The Council of State has issued a response to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) petition concerning the approval of Dr. Peter Appiahene and Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani as Members of the Electoral Commission.
The Council firmly asserted that the approval recommendation remains unalterable.
In a letter directed to the NDC, the Council clarified that, having thoroughly examined the nominees’ CVs and advised the President, the appointment process was deemed concluded. The subsequent inauguration of the appointees solidified the Council’s role in the process.
“As correctly noted in paragraph 8 of your letter’s third page, following the President’s swearing-in of the two individuals, the Council of State has become functus officio in their appointment process.
“It is hence not feasible to reconsider the recommendations already provided by the Council to the President,” stated Nana Otuo Siriboe, Chairman of the Council of State.
The Council emphasized that once recommendations are submitted to and acted upon by the President, they cannot be revisited within its jurisdiction. This decision effectively closes any avenue to revisit the approval process for Dr. Peter Appiahene and Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani.
The nomination of Electoral Commission members significantly upholds Ghana’s democratic process. The Council of State’s role in vetting and advising on these appointments is crucial in safeguarding the Electoral Commission’s integrity and transparency.
While the NDC voiced concerns about the appointees’ perceived NPP affiliations, the Council’s response underscores the diligent execution of the approval process according to established protocols.
A Parliamentary aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Tempane Constituency in the Upper East Region, Alhaji Ibrahim Bashiru, has asserted that he stands as the most qualified candidate to secure the parliamentary seat against the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He calls upon NPP delegates to cast their votes overwhelmingly in his favor, leading the party to triumph in the forthcoming 2024 parliamentary election.
In his capacity as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer overseeing operations at the Youth Employment Agency, Ibrahim Bashiru will be contending with former Deputy Attorney-General, Joseph Kpemka, in the bid to represent the constituents in Parliament.
Following the submission of his nomination forms in Tempane, Ibrahim Bashiru, in conversation with the media, characterizes Mr. Kpemka’s administration as retrogressive and subpar. He expresses his commitment to enhancing the constituents’ well-being if entrusted with the responsibility.
“Under lawyer Kpemka’s leadership, the constituency has regrettably witnessed a decline instead of progress. We find ourselves moving backwards. This motivates my decision to present myself as an option to the people of Tempane, appealing to their awareness and asking for the chance to become the parliamentary candidate and subsequently the Member of Parliament, ushering in a change of direction.”
Bashiru underlines his unparalleled record of development within the constituency and implores for the opportunity to uplift the marginalized area.
He pledges to run a transparent administration and leverage his network and goodwill to advocate for projects that enhance the lives of the constituents.
“I have extended crucial job opportunities to the youth of this constituency. I’ve aided in the recruitment of over 40 individuals in the teaching sector, more than 1,535 in YEA, as well as many others across institutions such as COCOBOD, SSNIT, GWC, among others.
I am dedicated to representing the Tempane constituents in the Parliament effectively, advocating for development initiatives including hospitals, roads, schools, education, agriculture, and all other essential undertakings that contribute to a more meaningful life in Tempane.”
Furthermore, Mr. Bashiru urges fellow party members to refrain from using inflammatory language during the campaign period.
He affirms his commitment to supporting whichever aspirant emerges victorious in the forthcoming parliamentary primaries.
General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Kwetey, has advocated a return to strong leadership values as a remedy for Ghana’s economic challenges.
In an interview with the media, Kwetey lamented the erosion of morals among current leaders and emphasizes the importance of leaders with values and a genuine passion for the nation.
He criticized President Akufo Addo and Vice President Bawumia, asserting that both lack these crucial qualities.
Kwetey underscored that the NDC was founded on values and urges the party to uphold and differentiate itself based on those values.
He asserted that values define one’s character and drive and that the NDC’s focus on values is even more significant than policy positions.
He urges the NDC to prioritize rebuilding and embracing its core values before formulating policies.
Kwetey believes that strong values are essential for effective policy implementation and transformation.
He blames Ghana’s economic challenges on the NPP’s lack of love for the nation and fiscal irresponsibility.
“Positioning ourselves as people with values, different from the NPP is even more important than policies. Values are critical because values define who you are. Anyone can have a policy but any policy proposed by people with no values become an empty husk and will show their degeneration just as we are seeing now.
“The NDC is not made up of perfect people”, he said, “we do not also claim to have all the answers, but Ghana is safer in our hands”.
The General Secretary stated that “Ghana’s economic meltdown is not from Covid or Russia -Ukraine war but the fact is that the NPP that supervised the collapse of our country does not have the humility to accept that their lack of love for nation and fiscal irresponsibility led us here.”
Kwetey criticized the NPP’s leadership style and accuses them of prioritizing political power over the nation’s welfare.
Kwetey concluded by asserting that the NPP relies on falsehoods to win power and warns of the deeper consequences of their leadership and moral collapse, stating that it outweighs the current economic crisis.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Jomoro Constituency of the Western Region is urging the government to address the dire state of roads in the area.
The NDC emphasizes that taking action to improve the roads is essential to prevent potential legal actions by the people of Jomoro.
“To avoid other actions supported by law from indigenes of Jomoro”, the government must do them the honours and come to their aid,” it added.
They call on the government to step up and assist the community.
Last week, residents, particularly commercial drivers in Nzemaland, held demonstrations to protest the appalling condition of the roads.
They refused to operate their vehicles, leading to road blockades and even burning of vehicle tires as a response to the government’s failure to address the issue.
In response to the situation, police had to resort to firing gunshots to disperse some of the demonstrators.
During a press conference in the Jomoro Constituency, the Communications Officer, Nyamekeh Lenrie, expressed gratitude to the Member of Parliament for the Constituency, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, for taking some initiative to repair certain roads for the residents.
Read below the full press conference:
A PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY COMRADE NYAMEKEH LENRIE, CONSTITUENCY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER OF THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (NDC) – JOMORO 29th July, 2023.
DEPLORABLE STATE OF THE SAMENYE TO HALF ASSINI, NEWTOWN ROADS NETWORK.
Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen and to our friends from the media here present and across the world.
Today, we have gathered here to add our voices to the numerous calls by various individuals and groups in calling on the Nana Addo – Bawumia NPP led Government to fix our deadly road that spans from Samenye barrier to Jaway Wharf and to Newtown. Unlike the NPP in Jomoro who are only bothered with personal interest such as scrapping off a whole Power Barge at Effasu, we in the NDC side with the masses, hence the need to add our voice to the numerous voices calling on the government to fix our roads.
This road has become a thorn in the flesh of both drivers and passengers in the Jomoro constituency.
We have received several promises from this government, some of whom include the vice president of the republic, H. E. Alhaji Bawumia and the MCE, madam Louisa Adde.
Friends from the media, you will recall that, on October, 9th 2020, the vice president during a two-day working visit to the western region, came to Jomoro and in the presence of Awulae Annor Adjei III, cut sod for the construction of the Samenye barrier to Jaway Wharf and to Newtown roads. In that ‘votes winning’ ceremony, the vice president promised that the 108.8km road (Including some town roads such as Bonyere, Tikobo 1, Tikobo 2, Ebonloa etc) will be completed in Two years by My Turn Ltd and Kinspok company Ltd.
Ladies and gentlemen from the media, it will interest you to know that, the time frame given by the vice president for the road to be completed elapsed last year and yet our roads have rather moved from bad to worse. The MCE, Ms Louisa Arde, also on the other hand kept on keeping our faith high in the heavens. Just November last year, the MCE is on record to have stated on NewDay Fm that she has done all that she’s supposed to do and in no time contractors will move to site to begin work.
Friends from the media, it has been realized that, just like the appointor, the appointee also lied to us. If it is tomorrow that the contractor will come on the road, that we do not know. Let me at this point commend the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Hon. Dorcas Affo Toffey. But for her swift intervention in reshaping roads linking communities such as Tweakor 1, Tweakor 2 and farm roads in the Kabenlasuazo enclave, all in her constituency, residents in those areas wouldn’t also have had it easy. We would also want to commend her for having the Samenye barrier to Jaway Wharf and the town roads at heart for which reason, on the 10th of March 2023, she summoned the Roads minister to the floor of Parliament and asked about when the said road will be completed. It was striking to note from the Minister’s response that the road that was supposed to have been completed on 24th December, 2022 has now become a death trap for residents in Jomoro as at today the 29th of July 2023. Indeed the good people of Jomoro are never taken serious a bit by this inept and deceitful government.
Friends from the media, isn’t it surprising that the minister in his response to the question filed by the Honourable Member of Parliament for Jomoro, said that, the road is seeing a slow pace because of inadequate funding when we know that, the funding agency for this road project is the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)? GNPC as we all know is funding hundreds of projects nationwide including road networks in the Eastern region, the president’s home region. The good people of Jomoro deserves development. As article 36(6) of the 1992 constitution clearly states, there shall be fairness in the distribution of development and equality in economic opportunity to all without exception. How come a constituency which is at the heart of Ghana’s oil and gas sector is denied of its fair share of development. This is mere wickedness and intentional deprivation. We need our share from the oil and gas proceeds.
So we say Fix Our Roads Now! Concerned Drivers Association in the constituency also couldn’t hold their nerves any longer as they are the immediate affected people of the bad nature of roads. Apart from the rising prices of spare parts and the increasing fuel prices at the pumps (despite the gold for oil policy), they have to also spend hours on a road that they could have spent minutes on. So they had to embark on a three day sit down strike without moving their vehicles. This brought untold inconveniences to passengers.
Pregnant women have to endure the pain of labour as well as the pain of making a deadly voyage to hospital for antenatal. Fix Our Roads Now
Surprisingly, H. E. Bawumia this week came to Jomoro on Tuesday, 25th July, 2023 to campaign to be elected as the NPP flag bearer. And in running away from his own shadow, knowing very well he has lied to the good people of Jomoro, decided to use the Alabokazo Benyinli road that was constructed by the erstwhile Mahama government just to swerve the deplorable road from Samenye. We ask a simple question: What was the size of the elephant on the Samenye barrier route that blocked the fleet of cars of Dr. Bawumia from using that stretch of road?
We do not want to believe that, just like the one district, one factory and the $1million a year per constituency, the year of road has also been a sham. Jomoro is a constituency that can boast of four approved boarder towns, generating huge sums of money for this government, yet, with the year of roads launched by this bungling government; *Drivers are suffering *Passengers are suffering *Market women are suffering *Students are suffering *Mates are suffering *Pragya drivers are suffering *Farmers are suffering *Okada drivers are suffering *Everybody is suffering on this road because of its state.
In conclusion, Ghanaians and for that matter, Jomoronians voted for NPP to solve our problems and not to become problems for us. We are therefore calling on the government to fix our roads now (at least bring it to its former state as they met it) to avoid other actions supported by law from indigenes of Jomoro.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region has conducted a two-day capacity-building workshop for all Constituency Organisers, their deputies, and Zongo Caucus Coordinators in preparation for the 2024 elections.
The workshop aimed to empower participants to help the party regain political power from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and bring positive change to the Volta Region.
Joseph Yamin, the National Organiser of the NDC, emphasized the crucial importance of the 2024 elections for the party’s prospects and urged the attendees to be dedicated, passionate, and committed to winning the elections.
He highlighted that victory in the upcoming elections would depend on adequate preparations, making the workshop timely and relevant.
The Volta Regional Chairman of the NDC, Mawutor Agbavitor, reiterated the region’s determination to contribute significantly to the party’s efforts to regain political power.
The Hohoe Constituency Chairman, Newton Darkey, expressed the constituency’s support for the workshop and its readiness to work hard to regain the parliamentary seat. He emphasized the crucial role of the participants in the party’s success and encouraged them to utilize the investments made in their capacity-building effectively.
The Hohoe Constituency Parliamentary Candidate for the NDC, Worlany Tsekpo, pledged the participants’ commitment to work diligently to regain the seat and urged them to make the most of the knowledge gained during the workshop.
James Gunu, the Volta Regional Secretary of the NDC, mentioned various initiatives undertaken by the party, such as inviting election losers to collaborate and equipping regional executives through decentralised meetings. The party also aimed to eliminate “skirt and blouse” voting in endemic constituencies and was implementing a strategic organization and visibility program.
Siki Abibu, the NDC Volta Regional Organiser, explained that the workshop covered redefining the duties of Zongo Caucus Coordinators and properly assigning the “Other Eight” members who were part of the various constituency executives.
Additionally, the workshop aimed to devise strategies to ensure the party’s complete control of various assemblies in the forthcoming District Assembly Elections and foster closer collaboration between Constituency Election Directors and Constituency Organisers.
The former president and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has pledged that the next NDC government will allocate billions of dollars to foster the development and progress of the country through technology infrastructure investments.
Addressing the graduation ceremony of Academic City University College, Mahama emphasized the paramount importance of technology in shaping the economies of today’s world.
He highlighted the urgency of revolutionizing the country’s education system to meet the demands of the 21st century, where innovation and originality are key driving forces of progress.
Mahama stressed the need to equip the next generation with critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities to navigate this digital era successfully.
To achieve their vision for Ghana’s future, the NDC aims to collaborate with the private sector, directing substantial investments towards an integrated ICT infrastructure system, which includes both onshore and offshore super highways and electronic applications.
Moreover, the planned investment will harness the power of 5G technology, boosting communication, commerce, civil liberties, individual expressions, and supporting other national priorities, as outlined by Mr. Mahama.
“The 21st century thrives on the digital revolution in which innovation and originality are the propelling forces of progress and to thrive in this era, our educational system must evolve to equip the next generation with critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation to solve problems and this is why the NDC in her quest to build the Ghana we want, seeks to partner with the private sector to invest billions of dollars on an integrated ICT infrastructure system including onshore and offshore super highways and electronic applications.”
“The investment will leverage 5G technology to propel communication, commerce, civil liberties and individual expressions while supporting other national priorities,” Mr. Mahama added.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken action against one of its members in the Abuakwa North Constituency, Edgar Asamoah Boateng.
The party’s decision to suspend Mr. Boateng stems from his move to seek a court injunction preventing the party from conducting both the Presidential and Parliamentary Primaries, not only in Abuakwa North constituency but in all the 275 constituencies.
Mr. Boateng had filed for a high court injunction against the NDC’s May 13 presidential and parliamentary primaries, citing the lack of a voters’ register provided to his fellow aspirants.
In a letter signed by the General Secretary of the party, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC informed Mr. Boateng that his actions were in violation of Article 49 (1) (d) of the Party’s constitution, leading to his suspension.
Read the full letter below:
Mr. Edgar Asamoah Boateng
Abuakwa North Constituency
Eastern Region
Dear Sir,
SUSPENSION OF MR. EDGAR ASAMOAH BOATENG AS A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS
At its meeting on Tuesday 25th July 2023, the Functional Executive Committee reviewed the challenges that prevented the party from holding the parliamentary primaries in 17 constituencies across the country.
In the case of Abuakwa North Constituency, FEC took a serious view of your conduct in seeking a court injunction to prevent the Party from holding both the Presidential and Parliamentary Primaries, not only in Abuakwa North but in all the 275 constituencies in Ghana.
This conduct of yours is in breach of Article 49 (1) (d) which provides as follows: “for the avoidance of doubt, any party member who commences legal proceedings against the party for whatever reason without exhausting the complaints procedure and reliefs available under this constitution shall be subject to Party discipline under clause 8 of article 48”.
At the end of its deliberations, the following decisions were taken in accordance with articles 46 and 48 of the Party’s constitution.
i. That with immediate effect your membership of the NDC be suspended
ii. That the matter be referred to the Party’s National Disciplinary Committee for further action
You are therefore by this letter to take note, and notice is hereby given, that your membership of the NDC is suspended pending the hearing and final determination of the matter.
We hope to count on your utmost cooperation for the expeditious disposal of this case.
Former President, John Dramani Mahama has expressed dismay at President Akufo-Addo governance, citing a worsened economy and broken promises.
As the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer for 2024, Mahama believes Ghanaians were deceived by the Akufo-Addo-led NPP during the 2016 elections.
In an interview with the media, Mahama expressed sympathy for the country’s youth under the NPP government.
He recalls how the NPP focused their campaign on him and made numerous promises that remain unfulfilled for the citizens.
“I mean today, this is the highest unemployment in the history of Ghana. So it was just [about] say anything to win political power,” he stated.
“NPP came in with a lot of propaganda and they were prepared to promise heaven in order to win political power do a lot of the promises they made to Ghanaians were like just promise anything,” he averred.
“I mean I was watching a video of John Boadu saying oh! is it about jobs? If it’s about jobs, don’t worry. There’ll be so much [SIC] jobs that Ghanaians can do [and] we will have to go and bring foreigners to come and work to fill the rest of the vacancies,” he added.
One of the major concerns he highlights is the alarming rate of unemployment, which he claims is the highest in Ghana’s history.
Mahama accused the NPP of resorting to propaganda and making unrealistic promises to secure political power.
The recent World Bank report indicating that inflation pushed 850,000 Ghanaians into poverty supports Mahama’s assertions about the dire economic situation. He believes that President Akufo-Addo’s leadership has been a failure, and he urges Ghanaians to place hope in the NDC for a better future.
Confident in his chances in the 2024 polls, Mahama pledges to rebuild the country’s democracy and economy if elected.
Former president and presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has criticised President Akufo-Addo.
During a ceremony in Accra on July 24, 2023, to mark the 11th anniversary of the passing of Former President, Prof John Evans Atta Mills, he sated that unlike the current dispensation, the late former president did not exploit state agencies for personal gain.
He emphasized that the politically charged judicial system prevalent today was not present during Prof Mills’ time, according to a report by 3news.com.
“Prof Mills was a leader who never sought to consolidate power at any cost or manipulate state agencies to further his political interests,” Mahama stated.
He praised the independence of the Electoral Commission (EC) and the judiciary during Mills’ tenure, noting that they were not influenced by the president’s desires when delivering their verdicts.
Mahama also highlighted Prof Mills’ deep respect for Ghana’s culture and values. He mentioned that Mills strongly opposed LGBTQ rights, as he upheld the nation’s social and moral principles.
Additionally, Mahama credited the late former president for being an excellent talent spotter and acknowledged himself as one of Mills’ many proteges who have succeeded in their respective fields.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has held a solemn and emotional ceremony to pay their respects and honor the late President Prof John Evans Atta Mills, on the eleventh anniversary of his passing.
The wreath-laying event was conducted at Accra’s Asomdwe Park, where the remains of the late president were laid to rest.
Prominent NDC bigwigs gathered on July 24, 2023, to commemorate the legacy of Prof. Mills, who served as Ghana’s leader from 2009 until his untimely death in 2012.
Notable attendees included former President John Dramani Mahama, who succeeded Atta Mills and served as Ghana’s President from 2012 to 2017.
Also present were the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and NDC Chairman, Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, affectionately known as ‘General Mosquito’.
Numerous other high-ranking NDC members, party executives, minority members, and senior officials participated in the event.
During the ceremony, Koku Anyidoho, a former presidential spokesperson, spoke about the circumstances surrounding Prof. Mills’ death in July 2012. The late president passed away at the 37 Military Hospital after being rushed from the Castle, the seat of the presidency at the time.
Anyidoho, who was perceived as a ‘powerful’ aide to the former president, mentioned that he had faced accusations of personally transporting the ailing president to the hospital.
The 11th wreath-laying ceremony of the late President John Evans Atta Mills currently underway at the Asomdwee Park #UTVGhanapic.twitter.com/KLwAzApve6
Some female Members of Parliament (MPs) are calling for financial assistance from various civil society organizations and stakeholders to effectively fulfill their constituency duties.
They believe that such support would contribute to retaining the majority of female MPs and promote gender parity in politics.
According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, Ghana has a higher female population, accounting for 50.7 percent of the total population, while males constitute 49.3 percent.
However, within the 8th Parliament, both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have 20 female members each, totaling 40 out of 275 MPs.
During recent NDC primaries, three female MPs lost their bids to contest in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Expressing their concerns during a breakfast meeting organized by the Parliamentary Network Africa, Members of Parliament Patricia Appiagyei, Betty Krosbi Mensah, and Sheila Bartels called for financial support to retain their seats.
“It is very important that if we are working with the CSOs, wherever you are getting your funding from, it is critical that you appreciate the challenges we have in ensuring that we are servicing our constituencies and support us especially even during our primaries. What do you do to support and ensure that we retain our numbers and be able to even appreciate the numbers that we have in Parliament?”
Patricia Appiagyei stressed the importance of recognizing the challenges MPs face while serving their constituencies, especially during primaries, and urged the civil society organizations (CSOs) to offer necessary support.
Betty Krosbi Mensah, representing Afram Plains North, highlighted the limited resources available to MPs, making it difficult to effectively represent their constituencies.
Sheila Bartels, MP for Ablekuma North, emphasized that empowering women in Parliament would encourage more women to seek these positions.
She expressed concerns about women in politics not getting the same support as their male counterparts and urged for equitable financing opportunities.
The financial support sought by these female MPs aims to ensure they can continue their parliamentary roles effectively and pave the way for greater gender representation in Ghanaian politics.
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal and media team, Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, has stated that the government’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program is causing tremendous hardship for Ghanaians.
This follows the government’s debt to National Food Suppliers and uniform suppliers to public schools under the Free SHS intervention.
In an interview with the media, Mr. Adawudu stated that the policy should be reconsidered in order to prevent the economy from collapse.
“When it comes to the Free SHS, everybody is livid about that. It is bringing untold hardship upon us and this economy. Why is it that the people the government owes, the uniform contractors, cannot even go to court to say that we want our money? Everyone is picketing because citizens are losing faith in our institutions,” he stated.
The NDC has often advocated for a review of the Free SHS program in order to improve it, but the ruling New Patriotic Party remains firm.
Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Inusah Fuseini, has voiced concerns about LGBTQ+ rights activism in Ghana, comparing it to a new form of colonialism.
While he advocates for abolishing the death penalty, he believes that accepting the LGBTQ+ community’s rights would undermine African culture.
He emphasizes the importance of embracing diverse choices but warns against endorsing what he sees as a potential form of colonial influence.
“The fact that I’m advocating for life imprisonment and not death sentence might, to some extent, be consistent with the way Africans have always lived together. LGBTQ+ is an attack on African traditions. Everybody or every people have the right to their own culture. It is the culture that defines you. You are who you are by reason of where you are from, and who I am by reason of where I am from. Diversity is what makes us human. Our differences should not divide us; our difference, in the sight of Allah, should let us know each other.
“As Africans, we have a culture; we have a tradition. It is, if you want, another form of colonialism or imperialism to try to impose on us a culture that is at variance with our traditional culture. And that is why LGBTQ is facing stiff opposition,” he stated.
He asserts that decisions regarding engaging in such practices should remain private. However, Inusah Fuseini believes that if such acts are publicized, they should be addressed through the law.
The anti-gay bill presented to Parliament has been adopted, aiming to make all activities associated with the LGBTQ+ community illegal in Ghana. The bill proposes punitive measures for suspects involved in such activities.
The head of the Council of Elders for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in South Africa claims that after reading the decision of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice (CCJ) about the Agyapa deal, Ghanaians can make educated proposals.
Benjamin Kofi Quashie, who also serves as Group Chairman for Allied Consortiums, claims that reading the court submission and understanding the reasons behind it is the only way to properly comment on the decision.
The SA NDC Council Chair expressed concern and astonishment as to why we are still discussing the Agyapa transaction when commenting on JoyNews paper review on July 13 and evaluating the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice (CCJ) judgement on it.
“I feel that the sensibilities of the Ghanaian people should not be taken for granted… I believe that we wait for the court’s detailed submissions to know what is entailed in their ruling”, he shared.
He was however quick to add that, the organisations that took the matter to the ECOWAS court have been able to convince Ghanaians about the many challenges that bedevilled the deal. “Going forward, as Ghanaians, when we read what the reasons are of the court, we would be able to make informed suggestions”, he intimated.
“Irrespective of the outcome of the ruling, the Ghanaian people have spoken against the Agyapa deal and their reasoning should be upheld in any day”, he suggested.
The background to the Agyapa deal has it that the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice (CCJ) has thrown out a suit against the Government of Ghana (GoG), challenging the propriety of a Gold Royalties Monetisation Transaction arrangement, popularly referred to as the Agyapa deal.
The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has reminisced about his cherished moments with the late playwright Ama Ata Aidoo.
He revealed that Aidoo served as a catalyst, reigniting his passion for writing after his initial book.
Former President Mahama shared these sentiments during the burial service of the renowned writer at the State House forecourt in Accra on July 13, 2023.
Aidoo, a celebrated figure, passed away at the age of 83 on May 31 after a brief illness.
“She is one of our most prolific writers. We have all known her as kids growing up. My closest encounter with her was when I published ‘My First Coup d’état’ [book]. She came for the launch and encouraged me to write again, but I have not been able to [do so].”
“I was very sad at her passing. She was a very strong character and stood for women’s rights,” Mr Mahama stated.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is preparing to release a book that will contain all of the party’s manifestos since its inception.
The “Manifesto Scroll of the National Democratic Congress 1992 – 2020” will serve as a documented declaration of the NDC’s policies, purposes, and objectives, issued in advance of each Parliamentary and Presidential election in which the party has participated.
The goal of combining the party’s manifestos into a single booklet is to improve its information and knowledge sharing agenda by providing easy access to the party’s social contracts and pledges to the people of Ghana.
According to the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the book being launched holds significance for the party. It is part of a series of books aimed at compiling the party’s records and reorganizing for success in the upcoming general election and future elections.
The book will serve as a comprehensive resource, providing readers with insights into the party’s perspectives and stance on important sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, rural development, and more.
Its purpose is to enhance understanding and clarity regarding the party’s views on various aspects of the country.
“The important thing about having them in a compilation like this is that, you’re able to identify common trends that will tell you the thinking of the NDC.
Mr Nketiah, emphasized that while there may be variations in the details across different electoral cycles, readers of the book will recognize common themes that permeate throughout.
As the party’s former General Secretary, Mr. Nketiah acknowledged that the documents included in the book were already accessible to the public.
However, he commended the author for providing individuals with a valuable opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the NDC’s origins and future trajectory.
Kwame A Plus, a political activist and media personality, has issued a warning to the New Patriotic Party on an alleged plot to remove George Akuffo Dampare from his position as Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
A Plus issued a warning on Facebook on July 2, 2023, claiming that the police chief is being targeted by an unnamed NPP element due to his moral position on upholding law and order.
Days after the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the Assin North by-election on July 27, the post at the time stated that there were rumors that Dampare’s dismissal was being planned.
Some NPP members were worried that the police, commanded by Dampare, had been so tight that there had been no chance for manipulation.
Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), emphasized that the practice of vote-selling and buying undermines good governance, fosters corruption, and hampers Ghana’s democratic progress.
During a rally in Assin-Bereku to express gratitude to the people, Mr. Kwetey praised the people of Assin North for their overwhelming support for the party in the recent by-election held on June 27.
He expressed particular joy that the voters remained guided by their conscience and truthfulness, despite the enticing incentives offered by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He urged all political parties and state institutions not to dismiss the silent opinion of the people of Assin North but rather embrace it as a national call to uphold integrity and professionalism.
Particularly, he reminded political parties to be guided bearing in mind that “the people cannot be taken with fiction of development and bribes for votes.
“That is the message Ghanaians from far and near must imbibe. If they come to you to buy your conscience, tell them I will not sell my conscience and integrity for the country to suffer.”
Mr. Kwetey also appealed to the Electoral Commission, Supreme Court, and media to adhere to the resounding message conveyed by the people of Assin North and remain dedicated to their respective mandates.
In addition, James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North, expressed appreciation to his constituents for the trust they have placed in him.
“I am deeply humbled by the confidence the people have expressed in what I stand for and what I have done.
“I am also fully aware of the reciprocal responsibilities that this massive show of confidence imposes on me. My solemn pledge is to work as hard as I can for the people who have made this possible,” Mr. Quayson assured.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam and leader of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, expressed the group’s commitment to stand in solidarity with Mr. Quayson during his court trial on charges of forgery and perjury. Dr. Forson assured that the Minority would provide full support to the embattled member whenever he is scheduled to appear in court.
During the election, Mr. Quayson secured victory with 17,245 votes, representing 57.56% of the valid votes cast. The NPP candidate, Mr. Charles Opoku, placed second with 12,630 votes, accounting for 42.15%. The candidate from the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Madam Sefenu Bernice Enyonam, received 87 votes, representing 0.29%.
In comparison to the 2020 results, Mr. Quayson garnered over 1,300 more votes in the by-election. In the previous election, he obtained 17,498 votes, surpassing the former MP, NPP’s Abena Durowaa Mensah, who received 14,193 votes.
Former President, John Dramani Mahama has assured the people of Assin North that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will stand firmly by their side if it emerges victorious in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking during the ‘Thank You Tour’ following James Gyakye Quayson‘s success in the by-election on June 27, Mahama acknowledged the historical significance of Assin North in Ghana and expressed unwavering confidence in the NDC’s prospects of reclaiming power in the upcoming elections.
“If history is being written about elections in Ghana, the people of Assin North will have their name written in gold. The victory in this by-election is the begging of our march to recapture power. We are carrying the same momentum to the 2024 general election. I have faith in the Almighty God to grant the NDC victory in the next election.”
Mahama underscored the party’s strong commitment to providing support for Gyakye Quayson, who is currently confronted with legal proceedings regarding his eligibility to participate in the 2020 general elections.
“The Dormaahene who is a respected High Court Judge has appealed to President Akufo-Addo and the Attorney General to discontinue the case because the prosecution is needless. But people vilified him for making such an appeal.
“Whatever they do, for us in the NDC, if the Attorney General discontinues the case, we’ll be okay with that, if he continues the prosecution, our support for Gyakye Quayson will remain resolute. We’ll support him in the morning, afternoon and evening.”
A Communications member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Edudzi Tamakloe, has stated that Dormaahene, Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, merely made an appeal in his comments regarding the trial of the Assin North Member of Parliament (MP), James Gyakye Quayson.
Tamakloe finds it perplexing that such comments have drawn severe criticism.
“Were we not in this country when we saw the Okyenhene, Amoatia leading a group of chiefs in the Eastern because they said their roads were bad? It’s an appeal, beyond the appeal what else did he (Dormaahene) do?
“Did he say I am directing, I am instructing? No, he said, I am appealing to the President and the Attorney General that if he pleases them, they should file a nolle prosequi and discontinue this matter. What else has the chief said?” he quizzed.
According to Edudzi Tamakloe, the chief, who also serves as a High Court judge, made a harmless appeal that did not involve any attacks on the judicial system.
“He did not attack Godfred Dame, he didn’t attack the president. Compare that to the reckless and irresponsible commentary by Mr Akufo-Addo in Assin-North. Look he went to a church of Pentecost in Assin North, in a very highly prejudicial manner inciting the people and the court against Gyakye Quayson. It didn’t end there, he went to Assin Bereku Park and repeated those irresponsible highly prejudicial comments again.
“The president is a lawyer he knows that he is the appointing authority of the judge. He knows that the judge has taken a judicial oath to do justice to all manner of persons without being woe. But he was deliberate, very intentional and seeking to incite the court against the person of Gyakye Quayson,” he said.
Responding to the chief’s appeal, Attorney General Godfred Dame expressed concerns that such remarks could impact the fair adjudication of the case. He emphasized that any comment undermining the administration of justice is detrimental and should not be accepted.
Various prominent individuals have also shared their opinions on the ongoing trial, including President Nana Akufo-Addo, who advised Assin North constituents against voting for Mr Quayson due to the potential risk of imprisonment.
In his Republic Day message, former President John Dramani Mahama, who is also the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), emphasized the importance of upholding Ghana’s core values of “Freedom and Justice.”
He encouraged Ghanaians to embrace these principles as they strive for a fair and prosperous future. Furthermore, Mahama called on citizens to actively combat injustice and support freedom of speech, regardless of social status.
Below is Mr. Mahama’s full message
“Freedom and Justice” is not and cannot just be a mere adornment on our Coat of Arms. It must be a moral compass and a guiding light leading every Ghanaian.
Imagine a Ghana where freedom and justice are not just empty words but a powerful force guiding every citizen towards a brighter future.
A Ghana where every person, no matter their background or circumstance, is protected and provided for.
A Ghana where our institutions and courts are trusted to defend constitutional rights and deliver impartial justice.
A Ghana where speaking up against injustice is not criminalised but allowed and encouraged.
Let us renew our commitment to building this flourishing Ghana we all dream of, with the bold colours of our flag as a constant reminder of our shared values and ideals.
1st July is and shall remain Ghana’s Republic Day.
The Director of Programmes and Policy Engagement at CDD-Ghana, Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, has stated that the recent victory of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Assin North Constituency by-election has boosted the party’s confidence for the 2024 general election.
Dr. Asante believes that the party’s victory provides them with a sense of competitiveness as they approach the upcoming general elections.
“I think we are a long way from December 07, 2024. So, there are still many things to resolve. The NPP’s own internal party primaries have to be resolved to know who’s their candidate. That would help assess the strength of the candidates going into the election.
“For me, this [Assin North] election does give the NDC some more confidence about its own sense of competitiveness going into the 2024 election,” he said.
Dr. Asante suggests that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should learn from its mistakes in the by-election.
He emphasized the need for the party to reassess its approach to utilizing the advantages of being in power, warning against creating impunity among voters as allegedly witnessed in Assin North, as it could have negative consequences.
Regarding the issue of vote-buying during elections, Dr. Asante proposed conducting undercover investigations to expose those involved.
He believes that relying solely on individuals voluntarily reporting such cases would be challenging, making it necessary to take proactive measures to address the issue.
“I’ve tried to press on the Special Prosecutor who is charged with dealing with politically exposed persons to get into the space because I really think it’s not just about vote-buying. I think it’s vote selling and vote-buying.
“So, I think this example has to be set in terms of even the citizens who are also receiving the money. But I think the tactics should also include undercover because you’re not going to really get people coming forward to say we’re receiving cash,” he added.
Following the victory of James Gyakye Quayson and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Assin North by-election, party members have conveyed congratulatory messages to the Assin North electorates and the MP-elect, James Gyakye Quayson, while expressing confidence in their prospects for the upcoming 2024 general election.
A member of the communication team of the NDC, Ralph Apetorgbor, who also congratulated the electorates of Assin indicated that voting for Gyakye Quayson and rejecting the NPP’s Charles Opoku is a testament that the NDC is ready to rescue Ghana in 2024.
He said this in a Twitter post
“Kudos to Hon. James Quayson and the good people of Assin North! FREEDOM at last, and yesterday’s victory is a preamble to the prospective fortunes of the NDC.
“Indeed, this is a testament that the NDC is READY to RESCUE Ghana and H.E. JDM will win the Presidential Polls come 2024,” the tweet read.
The NDC’s James Gyakye Quayson won with 17,245 votes representing 57.56 per cent of the valid votes cast with the New Patriotic Party candidate, Charles Opoku coming second with 12,630 votes representing 42.15 per cent. The Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) candidate Sefenu Bernice Enyonam got 87 votes representing 0.29 per cent.
Acknowledging the outcome of the Assin North Constituency by-election, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally conceded its defeat and expressed its acceptance of the people’s verdict in favor of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its candidate James Gyakye Quayson. The NPP affirmed that although it made concerted efforts to regain the parliamentary seat, it holds respect for the decision and judgment of the electorate.
The party made this known in a statement dated June 28, 2023 to congratulate the NDC on their electoral victory.
Strong democracy, gratitude
A statement issued by the party on Wednesday, June 28, a day after the by-election, said the NDC’s victory added to the country’s democratic credentials.
“Indeed, the recent two by-elections have demonstrated the strength of the country’s democracy, with outcomes favouring different political parties.
This is a testament to Ghana’s much touted accolade as a bastion,” it explained.
The party expressed its gratitude to all who contributed to the preparations for the by-election, which was held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
Notable among these were: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare; the party’s regional chairmen and flagbearer hopefuls.
“We are equally grateful to all ministers, Members of Parliament, chief executive officers, deputy chief executive officers, metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives, other government appointees, and all party adherents for their diverse contributions towards our efforts,” the statement added.
The party also commended the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Ghana Police Service for their joint efforts in ensuring a successful election.
“Finally, we express our gratitude to the hundreds of journalists who worked tirelessly and responsibly to provide up-to-date feedback from the Assin North poll for the benefit of all Ghanaians,” it added.
Background
On May 31, 2023, the EC announced Tuesday, June 27, 2023, as the date for a by-election for the parliamentary seat of the Assin North Constituency in the Central Region.
This came after the EC was notified by Parliament that the seat had become vacant on account that the Supreme Court had declared the election of the then MP, James Gyakye Quayson, as unconstitutional.
The court held that his election was null and void because at the time he filed to contest, he owed allegiance to another country which was contrary to the laws of Ghana.
Mr Quayson won with 17,245 votes, representing 57.56 per cent of the valid votes cast, with the NPP candidate, Charles Opoku, coming second with 12,630 votes, representing 42.15 per cent.
The Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) candidate Sefenu Bernice Enyonam got 87 votes, representing 0.29 per cent.
This was the second by-election held this year with the first being in the Kumawu Constituency in the Ashanti Region.
In order to prepare for the Assin North by-election, the National Democratic Congress mobilised its resources from the national to the regional, constituency, and voting station levels.
Charles Owusu of the ruling New Patriotic Party lost out to the party’s nominee James Gyakye Quayson in the end.
The planning must have been long and hard given the heightened interest if the NPP and government in seeking to snatch the seat from the NDC on the back of a recent by-election win in Kumawu in the Ashanti Region.
Gyakye Quayson thanked his constituents and the NDC for his victory and promised to serve the Assin North people well. He is due to take his oath of office in parliament soon.
Here are five influential personalities who help with his victory
Sammy Gyamfi
Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Director of the NDC was appointed campaign manager and he delivered on the task through on-the-ground canvassing for votes as well as making multiple media appearances to sell the party’s candidate.
John Mahama
John Mahama made two campaign trips to Assin North, accompanying Quayson to different polling units, going with him on visitation to palaces and holding two rallies and other engagements.
As the NDC’s flagbearer for the 2024 polls, Mahama’s involvement was much for Quayson as it was for himself and the party’s confidence ahead of the 2024 vote.
Ato Forson
The Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson spearheaded a campaign of MPs in his caucus who stormed the constituency in turns to back the campaign of their former colleague.
Sammy Gyamfi reserved praise for Ato Forson in a post-victory speech underlining the crucial nature of his involvement.
Stan Dogbe
Information available to GhanaWeb shows that the team that works on Mahama’s social media artwork took over graphics and other designs for the Gyakye Quayson campaign and that team is headed by Stan Dogbe.
Kofi Asiedu – NDC Central Regional Chairman
Finally, the Ashanti Regional chairman of the NDC was in the thick of affairs for obvious reasons, the contest was in his domain and he had to take full charge at least of the region’s mobilization.
About the Assin North election:
According to the Electoral Commission’s announcement, James Gyakye Quayson garnered a total of 17,245 votes, representing 57.56% of the total votes cast.
His closest contender, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), received 12,630 votes, accounting for 42.15% of the votes.
Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party Ghana (LPG) secured 87 votes, which represented 0.29% of the overall tally.
The by-election in Assin North was held to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant following a legal battle that questioned Quayson’s eligibility to hold office due to dual citizenship concerns.
The deputy general secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has commended the government’s efforts to build new roads in Assin North but insists that these initiatives alone won’t guarantee the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) victory.
The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, recently commissioned the Assin Fosu to Assin Praso stretch, which spans 31.2 kilometres and connects Ahwian Nkwanta in the Ashanti Region to Yamoransa in the Central Region.
However, the NDC has accused the government of undertaking these projects solely to gain votes in the upcoming by-election on June 27.
In an interview with Selorm Adonoo on the Eyewitness News, Mustapha Gbande welcomed the construction works in the area but argued that they would not significantly improve the livelihoods of the constituents.
Gbande pointed out that the roads leading to the villages within Assin North have not been tarred, making it challenging for farmers to transport their produce.
“It’s good news for the people of Ghana, that this non-performing government has at least commissioned the road. I have plied the road and it’s a beautiful road. What does this road mean to the people? The people cannot move their cocoa produce to the main city of Assin North.
“The roads leading to the villages have not been tarred. One will question if what the government has done will put food on the table for the people of Assin North. We want to see Ghanaians being disburdened, and see the standard of living in the lives of the people of Assin North improved.
He further asserted, “We are talking about the majority of Assin North who this road does not mean anything to them. 80% of the people there are farmers, they cannot boast of farm inputs, fertilizers, high yields, nor buy medicine. As far as I’m concerned, this is a very useless government, and so if they have done this road, they deserve some commendation for completing the road. How that this translates into the people’s lives ?”.
A private legal practitioner and member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal team, Abraham Amaliba, has advised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) members to select vice president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the party’s flagbearer.
Speaking to the media he said this will make the chances of the NDC capturing power in 2024 easier.
The comments by Amaliba were on the back of data released by Global InfoAnalytics that suggests that the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has a higher chance of becoming the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) with a 34.8% percentage.
To him, the Vice President is a damaged commodity who is no match for the NDC.
“I will not waste time, Dr Bawumia is already a damaged commodity. I know the establishments are interested in Dr Bawumia. Bring him in, vote for him and he will make our work very easy for us,” he said.
Lawyer Amaliba added that Ghanaianshave records of how Vice President, Dr Bawumia, swayed his way to power with the NPP.
Thus, he lacks credibility to be the country’s President.
“After all, Ghanaians have his voices, all the things he said before he came to power. Ghanaians have his vox pop, they will sit in their rooms and play those things and listen to whether this is a credible person they will want to become the president,” he noted.
He continued to say that as a party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), they are not perturbed by who wins the flagbearership of the NPP, they are prepared to win the elections come 2024.
“We in the NDC do not care who they bring in. The last time I sat here, I said the horse is weak, so it doesn’t matter which rider you bring in. Once the horse is weak, it cannot run, the NPP is weak.
“Ghanaians want to see the back of this government and they want to do that very fast,” he continued.
About 800 police officers have been deployed to supervise the incoming by-election in the Assin North constituency.
The Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, disclosed that the police have provided assurance regarding sufficient security measures on the ground to facilitate a smooth electoral process.
During an interview with the media, Dr. Quaicoe shared his recent interaction with the Regional Commander in Western North, who confirmed the deployment of no fewer than 800 police personnel. He explained that this substantial number of officers would be adequate to maintain law and order across all 99 polling stations.
To elaborate further, Dr. Quaicoe stated, “If we are bringing 800 personnel and the area has 99 polling stations, it means that, on average, each polling station may have eight police officers. We are hopeful that the security presence will be significantly strengthened, contributing to a peaceful election.”
Dr. Quaicoe emphasized that the primary objective of this arrangement was to ensure the safety and security of all voters. He expressed his determination that no individual should face any harm while exercising their democratic right. Additionally, he assured that the EC was actively engaging with various stakeholders to promote compliance with election laws and principles, aiming to prevent any violations.
“We are already in contact with them, discussing the peaceful conduct of the election, and we appeal to all stakeholders to fulfill their responsibilities and refrain from any actions that may contravene the law or lead to post-election issues. Such outcomes would not be beneficial to anyone,” Dr. Quaicoe added.
Moreover, the EC plans to hold a stakeholder engagement session for political parties ahead of the by-election, further facilitating a collaborative and transparent electoral process.
With the Assin North by-election scheduled for June 27, 2023, four parliamentary candidates have submitted their nomination forms to compete in the race. The balloting process has been completed, resulting in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate, Charles Opoku, securing the first slot.
The second slot was selected by Sefanu Bernice Enyonam, representing the Liberal Party of Ghana, while James Gyakye Quayson from the National Democratic Congress obtained the third position. Lastly, an independent candidate named Abaidoo Agartha is listed as the fourth candidate on the ballot sheet.
As the by-election draws near, all candidates have intensified their campaigns in various communities, seeking to garner support and rally voters to their cause.
A member of theNational Democratic Congress‘ (NDC) communication team, Margaret Ansei, has criticized the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative, stating that it has failed to produce any tangible results or make a significant impact on the country’s economy.
The NDC communicator expressed that there is no evidence of the mass food production the PFJ initiative is supposed to churn out in our markets.
Margaret Ansei also added that due to the lack of more production of goods or food, the money of many Ghanaians is chasing only a few goods in the markets, hence the extreme drop in quantities of goods that used to be bought and served with and at certain values.
Margaret Ansei was speaking on a TV3 Newday panel on June 15, 2023.
“Planting for Food and Jobs, yes, the slogan is there. It has the name but the effect; Nana are you feeling it?” she asked one of the panellists.
“At a point, the minister [former agric minister, Owusu Akoto Afriyie] led an initiative where the goods were being sold at the ministry. I don’t know how it ended because that couldn’t have solved the problem.
“If there is more production; the simple Economics that we were in maybe secondary school or university; demand and supply… If there is excess demand and the supply is limited, what happens? If plenty money is chasing few goods, what happens?” she quizzed.
She also added, “The economy is in my pocket asDr. Bawumia said and the tomato that I used to buy at 5 cedis, now if I want to buy tomatoes 10 cedis, they will count three pieces and put them in my hand.
“So, for the Planting for Food and Jobs, I think it’s one of their slogans but nothing for me.”
The Planting for Food and Jobs programme is a flagship agricultural campaign of the Akufo-Addo administration, with five implementation modules.
The first module of the PFJ (Crops), which was launched in 2017, aims to promote food security and immediate availability of selected food crops on the market and also provide jobs.
The other modules under the programme are Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD); Greenhouse Technology Villages (3 Villages); Rearing for Food and Jobs (RFJ) and Agricultural Mechanization Services (AMSECs).
Planting for foods and jobs is just a slogan by the NPP, the initiative has had no impact - Margaret Ansei#TV3NewDay pic.twitter.com/2sicuTj5BZ
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) June 15, 2023
To preserve the sanctity of theElectoral Commission (EC), the commission has issued a cautionary message to political parties, urging them to refrain from undermining its integrity.
He said this highlighting how essential the EC is to political parties in the organisation of internal and nationwide elections.
The Director of Electoral Services at the EC, Dr. Siribour Quaicoe, issued this warning to political parties speaking in an interview on Accra-based Joy FM’s 6 am news on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
He called on the political parties to desist from impugning the integrity of the EC and rather help build consensus in the country’s electoral processes.
Dr. Quaicoe was reacting to the main oppositionNational Democratic Congress‘s (NDC) claims that the EC was working to favour the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming by-election scheduled for Assin North Constituency in the Central Region on June 27, 2023.
He said this has always been the mode of operation of the political parties especially when in opposition.
He gave the assurance that the EC is made up of people with integrity who will not soil their integrity by favouring a particular political party in an election.
In a related development, the National Communication Officer for the opposition NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, accused the ruling NPP and the EC of plotting to insert the name of an unqualified candidate into the voters’ register for the Assin North constituency.
In a statement, the NDC’s Communication Officer claimed that the ruling party, in collaboration with the EC, plans to transfer and insert Charles Opoku’s name into the voters’ register, even though he is not a registered voter in the Assin North constituency.
He emphasised that the nomination form for the Assin North by-election requires candidates to be registered voters in that constituency.
Regulation 22 of the Public Elections Regulations 2020 (C.I 127) stipulates that voter transfers can only be made for ordinary citizens at least 42 days before a public election.
Gyamfi indicated that the Assin North by-election is less than 42 days away, and no Returning Officer has been appointed yet, so any transfer of voters to the constituency would be unlawful and vehemently opposed by the NDC.
“We are closely monitoring this situation and shall take every legitimate step to ensure that this illegal plot is not carried out by the Electoral Commission and their collaborators in the NPP,” Gyamfi stressed.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has refuted claims that the opposition NDC and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) are similar.
In Mr Mahama’s view, the NDC cannot be reckless, contemptuous and wasteful as the NPP.
“We have been in power, and our record is there for all to see. We do not claim perfection, but we in the NDC can never be like the NPP. We simply cannot be and are not as reckless and contemptuous of the people of Ghana as the NPP has been. We have never been and will not be as wasteful, ostentatious, and as imprudent as the NPP has been.”
Speaking in an address at the NDC’s European Chapters Conference in Amsterdam, Holland over the weekend, Mr Mahama said the NDC has no intention of taking the mandate of Ghanaians for granted if the party wins the 2024 election.
“We have no intention of taking the mandate of the people of Ghana for granted. We know we are going against an incumbent government that has proven that it is prepared to shed the blood of its citizens to hang on to power, as they amply showed at the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election and the 2020 elections. And then there is an Electoral Commission whose neutrality in this electoral contest is questionable.
“Our work is therefore cut out for us. We must get off our marks immediately and convince Ghanaians that we are prepared to govern in addition to our superior record to that of the NPP.”
Below are details of the speech by Mr Mahama
General Secretary Fifi Kwetey,
Director of International Relations Alex Segbefia,
Chairpersons of our various NDC EU Chapters, Comrades,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
Let me first thank you all, both theChapterand Branch executives and members from our various EU countries, for making the sacrifice and time to gather here in Amsterdam for three days to discuss the future of our party, the NDC, and how we can contribute towards an emphatic victory in December 2024.
You have rescheduled this conference twice because of other competing events, including the just-ended May 13 Presidential Primaries. I appreciate your patience with me, especially because of your determination that I must be personally present with you.
We were close to rescheduling this session once more because of the impending Assin North by-election. But it is good we decided to come and push ahead with this event, as this is also a significant gathering for strategising towards victory in the polls of 2024.
Comrades, I bring you greetings from your compatriots in Ghana, whom I had the privilege, yet again, to visit and interact with across all 276 constituencies during the primaries.
That exercise has contributed to re-invigorating our executives and members at the grassroots. It allowed us to take our message to them and the people in their constituencies, reminding them that the National Democratic Congress remains the political party to trust when it comes to the total development and welfare of the citizens of Ghana.
It is, therefore, our duty to rededicate ourselves to work with absolute commitment in our branches to secure the maximum votes to guarantee an emphatic victory in 2024. I want to repeat that we must go to the polls on December 07, 2024, with our referee. That referee will be our DILIGENCE, PREPAREDNESS and WINNING the election EMPHATICALLY.
Our 2020 election comeback, raising the number of our seats from 106 to 137 and increasing our votes by almost 1.4 million, resulted from the dedication and hard work of all of us and the support of the people of Ghana.
Ghanaians have seen the difference and believe in our message, which in 2020 was conveyed in our People’s Manifesto.
Comrades, we did not become the majority party in Parliament. We were also not declared winners of the 2020 presidential elections because we left some loose ends untied in a bizarre election amidst the COVID restrictions and the economic meltdown. That is why in 2024, our win must be emphatic.
As leader and flagbearer, I offer my firm PLEDGE and assurance. I will work with the party’s leadership, represented here by the General Secretary, to build a formidable team and deploy strategies and mechanisms to ensure that we protect the votes of the teeming mass of Ghanaians. These Ghanaians are yearning to be freed from the shackles of poverty and hardship inflicted by the reckless Akufo Addo and Bawumia administrations. Most Ghanaians are ready to work with us to build the Ghana we all want together.
When I spoke at the commemoration of the 44th anniversary of the June 4th uprising in Hohoe on Sunday, I likened the 2024 elections to a peaceful and democratic revolution which will free our country and our people from the clutches of misrule from a mediocre, reckless, and incompetent government.
What we are gathered here to do is a declaration of intent by those of you in the diaspora to join the broad mass of Ghanaians in the collective push to dislodge this clueless administration through a peaceful, free, and fair election in 2024. This is an absolute national imperative, and we cannot and must not fail the people of Ghana.
It has been seven years of corruption, waste, arrogance, nepotism, abuse of office, human rights violations, and economic mismanagement. Seven years of reckless mismanagement of the economy has rendered our people broken and struggling to survive from one day to the next.
The Ghanaian economy is now classified among the worst managed in the world. We are currently in the same basket as the likes of Sri Lanka.
Ghana, our beloved country? Nkrumah’s Ghana?
Inflation is at record highs – impacting the prices of essential goods and services and escalating an already severe cost of living crisis. Our currency, the Ghana Cedi, has suffered one of its steepest declines in decades. This has earned the Cedi the depressing accolade, at one point, as the worst-performing currency in the world.
Businesses are stressed and being pushed to the brink, with quite a number left with no choice but to fold up or relocate to neighbouring countries. The Bank of Ghana has exacerbated the problem. It has blatantly breached its financial threshold, printing over 40 billion Ghana cedis to finance the government’s budget deficit.
In the last two years, we have suffered downgrade after downgrade to junk status by all the international credit rating agencies, and we have finally defaulted on our domestic and external debt repayment. The unilateral, insensitive debt restructuring programme has seen over GHS 80 billion lent by millions of Ghanaians to the government by purchasing bonds expropriated.
This has caused severe dislocation in the livelihoods of many pensioners and middle-class Ghanaian families. It has led to a depressing sight of aged pensioners picketing at the Ministry of Finance to demand their money. Local businesses, especially contractors and other government service providers are owed tens of billions of Ghana cedis, whose value continues to dwindle following the government’s inability or unwillingness to pay.
Government can also not meet all statutory payments, and many of the earmarked funds are in arrears. Even the most fundamental obligations, such as providing textbooks to primary schools or ensuring proper and consistent feeding of basic and senior high school students, have become daunting. The net effect of all these harrowing developments has been that Ghanaians are enduring economic suffering on an unprecedented scale.
I am certain that you are all too familiar with the precise narrative I have just rendered for those of you in the diaspora on whom millions of your relatives and compatriots back home depend for sustenance through remittances. All this would have been entirely avoidable if this government had heeded sound counsel from us in the opposition and other notable voices in civil society and academia and acted timeously.
The deliberate concealment of the actual situation through creative accounting and under-declaration of figures has combined with excessive and wasteful expenditure to hasten the inevitable catastrophe we are witnessing today.
Ultimately, too little was done too late, as our economy had so deteriorated that an IMF programme could only be secured by accepting the harshest conditionalities. To obtain an IMF programme, Ghanaians have paid a disproportionate price. Domestic bondholders have been given severe and painful haircuts and will be deprived of substantial interest due to them in 2023.
The consequences of these haircuts are grave for the financial sector. The financial health of Ghanaian banks has eroded and will undermine the financial sector’s performance with attendant job losses.
Insurance companies and pension funds invested in government bonds will also suffer, just as individuals who depend on pension payments for survival will suffer.
In addition to this already hostile economic environment, multiple taxes have been slapped on Ghanaians in the last two years alone. Over 23 other tax measures will make life even more unbearable for our people. Steep increases in the cost of utilities are increasing the burden on businesses and individuals.
Import duties and excise duties have shot through the roof. No wonder the Tema and Takoradi Ports have lost volumes while the Togo and Benin ports continue to be busy and receiving goods that should have come through our ports.
Ladies and gentlemen, one of the burning topics for discussion in Ghana today is the rate at which we are losing our (health) professionals, trained at great expense, to other countries.
I sympathise with the Ghanaian youth! Their feeling of despair and hopelessness is unprecedented in our history. They are now looking for the slightest opportunity to leave our shores in search of greener pastures.
The question we should ask ourselves is, how will we bring back HOPE in the Ghanaians in the face of their daily challenges? As the most viable alternative, we in the NDC have demonstrated the capacity to rise to the occasion by our record in government. In the past, we have reset our country’s trajectory and returned it to an appreciable state of health. We have a duty to our country to lead the charge for change again and bring relief to the long-suffering people of Ghana.
Comrades, it would be presumptuous to think that this will come quickly or that the abysmal depths to which the NPP has sunk governance guarantees us automatic victory at the polls. We must first earn the trust of the Ghanaian people.
A significant section of voters has grown sceptical and are weary of our democracy and its benefits because of unmet expectations and the spectacular failure of this government.
I urge you all to remember, through our actions and the policy platforms to canvass, demonstrate the difference between our service in government and the nightmarish example the NPP has set.
We have been in power, and our record is there for all to see. We do not claim perfection, but we in the NDC can never be like the NPP. We simply cannot be and are not as reckless and contemptuous of the people of Ghana as the NPP has been. We have never been and will not be as wasteful, ostentatious, and as imprudent as the NPP has been.
We have committed to operating a lean government that avoids the NPP’s extravagance and gets the job done more efficiently. Nothing in our historical record compares to the level of economic mismanagement that the NPP has superintended.
The NDC believes in substantive offerings, carefully considered, and curated to stand the test of time while comprehensively resolving some of our most complex problems.
We have no intention of taking the mandate of the people of Ghana for granted. We know we are going against an incumbent government that has proven that it is prepared to shed the blood of its citizens to hang on to power, as they amply showed at the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election and the 2020 elections. And then there is an Electoral Commission whose neutrality in this electoral contest is questionable.
Our work is therefore cut out for us. We must get off our marks immediately and convince Ghanaians that we are prepared to govern in addition to our superior record to that of the NPP.
The first step towards doing that is proving that we can manage our internal affairs, which is why this European Conference is significant. It offers a platform for sharing unique insights into better organisational strategies and innovative approaches to mobilising the people of Ghana for a resounding victory in 2024.
The NDC profoundly values your contributions towards the running of the party and the brilliant perspectives you bring to the table on essential governance matters. The party also acknowledges your concerns about participation in elections and governance.
Of particular concern to you have been the constitutional impediments to persons holding dual citizenship and their occupation of some government positions in Ghana. Only a few weeks ago, we suffered what we consider grave injustice when our Member of Parliament for Assin North was thrown out of Parliament by the Supreme Court on grounds we find entirely unsatisfactory.
I have previously indicated that one of the things I will do when elected President in 2024 would be to fast-track the clarification of the constitutional provision on allegiance that bars our dual citizens from holding some offices in Ghana. I call on Parliament to do the needful so that Ghana can benefit fully from the expertise that our citizens have garnered during their sojourn abroad.
Another matter which I know concerns you and on which I would like to offer some clarity concerning the NDC’s position is ROPAA. We in the NDC have not been opposed to ROPAA in principle. We have kicked against the potential for selective and inequitable implementation that lends itself to exploitation by the incumbent party and to the unfair detriment of opposition parties.
We have said that if ROPAA is ever to be implemented, it should be implemented for every Ghanaian living everywhere. As far as we are concerned, a Ghanaian living in Europe should not have a greater right to vote than one living in Asia or Africa.
We in the NDC will not countenance an attempt or conspiracy between the NPP and the Electoral Commission to implement a lopsided ROPAA favouring the NPP. When we see that a level playing field will be created for all Ghanaians anywhere on earth to have the right to vote, we will be more than willing to support such a move.
We continue to value your contributions to the development of Ghana even as life’s vicissitudes have ensured that you reside in far and distant lands to either ply your trade and earn a living or pursue some form of personal development.
I am confident that the deliberations, which started yesterday, will ultimately inure to the benefit of the NDC and provide further impetus to our preparations to salvage the fortunes of our country, which are presently in great peril. We back at home are doing our bit as well and strengthening the cooperation between the national and external branches of the party.
Comrades, our meeting today, June 10, coincides with the 33rd anniversary of the formation of our great party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Congratulations to the founding fathers and mothers of our party and to us all who continue to build and hold the party aloft across the almost 40,000 branches.
We acknowledge all our lost comrades in the struggle, and especially our Founder, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings (Rtd.), former President Professor John Evans Atta Mills and former Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur.
Later this month, the 29th, is the memorial of the late Amissah-Arthur, and we will be joining the family at an event to remember his work and contributions to building a Better Ghana.
On July 24th, we will celebrate the memory of the late Asomdwehene, as we always do, and I intend on that day as part of the commemoration to remind Ghanaians of his contribution to Ghana in various forms and how we can learn from him to step-up the development of the country, in the wake of the depths the NPP has sunk us.
Together with his family, the people of Keta and Anlo and the larger NDC family, we must, and I will host a gathering in November to celebrate the memory of our late Founder, Jerry Rawlings, in his native Keta.
I thank you for your kind attention.
I wish everyone a successful congress.
God bless the NDC, and God bless our homeland Ghana.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), according to Deputy National Secretary Mustapha Gbande, is committed to winning the upcoming Assin North by-election.
Speaking to the media on Monday, he stressed that it was crucial for the party to retain the seat.
According to him, losing the Assin North seat has the tendency to restructure Parliament thus “will loosen the natural checks and balances that have been placed on this government through a hung Parliament.”
For this reason, he believes the Assin North by-election to be a national interest-prone election and “we [NDC] are determined to defend the holding of the seat.”
Earlier, the Deputy National Secretary of the NDC indicated that plans are in place to ensure that they retain the seat.
Mustapha Gbande said preparations were already in place for campaigning and other activities in the constituency right after the Supreme Court order that led to the expunging of Mr James Gyakye Quayson’s name from parliament’s records.
“We in the NDC are prepared for this election. We began our preparation even as we were in Kumawu. We will do our review meetings and we will take over Assin North. We knew that we would go into a by-election and so the party has already put processes in place,” he said.
“There was a vigil held recently, and subsequently there are other activities that will start tomorrow to canvass and further reinforce our relationship with the constituents,” Mr Gbande added.
The Deputy General Secretary also noted that the party will not hold an internal election to elect a new candidate for the parliamentary race.
He stated that the party has decided to back Mr James Gyakye Quayson as the candidate to lead the party.
“He (Mr Quayson) is ready for the election. He has been to the constituency and you will see many more activities and his presence in the consistency. I am confident that he is going to win,” Mr Gbande said.
On their campaign, he added that “our focus is going to center on sensitising the people to understand that if you have a government that has not performed for six years, sharing GH¢100 and GH¢500 a day does not change destiny; and that clearly you are dealing with a group that is deceptive and does not follow the precedents of development and growth.”
The Assin North Constituency was created in 2012 when the Assin Central Constituency was split into two as Assin North and Assin Central. It was held by the NDC in 2012, taken by the NPP in 2016 and won by the NDC in 2020 again.
In the 2020 parliamentary election for instance, the votes margin between the NDC and the NPP was 3,305. This was in spite of the fact that Nana Akufo-Addo won the presidential.
A by-election in Assin North has become necessary after parliament wrote to the Electoral Commission declaring the seat vacant.
This followed the Supreme Court ruling that the Electoral Commission acted unconstitutionally in allowing Mr Quayson to contest the 2020 parliamentary elections without proof of him renouncing his Canadian Citizenship.
The apex court in their ruling ordered parliament to expunge James Gyakye Quayson from its records as a Member of Parliament.
The court in a unanimous decision ruled that Mr. Quayson was not qualified at the time of filing his nomination forms.
It further held that the EC allowing him to contest when he had not shown evidence of renunciation of his citizenship of Canada is unconstitutional.
It further declared that his election was unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect. His swearing-in was equally declared to be unconstitutional.
In a related development, the National Organiser of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said the opposition NDC will not retain the Assin North seat with sympathy votes.
Henry Nana Boakye explained that the dynamics in the area is beyond voting for a personality who was ousted from Parliament for engaging in illegality.
The chairman of the Ayawaso-West-Wuogon constituency, Bismark Aborbi-Ayitey, has been suspended by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for inappropriate conduct.
Mr. Aborbi-Ayitey has been suspended from the party for a period of six months. The decision was made by the Greater Accra NDC, citing a violation of Article 48(8) and 49(c) of the Party’s Constitution as amended at the 9th Congress.
According to the Greater Regional Secretary of the NDC, Theophilus Tetteh Chaie, Mr. Aborbi-Ayitey’s suspension was a result of his engagement with the media on internal party matters.
This action is considered a breach of party protocols. As per the party’s disciplinary procedures outlined in article 48(1), Mr. Aborbi-Ayitey has been referred to the Regional Disciplinary Committee for further investigation.
The suspension implies that Mr.Aborbi-Ayitey will be barred from participating in party activities and holding any official position within the NDC for the duration of the six-month period.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs say several polls have shown that the Judiciary is not in good shape and according to them, if this is not addressed urgently, it will greatly affect the country’s growing democracy.
As a result, they have urged Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to take the matter up immediately she is approved and sworn into office.
“The image of the judiciary is not in a good shape. Several opinion polls show that. We hope that Justice Gertrude, as a lady chief justice, will restore the dignity of the judiciary,” they said in a statement.
They have also expressed their approval of her as the next Chief Justice.
This is despite their strong disagreement with the Supreme Court’s recent judgment annulling the election of James Gyakye Quayson in Assin North.
Justice Torkornoo, who was part of the 7-member panel that decided the case, faced scrutiny from the Minority when she appeared before the Appointments Committee on May 26.
The Minority had initially insisted that no decision would be made on her nomination until the full reasoning of the judgment in the case was released.
Speaking on behalf of the Minority, Deputy Ranking Member of the Appointments Committee of Parliament and The Chief Whip on behalf, Governs Kwame Agbodza, MP, explained that despite their differences with Justice Torkornoo, they believe she possesses the qualifications necessary to serve as Chief Justice.
During a press conference on Tuesday, June 6, the NDC represented on the Appointments Committee said they had “reached a unanimous decision to approve the Chief Justice nominee.”
The communications officer for the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi has stated that he is confident that Gyakye Quayson will emerge victorious at the Assin-North by-election despite Supreme Court’s ruling.
Mr. Quayson’s name was expunged from Parliament as the Member of Parliament for Assin North following a ruling by the Supreme Court in May 2023 because he had dual citizenship.
The Supreme Court ruled that Mr. Quayson was not qualified to contest the 2020 parliamentary elections in the Assin North Constituency at the time he filed his nomination forms on October 9, 2020.
In a statement reacting to the Supreme Court’s full ruling which was released on Monday, Sammy Gyamfi said: “As a discerning and objective Ghanaian, judge for yourself if the Supreme Court’s decision to annul Hon. Quayson’s election is fair or not”.
“In all this, I am glad that the good people of Assin North, in whom sovereignty resides, will have the opportunity to do justice in this matter once and for all, on 27th June 2023. I have no doubt in my mind, having been on the ground and interacted with many of them the past few days, that they will not falter. And that, they will vote for Hon. James GyakyeQuayson. I have no doubt in my mind, that they will vote for justice and genuine development.”
The party maintained that Mr. Quayson’s attempt to renounce his Canadian citizenship was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read below Sammy Gyamfi’s write-up
SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ. WRITES ON THE SUPREME COURT’S DECISION ON THE ASSIN NORTH MATTER:
Folks, I have just read the 35-page judgment of the Supreme Court on the Assin North matter:
The following preliminary thoughts come to mind readily:
1. Section 20 (d) of the Representation of the People’s Act (PNDC Law 284) provides that a Parliamentary candidate must be qualified at the time of his ELECTION. Strangely, the Supreme Court of Ghana in their judgment says that, qualification must be at the time of NOMINATION (i.e at the time a candidate files or submits his/her nomination form to the EC).
2. The decision of the Supreme Court to annul Hon. Gyakye Quayson’s election is solely based on the fact that, at the time he submitted his nomination form to the EC on 9th October, 2020, he had not received his certificate of renunciation of his Canadian citizenship and that he received same on 26th November, 2020.
3. Even if we are to go by this strange position of the Supreme Court that qualification must be at the time of NOMINATION and not ELECTION, it is important to remind the Supreme Court that in the Nduom case, they held in effect, that the nomination period for an election, must extend beyond the submission of nomination forms and must include the period the EC uses to scrutinize submitted results, within which the EC is supposed to give candidates a hearing and an opportunity to rectify any anomalies on their nomination form. The nomination period therefore terminates after the EC has scrutinized submitted nomination forms, given candidates a hearing and an opportunity to rectify any anomalies on same and has reached a decision on the validity or otherwise of the nomination of the candidate.
3. In the case of the 2020 Assin North election involving Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, he submitted his nomination form to the EC on 9th October, 2020. However, during the scrutiny of his submitted nomination forms by the EC, a petition challenging the validity of his nomination from an NPP group calling themselves “Concerned Citizens of Assin North” was presented to the EC in Accra, whereupon Hon. Quayson was invited by the Director of Elections of the EC, Dr. Serebour Quaicoo to respond to the issues raised against him on 27th November, 2020. A day before he appeared before the EC at their Headquarters in Accra, that is on 26th November, 2020, Hon. Quayson received his certificate of renunciation of his Canadian citizenship. This is why after investigating the matter, the EC accepted his nomination as valid and cleared him to contest the election on 27th November, 2020 because he had already received his certificate of renunciation a day prior.
4. Note that the election was held on 7th December, 2020. Hon. Quayson applied to renounce his Canadian citizenship in December 2019. But for delays occasioned by COVID-19, he should have gotten his certificate of renunciation not later then June 2020. God being so good, he eventually received his certificate of renunciation on 26th November 2020 as conceded by the Supreme Court. This was 10 clear days before his election. Note that, Section 20(d) of PNDC Law 284 says that qualification must be at the time of ELECTION.
As a discerning and objective Ghanaian, judge for yourself if the Supreme Court’s decision to annul Hon. Quayson’s election is fair or not.
In all this, I am glad that the good people of Assin North in whom sovereignty resides, will have the opportunity to do JUSTICE in this matter once and for all, on 27th June 2023. I have no doubt in my mind, having been on the ground and interacted with many of them the past few days, that they will not falter. And that, they will vote for Hon. James Gyakye Quayson. I have no doubt in my mind, that they will vote for JUSTICE AND GENUINE DEVELOPMENT.
National Communication Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused President Akufo-Addo of orchestrating Domelevo’s removal over an alleged illegal payment made by Yaw Osafo Maafo to Kroll and Associates Limited, a UK firm.
“If Domelevo was still in office as Attorney General, Kroll will not have gone on that $1 billion… That Kroll matter was what precipitated the dismissal of Yao Domelevo.
“Because he had the courage to fight against corruption to the very doorstep of the president by indicting the president’s closest associate and senior minister, Osafo Maafo, for illegally paying $1 million,” he said.
Sammy Gyamfi also said that the Osafo Maafo only won a suit he filed against the former AG because he (Domelevo) was fired.
“What led to the court decision? It was after he indicted Osafo Maafo and Osafo Maafo went to the court and then before the court could pronounce on the matter, Domelevo was sacked.
“One day after he was sacked from Office and Mr Asiedu was asked to act on his behalf. Asiedu then writes a letter to the Supreme Court that he is satisfied with the work that Kroll has done,” he said.
Background:
Before President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo asked Domelevo to proceed on leave in 2020, he surcharged Yaw Osafo-Maafo for alleged financial infractions he had committed.
Domelevo claimed that the current Senior Advisor to the President, Osafo-Maafo, when he was Senior Minister, colluded with the Finance Ministry to pay UK firm, Kroll and Associates Limited, US$1 million for no evidence of work done.
However, the acting Auditor-General(A-G), Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, a day after Daniel Domelevo began his 167 days ‘forced’ leave, cleared Osafo-Maafo of any wrongdoing.
TheNational Democratic Congress(NDC) is expected to win the Assin North district seat in the next by-election, according to a Ghanaian polling organization, Global Info Analytics.
The Electoral Commission slated June 27, 2023, for the by-election at the Assin North constituency after the seat was declared vacant by Parliament following a Supreme Court order.
Executive Director and the Head of Polls for Global Info Analytics, Musah Dankwah told the media a recent poll conducted in April showed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will win the seat based on factors such as road network in the constituency, the standard of living of constituents and general optimism.
“If you look at the recent polling that we did at Assin Northas recent as April, there were signs of hope for the NDC to retain the seat in the sense that the sentiment of voters in the constituency doesn’t seem to support the ruling party.
“If you look at voters who said the country was headed in the wrong direction, they were about 77 percent. Now, people who said that the standard of living has gotten worse in the last twelve months, were about 66 percent and then when you look at people who said they were not optimistic things will get better in the next twelve months, they were about 80 percent.”
James Gyakye Quayson will once again represent the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the incomingAssin North by-election.
In a statement, Deputy Communications Officer Godwin Ako Gunn said Mr Quayson has been a victim of a hunged Parliament, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) doing everything possible to reduce the numbers of the NDC in Parliament.
He said “The only reason the NPP is so desperate to get a majority in Parliament is to pass the AGYAPA DEAL, the last promise left for the President’s family to own the natural resources of Ghana for a minimum of 25 years. I entreat all lovers of our democracy to support Hon. Quayson and the NDC, both in cash and in kind, to regain that seat. This support must be channelled through the proper party structure to ensure efficient deployment.
“With the Kumawu bye-election experience, we know the IMF cash will be up for spending in the Assin North Constituency. That is why all well-meaning Ghanaians must stand up to be counted in this campaign. Nana Addo has turned this nation upside down. It will take you and I to redirect the course of this nation. There can’t be any better time than this. This is a rescue mission. We must do this together – light a candle, and keep your hopes alive – because there are better days ahead.”
Parliament has informed theElectoral Commission (EC) of a vacancy in the Assin North Constituency.
A letter written to the Commission by the Clerk on Tuesday, May 30 said “In the exercise of the power conferred and the duty imposed on the Clerk to Parliament by Section 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendment) Act 1996 (Act 527), I Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, Clerk to Parliament do hereby formally notify you of the occurrence of a vacancy in the Assin North Constituticny necessitated by the Judgement of the Supreme Court dated 17th May 2023 vide Writ No. J1/11/2022 issued in respect of James Gyakye Quayson in the case of Micaheal Ankomah Nimfah vrs James Gyakye Quayson, the Electoral Commission of Ghana and the Attorney General request you to take appropriate consequential actions as required by law.”
The Supreme Court ordered Parliament to remove the name of Assin North Member of Parliament, James Gyakye Quayson, from the records of the Legislature.
The apex court on Wednesday, May 17 unanimously ruled that the name of Gyakye Quayson, should be expunged from the records of Parliament. This was after plaintiff Michael Ankomah Nimfah filed an application early this year, seeking among others, a true and proper interpretation of Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution.
He sought to invoke the original jurisdiction of the apex court of the land to declare the election of Mr Gyakye Quayson as unconstitutional.
Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution states: “A person shall not be qualified to be a member of Parliament if he owes allegiance to a country other than Ghana.”
The oppositionNational Democratic Congress(NDC) has been cautioned to prepare for a similar defeat in the general elections of 2024 as it reels from its recent setback in the parliamentary by-election held at Kumawu in the Ashanti region.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive, Yohane Amarh Ashitey, has promised that the 2024 routing of the NDC by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) will be like the whipping of a school child.
“In the lead-up to the by-election in Kumawu, everybody said it would be a verdict on the performance of the NPP government ofPresident Akufo-Addoand as we now know, that verdict was another resounding rejection of the NDC.
“The NDC, therefore, should be preparing their minds for another whipping in 2024 – that one will be like a schoolmaster whipping a school child,” Hon. Yohane Amarh Ashitey told journalists.
He fired the taunt on the sidelines of a general meeting of the Tema East NPP delegates and party members at the Olams School in Tema Community One.
According to the MCE, “Kumawu is the writing on the wall for the NDC.”
The meeting had been held to deliberate on internal party issues but had seen the Tema MCE take almost all the shine from the event which was also attended by bigwigs including the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the party, Divine Agorhom.
Others in attendance were the Tema East NPP Constituency Chairman, Nene Ofoe Teyechu Agbadiagba IV, Hon. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, former deputy Minister of Transport and MP for Tema East, Mr. Stephen Aboagye, 2nd Vice Chairman, Solomon Sackitey, a senior officer at GPHA and Tema East NPP Secretary, Hon. Dennis Amanor Tetteh, Tema East sub-metro chairman, Gilbert Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, constituency youth organizer and Albert Kraku, constituency communications officer. Hon. Albert Okyere, Ashaiman MCE, used the occasion to preach unity.
First, Yohane Amarh Ashitey had been mobbed by the delegates upon his arrival at the meeting and showered with cat-calls proclaiming him as the NPP’s incoming Parliamentary candidate for Tema East.
The meeting had been used by Divine Agorhom to announce that when the party opens nominations, way will be created for anybody interested in contesting for any of the three seats in Tema to contest.
To this, the delegates around started chanting the name of the MCE amidst war songs and avowals that only Hon. Yohane Amarh Ashitey will be allowed to contest unopposed for the Tema East NPP ticket which is currently vacant after former hardworking MP, Titus Glover, lost the election to the NDC’s Isaac Ashai Odamtten in 2020 as a result of betrayal on the part of some NPP Gurus.
The Tema MCE holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Master’s degree in Mobile Communications from Beckton University of East London.
He is also a former lecturer at the All Nations University College in Koforidua where he taught Transmission Lines and Wave Guide, Antenna and Wave Propagation, Microwave and Optical Communications.
A university Foundation Lecturer in Engineering Science and Engineering Mathematics, his credentials were touted by his fans.
Meanwhile, Hon. Yohane Amarh Ashitey explained why the NPP will soundly beat the NDC in the 2024 elections.
“It is a simple matter of records, Free SHS, we have built more schools, more roads, more factories, more interchanges and better managed the economy, the challenges of COVID notwithstanding, We have also shown more policy competence than the NDC, so the whipping of the NDC by the NPP like a school child in 2024 is a sure banker.” Yohane Amarh Ashitey.
A renowned University of Ghana political science lecturer and a leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Michael Kpessa-Whyte‘s contempt case will be heard today, Tuesday, May 30.
The proceedings, set to unfold today, will scrutinize his recent actions and require him to defend against allegations of contempt.
Dr. Kpessa-Whyte’s controversial remarks were made in a recent Twitter post where he expressed his belief that the Supreme Court was being transformed into a “Stupid Court.”
Additionally, he criticized the current state of Ghana’s judiciary, accusing it of partisanship and a lack of common sense.
These tweets came shortly after the Supreme Court decided to order the removal of NDC MP James Gyakye Quayson‘s name from Parliament’s records due to procedural breaches during his nomination and election in 2020.
Following the tweet, Dr. Kpessa-Whyte received inquiries regarding his statement, particularly in relation to Ghana’s judiciary.
He clarified that his tweets were not specifically referring to the Ghanaian judiciary but were instead influenced by global developments, including those in the United States.
As a result of his comments, the Supreme Court has summoned Dr. Kpessa-Whyte, initiating a process that requires him to provide a valid explanation for his alleged contemptuous remarks.
The Supreme Court will need to reconsider its stance that a birth certificate is not proof of citizenship, according toRansford Gyampo, a professor at the University of Ghana.
He said the position of the apex court on this document calls into question the relevance of the Birth and Death Registry.
Speaking on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, May 27, Prof Gyampo said “I am wondering about Birth and Death Registry, what will be their relevance if birth and death certificate is not proof of citizenship?
“It is quite worrying, I believe we should begin to rethink this otherwise we should scrap the Birth and Death Registry.”
On FridayMay 26 while answering questions at her vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, the Chief Justice nominee Gertrude Torkornoo said while reiterating the Supreme Court’s position on the document that a birth certificate is not proof of citizenship.
She stated that it is rather a record of one’s birth location.
It is recalled that the Supreme Court in it’s ruling on the matter of theNational Democratic Congress (NDC) and another vs the Attorney General, said that birth certificates could not be proof of citizenship.
“A birth certificate is not a form of identification. It does not establish the identity of the bearer. Nor does it link the holder with the information on the certificate. Quite obviously, it provides no evidence of citizenship,” the Supreme Court verdict said in part.
“In fact, as a form of Identification, it is worse than the NHIA card which was held to be unconstitutional as evidence of identification of a person who applies for registration as a voter,” the court said.
Madam Torkornoo at her vetting said “Citizenship is a matter of law, nationality is a matter of law. In certain jurisdictions, being born in that place makes you a citizen of that country, [but] in our country, being born in Ghana doesn’t make you a citizen of Ghana.
“It is your relationship with your mother, it is your mother’s identity, your father’s identity, it is your lineage that determines your citizenship. So[birth certificate] is just an international requirement, we must know where everyone is born. But beyond that, your nationality is derived from that form, the evidence on that form.”
The New Patriotic Party (NPP),National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the two independent candidates have been lauded by Akufo-Addo for a successful by-election in Kumawu.
Mr Akufo-Addo also applauded the Jean Mensa-led Electoral Commission for maintaining its tradition of organizing “the best elections in the 4th Republic.
”The NPP Ernest Anim polled 15,264 votes in Tuesday’s election to beat the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Kwasi Amankwaa, and the two Independent Candidates, both of whom are called Kwaku Duah.
The NDC’s Kwasi Amankwaa garnered 3,723 votes while Kwaku Duah (1) had 2,478 votes with the other Kwaku Duah managing a paltry 62 votes.
“I congratulate warmly the people of Kumawu on conducting a peaceful, credible, and transparent by-election, on 23rd May 2023, to elect their new Member of Parliament, which has given another big boost to Ghanaian democracy.
“I congratulate further the NPP, NDC, and the two independent candidates for their contribution to this positive outcome. I congratulate, also, the Jean Mensa-led Electoral Commission for maintaining its tradition of organizing the best elections in the 4th Republic.
“Finally, I congratulate Ernest Yaw Anim, the NPP parliamentary candidate, for his 71% emphatic victory in the by-election. He, and the national, regional, constituency, and polling station executives and party workers of the NPP are to be strongly commended for their outstanding work, which has brought about this excellent result, recording one of the highest turnouts in a by-election in the history of the 4th Republic. I am confident that he will make an effective representative of the people of Kumawu in Parliament. The elephant continues to be on the march.
“God blessErnest Yaw Anim, the people of Kumawu, and Ghanaian democracy, and may God bless us all, and our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong.”
Ernest Yaw Anim of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) won theKumawu Constituency by-election with 15,264 votes (70.91%), retaining the party’s seat.
The by-election was expected to be closely fought following the high stakes invested in the seat by both the ruling NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), whose candidate Kwasi Amankwaa, came a distant second with 3,727 votes or 17.29 percent.
Supporters of the NPP even ahead of official announcement of collated results hit the streets from various polling centres in wild celebration, satisfied with the local results and convinced, Ernest Anim, an economist and a chartered accountant was on his way to represent them in parliament.
.The two other contestants in the by-election, both named Kwaku Duah, equally did not provide much of a contest, sharing between them a paltry 2,540 votes or 11.8%.
Ernest Yaw Anim (NPP) : 15,264 (70.91%)
Kwasi Amankwaa (NDC) : 3,723 ( 17.29%)
Kwaku Duah (Ind. 1) : 2,478 (11.51%)
Kwaku Duah (Ind. 2) : 62. ( 0.29%)
The polls saw a heavy deployment of the police, with fears that the exercise could degenerate into violence, however, save from pockets of disagreements from some of the polling centres which were resolved, the by-election was highly peaceful.
The seat became vacant following the death of NPP’s Member of Parliament for the area, Philip Basoah, and with the acute balance of power in parliament between the two main parties, the Kumawu seat was a critical addition and pitched the poll as a game changer for both parties.
The NPP has always won the seat since 2000, but the party left nothing to chance, providing opportunities for party bigwigs to tour the constituency and to whip up support for its candidate. That effort saw Vice PresidentDr. Mahamudu Bawumia, other presidential aspirants Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen all descend on the constituency to campaign for support.
Voters in the Kumawu constituencywill vote in a by-election today, May 23, 2023, to elect a replacement for their MP, Philip Basoah, who died in March.
The two main political parties, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have all put in various efforts seeking to annex the parliamentary seat.
Following the demise of Philip Basoah, who was buried over the weekend, the Electoral Commission (EC) issued a notice of poll to conduct a by-election to elect an MP for the constituency.
The EC which is organising the by-election, has assured that all necessary materials are ready for the by-election.
The parliamentary candidates include: Akwasi Amankwaa popularly known as ‘Tom Cee’, of NDC, NPP’s Ernest Yaw Anim, and two other independent candidates both with the same name, Kwaku Duah.
The two main political parties prior to the by-election hit the grounds to canvass votes for their parliamentary candidates.
They both introduced their parliamentary candidate to the chiefs and people of the area.
The flagbearer of the NDC John Dramani Mahama, called on NDC members in Kumawu to vote massively for the party’s parliamentary candidate, Kwasi Amankwaa popularly called ‘Tom Cee’.
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has also admonished New Patriotic Party supporters to turn out in their numbers on Tuesday, May 23, to vote overwhelmingly for the party’s parliamentary candidate for Kumawu, Ernest Yaw Anim.
Interacting with NPP supporters in Kumawu ahead of the by-election, the Vice President noted that they want to show Ghana that Kumawu is NPP’s territory and that they are poised to retain the seat
Both NDC and NPP have pledged to play their respective roles in ensuring peace during and after the Kumawu by-election scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
The assurance came after a meeting between the Inspector General of Police, Mr. George Akuffo Dampare, and the leadership of the contesting political parties ahead of the polls.
The National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), George Opare Addo has intimated that the NDC will likely pull a surprise and cause an upset by winning the by-election in Kumawu.
Mr. Addo indicated that the hard work the NDC has put into the by-election will propel the party to victory.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr. Addo said: “There will be a surprise in Kumawu and there will be a new MP of the constituency belonging to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).”
The Director of Elections of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Evans Nimako, has stated that the NPP is confident that the people of Kumawu will reward its parliamentary candidate for Kumawu with their votes in Tuesday’s by-election due to the level of development in the area.
Mr. Nimako stressed that the party has put in a lot of work and conducted extensive consultation in the constituency and is confident of a massive win in the May 23 by-election.
Communities in Kumawu in the Ashanti region have been abandoned by President Akufo-Addo, according to the National Democratic Congress'(NDC) Deputy General Secretary in charge of Operations, Mustapha Gbande.
According to him, for President Akufo-Addoto resort to campaigning even under the funeral of the late MP means the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has lost touch with their stronghold.
The Kumawu by-election follows the death of the MP for the constituency who was buried on Saturday.
The leadership of the NDC and NPP have been in the constituency supporting and campaigning for their various candidates.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Gbande stated that Ghanaians will see either a victory of the NDC or an overwhelming appreciation and unprecedented votes from the Kumawu by-election.
“They have taken the people for granted though it is their stronghold and the NDC went into that constituency with a clear cut message of good will. We have been loyal to them. HE. John Mahama was here briefly within four hours and left. My national chairman and general secretary of the party have left the campaign since and our message has been very simple.
“The track record of this government is so poor when it comes to projects. We showed them an example of the projects at Sir John’s village that after the people went on demonstration to call on the government to do their roads before they come for Sir John’s funeral. They move the machines there right after the funeral, they move the machines back. The same scheme is what they are planning to execute here,” Mr. Gbande stated
He continued: “So clearly our expectations in this election have been met partially, that one the government has lost popularity, two the government has lost touch with its own people, three even in their stronghold Nana Addo has abandoned these communities. These people voted massively for them and it is a good thing for the NDC going into 2024.”
The Minister of Roads and Highways has refuted reports that road renovations in Kumawu, Ashanti Region, are being carried out in preparation for the impending by-election on May 23, 2023.
According to the Minister, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, the timing of the ongoing road works in the constituency is a mere coincidence.
He explained the government had already awarded the road to contract before the unfortunate death of Philip Basoa the Member of parliament of the constituency.
Kumawu, the district capital of the Sekyere Kumawudistrict in Ashanti region township roads has been asphalted days to the Sekyere Kumawu Constituency’s by-election on 23rd May 2023.
Work is also progressing steadily at Woraso, Bodomase, Besoro, and Kumawu-Effiduase highway as contractors work day and night to meet the deadline given to the project.
The Kumawu town alone will benefit from a 20 kilometers asphaltic road network, according to the sector minister.
Bodomase community will also get 2 kilometers of asphaltic roads, Woraso 2 kilometer, 10 kilometers Asokore, and 10 kilometers for Afigyasi community.
The Asante Juaben through Effiduase to Kumawu road will equally be asphalted to create comfort for commuters to promote trade and agriculture in the district.
The roads and highways minister who inspected progress of work stressed that improving the road network in Kumawu district has nothing to do with the upcoming by-election.
Kwasi Amoako-Attah pleaded with communities who are yet to benefit from the road infrastructure project to exercise patience and wait for their turn. He noted that demonstrations do not build roads.
Meanwhile, the national Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Joseph Yammin who is busy campaigning in the constituency is confident the NDC’s candidate Kwasi Amankwaa will win the by-election.
He said, the overnight road construction projects in the constituency can win the electorates who have already taken their decision.
A parliamentary aspirant who was unsuccessful in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries in the Asawase constituency has refuted claims of being sponsored by the party’s leadership to participate in an alleged plot to oust the current Member of Parliament.
Masawudu Mubarick, who received 734 votes during the primaries, was in the race with the incumbent MP, Muntaka Mubarak, at a time when some party supporters in the constituency called for a change.
However, the incumbent Asawase MP sailed through with 1,063 votes and alleged a grand scheme by some party bigwigs to unseat him after he lost his position as the Minority Chief Whip.
But Masawudu Mubarick denied claims that he was used for the purpose and called on his supporters to rally behind the incumbent MP to help the NDC retain the Asawase seat in the 2024 general elections.
In his response, Masawudu Mubarick stated, “The issue about me being a favourite candidate, wow how lucky I am? I remember last year this same establishment barred me from contesting. So I don’t think there’s any iota of truth in these allegations. I wasn’t in any way sponsored. 70 percent of the money I have spent came from my personal coffers, and 30 percent came from people I have empowered in one way or the other. I never had any contributions from any business or party person, I can say that with authority.”
He further added, “Let me once again congratulate my brother Muntaka Mubarak for his success in the just-ended parliamentary candidate elections. I have already communicated and congratulated him. There’s a need for my supporters to stay calm and let cool heads prevail. Let’s all unite and rally around our re-elected parliamentary candidate so that, come 2025, Muntaka Mubarak will return to Parliament. He has all my support, and I’m encouraging my supporters to also support him so that at the end of the day, NDC will come out victorious in the upcoming elections.”
Member of Parliament(MP) for Sagnarigu, Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini, has denied reports that his supporters fanned him following his defeat in the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) primaries.
He clarified that he was nowhere near the polling center when the results were announced, dismissing the claim as a mere fabrication.
According to him, he had already left the center with his team to find some food before the results were counted. It was during their time at a restaurant that they received news of his defeat.
Asserting his contentment with the outcome, he dismissed the notion of being in a hysterical state and asserted that such claims were purely imaginary.
During an interview, he addressed the issue, stating, “I want to respond to the statement suggesting that I was in a hysterical state upon the declaration and required assistance from numerous people fanning me. I want to make it clear that no such incident occurred. When the results were announced, I was far away from the scene. My team and I had stepped outside to eat as I had not eaten all day. It was during this time that I discovered the results, and I wasn’t even in close proximity for supporters to fan me since the results had turned against me.
“…I believe it is a product of someone’s imagination. I want to emphasize that I was satisfied with the verdict, and that’s what unfolded during the voting. I urge for this false claim to be debunked as it holds no truth,” he added.
The Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak has blamed the defeat of 17 National Democratic Congress(NDC) Member of Parliament (MPs) on the leadership reshuffle done by the party in parliament.
According to Muntaka, the defeat of 17 MPs in the just-ended NDC primaries is a result of the reshuffling of party leadership. He expressed concerns about the impact this loss of experience regarding the new candidates will have on the minority caucus in the upcoming parliamentary sessions.
“Now in 2023, the NPP is struggling to find its feet. They are struggling to stay above waters, and then you go and lose 17 MPs. Who do you blame? It will be very unfair if you blame the current [Minority] leadership because the primaries were announced before the coup that happened in Parliament, [and that was] very unstrategic.”
“You can do any scientific research, and it would point to you that the timing of that coup was absolutely wrong. It didn’t give the new leadership the opportunity to settle and strategize to save many more MPs,” citinewsroom.com quoted him as saying in an interview.
Muntaka added that it would be unfair to hold the current minorityleadershipresponsible because the timing of the party primaries was announced before the unexpected changes took place in parliament.
He maintained that the timing of the parliamentary reshuffling was ill-advised, as it did not allow the new leadership enough time to settle and strategize effectively to secure more seats.
The NDC held its primaries on Saturday, May 13, 2023, which resulted in significant losses for several incumbent Members of Parliament.
Approximately 17 incumbents lost their seats to newcomers.
Political Communications Lecturer at UniMAC-GIJ, Dr. Paul Ezuah, has asked flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama to go gently with the promises he’s making ahead of 2024 general elections.
The former President in his victory speech on Monday reiterated a litany of promises he says he wants Ghanaians to hold him to if they vote him to become President in 2025.
Mr Mahama among others, promised to run the leanest but most efficient government under the fourth republic by appointing not more than 60 ministers and deputy ministers. Work to abolish the payment of Ex-gratia and cut out waste and ostentation in Government.
He also promised to give anti-corruption state institutions unfettered space to operate – The days of the Clearing agent must come to an end on January 07, 2025.
Speaking to Starr News, Dr. Paul Ezuah said even though this is to be expected in political seasons, John Mahama should hasten slowly given a recent history of unfulfilled promises.
“Looking at how he spoke about the whole thing, it is good. But let us be mindful that we are in Ghana where we have in the past had promises being made everywhere and very little is fulfilled. So for me, I will advise that he’ll hasten slowly as far as promises are concerned because we have the benefit of hindsight and we also know what has happened before even in the NDC and NPP.”
“The electorate in Ghana do not really fancy promises, they want the work to be done for them to see that the right thing is being done. So, on one hand, I will say that it’s good but he should tone down a bit on the promises because if he doesn’t fulfill it, it will be counter-productive as far as the 2024 election is concerned,” Dr. Paul Ezuah added.
