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Tag: Mahama Ayariga

  • NDC MPs will demand IGP’s removal after addressing BoG Governor – Mahama Ayariga

    NDC MPs will demand IGP’s removal after addressing BoG Governor – Mahama Ayariga

    The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has criticized the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, asserting that he has constitutional responsibilities to fulfill when citizens are required to protest, regardless of the situation.

    Mr Ayariga emphasized that the IGP holds a position of authority and responsibility because citizens entrust him with the task of maintaining peace and order in the country, including ensuring the safety and security of the public during various events, including peaceful demonstrations.

    He stressed that the IGP must do everything possible to facilitate citizens’ exercise of their freedom to protest, and he pointed out that the IGP is paid and provided with the necessary resources to function effectively, so he cannot refuse to work if those resources are available.

    “The IGP is not there on his own. He should take off his uniform and check to see if he is the IGP. He has constitutional obligations to live up to expectations when citizens must demonstrate, no matter how difficult the task. Even if it is difficult, the IGP must assure the demonstrators’ safety, security, and protection,” Mahama Ayariga said.

    His comments come at a time when the Minority in Parliament is having an impasse with the Police over the approved route for its demonstration to demand the removal of the BoG Governor, Dr Ernest Addison.

    Mr Ayariga expressed his dissatisfaction with the performance of key government officials, particularly the IGP, and emphasized the importance of holding public servants accountable for their constitutional duties and responsibilities.

    He noted that when citizens want to exercise their right to protest, it is the IGP’s responsibility to provide them with the necessary protection and security to ensure that the protests remain peaceful and that individuals or groups attempting to disrupt the peace are prevented from doing so.

    He warned that the IGP could be the next public officer to be removed from office due to his behavior.

    “We cannot offer you the resources, budget, recruit for you, or equip you with logistics such as vehicles, and you claim you are unable to accomplish your job. After the governor of the Bank of Ghana, we will demand the expulsion of the IGP,” he added.

  • BoG protest is to prevent a possible coup Minority

    BoG protest is to prevent a possible coup Minority

    The Member of Parliament representing Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has stated that the minority within the parliament remains resolute in their determination to march, demanding the immediate resignation of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and his deputies.

    He asserted that their primary motivation behind this unwavering stance is to avert the possibility of a coup.

    Ayariga explained that during discussions between the minority caucus and the police, it became evident that the police were hesitant to accept the routes suggested by the minority for their protest, fearing that these routes might inadvertently create conditions conducive to a coup.

    He characterized this concern as even more distressing than the alleged shortcomings of the Central Bank’s Governor. In his view, this perspective underscores the unfortunate extent to which the administration of Akufo-Addo and Bawumia has brought the nation down.

    Speaking at the Arise Ghana Forum held at UPSA in Accra, Ayariga emphasized that the police had taken legal measures to impede their protest efforts.

    However, he highlighted the most disconcerting aspect as the fact that the police were attributing this hindrance to the potential risk of a military coup in the country.

    “The police have run to court and they’re seeking to injunct us. But what I find very tragic is not even what the central bank Governor has done, but what the police are giving as the reason why we cannot even exercise the basic right to protest, that they’re afraid of a military coup in this country.

    “That is for me more tragic than all that the Governor has done. I can forgive him. But to have the Ghana Police Service tell us today that we cannot protest against what the central bank Governor has done because they’re afraid that there will be a military coup in Ghana is very, very tragic.

    “It just tells us how low President Akufo-Addo and his vice Bawumia and his group including people like Addison have brought us,” he said at the Arise Ghana Forum which was held Thursday afternoon at UPSA, Accra.

    Ayariga further expounded that the genuine catalyst for a coup would be if the minority refrains from marching against the Central Bank’s Governor and the entire government. He contended that during such a precarious juncture, it becomes essential to demonstrate to the armed forces that politicians possess the capability to hold the current administration accountable and provide leadership.

    He lamented the irony that Ghana, once acclaimed for its stability as a democracy, now finds itself in a situation where the Police Service is discouraging demonstrations due to concerns of a potential coup.

    Ayariga, however, affirmed the minority’s intention to march regardless of the circumstances, conveying a message to the soldiers that the people can be relied upon to rectify the system.

    “This Ghana that was touted as one of the most stable democracies, today our Police Service can tell us that we cannot demonstrate because they’re afraid there will be a coup in this country. That is what I find even more tragic. But we will march. If the coup will happen it will happen, but we will march.

    “I have said it time and again that the real reason why we are marching is to prevent the coup. That’s the real reason why we’re going to march. Because it is when you and I fail to offer leadership and challenge corruption, abuse, malfeasance in public office, it is when we fail that the soldiers will decide to fill the space.

    “And that is why whatever the police will do we will march to send a signal to the soldiers, that they can rely on us to fix the system,” Ayariga said.

  • We need all the necessary information about your new headquarters in 7 days – Minority to BoG

    The Minority caucus within Parliament has issued a demand to the Bank of Ghana (BoG), stipulating a seven-day timeframe for the provision of details concerning the expenses related to its forthcoming headquarters in Accra, as outlined in accordance with section 18 of the Right To Information Act (ACT 989).

    The Minority caucus within Parliament has issued a demand to the Bank of Ghana (BoG), stipulating a seven-day timeframe for the provision of details concerning the expenses related to its forthcoming headquarters in Accra, as outlined in accordance with section 18 of the Right To Information Act (ACT 989).

    The caucus is requesting various information from the bank, including details about the land procurement process for the new headquarters building, as well as the names of consultants and project managers.

    This request was communicated through a press statement issued by Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, who is also a private legal practitioner.

    “My name is Mahama Ayariga Esq and I am the representative of Bawku Central constituency in Parliament on the ticket of the NDC. Kindly provide information within 7 working days from the date of this letter.

    “Could you also provide clarification on the acquisition of the land on which the ongoing construction of the Bank of Ghana’s new headquarters at Ridge in Accra is situated? Specifically, we request information on the procurement process, the associated costs, the arrangement particulars, and the parties involved,” he added.

    In response to the scrutiny, the central bank released a statement on August 9, explaining that a structural assessment had deemed the current Bank of Ghana (BoG) Head Office building, constructed in the 1960s, inadequate for its purpose.

    It further disclosed that the building could not withstand significant seismic activity or strong winds, and that the decision to construct a new headquarters aimed to support operational efficiency and establish a potential future regional Central Bank headquarters.

    The controversy was sparked when the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, revealed that the BoG was allocating $250 million for a new headquarters while facing financial challenges.

    Dr. Forson accused the Governor of printing money to fund the project, claiming that the Bank was financially strained.

    He demanded the Governor and his deputies’ resignation within 21 days, stating that their actions set a concerning precedent.
    Dr. Forson stressed that their call for resignation was driven by concerns over accountability and transparency.

    “The Bank of Ghana does not have money but spending $250million for a new head office, which means he is printing additional money to finance this project,” Dr Forson said.

    “We have to get this Governor out and let us have a new Governor. If we allow him to stay in the office, we will set bad precedent for future managers to do the same,”

    “We demand the immediate resignation of the Governor and his deputies within 21 days. We will march to occupy the central bank to save the Bank of Ghana if he fails to reign. The March will ensure accountability. He has messed us up so much that we cannot wait to see his back,” he said.

  • Ayariga commends ECOWAS’ deployment of standby force to Niger

    Ayariga commends ECOWAS’ deployment of standby force to Niger

    The Member of Parliament representing Bawku Central and a prominent figure within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has commended the regional organization’s decision to deploy its standby force for the purpose of restoring constitutional order in Niger.

    Ayariga emphasized the significance of pursuing a diplomatic resolution to the crisis in Niger, while also underlining the importance of showcasing ECOWAS’ military capabilities.

    He noted that the military junta in Niger has shown reluctance to engage in dialogue since the coup on July 27, making it imperative for ECOWAS to assert its military strength as a means of reinforcing its diplomatic efforts.

    “While we are firmly of the belief that diplomatic channels should ultimately prevail, it is crucial that the military option remains a viable consideration. The parties involved in Niger must grasp that ECOWAS possesses the capacity to enforce its decisions. Without this demonstration of capability, the efficacy of diplomatic avenues could be compromised. Thus, it is unsurprising that ECOWAS is preparing to exhibit its strength to the Nigerien junta, highlighting its ability to effectively enforce its directives.”

    Ayariga emphasized that although dialogue remains the ultimate path to resolution, such discussions cannot progress without the Nigerien junta recognizing ECOWAS’ capacity.

    In addition to his comments on the crisis, the Bawku Central representative urged the sub-region to collectively determine the core values it wishes to uphold throughout its developmental journey.

    Ayariga emphasized that if principles like the rule of law and democracy hold significant importance, then all member states must be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to uphold these values, regardless of the challenges that may arise.

    “In our capacity as a sub-region, it is imperative that we establish a clear stance on the values that hold the utmost significance for us. If upholding the rule of law and democracy stands as a cornerstone, then we must collectively be prepared to face any obstacles in safeguarding these principles. No cost should be considered too high when it comes to preserving the integrity of these cherished values.”

  • NDC primaries: Heightened security presence at Asawase

    NDC primaries: Heightened security presence at Asawase

    There is heightened security presence in the Asawase constituency as a result of misunderstandings between some delegates, party executives, and security authorities at the center.

    According to reports, some delegates present at the voting centre were prevented from sitting on the chairs at the centre.

    The massing of some delegates at the centre which has resulted in a charged atmosphere, is due to the alleged camping of most of the delegates by the incumbent Muntaka Mubarak.

    The Director of Research of the party in the constituency added that some unknown men have invaded the voting centre.

    These and other factors are the reason for the beefed-up security in the area.

    TV3 reports that there are over 100 police and security officials at the centre to ensure that the situation does not escalate.

    Asawase race

    One of Ghana’s longest-serving members of parliament, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka is seeking to serve the members of his constituency for the sixth time.

    Masawudu Mubarak, a businessman, is hoping to unseat the five-time MP.

  • Mahama Ayariga demands investigation into Bawku immigration officer’s death

    Mahama Ayariga demands investigation into Bawku immigration officer’s death

    The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga has called for a probe into the events that led to the death of an immigration officer at Bawku in the Upper East region.

    He described the act as most reprehensible advising that it should not be repeated.

    The three immigration officers were from Bawku to Missiga when their vehicle was shot at by unknown gunmen, resulting in the death of 42-year-old Philip Motey.

    The two other officers, Eric Ayibiya, 30, and Laurence Afri, 42, were shot multiple times and are being treated at the Bawku Presbyterian hospital.

    The incident occurred on Monday, April 3, 2023. No arrest has been made yet

    Mahama Ayariga in a statement said, “I condemn in very strong terms the shooting, injuring and killing of some members of the security agencies in Bawku on Monday 3rd April 2023. This is most reprehensible and should not be repeated again. An investigation into the matter must be conducted, and the perpetrators brought to book”.

    The MP in his statement narrated that the immigration personnel were in their private car to town to buy food when the incident happened.

    “On 3rd April 2023 at about 2000hrs, Three (3) immigration officers; Asst. Inspt. Philip Motey station at Missiga, Asst. Inspt. Lawrence Afari station at Kulungugu and Asst. Inspt. Eric Ayidiya of Pulimakom border post were shot by unknown gunmen in front of Bawku Police station. They were in their private car to town to buy food when the incident happened,” he stated.

    He expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased security personnel extending his prayers to the wounded personnel.

    Mahama Ayariga urged government to be proactive in ensuring that peace prevails in Bawku.

    “Let me on behalf of the people of Bawku express our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased security personnel and extend our prayers to the wounded. I urge government to be proactive in advancing a lasting peace process in Bawku,” the lawmaker urged.

  • We are not in support of govt’s new revenue bills – Mahama Ayariga

    We are not in support of govt’s new revenue bills – Mahama Ayariga

    The minority is against the new income legislation currently before Parliament, according to Mahama Ayariga, the member of parliament from Bawku Central.

    He said the Minority will vote against the bill when the time comes.

    Mr. Ayariga indicated that, unlike the approval of the ministerial nominees where a secret vote was used, a headcount will be conducted to determine whether the new tax bills should be accepted or not and that will help in the rejection of the bills.

    Making the declaration on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr. Ayariga disclosed that “it is going to be a voice vote where if you are not satisfied, we call for a division and then there will be a headcount and the matter will be determined, and I am very confident that all our members will be in the House and vote in line with our position to vote against the bill.”

    “You will stand and be counted and everybody including your constituents will be watching and so if you don’t go with your constituents, they will see and measure you accordingly,” he further explained.

    Mr. Ayariga stressed that the Minority would have been considerate if the government was making efforts at cutting down on its expenditure but so long as it is “only interested in asking Ghanaians to pay more taxes and not cutting down on the consumption of the taxes,” it will not allow such burden on Ghanaians.

    Government is under pressure to have three new revenue bills passed by Parliament as it seeks to rake in GH¢4 billion per year to shore up revenue to fix the ailing economy and secure a Board approval for a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    The bills which include the Excise Tax Stamp and Excise Duty amendment bills, Income Tax amendment bill and Growth and Sustainability levy bill are already being rejected by some business groups.

  • Voter Registration: Let’s avoid fixing what isn’t broken – Kpebu

    Voter Registration: Let’s avoid fixing what isn’t broken – Kpebu

    A private Lawyer, Martin Kpebu, has argued that the Electoral Commission (EC) should retain the guarantor system for voter registration.

    He said a system that is not broken should not be fixed.

    “Let’s not fix something that’s not broken. We have been using this guarantor system for voter registration for decades,” he said on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, March 4.

    Bawku Central Member of Parliament Mahama Ayariga also said he does not understand the argument of the EC regarding the Constitutional Instrument (CI) that is seeking to use the Ghana Card as the sole identity document for voter registration.

    Mr Ayariga says the guarantor system in voter registration should be maintained.

    “The electoral commissioner is saying the main issue is the guarantor system. The clear fact that they detected minor persons and deleted them means the system works so there’s no threat to the voter’s register,” he also said on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, March 4.

    He added “I expect that you will have a very meticulous view of your own work. I don’t understand this argument about the guarantor system.”

    The Chair of the EC Jean Mensa earlier this week stated that the Ghana Card will not be used to vote in the 2024 general elections but for the voter registration exercise.

    Briefing Parliament on the proposed CI that is seeking to make the Ghana Card the sole identification document for voter registration, on Tuesday, February 28 Madam Jean Mensa said the use of Ghana will ensure the credibility and integrity of the voter register.

    “It is important to rehash that the use of the Ghana Card as the sole document of identification will ensure and guarantee the credibility and integrity of our register and elections, it will prevent the enrolment of minors to register, it will prevent foreigners from being registered to vote and it will eliminate the guarantor system which is prone to abuse and which promotes conflicts and violence.”

    “The Ghana Card will not be used for voting in 2024, it will be used to register,” she added.

  • Arguments against removal of guarantor system weak – Ayariga

    Arguments against removal of guarantor system weak – Ayariga

    The majority group in parliament, according to the member of parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has not offered any convincing rationale for the Election Commission’s proposed repeal of the guarantor system.

    The EC’s new proposed constitutional instrument seeks to use the Ghana Card as the source document for voter registration for the upcoming elections.

    Because of the difficulties in obtaining the Ghana Card, the Minority group in Parliament has been vehemently opposed to the policy.

    Meanwhile, the Majority claims that the new C.I will not deprive citizens of their right to vote but rather will sanitize the electoral process.

    “I do not think they make any sound argument on why we should take out the guarantor system. That is really the issue. We all know that any Ghanaian who is eligible to register to vote and has a Ghana card, that will be the first document to be presented. It is when they don’t have it that they will use the guarantor system. So the argument is that we shouldn’t make it the source document. So, let’s focus on the NIA being able to cover everybody, so they go with their Ghana card”, Mahama Ayariga said.

  • Bawku: It’s unfortunate my uncles are still fighting – Mahama Ayariga

    Bawku: It’s unfortunate my uncles are still fighting – Mahama Ayariga

    Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central constituency, Mahama Ayariga has bemoaned the longstanding dispute among feuding factions in the Bawku conflict.

    In an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s morning show, ‘kokrokoo’, he gave the history and circumstances leading to the Cheftaincy conflict in Bawku for many years.

    “It has been unfortunate . . . the underline issue in Bawku is about the Kusasi people who are the land owners and the ovewhelming majority wanting to rule themselves,” he said.

    According to him there is a pre-colonial and post-colonial history in which the chieftaincy has been moving from one ethnic group to the other until 1983 when the the PNDC sought to place it in the hands of the Kusasis.

    He said this was consistent with what the colonial authorities themselves who ochestrated the Mamprusi rule in Bawku sought to change it through Lord Listowell’s Committee when they were leaving.

    “. . When they were also leaving they actually sought to change it through Lord Listowell’s Committee so that it will be the Kusasis because they are the land owners and the overwhelming majority,” he explained.

    He told Kwami Sefa Kayi that his Uncles have been fighting this issue since time immemorial.

    “My Uncles have been fighting this since God knows when . . . unfortunately for them we came under constitutional rule and under constitutional rule nobody can touch the Institution of Chieftaincy other than what it is now.”

    Background

    In a statement by the Ministry of Information, “The Government condemns developments in Nalerigu today February 15, 2023, concerning the purported enskinment of a new Bawku Naba as illegal and a threat to National Security.”

    “The security agencies have therefore been directed to arrest and prosecute any other person who holds himself out as a Bawku Naba.

    “Further, any developments that have the potential to undermine the peace of Bawku will also be dealt with swiftly and in accordance with law,” government cautioned in the statement.

    The Mamprusi faction in the protracted Bawku conflict was at the palace of the overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Bohugu Mahama Abdulai Sherigah II on Wedneday for the enskinment of a new Bawku Naba despite the recognition of Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II by the government and the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs as the legitimate ruler of the area.

    There were reports that efforts by the government to stop the supposed enskinment from happening failed.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Upper East MPs call out overlord of Mamprugu over enskinment of new Bawku chief

    Upper East MPs call out overlord of Mamprugu over enskinment of new Bawku chief

    Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Upper East Region have condemned the installation of a rival chief for Bawku by the Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sherigah II.

    According to the MPs, the existing Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, is the true king of the Kusawgu Traditional who has been chief of the area for over 30 years.

    Speaking on behalf of the Upper East MP, the MP for Zebilla, Cletus Avoka, said that the action of Naa Bohugu Sherigah II was wrong and is likely to aggravate the already precarious situation in Bawku.

    “Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahama Sheriga ll has purported to enskinned a rival chief for Bawku. This is unacceptable and should not come from a person of his stature. Such purported enskinment is null and avoid and will not be recognized by any institution under the 1992 Constitution.

    “The Zugurana, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, who is the Bawku Naba and the president of Kusawgu Traditional Council remains the only recognized paramount chief of the Kusawgu Traditional Area as recognized by law.

    “The Government of Ghana must take every step to ensure the maintenance of peace and security and hold perpetrators of this criminal act accountable. Meanwhile, the MPs for the area call on the people of Kusaugu Traditional Area and its environs to remain calm and assure them that this unlawful conduct will not stand,” he said.

    He added that the MPs are observing the level of seriousness the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government will attach to help resolve the impasse in Bawku.

    The MPs who were six in number included: Cletus Apul Avoka, MP for Zebilla; Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central; Abanga Abdulai, MP for Binduri; Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, MP for Pusiga; Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, MP for Tempane and Albert Akuka Alalzuuga, MP for Garu.

    Background:

    The Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sherigah II, enskinned a new chief for Bawku in the early hours of Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

    The new chief, who was enskinned at the Nayiri palace in Nalerigu, is called Alhaji Seidu Abagre, GhanaWeb can confirm.

    Jubilations were seen all over the forecourt of the Nayiri palace in Nalerigu, the North East Regional capital, as well as the traditional city of Mamprugu.

    Meanwhile, soldiers were at Nayiri’s Palace to ensure that there is peace and security while the residents jubilated.

    The new chief enskinned, Alhaji Seidu Abagre, is expected to be accompanied by some elders from the Nayiri Palace to Bawku after they perform all the traditional activities in Nalerigu.

    The Government of Ghana has, however, condemned the installation of a new chief for Bawku by the Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sherigah II.

    In a statement issued by the Ministry for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, the government said that Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is still the Bawku Naba.

    It added that the security apparatus in Bawku has been instructed to arrest anybody who holds himself out as Bawku Naba other than Naba Abugrago Azoka II.

    There has been heightened tension in Bawku as a result of renewed sporadic gunshots in the outskirts of the Bawku township.

    At least 6 people, according to a Joy News report, were killed, and 10 injured in fresh shootings in Bawku on Wednesday, February 8, 2022.

    The Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahama Sheriga ll, in March 2022, pledged to find a lasting peace to the long-winded Bawku Chieftaincy dispute which has eliminated many lives following the disturbances in the area.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Bawku dispute won’t be exploited by terrorists to invade Ghana – Mahama Ayariga

    Bawku dispute won’t be exploited by terrorists to invade Ghana – Mahama Ayariga

    According to Mahama Ayariga, terrorists won’t use the Bawku crisis as a cover to enter Ghana.

    The legislator for the area doubted if Bawku will be a target for the operation of terrorist activities though Ghana’s borders seem porous.

    There have been reported cases of terrorist activities in neighbouring countries, with some neighbours seeking refuge in Ghana.

    Scores of people have lost their lives in the protracted conflict, with the latest being the shooting and killing of one person on Monday, February 6, 2023.

    Asked by the host of The Point of View Bernard Avle, if terrorists will not capitalise on the prolonged conflict in Bawku between the Kusasis and Mamprusis to cause mayhem in Ghana, the legislator noted that Ghanaians will only rise up against the country when there are no opportunities to vindicate their rights.

    “Bawku will not be the place where this will happen. People will turn against the state when they don’t have the remedies or opportunities to vindicate their rights. But if the state functions in such a way that everybody feels protected by the state, it’s most unlikely that they will turn against the state,” Mr. Ayariga said.

    He believes that Ghana has a functioning democracy where citizens can always seek redress if they feel disgruntled and will not rebel against the country.

    “I’m not worried in the case of Ghana because of the institutions and mechanisms we have put in place. Our democracy is functioning. No matter how disgruntled you are with this democracy, it is a functioning democracy, you can get remedies if you fight for it,” he stated.

    He called on the government to ensure that the citizens do not have issues with the state as it’s observed in neighbouring countries.

    “In Burkina Faso, those places that you saw the clustering of attacks, trust me people from Bawku drive across those places with trucks to Niger with onions, salt, and all sort of commodities. They drive through that territory, and if they stop you, and they found a national identity card or documents, some public documents that associate you with the state of Burkina Faso, you will be attacked. They might just kill you. They are attacking the state, they have issues with the state.”

    “We shouldn’t create a situation where our populace will have issues with their state. When the people have issues with the state, and they don’t feel that the mechanisms within the state afford them a remedy, that is when the state becomes a legitimate target for them,” the MP for Bawku central said.

    Mr. Ayariga who has accused the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) of killing some indigenes of Bawku has petitioned the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).

    The legislator rejected GAF’s explanation that they engaged a group of armed men and neutralised six.

    “I reject their self-serving explanations. Did the statement say they retrieve any weapon from them? Clearly, these were not armed men,” Mr. Ayariga fumed.

  • The whole state security system must take Bawku violence seriously – Kofi Bentil

    The whole state security system must take Bawku violence seriously – Kofi Bentil

    Kofi Bentil, vice president of Imani Africa, has urged the government to take strict action to address the security issues in Bawku.

    He asserted that the longer it takes to resolve the delicate situation in the town, the more likely it is that residents will try to impose their own laws.

    “We need to have the whole state security system take Bawku seriously, because they are citizens of Ghana and then do everything to make sure that lives are not lost in vain.

    “If we do not do that, we will send a signal that when people lose their lives it does not matter and when we send those signals we are preparing ourselves for an explosion we cannot contain,” he is quoted to have said on JoyNews.

    The Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga, had sworn to seek justice for seven of his people who he claimed had been killed by the military in the constituency during the course of the week.

    The military then published a letter to defend their course of conduct. They stated that six armed guys were neutralized by the army after they confronted the group of them.

    Mr. Bentil urges the government to propose solutions to the issue in light of this before the locals begin to believe they are not citizens of Ghana.

    “All of us citizens should be very worried, because if people lose their lives in a state which has a government and security agencies and nothing serious seem to be done about it, consistently you would have a situation where people will give up and they will tend to defend themselves,” he said.

    The Senior Vice President of Imani Ghana stressed that Ghana Armed Forces should review its approach to resolving the violence.

    “We are getting to the point where I can imagine there are people living in Bawku who do not feel Ghanaian and they do not feel that the army is on their side and they do not feel that the government protects them, they do not feel that the army is there for their sake.

    “God forbid if too many people in Bawku get that mindset, I do not think the people in Bawku are cowards or they are afraid of war per se,” he bemoaned.

    The Bawku Municipality has been a hotspot for a number of years now due to recurrent Chieftaincy conflicts.

  • Families of deceased in Bawku killings must be compensated – Ayariga

    Families of deceased in Bawku killings must be compensated – Ayariga

    Mahama Ayariga, the MP for Bawku Central, is asking for fair compensation for the families of those reportedly slain by military forces in Bawku.

    Mr. Ayariga claimed that the money would help the deceased’s heirs take care of their dependents.

    “If you look at the people, somebody has been killed and he has been survived by three wives, somebody has been killed and has been survived by two wives, somebody has been killed and he had three children. So that is why I say that they must be compensated so that those of us who have to take care of these families, we have the wherewithal to take care of what they have left behind,” he is quoted to have said on JoyNews on Saturday.

    Although the MP asked GHC500,000 in compensation for each of the families of the deceased in his plea to CHRAJ, he stated that the human rights organization will have the last word over the worth of the deceased people’s lives.

    According to reports, ten persons were murdered by armed military personnel who were trying to keep things peaceful after a series of irregular shootings in Bawku. When a young child attempted to hide near a mound of dry grasses that eventually caught fire, he was burned to death in the process.

    Inhabitants angrily accused the military of intentionally killing civilians.

    Mr. Ayariga, in a press statement condemned the act, saying it is an “infliction of mortal casualties on innocent civilians.” He has promised to “leave no stone unturned” as he fights for redress for the victims.

    In a response, the Ghana Armed Forces refuted the allegations, saying that its officers only sought to neutralize some six unidentified armed men who were involved in sporadic shootings in Sabongari, a suburb of Bawku. It said some people who sustained injuries in the process had been sent to the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital for treatment.

    However, Mr. Ayariga believes that the people of Bawku are incapable of accusing the military wrongfully, saying that his account of the incident was from an eyewitness. He believes the military is refusing to admit wrongdoing.

    Meanwhile, some security analysts believe that in the wake of tensions from Burkina Faso near the northern border, further investigations need to be conducted into the killings of the ten people.

  • Bawku killings: I don’t want Akufo-Addo involved – Ayariga justifies petitioning CHRAJ

    Bawku killings: I don’t want Akufo-Addo involved – Ayariga justifies petitioning CHRAJ

    The MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has given an explanation of the reasons behind his request for the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to look into the alleged killing of Bawku inhabitants by some military personnel.

    According to him, he chose that route because, the murder of the 10 residents is a human rights issue.

    In the past, such incidents have been investigated by presidential commissions.

    Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, he said “I don’t want the President’s hand in the investigations.”

    “What have we gotten out of all of these commissions that were set up by the President in the past over these killings? What happened? Nothing happened,” he added when asked whether a commission should be set for it.

    This, according to him, is to prevent the case from being politicised.

    “I want the truth out, I don’t want some high-level exercise that will come to nothing. I believe the Human Rights Commission will do a good job of establishing what happened and they will take action to ensure that there are remedial measures,” he insisted.

    The Bawku Central MP on Friday petitioned CHRAJ to investigate alleged killings of civilians by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

    He sought damages of GH¢500,000 each for the families of those who lost their life and adequate compensation for injured victims.

    Narrating his account, he said he had information that there were gun fires on Tuesday night in Bawku.

    He explained further that the military, as part of efforts to curt

  • Mahama Ayariga takes GAF to CHRAJ over killings and brutalities at Bawku

    Mahama Ayariga takes GAF to CHRAJ over killings and brutalities at Bawku

    Member of Parliament for Bawku Central Constituency, Mahama Ayariga, has petitioned the Commission On Human Rights And Administration Justice (CHRAJ) to look into the reported killings and brutalities of his constituents by officers of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

    Per reports, about 10 people were shot dead by members of the armed forces Operation Gongong in Bawku on Tuesday 31st January and Wednesday 1st February 2023.

    According to Mr Ayariga, several human rights such as children’s rights, women’s rights and property rights have been violated by the military.

    In his complaint, the legislator stated that “the military do not deny shooting and killing these residents of Bawku”.

    In a statement issued on 2nd February 2023, the Ghana Armed Forces refuted allegations that soldiers deployed to Bawku to restore calm and maintain order had killed some residents.

    The military explained that passengers on board a yellow KIA Grand Bird Bus with Registration Number AS 3672-21 travelling from Accra to Missiga were attacked by unknown gunmen around Kpawelga on the Bawku Highways. The gunmen fired through the tyre and engine compartment of the vehicle.

    “Also, one KIA Rhino truck with registration number AS 7093-17 was hit and the driver of the truck, Alhassan Abdella aged 40, from the Gonja tribe sustained a gunshot wound on the left foot.

    “Again, on Wednesday 1 February 2023, gunshots were heard around South Natinga in Bawku. A Patrol Team rushed to the general area of the shooting where a suspect, Abdul Malik Haruna, aged 35 from the Mamprusi tribe was arrested.

    “Three suspects, Fatau Alhassan Binda, aged 42, Abubakar Iddrisu, aged 44 and Alhassan Mustapha Binda, aged 33, all from the Dagomba tribe were arrested in a house at Pateleme. They were handed over to the Bawku Police for further investigations.

    “In a separate incident, sporadic firing was heard around Sabongari General Area. A Patrol Team dispatched to assess the situation spotted unknown armed men at Gozesi-Valley side in Sabongari wearing black T-shirts with Black Hoodies. Troops engaged them and neutralized six (6) armed men. During the engagement, some armed men took cover in a mud house within the immediate vicinity to engage the Team.

    “One of the armed men attempted to attack troops with a cutlass but was disarmed in the process. During the operation. a local woman found with a gunshot injury on her left hand was sent to Bawku Presbyterian Hospital by troops for treatment,” GAF’s statement recounted.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/jihadists-may-have-infiltrated-bawku-upper-east-regional-minister/

    In response, Mr Ayariga has rejected what he describes as “the self serving coverup account of the circumstances surrounding the brutal killings contained in the statement of the Ghana Armed Forces engaged in Operation Gongong” and has therefore called for an investigation by the CHRAJ so that eyewitnesses can give an accurate account of the brutality with which the military executed the killings.

    “The incidents occurred on the 1st of February 2023. An earlier killing of 2 persons in Patelmi in Bawku by members of the Ghana Armed Forces occurred on 26th of January 2023,” he revealed.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/security-analyst-describes-bawku-as-complete-war-zone/

    Meanwhile, Mr Ayariga has among other things demanded a compensation of Five Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (Ghc 500,000.00) for each and every one of those whose lives were taken to be paid to their immediate families as punitive damage.

    He also wants members of the Ghana Armed Forces to be restrained from further acts of brutalities in Bawku in the exercise of their responsibilities to maintain peace in Bawku.

    Again, the Bawku Central MP wants adequate compensation to those who have suffered physical harm.

    Chraj-1 by The Independent Ghana on Scribd

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Mahama Ayariga condemns military killings in Bawku, calls for calm

    Mahama Ayariga condemns military killings in Bawku, calls for calm

    The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has condemned the Ghana Armed Forces over the killing and abuse of some of its members on some of his constituents, stating that he will go all out to ensure he gets redress.

    According to a statement issued under the name of the MP, on the night of Tuesday, January 31, 2023, there were reported gunshots heard in the Bawku township.

    This, he added, was part of efforts by the military to ensure that it brought the situation under control, but things spiralled and, in the end, some six civilians are said to have been killed at the hands of the soldiers.

    He said that the people who were killed were first chased and then shot, per the information available to him.

    “Let me condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the infliction of mortal casualties on innocent civilians by members of the Ghana Armed Forces in Bawku today. This is totally unacceptable and I will leave no stone unturned in my fight for redress for these victims.

    “Report reaching me is to the effect that there were gun fires last night across the Bawku town. The military, as part of their efforts to curtail the situation, chased anyone they saw, Information reaching is to the effect that they were chasing some people and other people saw those being chased running and also took to their heels. The military shot at them and in the process killed six civilians,” he stated.

    Mahama Ayariga further explained that one of the people who were killed was a little boy who had also gone into hiding, bringing the number of reported deceased to 7.

    He added that some other persons were physically abused, including an assemblyman.

    “A little boy who also run to hide behind some grasses was also shot. The grass caught fire and burnt him to death, making the number 7. In addition, the Assemblyman for Missiga Electoral Area was physically assaulted by military personnel and sustained serious injuries.

    “Several unspeakable brutalities have been reported,” he added.

    Vehemently condemning what transpired in his constituency, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP called out the continuous attacks of the military on his citizens.

    He has therefore called on the government to immediately investigate the matter, while calling for calm among the people of the Bawku township.

    “This is totally unacceptable and I condemn the military in very strong terms. There was similar killing of two men at patelmi because they allegedly broke curfew laws. This is preposterous. The Government must immediately investigate this report and bring to book the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

    “I urge everyone to lay down their weapons and let’s work towards peace and not give opportunities to others to inflict such inhuman treatment on us,” he added.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Imminent takeover of domestic banks must be averted – Mahama Ayariga

    Imminent takeover of domestic banks must be averted – Mahama Ayariga

    Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central has warned that if the Governor of the Bank of Ghana does not step in and seek legal clarity on the programme to support banks through the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF), the implementing agency; Ghana Amalgamated Trust PLC (GAT) will end up offloading the shares of the domestic banks to third parties. This will effectively end up in the expropriation of the interests of existing owners of our indigenous Ghanaian banks.

    In a letter written by Mr. Ayariga to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, the law maker raises concerns about what he says are the illegality and opaqueness of the operations of GAT and GFSF and how they could ultimately enable the take-over of our domestic banks by cronies of decision makers for the sector.

    Mahama Ayariga has therefore called on both the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and Parliament to step in to ensure legal and policy clarity in terms of the intervention being made by Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to deal with the threats to the banking sector occasioned by the implementation of the Domestic Debt Exchange (DDE) programme.

    “The Minister of Finance has announced a debt restructuring programme involving a debt exchange by government domestic bond holders. Our total external debt stood at about GHC383 billion as at November 2022. Domestic debt constituted GHC195 billion. Total debt was therefore GHC578 billion in November 2022.

    “Banks in Ghana hold about half of the entire domestic bonds of the Government of Ghana and individuals hold 11% of the Government bonds. The Minister of Finance has compelled domestic banks to “voluntarily” engage in a debt exchange with the Government in relation to the bonds they hold. This involves reduced coupons and deferred payments. Definitely, the liquidity, solvency and capitalization of these banks will be negatively affected. This also creates a problem for the financial sector as individual investors will be scared. Coming after the recent banking sector “cleanup” and the collapse of some banks it generated, people will shy away from depositing their funds in bank accounts. Our entire financial sector is in danger of collapsing,” parts of the statement said.

    The Minister for Finance has announced a Ghana Financial Stability Fund and directed banks to approach Ghana Amalgamated Trust PLC for a rescue package. This letter to the Governor and those copied seeks to point out the danger of this remedial prescription of the Minister for Finance.

  • DDEP:Capitalization and liquidity issues for domestic private banks – Mahama Ayariga

    DDEP:Capitalization and liquidity issues for domestic private banks – Mahama Ayariga

    Mahama Ayariga, the representative for Bawku Central, has voiced concern over the effect of the Domestic Debt Exchange Program on Ghana’s domestic private banks.

    The congressman claims in a letter to the governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, that the initiative will actually hinder bank expansion as the government sees the need to restructure Ghana’s mounting debt.

    He was concerned that the banks would experience capitalization and liquidity issues as a result of their inability to secure timely and appropriate coupon payments from their bondholder, the Ghanaian government.

    “I also contend that the directive of the Minister of Finance, to those banks he has so emasculated, to approach the Ghana Amalgamated Trust Plc (GAT) for support from the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF) opens them up to a takeover by investors in the GAT, if the Ghana Financial Stability Fund is not wholly publicly funded.”

    Mahama Ayariga further concluded that the policy and strategic options chosen by the Finance Minister enables the illegal and unconstitutional expropriation of the private property of the present owners of domestic private banks and possibly, private international banks operating in the country.

    “I call for the mobilization of the available intellectual competencies and political forces to defend the bona fides property rights of owners of private banks in Ghana. Not to do so with a sense of urgency will constitute the greatest dereliction of duty of our political class and the collapse of present owners of these banks and the takeover of these banking interests similar to what was orchestrated in the PDS saga and the intended ‘Agyapa’ deal, will capriciously, unlawfully and criminally transfer enormous wealth and concentrate it in the hands of those who might enjoy the patronage of the Minister of Finance.”

    “This could disorient our democracy and potentially destabilize our politics. The history of the recent banking sector “cleanup” remains fresh in our memory,” the lawmaker concluded.

    As part of efforts to secure an IMF bailout and address the country’s unsustainable debt situation, government launched the DDEP inviting bondholders to voluntarily exchange approximately GH¢137 billion domestic notes and bonds of the Republic including ESLA and Daakye for a package of new bonds.

  • We expect fairness from Bagbin not favours – Mahama Ayariga

    The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has dismissed suggestions that the Minority in Parliament expects favours from the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.

    A section of the public had accused the Minority Caucus of entitlement and expecting favours from the Speaker due to their role in his election as the Leader of the House.

    But speaking on The Big Issue on Citi TV on Saturday, Mr Ayariga said the Minority is only interested in the Speaker giving fair rulings when motions are raised on the floor of Parliament.

    “I am one person who does not expect any favour from the Speaker. We don’t expect any favour from him. For us [Minority] we don’t want a favour, we just expect fidelity to the rules,” Mr Ayariga told host Selorm Adonoo.

    The former Minister for Youth and Sports added that, “when he [Bagbin] takes a decision, it should be obvious that the decision is grounded in the rules…When we elected him as a Speaker, we didn’t elect a Speaker of the Minority side, we elected a Speaker for the House.”

    The Speaker of Parliament on Thursday ruled that an ad-hoc committee will be set up to probe the allegations for the motion of censure raised by the Minority Caucus against the embattled Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.

    According to the Speaker, setting up a committee will provide an opportunity for the Finance Minister to respond to issues of conflict of interest and six other allegations raised by the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu and his MPs.

    “The evidence will be placed before the committee. The Minister will have the opportunity to defend himself. A report will be presented to the House, and we will debate that report,” the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin said.

    The decision to set up a committee riled the Minority side who argued that the move was wrong and insisted that the motive for the vote of censure should have been debated on the floor of Parliament.

    Source: citinews

  • I’m surprised Bagbin didn’t check for quorum before passage of E-Levy Ayariga

    Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga says the minority caucus in parliament is surprised that Speaker Alban Bagbin did not check whether there was a quorum before the E-Levy was passed.

    The MP (Member of Parliament), in a JoyNews interview monitored by GhanaWeb, said that the minority caucus was expecting the Speaker of Parliament to check if there was a quorum in the House for business to be conducted when they walked out of the House because he had previously done so.

    “Remember that when the majority, not too long ago, on the day for the passage of the budget, decided to walk out, what did the Speaker do? He said I want to find out whether we have a quorum so that we continue transacting business and then he counted minority members in the chamber. We were 137, and he felt that there was a quorum to continue transacting business relying on the provisions of Article 102.

    “So, we assumed that the legal position will be that when we walk out, anybody who wants to transact business will also check; the minority side having walked out, there should be at list 138 people to conduct business,” he said.

    Also, Ayariga indicated that there was no need for any of the minority MPs to be present to object to the passage of the levy, saying, “when the majority walked out when we (the minority) voted against the budget, no objection was raised, and it was the same Alban Bagbin who was presiding over the House. It was the Speaker, on his own, who after the majority had walked out, decided to check if there was a quorum.”

    Meanwhile, the minority caucus in parliament has indicated that the bill’s passage was illegal, citing the lack of a quorum.

    According to the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, the House did not have the numbers to decide on the passage of the bill. He believes the recent Supreme Court ruling has been violated.

    “The House had less than 137 in the chamber. They only proceeded in illegal business,” he said.

    Mahama Ayariga, Haruna Iddrisu and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa have filed a suit at the Supreme Court, asking the court to declare the approval of the levy null and void.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • The brawls in parliament will prevent a military takeover – Mahama Ayariga


    A Member of Parliament for the Bawku Central Constituency, Mahama Ayariga, has said that with the current pace at which the country’s democracy is deepening, it will be difficult for military adventurers to take over.

    According to him, the recent brawl in parliament will rather prevent a military takeover as it’s one of the ways to build confidence in democracy through checks and balance.

    He explained that the two instances of a brawl in parliament were when some individuals wanted to rig and undermine the constitution; therefore, the minority had to ensure the right things were done.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, he said, “I am confident that Ghana is on a sustained path to deepening our democracy, and I am very confident that if we continue at the pace we have assumed recently, we will see no excuse for a military adventurer. 

    “For example, say we see people fighting in parliament and exchanging blows and moving and throwing chairs at each other, if you do this, the military will come in and take all of us out, I say no! 

    “That is what is going to prevent the military from coming because soldiers are not senseless human beings. They want checks and balances to work in the democracy; they want a parliament that is not a rubber stamp. 

    “A parliament that when the population say we don’t like this, they can stand their grounds and tell the executive that we don’t like this, the people don’t like this, you can’t impose it on them. If the people say we like this, then parliament should be able to stand its ground and demand and get the executive to do what people like.”

    He added that people would have confidence in democracy and disallow military adventurers when institutions like the judiciary and media effectively play their roles.

    “Now, if we stand our grounds in parliament and we fight to make sure the right things are done, and the people have confidence in the institutions of democracy, they won’t support any military adventurer taking a gun. 

    “If the judiciary doesn’t turn itself to a rubber stamp and when citizens see that either parliament or the executive or any institution is clearly violating the constitution that we’ve all agreed on and come before the judiciary and stand their grounds and say no you can’t do this, the constitution is clear about this, the citizen is right, the government you are wrong, then people will have confidence in the judiciary.

    “When people have confidence in the journalist, that the media will expose wrongdoing and will not be in the pay pockets of executive and politicians and will fight to unearth wrongdoing and demand that the right things are done, and they have confidence in the media, nobody will support military adventurists, that is how to prevent coups.”

    He added that the fights would build confidence in democratic institutions.

    When asked if he thinks what the minority is doing will prevent such things from happening (Military takeover), Ayariga responded: “Yes! It will build confidence in democratic institutions. I mean, why do we fight in the chamber? And all the two occasions we have fought in the chamber, it is because somebody was trying to rig, somebody was trying to undermine the rules of the house. 

    “We had two options; to wait and allow the person or persons to undermine the rules so that later we attempt to correct it or to prevent it from being undermined so that we don’t risk that or you will do and later come and try and correct it. Those were the two instances,” he told GhanaWeb.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Sammy Gyamfis attack on Bagbin unwarranted Ayariga

    The NDC Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has described as unwarranted the attack on the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin by the Communications officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi.

    Gyamfi accused the Speaker of Parliament and the leadership of the NDC caucus in the House of betraying the party after the House voted to approve all the vetted nominees for ministerial positions Wednesday night.

    The party had directed its members to vote against some of the nominees especially those with security portfolios.

    “Comrades, the betrayal we have suffered in the hands of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, the leadership of our Parliamentary group, particularly Hon. Haruna Iddrissu and Hon. Muntaka Mubarak, and dozens of our own MPs, is what strengthens me to work hard for the great NDC to regain power.

    “They brazenly defied the leadership of the party and betrayed the collective good for their selfish interest. And we, must not let them succeed in their parochial quest to destroy the NDC, the party that has done so much for them and all of us. The shame they have brought on the party will forever hang like an albatross around their necks,” Mr. Gyamfi wrote in a statement Thursday.

    But speaking on GHone TV Friday morning, the former Minister of Information and Media Relations said even though Sammy Gyamfi could have had legitimate grounds for criticising the leadership of the party, he had no basis to attack the Speaker.

    “To move from criticisms to questioning the integrity of the Speaker is overstepping the boundaries. You need to show exactly what Bagbin did to become the subject of an attack,” Ayariga said.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Ayarigas motion for the absorption of 2021 tertiary fees rejected by parliament

    The Parliament of Ghana has by a voice vote rejected a motion filed by Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, asking the government to absorb fees of students in public tertiary institutions and to extend support to private universities for the 2021 academic year.

    Mr Ayariga before moving the motion indicated that his request was due to the dire impact of COVID-19 on the incomes of individuals and businesses.

    He thus wanted the government to absorb the fees as part of its COVID-19 alleviation programme.

    Following deliberations on the matter, the decision to accept the motion or not was put to a voice vote on Thursday, January 28, 2021.

    The majority New Patriotic Party members and the independent Member of Parliament for Fomena voted against the motion on the basis that government had already made provisions to support students, as well as interventions in the education sector due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ayariga: I don’t recall telling Ken Agyapong about Amidu’s health condition

    The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mr Mahama Ayariga says he does recall telling the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Mr Kennedy Agyapong about the health condition of his uncle, Mr Martin Amidu.

    Likewise, he said he does not have any medical record of Mr Martin Amidu that indicates he has been to Germany for medical reasons.

    In a radio interview with Accra based Citi FM Thursday evening, [November 19, 2020], Mr Ayariga said, “it is unfortunate that the issues are turning around to medical records. But I don’t have any medical records of my uncle, Martin Amidu.”

    “I think that its unfortunate that I’m being put in the centre of this whole controversy about his [Amidu] resignation. I think we should focus on the real reasons why he has resigned and deal with it.” 

    The Office of Special Prosecutor is in court with Mr Ayariga over the importation of some vehicles.
    Happy Farmers day

    Mr Ayariga’s name has popped up through Mr Ken Agyapong who in a television interview said Ayariga told him about Amidu’s medical condition in a conversation in Parliament when Amidu was first appointed and he was to appear before the Appointment Committee of Parliament.

    Speaking to Citi FM, Mr Ayariga said as a family member of Mr Amidu, he has already indicated that when he picks the signal that Mr Amidu’s life was in danger and feels threatened, he, as a son will always go to his aid first to protect his life before they go back to court to settle their issues.

    “Let me put on record that I don’t have any medical records of him being sent to Germany for treatment.”

    “I don’t recall having discussions with Hon. Kennedy in which I made reservations about medical condition and treatment in Germany etc. And so I will say, I should be left out of the conversation, I’m in court and today I was in court…and I’m fighting my matter in court.

    What Ken Agyapong said

    “Ayariga was going to take him on to produce his medical records and explain why he went to Germany but [John] Mahama told him to stop. Don’t raise this question at the Appointments Committee [of Parliament], Mahama advised them not to raise that issue about the medical record and it was never brought up because they knew that one day this will happen,” this is what Mr Agyapong said on the television interview.

    But reacting in the Citi FM interview, Mr Ayariga said he does not recall having any such conversation with Mr Agyapong.

    “Infact John never spoke to us in terms of any medical records. Indeed former President John Dramani Mahama when the issue of Martin Amidu came up gave us the clearance that we could go ahead and approve him to be the Special Prosecutor.

    more to follow…

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Mahama Ayariga among 8 MPs to go into mandatory quarantine

    Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Ocquaye has directed Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga to stay home over the Coronavirus spread.

    He is one of 10 MPs and 5 staff the clerk has written to that they stay away from work after returning abroad.

    In a letter to him from the acting clerk of parliament, Cyril Nsiah urged him to keep away from the precincts of parliament until 27th March.

    The letter urged him to report to the medical director in parliament for review before he resumes duty in the house.

    “I am instructed by the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Ocquaye to inform you that in view of your recent return to Ghana from a foreign trip on March 12, and in conformity with the World Health Organization protocols aimed at preventing the spread of Coronavirus, you are required to observe the minimum two week period of self-isolation in your residence,” the letter said.

    Below is the full letter.

     

    Source: myjoyonlineÂ