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Tag: John Dramani Mahama

  • ECG Boss apologises to Mahama for paying his own bills for over 6 years

    ECG Boss apologises to Mahama for paying his own bills for over 6 years

    The Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama has said that the company regrets allowing former President John Dramani Mahama pay for electricity consumed.

    According to him, the business is in charge of reading the former president’s meter and delivering the bills to the Chief of Staff’s office for payment, a part the company has failed to play.

    “We collate the bills of the former Presidents and take them to the Chief of Staff to pay. Former President Kufour’s bills were with us. We’ve given them to the Chief of Staff, and she has worked on them. We also had former President John Mahama’s own… We got in touch with him, and we realized that he has already been paying his own bills. So moving forward, we will discuss with him so that his bills will be absorbed,” he said.

    The Managing Director explained that the company will rectify the situation to ensure that the former President does not pay his own electricity bills going forward.

    “So, from now onwards we are going to have discussions with him (John Mahama) so that moving forward it would be absorbed.

    “I won’t put the blame at his doorsteps or make it political, it is my office, we were supposed to read his meter and take action by informing him that we will handle it, so, we now have put those structures in place after a very comprehensive conversation with the Chief of Staff.

    “…so, we had a meeting with the Chief of Staff and she told us her piece of mind and she told us exactly what we have to do because a lot of people would like to drop the problem at the political doorstep which is wrong,” he stated.

    He added that the Chief of Staff criticized the company for not fulfilling its obligations to former President Mahama the same way it does for former President Kufuor.

    In 2022, former President Mahama disclosed that since he left office in 2017, the only benefit he receives from the government is his monthly pension. He added that he pays all his utility bills, which he believes should have been covered by the government.

    “I receive only my monthly pension like President Kufuor and President Rawlings was receiving before he died. That is all I get.

    “I pay the electricity bill for my house and my office, I pay the water bill for my house and my office. I live in my own accommodation so the State does not pay me anything for accommodation,” Mr Mahama said.

    Source:The Independent Ghana
  • Ben Ephson predicts landslide win for Bawumia

    Ben Ephson predicts landslide win for Bawumia

    Pollster Ben Ephson has predicted a landslide win for Vice President in the 2024 election should he be given the nod as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    “If Bawumia is made the flagbearer of NPP, he comes with two main advantages; that is many Christians feel comfortable with him even though he is a Muslim and Muslims who used to vote for the NDC would switch and vote for NPP.

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

    He also stated that former President John Dramani Mahama will have it difficult winning the 2024 presidential election.

    According to him, the former president will most certainly win the flagbearership of the opposition National Democratic Congress but will face a bigger challenge in winning the presidency.

    “Mahama will win but it is 2024 that will be his problem. Mahama will win the NDC slot, he will win easily but 2024 is going to be his problem,” he stated during an interview on Hello FM.

    Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party, the two main leading political parties are set to elect their flagbearers.

    In the NPP race, Mr Ephson has predicted a landslide win for Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia who is one of the lead contenders.

    In an interview with Onua TV in early April, Ben Ephson said Dr Bawumia will go ahead to win the presidency if he is elected the flagbearer of the NPP.

  • NDC constituency executives suspended for hooting at MP

    NDC constituency executives suspended for hooting at MP

    The Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira Constituency branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Western Region is embroiled in a dispute following the suspension of some of the constituency executives by the Regional Executives.

    The executives have been suspended for allegedly hooting at the incumbent MP for the area, Kofi Arko Nokoe, during a recent visit by former President John Dramani Mahama.

    According to a report by Dailyguidenetwork.com, the suspended executives include the Chairman, Emmanuel Ennor Kwofie, the Secretary, Gideon Ansah Mensah, and Organiser, one Obosu.

    They have been accused of showing indiscipline during the former president’s visit when some members of the party in a particular T-shirt allegedly hooted at the sitting MP, causing those present huge embarrassment. The chairman’s wife’s supporters, who reportedly want to contest the upcoming parliamentary primaries, were among those who hooted at the incumbent MP while he was with the former president.

    In a statement issued by the Regional Secretariat of the party and signed by its Secretary, Joseph Nelson, confirmed the suspension. The statement noted that the campaign tour of ex-President Mahama in the area on March 26, 2023, witnessed an unfortunate incident, and a circular was issued from the Regional Secretariat cautioning that no parliamentary aspirant should be allowed to use the occasion to campaign for themselves.

    The statement added that as the Constituency Chairman, Emmanuel Ennor Kwofie, had the responsibility to ensure compliance with the party’s directive and protect the party from public ridicule, which did not happen.

    Therefore, the Regional Executives at their meeting on April 6, 2023, and in reference to Article 48 Clause 8 subsection ‘C’ of the party’s constitution, took a decision to suspend him for a period of three months. The chairman’s suspension takes immediate effect, and his case will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee of the region for adjudication.

    It is noteworthy that some branch executives of NDC in the constituency previously expressed their displeasure with the regional executives for allegedly trying to let the incumbent MP go unopposed in the party’s upcoming parliamentary primaries.

    Meanwhile, the constituency chairman according to the Daily Guide report has refused to comment on the matter.

  • ECG MD confirms that John Mahama pays his own electricity bills

    ECG MD confirms that John Mahama pays his own electricity bills

    The Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama has confirmed that former President John Dramani Mahama has been paying his own electricity bills.

    Mahama in an exclusive interview with TV3 in 2022 said that all he receives from the government is his monthly pension and that all other bills the state must cater for have not been attended to since he left office in 2017.

    Mahama said he is footing a myriad of bills, including light, fuel, office rent, and travel expenses.

    Responding to a question in an interview with Peace FM’s Kokrokoo on April 17, 2023, Samuel Dubik Mahama, explained that the electricity company collates all former presidents’ bills and sends them to the Chief of Staff for payment, however, when they received former President Mahama’s bills, they realized that he had already been paying his own bills.

    The MD admitted that the fault lies with the electricity company for not doing their job well. He further explained that they are supposed to read the former president’s meter and send the bills to the Chief of Staff for payment.

    “We collate all former president’s bills and we send them to the Chief of Staff for payment.

    “Let me break it down, former President Kufour’s bills are with us, we gave them to the Chief of Staff and she has worked on them. We also had former President John Mahama’s own…we tried to get in touch with him, and when we got the bills, for him, he has already been paying his own bills…Yes, he pays his own bills.

    “So, from now onwards we are going to have discussions with him so that moving forward it would be absorbed.

    “I won’t put the blame at his doorsteps or make it political, it is my office, we were supposed to read his meter and take action by informing him that we will handle it, so, we now have put those structures in place after a very comprehensive conversation with the Chief of Staff.

    “She told us her peace of mind and she told us exactly what we have to do because a lot of people would like to drop the problem at the political doorstep which is wrong,” he said.

    Dubik Mahama emphasized that the issue is not political and they do not want it to sound political.

    The news of Mahama paying his own electricity bills has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some have praised him for his sense of responsibility, while others have criticized the ruling government for denying the former statesman his entitlements.

    John Dramani Mahama served as president of Ghana from 2012 to 2017 and continues to be an active political figure in the country.

  • Take full responsibility of economic hardships – Mahama tells Akufo-Addo

    Take full responsibility of economic hardships – Mahama tells Akufo-Addo

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has for the umpteenth time accused the Akufo-Addo led administration of gross economic mismanagement.

    He says government must take full responsibility for the economic hardship Ghanaians are facing and focus on expenditure reduction.

    “Ghana is currently on her knees for a bailout with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) amidst intensifying hardships, rising cost of living and a depreciating cedi,” he said.

    Mr Mahama, contesting the flagbearer position of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was addressing party executives in the Krachi East Constituency on his campaign tour.

    He urged the Government to focus on social intervention programmes and reduce expenditure, taking into consideration that the present IMF programme would be different from all bailouts the country had ever engaged in.

    “This will be the first of its kind the nation embarks on an IMF programme with debts restructure”.

    He said the NDC’s greater concern was that the Government rejected every reasonable and constructive suggestion from others on working together for economic improvement.

    “Government must stop blaming the Ukraine-Russia war for the economic hardship in the country and explain the exact challenges to the citizenry,’’ he said.

    Former President Mahama is expected to visit Krachi, Nkwanta North, Nkwanta South and end his campaign tour at the Akan Constituency in the Kadjebi District.

  • Mahama boasts of returning to Jubilee House in 2025

    Mahama boasts of returning to Jubilee House in 2025

    Former president John Dramani Mahama has expressed the highest hope of becoming the country’s next President.

    He boasted about being the first occupant of the Jubilee House as president of the republic.

    Mahama related to the tradition of outgoing presidents hosting the incoming president usually at the presidency to show them around the place, that is the home and new office of the new president.

    Speaking to party supporters in the Eastern Region last week, the presumptive flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) recounted how Rawlings hosted Kufuor at the Castle in 2000 and how Atta Mills got a similar treatment from Kufuor in 2008 at the yet to be completed Jubilee House.

    “7th January 2017, I showed Akufo-Addo around the Flagstaff House, where he will sit, his vice president, cabinet office, his meeting and conference rooms, I am the one who showed him around.

    “So, I was asking a question, on 7th January 2025, who will show John Mahama around the Flagstaff House?” he asked party faithful at the St. Martins Secondary School in Nsawam.

    Mahama was in Nsawam as part of his National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearership campaign which was in the region during the week. He is seeking to lead the NDC into the 2024 election, which will mark his fourth consecutive run for the seat.

    “I opened Flagstaff House and I am the first president to have worked from there, it is true it was built by president Kufuor but I was the first president to stay at Flagstaff House.

    “So, after my inauguration, I will drive straight to Flagstaff House and start work,” he said in jest to cheers from the supporters.

  • How the NPP ousted Mahama in 2016 – Ken Agyapong reveals top secret

    How the NPP ousted Mahama in 2016 – Ken Agyapong reveals top secret

    Kennedy Agyapong, a member of parliament for Assin Central, has explained how the New Patriotic Party (NPP) managed to defeat all odds and win the 2016 presidential election.

    He claimed that, in contrast to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which was in power at the time, the NPP was having trouble raising money for elections and for voter gifts.

    He charged that John Dramani Mahama, who was in office at the time, had given away brand-new automobiles, including some to chiefs, while the NPP was operating with used trucks.

    Speaking to a few party delegates in Tema as part of his bid to lead the NPP in the elections of 2024, he said.

    “Money can solve issues but not all issues because if it was all about money Akufo-Addo wouldn’t have become president because Mahama distributed brand new cars till chiefs also benefitted.

    “At the time, we were struggling with used pickups, salt, gari, maggi cube, second-hand clothes was what we used to unseat Mahama,” he said warning his own party: “but politicians don’t learn. They don’t learn.”

    Agyapong, a known financier of the NPP has serially boasted about how much monetary contributions he has made to the party since he joined in the early 90s. He has spoken about buying hundreds of vehicles for the party and even paying for an entire congress when the party sought to decentralize voting to elect a flagbearer.

  • Mahama to set up Governance Advisory Council to address challenges cited in 2022 US Human rights report

    Mahama to set up Governance Advisory Council to address challenges cited in 2022 US Human rights report

    Former president, John Dramani Mahama, has voiced his worries over the information contained in the US State 2022 report on Ghana’s violations of human rights.

    The U.S. Department of State last week released its 2022 annual Country Report on Human Rights Practices which cited Ghana for several human rights cases of abuse.

    The report cited Ghana for a number of human rights abuses including arbitrary or unlawful killings, extrajudicial killings; torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by the government or on behalf of the government among others.

    According to the report, although the government took some steps to address corruption and human rights abuses by officials, whether in the security forces or elsewhere in the government, impunity remained a problem.

    The report highlighted that corruption, brutality, uneven training, lack of oversight, and an overburdened judicial system contributed to police impunity.

    It stated that police often failed to respond to reports of crimes. In many instances, police did not respond to complaints unless members of the public paid for police transportation and other operating expenses.

    Speaking during his tour of Kpone Katamanso in the Greater Accra Region, Mr Mahama said “Recently, the US Human Right report has come out and it makes very bad reading.

    “Human rights abuses, corruption, torture, so many things. And that is why I said when we come into office we will pursue constitutional review so that we tighten the constitution to ensure that it guarantees our freedoms and rights and make things better.

    “We will set up a Governance Advisory Council and that would include Civil Society Organisations, religious leaders, chiefs and ordinary grassroots people.”

  • Is Mahama implying Jubilee House will become Flagstaff House under his leadership?

    Is Mahama implying Jubilee House will become Flagstaff House under his leadership?

    Last week, former president John Dramani Mahama had cause to speak extensively about the presidency at a speech to party supporters in Nsawam.

    Among others, Mahama, who is running for the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) presidential nomination, boasted of being familiar with the area because he was the building’s first president.

    In his address, he referred to the place currently known as Jubilee House by its old name Flagstaff House.

    “7th January 2017, I showed Akufo-Addo around the Flagstaff House, where he will sit, his vice president, cabinet office, his meeting and conference rooms, I am the one who showed him around.

    “So, I was asking a question, on 7th January 2025, who will show John Mahama around the Flagstaff House?” he asked party faithful at the St. Martins Secondary School in Nsawam.

    “I opened Flagstaff House and I am the first president to have worked from there, it is true it was built by president Kufuor but I was the first president to stay at Flagstaff House.

    “So, after my inauguration, I will drive straight to Flagstaff House and start work,” he said to cheers from the supporters.

    About the Jubilee House

    Jubilee House, is the presidential palace in Accra that serves as a residence and office to the President of Ghana.

    Jubilee House is built on the site of a building that was constructed and used for administrative purposes by the British Gold Coast Government. The previous seat of government of Ghana is Osu Castle.

    It was renamed Golden Jubilee House by President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo on 29th March 2018. It has previously been known as The Flagstaff House.

  • Election 2024: I will start work immediately after my inauguration – ‘Hopeful’ Mahama says

    Election 2024: I will start work immediately after my inauguration – ‘Hopeful’ Mahama says

    Former president, John Dramani Mahama has made light-hearted remarks about how his first day in office would be if he is sworn in as President of Ghana.

    He asserts that he will hit the ground running because he is acquainted with the presidency having been the first occupant of the current location.

    “7th January 2017, I showed Akufo-Addo around the Flagstaff House, where he will sit, his vice president, cabinet office, his meeting and conference rooms, I am the one who showed him around.

    “So, I was asking a question, on 7th January 2025, who will show John Mahama around the Flagstaff House?” he asked party faithful at the St. Martins Secondary School in Nsawam.

    Mahama was there as party of his National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearership campaign which was in the region during the week.

    “I opened Flagstaff House and I am the first president to have worked from there, it is true it was built by president Kufuor but I was the first president to stay at Flagstaff House.

    “So, after my inauguration, I will drive straight to Flagstaff House and start work,” he said to cheers from the supporters.

    John Mahama campaign tour | Interacts with Nsawam Delegates || WoezorTV live https://t.co/VFlCLeRXe3
— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) April 12, 2023
  • Show us you have the men – Mahama teases Akufo-Addo

    Show us you have the men – Mahama teases Akufo-Addo

    Former president John Dramani Mahama has poked President Akufo-Addo for failing to provide Ghanaians a stable economy despite claiming ‘we have the men’.

    According to him, the NPP lacks the credibility to be trusted to turn around the economy.

    During the 2012 and 2016 electoral campaigns, the then-presidential candidate Akufo-Addo that his team had the human resource to develop Ghana.

    But, speaking to delegates during his visit to Kpone Katamanso on Friday, Mr Mahama stated that the NDC has come to the conclusion that this is not the case.

    “In 2016, our colleagues, the NPP told a lot of lies about us. They labeled us as incompetent and they came with a lot of big and sweet promises to the people of Ghana and use that to persuade people that there will be a better government than we were.

    “And so the people of Ghana tried them by voting for them. They said they should try them, ‘try me and see’. And that was a mistake the people of Ghana made because we have come to realise that after all, we have the men, we have the men. They were station boys, they don’t know anything,’” Mr Mahama said.

    According to former President Mahama, the ministers who served during his administration performed better than the current administration.

    Mr Mahama commented on the power purchase agreement, noting that the NDC had been chastised by the NPP for signing too many power purchase agreements.

    As a result, he questioned why the government is adding to the power purchase agreement if there are so many.

    “Just last week, they signed another power purchase agreements were signed to many power purchase agreements. Why are you signing another one today?”

    He went on to say that the government promise of one district, one factory – one village, one dam was a hoax to sway Ghanaians’ votes. This, he explained, is because the factories are currently not operational.

    “Recently, I was watching a documentary on Joy and most of those factories are not even working,” he added.

    He also described as troubling the findings of a recent US State Department report on human rights violations in Ghana.

    “The US Human Rights Report has come out and it makes it very bad reading, human rights abuses, corruption, torture, so many things, discrimination, everything go and read that report.”

    According to him, when he assumes office, his government “will set up a governance Advisory Council. And that governance advisory council would include civil society organizations, religious leaders, chiefs, and ordinary grassroots people.

    And every year, that council will release a report on the state of human rights corruption and everything in Ghana.”

  • I fixed ‘dumsor’ though I did not create it – Mahama

    I fixed ‘dumsor’ though I did not create it – Mahama

    John Dramani Mahama, a former president, claimed that the energy challenge (dumsor) was something he inherited.

    However, he said, he took responsibility for the problem and solved it before leaving office in 2016.

    Mr Mahama indicated that the dumsor was a generation problem therefore his government invested in power generation as part of the solution.

    Speaking to delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Friday, April 14, Mr Mahama who is seeking to be elected flagbearer of the NDC said “In 2016, I wouldn’t say Ghana was a paradise but our situation was far better than it is today.

    “In 2016 our colleagues the NPP told a lot of lies about us, they labelled us as incompetent and they came with a lot of big and sweet promises to the people of Ghana and used that to persuade the people that they will be a better government than we were.

    “And so the people of Ghana tried them by voting for them, they said they should try them and that was the mistake the people of Ghana made because we have come to realise that after all the ‘we have the men. we have the men’ it was station boys, they don’t know anything.”

    He added, “If you take our ministers who were running this country in 2016 and compare them with their ministers who are running Ghana today pound for pound, our ministers were far better than any of them.”

    He further indicated that “We solved many difficult challenges, dumsor was not created by us, it was lack of generation capacity over the years, and so when we came into office we were confronted with it, we did not run away, we did not shift the blame to somebody.

    “I could have said Presidents Rawlings and Kuffuor and President Mills did not add new generation but what we did was, we took responsibility, I went to Parliament and said yes you elected us to take responsibility, we take responsibility and we shall fix it.

    “Truly, by the time we left in 2016, we had fixed dumsor, we had fixed the generational challenges Indeed, they accused us of putting in too much generation than we needed.”

  • Mahama refutes claim of attacking Asantes in campaign speech

    Mahama refutes claim of attacking Asantes in campaign speech

    Former President, John Dramani Mahama has refuted claims of attacking Asantes during his campaign at Eastern Region.

    It was reported in some media circles that the former President made some disparaging comments about the people in the Ashanti Region.

    Mr. Mahama is alleged to have advised residents in the Eastern Region not to learn from their counterparts in the Ashanti Region who are emotionally attached to the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and do not think before voting for the elephant-symbol party.

    But rubbishing this claim in a statement on April 14, the spokesperson for Mr. Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari asserted, “The said publication, which has been sourced to UTV, an Accra-based television station is false. President Mahama has not made any such statement, either on his campaign rounds or to UTV”.

    Madam Bawah Mogtari underscored that the former President is focused on his campaign.

    “Mr. Mahama remains focused on his ‘Building the Ghana we want Together’ campaign and will not be distracted by such dirty propaganda,” she noted.

    Read below the full statement by Madam Joyce Bawah Mogtari

    DISCLAIMER

    The attention of the John Mahama Campaign has been drawn to a fake quote attributed to the former President purportedly attacking Ashantis.

    The said publication, which has been sourced to UTV, an Accra based television station is false.

    President Mahama has not made any such statement, either on his campaign rounds or to UTV.

    We believe this is yet another disinformation campaign to cause disaffection for Mr. John Mahama, and demand a retraction and apology from UTV.

    Mr. Mahama remains focused on his ‘Building the Ghana we want Together’ campaign and will not be distracted by such dirty propaganda.

    Joyce Bawah Mogtari
    Spokesperson
    April 14, 2023

  • Your allegiance is not to political parties but the state – Mahama tells security agencies

    Your allegiance is not to political parties but the state – Mahama tells security agencies

    A former president, John Dramani Mahama, has urged the Ghana Police Service and other security organizations to always act impartially and without prejudice in the performance of their duty.

    Mr. Mahama addressing branch and constituency executives of both Lower West Akyem and Upper West Akyem constituencies at Asamankese to climax his 3-day tour of the Eastern region indicated that the loyalty of security agencies is to the state and not political parties.

    He suggested to the security agencies not to support any political party when chaos erupts.

    “Security agencies, your loyalty is to the state and not to a political party. You don’t have to support only one political party when chaos erupts. You need to be neutral,” he said.

  • Mahama to campaign in Oti region on April 16

    Mahama to campaign in Oti region on April 16

    A former president and flagbearer candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, will visit the Oti Region beginning on April 16 to meet with party members, officials, activists, and supporters.

    During the visit, the flagbearer hopeful would engage with Branch, Constituency and Regional executives to enlighten them on his vision and plans for the nation.

    A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) urged the nine constituencies’ chairmen to strictly adhere to the agreed programme schedule to ensure a successful event.

    It said the leadership of the region, led by Mr Kwadwo Gyapong, had already engaged with the constituency chairmen to deliberate on the visit.

    It said Mr Mahama would interact with some economic and social groups in Guan, Buem, Biakoye, Krachi East and Krachi West constituency on day one.

    He is also expected to engage Krachi Nchumuru, Nkwanta North, Nkwanta South, and Akan constituency executives.

  • Mahama’s campaign tour continues; Oti region is his next stop

    Mahama’s campaign tour continues; Oti region is his next stop

    Former President John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer aspirant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is continuing with his campaign tour.

    He is to tour Oti Region from April 16 to interact with delegates, functionaries, activists, and supporters of the party.

    During the visit, the flagbearer hopeful would engage with Branch, Constituency, and regional executives to enlighten them on his vision and plans for the nation.

    A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) urged the nine constituencies’ chairmen to strictly adhere to the agreed programme schedule to ensure a successful event.

    It said the leadership of the region, led by Kwadwo Gyapong, had already engaged with the constituency chairmen to deliberate on the visit.

    It said John Mahama would interact with some economic and social groups in Guan, Buem, Biakoye, Krachi East, and Krachi West constituency on day one.

    He is also expected to engage Krachi Nchumuru, Nkwanta North, Nkwanta South, and Akan constituency executives.

  • Majority of voters say Ghana is moving in a wrong direction – Survey

    Majority of voters say Ghana is moving in a wrong direction – Survey

    According to the results of a recent nationwide poll conducted in April 2023 by Global InfoAnalytics, 71% of respondents believe Akufo-Addo is leading Ghana in the wrong direction.

    The poll said 65 percent of voters disapprove of his performance, up from 59 percent in January, while 29 percent approve of his performance, down from 32 percent.

    While 58 percent of NPP supporters approve of the president’s performance, 38 percent disapprove.

    For supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) engaged, the poll uncovered that 11 percent approved his job performance whilst 86 percent disapproved his performance.

    Meanwhile, 15 percent of floating voters approved of President Akufo-Addo’s performance compared to 77 percent who disapproved of his performance.

    “71 percent of voters believed Ghana is headed in the wrong direction, unchanged from January 2023 poll. 19 percent believed it is headed in the right direction and a further 10 percent did not have opinion,” parts of the survey by Global InfoAnalytics revealed.

    For the NPP primaries, the poll shows Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (KOA) surging among general voters but not enough to overtake Hon Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten (AKK) and H.E. Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB) in the race to lead the NPP into the 2024 elections.

    While for the NDC polls, John Dramani Mahama has a big gap over other flagbearer aspirants.

  • Ghana would be doomed if NPP is retained in 2024 – Mahama

    Ghana would be doomed if NPP is retained in 2024 – Mahama

    A National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer hopeful, John Dramani Mahama, has stated that Ghana would be doomed if the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is retained in 2024.

    In Mr Mahama’s view, the excessive borrowing by the NPP administration will have serious implications for the country’s future generations.

    Speaking to delegates of the NDC in the Fanteakwa Constituency in the Eastern Region, John Mahama said the NPP poses a threat to the future of Ghana.

    “This government has endangered the future of our children by their reckless borrowing because when our children take over tomorrow, and they are in our shoes, and they go to the International market to look for money, these people will say that your fathers borrowed recklessly, and you could not pay your debt, and so we had to cancel your debt for you.”

    The former President also stated that no youthful person concerned about the state of the country will vote to maintain the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2024.

    According to Mr Mahama who is on a 3-day tour of the Eastern Region, the reckless and excessive borrowing by the NPP has jeopardised the future of the country for the next 10 years.

    “The NPP government is destroying the future of the youth with excessive borrowing. For those who took the loans, how many years are left for them to leave the surface of the earth to join God? The creditors will not give the future generation loans due to the failure of this government to settle its loans”.

    “If you are concerned about your future don’t vote for the NPP government that has put us in this situation. Listen to your conscience, they have spoilt the future of Ghana. For the next ten years, it will be difficult to go outside for loans. They have done enough damage to the country, they should pack out,” he said.

  • Name the individuals you allege are involved in galamsey – NPP tells Mahama

    Name the individuals you allege are involved in galamsey – NPP tells Mahama

    Richard Ahiagbah, the director of communications for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has asked former president John Dramani Mahama to name the party’s individuals he alleges are involved in galamsey.

    Mr. Ahiagbah said the former president must be patriotic enough and help the police bring such persons to book.

    Mr. Ahiagbah made the call on the back of a claim by former president Mahama that government has deliberately been harassing NDC supporters who engage in galamsey but allowing NPP fanatics to engage in the practice with impunity.

    In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr. Ahiagbah refuted the accusations and said the Akufo-Addo government has made strides in its fight against galamsey and admonished the former president to volunteer information leading to the prosecution of such people.

    “When the president took control of the fight against galamsey, he engaged everyone because it is an open fight he was leading and there was no secret about it and I call others to come on board and disregard the comments of the former president”.

    “If the former president knows anyone engaging in galamsey, he should tell us because all of us are united in the fight against galamsey. But we want to know the NDC supporters he said are engaged in galamsey, so they can be prosecuted for endangering our future.”

    “We must be interested in what the former president was saying because it is revealing that there are NDC people who are doing galamsey, and he knows them and encourages them to keep doing it, but they are now disappointed because the fight against galamsey is successful,” Mr. Ahiagbah further stressed.

    Mr. Ahiagbah further indicated that the government’s fight against galamsey has been relatively successful and appealed for a collective effort and collaboration of the public to keep it going.

    “The Lands Minister is busy reclaiming galamsey lands and the fight against galamsey is ongoing, and we all have to make efforts to help make the fight a success.”

  • Galamsey: Only NDC faithfuls are being persecuted – John Mahama

    Galamsey: Only NDC faithfuls are being persecuted – John Mahama

    Former President John Mahama says the ruling New Patriotic Party’s fight against illegal mining is only targeted at persons deemed to be members and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Speaking at Akyem-Mosease in the Eastern Region on his three-day tour, Mr Mahama said during the NDC’s tenure in office, the government allowed every licensed miner, regardless of their background, the opportunity to work on concessions, without discrimination.

    According to the former president, the most disturbing aspect of the galamsey fight is the situation where seized mining equipment is handed over to NPP party faithful.

    “When NDC was in power, we didn’t discriminate. We didn’t say this person was NDC, NPP, CPP or PNC. Anybody who was licensed was allowed to work. But when these people took over, they have taken over people’s concessions, seized their excavators and given to NPP members to work, sidelining the rest of us but everything has an end. There will certainly be a change,” Mr Mahama said.

    Also clarifying his ‘do or die’ comment, which he claims has been twisted, John Mahama explained it to mean a determination to succeed in every venture.

    “The 2024 election is not going to be a joke. That is why I said it will be ‘do or die’. But when I said do or die some people have twisted it to mean that we are going to cut people with cutlasses and bow and arrows. No, that is not ‘do or die’. ‘Do or die’ means a determination to succeed in a very important venture,” Mr Mahama noted.

    The former president’s tour to the Eastern Region is expected to end on Thursday, April 13.

  • NPP calls for Mahama’s arrest over ‘do or die’ comment

    NPP calls for Mahama’s arrest over ‘do or die’ comment

    The National Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party(NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has hinted that the party plans to submit a petition to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) calling for the arrest and prosecution of former President John Dramani Mahama over his infamous “do-or-die” remark. 

    Nana Boakye said Mr Mahama needs to be arrested for inciting political violence.

    He explained that the petition has also cited the National Chairman of the NDC, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia for asking party supporters to sacrifice their lives for the victory of the NDC in the 2024 general elections  

    Mr. Mahama before the 2020 general elections said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will face the NPP boot for boot if they attempt to intimidate them with hoodlums.

    Mr Boakye gave these hints while speaking in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM on Tuesday, April 2023.

    According to the NPP National Organiser, “former President, John Mahama, is on record to have said for the 2020 general elections, it’s boot for boot, and 2024 general elections it’s going to be a do-or-die affair” insisting that those utterances could incite violence in the country.

    He disclosed, “We [NPP] are forwarding a petition to the police CID. 

    “We are calling for the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of former President John Dramani Mahama for all these comments that he has made. 

    “We are of the view that it undermines national security and the peace that we are enjoying, it undermines our democratic stability”.

  • Next NDC administration will finish all uncompleted projects – Mahama

    Next NDC administration will finish all uncompleted projects – Mahama

    The next National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration will make a list of all unfinished projects and assure their completion, according to former president John Dramani Mahama.

    The former president said the decision by the current government to abandon projects started under the NDC has been one of the major damages to the country.

    Speaking to branch and constituency executives in Odumase in the Lower Manya Krobo Constituency, John Mahama said the priority of the next NDC government is to complete all stalled projects under this government.

    Meanwhile, the NDC flagbearer hopeful says no youthful person concerned about the state of the country will vote to maintain the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2024.

    According to the former President who is on a 3-day tour of the Eastern Region, the reckless and excessive borrowing by the New Patriotic Party has jeopardised the future of the country for the next 10 years.

    Addressing branch and constituency executives in Yilo Krobo Constituency, Mr Mahama rallied the youth to vote back the NDC to save the situation.

    He observed that the country is choked with debts making it impossible to pay back.

    “The NPP government is destroying the future of the youth with excessive borrowing. For those who took the loans, how many years are left for them to leave the surface of the earth to join God? The creditors will not give the future generation loans due to the failure of this government to settle its loans”.

    “If you are concerned about your future don’t vote for the NPP government that has put us in this situation. Listen to your conscience, they have spoilt the future of Ghana. For the next ten years, it will be difficult to go outside for loans. They have done enough damage to the country, they should pack out,” he said.

  • NPP is afraid of me – John Mahama

    NPP is afraid of me – John Mahama

    Former President John Mahama has stated that he is the only viable candidate that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) fears and therefore he should be elected as flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

    Speaking to delegates of the NDC in the Somanya Constituency on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, Mahama expressed his confidence in his ability to lead the NDC to victory in the elections.

    “I wouldn’t have contested if I was sure that my contenders for the NDC presidential slot could stand against the NPP and win the 2024 general elections, but we cannot take the risk. The only person the NPP fears amongst NDC members is me, John Dramani Mahama,” he said.

    Mahama went on to accuse the NPP of being unable to sleep when they hear his name, hence their call for a new face to lead the NDC. He also dismissed calls for a change in leadership within the NDC, saying it was none of their business.

    “They [NPP] are unable to sleep when they hear my name. That’s why they have been calling for a fresh person. Are you the ones to tell us what we should do? It’s none of your business, I believe God has given us the power already,” he said.

    The NDC is expected to hold its presidential primaries on May 13, 2023, with Mahama and other prominent party members expected to contest for the position of flagbearer.

    Ahead of the contest, Mr Mahama is being touted by key figures in the NDC as the presumptive leader of the party.

  • God has told me NDC would win 2024 elections – Mahama

    God has told me NDC would win 2024 elections – Mahama

    According to former president John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) God has told him the party would prevail in the 2024 general elections.

    Speaking to delegates of the NDC in Okere in the Eastern Region on Tuesday, April 11, he said “By God’s grace we have the experience, we didn’t buy it in the store, we didn’t learn it in school, it is God who gave us the opportunity to gather that experience.”

    He added “Don’t worry about what some people are saying, it is God’s will, I attend church and when I pray God speaks to me and God has said this is the time for NDC, he has given us power. If God decides no one can change it. Let us continue to pray and trust that what has been arranged will come to pass.”

    He further told all Parliamentary candidate hopefuls of the NDC to engage in a decent campaign.

    “Let us not resort to insult because we are one family, this is one party, we are looking for one thing, power.

    “Let us support whoever will be elected parliamentary candidate and when your time comes you will also be supported.

    “It is not only the MP that we have, if we come to power we have board chairmen, we have Ambassadors, DECs, and a lot of appointments and so if you don’t become an MP you will get an appointment.

    “So let us keep the campaign decent and when one person has emerged let us all support that person and let the party come to power,” he said.

  • Mahama to campaign in Eastern region today

    Mahama to campaign in Eastern region today

    The National Democratic Congress‘s (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, prospective presidential candidate will begin a three-day tour in the Eastern Region today.

    Mr. Mahama will visit thirty-one (31) constituencies where he will meet and interact with branch and constituency executives. He has so far toured 7 regions, touching ground in 106 constituencies.

    In the Eastern Region, former President Mahama will speak about his vision of “Building the Ghana we want together,” and why securing a convincing win in the NDC primaries will be a great boost for the 2024 presidential election.

    He will also share his plans towards improving the party’s polling and electoral area campaign, through voter mobilizing and canvassing, and the effective utilization of campaign materials and resources.

    Mr. Mahama has announced a reward scheme to recognize branches of the party that increase their polling station votes in both the parliamentary and presidential elections.

    From the Eastern Region, ex-President Mahama will spend a day touring some constituencies in the Greater Accra Region on Friday, April 14, before heading to the Oti Region.

  • Mahama counts his blessing; boasts about holding ‘every possible office’ in Ghana

    Mahama counts his blessing; boasts about holding ‘every possible office’ in Ghana

    Former president John Dramani Mahama has counted the blessings of God in his life relating it to his political journey from an assembly man to occupying the office of president.

    Speaking as an invited guest at an Easter Sunday service of the Holy Hill Faith Cathedral in Accra, Mahama used his political journey as an example of how a politician journeys through life with the risk of trappings of power.

    “God has blessed me, He has guided my steps. Any possible office in the politics of this country, I have occupied. I have been a deputy minister, I have been a minister, I have been a Member of Parliament for three terms, I have been a vice president.

    “And ultimately I have been the president of the republic of Ghana,” he added before stressing home how the trappings of office confers a sense of immortality on politicians.

    “What it does is that it gives you a sense of immortality. If you are used to the trappings of office, you will think that you will never step out of that office.

    “And so, for me; what I say to Christian politicians is let’s take Christ-like features into the work we do as politicians,” he is heard saying in a video shared on his Facebook timeline.

    John Mahama, a political thoroughbred

    Mahama’s political roots date as far back to the days of Ghana’s independence when his father served in the Nkrumah government.

    He is reputed to be one of the most thoroughbred politicians of the Fourth Republic having served from the local level (Assembly) through to becoming a Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi on the ticket of the NDC.

    Mahama held deputy minister and ministerial portfolios under the Rawlings government before rising to become vice president under John Mills and president when he took over from Mills then won his first full term in 2012.

    He is widely expected to be elected NDC flagbearer in a race against three other contenders ahead of the 2024 polls as he seeks a final term in office on the back of two straight defeats to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2016 and 2020.

  • We need people with experience to save our country – Mahama chides Akufo-Addo

    We need people with experience to save our country – Mahama chides Akufo-Addo

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has taken a swipe at President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, describing his administration as a bitter pill for Ghanaians.

    According to him, the many promises made by the president and his vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia prior to the 2016 and 2020 elections convinced many Ghanaians into voting for the NPP government.

    Former President Mahama believes the Akufo-Addo administration has taught Ghanaians to be careful of the promises politicians make while seeking political power.

    He said Ghanaians are really suffering under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led administration and the lessons learnt after voting based on their supercilious promises is bitter and the hardship unprecedented.

    Mr. Mahama said, the “incompetent” tag at his administration now fits the NPP well considering the current state of the economy and the plight of the suffering Ghanaians who voted for them.

    “They called me incompetent and I told them they have not come close to the presidency before. Now, what do we see? Ghanaians are suffering,” he bemoaned.

    Speaking at Ajumako Enyan Essiam Constituency, as part of his three-day tour in the Central Region, Former President Mahama, told delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to vote for people with experience during the party’s Parliamentary and Presidential primaries to rescue the country from its knees.

    He said, “We currently need people with experience to save our country not experiment,” adding that the Akufo-Addo administration has taught us that “So me hwe” is not for managing a country.

    Former President Mahama, hinted, that the next NDC government will present to Ghanaians the very alternative they yearn for.

  • With your atoning blood, give Ghanaians reason to hope- Mahama prays to God

    With your atoning blood, give Ghanaians reason to hope- Mahama prays to God

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has asked God to give Ghanaians hope with his redeeming blood during the Easter festivities.

    He also prayed to God to inspire Ghanaians to love one another as Christ loved everyone.

    This was contained in the Easter message he posted on his official Facebook page.

    “Happy Good Friday to all Ghanaians. As we commemorate this holy day, may the ultimate sacrifice of Christ who gave His life for our sake guide our journey on earth and instil in us the power of forgiveness and compassion”.

    “May His redeeming blood fill us with hope, joy and peace, and inspire us to love one another as Christ loved us”.

    “May our Lord’s sacrifice of love and compassion for humanity reflect in our actions,” he prayed.

  • Kobeah pledges support to Mahama after stepping down from NDC flagbearer race

    Kobeah pledges support to Mahama after stepping down from NDC flagbearer race

    Less than a week after resigning from the presidential contest, Ernest Kobeah, a former flagbearer candidate for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged his support for former president John Dramani Mahama.

    The businessman on Monday officially met Mahama to discuss a wide range of issues centering on the NDC and the upcoming primaries.

    Sharing the news on Facebook on Monday (3 April), Mahama commended Kobeah for the kind gesture.

    “Thank you, Ernest Kobeah for your magnanimity in offering me your support to lead our great party, the NDC, to the 2024 elections,” the former leader wrote.

    “Your decision to step down from the contest, even after paying in full the filing fees pegged for the contest is exemplary. May the NDC get better and stronger,” Mahama added in his Facebook post.

  • About 2m eligible Ghanaians to lose their votes with New CI – Mahama

    About 2m eligible Ghanaians to lose their votes with New CI – Mahama

    Former President John Mahama has stated that the new Constitutional Instrument (CI) being proposed by the Electoral Commission (EC) will leave many Ghanaians disenfranchised.

    He says more than two million eligible voters will be disenfranchised in the 2024 elections, per the Electoral Commission’s (EC) proposal to scrap the guarantor system when acquiring a voter identification card.

    Speaking at Kasoa as part of his three-day campaign tour of the Central Region, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer aspirant said “Up till now many people have not been able to register for the Ghana Card and those who have registered are yet to receive their cards”, he observed and asked all to endeavour to acquire the cards.

    The EC has proposed a new Constitutional Instrument (CI) to be passed by Parliament to scrap the use of passport or guarantor system and allow only the Ghana Card for the acquisition of the new voter ID to be used in the 2024 general elections.

    Ghana Card: New CI will disenfranchise 2 million eligible voters – Mahama

    According to Mr Mahama, the NDC has consistently cautioned the EC to exercise restraint for the National Identification Authority (NIA) to provide the Ghana Cards for those who have already registered, but all these have fallen on deaf ears.

    “We are still telling the EC that if they should go ahead with the proposal, they are going to disenfranchise a whole number of Ghanaians, and the estimate is that about two million people are eligible but do not have their cards.”

    He therefore urged party supporters and Ghanaians who were yet to receive their cards to follow up at the NIA offices to ensure their cards were retrieved.

    Mr Mahama said the old CI allows for a guarantor system and that was the position of the NDC.

  • It’s unacceptable to take money from vulnerable retirees – Mahama

    It’s unacceptable to take money from vulnerable retirees – Mahama

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has criticized the Akufo-Addo-led administration for abusing pensioners due to its ineffective economic management.

    According to Mr. Mahama, after borrowing recklessly and irresponsibly, government has taken funds belonging to pensioners.

    “Our own pensioners who have finished active service to the nation and are going to rest, the money that they earned that is supposed to feed them, [money] that they used to buy government bonds, today, this government says they cannot pay them what is theirs,” he said.

    The former president was speaking at a campaign meeting with branch and constituency executives in the Awutu Senya West Constituency during his ‘Building the Ghana we want together” tour of the Central Region.

    “I ask myself: are you God to determine that the retiree will live that long to receive his or her money by 2035? Yet, that is how they have structured things. This is money that our pensioners use to purchase their little medicines to cater for themselves”, Mr. Mahama noted.

    President Mahama therefore called for Ghanaians to vote out the NPP government in 20204 for its lack of sensitivity and consideration.

    “If a government can behave like this to a segment of its most vulnerable population, that government does not deserve to remain in power,” he said.

  • Mahama thanks Kobea for giving up NDC flagbearer race to support him

    Mahama thanks Kobea for giving up NDC flagbearer race to support him

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has expressed gratitude to Ernest Kobea for supporting him by withdrawing from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer competition.

    Kobea who was one of four members of the NDC to pick presidential nomination forms, announced his withdrawal from the race on Wednesday, March 29

    The party has scheduled Saturday, May 13 on which to go to polls to elect the man to lead its presidential campaign in next year’s elections.

    Four persons including Mr Kobeah had picked nomination forms to contest the primaries.
    They have all since been vetted.

    On Tuesday, March 28 when he faced the Vetting Committee, Mr Kobeah was asked to return with some documents.

    He was, however, full of praise for the Committee members, describing the brief process as “successful”.

    “There is no issue,” he told journalists after facing the Committee.

    “Just [that] I need to come back tomorrow [Wednesday]. Everything is fine and successful.”

    His withdrawal leaves Mr Mahama, Dr Kwabena Duffuor and Kojo Bonsu as the aspirants awaiting the Vetting Committee’s report for clearance or otherwise to contest the primaries.

    Commenting on his Facebook page,Mr Mahama said “Balloting has been done for the May 13 presidential primaries and John Mahama is No.1 on the ballot.

    “I thank you all for your dedication, support and prayers through it all, thus far. I also want to thank my younger brother, Ernest who has not only stepped down from the contest, but has declared his support for me.”

  • NDC primaries: Mahama takes number one spot on ballot paper

    NDC primaries: Mahama takes number one spot on ballot paper

    One of the candidates for the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) flagbearer race, John Dramani Mahama has taken the number spot on the ballot paper.

    Former Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Kojo Bonsu, and former Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffuor picked the second and third slots respectively.

    Chairman of the NDC Vetting Committee, Edward Doe Adjaho speaking to the media said the balloting was done after the successful vetting of the three candidates.

    The fourth candidate Ernest Kwaku Kobeah withdrew from the contest before the balloting was done.
    Ernest Kwaku Kobeah

    The NDC’s Presidential and Parliamentary primaries are slated for May 13, 2023.

  • Businessman who vowed to beat Mahama in NDC presidential race pulls out

    Businessman who vowed to beat Mahama in NDC presidential race pulls out

    Businessman Ernest Kobeah has pulled out of the NDC presidential race.

    This was made known on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the party’s headquarters in Accra.

    In an interview on JoyNews earlier this month, Mr Kobeah explained that he entered the race to create opportunity as well as set an example for the youth not to be intimidated.

    He was at the NDC Headquarters yesterday for his vetting.

    After submitting his documents among other requirements for the process, Ernest Kobeah was asked to return today for the final lap.

    However, on his return today, the aspirant has withdrawn from the race.

    According to JoyNews’ Samuel Mbura, the decision was borne out of Mr Kobeah’s intention to throw his weight behind contender John Mahama.

    Meanwhile, Mr Mahama went through his vetting process on Monday, March 27.

    After his session, John Mahama indicated that the country’s financial stability is at the heart of his campaign to lead the NDC.

    According to him, government has demonstrated that it is incapable of running affairs for which reason he is launching another bid to become the NDC candidate in the 2024 election.

  • Vetting for potential NDC flagbearer, Ernest Kobeah postponed

    Vetting for potential NDC flagbearer, Ernest Kobeah postponed

    Ernest Kwaku Kobeah, one of the four potential flagbearer candidates for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been directed to return before the screening panel on Wednesday to complete the procedure.

    He was one of two aspirants who appeared before the Vetting Committee on Tuesday, March 28.

    Former Finance Minister Dr Kwabena Duffuor took about one-and-a-half hours to go through the vetting process.

    However, businessmen Ernest Kobeah took less than an hour.

    “There is no issue,” he told journalists after the process was said to have been put on hold.

    “Just [that] I need to come back tomorrow [Wednesday]. Everything is fine and successful.”

    He expressed happiness about the reception given by the Committee, noting that “they welcomed me and talked to me like father and son”.

    He is expected to present some documents for the vetting to complete.

    Meanwhile, former Kumasi mayor Kojo Bonsu will take his turn on Wednesday, March 29.

    Presumptive candidate John Dramani Mahama was at the party headquarters on Monday, March 27 for his vetting.

  • Ex President Mahama welcomes US Veep Kamala Harris to Ghana

    Ex President Mahama welcomes US Veep Kamala Harris to Ghana

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has warmly welcomed the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, to Ghana.

    Kamala Harris is on a three-day official state visit to the West African nation ahead of similar visits to Tanzania and Zambia in the course of the week.

    She touched down at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Sunday, March 26.

    In a tweet on Monday morning to welcome the US VP, Mr Mahama said the visit, which follows previous ones by US Presidents in the past, “re-affirms the durable friendship between Ghana and USA”.

    “It further demonstrates US’s growing interest in Africa.”

    Ghana’s Vice President between 2009 and 2012 expressed hope that the visit will enhance collaboration between US and Africa “to provide the needed support for economic cooperation, youth development and employment and enhanced security for global safety”.

  • I’m so disappointed – Mahama reacts to betrayal of NDC MPs in approval of ministers

    I’m so disappointed – Mahama reacts to betrayal of NDC MPs in approval of ministers

    Former President John Dramani has expressed utmost disappointment over the outcome of the secret ballot which resulted in the approval of the six new ministerial appointees.

    This comes after all six appointees were approved in Parliament on Friday, March 24, 2023, after a secret ballot was conducted.

    Some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Parliament have been accused of woefully disappointing the party since they did not vote in accordance with the party’s “principled position not to approve any new ministers until the President has taken steps to significantly reduce the size of his government.”

    Based on this, there were high expectations that the Ministers will not be approved. However, contrary to these expectations all six ministers were approved despite the Minority Caucus having a full house and the Majority side being short of two members.

    Many members of the party including North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Tamale North MP, Alhassan Suhuyini, have all expressed their disappointment over the outcome of the secret ballot. Latest to join the protest is former President John Mahama.

    Taking to Twitter he said: “A couple of weeks ago, our NDC group in Parliament announced a principled position not to approve any new ministers until the President has taken steps to significantly reduce the size of his government. This position was supported by a broad section of Ghanaians and public advocacy groups.

    “Unfortunately, Ghanaians were sorely disappointed yesterday when several members of the Minority for some parochial and personal interest voted against the principled position adopted by the party. I am also disappointed,” he said.

    He added that “those responsible for this betrayal must do some serious soul searching and learn to place national interest over personal interest.”

    He further lamented President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to cut down on the size of his government, promising the next NDC government will not toe that line.

    “Equally disappointing is the President’s refusal to seize the opportunity to realign and downsize his bloated government when the NPP flagbearer hopefuls and the Chieftaincy minister resigned. Clearly in this time of crisis and excruciating hardships, President Akufo-Addo, his NPP administration and some of our MPs are out of tune with the mood of the Ghanaian people.

    “I still believe, as I said in Ho recently, that in this time of crisis, government can still run efficiently with not more than 60 ministers. For our grassroots members and all Ghanaians who are disappointed by this insensitivity, I urge you not to despair. 2024 offers us an opportunity to work hard to defeat this reckless government that seeks to destroy our democracy and the very livelihoods of Ghanaians- an opportunity for us to work and build the Ghana we all want from January 07, 2025,” he added.

  • Mahama to campaign in Western Region today

    Mahama to campaign in Western Region today

    Today, Friday March 24, John Dramani Mahama, an aspirant for the NDC presidential nomination, begins a three-day campaign tour in the Western Region.

    He will be interacting with branch and constituency executives from all seventeen (17) constituencies of the region to sell his message of growing the party and its structures beyond its present state, mobilising resources to help canvass aggressively for votes to win the 2024 elections and about his agenda to build the Ghana we want together.

    Mr. Mahama is entering the Western Region from Ashanti where he visited and interacted with executives from twenty (20) out of the forty-seven (47) constituencies in the region.

    The John Mahama Campaign was launched at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) near Ho, after which the aspiring presidential candidate proceeded to tour the Volta, Bono East, Ahafo and Bono Regions.

    Friday’s tour, according to Spokesperson Joyce Bawah Mogtari, will start from Daboase in the Wassa East Constituency through Shama and Mpohor, ending the day in Kwesimintsim.

  • NDC refutes claims Mahama was booed at Damongo

    NDC refutes claims Mahama was booed at Damongo

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) of the Savannah Region has dismissed reports that former President John Dramani Mahama was booed at Damango during the outdooring of the new Yagbonwura in Damongo on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. They say the public should disregard a viral video suggesting so.

    According to the NDC, Mr. Mahama was welcomed with cheers and loud applause as his brilliant speech touched the hearts and minds of his tribesmen, chiefs, and elders at the ceremony.

    “There was absolutely no reason or cause for anyone whatsoever to hoot at President Mahama. The false narrative of being booed must be treated with contempt.

    “It was observed that a small group of people who were part of unruly and uncouth supporters of the NPP were on the blind side of President Mahama and his delegation, shouting and recording themselves. In the process, the detachment of police and military personnel ensured that they remained where they were, without the people at the durbar hearing whatever they were saying,” the NDC Communications Officer for Savannah region explained in a statement.

    Below is the full statement

    We have taken notice of a video circulated by Koku Anyidoho on behalf of the Bawumia-led faction of the NPP.

    The video and narration sought to create an impression that former President John Mahama was booed by his own tribesmen at the outdooring of our new Yagbonwura in Damongo on Tuesday.

    Here are the facts:

    1. As a Royal and a native of the Gonja Kingdom, President John Mahama attended the event as a son and grandson of the land.

    2. HE John Mahama, after all the protocols, paying homage to the new Yagbonwura with his delegation, stepped forward to deliver his speech, which had nothing to do with politics but was full of wisdom, history, and the great traditions of the great Gonja Kingdom.

    3. He was welcomed with cheers and a loud applause as his brilliant speech touched the hearts and minds of his tribesmen, chiefs, and elders at the ceremony.

    4. There was absolutely no reason or cause for anyone whatsoever to hoot at President Mahama. The false narrative of being booed must be treated with contempt.

    5. It was observed that a small group of people who were part of an unruly and uncouth supporters of the NPP were on the blind side of President Mahama and his delegation, shouting and recording themselves. In the process, the detachment of police and military personnel ensured that they remained where they were, without the people at the durbar hearing whatever they were saying.

    6. These were NPP supporters bussed into Damongo by the NPP, obviously because of the Vice President’s feeling of insecurity and nervousness. A total of five buses transported these supporters from Tamale and Wa to cheer him.

    7. However, we wish to state in the strongest terms possible that the deliberate attempts by the NPP to always bus people from other regions into the Savannah Region just to cause confusion, disorder and mayhem at public functions will no longer be tolerated, and this will be the last caution.

    8. For the records, H.E John Mahama remains the only president with an enviable record of projects in the entire Gonja kingdom from Senior High Schools (E Blocks at Daboya, Mpaha and Bamboi etc), Hospitals (Sawla, Buipe and Bamboi district hospitals etc), roads (147km Fufulso-Sawla road, Datoyili – Buipe road etc), factories (Buipe shea nut, Daboya smock, Savanah cement factories etc), water projects (Ntereso water project etc) among others.

    For maximum satisfaction and the avoidance of doubt, kindly find attached two videos- one of the arrivals of President Mahama at the durbar ground, and the other, the beautiful speech delivered by the former president as he was cheered on by the good people of the Savannah region and all present.

    Regional Communications Officer
    Savannah Region NDC
    Damongo

  • Mahama kicks against state financing political parties

    Mahama kicks against state financing political parties

    Former President John Dramani Mahama is against assertions that the state financing political parties.

    In his view, the country is broke and cannot absorb additional expenditure streams.

    Instead, Mr. Mahama is suggesting political parties broaden their funding sources through technology powered by electronic crowdfunding platforms.

    In his address at a public lecture on political financing in Ghana and the launch of the JM 2024 fundraising platform at the UPSA in Accra on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the former president said, “as a key actor in our political space since 1996, I can attest to the relevance of ethical campaign financing in Ghana. Whereas some political actors have advocated state sponsorship for political parties, the truth is Ghana is, today, broke. Ghana is struggling to secure an IMF programme lest the economy collapses totally by end of March 2023, according to the Minister for Finance. This being the case, Ghana cannot, at the moment, absorb additional expenditure streams.”

    He noted that, “truth be told, the state already supports political parties in many ways—many political parties have on many occasions had their filing fees returned to them after elections because they attained the minimum threshold of votes. This means the state finances filing fees.”

    Also, in the past, he indicated that the government, through the Electoral Commission, procured and distributed vehicles to political parties in proportion to their share of votes in the immediately past election.

    “With the possibility of further state financing shut, at least for now,” he said his aim is to “re-open the conversation on political party financing in Ghana, with emphasis on needed reforms and regulation to promote transparent and broad-based financing options for parties.”

    Mr. Mahama said in the future, if the state wants to continue to finance political parties, there should be an independent and credible institutions that should be mandated to ensure fairness in sharing the funds to beneficiary parties.

    “Ghana today is broke. International credit rating agencies have placed us on junk status. Additional state financing can, therefore, not be a viable option on the table. Even if that becomes an option in the future, I recommend that we put in place explicit public funding of political parties bill in a bipartisan and inclusive manner.

    “I further recommend that should public funding of political parties be scaled up in the foreseeable future; then, an independent and credible institution must be selected to administer the state resources advanced to political parties.

    “In that regard, a sharing formula could be established to ensure fairness and specific disclosure requirements on beneficiary parties. This must be complemented by auditing and publication of party accounts,” the former president suggested.

  • ‘Ghana is broke!’ – John Mahama

    ‘Ghana is broke!’ – John Mahama

    Former president John Dramani Mahama has reiterated that the country is broke and yet struggling to secure an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

    He is concerned that the economy in its current state risks collapse if the IMF deal is not sealed by the end of March 2023.

    Mahama made the comment while delivering a lecture on political party financing in Ghana.

    The lecture took place on Wednesday, March 22 at the University of Professional Studies-Accra (UPSA) auditorium.

    “Whereas some political actors have advocated state sponsorship for political
    parties, the truth is, Ghana is today, broke.

    “Ghana is struggling to secure an IMF programme lest the economy collapses totally by end of March 2023, according to the Minister for Finance. This being the case, Ghana cannot, at the moment, absorb additional expenditure streams,” he stressed.

  • NDC primaries: John Mahama files nominations

    NDC primaries: John Mahama files nominations

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has finally filed his nominations to contest the flagbearership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) slated for May 13, 2023.

    The filing of nomination was done by his campaign team led by a leading member of the NDC, Prof Joshua Alabi.

    They submitted the required documents as well as fees at the party’s headquarters in Accra on Tuesday March 21, 2023.

    Prof Alabi gave a strong indication to the Electoral Commission ahead of the 2024 general election that they will not tolerate any level of compromise that will be disadvantageous to their candidate.

    “We are not prepared to cheat anybody and in the same vein we are not ready for any party to cheat us,” Prof Alabi said, adding that the EC has a role in ensuring that the 2024 general elections are free and fair.

    He added that the NDC is also putting in place measures to closely and effectively monitor the elections.

    “We are working hard to make sure that our collation system is very robust. Come that day, don’t be surprised when by 12 midnight or 1 am you see us on TV telling you to go out and jubilate,” Prof Alabi told the NDC supporters.

    John Mahama picked nominations forms to contest for the NDC presidential primaries. Three others have also entered the race.

    The former Mayor of Kumasi, Kojo Bonsu and businessman, Ernest Kwaku Krobea, as well as former Finance Minister, Dr. Kwabena Duffour, have all picked forms to contest.

    Duffour was a Finance Minister under the late former President Jerry John Rawlings from 1997 to 2001 and also under the late president Atta Mills’ leadership from 2009 to 2013.

    Meanwhile, Prof Alabi urged the party supporters to vote massively for John Mahama in the upcoming NDC falgbearership race.

    He stated that a unanimous vote will convey to other parties, and their opponents how united the NDC is in their support for the former President.

    “Even with 51%, he has won. With 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% he has won, but we want 99.999%. The 2024 elections are not going to be easy. Around the whole country what the people say is very simple, ‘the NDC is coming back’.”

    “When something belongs to you and you don’t protect it the thief will come for it. So we are not going to sleep even though the general claim is ‘the NDC is coming back’. We are going to work with all the organs to make sure that in the next election, we give the party a one-touch victory,” Prof Alabi noted.

  • I’ve never been President; why question me on education? – Adutwum jabs Mahama

    I’ve never been President; why question me on education? – Adutwum jabs Mahama

    The Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has re-echoed John Dramani Mahama’s catchphrase, ‘You have never been President before,’ ostensibly to dismiss his calls for him to resign over dwindling standards in the sector.

    John Mahama recently asked the Education Minister to delegate authority if he is unable to help students in low-performing schools improve.

    It follows the Minister’s threat to close all underperforming schools if they do not improve educational outcomes.

    Mr Mahama believes that closing such schools is not only unacceptable but also demonstrates gross incompetence on the Minister’s part, emphasizing that it is the Minister’s responsibility to ensure that all schools have the necessary resources to improve their academic outcomes.

    However, in a media interaction on Tuesday, March 21, Dr. Adutwum found the ex-President’s position perplexing.

    “The former President made a famous statement that if you have not been a President before, you can’t question or engage him. But this same person is trying to engage me as a Minister when I have never been a president before. So, I really don’t understand why I am being engaged”, he pointed out.

    The Minister went on to praise the government’s educational achievements.

    He maintained that the gains made in the sector since the NPP government took office have been incomparable.

    “But I want to tell you one thing, Nana Akufo-Addo’s achievements in education are incontestable. The records of President Akufo-Addo in education are unmatched. So, if anyone wants to engage me as Minister of Education, I don’t have any record of my own. I have the record of the President”, Dr Adutwum added.

    Why poorly performing schools are to be shut

    According to the Minister, a school with a consistent zero to ten per cent pass rate should develop intervention programs to ensure that the majority of their students are able to continue their education rather than becoming a liability to their parents and society due to their inability to pass their exam.

    He explained that closing the schools would help save the nation from the huge financial losses incurred by the government as a result of the school’s existence and that the affected students would be redistributed to other nearby schools, allowing them to continue their education.

    However, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), for example, has taken on the Education Minister, claiming that the move is misguided.

    “This is totally misplaced. That is not where that comment should go. For these schools that he is talking about, those who go there have poor grades, you put all these in one place and expect the heads to do magic. The Minister should sometimes consult”, says GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Musah.

  • Mahama to file nomination on March 21

    Mahama to file nomination on March 21

    A flagbearer hopeful of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, will cement his decision to contest in the parties upcoming primaries and subsequent national elections with the filing of his nomination.

    He is expected to file his nomination to contest the May 13th, 2023, primaries on Tuesday at 1.00 pm.

    The filing was scheduled for Monday, March 20, but has been postponed due to a presentation by the party on the True State of the Nation Address on Monday.

    In a release by the John Mahama Campaign team it stated, “very sorry for the postponement, which is in response to a request from the party to reschedule because of the presentation of the party’s True State of the Nation Address on Monday.”

    Mr. Mahama will however continue his first phase tour of the Ashanti Region, which ends today, a statement by the aide to the former President, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, said.

    Two weeks after president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo delivered the State of the Nationa Address (SoNA) to the nation through Parliament, the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is set to present the ‘true’ SoNA today.

    The widely advertised event is slated for the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA). The address will be delivered by the Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.

    The address is expected to point out areas of misgovernance and to counter some of the claims that the president made during the SoNA.

  • “I will reset Ghana to factory mode” – ‘Sleepless’ Mahama says

    “I will reset Ghana to factory mode” – ‘Sleepless’ Mahama says

    Former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama has asserted that the country’s economic challenges will recover after it has gone through “default settings”.

    The flagbearer aspirant of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) noted that Ghanaians are not only suffering but also businesses are collapsing under Akufo-Addo’s administration.

    He said irrespective of the hard times businesses are going through, the government is also harassing owners with taxes and threatening to shut them down if they do not pay the taxes.

    Mr Mahama said he would have opted not to contest the Presidency again because he has done his part but due to the bad economic situation, he will not be able to sleep if he does not come back and deliver the economy.

    He said his next government will reset the nation to a default setting to build a stronger foundation to enable the younger generation to build on it.

    Mr Mahama was addressing delegates of the NDC in the Nhyiaeso Constituency of the Ashanti region as part of his three-campaign tour of the region.

    Mr Mahama’s visit to all constituencies across the country is on.

    He has so far covered 47 constituencies in four regions, traveling a minimum of 2,708 kilometres to meet and interact with branch and constituency executives.

  • It’s “scary” to choose Mahama – Nii Noi Nortey to Ghanaians

    It’s “scary” to choose Mahama – Nii Noi Nortey to Ghanaians

    A former chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Klotey Korley Constituency, Mr. Nii Noi Nortey, has urged young people to disregard the promises made by former President John Dramani Mahama, reiterating the fact that he has nothing better to provide Ghanaians.

    According to Mr. Nii Noi Nortey, choosing Mr. Mahama is not only scary but also empty.

    “Any time Mahama is talking, you could see how desperate he is… He is soo desperate that he can even insult without thinking. He does not have a single solution to the country’s problems. Mahama is just desperate to rule the country again, hence his penchant for making false claims of having all the answers to the country’s problems. Was it not under Mahama Ghana faced multiple problems like dumsor collapsing numerous businesses, poor infrastructure and the like?”

    Speaking at TESCON general meeting at Accra Technical University College, Mr. Nii Noi added; “We want to hear something new and different from John Mahama. we want to hear him say he will do tertiary education free, we want to hear he will take care of our children right from birth to 18 years, we want to hear him say he will take full medical bill of our aged mothers and fathers…we want to hear something new and different ideas from him and not always trying to rubbish someone’s good initiatives.”

    He asked Mr. Mahama and the NDC to mention a single social intervention they have made for Ghanaians.

    “Why am I saying this? Because anytime NPP is in power we come up with soo many social interactions namely, Female Maternal Care for our pregnant mothers, NHIS for free medical care, Free SHS and more.”

    “The incompetence of Mr. Mahama rather eroded the gains made by the erstwhile Kufuor government, thereby worsening the plight of the people. In the midst of the challenge, we are still constructing roads, building schools, paying nursing and teachers allowance…”

    Mr. Nii Noi also stated the need for all TESCON members to sacrifice and have an enduring heart to achieve victory for the NPP.

    “With you all around I believe we will break the eight. The good people of Ghana will retain the NPP government because of our good work. Put your energy and strength into this constituency and we will reward you because NPP rewards hard work.

    Get us the numbers get us the people and help us break the 8,” he said.

    Chief Executive Officer of the Coastal Development Authority, Jerry Ahmed Shaib also advised the youth to ignore former President Mahama’s promises and champion President Akufo Addo’s works to every student on campus.

    If you prefer the return of dumsor, let’s welcome Mahama’s empty promises back. John Mahama is not the option.”

    He also urged them to vote for Nii Noi Nortey when nomination is opened.

    “In 2024, look out for those who are vibrant, those you see relationships in them, affable and reliable. We’re looking for a candidate who will do the talk, who will give us power and snatch this seat from the NDC. Look out for the right candidate.

  • I have faith in Dr. Duffour to scrap ex-gratia than Mahama – Solomon Nkansah

    I have faith in Dr. Duffour to scrap ex-gratia than Mahama – Solomon Nkansah

    Former National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Solomon Nkansah has cast a shade at former President Mahama over his ‘I would cancel ex-gratia’ comment.

    Dr. Kwabena Duffour, not John Dramani Mahama, who has tasted ex gratia and may not have the hunger to do so, is the best candidate to lead a government to annul ex gratia, according to a member of the Dr. Duffour campaign team.

    Speaking on a Kumasi-based radio station, Mr. Nkansah said the NDC and Ghana have reached a point where people must be doers and not talkatives.

    He spoke to Julius Caesar Anadem on the Abusua Nkomo Show.

    “We have reached a point in our democracy that we can’t throw money away just like that. We need people who are committed to the course of making this country better. Dr Duffour is a doer and has shown this over the years,” he said.

    “Duffour is well accomplished, when he was finance minister he never took salary, he did not take ex gratia, so if we want someone who can be trusted to cancel ex gratia who will it be?” he questioned

    “He has not taken ex gratia before so obviously he will not condone the payment of it. So when Duffour comes and tells Ghanaians to sacrifice they will heed. He has done his bit for Ghanaian politics and is considered an angel in politics”

    “Even before he becomes flagbearer of the party, he has introduced the Ahoto Project, can’t people see the signs already,” Solomon Nkansah said.

    At the launch of his campaign former President John Dramani Mahama promised to scrap the payment of ex-gratia to members of the executive and article 71 should he be re-elected in the 2024 elections.

    Mr. Mahama said he will take the necessary steps to scrap the payment as soon as he assumes power.

  • Dr. Afriyie Akoto criticizes Mahama for failing to solve cocoa swollen under his tenure

    Dr. Afriyie Akoto criticizes Mahama for failing to solve cocoa swollen under his tenure

    Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, a former minister of food and agriculture, has criticized former President John Dramani Mahama for neglecting to take action to address the country’s cocoa swollen shoot virus epidemic during his administration.

    Many hectares of farmland were harmed by the disease, and the former president, according to Dr. Afriyie Akoto, should have proposed some solutions to stop its recurrence.

    Parts of the country were severely hit by the swollen shoot virus disease during the erstwhile Mahama administration. Western and Eastern regions were the most affected.

    Cases of the disease were recorded in Ghana between 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2017 and 2021, where millions of trees were affected.

    But laying the blame on Mr. Mahama, on the Point of View with Bernard Avle, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto said, “cocoa production has almost stagnated and for a good reason. The swollen shoot virus disease set in about 11 years ago. The NDC-Mahama administration should have taken measures immediately when the incident started to stop spreading. But it was only when we came that through the African Development Bank, we managed to get a loan for rehabilitation to control the virus in the cocoa industry. The project started in 2020, it’s in 3rd year of implementation”.

    He stressed, “the Ivorians took measures when it should have been taken, unlike Ghana where it festered to the extent that Western North production came down. We have taken some measures to correct something which should have been done 10 years back”.

    The cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD) is one of the most devastating diseases on cacao and causes significant production losses and death of cacao trees. The CSSVD is caused by a badnavirus within the family Caulimoviridae.

  • Mahama pledges to complete abandoned and uncompleted projects before starting new projects

    Mahama pledges to complete abandoned and uncompleted projects before starting new projects

    Former President John Dramani Mahama, says his next administration will not construct new projects until existing ones are completed and put to use. 

    Mr Mahama said the current economic crisis requires new ways of doing things other than the usual. 

    According to him, an inventory will be taken of all ongoing projects with strict time lines to ensure their completion to prevent wastage of scarce resources. 

    Engaging delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Tano South in the Ahafo Region, Mr Mahama said the interest and needs of Ghanaians will be paramount to his next administration. 

    “With the economic crisis that we currently have, by the time the NDC comes into power in 2025, we are still going to have a restricted fiscal space because of the economic difficulties. 

    “A new NDC will not be in a hurry to start new projects. What we will do is that the projects that have been ongoing and have been abandoned and uncompleted, we will take an inventory of all of them and with the little resources, we will dedicate it to finishing them.”

    Mr Mahama accused President Akufo-Addo of abandoning many of the projects started during his government’s tenure.

    This, he said is disappointing and must be addressed urgently. 

    According to him, schools and road projects among others initiated during his time as President have been left unattended to.

    Mr Mahama is currently campaigning for delegates of the party to vote for him to lead the party into the 2024 general elections. 

  • Muntaka drags 11 NDC Asawase branch executives to court

    Muntaka drags 11 NDC Asawase branch executives to court

    Member of Parliament for Asawase Constituency, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has dragged 11 NDC Asawase branch executives to court for defamation.

    The defendants are said to have issued a press statement of various defamatory statements which claims that the MP owns 15 stores at the newly built Asawase Market and the MP cannot deny.

    The lawmaker indicated “that on or about 10th March 2023 to 11th, defendants issued a Press Statement, which was published, distributed and/or otherwise circulated by the general public and media houses. In the said Press Statement, the Defendants published various defamatory statements of and concerning Plaintiff. These defamatory statements comprise the following: “a. “If you will recall, a few days ago, the office of the MP Hon. Muntaka Mubarak of Asawase Constituency issued a statement which sought to whitewash the MP after he was exposed for forcibly allocating some 15 stores/sheds to himself at the Asawase Market built by next Flagbearer of NDC and the President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama”;

    “b. “The youth stated categorically that the office of Hon. “Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak as usual is being economical with the truth”;” among others.

    According to the MP, this defamatory statement meant that he was engaged in public deception, abuse of power and/for corruption for his own personal.

    Muntaka is also of the view that the statement made him look like a fraud a liar, and a corrupt among others.

    Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka is demanding 10 million Ghana cedis for aggravated and exemplary damages and a retraction and unqualified apology by the defendants to be published to all media houses that the defendants caused to publish and circulated or distributed the defamatory materials with the same prominences as the publication made of and concerning plaintiff.