Former President, John Dramani Mahama has stated that former finance minister Dr Kwabena Duffuor, has congratulated him on his victory in the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) just ended presidential primaries.
He also said Mr Kojo Bonsu has also done the same thing.
Mr Mahama tweeted “Both Dr. Kwabena Duffour and Kojo Bonsu have called to congratulate me for my 98.9% victory in Saturday’s presidential primaries. The contest is over. Cooperation is what we need to build #TheGhanaWeWant.”
Both Dr. Kwabena Duffour and Kojo Bonsu have called to congratulate me for my 98.9% victory in Saturday’s presidential primaries.
Mr Mahama polled 297,603 representing 98.9% of the total valid votes emerging as the flagbearer-elect of the NDC while his contender Kojo Bonsu managed to 3,181 representing 1.1% of the total votes.
Mr Kojo Bonsu congratulated him even before the official declaration by the Electoral Commission (EC).
“I have placed a call to H.E John Dramani Mahamato congratulate him for the landslide victory. Just as I have indicated throughout my campaign, regardless of the outcome of this election, I will continue to serve the NDC party, thank you” he tweeted.
Dr Kwabena Duffuor withdrew from the race on Friday, May 12 after stating that “My concerns that the party is not ready to conduct free and fair election is evident for all to see. Taking part in such would be akin to knowingly drinking from a poisoned calabash.
“After consulting with my support base nationwide, I have been left with no choice but to withdraw from the Presidential election as I cannot contest in an election which is blatantly fraught with irregularities regardless of all my efforts to draw attention to same.”
The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region has said that it will meet with the defeated Parliamentary aspirant forEjura-Sekyedumase who was captured in a viral video showering cash during the party’s parliamentary and presidential primaries.
Even before the invitation from the party, the former aspirant, Juliana Kinang -Wassan had been summoned to appear before the office of the Special Prosecutor to answer some questions.
Citi News has learned that the meeting by the party’s leadership with the former aspirant will seek to point out what the constitution of the party says about her conduct.
Madam Kinang-Wassan was seen in a widely circulated video raining cash on delegates, party supporters, and bystanders upon arrival at the voting centre at Ejuraon Saturday.
Her conduct caused a major stir at the voting centre with voters abandoning voting booths to grab a note from the MP aspirant.
The notes ranged from as low as 5 Ghana cedis to as high as GH¢100 notes.
Her conduct has been severely condemned by a section of the public with some calling on her to be sanctioned by the party.
A disqualified National Democratic Congress(NDC) flagbearer aspirant, Kojo Bonsu, has urged party members to work together in order to support the mission to save Ghana from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The former Kumasi Mayor who failed in his bid to become the flagbearer of the opposition NDC said former President John Mahama’s landslide victory is a clear warning to the ruling government that the NDC together with millions of disappointed floating voters shall cause change at the polls in December 2024.
Mr Bonsu also called on Dr. Kwabena Duffour who withdrew from the flagbearership contest to consider the great value he adds and to join forces with the party to wrestle power from the nation-wrecking NPP.
“Now that our elections are over, first, I wish to congratulate H.E John Dramani Mahama for emerging victorious at the end of the day. His landslide victory is a resounding and clear warning the ruling government that the NDC together with millions of disappointed floating voters shall cause change at the polls in December 2024
“I also call on my senior comrade. Dr. Kwabena Duffour to consider the great value he adds and join forces with the party for us all to wrestle power from the nation-wrecking NPP.
“Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the electioneering process and the outcome of the election itself, we must now all join the rescue mission of liberating our mother Ghana from the modern-day imperialism and colonialism practiced in a benevolent democracy under this NPP government.
“What is ahead of us is far bigger than any spilled milk. We cannot afford to lose any single effort going into the 2024 general elections and we must be relentless in our united pursuit of victory. Together, we shall be invincible.”
The National Democratic Congress(NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has indicated that if he is elected the next president of Ghana he will ensure that ministers and other appointees are exempted from ex-gratia.
The former president during his acceptance speech after his election as the flagbearer of the NDC, said he will not repeat the mistakes of the NPP government.
He said he will not bloat his government size.
Speaking at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, Mr. Mahama said he will appoint less than 60 ministers in his next government to protect the public purse.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, our nation is still at the crossroads with crippling debt, and an inefficient and wasteful government. We cannot continue this pathway. It is a betrayal of the people, as a leader, to keep doing things the same way when the results leave them poorer”.
“I am committed to operating an effective government with not more than sixty (60) ministers. These Ministers together with other appointees of the government will not be entitled to ex-gratia payments after their tenure, as they will commit to that undertaking even before the necessary constitutional amendments, including a review of the controversial Article 71.”
Mr. Mahama in March 2023, during his campaign launch at the Cedi auditorium at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho in the Volta Region first disclosed his decision to assemble not more than sixty ministers and deputies should he win the 2024 presidential elections.
The nominee for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has assured citizens that his administration will work to restore investor faith in the country’s economy.
He added that he will ensure that more foreign investors are attracted to Ghana’s manufacturing sector.
John Mahama also promised to be transparent in matters relating to Ghana’s public debt and budget deficits.
Delivering his formal acceptance speech at the University of Development Studies (UDS) on Monday, May 15 after his victory in the presidential primaries of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), he said “Together with my team we will enhance investor confidence in our country to attract domestic and foreign investors, especially in the manufacturing industry. This we will do by being transparent and not concealing economic data such as the budget deficit public debt, and our net international reserves.”
The former president noted his government will create a tier banking system that will boost Ghana’s financial sector.
“We will restore indigenous Ghanaian investments in the finance and banking sector and we will create a tier banking system that will serve various segments of the market.
“We will give the opportunity to experience banking hands who were laid off needlessly to secure their careers once more and move away from the menial jobs that they were compelled to take.
“As far as practicable the banking licenses that were unjustly canceled by this government will be restored,” he said.
On Monday, May 15, 2023, the office of the United States Attorney announced that Ghanaian social media influencer,Mona Faiz Montrage, also known as Hajia4Reall, is officially the subject of a six-count prosecution in a Manhattan Federal Court.
The socialite was extradited from the United Kingdom to the US for allegedly swindling older, single American men and women in a romance scam to the tune of over US$2 million.
According to the statement, Mona4Reall appeared in court on Monday, May 15, 2023, for her alleged involvement in a series of schemes that targeted vulnerable people who lived alone.
The New York Post news portal stated that the socialite pleaded not guilty to the charges, and is set to be released in the coming days on a $500,000 bond with GPS tracking via an ankle monitor.
Her lawyer, Adam Cortez, confirmed to The Post that Mona received money from several others who were swindled by scammers in her network, and that she is charged with wire fraud, money laundering, receipt of stolen money, and conspiracy.
If convicted on the top charge, Montrage could face up to 20 years in prison.
According to court documents, she was involved with a group of con artists from West Africa from at least 2013 through 2019.
The scammers would trick victims into transferring money to them under false pretences, such as to help move gold to the US from overseas, to resolve bogus FBI investigations, and payments to help fake US Army officers in Afghanistan.
Manhattan US Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement shared by the New York Post said, “Thanks to the efforts of our law enforcement partners, Montrage was arrested abroad and has been brought to the United States to face justice. These scams can be both financially and emotionally devastating for vulnerable victims.”
Cortez said his client can only travel in certain parts of New York and New Jersey pending her case.
Read the full indictmet document as shared by the Department of Justice”
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership has stated that it will address all outstanding issues in four constituencies in the Ashanti Region in order to pave way so internal elections.
Delegates in the Manhyia South Constituency did not take part in the NDC’s presidential and parliamentary primaries held over the weekend following some unresolved issues.
Fomena, Adansi Asokwa, Manhyia South and Mampong constituencies did not take part in the parliamentary elections, but delegates in these areas only took part in the presidential elections.
The party indicates that it will take the necessary steps to conduct internal elections in these constituencies before the end of 2023.
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NDC, Augustus Andrews Nana Kwasi speaking to journalists during his monitoring of the elections on Saturday said the Ashanti region will be a deciding factor in the 2024 general elections.
He noted, “We have a year and a half before the general elections, and this is the first time NDC, we have conducted our primaries early. I can assure the good people of Ashanti Region especially Manhyia South that by the end of the year, we would have resolved that issue. It’s not only Manhyia South, we are having Adansi Asokwa, Fomena and Mampong. These constituencies were on hold for the parliamentary, but we will surely conduct the elections in these areas.
“The message is that we are going to take over Ashanti Region, and we are going to get maximum votes that will make former President John Mahama become the next president of Ghana in the 2024 general elections. Ashanti Region will be the deciding factor in that regard. And Insha Allah, we are going to get more seats. The signal is good that we are coming to power”.
Former Finance Minister and one-time presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Kwabena Duffuor, has firmly denied allegations that he plans to quit from the party and start a new party of his own.
Dr Duffuor in a statement expressed his commitment to the NDC and called for unity ahead of the 2024 general elections.
“I have become aware of some concerns from the rank and file of the NDC, that I intend to leave the NDC to form another party. I wish to state that I have no such intentions and remain committed to the NDC as I have always been.
“The NDC is my home as it is for us all, and I will always remain loyal to our party. Let us come together towards the cause of victory for our party and progress for our nation. The NDC belongs to us, and we have a charge to keep its flame burning. So let us get to work”.
“If there is anything more I have gained from this period, it is a deepening of my love for this great party from the stories of people I was privileged to meet on the campaign trail. As such, I remain committed towards the cause of the NDC as I have in times past, for as long as our quest for a better Ghana endures.”
Dr Duffuor withdrew from the NDC presidential race citing irregularities with the voters’ register and the photo album.
His withdrawal came on the same day he withdrew his suit against the party that sought to stop the party from proceeding with Saturday’s presidential and parliamentary elections.
Below is the full statement by Dr Kwabena Duffuor
I REMAIN WITH THE NDC-DR. KWABENA DUFFUOR
I have become aware of some concerns from the rank and file of the NDC, that I intend to leave the NDC to form another party. I wish to state that I have no such intentions and remain committed to the NDC as I have always been. The NDC is my home as it is for us all and I will always remain loyal to our party. Let us come together towards the cause of victory for our party and progress for our nation. The NDC belongs to us and we have a charge to keep its flame burning. So let us get to work.
When I joined the race for the flagbearership of the National Democratic Congress, I was motivated by a desire to see our party thrive as the political party of choice for every Ghanaian. Today, that motivation remains unchanged. Like many before me, I understand that the collective good of our party overrides our personal goals and desires.
The internal contest of ideas we engage in is simply a means to a common end to build upon the hard-on legacy we have come to meet. But if there is anything more I have gained from this period, it is a deepening of my love for this great party from the stories of people I was privileged to meet on the campaign trail. As such, I remain committed towards the cause of the NDC as I have in times past, for as long as our quest for a better Ghana endures.
As Ghana’s leading opposition party, the Ghanaian people are looking up to us to deliver the much-needed political change this country needs. This would require us to upscale our vigilance and insist that the right democratic processes are followed before and during the 2024 elections. It was in the spirit of this that I insisted that we address the challenges that were fraught with our voters register and photo album, which resulted in my withdrawal from the presidential race.
If we are to succeed as a party in reaching our political goals, we cannot afford to compromise on our founding ideals of probity and accountability. Those virtues are the torch that guides our party and gives purpose to all we do. Without them, we will lose our identity and our ability to hold others accountable in similar circumstances.
As part of my contribution to the party’s reorganization agenda, I launched the Ahotor Project to strengthen our grassroots and ensure they are financially independent and can work effectively ahead of election 2024. I remain committed to the continuity of this project and look forward to more of such engagements with our party base. The story of the NDC is a story of ordinary people coming together to challenge broken systems of cronyism.
It is a story underscored by a movement of Ghanaians, resolute in building a country where they could all belong. These origins cannot be taken for granted. In a time of widening inequality and economic despair, we must set the pace for collective development. We are who we are because of the strength of our roots and must continue to build the NDC from the ground up. It is the key to our future and the engine of the Ghanaian Dream.
God bless the NDC and our nation Ghana and make her great and strong.
Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), General Asiedu Nketia, has stated that money no longer determines who wins a seat in the party.
Speaking after the declaration of the results for the presidential primaries on Sunday dawn, Mr. Nketia expressed confidence that the party now has the men and women to ensure overwhelming victory in the 2024 general elections.
He commended the party delegates on the quality of candidates who were elected in the just-ended parliamentary primaries.
He said, “Money does not decide who gets the vote in [the] NDCanymore. We heard stories about big men, potentially rich men who could win elections; they all could not win in spite of their wealth and riches and the stories we heard about what they were intending to distribute, but we are happy that so far, the quality of candidates that have been produced in this election gives us confidence that we will go into 2024 and win presidential and win a significant majority in Parliament, and also deliver on the charge of rescuing this country.”
“We are not going to say we have the men; we want the men to prove themselves for you to say that ‘yes, NDC, you have the men’…” he added.
On Saturday, May 13, 2023, the NDC elected parliamentary candidates to represent the party in the 2024 election.
The party also elected former President John Dramani Mahama as its flagbearer for the 2024 elections.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has summoned theNational Democratic Congress (NDC)’s Juliana Kinang Wassan who failed in her quest to be elected MP candidate for Ejura Sekyeredumase,.
According to reports, she is one individuals being investigated for their conduct during the opposition party’s presidential and parliamentary primaries on May 13.
The MP aspirant who lost to the incumbent MP Muhammad Bawah Braimah was seen in a viral video standing in a car showering cash on the people who flung her at the Ahmadiya School Park where voting took place.
According to JoyNews correspondent Nana Boakye Yiadom, there was a mad rush for the money which ranges from GH¢10 notes to GH¢100 notes.
Juliana Wassan told the reporter that she realised she had the money in her car and decided to show love to her fellow NDC members by sharing the cash.
This incident has caught the attention of Special ProsecutorKissi Agyabeng.
In a letter, the OSP said it has commenced an investigation into suspected corruption in respect of her action.
“The OSP considers you as a person necessary for investigation. You are directed to attend the Office of the Special Prosecutor at 6 Haile Selassie Avenue, South Ridge, Accra on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 10 am for interviewing.
“You may be accompanied by counsel of your choice.”
Joy News sources say other aspirants who gifted delegates various items at the voting grounds have been invited.
In a related development, the Police say their legal department is studying the video to establish if there is a case for Juliana Wassan to answer.
Seventeen incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs) for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will not be able to represent their constituencies in the 2024 elections, as a result of losing the parliamentary primaries.
Whiles some lost to newcomers in the race, others succumbed to former MPs or serial aspirants.
1. Hajia Nasira Afrah (Sekyere Afram Plains) defeated incumbent Alex Adomako, who came third in race.
2. Charles Bawaduah polled 535 votes (Bongo Constituency) to defeatincumbent Edward Bawa lost with 509 votes.
3. Nelson Kofi Djabab, who had 441 votes (Krachie East) beat incumbent Wisdom Gidisu who lost with 257 votes.
4. Attah Issah who polled 801 votes (Sagnarigu constituency) defeated Alhaji A. B. A. Fuseini who had 330 votes.
5. Dr. Ekow Kwainoo who had 329 votes (Ekumfi Constituency) defeated incumbent Abeiku Crentsil who had 149 votes.
6. Sebastian Fred Deh with 332 votes (Kpando Constituency) defeated incumbent Dela Sowah who had 281.
7. Emmanuel Boam who had 474 votes (Pru East) ousted Dr Kwabena Donkor who had 371.
8. Frank Afriyie who won with 631 votes (Afadzato South) defeated incumbent Angela Alorwu-Tay who polled 225 votes.
9. Maxwell Kwame Lukutor with 597 votes (South Tongu Constituency) ousted Wisdom Kobena Woyome who had 562 votes.
10. Nikyema Alamzy polled 488 votes (Chiana-Paga) to defeat incumbent Thomas Addah Dalu who lost with 300 votes.
11. Simon Akibange Aworigo, with 475 votes (Navrongo Central) ousted incumbent Sampson Tangombu Chiragia who had 447 votes.
12. Mustapha Amadu Tanko who had 935 votes (Bia West Constituency) ended, effective January 2025, the tenure of Augustine Tawiah who polled 452 votes.
13. Joana Gyan Cudjoe who had 756 votes (Amenfi Central) ousted incumbent Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah who had 575.
14. Dr. Titus Beyuo for Lambussie Constituency. He won the primary by some 446 votes defeating his biggest contender, Edward Dery, a former MP for the area
15. Thomas Winsum Anabah for the Garu Constituency. He defeated an incumbent MP to clinch the seat. He polled 250 votes against the closest contender’s 246 whiles the incumbent got 160 votes.
16. Sophia Karen Edem Ackuaku (Domeabra-Obom MP but switched to Ayawaso Central)
The elected flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has urged the party members to concentrate on guiding Ghana out of its current crisis.
Mahama said this in hi victory speech delivered minutes after he had been declared winner of the presidential primares of May 13,2023.
Below is the full statement by Mr. John Mahama
Fellow Akatamansonians, and the good people of Ghana.
A while ago, the results of the 2024presidential primaries was officially declared.
I am humbled by the overwhelming vote of confidence reposed in me by the party.
I want to thank God for bringing the NDC this victory. Traversing the country for all these days, weeks and months without any fatalities can only be by God’s special grace.
My profound gratitude goes to the delegates of our party for their warm welcome, active engagement, and participation during my tour.
In your usual astute manner, you turned up in your numbers, across the country, to vote in our party’s presidential and parliamentary elections.
I also want to thank Dr. Kwabena Duffuor and Mr. Kojo Bonsu for their contest. My appreciation also goes to Mr. Ernest Kobea who pulled out to support me in this contest. Their taking part in this primary has cemented our party’s enviable record as the most democratic political tradition in the country.
Let us disagree to agree, but let us keep our collective sights firmly on the supreme objective of the NDC leading Ghana out of the current abyss the country is in.
I also ask for cooperation among all elected parliamentary candidates and their respective aspirants and supporters in the constituencies. Our party is the winner because there are no individual winners and losers in this intra-party contest.
I want to thank my campaign and operational teams for keeping their focus and delivering a clean campaign.
I thank our donors and financiers for your support; the media for propagating our message and all our religious and traditional leaders who prayed on our behalf for the peace and success we have achieved today.
On Monday, at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, I will join a teeming number of the rank and file of the NDC and Ghanaians in general, to deliver my formal acceptance speech.
See you in Tamale.
May God bless us all, and I thank you for your kind attention.
The National Democratic Congress(NDC) claims that the results of its Presidential and Parliamentary primaries on Saturday demonstrate that the party is capable of winning the 2024 election.
National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah says the calibre of individuals elected shows the NDC is hungry for victory.
The NDC has once again elected John Mahama as its presidential candidate and parliamentary candidates to represent it in the various constituencies in the 2024 polls.
The party organised its primaries over the weekend nationwide.
Speaking at the declaration of the presidential results,Johnson Asiedu Nketiahsaid the NDC is ready for battle.
“We are happy that so far the quality of candidates that have been produced in this election gives us confidence that we will go into 2024 and win the presidential and win a considerable majority in Parliament and also deliver on the charge of rescuing this country. We are not going to say we have the men. We want the men to prove themselves for you to say that yes, the NDC has the men”.
17 incumbent Members of Parliament lost their bid to contest in the 2024 polls.
Mahama won the flagbearership race with 98.9 percent.
“I am humbled by the overwhelming confidence reposed in me by the party. I want to thank God for bringing the NDC this victory. Traversing the country for all these days, weeks, and months without fatalities can only be by God’s special favour”.
“My profound gratitude goes to the delegates of our party for their warm welcome, active engagement, and participation during my tour. In your usual astute manner, you turned up in your numbers across the country to vote in our party’s presidential and parliamentary primaries,” Mr. Mahama said after the election.
The National Chairman of theNational Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has expressed satisfaction over the Ghana police’s contributions towards the party’s just ended elections.
In a remark after the party’s primaries on Saturday dawn, the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah said: “We can rely on your professionalism when we approach the next elections”
He thanked the Ghana Police Service for displaying the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and sense of duty in the weekend polls held by the largest opposition party.
He indicated that the orderly electoral process recorded no security breach insisting the police were effective in the discharge of their duties in the primaries.
Meanwhile, Police have arrested eight (8) suspects throughout the country for various election-related offences and disturbing the peace during the Presidential and Parliamentary Primaries of the NDC held on Saturday, 13th April 2023.
The suspects, Yaro Burdove, Harrison Martey, Imoro Ibrahim, Arkoli Mensah, Nyarko Richard, Prince Lomotey, Hamidu Dramani, and Bejando Emmanuel, were arrested at their various voting centres across four constituencies in the country.
A National Democratic Congress (NDC) aspirant, Edem Agbana, has said that he won the election and will not succumb to a run-off election although there are reports that he tied with another candidate.
Mr Agbana is one of eight candidates who ran in the NDC parliamentary primaries in the Ketu North Constituency.
Edem was initially declared the winner by a single vote, but upon two recounts, the EC discovered 3 ballot papers that were not stamped.
2 of the 3 unstamped ballots were cast in favour of Edem Agbana whilst 1 unstamped ballot was cast in favour of John Adanu.
The nullification of the 3 unstamped ballots would have left both Edem Agbana and John Adanu with 358 votes each, creating a tie.
Edem Agbana in an interview however insists that the unstamped ballots would not nullify those votes “so far as those ballots have serial numbers that show that they were drawn from the EC’s ballot booklet”.
Edem said, “Nothing will change in Ketu North. There will never be a run-off in Ketu North so far as I am the candidate”.
“How would you say the votes are nullified after you issued the ballot papers without stamping them, yet it is clear the ballot papers are yours and there was no over-voting,” Edem quizzed.
Edem Agbana and 7 others were seeking to replace Dr James Klutse Avedzi on the ticket of the NDC to represent the Ketu North constituency in the 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic.
A number of showbiz personalities have recently entered the political sphere.
Arising from the May 13National Democratic Congress(NDC) parliamentary promaries, a number of showbiz personalities are one step from entering or returning to the lawmaking chamber.
Below are profiles three of them:
Baba Abdullai Abu Sadiq, Okaikoi Central
Popular entertainment investor, Abdullai Abu Sadiq popularly known as Baba Sadiq, the former CEO of 3 Music CEO won parliamentary elections for the Okaikwei Central constituency.
Official results showed that Baba Sadiq secured 682 votes against his closest contender, Nadine Issah Salifu who had 267.
The other two contenders, Fred Nii Tetteh and Judge Hasford Quartey had 118 and 94 respectively.
Keche Andrew’s wife wins slot
Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the wife of popular Ghanaian musician, Keche Andrew won in the Amenfi Central constituency toppling the incumbent MP for the area.
She polled 756 votes out of the total votes cast whiles the incumbent Member of Parliament for the area, Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah polled 575 votes.
Other aspirants include Daniel Appiah, Dr Karl Mark Arhina and Elijah Jones Appiah.
She is founder and CEO of Golden Empire Legacy Limited, which company manages her husband.
Dzifa Gomashie
Former actress Dzifa Gomashie won her primaries by a big margin the Ketu South Constituency of the Volta Region.
Madam Gomashie, who is a sitting MP, polled 1545 votes whiles her contenders Fogah Nukunu and Jimm Morti got 913 votes and 26 votes respectively.
Ebi Bright, Tema Central
Actress Ebi Bright also won the primary for the Tema Central Constituency, which vote was held at Presco Park, Tema Community 4.
She polled 520 votes against her contenders, Courage Makafui Nunekpeku and Carl Owuompesika who polled 409 and 38 respectively.
She gets a second shot at the seat having lost to the incumbent in 2020.
Ms Bright is also a social worker, talk show host, and media producer.
TheGhana Police Servicehas formed a legal team to investigate a viral video in which a candidate for the National Democratic Congress'(NDC) parliamentary elections on May 13, 2023, was caught spraying cash at a polling site.
In the heat of election in the Ejura Sekyeredumase Constituency on Saturday, Juliana Kinang Wassan was captured on video throwing wads of cash from the roof of her car causing a melee amongst ecstatic delegates.
In a statement following at the end of polling, the Ghana Police Service said a legal team is studying the video to establish whether her action is criminal and warrants any further action.
“The attention of the Police Service has been drawn to a viral video in which Madam Juliana Kinang-Wassan, one of the Parliamentary aspirants for the Ejura Sekyedumase Constituency, is seen spraying money at a crowd during the elections at Ejura Sekyedumase, in the Ashanti Region. A dedicated legal team is currently scrutinising her conduct in the video to establish whether there are elements of election-related crime to warrant Police intervention or otherwise,” the statement said.
The police further announced the arrest of eight individuals at various polling stations across the country for election-related offences and disturbing the peace during the primaries.
Read the full statement by the police below:
POLICE ARREST EIGHT PEOPLE FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES DURING THE PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY PRIMARIES OF THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS
The Police have arrested eight (???? suspects throughout the country for various election-related offences and disturbing the peace during the Presidential and Parliamentary Primaries of the National Democratic Congress held on Saturday, 13th April 2023. The suspects, Yaro Burdove, Harrison Martey, Imoro Ibrahim, Arkoli Mensah, Nyarko Richard, Prince Lomotey, Hamidu Dramani and Bejando Emmanuel, were arrested at their various voting centres across four constituencies in the country.
Specifically, suspect Yaro Burdove was arrested during the elections at the Ningo Prampram Constituency for taking a photograph of his ballot paper in the polling booth and also attempting to take photographs of the ballot of other voters, while Harrison Martey and Imoro Ibrahim were arrested for engaging themselves in an unlawful fight at a voting centre at the same constituency.
Suspects Arkoli Mensah and Nyarko Richard were arrested for disturbing the peace by engaging themselves in an unlawful fight at a voting centre during the voting process at the New Juaben South Constituency in the Eastern Region.
At the Mfantseman Constituency in the Central Region, suspect Prince Lomotey was arrested at the voting centre for personation, while at a polling station in the Atebubu-Amantin constituency in the Bono East Region, suspects Hamidu Dramani and Bejando Emmanuel were arrested for causing violence.
Five of the suspects are currently on Police inquiry bail, while the three others are in custody assisting the ongoing Police investigation.
Meanwhile, the attention of the Police Service has been drawn to a viral video in which Madam Juliana Kinang-Wassan, one of the Parliamentaryaspirants for the Ejura Sekyedumase Constituency, is seen spraying money at a crowd during the elections at Ejura Sekyedumase, in the Ashanti Region.
A dedicated legal team is currently scrutinising her conduct in the video to establish whether there are elements of election-related crime to warrant Police intervention or otherwise.
The Police would like to assure the public of its commitment towards ensuring, peace, security, law and order at all times.
Some delegates from the Sefwi Wiawso Constituency in the Western North Region have threatened to boycott the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential and parliamentary elections.
These delegates say they have been exempted from a GHS40 package meant for transportation.
The delegates said executives of the party in the constituency are scheming to deny them the said amount which is supposed to be given to them to aid their movement to their various voting centres.
According to the delegates, it’s the responsibility of the party to see to their transportation, however, they received support from former president, John Dramani Mahama which they say has been held on to by some party executives.
“The constituency executives just want to take the money and if they don’t release that money, we are not going to vote,” one delegate said.
The Western North regional secretary for the NDC, George Ofori Danquah however denied the allegations and explained that the said amount will be given to them in addition to what the party would have given them as transport fare.
The National Democratic Congress(NDC) will today, Saturday, May 13 choose a flagbearer and parliamentary candidates for the 2024 general election.
This follows the withdrawal of the injunction case filed by one of the three flag bearer aspirants, Dr Kwabena Duffuor.
However, Dr Duffuor did not only withdraw the case, but also pulled out of the presidential primary, leaving the contest now in a two-man race between former President John Dramani Mahama and former Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly Chief Executive, Kojo Bonsu.
In withdrawing from the elections, the former Minister of Finance yesterday evening in a press conference explained that his decision was based on his grievances with the processes leading to the party’s upcoming primaries; especially the voters register.
He said the exercise had been marred by a lot of irregularities; which had not been resolved by the leadership of the party.
He, therefore, announced that he would no longer vie for the flagbearership of the NDC. However, he would still keep in touch with the grass roots.
“As at this time, the party has begun distributing the ballot papers to the various regions and constituencies without our involvement. I wish to reiterate my commitment to the party and grass roots however, my concern that the party is not ready to conduct free and fair elections is evident for all of us to see.
“Taking part in such an event will be akin to knowing drinking from a poisoned calabash. After consulting with my support base nationwide, I have been left with no choice but to withdraw as I cannot contest in an election blatantly flawed with irregularities regardless of all my effort to draw attention to the same,” Dr Duffour said.
Court action
This came hours after Dr Duffour withdrew the suit he had filed against the NDC following what he said were some discrepancies his team had identified in the party’s voters register to be used for the exercise.
Last Monday, he dragged the party to court, praying that the election should not be held until a complete register was delivered to his camp and the two other presidential aspirants at least five weeks ahead of the election.
The writ said a sizeable number of the eligible voters had no photographs exhibited on the voters register, making it impossible to conduct any meaningful verification exercise on those affected.
He also alleged that the number of constituencies on the hard drive given to his representatives was 220 as against 228 constituencies.
The litany of allegations also included the fact that there were inaccuracies that rendered the photo album unviable for a free, fair and credible election, and that an exceptional list of 74,799 people had been created to take part in the election, while 3,910 eligible voters in the 220 constituencies had been disenfranchised.
However, when the court sat yesterday, his counsel, Opoku Amponsah, said he had instructions from his client to discontinue the case.
“The discussions came up this morning for which reason I could file the necessary processes,” he told the court.
The judge, Mariam Afful, subsequently struck out the application as withdrawn.
Election
Consequently, the elections are expected to go ahead this morning across the country.
The Electoral Commission (EC), which initially declined to supervise the polls due to the injunction process served on the body, has agreed to conduct the polls.
The Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, who made this known to the Daily Graphic, said the commission would go ahead to supervise and conduct the election.
Otherwise, the NDC stated at a news conference yesterday that it would resort to an internal mechanism to conduct today’s election, if the EC declined to supervise it.
The presidential primary will take place in 275 out of the 276 constituencies initially earmarked for the polls except in the Manhyia South Constituency, which will not vote in the parliamentary primaries too.
The parliamentary primaries will, however, be held in 212 constituencies, with 16 put on hold, and 47 going unopposed.
The head of the Elections Committee of NDC, Kakra Essamuah, told the Daily Graphic that a total of 356,624 delegates of the party were expected to vote in the election.
Delegates
They comprise branch, constituency, regional and national executive, former national executive, sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), former MPs and government appointees, NDC-appointed Article 71 Office Holders, and metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives that served under the party’s government.
The rest are NDC-appointed former deputy and ministers of state, former Ambassadors and High Commissioners, former Members of the Council of State, presidential staffers who fall under Article 71 of the Constitution, foreign chapters and members of the NDC Professional Forum.
Some 692 aspirants are contesting the parliamentary primaries, and three in the presidential primary.
With Dr Duffuor’s withdrawal, the two remaining flag bearer aspirants are a former Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Kojo Bonsu, and former President John Dramani Mahama.
According to the breakdown, 259 constituencies will fully participate in both the presidential and parliamentary primaries.
Sixteen constituencies will participate in only the presidential and not the parliamentary, while Manhyia South would not take part in the election at all due to some internal dispute.
Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has assured the party’s supporters that the scheduled presidential and parliamentary primaries will proceed as intended on Saturday, May 13, 2023
He said the party has already taken steps to resolve a court suit brought against it by one of its three presidential aspirants, Dr Kwabena Duffour, which sought to prevent the party from the said elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Friday, May 12, 2023, the NDC’s chief scribe said, with the court case dealt with, all was set for the party to hold their internal elections.
He also commended Dr Duffour and his team for taking steps to withdraw the court case they initiated against the party.
Mr Asideu Nketia, however, urged party members to use the party’s internal structures to resolve any issues they may have with the party before resorting to the court.
He said the party has elaborate structures to deal with all issues regarding internal elections and that it was right for party members to exhaust such structures before going to the court.
He further indicated that although the party had entered into an agreement with the Electoral Commission (EC) to conduct its internal elections for them, they party also reserves the right to use its own mechanisms to conduct the said elections if the EC fails to do so.
He said the party today [Friday, May 12, 2023] held a Zoom meeting with its executives and have come into conclusion that the internal elections remains an internal affairs of the party and no other external party.
He said the party engaged the EC to conduct the election since the EC was a neutral party, however, the party will not allow itself to be taken hostage by EC.
Mr Asiedu Nketia also admonished aggrieved party members who resort to court not to add the EC as a party to their suit since the party has granted the EC an indemnity concerning their internal elections.
The oppositionNational Democratic Congress(NDC) is convinced that the presidential and parliamentary elections slated for May 13, 2023 will take place as planned.
This comes on the back of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) indicating that it cannot supervise the NDC’s Presidential and Parliamentary Primaries slated for Saturday May 13, 2023.
The EC says it’s unable to organize the polls because of injunction by one of the Presidential hopeful Dr. Kwabena Duffour.
The Former Finance Minister in his suit against the party says there are some discrepancies his team has identified in the party’s voters register to be used for the exercise.
According to the EC, until the legal issues are resolved it cannot be involved in the polls.
However, in a press statement signed by the General Secretary of the party, Fifi Kwetey urged the party members and the people of Ghana to remain calm as the Party, through its legal team, works to resolve the temporary challenge.
“The National Democratic Congress (NDC), further to a court action on the part of one of the presidential aspirants, wishes to assure presidential, parliamentary aspirants as well as members, supporters, and sympathizers, that the party is taking all legitimate and legal steps to pave way for the presidential and parliamentary primaries on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
“It will be recalled that Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, one of the three presidential aspirants, on Tuesday filed a suit against the party seeking to injunct the primaries,” Mr. Kwetey stated.
He continued: “While urging calm among our rank and file, we wish to assure that the party as at April 20th, 2023 had made available the full Delegates List to all presidential candidates in line with our commitment stated in our guidelines that, this Primary Document, would be furnished to all presidential candidates.
“The party is therefore confident that, this temporary challenge will be quickly overcome to pave way for the holding of the primaries on schedule.
“It is our expectation that we shall all put the larger interest of our great party ahead of all considerations, knowing that the good people of Ghana are eagerly looking up to our party, come December 7, 2024, to rescue this nation from the current national collapse.”
Former National Democratic Congress(NDC) Northern regional communications officer, Hardi Pagzaa and Mumuni Osman have been fined GH3,600 by the District Court in Tamale for attacking a Radio Presenter at Dagbon Radio, Tamale.
The two who on Monday 8 May, were arrested and kept in police custody for two days appeared before the court on Wednesday.
The accused persons who were charged on four counts pleaded guilty to all charges.
The charges include; Conspiracy to Commit Crime to wit Assault, Assault, Unlawful entry, and Threat of Death.
The 4th Count of Threat of Death was however later withdrawn by the Prosecution.
The defence counsel told the court that the accused persons have shown remorse and prayed for a non-custodial sentence.
Before his ruling, the Judge cautioned the defendants not to repeat such unlawful acts. He further urged hosts of political shows and their guests to be circumspect in their pronouncements and actions.
The magistrate noted that such acts have the tendency of igniting conflicts, citing the Rwanda genocide and its devastating impact on citizens as an example.
The court then sentenced the accused person to a fine of 300 penalty units, amounting to 3,600 or in default, serve 18 months in prison.
On May 3, a radio presenter with a Tamale-based Dagbon FM, Sadiq Gariba was assaulted verbally and physically by a former NDC Northern Regional Communications Officer, Hardi Pagzaa during a live radio program.
In a video that went viral on social media, Mr. Pagzaa andOsman were seen storming the studio of Dagbon FM. The two men held up the presenter who was at the point hosting a show and threatened to slap him if he makes a comment.
The incident happened on World Press Freedom Day.
The host then stood up and in the process went out of the studio with the attackers.
As the National Democratic Congress(NDC) prepares for its presidential and parliamentary primaries on May 13, 2023, several candidates face little to no competition.
These are candidates whose win is most certainly guaranteed as they are either running unopposed, there are however expected to be declared winners in lieu of being sole aspirants.
Haruna Iddrisu
Former Minority Leader of the current parliament of Ghana, Haruna Iddrisu is set for a for a sixth consecutive term in parliament having joined the contest for the NDC’s parliamentary ticket for the Tamale South Constituency ahead of the 2024 general election.
With a rich history and political influence acquired as a result of his long years in the NDC and parliament, Haruna is expected to shake off competition from his only contender, Bawa Abdul Fatawu on Saturday.
For the MP who has spent almost 19 years in parliament, he is one of only few incumbent MPs whose win is guaranteed beyond their party’s parliamentary primaries.
Clement Apaak
Dr Clement Apaak is currently in his second term as member of parliament for Builsa South in the Upper East Region.
His contesting the NDC primaries with no opposition.
Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba
Lydia Akanvariba is one of few female candidates guaranteed a win the NDC’s upcoming primaries.
She is a first-time MP representing the people of Tempane in the Upper East Region and is running unopposed.
Isaac Adongo
Incumbent MP for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo has no opponent in Saturday’s primaries.
He is MP for a second term and is seeking a third term to represent the constituency.
Murtala Mohammed Ibrahim
Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed is seeking a third term as MP for Tamale Central after making a come back to the house in 2020 having lost the seat after his first term.
He is unopposed in the upcoming primaries.
Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini
Tamale North MP, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini goes into Saturday’s internal party polls as unopposed.
He is currently serving his second consecutive term as MP for the area.
Daniel Nsala Wakpal
Daniel Wakpal is the incumbent MP for Kpandai Constituency.
The first term MP is seeking to extend his stay in parliament and is guaranteed the NDC’s parliamentary ticket going into the contest unopposed.
Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui
She will have to worry about the 2024 election because she is contesting the NDC’s upcoming primaries unopposed.
She first won the Awutu West Constituency seat in 2020 and is seeking a second term.
Cassiel Ato Forson
Former Deputy Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is currently a major force in the NDC.
The current minority leader is in his fourth term and is running unopposed in the primaries for the NDC ticket in the Ejumako Enyan Esiam Constituency.
Daniel Ohene Darko
Daniel Ohene Darko is the incumbent MP for Denkyira West Constituency.
The first term MP is contesting the NDC primaries unopposed.
Emilia Ankomah
Former Municipal Chief Executive for Denkyira East, Emilia Ankomah is once again making an attempt at entering parliament having previously failed on more than one occasion.
The former MCE was the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Upper Denkyira East in 2016 and 2020 and will go in the party’s race unopposed.
Nurien Shaibu Migyimah
Shaibu Nurien is getting a free pass to contest the 2024 parliamentary election on the ticket of the NDC in one of the constituencies held by the ruling New Patriotic Party.
The Assin Central seat has been under the belt of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who is now moving on to contest for the NPP’s presidential primaries, for five consecutive parliamentary terms.
Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah
Member of Parliament for Ellembelle Constituency, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah is going into the NDC’s primaries unopposed.
The current deputy minority leader is doing his fourth term in parliament and is hoping to extend it to a fifth.
Robert Wisdom Cudjoe
Robert Wisdom Cudjoe is a first term Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni Valley Constituency.
He gets a free pass in the upcoming NDC contest with no opponent to contend with.
Isaac Adjei Mensah
Isaac Adjei Mensah has been elected MP for Wassa East Constituency three consecutive times on the ticket of the NDC.
He will be unopposed on Saturday.
Eric Afful
Eric Afful has been in parliament on the NDC’s ticket since 2012 and is seeking to extend his stay in 2024.
He will be running unopposed for the NDC’s Amenfi West parliamentary ticket.
Dr Emmanuel Okumi Andoh
Dr Emmanuel Okumi Andoh run for the Ahanta West parliamentary seat on the ticket of the NDC in 2020.
He is making another attempt again after suffering a defeat in the 2020 general election. His bid to become the NDC parliamentary candidate is without contest.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa was one of the youngest people to enter the parliament of Ghana in 2012.
After three consecutive terms, the now matured MP is going into the 2023 parliamentary primaries of the NDC in the North Tongu Constituency unopposed.
Charles Agbeve
Charles Agebve is a second-term MP for Agotime-Ziope Constituency in the Volta Region
He is likely to achieve his third term in parliament with his bid to represent the NDC receiving no contest.
Ashanti Region
In the Ashanti Region which, a stronghold of the ruling New Patriotic Party, a number of candidates will be running unopposed in Saturday’s parliamentary primaries.
Their constituencies are mostly safe seats of the NPP thereby limiting their chances in the general elections.
The candidates going unopposed are Samuel Aboagye who will run for the Obuasi East Constituency, Joseph Azumah for Akrofuom and Samuel Prempeh Jnr for Bekwai.
The rest are Kwasi Amankwah who will contest the Kumawu by-election, Shamudeen Mohammed Kamil for Old Tafo and Hamzah Swallah in Manhyia North.
Former President, John Dramani Mahama has slammed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for borrowing excessively.
Mr Mahama said when he was leaving office in 2016, the debt of Ghana was GHS120 billion with projects to show for it.
However, he said, at the moment, the debt is almost GHS600 billion with no projects to show.
Interacting with delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Sissala West as part of his campaign to be elected flagbearer of the party, on Tuesday, May 9, Mr Mahama said ” When we were leaving office the debt was GHS120billion. Today, it is almost GHS 600 billion but with no infrastructure projects to show for.
“At least we should have clean drinking water, a hospital built, and infrastructure but unfortunately, that is not the case.”
He further said Ghanaians are calling for the NDC to return to office.
“Ghanaians are asking the NDC to come back because they have realized that what they were told about the NDC, they were all lies,” Mr Mahama said.
The National Democratic Congress’ aspiring flag bearer,Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, has stated that he endured hardships under the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
This comes on the back of a skewed campaign by his opponents that he has received some form of sponsorship for his bid to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
However, the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana(BoG) has flatly denied the allegation.
According to him, he has not received any sponsorship from the NPP to destroy the NDC which he contributed to building.
He disclosed this when addressing the party’s delegates in Adansi Asokwa Constituency in the Ashanti region as part of his four days campaign in the Ashanti region.
Dr. Duffuor however urged the party supporters particularly the delegates to disregard the destructive campaign his opponents are sharing to party members.
“I funded the NDC so I’m NDC and nothing can change my love for NDC. The NPP destroyed my banks and tried to collapse every business under my control. I want to tell you that the NPP has hurt me more than any other member of the party. The NPP can never use me to destroy the NDC. My main aim is to return NDC to power to make Ghana better,” Dr. Duffuor reiterated.
He pleaded with the party supporters to vote for him to lead the party into election 2024 on Saturday 13th May 2023 in the presidential election by thumb printing #3 on the ballot paper.
Former President, John Mahama has lauded Dr. Clement Apaak, Member of Parliament for Builsa South, for his immense contributions towards the development of the country, especially the education sector.
The aspiringNational Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearer disclosed this while on a campaign tour in the Upper East Region which started on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
During his two-day visit, Mr. Mahama embarked on canvassing for voteS from the delegates in the various constituencies.
Addressing the Builsa South constituents at the Rawlings Park in Fumbisi, Mr. Mahama also commended Dr. Apaak for his dealing accurately with issues on education in the country.
“Thank you for lettingClement Apaak go unopposed. He is one of our best Members of Parliament. If you take the top ten MPs on our side he is one of them. He’s being our main spokesperson on education and deals with the issues very well,” the former President added.
Mr. Mahama has visited other regions and is expected to receive an overwhelming endorsement from the party’s delegates to the May 13, 2023, presidential primaries.
The highly contested NDC primaries will take place in all 275 constituencies across the country on May 13, 2023.
The Northern Region’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) has asked its former communications officer, Hardi Pagzaa, who allegedly assaulted a Dagbon FM journalist earlier this week, to apologize.
This was made known by the NDC’s Northern Regional Secretary, Mohammed Abdul-Salam in an interview on Eyewitness News.
Mr. Abdul-Salam said that the reported attack on the journalist, Sadiq Gariba came to the leadership of the party in the region as a surprise and therefore triggered a decision where he was admonished to render an apology to both the journalist and the radio station.
Mr. Abdul-Salam told the host of Eyewitness News, Umaru Sanda Amadu that, Hardi Pagzaa was scolded and made to understand that the party will not countenance any attempts by any member or leader to dent its image publicly.
“If we have proven evidence of anybody putting the party’s name in a bad light and bringing the party to the public domain for ridicule, we will not hesitate to apply the full rules and regulations of the party because giving us bad light tarnishes the party’s image, and we will not allow that.”
Mr. Abdul-Salam further clarified that Hardi Pagzaa isn’t a current executive of the party in the region.
“The conduct is not of our communications officer. This person is not any executive, he contested an internal election and lost, and he is not even a member of our communications team.”
The attack on the Tamale-based Dagbon FM and the journalist was captured in a video which has gone viral on social media.
The attack occurred on World Press Freedom Dayon Wednesday, May 3, and has since attracted widespread condemnation from different quarters including the Ghana Journalists Association.
The Ministry of Information also called for investigation and prosecution following the attack on the journalist.
Government has expressed sincere gratitude for the media’s substantial contributions to the country’s growth.
The government in a statement issued by Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday May 3 called for stronger emphasis on economic rights, considering the recent global challenges.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day is on the theme ‘Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a driver for all other human rights.”
“The media has been instrumental over the years, in highlighting various rights that require attention for full enjoyment.
“The work of the media also in highlighting instances of abuse of some rights by sections of society has led to redress in many instances. We urge the media to remain resolute on this path.
“The quest to have all citizens fully access their economic rights is yet to achieve full effect especially as the world faces dim economic forecasts following recent global challenges.”
“While urging the Media in Ghana to keep the spotlight on all human rights, we encourage an even sharper focus on efforts to ensure that the economic rights of citizens are fully actualized,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, a former Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) president, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, has urged the media to prioritise the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, given the devastating impact the canker is having on the environment.
The Veteran Broadcaster made the call at an event held in commemoration of the International Press Freedom Day held on May 3, 2023, at the Ghana International Press Centre (GiPC) in Accra.
During her speech, she called on all media houses to join in the fight and ensure the menace is significantly brought to a halt.
“I believe all media houses should continually highlight the challenges until the menace is brought to a minimum,” she said.
This comes on the back of recent revelations about how Ghana’s mining sector is being exploited.
First, was a documentary aired by Al Jazeera dubbed “Gold Mafia.” It was revealed in this piece that gold worth $40 million is smuggled out of the country annually.
Second is the leaked Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) report authored by Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng that exposed a number of government officials as either being involved in galamsey or interfered in the galamsey fight during his tenure as chairman of the defunct Committee.
Madam Afenyi-Dadzie during the gathering acknowledged the media’s important role in highlighting the dangers. She, however, bemoaned how the fight has become tough due to ‘powerful’ figures engaged in the menace. That notwithstanding, she urged the media not to give up the fight.
“The media played and is still playing its role in raising concern about the dangers of galamsey which threatens our existence as a people. Subsequent developments have shown that the beneficiaries of galamsey are very powerful and will not easily give up irrespective of the danger to our water bodies and environment.
“On this occasion, it is relevant to remind ourselves that based on the happenings we know now, the agenda to stop galamsey should be treated as a major existential threat that should go beyond the coalition that first highlighted the menace,” she added.
Galamsey’s impact on the environment
Illegal Mining also known as galamsey over the years has had a devastating impact on communities where such activities go on. It is also destroying the country’s virgin forests and water bodies.
At a press briefing held at the Information Ministry on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, John M. Allotey, stated that thirty-four (34) of the country’s forest reserves are under threat to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Majority of these reserves under threat, he said, were in the Ashanti region.
He noted that out of the 16 regions of the country, seven have been experiencing some form of illegal mining.
A prospective flagbearer for National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, has promised to revive the economy under his leadership, regardless of how much damage theAkufo-Addoadministration has done to it.
According to Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, he has proven track record of implementing policies that led to single digit inflation, sustainable economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction, therefore, when given the nod to lead the NDC to victory in 2024 he will transform the economy.
“We have done it before during late Atta Mills era we inherited terrible economy but by the grace of God and fact that NDC had competent people, the Economy was turned around so be patient. Regardless the state in which Akufo-Addowill leave the economy, we will turn it around. They have borrowed all over the world. They know how to secure loans but they don’t know how to pay, now they are begging. This is a shame, they are going round begging”.
Dr. Duffuor continued “We will fix the economy and create more jobs for the youth to get employment opportunities. Just be patient, don’t be thinking so much about the economic mess created to get blood pressure. In 2008/2009 we did it. Inflation came down to 8.5 for about 31 months, unemployment dropped to 2.2%. It will happen again so don’t be sad,” the former governor of the Central Bank recognized as one of the four best central governors in the world in 1999 assured.
Dr Kwabena Duffuor said this Monday May 1, 2023 when addressing delegates of the NDC party in New Juaben North constituency to kick start his 4-day campaign tour in the Eastern region.
He stated that the NDC must be financially sound, buy shares in multimillion companies just as major political parties in South Africa, Japan and some other countries have been doing in order to fund its political activities.
He said the “Ahotor Project” is a step in this direction. He assured to also institute monthly stipends for executives of the NDC from constituency to Regional levels, resource the branches and revive the hero fund of the party.
According to Dr. Duffuor the NDC has to be fully prepared and be resourceful to be able to defeat the ruling NPP which is bent on doing everything possible to retain power.
Dr. Duffuor and his campaign team had earlier met the regional executives of the party.
He was however not impressed with the poor state of the regional office therefore assured to build a befitting office for the regional Secretariat of the NDC as well as the Constituencies should he become leader after the presidential primaries.
“During the late Prof. Mills tenure I was the Finance Minister. I mobilized business people and friends to build the national headquarters of the party. We didn’t use state fund because that is not right. So we are going to do same to build Regional and constituency offices”.
Gospel singer, Nacee has stated that former president, John Dramani Mahama is a huge fan of his work and also values his creativity.
Nacee has composed over three popular campaign songs for the former president.
Despite the controversies surrounding Nacee’s campaign songs which many have termed as an endorsement, he details how it all began with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President John Agyekum Kufuor.
“I started with campaign songs way back in 2000, President Kufuor’s time and I don’t even recall the song…in 2008. I toured Ghana with Nana Addo. We were running under the slogan ‘Believe In Ghana’ with a host of musicians. It was Nana Addo who took me to Tamale for the first time,” the singer disclosed in an interview with Kofi TV in April 2023.
His friendship with Mr. Mahama has birthed some of the most popular elections songs that have stuck on the minds of citizens.
“It was in 2012 when I became friends withPresident Mahama and it seems I was with both parties (NPP and NDC). In 2012, it was ‘John Mahama Dey Be’ and in 2016, we made ‘Onaapo’. In 2020 we did ‘Mahama Okada’, I love cartoons and that inspired the song.
It was a song I wanted kids to equally love…the words I said, in the beginning, don’t have any meaning…one thing about Mahama is that he loves my creativity level. Mahama is a nice person who makes things flow.
I will be so stupid to trade my friendship with Mahama for money or cars. They teach you how to fish,” the versatile musician shared.
A former president of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has blamed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for destroying farmlands in mining zones through illicit mining (galamsey).
The galamsey report by Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, according to Mr. Mahama, is clear evidence of this assertion.
Speaking to delegates in Sefwi Wiawso as part of his tour of the Western North area, John Mahama stated that the NPP government’s galamsey activities have destroyed important agriculture fields.
“The former Minister and Chair of the Committee leading the fight against galamsey has in the report revealed that the galamsey activities are done by NPP bigwigs. Since the NPP assumed office, most of the country’s farms have been destroyed because of illegal mining.”
The aspiringNational Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, also said the country’s cocoa sector is on the verge of collapse because of the mismanagement of the sector by the Akufo-Addo government.
Mr. Mahama maintained that the government’s failure to adjust the producer price of cocoa annually and the delayed payment of farmers for cocoa beans are part of the factors destroying the sector.
“Under the previous NDC administration, we ensured that there was an upward adjustment in the producer price [of cocoa] every year. But that is not the case with this government. Price adjustments are taking place after four years. This is what is collapsing the sector”, he stated.
Mr. Mahama added that the sector must be supported, noting that some farmers no longer find farming cocoa lucrative.
He referred to a farmer who said he will give out his land for galamsey because the returns are far better than farming.
“He doesn’t mind selling his farm for galamsey because there’s no profit from the cocoa business today. Payment of farmers for their cocoa purchases is no longer instant, and they do not get any bonus. Farmers must now wait for three to four months to receive payment”, he added.
The former president is visiting all nine constituencies in the region and is expected to continue to the Ashanti Region.
Former president, John Dramani Mahama has advised the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu to resign after he publicly acknowledged that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) does not function anymore.
According to the health minister, he no longer uses the service and prefers to pay for his medical treatment.
According to him, treatment given to NHIS card holders at the various facilities is below par, complaining bitterly that patients who are unable to pay are being denied access to medical services.
Responding to the Minister’s admission of failure, the former president said Mr Agyemang Manu must resign.
“He himself has admitted that he has failed. He has not been able to grow the NHIS and he says it has failed… he has no business being the minister for health. He should resign”,
Mr Mahama said to wild applause at a meeting with branch and constituency executives of his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Sefwi Adobokrom, in the Bia East Constituency.
Providing some more detail, Mr Mahama said NHIS cards are being turned away from most health facilities because government is not paying their claims.
“Health facilities have not been paid since last year for services provided to cardholders. How do you expect them to continue treating them?” he quizzed.
Many have questioned the Minister’s public complaints instead of taking responsibility to make the Scheme functional.
A social media commentator, sharing her thoughts on the minister’s statement said, “he appears to be talking like an outsider who is merely observing the situation without any ability to effect change within the system”.
If the NHIS is not functioning as it was before, who should take responsibility, Mr Mahama continued, restating his position that Mr Kwaku Agyeman Manu must resign.
“It is unacceptable for a Minister to act as a passive observer on the sideline. The collapse of the Scheme occurred during his tenure and under his leadership. Accepting that the system is not working should be accompanied by a resignation.”
A security analyst has accused Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector-General of Police, with establishing a team of Ghana Police Service officers known as the “Dampare Boys.”
Emmanuel Mawanye Kotin, who is also the Executive Director of African Center for Security and Counterterrorism, said these special officers do not respect their seniors and do not take orders from any of their line commanders except Dr Akuffo Dampare.
He said the situation has dampened the spirit of many senior officers, leading to disillusionment among the top hierarchy.
Mr Kotin made this known on TV3 on Tuesday, April 25 while speaking about the alleged shooting of a lady, 26, in Adum, Kumasi by an Inspector with a service rifle.
The security analyst said the so-called Dampare Boys are quickly promoted as against the very regimen of the Service.
He disclosed that most of the Dampare Boys have been promoted as Inspectors.
He said the situation should be questioned “whether under the law the IGP has the right to create such a body”.
According to Mr Kotin, senior officers who are against this group of officers have been cowed into silence as “they are afraid to talk”.
He called onParliamentto summon the IGP to answer questions on this breed of officers he is keeping in the Service.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former NPP member running as an independent candidate are challenging the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 23rd May 2023 Kumawu by-election in the Ashanti region.
The Party on Sunday 23rd April 2023 elected Ernest Yaw Anim a native of Kumawu Bodomase as their parliamentary candidate to face the NDC’s prepared candidate, Kwasi Amankwa, grandson of the late Sekyere Kumawu Member of Parliament (MP) Philip Atta Basoa and Kwaku Duah an Independent Candidate, a Nephew to the Paramount Chief of the Kumawu, Barimah Tweneboah Koduah.
Addressing NPP members after a successful primary at Kumawu Besore, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as ‘Chairman Wontumi’ chairman of the party for Ashanti, assured the party leadership and members of resounding victory ahead of the by-election.
He pledged to lead a close-fitting campaign in the constituency which will leave no breathing space for the NDC’s candidate and the independent candidate being sponsored by the major opposition Party the NDC going into the by-election.
“As the regional Chairman leading the party into this by-election, I can confirm that as of now, the NDC candidate and the former NPP member who has rebelled against us to contest as an independent candidate sponsored by the NDC behind the scene is now powerless and weak. This is because our candidate Ernest Yaw Anim is a native of Bosodomase where the bought NDC’s independent candidate is coming from. So therefore, the independent candidate is no more a threat to us, he is powerless to challenge us. So he is in this contest to pay school fees but not to make a meaningful impact against us’’ he alleged with assurance to the party.
He further questioned that, “If it’s not the NDC behind his campaign, why must he adopt the colour green, a known colour of the NDC on his campaign poster, question one. Question two, after this by-election; we will go into election 2024, where was he going to get money to contest this election? So, for now, Kwaku Duah is known as “ Kwaku Duah Ampontuah (rebel Kwaku Duah) he was an NPP member but now he is Judas Iscariot who now has the NDC behind. So the game is clear. Therefore, we are going to mobilize and unite all the aspirants who lost to face him in the election activities and so we are going to win the by-election and it has started’’ reiterated.
John Dramani Mahama, a prospective 2024 presidential contender for the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC), claims that party agents who will be taken to the National Collation Center, often known as the “strongroom” of the Electoral Commission (EC), will bring their own tea and purchase their own biscuits.
In the 2020 Presidential election petition filed by NDC’s Presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama at the Supreme Court, Rojo Mettle- Nunoo and Dr. Kpessah Whyte who were representatives of the party at the collation Center were blamed for dereliction of duty.
This was after the duo accused the Electoral Commission boss Jane Mensah of ‘tricking’ them to leave the premises to go and see Mr Mahama after which she announced the results on their blind side.
In one of the instances of cross-examination by Justin Amenuvor, the lead counsel of the Electoral Commission (EC), the former Deputy Health Minister Rojo Mettle- Nunoo said “I was offered tea, I wasn’t offered any biscuit” while he waited for the Electoral Commissioner for clarity on some anomaly observed in some of the results.
The Supreme Court stated in its verdict that Rojo Mettle -Nuno and Dr. Kpessah Whyte both second and third witnesses respectively for the petitioner John Mahama should rather blame themselves for leaving the National Collation Centre, that, they did not do their job of strict observation of the collation process therefore must accept the consequences.
Addressing delegates of the NDC at Ashaley Botwe in Greater Accra Region, on Tuesday as part of nationwide campaign tour ahead of the NDC’s Presidential Primaries, John Mahama said the party is going to be extra vigilant in 2024 election adding [on lighter note ] that, the party’s representatives at the strongroom will be provided their own tea and biscuits.
“We are not going to sleep. We are going to match them at the collation centers. We will be in the collation centers until the last ballot is accounted for. e are going to Match them in the EC’s strongroom. This time we don’t want tea we don’t want biscuit. Those we select to go to the strongroom we will give them our own tea and we will buy them digestive Biscuits to go to the strongroom”.
Mr. Mahama strongly stated that packing EC with activists of the ruling New Patriotic Party will not deter the NDC’s resolve to police the election results.
“Because they are afraid of losing the 2024 election they have started putting NPP activists as members of the Electoral Commission so that they can control the referee but when I say it is a Do or Die affair it means that it is a critical election whether they put NPP chairman on the electoral commission we shall match them boot for boot. We are going to match them at the polling stations we don’t Wana cheat anybody, but we don’t want anybody to cheat us. So we are going to mark them at the polling station and make sure that no extra ballot papers come from somewhere into that ballot box”.
Mr. Mahama charged branch and constituency executives of the NDC to actively get involved in the electoral processes in their respective polling stations and be very vigilant .
“Elections are won or lost at the polling stations..and in all your branches you have polling station. Vigilance at the polling stations is going to be in your custody. Campaigning in the polling station is going to be in your care and so we are going to rely on you to make sure that the election in your polling station is going to be free, fair and transparent. And we are putting in a robust system to be able to transmit out results and you the branch and constituency executives are going to be involved. It is a new system we will come and explain it to you”
Inspector-General of Police,Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has demonstrated his will to ensuring that the country is free from criminals.
Dr. Dampare says with the help and assistance of other security agencies, the fight against crime will be relentless.
He gave this assurance during the commissioning of a police barracks at Kwabenaya in Accra.
“My colleagues and I are working in partnership with other security agencies to give you the biggest of assurances to the government and the people of Ghana that we will never sleep nor rest until this country is at peace with itself,” Inspector-General of Police assured.
In a similar move, the police administration engaged the leaders of the two major parties on how best to defuse political tensions as part of efforts to maintain decorum on the country’s political landscape.
On Monday, April 17, 2023, the Ghana Police Service met with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the oppositionNational Democratic Congress (NDC) to discuss some political disagreements at the meeting called by the Inspector General of Police.
This was said in a statement issued by the Service after the engagement urging the parties to be decent in their operations.
“They should do their politics and allow the Police to do policing. We, therefore, called on them to support us including by criticizing us constructively to do a professional job in line with our constitutional mandate”, the Ghana Police Service mentioned in its release signed by its Director of Public Affairs, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi.
The Ghana Police Service has established a dedicated legal team to investigate all politically related incidents legally to determine whether there are elements of crime present or not before taking any action.
Consequently, it said the service would not intervene in any situation where there was no criminality involved.
A statement to that effect was released yesterday by the police administration after the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, met with the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over recent happenings on the political front.
“This is a paradigm shift from the practice in the past where people were arrested in the heat of the moment for politically related incidents as a result of attempts by politicians on either side to whip up public sentiments against the police thereby creating the impression that the police supports one side against the other.
“ In such instances when no concrete charges can be levelled against such people, they are eventually released thereby creating the impression in the public domain as though the police were manipulated in effecting their arrests,” the statement said.
It added: “This initiative has been used to analyse all recent cases such as comments made by the Minister of Food and Agriculture and the Constituency Youth Organiser for the NDC at Suame, among others”.
The meeting, which was called at the instance of the IGP, was necessitated by press statements issued by both parties and subsequently followed by petitions to the police service to arrest certain individuals on either side of the political spectrum for some alleged offences.
The NDC petitioned the police service to arrest the Member of Parliament (MP) for Abetifi and Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, for allegedly claiming that the NPP would never hand over power to the NDC.
On the other hand, the NPP, following the NDC’s petition, followed up with a similar petition calling on the police to arrest former President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, over some alleged inflammatory comments they had made in the past.
Updates
The police said they provided an update on the status of political violence and related incidents recorded during the recent internal elections of both parties.
These included the arrest and prosecution of some 14 members of the NPP for disturbances during their constituency election at Enchi and the arrest of nine out of the 16 wanted individuals for disturbances at the national youth and women organiser polls of the NDC in Cape Coast.
“An update was also provided on the status of the 2020 general election-related cases, including Techiman South and Odododiodio constituencies and the public will be duly updated on these cases in the course of the week,” the statement said.
Strategic intervention
Again, the police service said it had established a Police Election Security Secretariat to work with all political parties and other stakeholders to enhance the management of security for all elections in the country.
“This is a complete departure from the old order where an election security task force was put together just some months before the general election.
Since its creation over a year ago, the Police Election Security Secretariat has worked with the various political parties in their respective internal elections from the polling station, through the constituency to the national executive elections,” it stated.
It added that the secretariat was currently working with both parties on their parliamentary and presidential primaries.
Support police
The police statement further indicated that at the meeting, both parties were informed that with the new policing interventions in place, “they should do their politics and allow the police to do their policing.”
“ We, therefore, called on them to support us, including by criticising us constructively to do a professional job in line with our constitutional mandate”.
While commending the leadership of the two political parties for availing themselves and contributing to the success of the meeting, the police service called on Ghanaians to help the service in their effort to build an independent police service which would serve the greater good of the people and not the interest of any individual or group of people.
“Once again, we wish to assure the public that we remain committed to ensuring peace, security, law and order in the country at all times including before, during and after all elections in the country,” the statement said.
A member of the National Democratic Congress‘ (NDC) publicity team, Margaret Ansei, has accused government of failing to address infrastructural challenges in Senior High Schools (SHS).
Her comment comes after it was reported that a toilet facility at the Ghana Senior High School(GHANASCO), a coed second-cycle institution in Tamale, Northern Region, has been converted into a dormitory.
According to her, accommodation challenges in schools have long existed, but the coming of the Free SHS should have prompted the government to address the infrastructural deficit before implementation.
“So, if today there is a policy that all children must go to school, it is a good thing. But in seven years, at least we should put all the parameters in place,” she said.
To her, the headmaster of GHANASCO acted to convert the toilet into dormitories because there wasn’t enough infrastructural development in the school as promised by the government.
“I don’t know how many dormitories the government under the Ministry of Education has built for the school in question and I do not really think that there will be a dormitory lying there and a rational person will convert toilet cubicles into dormitories for pupils,” she said
“I really think that the headmaster, as rational as he is, gone through the process to become a headmaster, will not just get up and say I am converting toilets into dormitories for human beings to go and sleep there” she went on to say.
Margaret Ansei further added that the government, prior to coming into office, promised to address the education challenges in the country, but it has failed woefully over the years.
“I remember prior to 2016, when Nana Addo was campaigning, he said he was going to build 350 schools from scratch. John Boadu amplified it, Nana Akomea also said the same thing. So, the 350 schools, if they are built, they are in their seventh year now at least… Ghanasco could get at least a 10-unit dormitory which can contain 50 students each. If we are seeing this today, then there is a challenge,” she added.
Margaret Ansei said this on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, monitored by Ghanaweb.
TheEvalue-Ajomoro-Gwira constituency chairman, wife, the constituency secretary, and the organizer have all been suspended for suspected indiscipline and violating party rules during former president John Mahama’s regional trip.
According to the party, a group of party supporters wearing the T-shirt of the constituency Chairman’s wife hooted at the sitting Member of Parliament during the campaign tour, causing embarrassment to former President Mahama, the dignitaries present, and the party as a whole.
The party says the Chairman’s wife, who is seeking to become the Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency, should have known better and ensured that those wearing her T-shirt conducted themselves well to avoid such incidents.
The Chairman, Secretary, and Organizer have also been held responsible for their failure to ensure compliance with party directives and protect the party from public ridicule. The party has cited Article 48 of its constitution in justifying the punitive measure against them.
“Additionally, you would recall that in the lead-up to his tour, a circular was issued from the regional Secretariat to you, cautioning that no aspirant should be allowed to use the platform so created to campaign for him or herself.”
The embattled party members have been referred to the region’s National Disciplinary Committee for further action. The decision to suspend them has caused a stir within the party, with many questioning the severity of the punishment and the impact it could have on the NDC’s electoral fortunes in the constituency.
Former president, John Dramani Mahama has made light-hearted remarks about how his first day in office would be if he is sworn in as President of Ghana.
He asserts that he will hit the ground running because he is acquainted with the presidency having been the first occupant of the current location.
“7th January 2017, I showed Akufo-Addo around the Flagstaff House, where he will sit, his vice president, cabinet office, his meeting and conference rooms, I am the one who showed him around.
“So, I was asking a question, on 7th January 2025, who will show John Mahama around the Flagstaff House?” he asked party faithful at the St. Martins Secondary School in Nsawam.
Mahama was there as party of his National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearership campaign which was in the region during the week.
“I opened Flagstaff House and I am the first president to have worked from there, it is true it was built by president Kufuor but I was the first president to stay at Flagstaff House.
“So, after my inauguration, I will drive straight to Flagstaff House and start work,” he said to cheers from the supporters.
John Mahama campaign tour | Interacts with Nsawam Delegates || WoezorTV live https://t.co/VFlCLeRXe3
— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) April 12, 2023
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Party School would be dispersed across the various regions to train and reorient branch and constituency executives on the principles and history of the party, according to former president John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking at a campaign event in Suhum in the Eastern Region on Wednesday, Mr. Mahama who is expected to lead his party to the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections said, “it is not enough to say you are an NDC executive. You must understand what the party stands for.”
Mr. Mahama says because the NDC’s 2024 campaign will be anchored around the party’s branch executives across the country, it will require that they are not only resourced to carry out an effective campaign but also equipped with continuous training.
“We will therefore send all branch and constituency executives to the Party school to learn about the party, our ideology, its origins, Jerry Rawlings and about the Revolution, and the party constitution.”
According to Mr. Mahama, the plan is to decentralize the operations of the Party School into the regions, adding that the training will also focus on the functions of the executives, the NDC’s policies, campaigning, voter mobilization and canvassing among others.
The former president is on a three-day campaign tour of the Eastern Region. The ‘Building the Ghana we want Together’ tour is visiting 31 out of the 33 constituencies of the region in this phase of the campaign.
He has visited 7 other regions and is expected to receive an overwhelming endorsement from the party’s delegates to the May 13, 2023, presidential primaries.
John Dramani Mahama, a former president, claimed that the energy challenge (dumsor) was something he inherited.
However, he said, he took responsibility for the problem and solved it before leaving office in 2016.
Mr Mahama indicated that the dumsor was a generation problem therefore his government invested in power generation as part of the solution.
Speaking to delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Friday, April 14, Mr Mahama who is seeking to be elected flagbearer of the NDC said “In 2016, I wouldn’t say Ghana was a paradise but our situation was far better than it is today.
“In 2016 our colleagues the NPP told a lot of lies about us, they labelled us as incompetent and they came with a lot of big and sweet promises to the people of Ghana and used that to persuade the people that they will be a better government than we were.
“And so the people of Ghana tried them by voting for them, they said they should try them and that was the mistake the people of Ghana made because we have come to realise that after all the ‘we have the men. we have the men’ it was station boys, they don’t know anything.”
He added, “If you take our ministers who were running this country in 2016 and compare them with their ministers who are running Ghana today pound for pound, our ministers were far better than any of them.”
He further indicated that “We solved many difficult challenges, dumsor was not created by us, it was lack of generation capacity over the years, and so when we came into office we were confronted with it, we did not run away, we did not shift the blame to somebody.
“I could have said Presidents Rawlings and Kuffuor and President Mills did not add new generation but what we did was, we took responsibility, I went to Parliament and said yes you elected us to take responsibility, we take responsibility and we shall fix it.
“Truly, by the time we left in 2016, we had fixeddumsor, we had fixed the generational challenges Indeed, they accused us of putting in too much generation than we needed.”
The alleged approval of popular musician, Keche Andrew’s wife is causing chaos in the Amenfi Central constituency.
The National Democratic Congress(NDC) parliamentary primaries in the Amenfi Central district are expected to grant Joana Cudjoe, the wife of well-known musician Keche Andrew, permission to run.
However, she has been disqualified by the Regional Vetting Committee over allegations of forgery.
This was after the Committee established that, the aspirant’s name was not in the 2008, 2012, 2016 or 2020 voters register of the Electoral Commission in Bantama constituency after testifying before the vetting Committee that she started voting there in 2008.
Joana Cudjoe is one of five other seeking to challenge incumbent MP, Peter Kwakye-Ackah in the Amenfi Central primaries.
Also, the Committee noted that, Ms. Cudjoe only registered in 2020 in Amenfi Central which is far below the four-year mandatory period for aspirants wishing to contest as MP.
But a report by the vetting committee chaired by NDC Director of Communications, Kakra Essuman said the matter has been referred to Accra for further deliberation and advice.
Information available to us indicates that, Joana Cudjoe in spite of the allegations against her will be cleared to contest in the primaries.
A former president and flagbearer candidate for theNational Democratic Congress(NDC), John Dramani Mahama, will visit the Oti Region beginning on April 16 to meet with party members, officials, activists, and supporters.
During the visit, the flagbearer hopeful would engage with Branch, Constituency and Regional executives to enlighten them on his vision and plans for the nation.
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) urged the nine constituencies’ chairmen to strictly adhere to the agreed programme schedule to ensure a successful event.
It said the leadership of the region, led by MrKwadwo Gyapong, had already engaged with the constituency chairmen to deliberate on the visit.
It said Mr Mahama would interact with some economic and social groups in Guan, Buem, Biakoye, Krachi East and Krachi West constituency on day one.
He is also expected to engage Krachi Nchumuru, Nkwanta North, Nkwanta South, and Akan constituency executives.
According to Richard Ahiagbah, the director of communications for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), the effects of Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war on the world economy are visible.
He told Ghanaians not to be deceived by the main opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) to think otherwise.
Despite the effect of these two exogenous factors, he said, the government of Ghana continues to pay salaries and provide essential public services.
“Ghanaians, we are going through difficulties, but we continue to pay salaries and provide essential public services.
“The impact of Covid-19 and Russia-Ukraine war on the global economy is real. Let’s not be deceived by NDC to think otherwise,” he tweeted.
Ghanaians, we are going through difficulties, but we continue to pay salaries and provide essential public services. The impact of Covid-19 and Russia-Ukraine war on the global economy is real. Let's not be deceived by NDC to think otherwise. #CitiCBS #CitiNewsroom #JoyNews… pic.twitter.com/1krde4mSex
— Richard Ahiagbah (@RAahiagbah) April 13, 2023
The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva has also repeated her comment that Ghana’s economy has been negatively impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war.
She described Ghana as an innocent bystander that has been hit by the Covid pandemic and the war.
Speaking at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, she said “we have been in constant contact with authorities in Ghana, we have worked very hard and very swiftly to have the programme, $3bn support programme, for Ghana in place.
“We have been urging Ghana’s creditors to act swiftly. My appreciation also for the proactive role of the Minister of Finance of Ghana in reaching out to the creditors. We are expecting that next week there will be discussions among creditors.”
She further indicated that the Fund has asked Ghana’s creditors to act swiftly to ensure that the deal that the country is seeking with the Fund is approved.
“I can tell you that I use every opportunity myself to urge them to act swiftly. Let us remember that Ghana for a long time has done really well to tap markets to finance its growth paths.
“It has been like all innocent bystanders hit by Covid, hit by the war in Ukraine. it caused complicated domestically, the ability to Finance the budget. So a country that has a long track record of sound macroeconomic management.”
According to the results of a recent nationwide poll conducted in April 2023 by Global InfoAnalytics, 71% of respondents believeAkufo-Addo is leading Ghana in the wrong direction.
The poll said 65 percent of voters disapprove of his performance, up from 59 percent in January, while 29 percent approve of his performance, down from 32 percent.
While 58 percent of NPP supporters approve of the president’s performance, 38 percent disapprove.
For supporters of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) engaged, the poll uncovered that 11 percent approved his job performance whilst 86 percent disapproved his performance.
Meanwhile, 15 percent of floating voters approved of President Akufo-Addo’s performance compared to 77 percent who disapproved of his performance.
“71 percent of voters believed Ghana is headed in the wrong direction, unchanged from January 2023 poll. 19 percent believed it is headed in the right direction and a further 10 percent did not have opinion,” parts of the survey by Global InfoAnalytics revealed.
For the NPP primaries, the poll shows Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (KOA) surging among general voters but not enough to overtake Hon Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten (AKK) and H.E. Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB) in the race to lead the NPP into the 2024 elections.
While for the NDC polls, John Dramani Mahama has a big gap over other flagbearer aspirants.
A National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer hopeful,John Dramani Mahama, has stated that Ghana would be doomed if the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is retained in 2024.
In Mr Mahama’s view, the excessive borrowing by the NPP administration will have serious implications for the country’s future generations.
Speaking to delegates of the NDC in theFanteakwa Constituencyin the Eastern Region, John Mahama said the NPP poses a threat to the future of Ghana.
“This government has endangered the future of our children by their reckless borrowing because when our children take over tomorrow, and they are in our shoes, and they go to the International market to look for money, these people will say that your fathers borrowed recklessly, and you could not pay your debt, and so we had to cancel your debt for you.”
The former President also stated that no youthful person concerned about the state of the country will vote to maintain the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2024.
According to Mr Mahama who is on a 3-day tour of the Eastern Region, the reckless and excessive borrowing by the NPP has jeopardised the future of the country for the next 10 years.
“The NPP government is destroying the future of the youth with excessive borrowing. For those who took the loans, how many years are left for them to leave the surface of the earth to join God? The creditors will not give the future generation loans due to the failure of this government to settle its loans”.
“If you are concerned about your future don’t vote for the NPP government that has put us in this situation. Listen to your conscience, they have spoilt the future of Ghana. For the next ten years, it will be difficult to go outside for loans. They have done enough damage to the country, they should pack out,” he said.
The president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s job approval rating has plummeted after improving in January 2023, according to a new national survey released by Global InfoAnalytics for the month of April 2023.
According to a brand-new nationwide survey conducted byGlobal InfoAnalytics in April 2023, president Akufo-Addo’s job approval rating dropped after improving in January 2023.
The poll shows 65 per cent of voters disapprove of his performance, up from 59 per cent in January, while 29 per cent approve of his performance, down from 32 per cent.
Fifty-eight percent of the governingNew Patriotic Party(NPP) supporters approve the president’s performance and 38 per cent disapprove.
For the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), 11 per cent approved Nana Akufo-Addo’s job performance whilst 86 per cent disapproved his performance.
Additionally, 15 per cent of floating voters approved of his performance compared to 77 per cent who disapproved his performance.
Also, 71 per cent of voters believe Ghana is headed in the wrong direction, unchanged from January 2023 poll.
Nineteen percent believed it is headed in the right direction and a further 10 per cent did not have opinion.
For the NPP primaries ahead of the 2024 national elections, the poll shows Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (KOA) surging among general voters but not enough to overtake Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen (AKK) and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB) in the race to lead the NPP into the 2024 elections.
Kennedy Agyapong according to the polls now attracts 23 per cent of votes when voters were asked to indicate their preference for the NPP leadership.
Alan Kyerematen stills leads Dr Bawumia 30 per cent to 29 per cent among all voters. However, among NPP affiliates, Dr Bawumia still has a slender lead over Alan Kyerematen. Dr Bawumia now attracts 39 per cent of NPP votes, Alan Kyerematen attracts 37 per cent while Kennedy Agyapong has 23 per cent.
The prospectiveNational Democratic Congress(NDC) flagbearer, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, has stated that only a serious-minded person with the required skills and credentials could handle the nation’s economic situation.
He noted that state resources have been wasted by the NPP which has led to the country’s economic downturn.
Addressing the NDC party executives in Tamale, the flagbearer hopeful told party faithful that the race to salvage Ghanaians from the current economic hardship must be devoid of attacks on personalities.
He added that the party needs peace and unity in order to get the needed win from the NPP.
Dr Duffuor further urged party executives to vote for him on May 13th to save the country from the NPP.
The northern regional chairman of the NDC, Ali Adolf who received the campaign team at the party secretariat urged Dr. Duffuor to still support the party rank and file even if it does not go in his favour during the party’s primaries.
Dr. Duffuor and his team moved to the Tamale South constituency where a huge crowd met him.
He lashed out at the Akufo-Addo led government for mismanaging Ghana’s economy.
The team also moved to Mion, Saboba, Tatali, and Bimbilla constituencies where party delegates and party executives welcomed Dr Kwabena Duffuor and his team.
He noted that state resources have been wasted by the NPP which has led to the country’s economic downturn.
Addressing the NDC party executives in Tamale, the flagbearer hopeful told party faithful that the race to salvage Ghanaians from the current economic hardship must be devoid of attacks on personalities.
He added that the party needs peace and unity in order to get the needed win from the NPP.
Dr Duffuor further urged party executivesto vote for him on May 13th to save the country from the NPP.
The northern regional chairman of the NDC, Ali Adolf who received the campaign team at the party secretariat urged Dr. Duffuor to still support the party rank and file even if it does not go in his favour during the party’s primaries.
Dr. Duffuor and his team moved to the Tamale South constituency where a huge crowd met him.
He lashed out at the Akufo-Addo led government for mismanaging Ghana’s economy.
The team also moved to Mion, Saboba, Tatali, and Bimbilla constituencies where party delegates and party executives welcomed Dr Kwabena Duffuor and his team.
