The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) National Organiser, Joseph Yammin, has affirmed that the party is prepared to protect ballots in the 2024 general election through any necessary means.
Mr Yammin emphasized that the NDC’s experience of assault, rigging, and intimidation in the 2020 elections will not be repeated, and any such actions will be countered.
In an interview on Okay FM, Mr Yammin stated, “Do you think we are going into the election to clap for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia? We are going to win the election and if winning the election means that we have to protect ourself, we are going to do that.
“We are not going into the election to watch on for Bawumia to become president. We are going to tell Ghanaians to make Mahama president because he is the only person that can save this nation.
“We are going to vote and if it calls that we have to also protect the ballot boxes, we are going to do that, whatever means we need to protect the ballot boxes, we are telling you and telling everybody listening to you that we will do it.
“No matter the intimidation, no matter what. We will not sit aloof. The palms that were used to slap people in 2020 we also have some and we don’t just use ours to eat fufu, we can also slap someone,”
Yammin’s remarks follow a police statement announcing an investigation into a similar statement made by the Deputy National Secretary of the party, Mustapha Gbandi.
The police deemed Gbandi’s call for NDC supporters to be armed at polling stations as potential incitement.
In response, Yammin defended Gbandi’s position and criticized the police for not addressing incidents of electoral intimidation and violence by the ruling New Patriotic Party against the NDC.
He emphasized that the NDC will protect its ballots if the police cannot guarantee a free, fair, and transparent election.
The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) National Organiser, Joseph Yammin, has affirmed that the party is prepared to protect ballots in the 2024 general election through any necessary means.
Mr Yammin emphasized that the NDC’s experience of assault, rigging, and intimidation in the 2020 elections will not be repeated, and any such actions will be countered.
In an interview on Okay FM, Mr Yammin stated, “Do you think we are going into the election to clap for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia? We are going to win the election and if winning the election means that we have to protect ourself, we are going to do that.
“We are not going into the election to watch on for Bawumia to become president. We are going to tell Ghanaians to make Mahama president because he is the only person that can save this nation.
“We are going to vote and if it calls that we have to also protect the ballot boxes, we are going to do that, whatever means we need to protect the ballot boxes, we are telling you and telling everybody listening to you that we will do it.
“No matter the intimidation, no matter what. We will not sit aloof. The palms that were used to slap people in 2020 we also have some and we don’t just use ours to eat fufu, we can also slap someone,”
Yammin’s remarks follow a police statement announcing an investigation into a similar statement made by the Deputy National Secretary of the party, Mustapha Gbandi.
The police deemed Gbandi’s call for NDC supporters to be armed at polling stations as potential incitement.
In response, Yammin defended Gbandi’s position and criticized the police for not addressing incidents of electoral intimidation and violence by the ruling New Patriotic Party against the NDC.
He emphasized that the NDC will protect its ballots if the police cannot guarantee a free, fair, and transparent election.
Retired Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah has issued a caution to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging vigilance to ensure that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) does not secure victory in the upcoming 2024 elections.
COP Mensah, who recently filed to contest the parliamentary seat in the Bekwai constituency, emphasized that the NPP is the sole political party with the capability to lead the country towards development.
During an interview on Angel TV, he voiced concerns that an NDC victory could result in regression, specifically referencing the period of ‘dumsor,’ the intermittent power outages that plagued Ghana during the NDC’s previous tenure.
“In this country, if we go out and vote, and power is turned over to those that brought ‘dumsor,’ the country will be heading backwards because the only political party that can help the country is the ruling NPP.
“If we make a mistake and hand over power to the NDC, we will go down back deep into a pit, and the time we will come out of that pit, things will be worse,” he warned.
The retired police commissioner has pledged to contribute to the development of the Bekwai constituency.
Retired Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah has issued a caution to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging vigilance to ensure that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) does not secure victory in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Mensah, who recently filed to contest the parliamentary seat in the Bekwai constituency, emphasized that the NPP is the sole political party with the capability to lead the country towards development.
During an interview on Angel TV, he voiced concerns that an NDC victory could result in regression, specifically referencing the period of ‘dumsor,’ the intermittent power outages that plagued Ghana during the NDC’s previous tenure.
“In this country, if we go out and vote, and power is turned over to those that brought ‘dumsor,’ the country will be heading backwards because the only political party that can help the country is the ruling NPP.
“If we make a mistake and hand over power to the NDC, we will go down back deep into a pit, and the time we will come out of that pit, things will be worse,” he warned.
The retired police commissioner has pledged to contribute to the development of the Bekwai constituency.
The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has highlighted the significant influence wielded by the former presidential spokesman, Koku Anyidoho, during the administration of the late former president, John Evans Atta Mills.
Mr Gbande acknowledged Anyidoho’s past prominence as one of the most powerful appointees, noting that his words carried considerable weight and authority, leaving little room for dissent.
Despite recognizing Anyidoho’s historical significance, he advised him against targeting current NDC National Chairman, Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, with criticism. In an interview on Neat FM on December 22, 2023, Gbande suggested that Anyidoho’s recent critiques seemed driven by lingering resentment.
While expressing a spiritual aversion to insulting individuals who have held positions similar to his own, Gbande acknowledged the challenges faced by Anyidoho and emphasized the transient nature of power dynamics.
He affirmed that the current era belongs to General Aseidu Nketiah, asserting that distractions from individuals like Koku Anyidoho would not sway the party’s focus.
“Spiritually, I don’t insult people who have been where I am before, but I do know that life has not been fair to my brother (Koku Anyidoho) …Koku Anyidoho’s insults to my national chairman are from long-standing bitterness.
“Koku Anyidoho was one of the most powerful appointees under President Mills. At the time, if Koku Anyidoho shouted, nobody could talk.
“Everybody’s time would come to pass, and this is General Aseidu Nketiah’s time. He will enjoy it to the glory of God, and people like Koku Anyidoho cannot distract us,” he said.
Despite being expelled from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), former Deputy General Secretary, Koku Anyidoho insists that he remains an active card-bearing member of the party.
In an interview on Neat FM on December 22, 2023, Anyidoho revealed that he continues to participate in party activities at both his hometown branch and in the Greater Accra region.
When questioned about his current status with the party, Anyidoho asserted, “I am a member of the NDC and a Ghanaian as well, so if anything is going wrong with the party, I will say it.” He challenged the authority of Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman, questioning Nketiah’s history with the party and asserting his right to express opinions.
Addressing the issue of party dues, Anyidoho admitted to rarely paying them but emphasized his financial contributions to the party. “I barely pay the dues…but indeed, I do pay to the party,” he stated.
He also disclosed having a new membership card and affirmed his continuous involvement in his constituency, questioning whether Nketiah had the authority to have him arrested.
On February 9, 2021, the NDC announced the suspension of Koku Anyidoho. After a five-month investigation, the party found him guilty of misconduct and anti-party behavior, citing violations of the party’s constitution.
The decision to expel him was officially communicated through a statement dated July 27, 2021, signed by the General Secretary at the time, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
The statement made it clear that Anyidoho was no longer recognized as a member of the National Democratic Congress.
Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Mustapha Gbande, has undertaken an unexpected reversal and issued a formal apology to the Ghanaian public for his earlier call encouraging citizens to equip themselves with cutlasses for the 2024 elections.
This apology from Mustapha Gbande follows his earlier statement on Okay FM, where he asserted, “I have told the leadership of the NDC that we have to prepare in advance for the NPP ahead of the elections. When we are going to the polling station, let’s carry with us cutlasses. If we do, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will not be able to misbehave toward us.”
Despite facing criticism for potentially inciting the electorate with his comments, Mr. Gbande initially stood firm, contending that, from the NDC’s perspective, arming themselves was the only means to ensure a free and fair election.
In a subsequent interview on Kumasi-based radio Angel FM, Mr. Gbande expressed a heartfelt apology, acknowledging his error and taking full responsibility.
He stated, “I take the responsibility, and I will apologize for it. And I’ll do so because it is part of me to accept when it is wrong.”
However, despite the apology, Mr Gbande maintained that he was misquoted during the controversial interview, prompting him to call for a thorough examination of how the story originated.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns about potential chaos in the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections, warning that failure by the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) to build consensus and learn from precedents could lead to chaos.
Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, criticized the conduct of the recent district-level elections, citing lapses, delays, and technical hitches.
Mr Gbande accused EC Chairperson Jean Mensa of incompetence and a lack of preparedness to learn from past experiences, emphasizing the importance of consensus-building.
Mr Gbande stated, “We[the NDC] followed keenly as far as the district assembly elections are concerned. The situation that we find ourselves in as a nation is largely because we have an electoral commissioner who does not believe in consensus-building, and does not want to learn. We would have avoided this situation if she had engaged stakeholders and had been willing to do what was right…What is more shocking is that six hours before the election, the commissioner did not envisage that inventory might not have reached the centres. And she did not even check to ensure that they were in order.
The district-level elections on December 19, 2023, faced challenges such as malfunctioning Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs), delays in voting material distribution, and errors on some ballot papers, leading to postponed voting in certain areas.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) criticized the EC for not being proactive, while the EC defended itself, attributing the challenges to the nature of district-level elections.
Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustafa Gbande, has made a controversial statement, asking Ghanaians to arm themselves with guns and machetes when they go to vote in the 2024 general elections.
He said that this was the only way to ensure free and fair elections and to prevent the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) from intimidating and harassing the voters.
He made these remarks on Okay FM’s ‘Ade Akye Abia’ programme, where he said that he had advised the NDC leadership to prepare in advance for the NPP’s anticipated alleged misdoings.
“They think the way to go is violence, so I’ve told our leaders that if possible, let’s prepare twice the NPP and wait for them, when you are going to the polling station, put a cutlass in your pocket, that way nobody will misbehave towards you. If we do, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will not be able to misbehave toward us,” he said.
He also claimed that some members of parliament had used guns and military men to disrupt the district-level elections in their constituencies and that he would not allow people to be killed like they were in the 2020 general elections.
“We have records of some members of parliament who went to their constituencies with military men to disrupt the district-level elections and we will not allow people to be killed just like they did in the 2020 general elections,” he said.
He further warned the Electoral Commission to reverse its decision to abandon the use of indelible inks during voting, saying that it would compromise the credibility of the elections.
“If the Electoral Commission wants to have a peaceful, free and fair elections, they should rescind that decision,” he cautioned.
Gunshots were fired, and one person was rendered unconscious during an assault that ensued after NDC members requested a recount in the Kasoa Kpomotey and Kasoa Old Times electoral areas.
Witnesses reported that NDC members were protesting against a perceived phantom polling station at the Kasoa ICGC polling center.
According to some NDC members, there were supposed to be four assembly members and four unit committee members, totaling eight ballot boxes, but after the election, there were five ballot boxes designated for assembly members.
This led to demands for a recount, resulting in a physical altercation between NDC and NPP members.
Imoro Ibrahim said “one individual was knocked unconscious and promptly taken to the Kasoa Polyclinic”.
Following the altercation, another group arrived and began firing live bullets and spraying pepper spray.
The situation escalated to the Kasoa Divisional Police Command, where NDC Constituency Executives and their supporters surrounded the police command, demanding a recount of the results from the Kasoa Old Timers electoral area.
“Old Timers as we are standing here as NDC members, we don’t have an assembly man, we are waiting for the authorities and the EC for the final verdict, so no one should hold himself as an assembly man”.
In the wake of the violent incident, NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Awutu Senya East Constituency, Phillis Naa Koryo, is urging NDC members to accept the results from the Kasoa Old Timers electoral area.
Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has ascribed the challenges that disrupted Tuesday’s assembly and unit committee elections in various voting centers across the country to what he perceives as the poor leadership skills of Ghana’s Electoral Commissioner.
In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Gbande highlighted the NDC’s meticulous monitoring of the election processes. He emphasized the party’s dedication to ensuring that the electoral issues encountered during the recent polls are not repeated in the upcoming general elections in 2024.
“We are very interested, and we have been very much interested in the activities of this election because it has a bearing on the next elections that will be organized. So, we followed keenly as far as the district assembly elections are concerned.”
“The situation that we find ourselves in as a nation is largely because we have an electoral commissioner who does not believe in consensus building and does not want to learn. We would have avoided this situation if she had engaged stakeholders and had been willing to do what was right.”
Mustapha Gbande added that unless the Electoral Commissioner reforms her leadership skills, the 2024 elections may bring about negative consequences.
“What is more shocking is that six hours before the election, the commissioner did not envisage that inventory might not have reached the centres, and she did not even check to ensure that they were in order. This clearly tells us that we are dealing with Jean Mensa, who is largely incompetent and has demonstrated low experience in terms of elections management. It is dangerous going into 2024, particularly if the same personality is still going to be our electoral commissioner.”
The Electoral Commission (EC) has postponed the district-level elections in some electoral areas in the Ashanti and Eastern regions.
The elections were scheduled for Tuesday, December 19, but the EC said in a press statement that they have been moved to Thursday, December 21, 2023.
The EC cited “a number of technical challenges” as the reason for its decision. Lower Manya in the Eastern Region is among the affected areas.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to residents of these electoral areas. We assure the residents of the affected areas that the district-level elections will be held on Thursday, the 21st of December, 2023,” the statement said.
In a related development, five individuals in the Duta Electoral Area of Ketu South have obtained an interim injunction, through an ex parte motion, to stop the EC from conducting the district-level elections in the area on December 19, 2023.
The order, which is valid for ten days, restrains the EC, its assigns, and workmen from any involvement in the elections.
The Director of Elections for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has criticized the Electoral Commission for postponing local assembly elections in certain areas on the day of the polls.
Dr. Boamah urged the electoral management body not to repeat such actions during the 2024 polls.
This comes in response to the rescheduling of district-level elections in parts of the Ashanti and Eastern regions from Tuesday, December 19, 2023, to Thursday, December 21, 2023.
The EC cited technical challenges for the rescheduling and apologized for any inconvenience caused, assuring voters that the elections would proceed on the new date.
In a post on X formerly Twitter, Dr Boamah said, “The Electoral Commission of Ghana must learn lessons from this avoidable and unpardonable mistake. 2024 elections can not be business as usual!”
The Electoral Commission of Ghana must learn lessons from this avoidable and unpardonable mistake.
The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has announced plans for his next government to establish cocoa processing factories in cocoa-growing regions across the country.
This initiative is part of a broader policy aimed at revitalizing what he describes as an ‘ailing’ cocoa industry.
Mr. Mahama envisions that the processing of cocoa beans within these regions will significantly enhance earnings derived from cocoa cultivation.
Emphasizing the potential benefits, he noted, “We want to build factories in cocoa-growing areas. The white man is able to earn more than five times our earnings after processing the cocoa.”
The announcement was made during the final town hall meeting held in the Bia East District of the Western North Region. Throughout these meetings, concerns raised by cocoa farmers in the cocoa-growing areas have been a focal point of discussion.
Cocoa farming, a critical contributor to both employment and the national economy, has faced challenges, including the government’s struggle to secure a syndicated loan of $800 million for the industry.
Mr. Mahama expressed particular worry about the deteriorating performance of the Produce Buying Company (PBC) under the current government.
Reflecting on the historical significance of PBC, Mr. Mahama stated, “From the days of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Produce Buying Company has been working. In my time as President, the company did well. They were making profit. Now, workers have not been paid for six months. It should tell you that the company has collapsed. Others are buying the cocoa beans as I speak but PBC isn’t able to buy”.
“When we were in power, PBC was buying it’s own trucks but today the trucks are not working. We will revive the industry” he added.
The proposed policies and initiatives discussed during the tour are expected to be detailed in the NDC’s manifesto for the upcoming 2024 elections.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, confirmed on Friday that the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Ben Nunoo Mensah, is the beneficial owner of the 4.4 percent shareholding in Barari DV Ghana Ltd, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited.
He clarified that Mr. Nunoo Mensah’s ownership dates back to 2012, asserting that no member of the Akufo-Addo-led Government possesses shares in Barari DV Ghana, as previously speculated.
The minister’s response came after Sammy Gyamfi, the Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), challenged the Government to disclose the identity of the individual holding a 4.4 percent stake in Barari DV Ghana Ltd.
During a stakeholder engagement with civil society organizations in Accra on the Lithium deal, Mr. Jinapor stated that the Government is transparent about the Lithium Lease Agreement and remains committed to ensuring that Ghanaians reap the ultimate benefits of the country’s resources.
“As the debate continues regarding the Lithium Lease Agreement involving academia, civil society organizations, and so forth, the platform is open for dialogue, discussion, and brainstorming on the management of our natural resources to bring progress,” he said.
“And I believe with our collective wisdom, we can have a positive way forward.”
However, the minister emphasized the importance of separating opinions and emotions from real facts and data.
He highlighted the government’s awareness of the historical issues surrounding mining in Ghana and the meticulous process it underwent to ensure that green minerals, including Lithium, bring maximum benefits to the people.
In the Lithium Lease Agreement with Barari DV Ghana Limited, Mr. Jinapor outlined key provisions, including a 19 percent Free Carried Interest with the option to scale up to a minimum of 30 percent for the State.
The agreement also stipulates a 13 percent royalty (higher than the previous 10 percent), 35 percent corporate income tax, and one percent of the company’s revenues allocated to the Community Development Fund.
“There is a 13 percent royalty, higher than the 10 percent in the previous agreement, 35 percent corporate income tax, while one percent of the Company’s revenues would go to the Community Development Fund.”
“There is also a requirement to establish a refinery to process Lithium locally before export.”
“The State also has 3% shares in the local company (Barari DV Ghana Ltd) and 6% in Atlantic Lithium global.”
“More so, the Lease Agreement must go through Parliament for consideration and ratification before it can be validated.”
Additionally, the agreement mandates the establishment of a refinery for processing Lithium locally before export. The State holds 3% shares in the local company (Barari DV Ghana Ltd) and 6% in Atlantic Lithium global. The Lease Agreement is subject to parliamentary consideration and ratification.
Addressing the local processing of lithium ore, the Minister emphasized the importance of establishing a refinery locally to fully benefit from the value chain of lithium exploitation.
Madam Nafi Chinery, Africa Director at the Natural Resource Governance Institute, highlighted the engagement with civil society organizations as an opportunity for the government to receive actionable recommendations and inputs to guide parliamentary debates on the proposed Lithium Agreement.
Participants also called for amendments to the country’s mining and mineral laws to align with the terms agreed upon in the Lithium Agreement.
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has promised to put Ghana’s economy back on track if given the nod as President of the country.
He said the NDC is endowed with potential men and women who have the ability to turn the country’s economic misfortunes around.
According to him, the next NDC government, when voted back into office, will put the economy back on a sound footing.
Speaking to students of the Sefwi Wiaso Nurses Training College, John Dramani Mahama attributed the hike in fuel prices, foodstuffs, among others, to the mismanagement of the economy by the Akufo-Addo-led government.
“I met some drivers, and they apologized to me for voting me out. A gallon of petrol during my time was GH¢14, but now it’s above … or more; I can’t even tell. All these things are a result of the mismanaged economy.
“We buy fuel with dollars, so if the economy is not managed well and the dollar-to-cedi rate is lower, the prices of goods and services will decrease, but because the economy has been mismanaged, petrol is expensive. The NDC has the men and women to manage the economy very well. When we come back to power, we will ensure we make life better for you people,” he stated.
It would be recalled that the local economy took a nose dive after it was hit with the global pandemic – the Coronavirus – and the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine War.
The governing New Patriotic Party, however, put in measures to make the economy more robust to withstand any shock; locally or internationally.
As part of measures to fix the broken economy, the government run to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a US$3 billion financial bailout programme.
Subsequently, a team from the IMF arrived in the country from July 6 to July 13, 2022, to engage Ghanaian authorities on a possible economic support programme.
A staff-level agreement between the government of Ghana and the IMF was reached in December 2022.
On May 17, 2023, IMF’s executive board approved Ghana’s $3 billion loan facility.
Former NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for the Manhyia North constituency, Collins Owusu Amankwah, has strongly rebuked the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its announced intention to rejoin the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC).
IPAC serves as a platform where political parties in Ghana collaborate with the Electoral Commission to establish agreements related to electoral processes.
The NDC, during a stakeholder conference organized by the National Peace Council, revealed its decision to end its abstention from IPAC meetings.
However, Amankwah expressed skepticism about the sincerity of the NDC’s return, emphasizing that the opposition party must first address and rectify its past actions.
“We will return to IPAC, but outstanding issues have to be resolved,” NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah stated, citing lack of consensus building as the reason for the party’s exit from IPAC.
“IPAC was put together by the parties with the Electoral Commission, EC, the Referee…We are impressed with the Olive Branch extended to us…but we must make sure that the issues are resolved,” he added.
He specifically pointed to the need for the NDC to issue an apology to the Electoral Commission.
During their absence from IPAC, the NDC had levied accusations and implications against both the Electoral Commission and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In his remarks on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” morning programme, Amankwah underscored that the NDC should demonstrate genuine remorse and accountability for its previous indictments before considering a return to IPAC.
He insisted that an apology to the Electoral Commission is essential as part of rebuilding trust and fostering a cooperative atmosphere within the political landscape.
The Upper East Regional Women’s Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fawzia Abagnamah Yakubu, has emphasized that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) performance alone should not be the sole basis for predicting victory for the NDC in 2024.
According to her, determination, focus, hard work, and vigilance are essential for the NDC to regain power from the NPP, which she believes has failed to fulfill its promises to the people.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Party’s Regional Women’s Wing Working Committees, themed “Effective Mobilization of the Women’s Front” in Zuarungu, Bolgatanga East District, Madam Yakubu stated that while the task ahead may seem straightforward due to perceived dissatisfaction with the NPP government, it is insufficient to guarantee an NDC victory on December 7, 2024.
The 47-member Committees, comprising various groups, were entrusted with the core mandate of supporting the Regional Women’s Organizer in coordinating the Constituency Women’s Organizers and engaging across the region to garner votes for the NDC.
“The NPP’s failure alone is not enough for us to conclude on an NDC victory come December 7, 2024.”
“We must win the December 7, 2024 elections convincingly at the polls to rescue this country. As women, we remain an integral part of this exercise, knowing the influential role we can play once we are committed.
“The new face of politics in Africa is women, and this is a call to duty we must stand up to in Ghana,” the Women’s Organizer told members of the various committees.
Madam Yakubu explained that the selection of committee members considered the challenging task ahead, focusing on individuals ready to collaborate as a team to achieve successful election results.
She emphasized the crucial role women play in politics, stating, “The new face of politics in Africa is women, and this is a call to duty we must stand up to in Ghana.”
Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw, the National Women’s Organizer of the Party, who inaugurated the Committees, urged Party supporters to unite with a common purpose towards the 2024 election, emphasizing the importance of the women’s front in realizing the aspirations of the NDC’s flag bearer, Mr. John Dramani Mahama.
Joseph Yamin, the National Organizer of the NDC, encouraged women to actively engage in public spaces, particularly market centers, with Party materials to propagate the NDC’s message. He emphasized the need to showcase the NDC outside party functions, fostering positive perceptions among the public.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by various political figures, including Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East Constituency, Madam Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, MP for Tempane Constituency, and Madam Laadi Ayii Ayamba, MP for Pusiga Constituency, among others.
The Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC) has invited the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to resume attendance at the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings.
Following the 2020 general elections, the NDC had boycotted all IPAC sessions. The EC Chairperson extended this invitation during a stakeholders’ meeting on inter-party dialogue organized by the National Peace Council (NPC) at Peduase in the Eastern Region on Thursday.
“I would like to use this opportunity to invite the leadership of the National Democratic Congress to our IPAC meetings. We do realize that since 2021, the NDC has not been present at our IPAC meetings. We miss them, we miss their fire. I extend an olive branch, and in the interest of the peace of our country. We invite them to IPAC,” she stated.
Simultaneously, the EC Chairperson justified the decision to shift the closing time of voting from 5:00 pm to 3:00 pm during the upcoming 2024 general elections. Emphasizing the need for transparent and orderly collation of votes, she pointed out that this adjustment was informed by lessons learned from the 2020 elections, where around 70 percent of voting centers witnessed minimal activity by 1:00 pm.
Mrs. Mensa stressed that the goal of this adjustment is to diminish the historically long queues during elections, streamlining the voting process for citizens.
She outlined plans to ensure that all polling stations have a threshold of 500 voters or below, coupled with an increase in the number of polling stations nationwide.
Drawing from the 2020 experience and feedback from observer groups, Mrs. Mensa proposed closing the polls at 3:00 pm, citing that by that time, 70 percent of polling stations were empty as most voters had already cast their votes.
This adjustment aims to facilitate the counting and collation of votes in broad daylight, promoting transparency and orderliness in the electoral process.
“In 2020, 70 percent of our polling centers had a voter threshold of 500 and below. This time we intend to ensure that all our polling station centers have a threshold of 500 voters and below. In the same vein, we will increase the number of our polling stations nationwide. We believe that this will go a long way to reduce the long queues that characterize our elections and allow for a smooth, seamless, hassle-free voting process. In 2020, it took voters not more than five minutes to cast their votes due to the introduction of this policy.”
“Based on our 2020 experience and also feedback from several observer groups, we propose to close the polls at 3:00 pm. Our experience in 2020 reveals that by 1:00 pm, 70 percent of our polling stations were empty of voters as most voters had cast their votes. This made it possible because the threshold of most polling centers was reduced to 500 voters per voting center. This was coupled with the robust verification devices that were deployed to the polling stations. We are convinced that by closing the polls at 3:00 pm, we will be able to count and collate in broad daylight, and this will promote the needed transparency and orderliness that we so desire,” Mrs. Mensa said.
Ghana’s two major political parties, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), are expressing reservations about the Electoral Commission (EC)’s proposal to close the 2024 elections at 3pm.
The EC, led by Chairperson Jean Mensa, has defended the decision to shift the voting closure time from 5:00 pm to 3:00 pm during the upcoming general elections.
Mensa emphasized that the adjustment is aimed at facilitating transparent and orderly collation of votes by electoral officers in broad daylight. Despite this explanation, Richard Ahiagbah, the NPP’s Communications Director, has urged the EC to ensure that the proposed change does not disenfranchise eligible voters.
In an interview with Citi FM on Thursday, December 14, he stated that the party would only accept the proposal if the Commission assured them that voters would be given the comfort they deserve and that none would be turned away.
“We receive that with some cautious optimism, to the extent that the EC can provide us with the necessary comfort that electorates would not be found wanting on the day of the election. But assuming that they provide that comfort for us, it is ideal for us to be able to close the polls early so that collation and things that need to be done to prepare results are done in daylight before dark.”
“So I think that is the import of that proposal that we first need to be sure that it will not result in people being turned away,” he stated.
Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), cautioned on Citi FM that the party would resist any attempts by the Electoral Commission (EC) to manipulate the election in favor of a particular political party. He stressed that it is premature for the party to make any comments on the EC’s position at this stage.
“For us, we welcome a response that will give Ghanaians a feeling that there’s a credible, transparent general election at the end of the day. We have resolved as a party that we are going into 2024 with full force, we are going to an election to win. Rigging that election is a great impossibility and will be resisted with all force, so it behoves on the EC to assure all political parties of a transparent election.”
He added, “That will be a big relief for this country. It’s early days yet, we will see as the conversation unfolds what our technical directors will advise the party to do, what the NPP will come up with, and what other parties will come up with.”
Head of the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana, Dr. Alidu Seidu, has put forth a suggestion that the opposition National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, should contemplate selecting an Akan as his running mate for the 2024 election.
He explained that this is necessary “because of the dominance of the Akan votes and the significant contribution the Akan vote can make to the NDC’s victory in 2024 election.”
In an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, December 14, Dr. Seidu highlighted that while the Volta region, Oti region, and the five regions of the north have consistently been the stronghold of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), relying solely on votes from these regions would pose a challenge for the party to secure victory in an election.
“So, I think a lot of people are calling for him to look beyond the Volta region and go to maybe an Akan-dominated region. The running mate should be an Akan either from the Ashanti region or any of the Akan-speaking regions,” he said.
Dr. Seidu has emphasized the importance for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to consider a running mate who can seamlessly continue in a leadership role, especially since John Dramani Mahama would have only one term left if he emerges victorious in the polls.
His comments come amid increasing pressure on Mr. Mahama to announce his running mate. During Mr. Mahama’s campaign tour in the Bono and Western North regions, traditional leaders made suggestions regarding potential running mates. Additionally, NDC youth groups in the Volta and Oti regions have expressed their desire for the running mate to come from the NDC stronghold.
Dr. Seidu noted that the lobbying by traditional rulers might be rooted in the expectation that their regions would benefit in terms of development. He also acknowledged that individuals being lobbied for might find it appropriate to engage with traditional rulers due to the respect they command.
Despite the lobbying, John Dramani Mahama has stated that the decision on the running mate will be made in February 2024, adding a timeline to the anticipation surrounding the selection.
“I don’t choose a running mate alone. Myself, together with the Functional Executive Committee and Council of Elders, pick from a list and decide on one person,” he pointed out.
He urged those appealing for their preferred candidates to exercise restraint.
“I would pray for your patience, as we all know that God grants the King and the NDC doesn’t discriminate.”
Mr Mahama was partnered by Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang in the 2020 election, and there are suggestions she may be retained, although others want to see a new face.
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has given assurances that if the NDC returns to power, stalled infrastructure projects in all districts of the country will be given top priority.
Numerous government-sponsored projects are currently facing delays for various reasons.
The former president, noting that several initiatives launched during his administration, such as Community Day Schools and health facilities, have come to a standstill, emphasized during a Town Hall Meeting in Nsawura that the resources available to the government, upon assuming power, will be dedicated to completing these projects.
“The little money available will be used to complete the abandoned projects across the country before we start fresh ones. That is how we can yield full benefit from all of them,” he said.
He added that, “I am not talking about projects started under my government but others the Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia government will not be able to complete before leaving office.”
The persistent reluctance of governments to finalize the infrastructure projects initiated by their predecessors remains a concern for many voters.
In Bodi, the traditional authority expressed dissatisfaction with the deteriorating state of roads in the area. They appealed to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to take this issue into serious consideration if successful in regaining governmental power.
Nana Kwasi Ofori Ababio highlighted that the substandard roads have had adverse effects on local businesses and the delivery of quality healthcare in the region.
The former President criticized the NPP government for its neglect of roads in the country. In addition to halting contracts for cocoa roads that were previously awarded by the previous administration for auditing purposes, the rehabilitation of existing roads has been overlooked.
“Since Western North is a major producer of cocoa, we decided to institute the cocoa roads program to rehabilitate the road here but these were stopped when we left office,” said John Mahama.
“Though the constitution entreats us to continue the infrastructure of the previous government, it has stalled. After the audit of the contracts, the contractors were being made to return to work but they were not financed for that purpose. But since I belong to you people, I will ensure you get a fair share of the national resources,” he assured.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has agreed to rejoin the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) following an intervention by the National Peace Council (NPC).
The decision was made at a stock-taking conference in Peduase, Eastern Region, where institutional progress towards credible, transparent, and peaceful general elections in 2024 was evaluated.
The NDC had boycotted IPAC meetings since March 2020, citing dissatisfaction with the Electoral Commission’s handling of decisions made at IPAC meetings.
The National Peace Council and the Electoral Commission appealed to the NDC to rejoin IPAC, and the party accepted the request during the conference.
“We miss the fire of the NDC at IPAC meetings and we invite them,” Mrs Mensa said.
In response to the call, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the NDC, expressed the party’s commitment to supporting efforts to shape the country’s democratic and electoral processes.
He stated that the NDC accepted to rejoin IPAC. However, he emphasized that before the party would participate in the next IPAC meeting, the Electoral Commission must ensure that IPAC returns to its “consensus-building” approach to implementing electoral reforms.
“On behalf of the Party, we accept the appeal from the National Peace Council that we should consider returning to IPAC, but we want to return to IPAC and not any other forum.
“The other side is for us to work to make sure that IPAC returns to its consensus-building days…the issues that blocked our return should be dealt with before our next IPAC meeting,” Mr Nketia said.
He also expressed concern about the EC’s efforts to make the Ghana Card the sole identification document for the Commission’s proposed continuous voter registration exercise. The NDC argued that this move had the potential to disenfranchise about 1 million voters, a position that the EC had debunked.
“We will support it if everyone had the Ghana Card,” Mr Nketia said.
Ms Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), said the 2024 Election was peculiar in the wake of political instability in the West Africa Sub-region.
“We are more vulnerable than before. We must work with each other and assure each other so that we can arrive at the elections and beyond the elections in peace and intact,” she said.
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, has expressed the view that the salvaging of the economy can only be undertaken by the opposition party as the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has given up on the country.
He believes that the current state of Ghana’s economy signals President Nana Akufo-Addo’s abandonment of his responsibilities. These comments come amid growing concerns about the country’s economic difficulties and social issues.
Mahama, who served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017, made these remarks during a visit to the Omanhene of Bodi in the Western North region. In his statements, he highlighted what he perceives as a lack of leadership and commitment from the current administration in addressing crucial issues facing the country.
Mahama alleged that President Akufo-Addo’s government has failed to deliver on significant promises and has displayed complacency in the face of mounting challenges.
“The economy is in a mess and we need someone with experience to come and fix the economy. Because it appears that Akufo-Addo has given up. When he asked about how he was going to fix the economic challenges, He [Akufo-Addo] said someone else must take the nation forward.
“The only party that can fix the economy of Ghana is the NDC, we have done it before and we are the only party that can fix Ghana’s economy. At this point what Ghana needs is experience. Someone who has done it before and can do it again.”
NDC’s Sammy Gyamfi has lambasted the government over its ‘celebration’ of the “10% royalty” under the controversiallithium deal.
His remarks come after the government signed a deal with Barari DV Ghana Ltd., a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Ltd. for the exploitation of lithium in the Ewoyaa area of the Central Region for a period of 15 years, starting next year, 2024.
Amid the fierce resistance the government has faced over the transparency of the deal, among others, the government and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources have defended the deal, saying that it is one of the best in the world as it stands to offer an unprecedented 10% royalty and 19% state participation in the mining company.
However, Sammy Gyamfi, in a statement explaining the deal and at the same time expressing his disapproval of it, labelled the government’s pride in the’meager’ ‘ benefit as a “celebration of mediocrity.
“Beyond that, strict provisions on tax compliance and enforcement are required to ensure that the state is not cheated through transfer pricing and creative accounting. It is important to make the point that the government’s boastful claim about securing a 10% royalty under the deal is a celebration of mediocrity,” the statement said.
The NDC argues that, despite the government’s assertion that Barari DV will be subject to a 35% corporate tax rate, there is a crucial need for clarity regarding the company’s status and a comprehensive disclosure of concessions granted.
According to the NDC, the Mining Lease stipulates that Barari DV should pay taxes in adherence to Ghana’s mining laws, creating room for ambiguity and speculation.
The NDC’s concerns centre around the need for transparency and accountability in the lithium deal, urging the government to provide clear and unambiguous information to address uncertainties and ensure public trust in the agreement.
“It is therefore imperative for government to clarify the status and tax obligations of Barari DV and its parent company. Ghanaians deserve to know whether or not the company is a free zone company and why a mining company should be accorded free zone status.
“Ghanaians deserve to know all the concessions the government is giving the company (Barari DV/Atlantic Lithium) for a holistic assessment of the benefits of the deal.
“What the Mining Lease expressly provides is that Barari DV shall pay taxes in accordance with the mining laws of Ghana, without more. We are, however, told that the company is registered under theGhana Free Zones Authority and is entitled to a 10-year tax holiday, when such tax concessions are ordinarily not granted to mining companies in the country. This, if true, will deprive the country of corporate taxes during the first ten years of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the importance of a fair and transparent electoral process in the upcoming 2024 general election.
Speaking during his “Building Ghana Tour” in the Western North Region, Mr Mahama directly appealed to EC officers during a speech delivered to students at Wiawso College of Education and the Nursing Training College. He urged them to adhere strictly to the rules, emphasizing the need for the genuine aspirations of voters to be reflected in the outcomes of the elections.
“They should do their duty to God and country. They shouldn’t cheat for anybody. I don’t want them to cheat for me, and they shouldn’t rig the election for anybody; they [EC] should let the wishes of the Ghanaian people prevail,” Mahama asserted, as reported by myjoyonline.com.
Drawing from his experience as Ghana’s President from 2012 to 2016, Mahama stressed that the credibility of the election rests on the integrity of the Electoral Commission. He spoke passionately about his commitment to a just electoral process, emphasizing that the EC should not manipulate the results in favor of any political party, including his own.
“I have that experience; I have been President of Ghana before, and you all know the work that I did when I was President. I know that on 7th December 2024, insha Allah [God willing], NDC will win the election,” Mahama confidently declared.
The former President, who previously ran against and lost to President Akufo-Addo in the 2016 and 2020 elections, respectively, has expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to secure victory in the upcoming 2024 election. Mahama is determined to bring about the changes he believes Ghana needs, underlining his commitment to a democratic and transparent electoral process.
As the nation gears up for the 2024 elections, Mahama’s plea to the Electoral Commission echoes the broader call for a fair, credible, and transparent electoral system that truly reflects the will of the Ghanaian people.
Director of the Institute of African Studies, Prof. Samuel Ntewusu, is advocating for an open-minded approach among Ghanaians in endorsing the 24-hour economy proposed by John Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
During an interview with the media on the sidelines of the Anton Wilhelm Amo Lecture held on Tuesday, Prof. Ntewusu underscored the significance of refraining from hastily rejecting novel concepts as he shared his perspectives on the matter.
He clarified that his statement was not an endorsement of any political party and, therefore, urged citizens to rally behind the concept of a 24-hour economy.
“I think in Ghana we are very quick to condemn anything that somebody wants to bring on board. It is not good for the development of the country. Even if you meet someone on the streets and the person says ‘I have this idea,’ do not be quick to dispense that person’s proposal. Allow the person to try out what he has in mind. If it doesn’t work out, then you know that that doesn’t work,” Prof Ntewusu stated.
He continued, “So if Mahama says he is going to roll out the 24-hour economy, he hasn’t even started, and people have started condemning it. I am not saying this in support of a particular party; I am saying that we Ghanaians and Africans are almost like ‘konogo kaya’ we cannot carry, and we will not let anyone else carry. And we’re very quick to rejoice when somebody fails rather than support that person to succeed.”
Former President Mahama has been advocating for a 24-hour economy, a concept he believes will resuscitate the struggling Ghanaian economy.
This stance has since sparked diverse opinions from individuals, politicians, civil society organisations, and the business community.
While members of the NDC applaud the proposal, considering it a blueprint for addressing the escalating unemployment rate and the shaky economy, their counterparts from the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) dismiss it as an impractical and belated idea.
However, Mr Mahama seems unperturbed by his opponents. In responding to the critics, he acknowledged that while some institutions are already operating around the clock, his government would facilitate and extend it to cover more sectors.
The Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, highlighted that the party’s plan for a 24-hour economy aims to transform Ghana into an export-led economy and achieve self-sufficiency.
Speaking on The Probe on JoyNews, he emphasized that the 24-hour economy strategy is a key driver to attain true economic transformation, prosperity for all, and well-paying jobs.
“That is the overarching vision of this 24-hour economy. The 24-hour economy strategy would be the main driver of this strategy. And so, the rationale is simple. We are saying that for us to see the true transformation that delivers prosperity for all, true economic transformation that delivers decent, well-paying jobs for the people of this country, we need to invest in the productive sectors of the economy to achieve self-sufficiency and achieve an export-led economy.”
“That is why President Mahama has said that to achieve this, we are going to prioritize agribusinesses and agro-processing. We are going to prioritize modernization and mechanization of agriculture. We are going to prioritize manufacturing and value addition. We are going to prioritize the provision of the necessary incentives for the private sector to try for them to play their role in this economy.”
Mr Gyamfi explained that President Mahama’s vision prioritizes sectors such as agribusiness, agro-processing, modernization of agriculture, manufacturing, and value addition.
He emphasized the need for an extended work system beyond the traditional eight-hour format, stating that working only eight hours is inadequate for the required efficiency, productivity, and growth.
“We need to create sustainable jobs and prosperity for the people of this country. God has given us 24 hours, why do we have to waste 16 hours and only work 8 hours when all the advanced economies will create various degrees of 24-hour economies?”
“What we are saying is that under this overarching vision of transforming Ghana, all the interventions and policies we are going to roll out must lead to a situation where businesses, companies and certain public services run 24/7,” he added.
The overarching goal is to create sustainable jobs and prosperity for the people by allowing businesses, companies, and public services to operate 24/7.
Mr Gyamfi addressed criticisms of the proposal, noting that the 24-hour economy concept is not a mere political rhetoric but a well-thought-out strategy rooted in the 40-year development plan.
While political opponents have criticized the idea, Gyamfi highlighted that the party has measures and incentives, including creating a secure and safe atmosphere, to support the implementation of the 24-hour economy.
“This is not a mere political rhetoric. It’s important to make that point, neither is it a mere slogan calculated for votes. It is a well-thought-through strategy which has its roots in the 40-year development plan which was put together under the erstwhile John Mahama government and published in 2018, I believe.”
“This is going to be a deliberate intervention by the government to create the enabling environment that will make it possible for a lot more companies, businesses and public institutions to operate around the clock.”
He emphasized that it is a deliberate intervention by the government to enable companies, businesses, and public institutions to operate around the clock.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the North East Region has suggested that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing potential extinction following the election of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the NPP’s flagbearer.
According to the NPP, the NDC in the region is rapidly losing its influence as members are reportedly leaving the NDC in large numbers to join the NPP.
During a press conference in Nalerigu on Sunday, addressed by the North East Regional Communications Director, Amos Walibe, the NPP urged the NDC to refrain from attacking Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia if they wish to preserve their party’s presence in the region.
“…Which is that, it was an attempt at halting the speedy dwindling fortunes of the NDC in the Northeast region. It has become abundantly clear that the NDC in the North East Region is facing an imminent extinction following the election of the Vice President Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the flagbearer of the NPP,” he said.
The press conference was called in response to what the NPP characterized as lies told by the NDC during their previous press conference, where they accused Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of neglecting his kinsmen. The NPP demanded that the NDC issue an unqualified apology for their allegations.
Faced with this stark reality, according to Amos, the leadership of the NDC in the region “hurriedly organized that shambolic press conference seeking to give hope to the few remaining NDC members in the region so that they do not also follow suit. If not, why will the NDC be calling the Vice President a failure as if he is the President?
The NPP asserted that, unlike Vice President Dr. Bawumia, who played a role in the creation of a new region, former President Mahama failed twice to fulfill similar requests from the people of Gonjaland during his term in office.
“It is on record that the good people of the Gonjaland longed for a region long before H.E John Dramani Mahama came into the political limelight. So, it was all joy when H.E John Dramani Mahama was picked in 2008 as the running mate to then-candidate Professor Atta Mills.
“And Mr Mahama assured his people that he would ensure that they got the region they were yearning for if they voted for Professor Mills to win the 2008 elections. He failed to deliver on his promise after four years in office as Vice President and another two years as President, respectfully.”
The NPP rejected the NDC’s assertion that the government had not initiated any significant capital investment projects in the region. The Communication Director, during the press conference, strongly emphasized that the NPP consistently outperformed the NDC in the region.
Addressing concerns about incomplete projects, including the Walewale Watermelon Juice Processing Company, the Communications Officer assured that the government was dedicated to completing all initiated projects in the region. T
Akufo-Addo’s government prosecutes former John Mahama’s administration officials for alleged offenses with potential imprisonment consequences in 2019.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo disclosed that 21 officials from the previous NDC administration were undergoing trials for their alleged roles in corruption, resulting in financial losses to the state amounting to GHS772 million.
The President assured that the accused individuals were undergoing proper legal proceedings. This announcement took place during the 2019 Annual Ghana Bar Association conference on Monday, September 9, 2019.
Trials of NDC Officials: Opuni Number One
Stephen Opuni, Former CEO of Food and Drugs Authority and COCOBOD in the Mills–Mahama Administration, Faces Multiple Criminal Charges Stephen Opuni, the former CEO of the Food and Drugs Authority and COCOBOD during the Mills–Mahama administration, is currently confronting numerous criminal charges.
These charges include abetment of crime (defrauding by false pretences), willfully causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, contravention of the Public Procurement Act, and corruption by a public officer.
Opuni, along with Seidu Agongo and Agricult Ghana Limited, a private business, stands accused. In February 2017, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) froze Dr. Opuni’s assets as part of investigations into his tenure as CEO of COCOBOD.
The allegations suggest mismanagement of the cocoa sector during his term, leading to his removal from office on January 12, 2017.
Between January 2014 and November 2014, Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni is alleged to have abetted Seidu Agongo and Agricult Ghana Ltd in defrauding COCOBOD of an amount totaling Gh₵43,120,000.
Subsequently, between November 2014 and November 2015, the state claims that Dr. Opuni again abetted Seidu Agongo and Agricult Ghana Ltd in defrauding COCOBOD of the sum of Gh₵75,289,314.72.
Three NDC MPs
Ongoing Trials for Alleged Offenses Involving Three NDC MPs Nearing Conclusion Currently, three NDC MPs are undergoing trial for various alleged offenses, and according to court reports, the trials are approaching their conclusion. The individuals facing charges include Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader and MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam; James Gyakye Quayson, the MP for Assin North; and Collins Dauda, MP for Asutifi South.
Dr. Ato Forson is currently entangled in a criminal case related to an alleged financial loss of €2.37 million to the state. The case centers around a deal to purchase 200 ambulances between 2014 and 2016.
James Gyakye Quayson is facing trial at the High Court in Accra on charges of forgery and perjury, connected to alleged offenses during the lead-up to the 2020 Assin North parliamentary election. Despite winning the 2023 Assin North By Election, the state is proceeding with the criminal prosecution against him.
As for Collins Dauda, he and four others are facing 72 counts of charges, including willfully causing financial loss to the state, misapplying public property, issuing false certificates, and dishonestly causing loss to public property.
The Minority in parliament has said all the above trials “are clear case of “political witch hunt and judicial manipulation”
Sedina Attionu Tamakloe and MASLOC
Former Mahama Appointee Sedina Tamakloe Attionu Faces Trial in Absentia for Alleged Financial Loss Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, a former appointee of ex-President Mahama, is currently on trial in absentia at an Accra High Court following her role as the CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) during the NDC government.
Attionu, facing charges for allegedly causing a financial loss of GH¢90 million to the state during her tenure as MASLOC CEO from 2013 to January 2017, has been absent from the trial since October 2021. She was granted court permission to travel to the USA for medical treatment.
The presiding judge, Justice Afia Serwaa – Botwe, ruled that Attionu should be tried in absentia due to her refusal to participate in the proceedings. This decision aligns with Article 19(3a) of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers a court to proceed with the trial in absentia when the accused fails to appear.
As per the court’s ruling, the notice of trial in absentia should be prominently displayed on the court’s notice board and in a national newspaper for a period of 21 days.
Samuel Ofosu Ampofo Tape Case
Former NDC Chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo and NDC Communications Officer Anthony Kwaku Boahen Have Been on Trial Since December 2019 Since December 2019, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, the former Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Anthony Kwaku Boahen, an NDC Communications Officer, have been undergoing trial.
Ofosu Ampofo faces charges related to a leaked tape in which he is alleged to have planned criminal activities in the country and intended to attribute them to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). The leaked tape reveals strategies, including the creation of a general state of insecurity through kidnappings and arson, as well as verbal attacks on public officials such as Prof. Emmanuel Asante, the Chairman of the National Peace Council, and Jean Mensa, the Electoral Commission Boss.
In anticipation of the 2024 election, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged President Akufo-Addo to allay his concerns by bringing criminal charges against those responsible for the killing of eight citizens during the 2020 election.
The NDC is demanding that the government take action regarding the eight citizens who were killed during the 2024 election, according to a statement made by Kakra Essamuah, the NDC’s director of communications.
“It is even more baffling that even though this incident is the first of its kind since the advent of the 4th Republic in 1992, yet none of the personalities or institutions named above finds it expedient to commiserate with the bereaved families, offer compensation, or even take strenuous steps to employ the law to punish the offenders.
“The recent comments on matters of security in the impending 2024 General Elections from the President and the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission is a reflection of their apprehension towards the said election. These fears can be erased or wiped off only if we investigate and prosecute the people behind the gruesome murder of the 8 innocent citizens,” Mr. Essamuah stated.
Below is the full statement from the NDC
NDC STATEMENT DEMANDING ACTION ON THE 3RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE MURDER OF EIGHT (8) GHANAIANS IN THE 2020 GENERAL ELECTIONS.
In the immediate aftermath of the General Elections in 2020, eight (8) Ghanaians were shot dead by security forces who were called in to provide law and order. Since this dastardly event took place in various constituencies throughout the country on 8th December 2020, the government has done little or nothing by way of identifying the perpetrators and prosecuting them to set an example as a deterrent.
Even worse, neither the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Vice President, Dr. Mahmud Bawumia, nor the New Patriotic Party as the governing party, has seen it fit to express their revulsion against the mindless spilling of blood by members of the security agencies.
It is even more baffling that even though this incident is the first of its kind since the advent of the 4th Republic in 1992, yet none of the personalities or institutions named above finds it expedient to commiserate with the bereaved families, offer compensation, or even take strenuous steps to employ the law to punish the offenders.
The recent comments on matters of security in the impending 2024 General Elections from the President and the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission is a reflection of their apprehension towards the said election. These fears can be erased or wiped off only if we investigate and prosecute the people behind the gruesome murder of the 8 innocent citizens.
On the occasion of the 3rd anniversary of this ignoble event, leadership and membership of the National Democratic Congress take note of the continued abandonment of the duty of the Akufo-Addo government to bring the perpetrators to book, whilst proclaiming that when the people of Ghana return the NDC led by H.E. John Mahama to power in a year’s time, the investigation, prosecution and the punishment of those responsible for what happened on 8th December, 2020, shall be an immediate and prime focus of the new government.
The NDC is demanding an urgent and purposeful investigation into this matter and a swift and decisive prosecution to serve as a deterrent to other elements in our society for whom the spilling of the blood of innocent Ghanaians is a stepping stone for them to achieve power.
ISSUED IN ACCRA THIS 8TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2023 ( KAKRA ESSAMUAH esq) DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
In the aftermath of Tuesday’s demonstration in the Effutu constituency, four executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Central Region have been arrested by personnel from the Winneba District Police Command. The executives, including the Chairman, Treasurer, Women’s Organizer, and Youth Organizer, were apprehended as they accompanied 10 suspects to court seeking bail for their involvement in the protests.
The demonstrations arose in response to concerns over the potential sale of the Ramsar site, traditionally used for deer hunting during the Aboakyire festival, for lithium mining. During the protests, over three police officers were injured as demonstrators reportedly threw stones while attempting to invade the Effutu Municipal Assembly.
The arrested NDC executives have been handed over to the Agona Swedru Divisional Police Command to answer questions regarding their role in defying orders related to the demonstration.
The Agona Swedru Circuit Court, presided over by Jonathan Nunu, has granted bail to the ten suspects who allegedly attacked the policemen. Charges against them include assaulting a public officer and causing harm. Their next court appearance is scheduled for December 19, 2023.
Effutu Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Alhaji Kasim Zubairu, expressed appreciation for the swift action taken by the police and the court. He noted that over three cars were damaged during the demonstration, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the concerns raised by the residents.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Odododiodoo, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has expressed his disappointment with the decision taken by the Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to disqualify Michael Nii Yarboi Annan.
Vanderpuye believes that Annan is the most viable candidate capable of retaining the Odododiodoo seat for the NDC in the upcoming 2024 polls.
Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Monday, Mr Vanderpuye justified his support for Mr Annan, asserting that it aligns with the party’s interests in retaining the Odododiodoo seat.
“The decision to have Yarboi contest is for only one thing, to retain the seat and to make John Mahama win with a wide margin in the constituency. Because to me, from the experiences I have and from what I know from Odododiodoo, he (Michael Annan) is the only one who can retain the seat for us,” he noted.
The NDC, in a report issued on Monday, December 4, clarified that findings made by the special committee established by its FEC warranted the disqualification of Mr Annan from contesting the party’s parliamentary primary in the Odododiodoo Constituency.
According to the party, considering the evidence presented, the special committee was unable to endorse Mr Annan’s qualification to contest the parliamentary primaries in the Odododiodoo constituency based on Article 41(8)(b) of the NDC Constitution, which provides that, “a member must be an active member of the party at the constituency level for the four years immediately preceding the date of filing nominations.”
The disqualified National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary aspirant in the Odododiodioo constituency, Michael Nii Yarboi Annan, has expressed dissatisfaction with the Functional Executive Committee’s (FEC) decision to disqualify him from participating in the NDC Odododiodioo parliamentary primary.
The FEC, in a statement, stated that he was disqualified based on a report from the Special Committee investigating the violence during the October 13, 2023, parliamentary aspirants’ vetting in the Odododiodioo Constituency.
In response to the decision, Mr. Annan contested its accuracy and indicated that he would seek redress.
“I am a solid person and I don’t take things to heart. I believe that there are laid down procedures that we can use and other avenues that we can use to seek redress if we are unhappy.”
“Clearly, I am unhappy, and I believe that the decision is wrong. And therefore I have also directed my lawyers to work towards that,” he said.
Mr. Yarboi, in a previous statement, also condemned the attack on the party headquarters by some of his aggrieved supporters on Wednesday.
Following the disqualification of Michael Nii Yarboi, an aspiring parliamentary candidate in the Odododiodioo Constituency, enraged supporters have vandalized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) head office in Accra.
Protestors dumped refuse in front of the party’s headquarters, obstructing the road and causing traffic disruptions. Additionally, some supporters hurled bricks at the NDC head office, resulting in damage to several windows.
The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress officially disqualified Michael Nii Yarboi from participating in the party’s upcoming parliamentary primary in the Odododiodioo Constituency.
This decision was based on a report submitted by a Special Committee investigating the violence that occurred during the parliamentary aspirants’ vetting on October 13, 2023, in the Odododiodioo Constituency.
An eyewitness who spoke to Citi News on condition of anonymity said “According to them, they want an MP called Don and they have taken him out of the contest. Meanwhile, he is the one who has been helping the community for a very long time. Especially sending the youth in the community to school. They said he is sponsoring almost 13 or 18 students in university and SHS, so he is the one they want and not the other two because the other two according to them are incompetent.”
“One was given the nod as an assemblyman but couldn’t fulfil his promises and was given another chance to be a secretary but left the country for abroad and was back to seek the MP position. And the second one was an MP for Amasaman, and he couldn’t fulfil his promises there and wants to come to this constituency to make amends.”
Law enforcement has intervened to restore calm in the midst of the tumultuous situation at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) head office.
Headquarters of Hooligans Party, NDC has been vandalised by their hooligan supporters pic.twitter.com/wfuquHkiv0
The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has barred Michael Nii Yarboi from participating in the Parliamentary elections for the Odododiodioo Constituency.
This decision stems from a report submitted by the Special Committee tasked with investigating the violence that transpired in the constituency during the parliamentary aspirants’ vetting on October 13, 2023.
FEC also decreed that the other two aspirants, Mr. Alfred Nii Kotei Ashie and Mr. Emmanuel Nii Okai Laryea, whose supporters were implicated in causing damage to properties during the vetting, will be held jointly responsible for covering all costs associated with the damage at the center.
Furthermore, FEC has instructed its election directorate to promptly organize the parliamentary primaries for the Odododiodioo Constituency.
Below is the full statement
The Functional Executive Committee (FEC), today the 28th of November, 2023 at its meeting at the Headquarters has received the report of the Special Committee set up to investigate the violence that occurred at Odododiodioo Constituency during the vetting of parliamentary aspirants held on October 13, 2023.
The FEC after a careful study of the report has decided as follows:
1. That Mr. Michael Nii Yarboi is not qualified by the provisions of article 41 (8) (b) of the constitution of the NDC and therefore cannot contest in the Parliamentary elections in Odododiodioo Constituency.
2. That the other two aspirants, Mr Alfred Nii Kotei Ashie and Mr. Emmanuel Nii Okai Laryea whose supporters the Committee’s findings reveal that they caused the damage to properties at the Center of the vetting are hereby surcharged jointly for all the cost of the damage at the centre.
3. That the FEC sends its apologies to Miss Akosua Octhere, the journalist who was manhandled on the vetting day and assures her the party will liaise with her to indemnify all her medical bills.
The FEC further directs its election directorate to take immediate steps to organize the parliamentary primaries for the Odododiodioo Constituency.
Henry Osei Akoto, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the 2020 parliamentary candidate for the Oforikrom constituency, has called for the immediate removal of the Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, following his recent comments on the 24-hour economy proposal.
Expressing bewilderment, Akoto questioned why a state minister would make such statements in a public forum.
Yakubu, during a public event, dismissed the 24-hour economy policy advocated by the NDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.
The minister’s argument centred on the potential impact of the policy on marriages in the region, suggesting that the predominantly farming male population, if engaged around the clock, would have limited time for spousal intimacy.
In an interview with GhanaWeb, Henry Akoto emphasised that the minister’s remarks warrant immediate dismissal.
“In fact, I just can’t understand how a minister of state can stand in front of the public and make this kind of pronouncement that we are going to lose our wives when we go on this 24-hour economy. I mean, this is nonsensical. This minister should be sacked with immediate effect.
“You don’t do this. Wherever he’s travelled around the world, he himself knows that every economy is running a 24-hour shift. Why would he come and tell us that if we go on a 24-hour economy shift, we are going to lose our wives? This is barbaric; this shouldn’t come from a minister of state. I’m very disappointed in his statement and he should be condemned for those comments,” he stated.
What the regional minister said
“The vice president is saying that he understands the region. He says that in this 24-hour economy, my brothers, when we work on the farms and we are tired in the night we have to sleep with our wives.
“We have to be with our wives. In the night, you want us to go and be farmers, and then people will come and take our wives away?” the minister was questioned amidst shouts of no from his audience.
Lawuratu Musah-Saaka, a member of the communication team for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly criticised what she perceives as the aggressive assembly of National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth at the office of their flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.
Musah-Saaka emphasised the need for collective condemnation of such actions, asserting that wrong is wrong. The condemnation stems from a video circulating online showing NDC supporters gathering at Mahama’s office, ostensibly for a cleanup exercise.
However, concerns were raised about the display of tools for the cleanup, with individuals wielding bows, arrows, machetes, and even a cutlass. During an interview on Metro TV, Musah-Saaka expressed that engaging in a violent manner while carrying out a cleanup is not appropriate.
She questioned the choice of weapons for a cleanup exercise and underscored the importance of honesty when addressing such actions.
“We have seen cleanup exercises in this country. What do we clean with brooms, hoes, brushes and all? What I saw were people in war regalia, with bows and arrows. I saw people with machetes and the one that even amazed me is a lady with a cutlass wielding it on her chest. It was a fresh cutlass; I don’t think it even touched the grass.
“Look, there are tools for cleaning; do we now use bows and arrows to weed or to clean? Or perhaps you use that to remove cobwebs. Someone is wearing regalia with machetes that the warriors use; what are they doing to use it for? Or was there a fish pond there that they were going to target fishes and other things. Let’s be honest: when it is wrong, it is wrong. Going to clean is not wrong, but wielding all these weapons for what?” she asked.
Expressing concern for the involvement of young people in such activities, the NPP communicator said: “I get worried when young people do this; whatever we are doing in politics now is to the benefit of young people.
“When you check the 2021 census, our population has transitioned from children to young people. So, when you have youth using their productive hours, brandishing cutlasses and doing all these, one must be worried.”
In a recent turn of events, Henry Osei Akoto, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the 2020 parliamentary candidate for the Oforikrom constituency, has vehemently called for the immediate removal of Upper East Regional Minister Stephen Yakubu.
This demand comes on the heels of the minister’s controversial comments regarding the 24-hour economy proposed by NDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.
During a public event over the weekend, Minister Yakubu dismissed the NDC’s 24-hour economy policy, suggesting that its implementation could pose a threat to marriages in the region.
He argued that the predominantly farming male population would be occupied around the clock, leaving limited time for spousal intimacy.
Expressing his astonishment, Osei Akoto questioned the appropriateness of such comments from a minister of state in a public setting.
He emphasized that Yakubu’s remarks were not only insensitive but also raised concerns about his suitability for the position.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, Henry Osei Akoto insisted that the minister’s statements warranted immediate action, calling for his dismissal. The controversy adds fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding the feasibility and societal impacts of the proposed 24-hour economy policy.
As this development unfolds, political observers are closely monitoring the response of both the government and opposition, as public figures continue to express their views on the matter.
“In fact, I just can’t understand how a minister of state can stand in front of the public and make this kind of pronouncement that we are going to lose our wives when we go on this 24-hour economy. I mean, this is nonsensical. This minister should be sacked with immediate effect.
“You don’t do this. Wherever he’s travelled around the world, he himself knows that every economy is running a 24-hour shift. Why would he come and tell us that if we go on a 24-hour economy shift, we are going to lose our wives? This is barbaric; this shouldn’t come from a minister of state. I’m very disappointed in his statement and he should be condemned for those comments,” he stated.
What the regional minister said
“The vice president is saying that he understands the region. He says that this 24-hour economy, my brothers, when we work in the farms and we are tired in the night we have to sleep with our wives.
“We have to be with our wives. In the night you want us to go and be farming and then people will come and take our wives away?” the minister questioned amidst shouts of no from his audience.
A 24 – Hour Economy will not allow us to sleep with our wives – Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Stephen Yakubu pic.twitter.com/HBDqgCzF5n
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has warned the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, to cooperate with the Minority side or face legislative gridlock.
The Speaker expressed his dissatisfaction with the Majority Leader’s failure to ensure the attendance of his members during the debate on the 2024 budget. Bagbin described Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s performance as “limping”.
The Speaker attributed the poor performance of the Majority to the change of loyalties within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) after the party’s presidential primaries.
Notably, with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerging as the NPP’s flagbearer, Bagbin observed a transition in allegiances away from the incumbent, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Bagbin observed that the reported change in loyalty has led to NPP MPs appearing to neglect their parliamentary responsibilities, treating President Akufo-Addo as a president with limited influence.
To tackle this issue, the Speaker encouraged the Majority Leader to give precedence to working together with the Minority, highlighting that the legislative process might encounter challenges without such collaboration.
“I expect the majority who have a limping majority leader, limping because when you look at his back you’re less than those in front of you. You have a lame duck president, a lame duck because you have elected a flagbearer and loyalty and commitment are shifting.So, your president is now a lame duck president. You need this side of the house to support you to finish your eight years,” Mr. Bagbin mentioned.
“And so if you don’t behave well, we have difficulty in proceeding as a nation…please, I expect you to cooperate; I will not allow them to bully you. You’ll get sufficient time to put across your case,” he warned.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was elected as the NPP’s flagbearer on November 4, 2023, ahead of the 2024 general election.
In a strong defence of formerPresident John Mahama’s promise to eliminate the Teacher Licensure Exams (TLEs) if elected President in 2024, Sammy Gyamfi, the Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has argued that the exams are a tactic by the current administration to hinder teacher recruitment.
During his ‘Building Ghana Tour’ in the Bono Region, Mahama pledged to do away with the Teacher Licensure Exams, stating that subjecting teacher trainees to an additional assessment for qualification is unnecessary.
This position has faced criticism from the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), which emphasises the exams’ importance.
In response to these concerns, Gyamfi emphasised that teacher trainees already undergo rigorous four-year Bachelor of Education programs, covering at least fifty courses and eight semesters of intensive study.
He questioned the necessity of an additional exam after such comprehensive training.
Gyamfi decried the Teacher Licensure Exams as a “dubious ploy” by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government to cut down on teacher recruitment due to financial constraints.
He disclosed that a significant number of qualified teacher trainees experience failure in the exams, leading to unemployment and pushing some to resort to bribery to secure licenses.
Gyamfi highlighted the lack of transparency in the Teacher Licensure Exams marking scheme, pointing out that pass marks are arbitrarily adjusted to meet the government’s hiring requirements. He also noted that even those who eventually pass the exams often face delays in securing employment.
In reiterating Mahama’s commitment to education, Gyamfi emphasised the NDC’s plan to concentrate on enhancing pre-certification education standards and examinations in Colleges of Education.
He emphasised that this approach would better ensure the quality of future teachers without imposing unnecessary barriers to employment.
Below is the full statement by the Sammy Gyamfi
MAHAMA’S PROMISE TO ABOLISH OBNOXIOUS TEACHERS’ LICENSURE EXAMINATION IS SOUND AND SENSIBLE
H.E John Mahama and the NDC fully support the Licensing and Registration of Teachers as required by sections 12 & 13 of the Education Act (ACT 778), 2008. What we are vehemently opposed to, is the use of a needless Licensure Exam as the basis or precondition for licensing teachers. It’s as simple as that.
Below are the reasons why the Teachers’ Licensure Exam is obnoxious and hence must be abolished:
Currently, Teacher Trainees undertake 4-year (Bachelors of Education) degree programs in various Colleges of Education. During the 4-year academic period, Teacher Trainees are taught and examined in not less than fifty (50) courses over eight (8) semesters, that is, two semesters per year.
It is worthy of note, that the curriculum for each semester includes a mandatory field practical course called Supported Teaching in Schools (STS). This practical academic activity is climaxed with a rigorous full-semester mandatory internship course during the first semester of level 400. During this period, Teacher Trainees are assigned to the field to understudy mentors in classrooms and practically guided to teach. Trainees are required to prepare lesson notes, reflective journals among others, for assessment. After successfully passing eight (8) semester examinations involving not less than 30 courses, including the mandatory full-semester internship course, Teacher Trainees graduate from school and are issued with Bachelors of Education Degree certificates.
One would have thought that the right thing for government to do after this, would have been to simply license and employ these teachers and pay them the appropriate salary, as the practice had always been, before the current NPP government took office. Sadly, this is not the case now.
In a dubious ploy by the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to suppress teacher recruitment, they now require Teacher Trainee graduates who have successfully passed all their course exams in school including the mandatory field internship program, to undertake another examination called Licensure Examination before they are licensed to teach- an examination that has no active guide whatsoever.
To add insult to injury, Teacher Trainees are also forced to undertake a one-year compulsory National Service. This is despite the fact that their 4-year academic curriculum already involves intense teaching support services to the state.
Many Teacher Trainee graduates end up being failed after taking the obnoxious licensure exam without even knowing why they were failed. These qualified teachers are made to stay home without any job. Out of desperation, some are compelled to pay bribes to officials of the National Teaching Council in order to get a license. The marking scheme for the obnoxious licensure examination remains a mystery. The pass mark is whimsically and capriciously adjusted depending on the number of qualified teachers government intends to deny employment every year. Even worse is the fact that, some teachers who failed the obnoxious licensure exam on their first attempt but have eventually managed to pass the the exam have been denied posting and are siting home idle.
The reason for this injustice is simple; the failed Akufo-Addo government/Bawumia government simply does not have the financial capacity to employ all Teacher Trainee graduates, hence has devised a plan to use the obnoxious licensure exam to suppress the number of teachers they have to employ every year under the guise of licensing teachers. This elimination by rough tactic is simply unfair. This is why, the visionary Nation Builder, H.E John Dramani Mahama has promised to abolish it when elected in 2024.
For those who are concerned about quality assurance, it is worthy of note, that section 13 of the Education Act requires professional certification as the basis for licensing and registering Teachers. Thus, any policy or proposal intended to improve quality assurance must focus on improving pre-certification education standards and examination in Colleges of Education. This is precisely what John Mahama is talking about.
If government thinks that all the academic examinations and field works Teacher Trainees are taken through during their 4-year programs in school are not enough for quality assurance, then what government ought to do is to improve pre-certification teaching and examination standards in line with best practices. Once that is done, there will be no need for another exam to license teachers after they have successfully graduated.
Using myself as an example, the pre-certification course and exam in the law school where I attended is very rigorous and competitive. Once you pass it and successfully undertake the mandatory internship course, you are licensed and called to the Bar. You are not required to write another licensure exams before you are licensed as a lawyer. Neither are you required to undertake compulsory national service before you are licensed. You are only required to do pupillage after you are licensed as a lawyer. This practice is the same for doctors and other professional bodies.
For the avoidance of doubt, licensing is not the same as Licensure Examination. I am a licensed lawyer but I was not required to write any licensure exam before I was licensed as a lawyer. The NDC started piloting the licensing of teachers in the year 2016 without examination. We were ready to fully rollout the policy for the 2016/2017 academic year before we lost power. See https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/new-teacher-licensing-starts-from-2016-17-academic-year.html
The visionary Nation Builder has spoken in very clear terms on this matter. No attempt to spin to this well-thought out policy will wash. The obnoxious Teachers’ Licensure Exams and superfluous National Service will be canceled after John Mahama is sworn in as President on 7th January, 2025. “Insha Allah!” Teacher trainees deserve to be automatically licensed and employed after successfully completing their 4-year programs.
SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ. National Communications Officer, NDC
In a disturbing turn of events, Daniel Nii Sackey Aidoo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Secretary for Domeabra-Obom Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, was brutally attacked by alleged supporters of parliamentary aspirant Isaac Awuku Yibor during a constituency meeting.
The incident unfolded during a meeting convened to elect key positions, including the Election Director, IT Director, and deputy for the constituency, as mandated by a directive from the national headquarters. According to Moses Kabu Kubi Ocansey, the Constituency Chairman, tensions arose when supporters of Isaac Awuku Yibor objected to a particular candidate and threatened to prevent him from voting. The Chairman, however, disagreed with their stance.
To address the dispute, Chairman Kubi instructed Nii Aidoo to retrieve the letter from his car, which contained instructions from the national headquarters. In a shocking turn of events, supporters of Mr. Yibor ambushed Nii Aidoo, subjecting him to a severe beating.
Chairman Kubi revealed that the Secretary lost consciousness during the assault and was promptly rushed to the hospital for medical attention. The Treasurer, Deborah Ntowry Nkansah, has urgently called on NDC Greater Accra Regional and National executives to intervene, emphasizing that failure to restore peace and order in the constituency could jeopardize the party’s standing in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Despite multiple attempts to reach Isaac Awuku Yibor for comments on the alleged involvement of his supporters, all efforts have thus far proven futile. The incident underscores the need for swift intervention and resolution within the NDC to prevent further escalation and maintain party unity in Domeabra-Obom.
Speaking at the Apostolic Continuation Church in Techiman, Bono Region, as part of his Building Ghana Tour on Sunday, November 19, 2023, Mahama emphasized that the NDC is a development-oriented party that ensures comprehensive progress for the country when in power.
Attributing the current challenges and hardships to the Akufo-Addo-led administration, Mahama criticized the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), stating that the NDC does not make promises it cannot fulfill, unlike the NPP.
In urging Ghanaians not to give up, Mahama is positioning the NDC as a party capable of delivering on its commitments for the overall development of the nation.
“We are not like them, we don’t promise when we know we can’t deliver, we don’t just promise we keep them, NDC is the only development-oriented party.”
Speaking before the congregation, he further noted that “People thought there was development and prosperity here, and now we have lost everything. The nation is pitiful, the country is facing hardships, and the economy is bad.”
“I thought they would continue the good work I left behind, but the nation seems to be retrogressing in development,” Mahama complained.
Reflecting on Ghana’s history as the first African country to gain independence and hold the title of the black star of Africa, Mr. Mahama urged the youth to maintain hope in the promise of a better Ghana. He emphasized that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is the best choice for fostering development and growth in the country.
“One thing has become resoundingly clear, and it is that our country is not on the right path. We are clearly headed for a major ditch if immediate action is not taken to reverse the trend. I also asked, after listening to many of the people who spoke in these interactions, what we can do collectively to address the excruciating hardship and suffering confronting many a Ghanaian’’ Mahama lamented.
“The problems of our country are legion and hydra-headed. As I distilled from my interactions with the people of Ghana on this tour, the most pressing problem is the impact of the ailing economy on livelihoods, prospects, and dreams”, he said.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has asserted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) possesses the expertise and capable individuals essential for Ghana’s development.
During a courtesy visit to the chiefs and elders of Wenchi in the Bono Region on Friday, November 17, as part of his Building Ghana Tour, Mr. Mahama emphasized that the NDC stands as the singular development-focused party in Ghana, consistently contributing to the country’s overall progress whenever in power.
I am in the Bono Region for a series of activities as part of my #BuildingGhanaTour.
“We have the experience and the people to do the work,” affirmed Mr. Mahama.
He underscored a distinctive factor between the NDC and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), stating that the NDC avoids making promises it cannot fulfill.
In contrast, Mr. Mahama suggested that the NPP tends to make commitments that may not materialize.
“We are not like them; we don’t promise when we know we can’t deliver. We don’t just promise; we keep them. NDC is the only development-oriented party,” he declared.
Two UK-based research firms, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and Fitch Solutions, have already predicted victory for John Mahama in the upcoming 2024 Presidential elections.
The EIU attributes this anticipated shift in power from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to factors such as declining living standards, limited job opportunities, and subpar public services in Ghana.
Minority in parliament has expressed disappointment with the Ministry of Finance for not furnishing Members of Parliament with copies of the 2024 budget statement following its presentation on November 15.
Minority Leader Ato Forson highlighted the issue, underscoring the need to promptly receive the budget documents for the ensuing post-budget discussions.
“Mr. Speaker, it is important for me to state that as we speak, we are all aware that the post-budget starts tomorrow; unfortunately, we have not received copies of the budget statement,”Ato Forson conveyed during parliamentary proceedings. “I do not have a copy of the budget statement, and no one is here. I have been observing the Ministry of Finance website since Wednesday to be able to download a soft copy,” he added.
Ato Forson underscored the significance of having access to the budget documents, describing the situation as a pressing concern as the house commences its worship tomorrow. “Mr. Speaker, this is not a speech; this is an appendix that comes with it. Mr. Speaker, we don’t have it; we don’t have it,” he reiterated.
His remarks stem from allegations by some members of the National Democratic Party (NDC) over the incumbent government’s abandonment of hospital projects that were started by the previous government.
In response to this on Hello FM in Kumasi, Mr. Osei-Mensah stated that the NDC lacks the moral authority to discuss issues concerning the region as it has failed to take meaningful actions for the people.
He called on the NDC to show him just one hospital it was able to commission during its tenure and he will step down from his role as minister.
“They [NDC] are complaining about uncompleted hospitals. They claim the hospital at Nyameani junction has been awarded and its a loan; who told them?” he quizzed.
“NDC should be ashamed of themselves. When they were in power from 2009 to 2017, did they even commission one hospital in the Ashanti region?. They should show me just one and I’ll resign. If they get just one hospital they commissioned, I will resign.I tell you, we are going to work with facts and figures,” he said.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and Fitch Solutions, two UK-based research firms, are both predicting a victory for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by former President John Mahama in the upcoming 2024 Presidential elections.
The EIU forecasts a transfer of power from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) which will be represented by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, its flagbearer, to the NDC.
This shift, according to the EIU, will be driven by factors such as declining living standards, limited job opportunities, and poor public services.
Fitch Solutions also suggests that the ruling party is unlikely to retain power, with former President Mahama expected to secure victory in the swing regions by nearly 48 percent compared to Vice President Bawumia’s 29%.
According to BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, the NPP is unlikely to stay in power after the 2024 election. Data from Global Info Analytics and their own sources indicate that the NDC is ahead of the NPP in the Volta-Oti regions, Northern regions, swing regions, and Akan regions.
The EIU report forecasts that the Ghanaian cedi will regain some of its lost value following a debt restructuring deal and is expected to end 2024 below 12 cedis to the dollar.
The report indicates that in 2024, about nine African countries will hold elections, with incumbent regimes expected to prevail in most cases, but there is a heightened risk of reduced parliamentary majorities.
According to the EIU, Ghana is likely to witness a transfer of power from the ruling NPP to the NDC, driven by factors such as declining living standards, limited job opportunities, and poor public services.
The report also predicts that inflation will ease in most African countries in 2024, but some major economies, including Ghana, will continue to experience double-digit inflation.
Member of Parliament for theOdododiodio constituency, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has disclosed the factors influencing his decision to step down from parliament, citing frustration as a major element.
During an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Citi FM, Vanderpuye expressed his discontent with the difficulties encountered by Members of Parliament (MPs) in carrying out their responsibilities.
He emphasised the absence of support from political parties, leading to increasing pressure and a decline in interest over time.
“I am leaving parliament because I am frustrated; the [political] parties really do not protect the people they have [in parliament]. So, you are subjected to so much pressure that, after a time, you lose interest because you don’t get the sort of environment to be able to harmonise the talents and competence you have,” he explained.
Lamenting the high attrition rate in parliament, he said that many MPs from both sides of the House face similar frustrations, resulting in valuable contributors leaving the legislative body.
“The attrition rate in parliament is too high, and as such, people do not get the sort of experience they require to advance the work of parliament,” Vanderpuye remarked.
He additionally commended seasoned MPs for their valuable contributions to the House, citing figures like Dr. Osei Assibey and the late Dr. Akoto Osei.
Vanderpuye underscored the significance of parliamentary experience, emphasising that Speaker Alban Bagbin’s achievements are rooted in his extensive tenure as a Member of Parliament.
National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has acknowledged the increasing apprehension about a decline in the standard of representation in Ghana’s Parliament.
During an appearance on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, November 16, the former NDC General Secretary affirmed his alignment with the perception that there has been a noticeable shift in how individuals perceive and approach parliamentary roles.
He highlighted the transformation from the traditional view of parliament as a platform for serving citizens to a more contemporary perspective where people view it as an investment.
“It is true that the quality of representation has declined, and it is not just an opinion; there is one survey report that has cited what the speakers have been talking about,” stated Asiedu Nketia.
The National Chairman of the NDC pointed out a crucial factor contributing to this decline, emphasising the negative impact of the increasing monetization of politics.
He added that in the past, individuals were driven to enter parliament by a genuine passion to serve the nation. However, the current scenario paints a different picture, with individuals now viewing parliamentary positions as a strategic investment opportunity.
“One of the key causes has been the overmonetization of politics; in the past, people went to parliament out of a passion to serve the nation. Now people go to parliament as a means of investment. Some just want a service passport to do their business.”
Asiedu Nketia advocated for a collaborative effort to overturn this trend, stressing the necessity of returning to the values of authentic public service that were once synonymous with Ghana’s Parliament.
However, he acknowledged the difficulty in implementing criteria, particularly educational qualifications, for political parties to consider before approving an aspirant to contest a parliamentary seat.
Former Greater Accra Chairman of theNational Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade Coker, has expressed concern that the party could risk losing the Odododiodio seat if the challenges surrounding the parliamentary primary in the constituency are not appropriately addressed.
The NDC has put a halt to all processes related to the parliamentary primary in the Odododiodio Constituency following a violent incident at the Greater Accra Regional Office during the vetting of aspirants.
The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the NDC has subsequently handed over the investigation of the violence to a special committee.
During an appearance on the Face-to-Face show on Citi TV, Ade Coker emphasised the critical importance of handling the issue properly to prevent the party from losing the Odododiodio seat in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
“If they don’t handle it well, we will lose that seat, and people must be up and doing because people who have gone to contest in that constituency don’t deserve to be there because that is not their constituency.
“There is a former NPP person who has been brought in, and he is contesting contrary to the party’s constitution, demanding that he should have served the party within a timeframe before contesting.
“Unfortunately, there is another person who is a former MP forAmasaman who should have gone to Amasaman to ensure that they win the seat again, yet he is contesting at Odododiodio.”
The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has indicated that the party’s 2024 manifesto will be revealed soon.
During an interview on TV3’s Hot Issues on Sunday, November 5, Mr Nketia suggested that the NDC will not run its campaign on free promises, especially at a time when production must be elevated to sustain the economy.
For him, this would prevent a situation where money will be printed to help address the country’s economic woes..
“We will bring our manifesto out very soon,” he hinted, “and you will know what it is that we are going to do.”
“Whatever you promise to do can only succeed on a strong economy,” he stated, citing agriculture and energy as key areas to be given attention.
“We will give you the details of what our manifesto will look like but the bottom line is that you cannot build anything on nothing. So, those who go about promising free this, free that, free this, free that, the free can only happen on solid production.
“If there is no solid production and you go about promising free, free, free, you can only print money and when you print money you will make the economy worse.”
He also conveyed his confidence in the party’s candidate, John Dramani Mahama, prevailing over the candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections.
Mr. Mahama, during his ‘Thank You’ tours, gave indications about some of the policies he intends to pursue if he is re-elected to lead the country.
“The payment of ex gratia to members of the executive will be scrapped,” he announced when he launched his bid to contest the NDC presidential primaries held in May.
“The necessary constitutional steps to take this will start in earnest in 2025,” he added.
“We will also persuade members of the other arms of government to accept its removal.”
Mr. Asiedu Nketia disclosed that some individuals who had criticized Mr. Mahama during his presidency are now offering apologies to him.
“Those who are talking today are the same people who condemned John Dramani Mahama and over the past two years, people are coming out to apologise.
“People are coming out to say that they were misled into believing in certain things and that is a stronger vote for President John Dramani Mahama.”
