Tag: National Democratic Congress

The Electoral Commission (EC) has faced accusations from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of engaging in voter suppression. This allegation stems from the EC’s choice to conduct limited voter registration solely at district offices, a decision the NDC deems suboptimal.

As the voter registration enters its sixth day today, on September 18, many individuals have raised concerns about various challenges they have encountered.

The Greater Accra Regional Secretary of the NDC, Theophilus Tetteh Chaie, has expressed dissatisfaction with the EC’s handling of the situation, stating that it is exacerbating the issues.

There is growing pressure on the Electoral Commission (EC) to reconsider and adjust its procedures for the ongoing voter registration exercise. Dr. Adomako Kissi, Member of Parliament for Anyaa–Sowutuom, has also criticized the decision to restrict registration to district offices, arguing that it is not the most suitable approach.

In contrast, the National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has expressed satisfaction with the progress made during the first week of the limited voter registration.

The Electoral Commission commenced the registration process on Tuesday, September 12, with the goal of enrolling first-time voters who have yet to obtain their Voter ID cards.

Despite opposition from the NDC and some civil society organizations, the registration continues to take place at district offices of the electoral commission throughout the country.

The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has emphasized the necessity for a change in the dynamics of political competition.

He stressed that political parties should shift their focus towards achieving excellence, with Ghana as the ultimate beneficiary.

In an interview with the media, the General Secretary expressed his view, stating that “competition should persist, but it should no longer be a mere race for the NDC to outperform the NPP. Instead, it should be about the NDC doing what is necessary to make Ghana prosper and content.”

Expanding on the concept of competitiveness, he suggested that “when Ghana is genuinely content with our performance, our competitiveness against the opposition becomes a higher form of competition.”

Fifi Kwetey encouraged the NDC to rise above the common practice of comparing track records and start striving for excellence, rather than solely using the NPP’s disappointing track record as the benchmark, as he believes Ghana deserves better.

Addressing the disillusionment of the youth, he attributed their frustration to the perceived lack of trustworthiness, particularly displayed by the NPP, and the ongoing leadership failures across Africa that have led to recent coup attempts.

Fifi Kwetey also stressed the importance of allowing institutions to operate independently, with a notable mention of the Judiciary and the Electoral Commission.

He also introduced his new initiative, titled “Arise for Ghana,” an insightful online episodic series aimed at tackling critical issues related to leadership, governance, values, attitudes, and actions that influence national development. This series will be broadcast weekly on Fifi Kwetey’s and the NDC’s social media platforms.

The Member of Parliament representing the Assin North Constituency, James Gyakye Quayson, has expressed his contentment upon returning to Ghana after spending several years in Canada.

According to him, his purpose for returning is to serve the needs of his constituents, a move that brings him great satisfaction.

James Gyakye Quayson, previously the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the Assin North by-election, achieved a triumphant victory in the recent polls.

The by-election, which took place on June 27, 2023, saw Mr. Quayson secure 17,245 votes, constituting an impressive 57.56 percent of the total votes cast.

This victory enabled him to surpass his opponents: Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG).

In the closely contested by-election, Charles Opoku garnered 12,630 votes, corresponding to 42.15 percent of the total votes cast, while Bernice Enyonam Sefenu from the LPG received a mere 87 votes, amounting to 0.29 percent of the total.

Mr. Quayson, who initially secured the seat in the 2020 polls with 17,498 votes, was removed from Parliament due to his dual citizenship status before filing his nomination forms.

The vacancy in the Assin North seat arose after the Supreme Court’s ruling on May 17, instructing Parliament to expunge Gyakye Quayson’s name from its records.

In an interview with the media, the legislator conveyed his happiness about revitalizing his constituency.

Despite facing daily challenges that posed setbacks, Mr. Quayson emphasized that these obstacles did not dissuade him from putting in vigorous effort to secure the seat. He underscored his unwavering determination and dismissed any fear of losing the by-elections.

However, it’s worth noting that the MP is currently entangled in a legal battle, facing allegations of forgery and perjury. The state has levied charges against him, including deceiving a public officer in contravention of section 251 (b) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, Act 29.

Additionally, he is accused of forging a passport or travel certificate, in violation of section 15 (1)(b) of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155), as well as knowingly making a false statutory declaration, an offense under the Statutory Declarations Act, 1971, Act 389.

Furthermore, Mr. Quayson faces perjury charges under section 210 (1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, Act 29, along with charges of making a false declaration for office as per section 248 of the same act, Act 29.