Opposition Members of Parliament, led byNorth Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, employed a satirical approach by staging a symbolic commissioning of the unfinished National Cathedral project.
Their aim was to spotlight what they perceive as the government’s failure to complete the project.
Initially, their efforts to access the construction site were obstructed by security personnel, preventing them from issuing a statement at the location.
Originally scheduled for commissioning on March 6, as mentioned by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in the 2021 budget statement, the cathedral has drawn criticism, particularly from minority MPs dissatisfied with its costs.
Despite being denied access to the site, the minority MPs reached a compromise with security personnel to hold a press conference at the entrance, expressing their discontent with the ongoing project and its expenses.
This symbolic act of commissioning the incomplete National Cathedral highlighted their critique of the government’s handling of the project.
“When the act of parliament had to grind on him [Ofori-Atta], he had to come and beg. Your instructions are that we should not enter, we will not enter, we will stand at the entrance,”Sam George, MP for Ningo-Prampram, said.
Subsequently, they symbolically initiated the commissioning of the cathedral by performing a sod-cutting ceremony on behalf of the president. “We commission this expensive hole on behalf of Dr. Bawumia, President Akufo-Addo and Ken Ofori-Atta.”
On March 4, 2024, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) published a story by Christopher Arko concerning the selection of a running mate for theNational Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer,John Dramani Mahama.
The article’s lead stated, “The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unanimously endorsed the nomination of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as Running Mate to John Dramani Mahama.”
In the second paragraph, the writer mentioned that the flagbearer had responded to the development via a post on Twitter (now X).
Mr Mahama, in a tweet shortly after the endorsement, said, “Naana Jane is God-fearing, a distinguished scholar, a conscientious public servant and a role model,” the story added.
Checks
GhanaWeb Fact-Check Desk could not find any recent tweets on Mahama’s X handle relative to his choice of running mate for the 2024 race.
His only tweet in March 2024 at the time of filing this report was related to an engagement he had in Nigeria.
Curiously, however, a deep search of the exact quotes attributed to Mahama in the GNA report showed that he had indeed tweeted about Prof. Naana Jane’s qualities as a running mate but that was as far back as June 2020.
His full tweet in 2020 read: “@OfficialNDCGh, this afternoon, unanimously, endorsed my nomination of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as my running mate for the December 2020 election. She is God-fearing, a distinguished scholar, a conscientious public servant & a role model.”
Also checks with some insiders in the party indicated that the party will go by its March 7 timeline for the announcement of a running mate as communicated late last month in a statement issued by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey.
GhanaWeb sources have, however, confirmed that the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast will be announced as the running mate for the upcoming polls.
— National Democratic Congress (@OfficialNDCGh) March 6, 2024
Read the full GNA report below:
NDC NEC endorses Prof Naana Jane as running mate March 4, 2024 GNA By Christopher Arko
Accra, March 4 GNA – The National Executive Committee (NEC) of theNational Democratic Congress (NDC) has unanimously endorsed the nomination of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as Running Mate to John Dramani Mahama.
Mr Mahama, in a tweet shortly after the endorsement, said, “Naana Jane is God-fearing, a distinguished scholar, a conscientious public servant and a role model.”
This is the second time the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and Minister of Education will be partnering with former President Mahama on the ticket of the NDC for a major election in 2024.
Before her selection, several names were floated as potential running mates, which included Julius Debrah, former Chief of Staff; Dr Kwabena Duffour, former Finance Minister and Governor of Bank of Ghana; Mr Kwame Awuah Darko, former Chief Executive of Tema Oil Refinery and BOST, Kojo Bonsu, former Mayor of Kumasi; Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, the NDC Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey Constituency.
The former president submitted the name of his preferred running-mate to the National Executive Committee and the Council of Elders of the party for scrutiny.
The party, through its General Secretary, Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, indicated in an earlier statement that the NEC and the Council of Elders of the party were preparing to deliberate on Mr Mahama’s choice for running mate.
In addition, the former President Mahama is expected to make an official announcement of his running mate to the public on March 7, 2024.
Founder and leader of the Union Government, Akwasi Addai Odike has advised, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama against selecting Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate for the 2024 general election.
Mr Odike expressed concerns about Opoku-Agyemang’s age, suggesting that, at 70, she is too old for the role and should be allowed to retire from public life.
During an appearance on the Ghana Kasa show on Kasapa 102.5FM, Mr Odike argued that menopause could affect a woman’s cognitive abilities and physical coordination.
He urged Mahama to reconsider his choice and opt for a more capable candidate, especially from the Ashanti region.
Mr Odike emphasized that the NDC has not adequately rewarded the Ashanti region for its consistent support over the years.
“This woman John Mahama is selecting to partner him as running mate for a second time is too old. She is 70 years old, she is in her menopausal stage. When women are in their menopause, it has an effect on how they do their things. Some of them suffer from dementia and become very forgetful. Menopause can even cause a woman to bathe one leg and leave the other when bathing.
“The woman is too old, you are foisting this lady on Ghanaians. Nobody hates her, but in life, there’s an extent to which everyone can perform. She’s done her part and it is time for others to continue. If John Mahama selected her once and they failed to win power, he should dump her and select a more capable person, especially from the Ashanti region. Otherwise, some of us will wage a campaign against the NDC,” Akwasi Addai Odike said on Ghana Kasa show on Kasapa 102.5FM Tuesday.
The businessman cum politician proposed alternative candidates from the Ashanti region, including Samuel Sarpong, Awuah Darko, Kojo Bonsu, and Dr. Kwabena Duffuor.
He warned that if Mahama persisted with his choice, some individuals would launch a campaign against the NDC.
Despite these objections, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NDC unanimously endorsed the nomination of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as John Mahama’s running mate.
“If you take out the Greater Accra Region, the Ashanti region is the other region that gives the NDC huge votes. The NDC is working hard in the Ashanti Region but the party has decided not to select a leader from that Region. We have great personalities from the Region who could be running mates, the likes of Samuel Sarpong a renowned Security expert, Awuah Darko, Kojo Bonsu and Dr. Kwabena Duffuor who performed excellently while in office as Finance Minister under President Mills. Even late President Rawlings acknowledged the importance of the Ashanti region to the NDC. But sadly, the party has sidelined the region when selecting a president or running mate.”
Mahama, in response to the endorsement, praised Opoku-Agyemang’s qualities and announced that the official public announcement of his running mate would occur on March 7, 2024.
Deputy Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale, has challenged the Finance Minister to identify the specific clause in Ghana’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that states passing the anti-gay law would result in a termination of the agreement.
In response to a letter from Ghana’s Finance Ministry to the President, advising against signing the bill into law due to potential implications such as hindering aid access, Basintale stated on TV3 that he has thoroughly reviewed the agreement but found no provision that would lead to the termination of the agreement with the IMF.
“I’ve read this document over twenty times and I haven’t seen a single legal basis as to why Alhaji Amin Antah, MP for Karaga, will think that it is wrong for the president to sign a bill that stops man and man from marrying. There is no condition, there is no termination clause stated in this agreement that has got anything to do with LGBTQI. The basis that will lead to the termination of this agreement has got absolutely nothing to do with the passage of a law criminalizing LGBTQI.”
He believes that if the country’s cultural practices can be shelved because of some dollars to be donated to the country, Ghana should be sold to its highest bidder.
“So I ask Alhaji Amin Antah, who has suddenly developed a love for LGBTQI and thinks that criminalizing them will lead us to not getting 3 billion loan. Paltry, last year 2022, the Auditor General’s report brought out infractions in public sector to a tune of 1.2 billion that is greater than 700 million per year Amin Antah thinks we should not set aside. If because of a paltry 3 billion loan this government thinks LGBTQI+ be practised in this country, it is time we sold this country to someone who will buy the country for cheap,” he said.
There is nowhere in the IMF agreement that leads to termination if the anti-LGBTQ bill is passed into law. Should we sell our moral values because of a $3 billion loan? – @malik_basintale#TV3NewDaypic.twitter.com/EnSYdLx68F
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to upholding human rights, despite the recent passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, also known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
Speaking at a diplomatic event, he stressed that Ghana maintains its reputation for respecting human rights and following the rule of law.
The President clarified that the Bill is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court, and until a verdict is reached, his government will not enforce any provisions of the private Member’s bill.
In a circular shared by Director of communications at the office of the President, Eugene Arhin, the President said, “l am aware that last week’s bi-partisan passage by Parliament of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, on a Private Member’s motion, has raised considerable anxieties in certain quarters of the diplomatic community and amongst some friends of Ghana that she may be turning her back on her, hitherto, enviable, longstanding record on human rights observance and attachment to the rule of law. I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be contemplated or occasioned.”
President Akufo-Addo clarified that the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill has not yet been presented to him for formal action. He stated that any decision he takes regarding the Bill will depend on the outcome of the lawsuit challenging it in the Supreme Court.
“I think it will serve little purpose to go, at this stage, into the details of the origin of this proposed law, which is yet to reach my desk. But, suffice it to say, that I have learnt that, today, a challenge has been mounted at the Supreme Court by a concerned citizen to the constitutionality of the proposed legislation,” the President added.
A man in a viral video has stated that the Ghanaians will not cast their votes to the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama come December 7.
He explained that John Dramani Mahama’s intention to implement a 24-hour economy is a fiasco as it is a way to scam Ghanaians.
According to him, Mahama must come up with a policy that will garner support from electorates and not one that will not contribute to the development of the country.
“NDC National Chairman, Aseidu Nketia, JohnDramani Mahama and Fiifi Kwetey, Ghanaians say your 24-hour economy is a scam. Bring another plan on board It won’t work,” he added.
Mahama’s proposal for a 24-hour economy forms a key component of his 2024 presidential election agenda, driven by the belief that such a policy would significantly contribute to economic expansion and youth employment.
In commemoration of the 2023 International Youth Day, Mahama affirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing a skilled and entrepreneurial youth.
However, Mr. Kyerematen has stressed that the successful realization of this ambitious goal necessitates robust frameworks for industrialization, comprehensive infrastructure development, and a thriving tourism sector.
Despite Mahama’s economic policy drawing support, it has faced criticism, notably from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
During his Northern Region tour, Dr. Bawumia expressed skepticism about the feasibility of implementing a 24-hour economy.
He argued that such an endeavor requires a profound understanding of its implications and prerequisites.
“I hear John Mahama has a new idea, and he wants to run a 24-hour economy. I say, where did he get this idea from? It is not a bright idea! A 24-hour economy cannot be legislated by the government. Today, there are many businesses that are already working for 24 hours. Hospitals are open for 24 hours. You can buy electricity for 24 hours. Because of digitalization, you can transfer money for 24 hours. There are many chop bars and restaurants that are open for 24 hours,” said Dr. Bawumia.
Watch video below:
Message from Zongo to @JDMahama, truly, Our Fathers and Mothers have finally broken the NDC slavery chains…
I’m convinced NPP will sweep more than 70% of the Zongo votes for the first time since 1992. pic.twitter.com/oBrFZ3M09g
Presidential staffer, Stan Dogbe has expressed discontent over the wave of criticism directed towards him and other government officials following their party’s significant loss in the recent general election.
The ruling party appears to be experiencing internal turmoil in the aftermath of the defeat on December 7, with some factions pointing fingers at young appointees like Mr. Dogbe for the electoral setback.
Montie FM, known as a staunch supporter of the ruling party, launched scathing attacks on individuals they believe contributed to the party’s defeat during a programme on Friday.
Panellists on the show specifically named John Dumelo, Stan Dogbe, and Edward Omane as government appointees whose actions or inactions led to public dissatisfaction with the outgoing president.
Mr Dogbe took to his Facebook page on Friday to address the issue, saying, “We all know them—the people who engage in these acts, their sponsors, and in some cases, the basis of these actions. The Lord does not leave his own. Despite the scheming and many deliberate acts, I have survived the 8 years, painfully though, because I have had to remain quiet while dirt and lies were thrown at me and my silence led to people believing what they hear.
According to him, his silence over the last eight years in the face of relentless attacks on his person, was not a sign of foolishness or cowardice, but the respect we have had for my bosses, the system, the party, and my colleague.”.
Below is Stan’s lamentations:
“The Lord is with us.
Let them and all their collaborators know that the silence of some of us over the last 8 years is not a sign of foolishness or cowardice, but the respect we have had for my bosses, the system, the party, and colleagues.
We all know them—those who engage in these acts, their sponsors, and, in some cases, the basis of these actions. The Lord does not leave his own. Despite the scheming and many deliberate acts, I have survived the 8 years, painfully though, because I have had to remain quiet while dirt and lies were thrown at me and my silence led to people believing what they hear.
These are not anti-political actions, but purely internal. My joy is that I have worked with all my heart, all my strength and all that I have. I sacrificed for a man I so much admired, JM, and spent my days and nights working for a man I call Daddy, a man I have known for years, a man I loved and still love and will forever love, and who gave me a chance to work for him, and I am happy that I distinguished myself within the remit of my work.
Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Martin Amidu, has unveiled a series of revelations regarding the selection process of former President John Dramani Mahama as the running mate of Prof John Evans Atta-Mills in 2007.
Amidu’s disclosures, published in an editorial, shed light on purported events involving the late Jerry John Rawlings, the founding father of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to Amidu, Rawlings was allegedly snubbed during the nomination process of Mahama, which led to internal strife within the NDC. He recounted being tasked by Rawlings to engage with the then President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore, regarding ‘the nominee’ for the vice-presidential position.
“A situation that brought conflict within the NDC occurred on 24 December 2007 when former President Rawlings caused Victor Smith to invite me for a discussion to undertake a mission on his behalf to Burkina Faso,” Amidu stated in his editorial.
Amidu further revealed that upon his return from the mission, he discovered that Rawlings had been snubbed when he went to inquire about whether Prof. Mills had offered the position to the identified nominee. The nomination, Amidu claimed, was subsequently made after Rawlings’ alleged snub, sparking intense acrimony within the NDC.
These revelations come amidst the backdrop of Amidu’s discontent with the handling of the announcement of Mahama’s running mate for the 2024 elections. Amidu expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s decision to announce Mahama’s nomination without disclosing the identity of the nominee.
“The problem with the manner the NDC Press Release was couched is that from my personal experience, whosoever has been nominated by John Mahama as his running mate must have been invited and offered the nomination and he or she must have accepted the nomination already,” Amidu wrote in his editorial.
He went on to reference his own nomination process in 2000 and 2004, highlighting that the nominee was approved and announced on the same day the nomination was offered and accepted.
Daniel Bugri Naabu, the Northern Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has indicated his intention to donate a vehicle reportedly given to him by former President John Mahama as a bribe, to charity.
“… I think we are going to give it to charity. We are not going to use that car,” he told Joy FM’s Elton Brobbey on Tuesday, January 24.
Mr Naabu said late last year that he did not need the controversial GHS500,000 and cars doled out to him by Mr Mahama.
“What is GHS 500,000? What is a car? Me, when I started buying cars, expensive cars, John Mahama was a student. He was a student at Ghana College,” Mr Naabu had said when he received some regional and constituency executives of the All People’s Congress at his residence in Tamale in December 2016.
In December last year, at a press conference by then NPP flag bearer Nana Akufo-Addo’s spokesperson, Mustapha Hamid, the party alleged that Mr Mahama and his brother, Ibrahim, in October of the same year, attempted buying Mr Naabu so he would resign from the NPP and launch an acerbic tribal campaign against Mr Akufo-Addo by painting him as a “hater of northerners”.
“He [Bugri Naabu] was supposed to resign from the NPP, damage Akufo-Addo as an anti-northern person, a rabid hater of northerners, and, in turn, they were going to give him: a brand new V6 Mitsubishi vehicle, a brand new V8 Land Cruiser [and] GHS3.3m.
“Bugri Naabu is owed by government to the tune of GHS247,000 from road contracts that he has done which government has not been paying for several years. They promised to pay that money instantly and then on the spot, they brought him GHS 500,000 cash in GHS50 notes. Ibrahim Mahama dropped it right in front of him [Bugri Naabu].
“It’s terribly sad. This country is in serious trouble, we need to rescue this country from serious trouble. The presidency has been so depraved, so muddied, so dirtied that I tell you in all sincerity as a Ghanaian that I feel terribly sad as a Ghanaian,” Mr Hamid said.
He continued: “And then they gave the money to Bugri Naabu and he took the money and left, it was a Friday, 28th of October 2016, so the very next day was a Saturday and Bugri Naabu found the one Prudential Bank that he knew would be opened at that time; that Abossey Okai branch of Prudential Bank and then he went and deposited the money in his account.
His account number is 0090985590013, account name is Daniel Bugri Naabu. And out of that money, immediately Ibrahim Mahama told Bugri Naabu to take GHS50,000 out of it and give it to Alhaji Awal – the go-between; the man who facilitated the meeting and that they will replace the GHS50,000 later. A few days later at Bugri Naabu’s daughter’s funeral in Tamale, true to word, President Mahama sent a high-powered delegation to Bugri Naabu’s daughter’s funeral, led by Deputy Chief of Staff Kenneth Wujangi.
There was Dr Mustapha Ahmed in that delegation, there was Ibrahim Mahama himself in that delegation and then the president went and gave Bugri Naabu an additional GHS 10,000. In other words, a donation of GHS 10,000 was made on behalf of the president and Ibrahim Mahama himself gave GHS 20,000 as funeral donation.”
He said days later “… they delivered the brand new Mitsubishi V6 – it is actually parked in this yard now – when we finish, journalists can go and have a look at it. Now these are the original documents of the Mitsubishi V6. This is Bugri Naabu’s picture that they have put on it. 2 November 2016 was when the change of ownership was done but this vehicle was imported in August of 2016 and it originally was imported and is owned by a company called Malin Investment Company Limited.
So we ourselves did a check with the Registrar General to find out who are the owners of Malin Investment Company Limited and the two directors of Malin Investment are one Hawa Hayifi Ayi Mahama and Frank Nuhu Alormator (Frank Alor). And Frank Alor everybody knows is the personal assistant to President Mahama. … Hawa Mahama, I leave you to go and find out [who she is] … but I’m sure you can infer that she is a sister of the President but you can find that out. But what we are sure of [which] everybody knows is, Frank Alor, who is a personal assistant to President Mahama.
I’m sure all of you journalists know him. So they jointly own Malin Investment which is the company that originally imported the vehicle which they have given to Daniel Bugri Naabu to bribe him to destroy Akufo-Addo and make sure that northerners hate him and that he doesn’t get a vote in the north. Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot run a country like that.
You recall that just a few days ago they brought Harruna Attah who they’ve given an ambassadorial position in Namibia to lie through his teeth that Akufo-Addo had told him that no northerner can ever lead our party. Now this revelation should tell you that it is just a carefully orchestrated scheme. When I refuted it, I’m sure a lot of you were saying: ‘Um, is it really true that Akufo-Addo didn’t say that?’ But now it is very clear that there’s an ethnic, ethnocentric, tribal agenda that is meant to incite hatred against a good man who has been fighting all his life for the Ghanaian project, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Allah shall fight for Akufo-Addo.”
Following the allegation, General Secretary of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, said only fools will believe that Mr Mahama and his brother attempted bribing Mr Naabu.
In a satirical take on the ongoing power crisis in Ghana, activist and convener of the FixTheCountry movement, Barker-Vormawor, has humorously jabbed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a post on X platform he wrote, “ Ready! Set! Go! ‘My Dumsor is better than your Dumsor”.
Both the NPP and the NDC have been apportioning blame on each other regarding the current state of the country’s energy sector.
Parts of Accra and other regions have been grappling with inconsistent power outages for several weeks commonly referred to as ‘dumsor’.
Former president, John Dramani Mahama has asserted that he assumed responsibility for resolving the power crisis that gripped the nation before his taking a bow in 2016.
Mahama has emphasized that his leadership merits recognition for putting an end to the intermittent power outages.
In an interview with Ugandan-based NBS television, Mahama acknowledged the existence of intermittent power outages and stressed that he took accountability for addressing the challenge.
He highlighted that relying solely on the Akosombo Dam was not a perpetual solution to resolve ‘dumsor.’
Mahama clarified that he refrained from assigning blame to past administrations for the crisis but, instead, embraced the responsibility of rectifying the power dilemma.
He expressed, “What did I do? I took responsibility. I didn’t blame previous governments. I said yes you call me ‘Mr. Dumsor’…I inherited this problem but I take responsibility because you voted me into power to take responsibility and fix things and so I said I’m going to fix this and by 2015 I had added an additional almost 3,000 megawatts to Ghana’s generation.”
“I was actually accused of putting in an excess generation…more generation than we needed. We are consuming 2,600 megawatts. Today we are consuming 1000 megawatts more and so if I didn’t put in that excess generation we probably would have started having an energy crisis again and it’s beginning to happen.
— Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor (@barkervogues) March 1, 2024
“Outages every day because the consumption has caught up the amount of energy that is available and we are beginning to have problems,” he added.
On the other hand, president Akufo-Addo has emphasized his achievements in ensuring a consistent power supply for Ghanaians, countering recent outages affecting parts of the country.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 27, 2024, the President dismissed claims of intermittent power supply amid the financial crisis, asserting that the country has not experienced the phenomenon known as DUMSOR over the past seven years.
“Mr Speaker, between 2012 and early 2017, there was nothing more demoralising than the phenomenon we called DUMSOR. It was symptomatic of a dysfunctional system, and it caused widespread depression amongst businesses and households.
After that experience, my government was determined that DUMSOR would not be inflicted upon Ghana and Ghanaians under an NPP government, and I am glad to be able to say, SO FAR, SO GOOD, we have managed to keep the lights on these last seven (7) years, even in the midst of a financial crisis. We have managed the energy sector with discipline and expertise, to avoid a repetition of the hardships inflicted on Ghanaians some years ago.”
Meanwhile, Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Dubik Mahama has pointed out that the intermittent power outages are due maintenance issues rather than fuel-related problems as reported.
He revealed that much can not be done when a power plant producing 360 megawatts begins to develop problems with its gas emergency safety valve.
Mr. Mahama assured that ECG is working diligently to resolve the challenges and restore power to affected areas.
In one of vice president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s lectures on Nation Building he accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for taking credit for initiating Free Senior High School (FSHS).
According to him, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) through president Akufo-Addo implemented the policy despite various sabotages and criticism from the NDC.
He added due to the NPP’s determination of making Ghana’s educational system, fought through the hurdles to make the policy a reality.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to remember that the NDC opposed and bastardised the Free Senior High School policy proposed by president Nana Akufo-Addo. They said it was a hoax, they said it was a 419 promise, they said if they had 2 billion Ghana cedis they would not spend it on free SHS. They said free SHS education will collapse the education system”.
“They went on demonstrations against Free SHS. They even went to the Supreme Court to stop the implementation of Free SHS. They run over 40 adverts against free SHS, but the study and visionary Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, he stuck to his grounds because he knew what was good for this country and he has successfully implemented Free SHS policy. But what we hear today, the NDC and their flag bearer is looking us straight in the eye and saying they started free SHS. Ewurade Nyankopong. Are they confused?,” he added.
The Free Senior High School (Free SHS) education policy in Ghana was initiated during the September 2017 administration of President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Originating from one of the President’s campaign promises during the 2016 election period, the policy has evolved into a crucial component of Ghana’s educational system.
As per reports from Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) over 5.7 million Ghanaian students have benefitted from the programme.
The education think tank has revealed that the Free SHS policy has granted a substantial increase in secondary school enrollment, soaring from 813,448 in the 2016/17 academic year to 1.3 million in the 2022/23 academic year.
The Akufo-Addo-led administration has faced criticism from various civil society organizations and educational institutions.
The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) and other analysts have also highlighted fiscal and quality challenges that require careful reconsideration.
In November 2023, ISSER underscored the importance of reviewing specific aspects of the Free SHS program, including the sustainability of the government fully covering students’ tuition and costs within budget constraints.
The escalating teacher-student ratios in public SHS schools were also noted, impacting resources and learning.
The World Bank suggested means-testing and cost-sharing arrangements by parents to optimize program benefits and affordability.
In February 2024, the Executive Director of the Institute for Education Services (IFEST),Dr. Peter Anti, emphasized that acknowledging funding challenges in the Free SHS program is crucial for making progress in addressing the issue.
“While we were doing double track, we should have made a conscious effort to improve the infrastructure in our schools. Now we don’t know what is happening, we decided to go and do other kinds of projects within the same education sector,” he said.
Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has launched a strong critique against legendary Ghanaian footballer, Asamoah Gyan, alleging that he intentionally missed a penalty during the2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Speaking in a Radio XYZ interview, Dafeamekpor claimed that Gyan, a known supporter of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), allowed his political affiliations to influence his actions on the field during his playing days.
The incident in question occurred during a quarter-final match against Uruguay, where Gyan failed to convert a penalty kick that could have propelled Ghana to the semi-finals, marking a historic achievement for African football.
Dafeamekpor asserts that Gyan’s penalty miss was politically motivated.
Furthermore, Dafeamekpor criticised Gyan’s acceptance of a role on the manifesto committee for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s candidate in the 2024 elections.
According to Dafeamekpor, Gyan’s status as a national figure should have prevented him from aligning himself so closely with a single political party, given his widespread popularity transcending political divides.
“I am of the opinion that Asamoah Gyan intentionally threw away that penalty because it was under NDC. It’s today that I’ve come to the realisation that he threw away the penalty in the 2010 World Cup and the African Cup because the glory would have come to the NDC.
“Asamoah Gyan is now part of the Bawumia campaign team. There is everything wrong with that, because when you are a national figure and you become partisan, I can reasonably say that it’s because of politics that you threw that penalty away so that the NDC government will not get the glory. I am telling you that I feel the pain,” he said.
Asamoah Gyan, who was recently inaugurated as part of the manifesto team on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, has addressed the criticism surrounding his alignment withDr. Bawumia and the NPP.
The legendary footballer responded to the backlash by stating that he was unfazed by the attacks. He believes that the appointment provides him with a platform to utilise his extensive experience gained over two decades as a footballer, boxing promoter, and sports event organiser.
“They have their own opinions,” said Gyan at the inauguration of the NPP’s campaign team for the 2024 general elections, at the Alisa Hotel, when he was quizzed about his thoughts on his critics.
“I have been there [before]. I have been to Stadia, and been booed in front of 80,000 people, I am used to it.
“At the end of the day, the work shows. Sometimes, you go to the enemy’s territory and you come out with applause. I have confidence in myself and I know what I can do to help. I am here to help because of my 20 years of experience. I can’t just sit at home and keep it. I have to share it with the new generation to benefit from it.
“At the end of the day, when everything is said and done, we see what we did or what we couldn’t do. The criticism will come. It is also good for me personally and for my team to push harder,” he added.
Asamoah Gyan hasbeen appointed as the head of the youth and sports sub-committee within Dr. Bawumia’s manifesto team.
Some women in Damongo, Savannah region, have alleged that they resort to boreholes for water, which also serves as a source of water for sheep, goats and cows.
Speaking to the media, the women who had lighted kerosene lanterns on their heads stated asserted that the region has been rejected by the Akufo-Addo-led administration despite assurances to provide potable water .
According to them, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama is the only individual who can change the current state of the region.According to them, “ We are looking for JM because we are in darkness, we are looking for JM in the Savannah region to come and save us, he is our light. We drink water from tanks, we don’t have water, no water, what we need is just the water. NPP promised us water and zero. We’re booking for John to come and give us water. We drink from dam water and not pipe water. We drink water with sheep, goats and cows. We want proper water.
Explaining the significance of carrying lanterns the Akufo-Addo-led administration has plagued Ghana into a state of darkness and it is about time assumes presidency in other to save the country.
The aggrieved on Sunday, February 25, 2024 John Mahama paid a working visit to Damongo.
Mahama won over 55% votes in the 2020 elections.
The former president has not been to Jakpa Palace since he witnessed Yagbonwura Bii-Kunutu Jewu Soale I’s outdooring as the Overlord of Gonja approximately a year ago, this was his first visit.
Yagbonwura Bii-Kunutu Jewu Soale I invited all paramount chiefs, divisional chiefs, sub-chiefs, and traditional leaders of all the tribes in the Savannah Region to attend a durbar in honor of Mr. Mahama.
Sometimes, one wonders what lens people are looking through when Vice Presidential hopeful nominees are being named and no one remembers to bring up the woman who single-handedly changed the face of the NDC in 2020 after their humiliation and rejection by Ghanaians in 2016.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by presidential candidate President John Mahama and late Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur as Vice, lost the 2016 election by a margin of almost one million votes, the biggest ever recorded in the country’s electoral history.
But following that, apart from the abysmal performance of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Muhammadu Bawumia’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) led Government, what could have led to the strong come back John Mahama made in 2020?
In 2020, Ghanaians were presented with the same NDC they had just voted out a term ago with John Mahama once more as flag-bearer. The campaign messages remained largely unchanged, the only difference this time was Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman and the fresh air of patriotism she breathed into the toxic political landscape, making John Mahama’s ticket more attractive to women and others who otherwise would have never given the NDC the time of day, at least in 2021.
John Mahama and Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman
Sometimes, one wonders what lens people are looking through when Vice Presidential hopeful nominees are being named and no one remembers to bring up the woman who single-handedly changed the face of the NDC in 2020 after their humiliating election results in 2016.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by presidential candidate President John Mahama and late Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur as Vice, lost the 2016 election by a margin of almost one million votes, the biggest ever recorded in the country’s electoral history.
But following that, apart from the abysmal performance of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Muhammadu Bawumia’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) led Government, what could have led to the strong come back John Mahama made in 2020?
In 2020, Ghanaians were presented with the same NDC they had just voted out a term ago with John Mahama once more as flag-bearer. The campaign messages remained largely unchanged, the only difference this time was Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman and the fresh air of patriotism she breathed into the toxic political landscape, making John Mahama’s ticket more attractive to women and others who otherwise would have never given the NDC the time of day, at least in 2021.
The conversation, therefore about who becomes John Mahama’s running mate in the 2024 elections has since been quite inconsiderate when we take into account the complete “ghosting” of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku, and how she isn’t even considered as someone who should be in the race.
In her stead, several names from the global business magnate have been floated, from Sir Sam Jonah, who has refuted it and outrightly stated he is not interested should he even be offered the slot, to the Former Auditor General, Daniel Domelevo, Former Chief of staff Julius Debrah and now RTD Commissioner of Police Kofi Boakye.
Personal preferences aside, it is objectively distasteful that we as a people would ignore the impact of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku in the 2020 general elections.
One of the events that made significant impact on women voters was “In conversation with Prof. Jane Naana Opoku”. The event assembled apolitical women in business, education, health, etc to meet prof. and to be convinced as to why NDC should be their party of choice in the 2020 elections.
Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and John Mahama
Women groups who would not ordinarily associate with any political party much less the NDC showed up to listen and actively engage and in the end promised to campaign to get John Mahama elected, again.
As a result, women actively campaigned for the NDC off the strength of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku. They were proud to have a woman as running mate to John Mahama who himself has been a big advovate of women’s rights in Ghana. These efforts were evident in the 2020 elections results.
For reference, The 2016 election results for the NDC with John Mahama and Amissah Arthur were 4,771,188 representing 44.53% of the voting populace, while the NPP with Nana Akufo Addo and Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia saw 5,755,758 votes, representing 53.72%. This, at the time, was an outright rejection of the NDC by Ghanaians. But when In 2020, the NDC re-presented the same Presidential candidate and campaign with the only clear difference being their candidate for Vice in Prof. Jane Naana Opoku, the results were staggering. More than just an improvement, the margin was considerably thinner, and a clear indication to all that the NDC was very much still alive.
There were some who were convinced that the 2020 results would be worse than 2016, and yet when the time came, the NDC pulled in 6,213,182 votes compared to NPP’s 6,730,587. For context While the NPP’s votes may have gone up by 974,829 votes from the previous elections, the NDC’s support had increased by 1,441,994 which is no small feat.
The NPP’s lead of over 900,000 was however, quickly squandered. They would soon throw the country into chaos passing a widely unpopular E-levy bill, tanking the economy & scrambling for an IMF bailout to support an even more unpopular Domestic Debt Exchange programme.
Now, in the heart of a real crisis, the people need the experience of John Mahama to salvage what is left of the economy and the country.
So, if Prof. Jane Naana Opoku’s partnership has yielded this much benefit to the NDC so far, why would any rational person want anyone else at reins?
Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
In these tumultuous times, VAT is up by 2.5%, there’s a 10% tax on bet winnings, a further threat to add ECG and emissions taxes. The Cedi keeps plummeting against the dollar, and unemployment rate at an all time high, 2024 calls for real change; A change in government and not a change in who partners John Mahama. Back in 2020, Prof. proved her mettle then, just as John Mahama has done so often in the past so as to become indispensable to the party today. She is a thoroughly educated, scandal-free woman who represents the best of what Ghana has to offer.
An examination of criticisms against her finds them to be mostly laced with childish sentiments like “she’s not ‘out there” and “she’s not mounting platforms to scream and perhaps insult everyone in the way we’re used to” and “she needs to match Veep Bawumia”. But those sentiments, if followed will only yield more of the same. Because at the end of the day, are we really in the market for “another Bawumia”? Or are we trying to to do something different this time? Something better, something useful.
This is our country, these are our lives. We can’t continue to squander it 4 years at a time on articulate con artists, and so called economic gurus whose only legacy is to have taken our exchange rate from 3.8 to 13 cedi to a dollar in record time and launching unnecessary apps and platforms that are not only already available on Google but also useless when the basic infrastructure to support them isn’t even functional.
A woman who has taught thousands of people in academia will not be mounting political platforms to insult opponents in the name of appeasing a base. She stands tall and unblemished, bringing an aura to John Mahama and elevating his image which has until 2020 been badly battered by an avalanche of Propaganda by the NPP.
Changing Prof. now would simply mean the NDC lied to Ghanaians in 2020 when they said they believed in women, when they said they wanted an elevated aura around the presidency.
The NDC going with any other candidate will be a betrayal of Ghanaian women. Prof. Jane Naana Opoku is exactly what the country needs at this time. A cool head, a voice that can calm nerves; she speaks from her heart, and most importantly, tells Ghanians the TRUTH.
At a time when Ghana is reeling under the economic crisis brought on by the insatiable greed of the Nana Addo & Bawumia Cartel, so corrupt that even corruption crusaders have given up on them. The last thing we need is another Bawumia, a man who a cursory internet search reveals as one of the most prolific liars of modern politics.
It would be a grave mistake to change Professor Jane at this time. She is a proven partner for John Mahama, one who is not in competition with him and is efficient at playing her position and supporting him as needed to get the best results.
She is the perfect embodiment of the Ghanaian old adage ‘awene pa 3nkasa’. We need more Jane Naana Opoku’s, not fewer.
Source: Bridget Otoo, a media personality and businesswoman.
DISCLAIMER: TIGPost.co will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana.
The Volta Regional Secretariat of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has refuted assertions made by President Akufo-Addo regarding the completion of a coastal fish landing site in Keta within the region.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Tuesday, President Akufo-Addo stated that his administration had finalized the construction of 12 coastal fish landing sites across various regions, including Keta in the Volta Region.
However, in a press release dated February 29, the Regional Communications Officer of the NDC, Sorkpa Kafui Agbleze, dismissed the President’s claim, asserting that no such facility existed in Keta.
The party urged President Akufo-Addo to conduct thorough investigations before making such declarations.
“What is equally displeasing is the President’s mention of a non-existent project like the Keta Fish Landing Site on page 22 of his presentation. We want to once again put on record that there is no such project in Keta or any other place in the Volta Region.
“The President should learn to insulate himself from always being misled by doing due diligence in getting accurate information on such crucial matters,” portions of the statement read.
Also, the Volta Regional Secretariat of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticized President Akufo-Addo for failing to mention the compensation of flood victims in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The secretariat expressed its disappointment, stating that the floods had worsened the already challenging situations faced by many families and individuals in the region. They expected the President to address this issue and provide support to those affected.
“The people were actually expecting to hear something about the disbursement of the GH¢220 million allocated in the 2024 Budget to support the affected communities, the funds from the World Bank under the IDA Crisis Response Window (CRW) to support the resettlement of the victims, restoration of livelihoods, compensation and reconstruction of infrastructure in the affected communities,” Sorkpa Kafui Agbleze said.
Moreover, the group described the President’s omission as a deliberate lack of empathy and commitment to the well-being of the flood victims, stating that they interpreted his silence as such. The Secretariat appealed to President Akufo-Addo to prioritize the concerns of the victims and compensate them accordingly.
“The Volta NDC strongly requests the President to urgently address this issue and prioritise the needs of those affected by the flood disaster and tidal waves. We demand immediate action to provide relief aid, rehabilitate affected communities, and implement sustainable measures to prevent future occurrences,” the statement added.
Some women in Damongo, Savannah region, have thrown their support behind the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the December 7 elections approaches.
Speaking to the media, the women who had lighted kerosene lanterns on their heads stated that John Mahama is the only individual who can change the current state of the region.
They mentioned that the region is grappling with potable water although the Akufo-Addo-led administration pledged to resolve the situation.
The women revealed that they resort to boreholes for water, which also serves as a source of water for sheep, goats and cows.
According to them, “ We are looking for JM because we are in darkness, we are looking for JM in the Savannah region to come and save us, he is our light. We drink water from tanks, we don’t have water, no water, what we need is just the water. NPP promised us water and zero. We’re booking for John to come and give us water. We drink from dam water and not pipe water. We drink water with sheep, goats and cows. We want proper water.
Explaining the significance of carrying lanterns the Akufo-Addo-led administration has plagued Ghana into a state of darkness and it is about time assumes presidency in other to save the country.
The aggrieved on Sunday, February 25, 2024 John Mahama paid a working visit to Damongo.
Mahama won over 55% votes in the 2020 elections.
The former president has not been to Jakpa Palace since he witnessed Yagbonwura Bii-Kunutu Jewu Soale I’s outdooring as the Overlord of Gonja approximately a year ago, this was his first visit.
Yagbonwura Bii-Kunutu Jewu Soale I invited all paramount chiefs, divisional chiefs, sub-chiefs, and traditional leaders of all the tribes in the Savannah Region to attend a durbar in honor of Mr. Mahama.
Vice President and the NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has refuted assertions suggesting that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) had governed better than the current administration.
Speaking at a recent address at an event organized by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Dr Bawumia vehemently defended the NPP’s performance, asserting that the government had surpassed the NDC’s achievements in every sector of the economy, a sentiment echoed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“At the State of the Nation yesterday, as I listened to him (President Akufo-Addo), it was very clear that our government has outperformed the NDC government in every sector. I mean every single sector. I can’t see one sector where they have outperformed us, but every single sector. Whether you are talking about jobs, whether you are talking about roads, whether you are talking about hospitals, whether you are talking about schools, or digitalization, across every sector,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
Expressing disbelief at comparisons drawn between the NPP and NDC governments, Dr. Bawumia likened the scenario to a contest where one party excels in every subject, yet the opposition insists they are superior.
He emphasized, “Meanwhile, they are trying to convince the public that they are better than you. What sort of mathematics is that? I mean, really, you score 70%, they score 30% and they are trying to say their 30% is better than you. It doesn’t make sense. So, in terms of the record, our record is superior.”
President Akufo-Addo’s SONA, delivered on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, emphasized the government’s accountability for the nation’s economic state and highlighted the threat of terrorism within the West African sub-region. The president also underscored his administration’s achievements, asserting that their tenure had surpassed the NDC’s eight years in office.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Public Sector Reforms, Thomas Kusi Boafo, has asserted that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) would be deceiving themselves if they believe they are wealthier than the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
During an interview on Wontumi TV on February 28, 2024, Kusi Boafo alleged that members of the NDC amassed significant wealth during the period of erratic power supply, known as dumsor. He claimed that while the country grappled with power outages, the NDC government entered lucrative power purchase agreements, enriching themselves in the process.
“Some people used dumsor to amass huge sums in Ghana, and they became fabulously rich. That is why I have been saying that the opposition NDC is richer than the NPP. But when I say this, people don’t agree,” he remarked in Twi.
Kusi Boafo elaborated on the alleged power purchase agreements, stating that they amounted to over $9 billion. He accused the NDC of inflating costs and engaging in deals that led to wastage of electricity. According to him, these agreements were renegotiated by the current NPP government, resulting in substantial savings for Ghana.
Highlighting President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s revelations during the 2024 State of the Nation’s Address (SONA), Kusi Boafo emphasized the government’s efforts to rectify the perceived financial mismanagement of the NDC era.
He contended that the funds lost due to the power purchase agreements could have been utilized to improve infrastructure, particularly road networks. Kusi Boafo estimated that the amount lost could have facilitated the construction of approximately “1000 kilometres of asphalted road” across the country.
The Manhyia South Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mustapha Alhassan, faced charges of threatening violence and death as he shed tears in court, pleading for mercy.
Accused of directing threats toward Ghana’s Electoral Commissioner and members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the NDC Executive appeared emotional during the court proceedings at the Kumasi Circuit Court KMA, where the decision on bail or remand hung in the balance.
In the event of a conviction, Alhassan could potentially endure a sentence exceeding 10 years in prison.
The State, represented by Prosecutor ASP Emelia Owusu Ansah, the Head of Legal and Prosecution Unit in the Ashanti Region, strongly opposed bail for Alhaji Mustapha Alhassan.
However, the accused’s counsel, Evans Amankwah, urged the court to consider his client as a non-flight risk when requesting bail.
At a critical juncture, as the prospect of a favorable bail ruling seemed uncertain, Alhassan burst into tears. In a subsequent turn of events, Judge His Honour Abdul-Razak Musah granted bail in the amount of GH¢ 100,000, requiring two justified sureties.
The court, recognizing the sensitivity of the electoral season, advised individuals, including public officials, to exercise caution in their expressions to preserve the nation’s peace.
Alhaji Mustapha Alhassan had allegedly been captured in a video challenging the New Patriotic Party to manipulate the elections, threatening a potential conflict even to the extent of causing harm to defend his party’s flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama.
Following the video’s viral spread on social media, Alhaji Mustapha Alhassan voluntarily reported to the police, provided a statement, and was subsequently granted bail. The court mandated him to report to the police on Monday, February 26, 2024.
The campaign chairman for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dan Botwe, has voiced strong optimism regarding the chances of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia emerging the president following the December 7 presidential election.
Speaking to reporters in Accra after the launch of the candidate’s campaign team, Dan Botwe expressed confidence that the NPP would break the eight-year election cycle jinx and secure victory in the upcoming polls.
Botwe predicted that the NPP’s candidate, Dr. Bawumia, would win the election with over 50 percent of the valid votes cast. Additionally, he asserted that the NPP would secure a majority vote in the parliamentary election, aiming to win the majority of the 275 seats in Parliament.
“We will work very hard to make sure that we achieve our objectives. And we shall win the majority of the 275 seats in Parliament and over 50 percent in the presidential election,” Botwe affirmed.
Highlighting Dr. Bawumia’s superior policies compared to his opponent, Botwe emphasized the NPP’s vision and record of performance. He argued that the NPP has outperformed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government in every sector, citing President Akufo-Addo’s recent State of the Nation Address as evidence of the party’s achievements.
“We have the vision, and we have the record, and it is very clear in the exhilarating speech that was given by the president at the State of the Nation Address. As I listened to the president, it was very clear that we have outperformed the NDC government in every single sector. I can’t see even one sector where they outperformed us,” Botwe stated confidently.
New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reiterated the party’s unwavering confidence in winning the upcoming December elections.
He attributed this confidence to the NPP’s impressive track record in governance, highlighting superior performance across all sectors of the economy compared to their rivals, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking at the inauguration of the NPP’s Campaign and Manifesto Teams in Accra, Dr. Bawumia expressed optimism and determination for success in the December polls.
He outlined the party’s clear vision and significant achievements, as outlined by the president during his State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, February 27.
“We have the vision and we have the record and it is very clear in the exhilarating speech that was given by the president at the State of the Nation Address.
“As I listened to the president, it was very clear that we have outperformed the NDC government in every single sector. I can’t see even one sector where they outperformed us.”
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of double standards in the Free Senior High School policy discourse.
Government appointees advocate for policy improvement, not review, but Mahama has criticized this stance.
Speaking at the launch of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools week, Mr Mahama condemned the government’s double standards. He points to their commitment to review the policy in an IMF document, contrasting with public statements.
Mahama criticizes the NPP’s lack of transparency and consistency in communication with the IMF, highlighting the disparity between promises and actions. Referring to the IMF agreement, he quotes the government’s pledge to review and rationalize free SHS in the educational sector.
He urges vigilance in understanding the term “review,” emphasizing the government’s use of the term in the IMF agreement.
He encouraged reading the Eduwatch report, especially on free SHS, revealing that over 196,000 qualified children didn’t enroll between 2021 and now.
The report states government spending of ¢5.8 billion, with parents covering 77% and the government 23%, justifying the need for a review.
“There’s hypocrisy in this thing about review. If you look at the IMF agreement that this government has signed, under point 47, page 76.
“This Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government signed an agreement with the IMF in January 2024. And they say that in the educational sector, we will review and rationalise the free SHS. These are their words, not my words.”
“And so when you hear all this politics about my understanding of the review means to abolish, in their own words, they are using review. Sometimes, you must watch our politics. I encourage all of you to get the Eduwatch report and read it, and it is about especially, the free SHS.
“It says that between 2021 to date, over 196,000 children did not take up their place in the free SHS. Even though they were posted and qualified, they didn’t go. We need to find out why they didn’t go.
“The report says that the total amount of money the government has spent on free SHS comes to about ¢5.8 billion. The proportion of the parents is about 77% to the government’s share of about 23%. That is why we must do a review,” he said.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) is set to unveil its vice presidential candidate for the 2024 general elections, accompanying presidential nominee John Dramani Mahama, by February 29, 2024.
This disclosure came from the party’s National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, during an interview with GhanaWeb’s Daniel Oduro on the Election Desk on February 28, 2024.
Gyamfi mentioned in the interview that both the party and the public should anticipate a formal announcement later in the week, following the finalisation of the decision by the council of elders and the national executive committee of the NDC.
“The rank and file of the party and the general public should be expecting to hear a formal announcement tomorrow when the decision is eventually finalised, subject to the advice of the Council of Elders and the national executive committee.
“I am very optimistic that this is a decision that would resonate not just with our grassroots but also with the entire nation,” he stated.
He added that the flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, had been thinking and consulting on the matter for a long time and that he had made his choice.
He said that the flagbearer, however, needed to seek the formal advice of the major stakeholders for approval before the announcement.
“The flagbearer has been thinking and consulting on this matter. He is ready with his consultation, and he has a choice.
But as the constitution and systems of ourparty require, he needs to seek formally the advice of the Council of Elders and present the same to the National Council of the party, which is the second highest decision-making body in the party, for advice before the same is announced,” he stated.
“… The candidate is very clear in his mind as to who he wants to be his running mate to complement him and deliver his vision,” he added.
The absence of the entire 137 members of the Minority Caucus from Ghana’s parliament during President Akufo-Addo‘s 2024 State of the Nation Address prior to the delivery of the address has been attributed to discontent over the president’s refusal to assent to the Anti-Witchcraft Bill.
Media personality Nana Yaa Brefo shed light on the matter, revealing that the Minority Caucus felt disrespected by the president’s decision, leading to their delayed appearance in parliament.
President Akufo-Addo was scheduled to commence his address at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. However, the absence of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament (MPs) was conspicuous as the nation awaited the president’s speech. While the exact reason for the Minority Caucus’s nonattendance remained unclear initially, it was later revealed that their absence was a form of protest against the president’s actions.
According to Nana Yaa Brefo, the Minority Caucus was particularly aggrieved by President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to assent to the Anti-Witchcraft Bill, among others. The bill aimed to protect individuals accused of witchcraft, but the president cited constitutional concerns that needed resolution before he could assent to it.
“It took the intervention of John Mahama to convince them to rescind their decision and show up in parliament,” Nana Yaa Brefo explained during an Instagram live session.
In a letter addressed to Parliament on Monday, December 4, President Akufo-Addo highlighted his inability to assent to certain bills, including the Anti-Witchcraft Bill, due to constitutional matters requiring resolution. Speaker Alban Bagbin conveyed the president’s message to members of the House, emphasizing that the specific constitutional issues needing resolution were yet to be specified.
President Akufo-Addo delivered the State of the Nation Address in accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the president to present a message on the State of the Nation to parliament at the beginning of each session and before the dissolution of parliament.
The absence of the Minority Caucus during the State of the Nation Address underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and resolution of legislative disputes to ensure effective governance and representation in Ghana’s parliament.
Member of Parliament for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, has strongly criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s proposed 24-hour economy policy, labeling it as impractical and a mockery of the party’s past governance record.
In an interview with GHOne TV, Deputy Majority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, derided the NDC’s policy initiative, citing the party’s inability to effectively manage the economy during its tenure, particularly due to the infamous ‘dumsor’ crisis that plagued the nation with persistent power outages.
“Sometimes, when they are talking about how they will run a 24-hour economy, I just laugh at them. How can you run a 24-hour economy when you can’t even keep running the economy for 12 hours?” questioned Habib Iddrisu.
The 24-hour economy proposal has been a focal point for the NDC, with the party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, emphasizing its potential to boost revenue generation and alleviate unemployment by enabling businesses to operate continuously.
However, Habib Iddrisu dismissed the feasibility of such a policy, attributing the skepticism to the NDC’s past governance failures, particularly in the energy sector. He pointed out that the NDC’s mismanagement of the energy sector during their tenure led to widespread power outages, crippling small-scale businesses and factories.
“People with small-scale businesses and factories were being shut down because of the constant power outages we refer to as ‘dumsor.’ Businesses have collapsed, and people have lost their jobs, so you can’t run the economy for 12 hours; how can you run it for 24 hours?” he asserted.
While acknowledging intermittent power outages currently experienced in some parts of the country, Habib Iddrisu clarified that the situation does not amount to a return of the ‘dumsor’ era. He cited assurances from the Minister of Energy regarding ongoing repairs to address the power disruptions, asserting that the government is actively working to rectify the issue.
As the debate surrounding the NDC’s 24-hour economy proposal continues, contrasting viewpoints underscore the complexities and challenges inherent in Ghana’s economic landscape. For comprehensive coverage and analysis of this developing story, stay tuned to reliable news sources.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond, has stated his belief that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will continue to remain in opposition for the foreseeable future.
He attributed this prediction to what he perceives as a lack of innovative ideas within the NDC, suggesting that the party is primarily focused on obstructing positive initiatives put forth by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) out of envy and ignorance.
Mr. Hammond assessed that the NDC’s agenda does not resonate with the current aspirations of Ghanaians, leading to its continued status in opposition.
Following President Akufo-Addo’s State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, February 27, Mr. Hammond spoke to the media, expressing confidence in the nation’s path to recovery despite prevailing economic challenges.
He emphasized his trust in President Akufo-Addo’s leadership and expressed optimism that Ghana will regain stability under the guidance of the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“Considering the crisis we have all spoken about and considering all that we’ve come to know, the NPP government has done pretty well and from what the government is saying, I think the country will massively back Vice-President Alhaji Bawumia.
“Don’t fall for the propaganda of those guys in the NDC, don’t fall for their propaganda at all. Why did they start shouting and why did former President John Mahama decide to attend for the first time the State of the Nation Address?”
“Mind you, I’m not sure if he’s ever attended in the eight years of President Akufo-Addo’s government. Former President John Mahama decided never to attend.
“Today, he came in there, I’m not sure what is it that he was signaling, but I tell you the good people of Ghana are going to make sure that the NDC sits in opposition till thy kingdom come.”
The presidential hopeful of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has pledged to explore the option of exporting nurses as part of strategies to alleviate unemployment in Ghana.
During a visit to the Savannah Region, where he engaged with student nurses, the former president emphasized that deploying nurses abroad would be a more viable solution than having them unemployed within the country.
Mahama stressed the importance of ensuring gainful employment for nurses after completing their education.
To implement this, he proposed the establishment of a dedicated unit at the Ministry of Employment tasked with recruiting nurses who meet international standards for deployment.
“We want to increase the production of health workers and nurses, and we will employ them to work for us as many as we can, but at the same time, we will sign agreements with other countries where we can post our nurses to go and work on fixed contracts.
“So under the Ministry of Employment, we will have a unit that can recruit nurses and make sure they are of the standard that can work in international hospitals.”
He outlined the plan to have a specialized unit within the Ministry of Employment responsible for recruiting nurses and ensuring they meet the required standards for international hospital employment.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has received a formal communication from its presidential candidate, former President John Dramani Mahama, regarding the nomination of his running mate.
This is in accordance with Article 45 of the NDC Constitution. As such, a meeting of the Council of Elders will convene at 11am on Thursday, March 7, 2024, to deliberate on this significant matter.
According to the General Secretary of the party, Fifi Kwetey, the National Executive Committee (NEC) will later gather at 2pm on the same day to further consider the nomination.
It is rumored that former President Mahama will once again choose former Education Minister, Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang as his running mate for the 2024 general elections.
John Mahama and Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman
The venue and logistical details for these meetings, the party said, will be communicated directly to all participants in due course.
“The NDC is confident that the running mate will bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication to our campaign. The selection will undoubtedly complement the vision of our esteemed leader, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, as we collectively strive to “Build the Ghana We Want together,’” Mr Kwetey noted in a statement issued on February 27, 2024.
According to the opposition party, it remains committed to working tirelessly towards positive transformation and progress for the country.
“We express our sincere gratitude to our supporters for their steadfast loyalty and unwavering commitment. Together, let us join hands and embark on this journey towards a brighter future for Ghana. Long live the NDC, long live Ghana!” the statement concluded.
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated his steadfast commitment to fulfilling all commitments made to the Ghanaian public if entrusted with the mandate in the upcoming 2024 general election.
Speaking at the 2024 NDC Policy Dialogue in Peduase in the Eastern Region on Friday, Mr. Mahama emphasized key promises, including reducing the size of the government, eliminating ex gratia, and scrapping the e-levy.
“I mean business on the promises I have made and intend to keep them,” the former President said.
The NDC flagbearer underscored the practicality of his policy proposals, such as the “24-Hour Economy” and the “Digital Jobs Initiative,” asserting that these initiatives could significantly improve the country’s prospects, especially its economic landscape.
“Since 2021, I have outlined over 60 distinct policy proposals, meticulously designed to restore our economy and overall national life to a much improved state,” he added.
The two-day NDC Policy Dialogue witnessed active participation from various party groups, engaging in discussions and refining policy proposals slated for inclusion in the party’s 2024 election manifesto.
Former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, has issued a stern warning to both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), urging them not to involve him in their campaign strategies for the upcoming 2024 elections in Ghana.
In a recent write-up dated February 23, 2024, Amidu emphasized that he refuses to be dragged into the political agendas of either party, cautioning that any attempts to do so may lead to dire consequences. He emphasized that his patience has limits and hinted at potential explosive reactions if his name continues to be exploited for political gain.
Amidu, who served notice through a statement copied to MyNewsGh.com, highlighted that even President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is aware of his unwavering stance and would not dare provoke him. Having been a part of both the current regime and the previous NDC government, Amidu asserted his independence and warned that he would not hesitate to speak out if his name or past actions were used as reference points in the electioneering campaigns.
“I have stated elsewhere that the 2024 presidential election is going to be a contest between the lesser of two evils under the 1992 Constitution. In making that decision the non-sycophantic reasonable electorate may have to weigh the effects of the biblical and koranic edicts on punishment and repentance, and continued sin camouflaged with polished deception,” he remarked.
Moreover, Amidu emphasized the danger of exploiting his words or writings from the pre-Akufo-Addo/Bawumia era, cautioning both the NDC and the NPP against using them for their own political gains. He hinted at his potential knowledge of sensitive matters within the current regime, suggesting that he could be privy to information that others may not fully comprehend.
“Remember that I worked with this regime and may be privy to things Nana Akomea and his like cannot fathom. Nana Akufo-Addo knows how lethal I could be if the NPP puts temptation in my path,” he concluded.
Amidu’s warning underscores the delicate political landscape in Ghana as the country approaches the 2024 elections. His insistence on neutrality and refusal to be manipulated for political purposes serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and independence in the electoral process.
An independent parliamentary candidate for Nkoranza North, Charles Owusu, has issued a challenge to former President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to provide detailed clarifications on his proposed 24-hour economy policy in a public lecture.
Owusu’s call comes amidst concerns over the clarity and feasibility of the policy, particularly regarding its implementation and practical implications.
The 24-hour economy policy, a centerpiece of Mahama’s campaign as the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has drawn scrutiny from various quarters, with some questioning its coherence and effectiveness. Owusu, in particular, has criticized the explanations provided by NDC communicators, labeling them as confusing and insufficient to grasp the essence of the policy.
Mahama’s proposal envisions a Ghanaian economy that operates around the clock, with incentives and tax breaks for manufacturers to run extra shifts aimed at boosting employment opportunities.
However, Charles Owusu contends that the lack of clarity surrounding the policy raises doubts about its practicality and relevance, especially in industries where demand does not justify round-the-clock operations.
“Mahama should mount the stage and tell us what his 24-hour economy is about,” Owusu demanded, echoing calls for the former president to provide comprehensive insights into the policy’s objectives and mechanisms.
Owusu further highlighted the importance of demand-supply dynamics in the success of a 24-hour economy, emphasizing that industries and individuals must have compelling reasons to extend their operating hours. He raised questions about the feasibility of implementing such a policy in sectors where demand fluctuations do not warrant continuous operations.
The independent candidate’s remarks were made during an appearance on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” Morning Show, where he challenged the practicality of Mahama’s proposal and called for a clearer exposition of its rationale and implementation strategy.
Owusu’s critique underscores broader concerns within the electorate regarding the NDC’s policy platform and the need for transparent and comprehensive explanations from political leaders. As the 2024 elections draw closer, the clarity and coherence of campaign promises are expected to play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions and electoral outcomes.
Former President John Dramani Mahama and the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of attempting to undermine his main policy proposal for the 2024 elections, the 24-hour economy policy.
Mr Mahama asserted that the NPP’s response to this proposal has been marked by misinformation and propaganda, signaling what he described as an “uneasy calm” within the ruling party.
He claimed that the widespread acceptance of the 24-hour economy policy has unsettled the NPP, prompting them to resort to deceitful tactics in a bid to discredit the proposal in the eyes of the Ghanaian public.
He further emphasized that Ghanaians, having learned from past experiences, would not be swayed by such tactics, recognizing them as attempts by the NPP to maintain their grip on power through falsehoods.
“The widespread acceptance of the 24-hour policy appears to have sent the NPP campaign into a tailspin, leading to a serious effort to attack it through colony and disinformation in these last few days. But fortified with the knowledge that the days when the NPP assumed that they could use falsehood to deceive Ghanaians for electoral advantage are over,” Mahama stated.
Mahama further asserted that Ghanaians would not believe the NPP, particularly in light of what he described as their “horrific performance” during their seven years in power. He expressed confidence that the electorate would see through the NPP’s tactics and make informed decisions during the upcoming elections.
The NDC’s Policy Dialogue, held on February 22, 2024, aimed to discuss the party’s policy priorities for the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 7, 2024, with a specific focus on the 24-hour economy proposal. The event brought together approximately 200 experts, drawn from the Minority Caucus of Parliament and the Social Democratic LAB thematic groups, covering areas such as human development, finance, economy, and governance.
Mahama’s remarks underscore the intensifying political climate in Ghana as parties gear up for the upcoming elections, with policy proposals and their reception becoming focal points of debate and contention.
As the campaign season progresses, both the NDC and the NPP are expected to continue advocating for their respective platforms while engaging in robust exchanges over the direction of the country’s future policies and governance.
A Senior Research Fellow of the Kumasi Technical University, Professor Smart Sarpong, has asked the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to provide a better explanation of the 24-hour economy proposed by former President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking in an interview on Peace FM, Prof Smart noted that Ghanaians have been plunged into a state of confusion given the various conflicting explanations offered by members of the NDC.
Giving his submission, he lauded the policy, however, he contended that the various conflicting explanations are marring its beauty.
He, thus, entreated the party to come clear on the subject so that Ghanaians can have a serious conversion on it.
“Those who are explaining do not seem to have a full grasp of the policy. it also If it is that serious, let’s have a serious conversation about it,” he said.
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ayisha Alhassan, has challenged the job creation claims of New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, stating that his assertion of generating approximately 2.1 million jobs since 2017 contradicts official unemployment statistics from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
Alhassan, speaking on TV3, questioned the credibility of Vice President Bawumia’s figures, pointing to the GSS report indicating 1.3 million unemployed youth aged 15–35. She labeled Bawumia’s job creation narrative as inconsistent and fabricated.
“If you lie about creating 1.2 million jobs, the unemployment rates will expose you. The Ghana unemployment rate went up from 1.2 to 1.3 million, yet Alhaji Bawumia says he has created 2.1 million jobs,” she remarked.
“When you lie about creating 1.2 million jobs, the unemployment rates will expose you. The Ghana unemployment rate went up from 1.2 to 1.3 million, yet Alhaji Bawumia says he has created 2.1 million jobs.
“As for the stories about job creation, I don’t even want to go into the inconsistencies because previously, it was 5.3, then it moved to 2.3, and now we have 2.1 million jobs. I don’t know if they concoct those figures to come and announce to us,” she stated.
Ayisha Alhassan argued that genuine job creation would manifest in economic improvements such as enhanced economic growth, reduced interest rates, and increased tax revenues.
Contrary to this, she highlighted the current economic challenges of high inflation, debt, and fiscal deficits.
“If you have created 2.1 million jobs, it should reflect in the economy, as it will mean that a lot of economic activities will be going on. There would be a beef up in economic growth. Your interest rates would positively reflect it. Unfortunately, all economic indicators are pointing down south. They do not support any of these rhetoric,” she added.
Vice President Bawumia had proclaimed the creation of around 2.1 million jobs, covering both formal and informal sectors, during a lecture on February 7.
In a recent broadcast on The Citizen Show aired by Accra 100.5 FM, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) voiced its frustration over the pervasive corruption within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Abigail Elorm Mensah, Deputy Women’s Organiser of the NDC, shed light on the party’s struggles in tackling the rampant corruption plaguing the government.
Ms. Mensah underscored the overwhelming influx of corruption reports inundating the NDC from the NPP administration on a daily basis. She elucidated the party’s reluctance to push further on some corruption issues, attributing it to the daunting scale of corruption within the NPP ranks.
During the discussion, Ms. Mensah didn’t mince words in highlighting the alarming levels of corruption proliferating under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia. She emphasized the normalization of corruption under their tenure, with new scandals surfacing regularly.
Citing instances such as the controversial Agyapa Deal, GRA-SML deal, and accusations of nepotism involving the Vice President’s immediate family, Ms. Mensah painted a grim picture of the pervasive corruption corroding the government’s integrity.
Despite the uphill battle, Ms. Mensah praised the NDC Minority for their unwavering commitment to combatting corruption amidst the challenges posed by the Akufo-Addo administration.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, in collaboration with the party’s leadership and the NDC Social Democracy LAB, a policy think tank, is set to host a National Policy Dialogue.
This event aims to discuss and deliberate on the NDC’s policy priorities for the upcoming 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in Ghana.
Scheduled to take place from February 22nd to 23rd in the Eastern Region, the Policy Dialogue will specifically center on the theme of the 24-hour economy.
The focus is to generate and prioritize policy proposals geared towards the transformation and reconstruction of Ghana.
The participation of 200 experts is anticipated, representing diverse areas including Party structures, the Minority Caucus of Parliament, and the Social Democratic LAB thematic groups, which cover Human Development, Finance and Economy, and Governance.
In a press release dated February 21, the NDC emphasized that the Policy Dialogue serves as a crucial step in the preparation for the development of the 2024 Manifesto.
The objective is to lay the groundwork for a strategic, efficient, and streamlined government, effective from January 2025.
“The Dialogue will focus on the 24-hour economy, and prioritize policy proposals to transform and rebuild Ghana. 200 experts will participate in the Policy Dialogue. They are drawn from the Party structures, Minority Caucus of Parliament and the Social Democratic LAB thematic groups; comprising Human Development; Finance and Economy; and Governance,” a press release dated February 21 said.
“The Policy Dialogue is in preparation towards the 2024 Manifesto development process and will propel grounds for a strategic, efficient and lean Government come January 2025,” the NDC noted.
The release added that, “The Dialogue will be addressed by the Flagbearer H.E John Dramani Mahama on Friday, 23rd February, 2024.”
The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has asserted the party’s confidence that Ghanaians will reject the ruling NPP government.
During a press conference titled the “Moment of Truth” series in Accra, Mr Gyamfi criticized the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government for spending USD$12 million on the failed Agyapa Royalties deal.
Mr Gyamfi stated, “The only way Ghanaians can get to the bottom of the litany of corruption acts and scandals involving officials of this government, including [Vice President] Bawumia himself, is for the good people of Ghana to resoundingly boot the NPP out of government on 7th December 2024.” He emphasized that voting the NPP out is “the surest bet of exacting genuine accountability” for corrupt acts in the current government.
The CEO of the Minerals Income Investment Fund, Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, informed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that $12 million was spent on the Agyapa Royalties deal, which President Nana Akufo-Addo cancelled in 2021.
“My understanding, honourable chair, is that the Ministry of Finance procured the services of international consultancy and companies and financial institutions that have done this in the past and that the advice provided was what Ministry of Finance stood on”, Mr Koranteng told the committee on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
“We started with the Ministry of Finance and from the documents that we have, it is clear that the correct advice was provided on the set-up of a gold royalties company where the streaming of the royalties would benefit Ghana,” he added.
Mr Gyamfi promised that the next NDC government would investigate the Agyapa scandal, recover illegal payments, and ensure prosecution of all perpetrators.
The NDC also pledged to probe and prosecute those involved in the failed Agyapa Royalties deal when in office.
Netizens are reacting to a viral video showcasing opposition messages from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In the footage, NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is seen during his 2016 campaign, accusing former President John Dramani Mahama of causing an economic crisis across various sectors.
Bawumia asserted, “Teachers are suffering, teachers’ trainees are suffering, nurses are suffering and nurses’ trainees are suffering, patients are suffering, students are suffering, traders are suffering, pensioners are suffering, drivers are suffering, constructors are suffering, civil servants are suffering and farmers are suffering. Fishermen are suffering and industries are suffering.”
Similarly, the National Communication Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, is heard criticizing the NPP with similar words used by Bawumia while in opposition.
He listed various groups, stating, “Students are suffering; teachers are suffering; nurses are suffering; doctors are suffering; market women are suffering; drivers are suffering; mates are suffering; Okada riders are suffering; engineers are suffering; pastors are suffering; journalists are suffering; spare parts dealers are suffering; women are suffering; men are suffering; ‘boys boys’ are suffering; ‘girls girls’ are suffering; children are suffering, and all of us are suffering.”
In response to this comparison, an X user wrote, “Who did it better? Chale, are we coming or going? I just want so much more for my motherland… How long will Ghanaians suffer?”
In 2021, discontented Ghanaians expressed their dissatisfaction with President Akufo-Addo’s administration through the #FixTheCountry protest held in Accra.
Protesters, dressed in red and black, passionately chanted patriotic songs and displayed placards calling for an end to corruption and immediate reforms in the education system.
The protest, was the latest expression of anti-government sentiment since March 2020, following the dismissal of the main opposition party’s challenge to Akufo-Addo’s re-election by the top court.
Despite securing a second term with a narrow majority in parliament, President Akufo-Addo has faced increasing pressure as Ghana grapples with economic challenges heightened by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Protesters voiced their frustrations with chants like, “Nana Akufo-Addo, we’re suffering. Do something for us. Nothing is working,” reflecting discontent with the current state of affairs.
who did it better? chale, are we coming or going? I just want so much more for my motherland… how long will Ghanaians suffer for ? pic.twitter.com/lbePHIJGFu
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Hohoe, Thomas Worlanyo, has taken his campaign to a unique level by engaging in everyday activities with the residents.
In a recent campaign effort, Worlanyo was seen peeling cassava for women at Hohoe Zongo as part of his house-to-house campaign strategy.
In a video, Worlanyo skillfully rotates the cassava as he keeps peeling of its skin.
His gesture was warmly received by the women, who appreciated his efforts to interact with them in such a meaningful way.
NDC parliamentary candidate for Hohoe Thomas Worlanyo peeling cassava for women at Hohoe Zongo as part of his house-to-house campaign .#StarrNewspic.twitter.com/0tTcteJ3il
In a video that has since gone viral, the man, identified as Alex, cannot be seen but is rather heard addressing the river in a traditional ritual.
He called upon the water, which he refers to as “Kyiglimi,” and declared his submission to its power.
Alex then went ahead to pronounce curses on anyone who harbors ill will towards him, regardless of their political affiliation.
He specifically mentioned the NPP and NDC, stating that he leaves those individuals to face misfortune, including road accidents, and wishes for the collapse of their parties and the perishing of their descendants.
“Water, speak, you have power. Anyone in this world drinks water. Anyone who thinks badly of me, either NPP or NDC, I leave the individual to a road accident. Let their descendants perish. Let the party collapse,” he said.
A Ghanaian man visited a river to curse the two major political parties in Ghana and some of their supporters who have been hating and having negative thoughts about him. pic.twitter.com/DURAnruU8h
Mustapha was charged with Offensive Conduct conducive to a breach of peace and making threats of death.
The arrest followed a viral video in which Alhassan Mustapha was seen making inflammatory remarks, specifically challenging the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and threatening violence if they attempted to manipulate the elections.
The video raised concerns about potential unrest.
After being charged, the police granted him bail, allowing for his release pending further legal proceedings.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NDC, Augustus Nana Kwasi, insisted after his release that there was nothing wrong with the Constituency Organizer’s statement.
The planned reshuffle of the Majority leadership in Parliament has been temporarily suspended to allow President Akuffo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) leadership to consult with the Majority Caucus.
This decision, made in light of the delicate legal framework of the new Standing Orders of Parliament, emphasizes the need to align leadership changes with established legal procedures.
Originally set to be disclosed on Monday, the reshuffle was a prominent agenda item in the National Executive Committee and National Council meetings at the Alisa Hotel in Accra. The current Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, is expected to be succeeded by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, with potential changes in other key positions.
However, a meeting with the President on Monday led to the decision to temporarily halt the reshuffle. The President and the party’s leadership plan to consult with the parliamentary caucus before implementing any changes, aligning with the legal provisions under Order 6 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Sources suggest that a meeting is being planned for Wednesday or Tuesday, aiming to discuss the proposed changes with the Majority caucus and ensure their support and agreement. This consultative approach is rooted in the legal provisions, particularly Order 6, giving the Majority Caucus the authority to designate the Majority Leader.
The involvement of the caucus in the reshuffle process reflects a commitment to democratic principles, considering the legal and procedural nuances involved.
The recent revision of Standing Orders has shifted the authority to the Majority and Minority Caucuses, departing from the traditional role of the party’s National Council.
“It’s a move indicative of a broader commitment to uphold democratic principles within the party’s decision-making processes,” one source told CitiNews. “This approach not only aligns with the procedural requirements set out in the Standing Orders of Parliament but also resonates with the ethos of inclusive and lawful governance,” the source added.
The legal framework for this process is based on provisions in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Standing Orders of Parliament, and the NPP Constitution.
The Standing Orders, especially Order 6, redefine the “Majority Leader” as designated by the Majority Caucus, highlighting the Caucus’s role in selecting its leader.
While potential constitutional inconsistencies exist between party constitutions and parliamentary procedures, legal experts suggest that amendments to the NPP Constitution could provide a long-term solution. Aligning Article 10 with the new Standing Orders would streamline the process of selecting parliamentary leadership, ensuring legal conformity and party coherence.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged to pursue legal action against government officials involved in the controversial $12 million expenditure on the suspended Gold Royalties Monetisation Transaction, (Agyapa deal), if it wins the December polls.
Addressing journalists during the party’s ‘Moment of Truth’ Press Conference in Accra on February 19, Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the NDC, accused the Akufo-Addo government of orchestrating the deal to defraud Ghanaians.
“Fellow countrymen and women, the “Agyapa” scam clearly amounts to wilfully causing financial loss to the state, and the culprits of same must not go unpunished. We in the NDC, and all well-meaning Ghanaians, repose huge trust and confidence in H.E John Mahama, to pursue and retrieve for the state, public funds that have been lost to looting schemes such as this “Agyapa” scandal, the PDS scandal, the “BOSTGATE” scandal and other acts of naked thievery by officials of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and their party apparatchiks,” said Sammy Gyamfi, National Communications Officer of the NDC.
“The flagbearer of the NDC and incoming President, John Mahama, at the time, vowed to cancel the fraudulent Agyapa royalties deal if he won the 2020 general elections. That position has not changed. The OSP found that payments were fraudulently made to some entities under the deal. Entities like Databank, a company founded and still owned by Ken Ofori-Atta, the immediate Finance Minister, and cousin of President Akufo-Addo. The Office of the Special Prosecutor also found similar illegal payments were made to Africa Legal Associates, a law firm belonging to Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko. All these payments were found by the OSP to be unlawful, yet these payments did not benefit the country in any way. The money has gone into the hands of the President, Ken Ofori-Atta, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, and his few cronies.”
“We have stated times without number that the Agyapa Royalties deal was fraudulent, cooked, and schemed by the corrupt Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government. For the sole purpose of appropriating mineral royalties of the country for themselves in perpetuity. Ghanaians will recall that during the intense public debate on the infamous Agyapa deal, the NDC took a principled decision to stand with the people of Ghana. We kicked against the whole Agyapa arrangement. On grounds that the country’s mineral royalties have been grossly undervalued under the opaque deal. And was going to deny future governments and generations future minerals for development. It is the height of cruelty that the government of President Akufo-Addo and Bawumia engaged in this naked thievery and brazen abuse of the public purse.”
He further criticized President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for what he termed as a brazen abuse of the public purse.
Mr Gyamfi highlighted the fraudulent payments made under the deal, specifically mentioning entities like Databank and Africa Legal Associates.
He emphasized the potential projects that could have benefited the citizens if the funds were allocated appropriately.
He concluded by lamenting the misuse of public funds, emphasizing that the money from the Agyapa deal could have been used for critical projects benefiting citizens.
Background
Parliament passed the Minerals Income Investment Fund Act, 2018 (MIIF Act 978) with the key objective of maximizing the country’s mineral wealth for the benefit of Ghanaians while ensuring that receiving royalties from gold mining companies was sustainable.
The law was amended to enable it to incorporate subsidiaries and to use it as a special purpose vehicle to do business across the world.
The main subsidiary of the MIIF and holding company, Agyapa Royalties Investment Ltd, would have been listed on the London Stock Exchange, while its subsidiary, ARG Royalties Ltd, would have been quoted on the Ghana Stock Exchange, both through initial public offerings.
The company was to be be responsible for managing 75.6 percent of the country’s royalty inflow from the 12 gold mining companies that currently operate in Ghana, with four more expected to come on stream.
That was to enable the country to raise about $1 billion to finance mining concessions in Ghana and across Africa.
Following the public uproar that greeted the move and the corruption risk assessment submitted by a former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, to the President., President Akufo-Addo in November 2020, instructed the Minister of Finance to resubmit the agreements supporting the Agyapa deal to Parliament for the approval process to start all over again.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has leveled accusations of corruption against the Akufo-Addo-led administration.
During a press conference held at the Adabraka party headquarters on February 19, 2024, Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communication Officer, asserted that Ghanaians are enduring hardship due to corruption within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
Mr Gyamfi specifically targeted Vice President Bawumia, who also serves as the NPP flagbearer, alleging his involvement in various scandals within the current administration.
The NDC contended that Dr. Bawumia lacks credibility in fighting corruption and is portrayed to Ghanaians as a “puppet” of President Akufo-Addo, with the primary objective of shielding wrongdoers and covering up the administration’s corruption.
Mr Gyamfi emphasized, “Today, Ghanaians are suffering because the meagre resources of the country which are supposed to be put to judicious use for the benefit of all Ghanaians, have been hijacked by the greedy, selfish and corrupt Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and their accomplices in the ruling New Patriotic Party.
“…we are suffering because of the unprecedented corruption we are witnessing under Akufo-Addo and his corrupt protégé Bawumia. It’s as simple as that,” he said.
The party has therefore urged Ghanaians to reject Dr. Bawumia and the NPP in the elections and vote to return John Mahama and the NDC to restore accountability.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the press, the fact is, “appearance fee” merchant Bawumia is corrupt and cannot be trusted to fight corruption. The only way Ghanaians can get to the bottom of the litany of corrupt acts and scandals involving officials of this government including Bawumia himself, is for the good people of Ghana to resoundingly boot the NPP out of office on 7th December, 2024.
“H.E John Dramani Mahama has demonstrated both in government and out of government, that he detests corruption, and will never condone corruption, nor shield perpetrators of corrupt acts.
“He has stated clearly, that the days of the corruption clearing agent, will come to an end on January 7, 2025, when by the grace of God, he assumes office as President. He has said and demonstrated before, that the sword of the fight against corruption will cut both ways under his government, whether you are a member of his government or not.
“… call on the Ghanaian electorate not to allow President Akufo-Addo and his corrupt cabal of family and friends, to install as President, their puppet (Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia), whose sole mission is to cover-up the many ills of this remarkably corrupt administration and insulate wrongdoers including himself, from prosecution,” he added.
The NDC called on Ghanaians to reject Dr. Bawumia and the NPP in the upcoming elections, advocating for the return of John Mahama and the NDC to restore accountability.
Mustapha Alhassan, the Manhyia South constituency organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region, is expected to report to the police headquarters today.
This follows the police declaring him wanted after a viral video showed him issuing threats of electoral violence.
The regional executives of the NDC have expressed their dissatisfaction with the summons and have stated their intention to accompany Mustapha Alhassan to the police station with a legal team to provide him with the necessary representation.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the NDC’s Ashanti regional secretary, stated in an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM that the party is well-prepared for any challenges at the police headquarters.
He also mentioned that they are prepared to seek the arrest of the NPP official who was on the show with Mustapha Alhassan if necessary.
“We are going with our lawyers, and we are ready for whatever legal tussle. If we need to file a counter-complaint for them to arrest the NPP official, we will do the same, and if we need to perform a citizen’s arrest and bring the NPP official to the police, we will do that.”
“Even if the audio is out there without an edit, the person is still innocent until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction saying otherwise, and so we cannot be prejudicial in this matter,” he told host of Eyewitness News, Umaru Sanda Amadu.
He also added that Mustapha Alhassan was a victim of misreporting, as he was simply responding to his co-panelist and had no intention of threatening harm to anyone.
“From our investigations and checks, the officer was only serving notice to the NPP official that anybody who rigs the 2024 elections is only preparing a platform for blablabla… and so it was a response to the NPP official, and we can’t be prejudicial condemning someone without hearing him out.”
Chairman of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, Samuel Atta Akyea, has advised the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) against making divisive statements in its quest for political power.
His remarks come in response to the NDC’s National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, who has vowed that a future NDC administration will take legal action against government officials and individuals implicated in the $12 million expenditure on the suspended Gold Royalties Monetisation Transaction, also known as the Agyapa deal.
Mr. Akyea emphasized that while the opposition is determined to win the election, it should avoid making statements that could jeopardize the peace and security of the country.
Speaking on JoyFM’s Top Story on February 19, he said, “Bear in mind that in this feverish pitch to succeed Akufo-Addo, NDC should not sort of make a fetish of every issue as if everything is criminal.
“This nation is not safe with this level of propaganda and press conferences are not just conclusive evidence of culpability and criminality as it were. I want to stress also let’s be careful. If there is a poor error of judgment in the investment in Agyapa, it will not be tantamount to criminality.
The Agyapa deal was enacted through the Minerals Income Investment Fund Act, 2018 (MIIF Act 978) with the primary objective of leveraging the nation’s mineral resources to benefit its citizens and ensure the sustainable receipt of royalties from gold mining companies.
However, the deal faced significant criticism and was ultimately suspended by President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2021 following concerns raised by civil society groups and the main opposition.
During the same discussion, Mr. Gyamfi maintained that the investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor demonstrated that the Agyapa deal was not advantageous to the state, leading to its suspension.
“If the Special prosecutor was not a court and the President does not agree with the position of the Special Prosecutor, why suspend the bill?” he quizzed.
However, Mr. Atta Akyea argued that it would be more appropriate for the NDC to address the issue in court rather than assuming guilt on the part of individuals.
“If you convert the thinking of NDC to the decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, we know what the law is like.
“The accused persons will have a right to stand, they present the evidence and the rest of it, and it will culminate in a decision. If we don’t go this route and we still believe that in the name of propaganda, let’s turn the laws of Ghana upside down and in the convenience of a one-sided press conference let’s denigrate others, I am afraid that is not democracy, that is propaganda,” he added.
Mr. Akyea emphasized that in criminal matters, the passage of time does not invalidate a criminal case.
The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region has criticized the police’s decision to declare Alhaji Mustapha Alhasan, its Manhyia South Constituency Organiser, wanted.
They view this action as an overreaction and a diversionary tactic from the country’s current hardships.
Alhaji Alhasan came under police scrutiny following his inflammatory comments captured in a widely circulated video. In the video, he vehemently opposes the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and threatens violence if they attempt to rig the elections.
He even suggests engaging in potentially fatal violent clashes to ensure the victory of the NDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC, expressed these views in an interview on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi FM on Monday. He argued that the police showed bias against the NDC and clarified that Alhaji Alhasan’s comments were a response to provocative remarks made by an NPP member during a conversation.
Dr. Amoakohene further questioned the rationale behind the police’s decision to declare their well-known Manhyia South Constituency Organiser wanted.
“It is an exaggeration, and it can be likened to killing a farmer with a sledgehammer. And this is just a purported action to divert the attention of Ghanaians from the hardship that is going on in the [country], because it takes two to tango, and it takes two to have a conversation. It was a conversation between an NDC person and an NPP person. They managed to get the video out which has the NPP person’s comment edited out of the video, and then now you declare an officer wanted without having to resort to the institution to produce the officer.”
“So if you know you can find the person, then you should publish the person’s name without associating him with the NDC but if you want to associate him with the NDC then you should come to the regional leadership that we have come across a video from an officer of the party and the police would want to have a conversation with him. Then the regional leadership can produce the officer for you. But you have attached the NDC to the officer, you didn’t come to the regional leadership and yet declared him wanted on social media. But from my understanding, you only declare someone wanted when the person cannot be found or the person has gone into hiding. This is an officer that you in the police you know, and he is a tailor to most of the policemen, and it is not as though he is even a stranger or somebody you don’t know,” he noted.
The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region has criticised the Ghana Police Service for what they perceive as bias in handling political matters in the country.
This criticism stems from the police’s decision to declare Mustapha Alhassan, the Manhyia South Constituency Organiser for the NDC, a wanted individual following his alleged threats of electoral violence in a viral video.
The NDC has voiced their dissatisfaction with the police’s handling of the situation, alleging that the law enforcement agency has shown partiality and selectivity in its actions.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC, raised concerns about the decision to declare Alhassan wanted without first consulting the party’s leadership.
Amoakohene, speaking in an interview with Citi News on February 19, 2024, argued that Alhassan is a well-known public figure and an executive member of the NDC. Therefore, he believes that the police could have collaborated with the party to facilitate his investigation.
“We saw a notice from the police that one of our officers is declared wanted. In the first place, why would you declare an officer, an identifiable person, wanted? It just tells you that they are out there to play mischief. Because you know that he is the organiser of the party, the right thing must be done. You have to go to the regional leadership for us to produce him.
“Because we are not fighting in the region and we are in a good working relationship. So don’t jump to social media and declare officers wanted when you have not made any frantic efforts in getting the party to produce the person,” citinewsroom.com quoted him to have said.
He pointed out cases where members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) purportedly made comparable public remarks advocating violence without encountering equivalent police intervention.
The Ghana Police Service issued a wanted notice for Mustapha after a video of him emerged on social media, wherein he was recorded issuing threats of violence in the 2024 elections if any attempt is made to rig the vote.
The suspect was seen cautioning the Electoral Commission (EC), the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), and individuals engaged in the electoral process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMoL-JJp_RQ
In the video, shared by GHOne TV on Twitter, he is heard stating, “I am telling the EC officer, the woman and the NPP that if they are planning to steal the elections… we will show you how to win an election,” he said.
“I am telling them that we have informed John Mahama that, whether you like it or not, wherever you go, we are fully organised and will show you how to win an election.
“We have won an election from the NPP before, and we will show you. There would be war between us, and if you dare, we will kill you,” the NDC organiser added.
He continued, “We are aware… if you plan on stealing the elections, we will show you. If you plan on not handing over power in case we win, we are aware and will show you,” he added.
Meanwhile, the NDC has insisted that they will present Alhaji Mustapha Alhassan on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
The accused is said to have declined to give details, insisting the party has barred him from speaking to the media.
He, however, disclosed to reporter Ivan Heathcote–Fumador that he was provoked by a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who contended the NPP would not be ‘fools’ to hand over power to an NDC administration.
“This guy I hear is from Asenso Boakye’s camp. He is a teacher.
“He provoked me by saying, ‘if President J.A. Kufuor was a fool to have handed over power to the NDC, President Akufo–Addo will not be a fool to hand over power to John Mahama’,” he recounted.
Alhaji Mustapha Alhasan also mentioned that he was not aware he was being recorded when he was involved in a heated exchange with the alleged NPP member.
Speaking to Starr FM, he expressed feeling betrayed by the edited video, which only showed his side of the conversation while omitting the provocations from the other party, portraying him unfairly.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) is poised to unveil its policy recommendations intended to guide political parties in formulating their manifestos for the upcoming general elections.
This proactive approach aims to ensure the effective integration of GNAT members’ needs into the political agendas of various parties.
In an interview with Citi News in Accra, Thomas Musah, the General Secretary of GNAT, emphasized the departure from a reactive stance to a proactive role in presenting policy suggestions to political entities.
Mr Musah explained, “We have put a team together, and they are working on a policy document. This time, we do not want to go by the reactionary approach where a government official will speak, and then we would be called upon to respond. We also want to give them what we want and then put these things into your manifesto. We want to give them a particular document to factor into their manifesto,” he added.
The GNAT General Secretary highlighted the association’s commitment to safeguarding its members’ welfare by leading in the formulation of policy proposals. The aim is to ensure that the concerns of educators are given priority and adequately addressed in political party manifestos.
“Sovereignty resides in the people. It is in the interest of the people that you are there. For the welfare of our members, we are putting some documents together. So now when it comes to accountability and we are referring, we can also refer to the kind of demand we made on them,” Musah affirmed.
Assuring a timely release, he stated, “All things being equal, we are sure that by the close of this week, we should be able to communicate with the political parties.”
The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has expressed a clear preference for the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over that of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
During an event at the Dome Kwabenya constituency where party flags were unveiled for the upcoming 2024 elections, Kwetey characterized the vice president as a symbol of deception and hypocrisy, labeling him “the biggest liar” in Ghana’s history.
“Bawumia is the worst of them all. The biggest liar, that person, if you joke and you think Nana Akufo-Addo was bad, then I am telling you he is going to be far worse.
“Nana Akufo-Addo may have all the problems, but trust me if you put Nana Akufo-Addo and Bawumia [together], I will choose Nana Akufo-Addo and leave Bawumia,” he asserted.
While acknowledging the flaws of President Akufo-Addo, Kwetey highlighted the president’s straightforward nature, emphasizing that Akufo-Addo doesn’t pretend.
“Nana Akufo-Addo may be desperate, he may be bad, but at least Nana Akufo-Addo does not pretend. If he doesn’t like you, he doesn’t like you, but this one is a snake who smiles with you but is dangerous.”
Kwetey urged NDC members to actively work towards preventing Bawumia from becoming president in the 2024 elections.
The Canada Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC-Canada) has officially sworn in its newly elected executives, ushering in a team of committed individuals to lead the organization.
The newly appointed executives are as follows:
Chairman: Mr. Gameli R.K. Atakuma
1st Vice Chairman: Mr. Aliu Abdul-Hamid
2nd Vice Chairman: Ms. Keli Binder
Secretary: Dr. Eric Asempa
Organizer: Mr. Michael Ologo
Deputy Organizer: Ms. Freda Atsunyo
Women Organizer: Ms. Aseye Kpodo
Deputy Women Organizer: Mr. Mabel E. Asempah-Darko
Treasurer: Ms. Sharon Cudjoe
Deputy Treasurer: Ms. Samira Dzormeku
Youth Organizer: Mr. Frank Opoku
Deputy Youth Organizer: Mr. Ahmed Ibn Wahab
Communication Officer: Ms. Francisca Arhin
Deputy Communication Officer: Mr. Ahmed S. Zakaria
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the newly elected executives, Chairman Gamali R.K. Atakuma thanked the various branches constituting the NDC Canada Chapter for their commitment to the electoral roadmap initiated over four years ago. He urged members to translate their commitments into actionable initiatives to strengthen and invigorate the NDC Canada chapter.
Offering words of wisdom to the new leadership, Dr. Karl Arhin, Deputy Director of the International Relations Directorate (IRD), acknowledged the challenges facing the NDC Canada chapter. He commended the entire membership, particularly the Special Chapter Electoral Committee chaired by Dr. Wutor Victor, for their dedication and contributions.
Dr. Karl Arhin expressed confidence that the NDC Canada chapter would continue to play a significant role in the 2024 elections and the NDC as a whole. He reassured members that their contributions would not be in vain and encouraged them to maintain faith in the party while the new executives remained focused on their responsibilities.
