, Mr Mahama pledged to reopen radio stations closed down by the current administration and ensure freedom of speech and expression when given the nod in the December polls.

    “All radio stations shut down by Nana Addo will be opened to ensure press freedom.

    “So, Radio Gold, Montie FM and all the others will be operational again,” he noted.

    Source: Class FM

  • EC’s filing fee is to sieve serious candidates from unserious ones – Nana Akomea

    Managing Director of State Transport Company (STC), Nana Akomea has thrown his weight behind the Electoral Commission (EC) for charging a filing fee of Ghc 100,000 for Presidential candidates and Ghc 10,000 for aspiring Parliamentarians.

    The EC disclosed the filing fee at its “Let The Citizen Know” press conference in Accra, Monday, September 14, 2020.

    Speaking to the media, Electoral Commission Chairperson, Madam Jean Mensa highlighted the filing process saying “the Presidential Candidate will be required to deposit an amount of Ghc 100,000 in a form of a Bankers draft to the Commission, Parliamentary Candidates will be required to deposit Ghc 10,000 in a form of a Bankers draft as well. We wish all candidates for both presidential and parliamentary elections well, we trust that the nomination process will be efficient, seemless and orderly . . .”

    Addressing the filing fee on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’, Nana Akomea believed the amount is to discourage unserious political parties from participating in the 2020 elections.

    According to him, the money will help the electoral management body to sieve the candidates.

    “They want the people who will file their nomination to be people who are serious so that nobody wakes up to do just something and get 2 percent or 1 percent to waste time. I think the money is one way they’re using to seive in order to have serious candidates or serious political parties.”

    He, however, was of the view that the EC should have had a stakeholder meeting with all the political parties before coming out with the filing fee so as to have established a consensus with the parties.

    Deadline for Nomination Forms

    Nominations were opened from 6pm Monday, September 14 and the forms are to be accessed on the EC’s website https://ec.gov.gh/political-parties/

    Monday, 5th October to Friday, 9th October, 2020 is the deadline for the submission of the nomination forms and will be received by the EC between the hours of 9am and 12noon, and 2pm and 5pm each day.

    Source: Peace FM

  • EC wants corruption to skyrocket, filing fee ‘exorbitant’ – Kwesi Pratt

    Seasoned journalist, Kwesi Pratt Jnr has berated the Electoral Commission (EC) for pegging its filing fee at GH¢100,000 and GH¢10,000 for presidential and parliamentary aspirants, respectively.

    He held rather strongly that the filing fee is “exorbitant”.

    Speaking at the Commission’s “Let The Citizen Know” press conference in Accra on Monday, September 14, the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa said individuals or parties willing to contest the elections must first make a deposit of the aforementioned amount in a form of a bankers draft to the Commission after downloading, filling and submitting their forms within 5 days.

    “The Presidential Candidate will be required to deposit an amount of GH¢ 100,000 in a form of a Bankers draft to the Commission, Parliamentary Candidates will be required to deposit GH¢10,000 in a form of a Bankers draft as well. We wish all candidates for both presidential and parliamentary elections well, we trust that the nomination process will be efficient, seemless and orderly…” she said.

    The aspirants are to pick the forms via the EC’s website.

    Nominations were opened from 6pm Monday, September 14 with the deadline being from Monday, October 5 to Friday, October 9, 2020 between the hours of 9am and 12noon, and 2pm and 5pm each day.

    However, the EC’s filing fee has become a bone of contention for many concerned stakeholders.

    At least 4 major political parties; the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Convention People’s Party (CPP), the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) as well as the All People’s Congress (APC) have launched scathing attack on the electoral body, describing the filing fee as “outrageous”

    Contributing to a panel discussion on ‘Kokrokoo’ on Peace FM, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr opined that the payment of such huge sums for nomination forms is one of the major contributors to corruption in Ghana.

    According to him, there are some parliamentary aspirants and sitting Members of Parliament who, in order to pay the filing fee, will have to rely on donors for funds, but in return, offer them contractual favours when they come into government in order to appease them.

    In his candid view, this and other reasons he cited are why the Electoral Commission should have reduced the fee.

    “This filing fee is too much…If we want corruption to escalate, let’s continue to do what we’re doing. But if we don’t want corruption to increase, let’s take decisions that will ease the financial pressures…We will all benefit if we get a good President. Getting a good Parliamentarian will also affect us; the same way if we get a bad person, it will also affect us. The fee is too excessive,” he said.

    Source: Peace FM

  • There will be no diversion of premix fuel under NDC – Adam Mutawakilu

    A ranking member of the Parliamentary Mines and Energy Committee, Adam Mutawakilu has disclosed that the National Democratic Congress will bring an end to the diversion of premix fuel for fishermen when they hopefully assume office.

    Speaking at a press briefing, the Damongo MP expressed his disgust at the partisan distribution of premix fuel. He noted that the NDC when voted into power will ensure the availability of premix fuel to fishermen.

    Although Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said he will ensure efficient distribution of premix fuel through digitization and cancellation of middlemen, Adam Mutawaikilu believes the government has done little to clamp down on the premix fuel menace.

    According to him, the NDC under President Mahama will ensure that premix fuel is channelled to fishermen without any diversions through middlemen.

    He said, “President Mahama is promising that when he comes back, his structures will work. He will ensure the availability of premix fuel for our fishermen and fisherfolk.”

    Adam Mutawaikilu added, “He will ensure that there is no difficulty in getting premix fuel, so my brothers and sisters who are into fishing and those who trade in fish, the best person to vote for come 7 December 2020 is John Dramani Mahama. He is the only one who can help you. He is the only one who can make premix fuel available and ensure that there is transparency.”

    Meanwhile, the government is set to roll out a Canoe Identification Card to curb premix fuel diversion.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • LIVESTREAMING: Mahama holds town hall meeting on the ‘People’s Manifesto’

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) will this afternoon, September 15, 2020, at 1:00pm hold a town hall meeting in Kumasi, Ashanti region.

    The meeting comes as part of the NDC’s efforts to acquaint its supporters and citizens with policies outlined in its just recently outdoored manifesto ahead of the upcoming 2020 general elections.

    One of the initiatives outlined in the manifesto of the NDC, will see an injection of US$10 billion accelerated into an infrastructural plan intended to drive jobs and entrepreneurial agenda if elected in December 2020.

    The flagbearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama on his part has assured that his next administration if elected, will adopt a smart borrowing tactic to finance the initiative.

    Meanwhile, his running mate, Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has begun a tour in the Western Region on Monday, September 14, 2020, to acquaint herself with the chiefs and people of the region.

    Join the feed below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • PPP: GH¢100,000 presidential nomination filing fee is too much

    The Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) says the GH¢100,000 nomination filing fee fixed by the Electoral Commission (EC) for the 2020 presidential election is too high.

    According to the PPP, it is a difficult decision coming at a difficult time, the National Secretary of the PPP, Papa Kow Ackon said.

    “They have taken this decision without consulting IPAC [Inter Party Advisory Committee]…we find it a bit troubling that this decision has come at this time.”

    In a radio interview with Accra based Joy FM on Monday evening [September 14, 2020] in a reaction to the announcement of the nomination filing fee and date, Papa Kow Ackon said, “we all know the fee for 2016, the EC charged about GH¢50,000 and so for this to be increased by over 100 percent, this is just not on.

    He said the EC needs to be questioned whether it has the necessary statutory backing to fix the new fee.

    He said on Wednesday [September 16] the PPP will have its national committee meeting and it would be discussed “but clearly it is a difficult decision, we are in a difficult moment in our history and it is important if the EC is making decisions, it must factor all the economic challenges people are going through in this country. We should not fix fees at that high level and say that becoming a president is a tough thing or a serious thing and so anyone who expresses interest must cough some high fees.”

    The Convention Peoples Party (CPP) has also expressed concern about the fee.

    The General Secretary, Nana Yaa Juantuah said in the Joy FM radio interview that the EC should not just set charges without explanation and without consulting IPAC.

    “Whatever it is, we should know the reason for the increase. Why did they leave the parliamentary one at the same level [GH¢10,000]

    Presidential and parliamentary aspirants for the December 7, 2020 Elections in Ghana are to file their nomination from October 5th to 9th, 2020, the Electoral Commission (EC) has announced.

    The Chairperson of the EC, Mrs Jean Mensa made this known at a press briefing Monday evening, [September 14, 2020].

    The nomination fee for presidential aspirants is GH¢100,000. This is a 100 percent increase from the GH¢50,000 fee which was paid in 2016.

    That of parliamentary aspirants, is GH¢10,000, same as what was paid in 2016.

    Per past practice, the filing fee or nomination fee that the aspirant pays is refunded after the election if he or she gets a certain percentage of the total valid votes cast in the election.

    The percentage is 25 per cent in the case of the Presidential election and 12.5 in the case of the parliamentary election.

    Unlike in the past where aspirants picked up the nomination forms from the office of the EC, this year the forms have been uploaded on the website of the EC.

    Aspirants are therefore to download their forms from the EC website and submit it as part of measures to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    In the past, the EC used just two days for the filing of nominations but this year, it has been increased it to five days.

    The Chairperson of the EC explained that to “ensure the security and integrity of the nomination process, each political party will be provided with a unique password to enable them access the password protected nomination forms…the passwords will be provided to the general secretaries of the political partieis.”

    “It is important to note that independent candidates will also be issued with unique passwords. We entreat the general secretaries of political parties and representatives of independent candidates to kindly call and contact the Head of IT [at the EC] for to receive access to their passwords.”

    Guidelines for filling nomination forms

    The EC has provided a detailed guideline on its website for filling the nomination forms.

    The EC will receive the filled out nomination forms for the presidential and parliamentary aspirants from Monday October 5 to Friday October 9, 2020.

    The forms are to be submitted in quadruplicates.

    That of the presidential aspirants are to submitted at the EC head office by the aspirants themselves or their supporters and to be received by the EC chairperson who is the Returning Officer.

    In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EC has limited the number of persons to submit the forms at the head office or at the district office to five persons. 

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Some 600 NDC members defect in Krachi East

    About 600 members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Krachi East Constituency of the Oti Region have defected to the New Patriotic Party, barely three months to the general elections.

    The defectors mainly youth activists of the party are said to be dissatisfied with the former President John Dramani Mahama and now the flagbearer of the NDC and therefore crossed carpet to join the camp of the ruling party.

    They resigned and officially announced their decision at the Dambai Lapaz Park, when Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady paid a courtesy call on Nana Kwaku Beyenor II, Imams and youth of Krachi East.

    Mr Mohammad Ayuba, former Zongo Youth Coordinator of the NDC in Krachi East among others told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that they were in the party for many years, but could not boast of any landmark developmental project around them.

    He said, the NDC won almost all the elections in the Constituency with the exception of 2016 and did nothing significant for the people of Krachi East.

    “As a patriot, my team and I owe ourselves a responsibility to ensure the Constituency develops.”

    Mr Ali Kwame, former Assembly-man of KpareKpare Electoral Area said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency that, over 16 communities had been connected to the national grid through Michael Yaw Gyato and 85 island communities also got solar and rechargeable lamps.

    He said there were lots of massive infrastructural development ongoing, which Dambai town roads were part during the NPP’s regime.

    Mrs Bawumia urged the Constituents to show much appreciation to the NPP government in the December polls for the creation of the Oti Region.

    She said Krachi East was carved out from Krachi West District in 2004 by former President John Agyekum Kuffour and was upgraded to Municipal status by President Akufo-Addo.

    Mrs Bawumia encouraged the people to give President Akufo Addo, four more years and also retain Michael Yaw Gyato to develop the Region and the Municipality.

    Source: GNA

  • NDC is title holder for Okada legalisation – Franklin Cudjoe

    Franklin Cudjoe, President of policy think tank, Imani Ghana has said the vision of legalising and regulating the use of bicycles and tricycles for commercial purposes remains an undisputed brainchild of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    While stating his support for regulation of the Okada business, he wittily noted in a tweet that “Okada legalisation and regulation is good. NDC remains the “title holder” for the vision…”

    However, in the name of fairness and to avert the possible wrath of some members of the NPP he added that; “I will be talking about good things the NPP is doing. But Okada dier NDC afa.”

    His reactions come on the back of heated national conversations about the legalization of the Okada business which was resurrected by former president John Dramani Mahama.

    During a campaign tour in the Volta Region, the former president who is seeking re-election is quoted to have promised that, “But in our law, it says Okada is illegal but Okada is a reality, it has come to stay, you can’t stop it, and, so, I’ve suggested and I say when we come into office, we will legalise Okada but we will regulate it.”

    This received tons of criticisms from the public, particularly members of the ruling NPP government. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the Transport Minister, Kwasi Ofori Asiamah in an interaction with some media personnel revealed that government has already begun stakeholder consultations to decide on whether to review the law banning the commercial use of motorcycles or implement it.

    “We as a government know that this is a matter that we need to take our time to confront the people, come out with their views and that, will determine the law that should be put in place,” Mr Asiamah stated.

    The final phase of consultation on the legalisation of the business has been scheduled to take place in October, 2020.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Kofi Akpaloo promises Ghanaians 11 stadiums worth $1.3b

    Founder and flagbearer of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) Percival Kofi Akpaloo has urged Ghanaians to vote the LPG into power during the December 7 elections, for a better Ghana.

    The party’s Presidential candidate is yearning to be elected President of the Republic of Ghana and has named Margaret O’Brien Sarfo as his Running Mate.

    In an interview on Peace News, Mr. Kofi Akpaloo has promised to establish eleven (11) stadiums across the country when elected.

    According to him, he wants to set up ultramodern stadiums that will make Ghana a host nation for the World Cup.

    ”We want to build a world class stadium, not 5000 capacity but rather 50000 capacity because we want to host World Cup here. If you want to host the World Cup, you have to develop the infrastructure.”

    He summed up the cost of the stadiums he will be building to be at 1.3 billion dollars.

    ”We will build one stadium at Bono East and then Ahafo, Upper East, Upper West, Savannah, North East, Western North, Volta Region, Oti Region, Eastern Region…So, we’re going to build the stadiums in eleven (11) Regions”, he stated.

    Source: Peace FM

  • NDC’s four months maternity leave policy may lead to unemployment of women in private sector – LRI

    The Labour Rights Institute despite having welcomed the promise made by the National Democratic Congress in their manifesto to extend maternity leave to four months has cautioned that the policy may lead to private sector employers shying away from engaging the service of women.

    In order to forestall such a situation, the institute has called for a discussion between labour stakeholders on the need for government to take up part of the cost employers may incur through a tax deduction agreement.

    In a statement issued by its Executive Coordinator, Mohammed Affum, the LRI said the extension from three months to four months will be an improvement in line with the International Labour organizations Convention 2000, which grants a maternity leave of 14 weeks for mothers and additional two weeks where two or more babies are born.

    The Institute emphasized that some private business employers do not engage women due to the cost incurred during maternity leave where a new person has to be employed to temporary fill up the vacancy.

    “These practices are unfair as maternity should not constitute a source of discrimination in employment, including access to employment.” The LRI observed.

    The Institute thus impressed on all stakeholders to recognize maternity protection measures.

    “The body of the woman undergoes changes during pregnancy and childbirth and she needs a sufficient time to rest and for the body to heal as well as time to allow for exclusive breastfeeding to babies for their survival and healthy development to replenish labour for productive work,” the Institute stated.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Pay no heed to noise, we have an election to win Ursula charges electoral area campaign team

    The Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma West Constituency, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has urged members of the NPP electoral area campaign team and other party activists in the constituency to remain resolute in localising their campaign messages.

    Mrs. Ekuful noted, it will be relevant to talk about developmental projects embarked on in individual electoral areas than using developments in a different electoral area to campaign to enable the inhabitants of such areas to resonate with and appreciate.

    “We have done a lot and we need to tell our stories. This is not the time for complacency. We are going to work hard and effectively to stay in government and continue developing our nation. We shall segment our messages and sell it appropriately” she charged members.

    The Ablekuma West NPP on Wednesday and Thursday inaugurated campaign teams in the following electoral areas: Orisco Nasrawa, Mampong Okai, Opetekwei, Ga Manye, Shiabu, Glefe, Gbebu, Mansralor, Otojor, and Zodiac/ Akoko photo.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Mrs. Ekuful was optimistic the NPP has done far better than the erstwhile Mahama administration and therefore deserves to be retained in office.

    “Pay no heed to distortions, focus on propagating the good messages to the people. We have an election to win hence we shall give no room to noise” she said.

    Source: Justice Walker Junior, Contributor

  • Ghanaians will vote for freedom, security on December 7 Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Akufo-Addo has reiterated his commitment to ensuring that electorates are able to cast their vote in peace, security and freedom on December 7.

    Addressing the Bono Region House of Chiefs on Thursday, President Akufo-Addo assured the House of the “wholehearted efforts that are going to be made by my Government and I to ensure the peace and stability of the nation, as we enter the last three months of the electioneering campaign”.

    Ghana, according to the President, “has rightly earned a reputation as the pacesetter in democratic governance on the continent, a reputation I am determined to uphold, and, indeed, enhance prior to, during and after the 7th December elections.”

    To this end, he appealed for the full collaboration and co-operation of the Bono House of Chiefs, adding that “we have all to work together to create the environment that will allow the Ghanaian people to make their decision on 7th December in freedom, peace and security. It is their right”.

    Appreciating the indispensable role played by Chiefs in the history and development of Ghana, he explained that, ever since his Government assumed office in January 2017, a lot of steps have been undertaken to strengthen the institution of Chieftaincy.

    These include a 100% increase in the quarterly budgetary support to the Traditional Councils and Houses of Chiefs, and a GH¢3.5 million support for the completion of the new headquarters office complex of the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi.

    Additionally, President Akufo-Addo indicated the commitment of Government to moving speedily on finishing work on the codification of the traditional norms and rules that have guided our communities throughout the ages.

    “The Ministry, in collaboration with the National House of Chiefs, has also begun the process of digitising records of the National House of Chiefs, particularly records in the National Register of Chiefs,” he added

    Towards addressing the challenges of chieftaincy disputes, President Akufo-Addo revealed further that “Government, through the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has arranged to provide the funds that will increase the number of sittings of Judicial Committees of Regional Houses to hasten the adjudication of pending issues, in order to bring closure to many outstanding disputes that continue to generate tension”.

    Again, to reduce conflicts and establish areas of customary jurisdiction and allegiance, the Chieftaincy Ministry, together with the National House of Chiefs has delineated traditional areas of paramouncies.

    The President also appealed to the Chiefs to help government streamline the administration of lands in the country, leading to an efficient and well-functioning regime of titling, fixing of boundaries and ownership tracing.

    “The Chieftaincy Ministry has also instituted a programme to have courses in Chieftaincy development, comprising lectures, seminars and other activities, aimed at building the capacity of Chiefs and all persons with interests in the Chieftaincy institution. I applaud this initiative,” he added.

    Source: Jubilee House

  • Mahama’s 10 billion big push will be funded by reduction of ministers, other sources – Kwame Agbodza

    The Member of Parliament for the Adaklu Constituency in the Volta Region, Kwame Agbodza, has detailed how the National Democratic Congress (NDC) intends to fund its promise of a 10 billion big push in infrastructure when voted into power as he says that funding for these projects will not be limited to one source of funding.

    Many have questioned how the party will fulfil such a promise considering the amount of money involved.

    However, the MP speaking to Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning show has shared that just like the NDC did in the past with infrastructural development, it will fulfil its promise by looking to different sources such as the Ghana Infrastructural fund, the road fund and the reduction of ministers to save money for infrastructural projects.

    “The 10 billion push is going to come from a series of sources such as the reduction in ministers; saving us a lot of money and the fund for infrastructure, among others”.

    He furthered that Ghanaians can trust the NDC as the party has a track record of promoting infrastructural development.

    “I am telling you how we were able to raise money in the past to push infrastructure. NDC has delivered in the past in terms of matching infrastructure to the funds”.

    When questioned on whether a part of the funding will come from borrowing, Kwame Agbodza answered: “As a government, we have never shied away from the fact that sometimes it is okay that you borrow.

    The Kumasi Central Market project was out of borrowing. But today, the trajectory of revenue shows that we can repay the money conveniently from the traders. So you can say that is good borrowing.

    A part of the funds for the terminal three was borrowed but today that project has been positive especially up to this COVID-19 time.

    We are putting money largely on ventures that can repay themselves. If it will give us value for money, why not?”.

    Former President John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has announced a $10 billion accelerated infrastructural plan, dubbed the Big Push, which he says will inject money into infrastructural development while driving jobs and entrepreneurial agenda.

    Source: Happy 98.9FM

  • Model SHS coming to Boli Bawumia promises

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has promised the chiefs and people of Boli in the Wa municipality that government will construct one of the proposed Model Senior High School in the Upper West region at Boli as captured in the manifesto of the ruling NPP.

    Addressing a durbar of Chiefs and people at Boli as part of his two-day working visit to the region, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said the Boli community will receive its share of the construction of 16 Model schools for the region.

    Dr Bawumia noted that the decades Wa-Boli road which has been a major problem confronting the people of the community will be addressed to aid movement.

    He also appealed to the people of Boli to vote massively for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Parliamentary Candidate for Wa Central Hajia Humu Awudu for more development.

    The Vice President ridiculed former President John Dramani Mahama saying he has zero credibility to review free Senior High School policy of the government hence must not be given the opportunity to halt it.

    The Chief of Boli Naa Mahama Issahaku indicated that the people of Boli are not ready to exchange their colour Television for a visionless black and white television.

    Boli Naa assured the Vice President that the community will provide hundred per cent votes and also campaign vigorously for the parliamentary candidate Hajia Humu Awudu and the NPP party to retain power to continue the development in Boli and its surrounding communities.

    Source: Starr FM