Former president and presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has criticised President Akufo-Addo.
During a ceremony in Accra on July 24, 2023, to mark the 11th anniversary of the passing of Former President, Prof John Evans Atta Mills, he sated that unlike the current dispensation, the late former president did not exploit state agencies for personal gain.
He emphasized that the politically charged judicial system prevalent today was not present during Prof Mills’ time, according to a report by 3news.com.
“Prof Mills was a leader who never sought to consolidate power at any cost or manipulate state agencies to further his political interests,” Mahama stated.
He praised the independence of the Electoral Commission (EC) and the judiciary during Mills’ tenure, noting that they were not influenced by the president’s desires when delivering their verdicts.
Mahama also highlighted Prof Mills’ deep respect for Ghana’s culture and values. He mentioned that Mills strongly opposed LGBTQ rights, as he upheld the nation’s social and moral principles.
Additionally, Mahama credited the late former president for being an excellent talent spotter and acknowledged himself as one of Mills’ many proteges who have succeeded in their respective fields.
Prior to the 2016 election, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia gained notoriety for using the word “incompetent.” This was true even though the criticism was intended at the administration of the previous president, John Dramani Mahama.
As the years pass, Bawumia is dealing with a similar situation of offensive branding, which is mostly being done by pro-opposition activists on the social media site Twitter.
Senior members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have repeatedly called Bawumia a liar in media interviews and online postings.
According to a report on the #Bawuliar hashtag, among other things, the trends were primarily unnatural and resulted from a spike in NDC activists’ engagement on Twitter.
Additionally, it was discovered that Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC’s national communications officer, was a significant contributor to the #Bawuliar tweets that became popular, the majority of which were started after Bawumia delivered a significant economic declaration or address.
The most recent occurred when Bawumia declared his intention to run for president of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Findings from Kwetey Nartey’s analysis
A media journalist, Kwetey Nartey, undertook an analysis on the trend and discovered, among other things, that while the terms “Bawuliar” and “#Bawuliar” were first used in 2016, their use for political involvement only began in February of last year.
“Criticisms which started as an organic onslaught on Dr. Bawumia’s credibility on the streets and in the mass media, gained traction in social media circles with the hashtag #Bawuliar.
“During the investigation, we observed that almost every comment the Vice President made about the economy was met with a spike in #Bawuliar tweets,” his report read in part.
The analysis pinpointed the leading accounts, influencers, and boosters of the #Bawuliar trend whenever it is used, typically following a significant economic announcement from the Vice President.
Nartey also discovered through analysis that the cut-and-paste postings, which indicated that they were coordinated and cranked up to achieve a specific result, were at the root of the trend’s inorganic nature.
It mentions how the NDC Twitter army appropriated the hashtag #BawumiaNeverLies when pro-government activists attempted to fight the #Bawuliar trends.
“#Bawumianeverlies first emerged on 22 April 2022 in @kingkobby_gh’s reply to @Yabbanx’s tweet about the use of drones to deliver blood to save lives being a manifestation of the vision of President Akufo Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“#Bawumianeverlies was supposed to be a counter to #Bawuliar. However, #Bawumianeverlies was hijacked by pro-NDC Twitter accounts to drive the narrative that Dr. Bawumia had failed to deliver on his promises, suggesting that he had been dishonest. 16 accounts used the copy-paste technique coordinatedly amplify tweets about Dr. Bawumia’s supposed failed promises,” the report added.
The verdict
The journalist concluded that even though government and Bawumia specifically has come under sustained critique by people in opposition and the civil society space, which critique are organic, “the NDC has taken advantage of these sentiments and branded the Vice President as a liar for political gains.
“The coordinated sharing of #Bawuliar tweets by 28 accounts using the copy-paste technique shows an aggressive move to exaggerate and entrench the “liar” narrative.”
“Whilst the Vice President may indeed be facing a credibility deficit, #Bawuliar is an inorganic trend that exaggerates the existence of narrative,” he added.
The report was produced with support of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigations
MP for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda, has asserted that the minority caucus of parliament will persist in their protest against the prosecution of their colleague, James Gyakye Quayson, who represents the Assin North Constituency.
He stated that the NDC MPs would maintain their boycott of parliamentary sessions as a display of solidarity with Quayson, emphasizing that ending the boycott would be seen as a form of betrayal.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda
“Gyakye Quayson was dragged to court on several occasions. The court said that he should be removed as an MP, and he was removed.
“Another election was conducted, and the people of Assin North voted for him massively. But still, they are trying him in court. So, those of us who love him—should we sit aloof as they are persecuting him?
“And so, anytime he is to appear before the court, we would accompany him to show him the love we have for him; we would go today and tomorrow,” he said in Twi, as he was addressing the media at a campaign event on Monday.
Collins Dauda, a former Minister for Works and Housing, added that it is amazing that the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC), which approved Quayson, has not been summoned by the court to explain their decision.
“The gatekeeper (the EC), who is supposed to ensure that only qualified people stand for the election, passed him (Quayson)… Why are they not asking the Electoral Commission why it passed Quayson?” he said.
He added that those saying that NDC MPs’ boycott of parliament was affecting the livelihood of Ghanaians are wrong because currently there are no urgent bills that the house is considering.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has held a solemn and emotional ceremony to pay their respects and honor the late President Prof John Evans Atta Mills, on the eleventh anniversary of his passing.
The wreath-laying event was conducted at Accra’s Asomdwe Park, where the remains of the late president were laid to rest.
Prominent NDC bigwigs gathered on July 24, 2023, to commemorate the legacy of Prof. Mills, who served as Ghana’s leader from 2009 until his untimely death in 2012.
Notable attendees included former President John Dramani Mahama, who succeeded Atta Mills and served as Ghana’s President from 2012 to 2017.
Also present were the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and NDC Chairman, Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, affectionately known as ‘General Mosquito’.
Numerous other high-ranking NDC members, party executives, minority members, and senior officials participated in the event.
During the ceremony, Koku Anyidoho, a former presidential spokesperson, spoke about the circumstances surrounding Prof. Mills’ death in July 2012. The late president passed away at the 37 Military Hospital after being rushed from the Castle, the seat of the presidency at the time.
Anyidoho, who was perceived as a ‘powerful’ aide to the former president, mentioned that he had faced accusations of personally transporting the ailing president to the hospital.
The 11th wreath-laying ceremony of the late President John Evans Atta Mills currently underway at the Asomdwee Park #UTVGhanapic.twitter.com/KLwAzApve6
The late Hanny Sherry Ayittey up until her sudden demise, contributed immensely to the country’s development.
She contributed her quota via governmental positions and non-governmental roles. At the age of 75, one can say Sherry Ayittey has built a good reputation and an enviable résumé.
Her enviable academic record is just a few of the indicators that Madam Ayittey was a genius. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Science in Industrial Microbiology from the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.
Political career
In the political space, Hanny Sherry Ayittey sided with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
NationalVice Chair
On November 18, 2018, Hanny Ayittey achieved success in her bid to join the NDC’s national executive committee. She secured a position as one of the three vice chairpersons for the party.
In this capacity, she served as the 2nd Vice Chairperson, while Awudu Sofo Asorka served as the 1st Vice Chairperson, and Said Sinare served as the 3rd Vice Chairperson.
Sherry joins the Executive arm of government
2. Minister for Envrionment
Following the 2008 presidential election, the late former President John Atta Mills appointed Hanny Ayittey as the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology in his government.
Her responsibilities included collaborating with the Ministry of Energy to oversee Ghana’s first drill of oil and gas. During her tenure, she diligently addressed environmental hazards, ensuring that all necessary precautions were taken into account.
Furthermore, Hanny Ayittey played a crucial role in developing an oil and gas master plan in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This plan aimed to integrate environmental management, health and safety, and community concerns into the operations of the petroleum sector, with a focus on achieving sustainable development.
In April 2012, she represented President Atta Mills at the 2nd Commission Meeting of COMSATS, where the President was appointed the chairperson of the commission.
Sherry Ayittey held unto this position until the end of the Atta-Mills administration.
3. Health Minister
Owing to her call to service, Sherry Ayittey won favour in the eye of former President John Dramani Mahama who took over from Atta-Mills, whom he once served as Vice under his tutelage.
In January 2013, Hanny Ayittey was appointed as the Minister for Health by President John Dramani Mahama, succeeding Alban Bagbin in the position.
During her tenure as Health Minister, she represented Ghana at various international forums and conferences, including the 66th World Health Assembly, where she served as one of the keynote speakers at the event focused on climate change and air pollution.
One of her significant initiatives as Health Minister was advocating for the introduction of family planning education in schools through the Ghana Education Service (GES). Recognizing the high incidence of teenage pregnancies in Ghana due to the lack of knowledge on reproductive health and family planning among youth, she believed that incorporating family planning education into the curriculum would reduce stigma and empower adolescents to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Hanny Ayittey also emphasized the importance of eye-care as a crucial aspect of ensuring a healthy nation. In collaboration with the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), she led an initiative to distribute eye-glasses to residents in rural communities in Ghana.
Furthermore, she emphasized the need for more ophthalmologists in the country, as there were only 74 trained ophthalmologists nationwide in 2014.
He role as Health Minister was short-lived as Mr Mahama believed her services were needed in another ministry.
4. Fisheries Minister
On June 9, 2014, President Mahama reassigned Sherry Ayitey to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
During this time, she was responsible for overseeing policies and initiatives related to the fishing industry and the sustainable management of aquatic resources in Ghana.
She held unto this role up until 2017 when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led by President Nana Akufo-Addo took over governance.
As mentioned earlier, Sherry Ayittey was phenomenal in all she did, even in non-governmental spaces.
5. Chairman of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology
Sherry Ayittey held prominent roles in various international organizations. She served as the Chairperson of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology in Geneva, as well as the African Regional Centre on Technology in Dakar.
Additionally, she was a member of the ECOWAS Board, which stands for the Economic Community of West African States, and served on the Council of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Washington.
Moreover, Sherry Ayittey was actively involved in the Economic Community of West African States Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE).
The death of Hanny Sherry Ayittey has caused great pain to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the people of Ghana.
Her death was announced by the bereaved family over the weekend on July 22, 2023.
Up until her demise, she contributed to Ghana’s development. She held several government positions as well as non-governmental positions.
Below is a profile of the Hanny Sherry Ayittey
Hanny Ayittey was born on February 8, 1948, in Ghana. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Science in Industrial Microbiology from the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.
In addition to her academic achievements, Ayittey has been recognised by esteemed American universities for her leadership capabilities. She is a fellow of both the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and the Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Beyond her political career, Hanny Ayittey has been actively involved in various non-governmental organizations activities in Ghana. She attended a leadership programme at Harvard University in February 2013, further enhancing her expertise and skills.
Her notable accomplishments extend internationally as well. Ayittey is a fellow of the Institute of Directors in the United Kingdom. In the past, she held the esteemed position of Chairman of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology. Currently, she serves as a member of the ECOWAS Board for Renewable Energy and is also affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
She sided with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during her political career.
After the 2008 presidential election, President John Atta Mills appointed her as Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology in his government.
She served as the Minister for Health in Ghana during the presidency of John Atta Mills. She held this position from 2009 to 2013.
After her tenure as Minister for Health, she later served as the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
During this time, she was responsible for overseeing policies and initiatives related to the fishing industry and the sustainable management of aquatic resources in Ghana.
She was the Executive Director for MOKAS Women Trust Foundation – Ghana.
Some female Members of Parliament (MPs) are calling for financial assistance from various civil society organizations and stakeholders to effectively fulfill their constituency duties.
They believe that such support would contribute to retaining the majority of female MPs and promote gender parity in politics.
According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, Ghana has a higher female population, accounting for 50.7 percent of the total population, while males constitute 49.3 percent.
However, within the 8th Parliament, both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have 20 female members each, totaling 40 out of 275 MPs.
During recent NDC primaries, three female MPs lost their bids to contest in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Expressing their concerns during a breakfast meeting organized by the Parliamentary Network Africa, Members of Parliament Patricia Appiagyei, Betty Krosbi Mensah, and Sheila Bartels called for financial support to retain their seats.
“It is very important that if we are working with the CSOs, wherever you are getting your funding from, it is critical that you appreciate the challenges we have in ensuring that we are servicing our constituencies and support us especially even during our primaries. What do you do to support and ensure that we retain our numbers and be able to even appreciate the numbers that we have in Parliament?”
Patricia Appiagyei stressed the importance of recognizing the challenges MPs face while serving their constituencies, especially during primaries, and urged the civil society organizations (CSOs) to offer necessary support.
Betty Krosbi Mensah, representing Afram Plains North, highlighted the limited resources available to MPs, making it difficult to effectively represent their constituencies.
Sheila Bartels, MP for Ablekuma North, emphasized that empowering women in Parliament would encourage more women to seek these positions.
She expressed concerns about women in politics not getting the same support as their male counterparts and urged for equitable financing opportunities.
The financial support sought by these female MPs aims to ensure they can continue their parliamentary roles effectively and pave the way for greater gender representation in Ghanaian politics.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed deep sorrow over the unexpected passing of one of its dedicated members, Hanny Sherry Ayittey.
In an official statement, the National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, described her death as a significant loss to the party, leaving them devastated.
According to the party, “The death of the hardworking and selfless Hon. Dr. Sherry Ayittey has robbed the party, the country, and her family, of yet another elder whose sterling contributions to nation-building span well over a generation in the history of Ghana.”
“We in the NDC are particularly devastated by this sudden and unexpected blow, and at the appropriate time, we shall demonstrate our gratitude to her for her love of nation and party,” portions of the statement added.
Sherry’s family announced her passing in a press release issued on Saturday, July 22, but did not give details as to the cause of death. She was aged 75.
The party says they “console themselves and her family and request for strength and fortitude for her family and friends as preparations are made towards her funeral.”
“Auntie Sherry, rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, former President John Dramani Mahama and Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson have paid tribute to the late former minister.
Hanny Sherry Ayittey, a former Minister for Health, as well as Fisheries and Aquaculture, has passed away at age 75.
The family made the announcement through a press release issued on Saturday, July 22.
“The head of the family, Nii Kofi Ayittey of Akwetey Nantan, Osu Alata, announce with deep sorrow the death of their beloved daughter and sister, Hon. Hanny Sherry Ayittey, on July 22, 2023.”
Further details about her passing will be provided by the family at a later time, according to the family.
Profile
Hanny Ayittey was born on February 8, 1948, in Ghana.
She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Science in Industrial Microbiology from the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.
In addition to her academic achievements, Ayittey has been recognized by esteemed American universities for her leadership capabilities. She is a fellow of both the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and the Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Beyond her political career, Hanny Ayittey has been actively involved in various non-governmental organization activities in Ghana. She attended a leadership program at Harvard University in February 2013, further enhancing her expertise and skills.
Her notable accomplishments extend internationally as well. Ayittey is a fellow of the Institute of Directors in the United Kingdom. In the past, she held the esteemed position of Chairman of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology. Currently, she serves as a member of the ECOWAS Board for Renewable Energy and is also affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
She sided with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during her political career.
After the 2008 presidential election, President John Atta Mills appointed her as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology in his government.
She served as the Minister for Health in Ghana during the presidency of John Atta Mills. She held this position from 2009 to 2013.
After her tenure as Minister for Health, she later served as the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
During this time, she was responsible for overseeing policies and initiatives related to the fishing industry and the sustainable management of aquatic resources in Ghana.
She was the Executive Director for MOKAS Women Trust Foundation – GHANA.
Ghanaian actor, Clement Bonney also known as , Mr. Beautiful, disclosed the challenges he encountered after endorsing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President Mahama.
As a dedicated NDC member, he faced discrimination when a restaurant refused to serve him food due to his political affiliation.
“I have gone to somewhere to buy food but the food vendor refused to sell the food to me just because of my die-hard affiliation to NDC and John Mahama. I remember I went to a certain restaurant to buy food but they insisted on not selling the food to me because they claim that I’m an NDC sympathizer,” he stated.
Recounting another instance, he shared how a certain TV station declined to work with him for a TV advert simply because of his association with the NDC.
Despite these difficulties, Mr. Beautiful remains resilient, considering writing a book to share his experiences and struggles.
“I went to a certain TV station to pay for a TV advert but the owner of the TV station said he can’t work with me because I am a known follower of NDC,” he said in an interview on Property FM seen by MyNewsGh.com
“I have gone through a lot that’s why if I decide to write a book Ghanaians will know my story but I thank God that I paved the way for others to benefit today,” he added.
He is thankful that his actions have paved the way for others to benefit in the present day.
Following the recent revelations of construction lapses in the dams built under the ‘One Village, One Dam’ policy by the governing New Patriotic Party, (NPP) Minority MPs have strongly criticized the initiative, labelling it a mere political gimmick.
They argue that the policy was hastily implemented without proper consideration.
The criticism from the Minority MPs comes in the wake of JoyNews’ documentary, titled ‘Thirsty Dams,’ which exposed the poor condition of the dams constructed during the Akufo-Addo government’s tenure.
Among those expressing their concerns was Samson Ahi, the NDC MP for Bodi Constituency in the Western North Region.
According to Mr. Ahi, the ‘One Village, One Dam’ policy lacked careful planning and was primarily used as a propaganda tool to deceive the Ghanaian public.
He pointed out that despite the government’s claims of having built dams, many of them were unable to retain water even during the rainy season, indicating poor execution.
Furthermore, the MPs accused the NPP government of prioritizing fulfilling a manifesto promise over the well-being of the communities affected by the dams. They emphasized that the policy’s rushed implementation led to subpar construction, causing ongoing challenges with water supply in those areas.
Henry Yiadom Boakye, the NDC MP for Akwatia Constituency in the Eastern Region, echoed these concerns, highlighting the failure of the dams to deliver on their promised benefits.
He lamented that despite significant financial investments exceeding 200 million, the project failed to provide any meaningful returns or benefits to the communities.
The MPs argued that such resources could have been better utilized in other sectors like education, instead of being wasted on a project that did not meet its intended objectives.
They concluded that the evidence presented in the documentary reinforces their initial opposition to the ‘One Village, One Dam’ policy and calls for a more responsible approach to infrastructure development in the future.
Nine out of ten flagbearer hopefuls have allegedly threatened to withdraw from the New Patriotic Party’s Presidential primaries following an impending decision by the party.
According to reports, the party is yet to decide on whether or not to centralise the upcoming super delegate congress scheduled for August 2023.
Majority of the NPP presidential hopefuls want the congress to be held at a central location. However, one candidate, who is reportedly supported by the government and is advocating for the congress to be conducted in various locations based on the respective regions.
The other nine have raised concerns over conducting the primaries in various parts of the country, with claims that this would allow for intimidation of the party’s delegates, thus, have threatened to bare their teeth to the party if it fails to heed to their plights.
Also, according to a UTV report, the steering committee of the party and the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, want the congress to be held in the 16 regions.
The UTV report added that the committee has garnered the backing of the party’s regional chairmen and will strongly advocate for the super delegate congress voting to be conducted at the regional level during the meeting, however, the decision does not sit well with the nine candidates who have threatened to withdraw from the race.
In furtherance to this, a meeting has been scheduled for all aspirants who have reportedly halted their campaigns to attend a crucial meeting in Accra, today, Thursday, July 20, 2023, to decide on the matter.
“If the NPP would go into opposition or break the 8, it depends on this meeting which would be held tomorrow, July 20th,” a UTV reporter said in Twi on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal and media team, Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, has stated that the government’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program is causing tremendous hardship for Ghanaians.
This follows the government’s debt to National Food Suppliers and uniform suppliers to public schools under the Free SHS intervention.
In an interview with the media, Mr. Adawudu stated that the policy should be reconsidered in order to prevent the economy from collapse.
“When it comes to the Free SHS, everybody is livid about that. It is bringing untold hardship upon us and this economy. Why is it that the people the government owes, the uniform contractors, cannot even go to court to say that we want our money? Everyone is picketing because citizens are losing faith in our institutions,” he stated.
The NDC has often advocated for a review of the Free SHS program in order to improve it, but the ruling New Patriotic Party remains firm.
South African National Democratic Congress Council of Elders, and Group Chairman of Allied Consortiums, Chairman Benjamin Kofi Quashie, has supported the World Bank’s energy plan directive for Ghana.
He believes Ghana can become an energy exporter if the right steps are taken.
Quashie stresses the importance of the government aligning its energy policy with the World Bank’s guidelines to avoid future energy crises in the country.
Regarding the ‘dumsor’ debate, he acknowledges historical disagreements between the NDC and NPP over excess capacity.
However, he sees the World Bank’s warning as a serious indication of a looming energy sector danger, urging the government to prioritize pragmatic solutions over political debates.
Additionally, he strongly asserted that the government is withholding information from the Ghanaian people. He questioned, “Who is being deceived by these half-truths instead of the full story?”
In an interview with the media, Quashie urged Ghanaians to hold the government accountable if any unfavorable outcomes occur in the energy sector. He accused the government of only presenting the positive aspects of their policies while neglecting to reveal the realities.
Quashie emphasized the need for Ghana to move away from policies aimed at gaining political advantage in the next election.
Instead, he advocated for policies that genuinely benefit the well-being of Ghanaians.
He stressed that energy sector decisions should be free from political influence to prevent a return to the ‘dumsor’ era. Given Ghana’s struggling economy, he warned that a recurrence of ‘dumsor’ would be disastrous for the country.
Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure has predicted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is likely to win the 2024 elections, however, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia can change the dynamics if given the nod as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a tweet, he stated that: “The grounds are fertile for an NDC victory in 2024. However, if Dr. Bawumia wins the NPP primaries, some important dynamics will change.”
His statement comes at a time when the NDC has already elected a presidential candidate while the NPP is preparing to elect one.
In his tweet, he entreated the National Democratic Congress to work extra hard and eschew any form of complacency in order to win the ultimate goal which is the seat of the presidency.
“The NDC must work extra hard to win. The odds will still favour the NDC, but any form of complacency will result in an upset,” he added.
The 2024 elections will be a keenly contested race, especially, between the two main political parties, the NPP and the NDC. The NDC is certain their long standing flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, is the best candidate to secure the seat of the president, thereby reelecting him to lead the party.
The NPP on the other hand is expected to elect a flagbearer in November. All 10 flagbearer hopefuls of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been cleared to contest in the upcoming primaries slated for November 4, 2023.
They are former Trade Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Kwadwo Poku an energy expert, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Energy Minister Boakye Kyerematen Agyarko, former General Secretary of the NPP, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong.
The others are Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, a former Offinso North MP, former Agric Minister, Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie, a former Attorney General Joe Ghartey and Francis Addai-Nimoh, former MP for Asante Mampong.
Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Inusah Fuseini, has voiced concerns about LGBTQ+ rights activism in Ghana, comparing it to a new form of colonialism.
While he advocates for abolishing the death penalty, he believes that accepting the LGBTQ+ community’s rights would undermine African culture.
He emphasizes the importance of embracing diverse choices but warns against endorsing what he sees as a potential form of colonial influence.
“The fact that I’m advocating for life imprisonment and not death sentence might, to some extent, be consistent with the way Africans have always lived together. LGBTQ+ is an attack on African traditions. Everybody or every people have the right to their own culture. It is the culture that defines you. You are who you are by reason of where you are from, and who I am by reason of where I am from. Diversity is what makes us human. Our differences should not divide us; our difference, in the sight of Allah, should let us know each other.
“As Africans, we have a culture; we have a tradition. It is, if you want, another form of colonialism or imperialism to try to impose on us a culture that is at variance with our traditional culture. And that is why LGBTQ is facing stiff opposition,” he stated.
He asserts that decisions regarding engaging in such practices should remain private. However, Inusah Fuseini believes that if such acts are publicized, they should be addressed through the law.
The anti-gay bill presented to Parliament has been adopted, aiming to make all activities associated with the LGBTQ+ community illegal in Ghana. The bill proposes punitive measures for suspects involved in such activities.
Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has received plaudits for his contributions to the development of the country’s infrastructure from Bernard Oduro Takyi, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) media team.
He claimed that if President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo could accomplish even half of what Mahama did, he would be named the class captain in heaven by God in a speech to party members, friends, and sympathizers in Kwatire Adentia, Sunyani West Constituency.
“If President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is able to deliver half of the achievement of former President John Mahama, then he would be appointed by God as the class captain in Heaven,” the communicator stated.
The former President Mahama’s accomplishments in delivering significant infrastructural development put him apart from the present NPP government led by Nana Addo, according to Bernard Takyi, a qualified chartered economist.
He made a point of highlighting the notable advancements made in the health and education areas while Mahama was president.
He stated, “Under the health sector alone, His Excellency John Mahama constructed, equipped, and operationalized five polyclinics in the Brong Ahafo region, namely; Kwatire, Techimantia, Bomaa, Wamfie, and Nkrankwanta. Our flagbearer, then president, built fifteen (15) community day Senior High Schools in our region and undertook several other educational projects.”
Bernard Takyi also pushed the audience to evaluate their region’s accomplishments since Nana Addo took power in 2017 and contrast them to the changes President Mahama started.
Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has emphasized the importance of selecting a leader who is dedicated to the welfare of the people and capable of ensuring the New Patriotic Party (NPP) remains in power during the 2024 general elections.
Addressing the NPP delegates, Dr. Bawumia stressed the paramountcy of maintaining political authority, stating that the party needs a leader who prioritizes the greater good rather than personal wealth.
He emphasized the significance of leadership experience and a proven track record in governance, highlighting the party’s need for a candidate who can bring innovative ideas to foster the country’s growth.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted his political background in his campaign against John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He emphasizes that he has emerged victorious against the former president on two separate occasions, instilling him with the confidence to secure another triumph in the upcoming 2024 elections.
“As we go for the presidential primaries, we need someone who can help us retain. We need someone who has humility. We need someone who has a track record. We need someone who has the temperament. We need someone who has innovative ideas and has tolerance for everyone,” Dr. Bawumia said.
The Vetting Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has approved the candidacy of Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen; Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong; and seven other contenders for the NPP flagbearership race.
With this clearance, all ten candidates are now permitted to commence their preparations for the Super Delegates Congress of the NPP. During this congress, the field will be narrowed down to only five candidates.
The final list of these five candidates will then be presented to the delegates, who will cast their votes to choose the NPP’s presidential candidate for the upcoming 2024 general elections.
NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has criticised the New Patriotic Party’s delegates system.
He says the NPP’s super delegates’ conference is a convoluted electoral process.
He stated that the system which has been designed to reduce the final number of NPP presidential candidates to be presented to the general delegates’ conference restricts the frontiers of democracy.
According to him, there was nothing wrong with the old system where all the candidates would be presented to the general delegates’ conference for a collective choice to be made.
Describing the super delegates’ conference as a knee-jerk response to criticism the party faced in 2007, he said the NPP should not have tampered with the process.
“To be honest with you, I am not entirely sold on this super delegates business. I think it was a knee jerk response to the criticism they faced in 2007 when 17 people showed up. I think they misapprehended the criticism at the time. The criticism had to do more with the flamboyance and opulence displayed at the time and not necessarily the numbers.
“Because really apart from creating an opportunity for an unwieldy ballot paper which may confuse less enlightened voters, I don’t see what real problem that poses. What are you going to do for instance if in the parliamentary primaries 17 people show up to contest one particular constituency? Are you going to hold a super delegates’ conference on that one too?”
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu further noted that the super delegates’ conference would inadvertently skew the electoral results towards the “establishment candidate” as electorates would want to side with power.
“What people were concerned about was the overt show of opulence that is what you ought to have dealt with, you didn’t need to tamper with the process because what it does for me is to restrict the frontiers of democracy. You see we’re talking about 900 super delegates, these are crème-de-la-crème, anybody who is everybody in the NPP.
“And indeed Boakye Agyarko has complained that the tendency is for that process to skewed towards the establishment candidate because you see the people in that bracket are people who will naturally gravitate towards the centre of power in order to benefit from whatever largesse that they think that there is, and so in terms of the fairness and the openness and transparency of the process there is a bit of a difficulty.
“I don’t think that they should have done that. They should have still allowed the broad masses of the delegates to decide who qualifies. If you have to organize two rounds of voting then I think that everybody who is eligible to vote within your party ought to have had a say in how the numbers are pruned down,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has obtained nomination forms to participate in the parliamentary primary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ayensuano Constituency located in the Eastern region.
The decision brings finality to years of rumour that Okraku-Mantey was eyeing the seat.
The NPP lost the Ayensuano parliamentary seat to the NDC in 2020 when then incumbent Member of Parliament Ayeh Paye was defeated by current MP of opposition National Democratic Congress, (NDC) Addy Saforo Teddy, by 19,221(47.31) votes against 18,970 (46.71%).
However, speaking to journalists after picking the nomination form in the Constituency office of the party, Mark Okraku-Mantey was hopeful he will snatch the seat back for the NPP.
The founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Slip Entertainment, admitted that apathy and complacency affected the party in the constituency, hence the loss of the seat by the NPP.
He has promised to unify the party at the grassroots level for the party to regain its popularity to win the seat.
Mark Okraku-Mantey thus urged the party members to work tirelessly devoid of parochial interest to build the party to the ‘Breaking the 8’ agenda.
He also touched on development of human capital through education and job creation using tourism.
“It has a lot to do with leadership. The people we know can influence how we can also develop ourselves and other people, especially in education. If we get the majority of our people educated the people will end up developing the environment themselves. So, knowing where I am now as the deputy minister of tourism, culture and creative arts, the people I know in the business fraternity before I became a minister and the world at large, if I put all my resources together, I can help, make Ayensuano a better place. I can help with capacity building, human resources and then development. So, I’m here to help, build the people who made me who I am today”.
He explained that “When it comes to the youth, I’m not sure anybody can drive the youth more than me as an entertainer. So I’m going to use that to drive the youth to all come together and fight for the seat. This is a traditional NPP seat, we just need to make a little effort and with leadership from the top and the people from the grass root, if we believe in ourselves that we are going to do it, why not, leadership can make it happen”.
Thursday, 13 June 2023, marked the beginning of a profound and solemn farewell ceremony for the late Ghanaian author, Ama Ata Aidoo.
Photo credit: Asenso Boakye
A tapestry of red and black enveloped the environment as scores of mourners who had gathered at the forecourt of the State House to honour the memory of the deceased prolific writer were all clad in either of these colours or a blend of both.
Photo credit: Asenso Boakye
Scores of dignitaries from within and outside the country, including President Akufo-Addo, former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Presidential running mate for the 2020 general elections, Prof Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman, were all present at the sombre occasion.
Phot credit: John Dramani Mahama
Family and friends were also in their numbers to bid their beloved farewell.
Photo credit: John Mahama
Ama Ata Aidoo was a renowned writer, poet and playwright. She was a pioneer in African literature, and her work helped to bring African stories to the world stage.
Photo credit: Asenso Boakye
Ama Ata Aidoo, in addition to being an acclaimed Ghanaian author, was a strong advocate for social justice, delving into the realms of gender equality and the empowerment of women through her literary contributions.
Photo credit: John Mahama
After a brief illness, Ama Ata Aidoo passed away on 31 May 2023. Although her departure is a great loss to the world, her influential legacy will endure. Her literary works will serve as a timeless source of inspiration for readers and writers, transcending generations.
A scene of chaos unfolded at the Atebubu-Amantin Municipal Assembly on Friday, July 14, 2023, when members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) made attempts to forcefully remove Edward Owusu, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the municipality.
According to a news report by UTV, the NPP members who were going to chase out the MCE were met with stiff opposition by his supporters.
This, the report indicated, resulted in a serious fight among the NPP supporters.
A video of the incident, shared by UTV, showed at least 10 men landing blows at each other in front of the assembly.
Edward Owusu was appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to be the MCE of the Atebubu-Amantin Municipality in 2017.
Reports indicate that in 2021, the resident of the municipality called on the president not to reappoint because they were not happy with some of his actions.
Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that his caucus intends to intensify their opposition to the ongoing criminal trial of James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North, in the near future.
In a move that aims to disrupt the government’s parliamentary proceedings, Members of Parliament (MPs) belonging to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have made the decision to boycott legislative sessions whenever the embattled Assin North legislator, James Gyakye Quayson, is slated to attend his ongoing trial.
The MPs have accused the government of targeting their party members and are demanding the dismissal of Quayson’s trial. This action is anticipated to impede the government’s legislative agenda in parliament.
Dr Ato Forson, in an interview on JoyNews, on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, said that they would do more than just boycott sittings of the House starting from next week.
He said that if the government wants its business to continue, it should stop prosecuting Gyakye Quayson on a daily basis.
“If we sit unconcerned for government to pick our members one by one and persecute them like the way they are doing to our colleague James Gyakye Quayson, they will come after every one of us.
“We have decided as a caucus to ensure that every day or any day that our colleague will be invited to go to court, we will go with him. They (the government) will have to contend with that. If they want him to be in the courtroom on a daily basis, we will also be there on a daily basis.
“The government will have to choose government business against Gyakye Quayson’s appearance on a daily basis. If they want us to assist the government to run, then they will have to choose wisely… This is our first activity that we are doing. We may escalate to signal our displeasure to the government and there are so many other things we are going to do in the coming days,” he said.
Ato Forson, the MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, refuted the assertion that his caucus is hurting Ghanaians with the decision they have taken.
He said that it is the “insensitive” Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government that is making the people of Ghana suffer.
The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has reminisced about his cherished moments with the late playwright Ama Ata Aidoo.
He revealed that Aidoo served as a catalyst, reigniting his passion for writing after his initial book.
Former President Mahama shared these sentiments during the burial service of the renowned writer at the State House forecourt in Accra on July 13, 2023.
Aidoo, a celebrated figure, passed away at the age of 83 on May 31 after a brief illness.
“She is one of our most prolific writers. We have all known her as kids growing up. My closest encounter with her was when I published ‘My First Coup d’état’ [book]. She came for the launch and encouraged me to write again, but I have not been able to [do so].”
“I was very sad at her passing. She was a very strong character and stood for women’s rights,” Mr Mahama stated.
Communication Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, and Deputy Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Maleek Basintale, were involved in a physical altercation on the microblogging platform Twitter.
The dispute arose following a critical attack launched by the NDC Deputy Communication Officer on the character of the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, during a panel discussion on TV3 Newday.
During a live broadcast of the TV3 Newday show on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the Deputy Communication Officer of the NDC, Maleek Basintale, clashed with a member of the NPP’s communication team, Benjamin Gyewu Appiah.
The NDC deputy national communication officer had described President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a corrupt president during a discussion on the leaked tape of an alleged plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, on TV3’s ‘The Big Issue’ programme.
In reaction to this, the Communication Officer of the NPP, Richard Ahiagbah in a tweet described the actions of Basintale on the show as reckless and unrelated.
“I have just finished watching TV3 New Day and wish to describe the attempt by the communicator to tag President Akufo-Addo with corruption as unrelated, reckless, and beyond the pale. The said claims are false political rumours and should not be repeated. Communicators must be mindful of their utterances because making or repeating these false claims could be costly. Kind regards to Mr. Roland Walker,” Ahiagbah tweeted.
This tweet did not sit well with Basintale, who replied that instead of defending the NPP on Twitter, Richard Ahiagbah should move to a studio to do it just like the NDC’s Communication Officer, Sammy Gyamfi does.
“Dear @RAahiagbah, My name is Malik Basintale, an elected DNCO. Instead of spewing vain and desolate threats here, learn to wake up at 5 am, drive to a studio by 7 am and defend your party. At least learn from my boss @SammyGyamfi_ NPP appointed you and not @elonmusk,” Basintale also added. A leaked audio recording, allegedly involving a Police Commissioner and a politician discussing a plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, has ignited public outrage.
The recording features an officer who identifies himself as “Mensah” and a politician who is reportedly a regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Their conversation revolves around plans to remove the IGP from office due to fears that he would be too firm during the 2024 elections and prevent any potential rigging.
The Commissioner of Police also specifically identifies the IGP’s handling of the Assin North by-election as evidence of his commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is preparing to release a book that will contain all of the party’s manifestos since its inception.
The “Manifesto Scroll of the National Democratic Congress 1992 – 2020” will serve as a documented declaration of the NDC’s policies, purposes, and objectives, issued in advance of each Parliamentary and Presidential election in which the party has participated.
The goal of combining the party’s manifestos into a single booklet is to improve its information and knowledge sharing agenda by providing easy access to the party’s social contracts and pledges to the people of Ghana.
According to the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the book being launched holds significance for the party. It is part of a series of books aimed at compiling the party’s records and reorganizing for success in the upcoming general election and future elections.
The book will serve as a comprehensive resource, providing readers with insights into the party’s perspectives and stance on important sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, rural development, and more.
Its purpose is to enhance understanding and clarity regarding the party’s views on various aspects of the country.
“The important thing about having them in a compilation like this is that, you’re able to identify common trends that will tell you the thinking of the NDC.
Mr Nketiah, emphasized that while there may be variations in the details across different electoral cycles, readers of the book will recognize common themes that permeate throughout.
As the party’s former General Secretary, Mr. Nketiah acknowledged that the documents included in the book were already accessible to the public.
However, he commended the author for providing individuals with a valuable opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the NDC’s origins and future trajectory.
Political opinions are not prohibited for civil officials considering the positions they hold, but it is not expected that their political connections will be made public.
Top government officials have a history of quitting their jobs before entering politics in their post-service lives.
Two high-ranking government employees have recently come under fire for allegedly being secretly politicians, despite the accusers’ public statements to the contrary.
The two are the Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II and Inspector-General of Police George Akuffo Dampare.
In the instance of Dr. Dampare, he was identified as a member of the NDC in a leaked audio clip where a senior New Patriotic Party (NPP) official and a commissioner of police are heard debating the necessity of his removal.
“I know there are others who are also good for this position, if I don’t get and this man is changed and those people that we think are our men get,” the policeman is heard saying. “(It is okay)”
“Because we need to break this 8. That is important, we need to break the 8… Because I wouldn’t want doctor to become the flagbearer and then we lose the elections… ” the policeman said.
The senior officer expressed vehement criticism of Dr. Dampare’s security plan, pointing out how it was biased against the NPP and using the recent by-election in Assin North as evidence.
He said that Dr. Dampare is an NDC member who had advancements under NDC administrations and worked as the late President John Evans Atta Mills’ aide-de-camp.
In the instance of the Dormaahene, Kobina Tahir Hammond (NPP MP for Adansi Asokwa), who took aim at the paramount chief for breaking the laws prohibiting chiefs engaging in politics in accordance with the constitution, leveled the accusation against him.
He claimed that he spoke excessively and was unable to serve on the bench. The Dormaahene is a High Court judge in Accra right now. In a case involving an NDC MP, he requested a nolle prosequi, which is what led to KT Hammond’s criticism of him.
The MP who also serves as the trades minister stated in an interview with Oyerepa FM:
“Just pay attention to all he has said. One person only. Take a moment to hear what he has to say about the Supreme Court. It follows that no one is seeking to punish him. Why? Does he not realize that what he is doing could cause him trouble?”
Member of Parliament (MP) for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has strongly criticised his National Democratic Congress (NDC) counterparts for their choice to abstain from attending parliamentary sessions.
Their decision is attributed to the ongoing criminal prosecution involving several NDC members, including James Gyakye Quayson, the MP for Assin North.
Mr Ansah Opoku accused the NDC MPs of holding the country’s governance hostage in response to a statement made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He said that Akufo-Addo’s comments on Quayson going to jail was only a reaction to assertions by NDC member that the people of Assin North would vote for the MP even if he would be going to prison.
“Parliament or elements in parliament should not be seen stampeding another arm of government… Why should a comment by the president who does not control the judiciary lead to the NDC boycotting parliament?
“… You went to Assin North to campaign on the basis that if even Mr Quayson would be put in jail, the good people of Assin would vote for him. The president in his response said that who in his right senses would want a Member of Parliament, who sits in jail, working for him?” he said.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Mpraeso legislator accused the NDC MPs of blackmailing the government with their demand for Quayson’s trial to be dropped.
“… I think that the NDC is only engaged in some blackmail. I strongly believe that they are taking into account the numbers in parliament now, the business of the day and they want to blackmail the executive.
“How do you suggest that the state should file a nolle prosequi when there is precedence to this matter,” he said.
Background:
The Minority in Parliament for the second time abstained from participating in parliamentary business on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, following the hearing of Gyakye Quayson’s ongoing criminal case in court.
In a show of solidarity, the entire Minority caucus accompanied the Assin North MP to court.
Last Thursday, the minority first boycotted siting after the minority took a firm stance to abstain from participating in parliamentary business on days when Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson, is scheduled to appear in court for an ongoing criminal case.
A Ghanaian physician based in the US, Dr. Arthur Kennedy, has highlighted the importance of addressing the retirement plans for health workers in Ghana rather than solely discussing car allowances.
Dr. Kennedy recalls conversations among young Ghanaian doctors about “The Mustapha-hiade syndrome,” which refers to doctors who struggle to make ends meet after decades of dedicated service once they are on pension.
To address this issue, Dr. Kennedy suggests a proposal. After approximately 10 to 15 years of service, he recommends that the government provide health workers with half of their retirement funds and designate it as a down payment for a residence.
The remaining amount can then be paid gradually as they continue their careers.
“We need to look at retirement security for those who are back in the system. Young doctors use to talk during my time there about Mustapha-hiade syndrome. They were referring to doctors who were distinguished and very respected who have given three to four decades of service and then when they retired they lived in penury.”
“We need to look at retirement security. For example, after somebody has worked for maybe 10 to 15 years, give them half of their retirement money and then the government marks it as a down payment for a residence and then the rest of their career they are paying for it, do the same thing with vehicle. When you do those things, then they feel more invested in the system and then also make sure that their living circumstances match that of their colleagues’ who went into politics and other professions,” he said on JoyNews’ AM show on Monday.
There is a growing call for stringent measures to address the challenges faced by health workers in the country. Nurses are leaving the country in search of better working conditions in developed nations like the US and UK.
Alongside the concerns about attrition within the health sector, there is also a discussion regarding the issue of qualified nurses not being assigned to various health institutions. Experts suggest that the number of nurses who have not been posted exceeds those leaving the sector for better opportunities elsewhere, posing a significant concern.
The General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum, highlights the lack of recognition as a demotivating factor for health workers in the country. He explains that negotiated payment ranges for different categories of health workers, such as midwife specialists, senior specialist nurse midwives, and consultant nurse midwife specialists, have been reduced without consulting the health unions.
To address these issues, Dr. Tenkorang-Twum and other representatives have petitioned the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, seeking assistance in resolving their concerns and improving the working conditions of health workers.
Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), emphasized that the practice of vote-selling and buying undermines good governance, fosters corruption, and hampers Ghana’s democratic progress.
During a rally in Assin-Bereku to express gratitude to the people, Mr. Kwetey praised the people of Assin North for their overwhelming support for the party in the recent by-election held on June 27.
He expressed particular joy that the voters remained guided by their conscience and truthfulness, despite the enticing incentives offered by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He urged all political parties and state institutions not to dismiss the silent opinion of the people of Assin North but rather embrace it as a national call to uphold integrity and professionalism.
Particularly, he reminded political parties to be guided bearing in mind that “the people cannot be taken with fiction of development and bribes for votes.
“That is the message Ghanaians from far and near must imbibe. If they come to you to buy your conscience, tell them I will not sell my conscience and integrity for the country to suffer.”
Mr. Kwetey also appealed to the Electoral Commission, Supreme Court, and media to adhere to the resounding message conveyed by the people of Assin North and remain dedicated to their respective mandates.
In addition, James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North, expressed appreciation to his constituents for the trust they have placed in him.
“I am deeply humbled by the confidence the people have expressed in what I stand for and what I have done.
“I am also fully aware of the reciprocal responsibilities that this massive show of confidence imposes on me. My solemn pledge is to work as hard as I can for the people who have made this possible,” Mr. Quayson assured.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam and leader of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, expressed the group’s commitment to stand in solidarity with Mr. Quayson during his court trial on charges of forgery and perjury. Dr. Forson assured that the Minority would provide full support to the embattled member whenever he is scheduled to appear in court.
During the election, Mr. Quayson secured victory with 17,245 votes, representing 57.56% of the valid votes cast. The NPP candidate, Mr. Charles Opoku, placed second with 12,630 votes, accounting for 42.15%. The candidate from the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Madam Sefenu Bernice Enyonam, received 87 votes, representing 0.29%.
In comparison to the 2020 results, Mr. Quayson garnered over 1,300 more votes in the by-election. In the previous election, he obtained 17,498 votes, surpassing the former MP, NPP’s Abena Durowaa Mensah, who received 14,193 votes.
National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has asserted that the members of parliament from the NPP (New Patriotic Party) were compelled to support the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 (anti-LGBTQ+ bill) due to pressure from the constituents of Assin North.
He claims that the Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were intentionally delaying the passage of the bill until the Assin North election took place.
During the NDC’s celebratory rally to mark their victory in the Assin North by-election, Sammy Gyamfi asserted that it was the choice of Assin North voters to reject the government that compelled the MPs to reconsider their positions.
“After the people of Assin North taught them (the NPP MPs) a small lesson during the by-election they have changed their minds. During the second reading of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Parliament, they all raised their hands in support after they were initially hesitating.
“It was only one person who spoke against the bill, her name is Ursula Owusu,” he said in the Twi dialect.
He added that if the government has truly learnt a lesson from the people of Assin North, it should withdraw the suits it has sent people to file in court against the bill.
Meanwhile, the MP for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has said that only one of the three New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs, who were initially supporting the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, stayed loyal to the drafting of the bill.
Speaking in an interview on Neat FM on Thursday, July 6, 2023, Sam George said that the NPP MP who stayed loyal to the course was the MP for Assin South and Deputy Minister for Education, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour.
According to him, the other NPP MPs who were initially sponsoring the bill failed to attend meetings to draft the bill and even missed the final presentation of the bill to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, because of the pressures they were under.
The MP made these remarks while reacting to a statement by Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, the MP for Asante Akim, who was part of the NPP MPs initially sponsoring the anti-LGBTQI bill, that he was not present for the presentation of the bill because he was busy.
“He had sixteen meetings to put together the bill with the coalition. Ask him (Andy Appiah) Kubi whether he attended any of these meetings. Every time, they have an excuse to give, even on the day of the presentation they want to give an excuse.
“If today all of them are now on board, they are welcome. But I would continue to celebrate Honourable Ntim Fordjour because on that day (the day of the presentation of the bill) we knew the pressure that he came under but he said he was a priest and he believed it was the right thing to do,” Sam George said.
An alleged leaked tape, purportedly containing a confession by an NPP (New Patriotic Party) Chairman for the Akim Oda Constituency, Ampaabeng Assimeng, has emerged.
Mr Assimeng in the said audio is heard admitting to plans involving the distribution of GHC600,000 to voters in the Assin North constituency.
The audio recording suggests that the funds were intended to sway voter allegiance in favor of the NPP during the crucial Assin North bye-election, however things did not not go as expected as the party executives at the local level could not identify trace the whereabout of the money or who the final recipients were, and the party eventually lost the elections as well.
“It [NPP’s Assin North defeat] was painful but it was expected because the money fell into the wrong hands. There has not been any accountability with regards to how much was spent, how much remained and nobody has anything to say about it.
“To be honest, leadership made us understand that GHC600,000 was disbursed to our four polling stations, but just look at the votes we had. ‘Asempa na ye’ is also one of the NPP’s strongholds. In previous elections NPP can garner 1,600 votes out of 2,000 while NDC gets only 400 but look at the [abysmal] outcome of these elections, and if this is how we are going to break the eight the God help us,” he is heard saying in the video.
The leaked confession confirms various allegations of vote buying which circulated during the by-election. There were wild reports of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) engaging in vote buying during the election. However, there was little evidence to prove the claims.
During the election, a viral video circulating on social media captured an incident from the recently concluded Assin North by-election, where an Electoral Commission (EC) official is allegedly seen accepting a bribe from a political party to influence the election results.
The video depicts a perplexed electoral official seated alongside a fellow colleague, while they are being interrogated by an individual behind the camera and a police officer. In the background, the police officer can be heard instructing the official to hand over the alleged bribe money, saying, “Bring it.” Simultaneously, the person behind the camera is heard urging the official to give the money to the police officer, stating, “You give the money to him, give it to him.”
As the situation unfolds, the electoral official reaches into his pocket, retrieves a stack of banknotes, and hands it over to the police officer. The unidentified commentator remarks, “Sit down,” after the money has been handed over to the police.
The video, which was circulating on social media generated significant attention and concern among social media users.
A user by the name of Kwaku Wisdom commented “The formula is simple, keep the voters poor, induce them with peanuts to keep us in power to continually keep them poor…and the circle never ends until the voter becomes wise.”
Former President, John Dramani Mahama has assured the people of Assin North that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will stand firmly by their side if it emerges victorious in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking during the ‘Thank You Tour’ following James Gyakye Quayson‘s success in the by-election on June 27, Mahama acknowledged the historical significance of Assin North in Ghana and expressed unwavering confidence in the NDC’s prospects of reclaiming power in the upcoming elections.
“If history is being written about elections in Ghana, the people of Assin North will have their name written in gold. The victory in this by-election is the begging of our march to recapture power. We are carrying the same momentum to the 2024 general election. I have faith in the Almighty God to grant the NDC victory in the next election.”
Mahama underscored the party’s strong commitment to providing support for Gyakye Quayson, who is currently confronted with legal proceedings regarding his eligibility to participate in the 2020 general elections.
“The Dormaahene who is a respected High Court Judge has appealed to President Akufo-Addo and the Attorney General to discontinue the case because the prosecution is needless. But people vilified him for making such an appeal.
“Whatever they do, for us in the NDC, if the Attorney General discontinues the case, we’ll be okay with that, if he continues the prosecution, our support for Gyakye Quayson will remain resolute. We’ll support him in the morning, afternoon and evening.”
There was a tense encounter between Minister for Agriculture Bryan Acheampong and certain minority members of parliament at the Buffer Stock Company, which nearly escalated into a physical altercation.
This occurred when the minority visited the premises to show solidarity with members of the National Food Suppliers Association, who have been picketing at the location since Tuesday, July 4, 2023, and have been sleeping there ever since.
During their visit, while the minority members, led by the Minority Leader, Ato Forson, was being briefed by the Deputy CEO of the company, Bryan Acheampong stormed the venue, confronting the minority and questioning their presence with the press without seeking his permission.
In response, Juaboso MP; Mintah Akandoh clarified that the media present were from the parliamentary press corps.
However, Acheampong dismissed the explanation, pointing to the minority leader, he said, “You can’t do that, you are a former deputy finance minister, what do you know about payment.”
Akandoh countered, saying, “You should be the last person to get angry.”
Minister for Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Bryan Acheampong clashes with minority caucus for visiting picketing Buffer stock company food suppliers over 270 million cedis debt.#GHOneNewspic.twitter.com/2ypMZX8HRn
Acheampong retorted, “Inorganic picketing should not be encouraged. You don’t bring press to a reception. You are a minority leader…” he said again, addressing Ato Forson.
After a few minutes of back-and-forth exchanges, Ellembelle MP, Emmanuel Buah intervened, expressing their willingness to engage in a conversation. Acheampong then directed them to his office, where an in-camera meeting took place, followed by addresses to the aggrieved members.
Acheampong assured the association members that the payment date would be disclosed to them by the end of the day.
The National Food Suppliers Association revealed that the National Buffer Stock Company owes them an amount of GHc 270 million, and they have vowed to remain at the company’s premises until reimbursement is made.
In response, the National Buffer Stock Company expressed sympathy towards the food suppliers and committed to taking appropriate action following an emergency meeting with the Board of Directors.
To build trust and confidence in the judiciary, the concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament must be addressed, according to the Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr. Rasheed Draman.
Dr. Draman further advocated for a dialogue among Members of Parliament (MP) to effectively tackle these concerns, acknowledging the principle of the separation of powers.
While recognizing the importance of the separation of powers, he noted that recent judicial orders to parliament have demonstrated that one branch of government can indeed influence the work of another branch.
“First of all, if you listen to the NDC side, their argument about the whole process in terms of how this is being handled, there seem to be some concerns about justice delivery in our country. I think that the earlier this matter is looked at the better for us.
“Parliament, I believe, is the right forum and I hear Members of Parliament say separation of powers prevents them from interfering with the work of the judiciary but we have seen the judiciary interfere with the work of parliament in recent weeks. I believe in the interest of the entire citizenry of our country, if there are concerns about the judiciary I think the earlier we address these concerns the better for all of us so that we can all trust the judiciary,” he said on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 Thursday, July 6.
Dr. Draman also advised the Minority to reassess their decision to boycott parliamentary proceedings in solidarity with their members facing trials in court.
He stated that such boycotts would not be sustainable, particularly if the cases are expected to extend over a significant period of time.
“It might be difficult to sustain particularly if the cases are going to travel a very long period like many cases in our country. I don’t think the NDC caucus can afford to be out of parliament for that long. So perhaps a relook at this strategy might be necessary on their part,” Dr Draman said on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 Thursday, July 6.
On Thursday, July 6, the Minority of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) refrained from attending parliamentary sessions in order to accompany and show solidarity with two of their caucus members.
These members were Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, and James Gyakye Quayson, the lawmaker for Assin North, who were appearing in court for ongoing prosecutions led by the Attorney-General and the NPP Government. In a statement released by Minority Chief Whip Kwame Agbodza, it was stated that the Minority stands united with their colleagues, leading them to be unable to fulfill their parliamentary duties on that day.
“This is the beginning of a series of actions that the Caucus will be embarking on to end the ongoing persecution of the Minority Leader himself, the Hon. James Gyakye Quayson and the Hon. Collins Dauda. We wish to reiterate the point that amidst persecution, cooperation will suffer.”
Following James Gyakye Quayson’s swearing-in as an MP on July 4, the Minority Leader, Ato Forson, announced that the caucus had resolved to stand in solidarity with Quayson throughout his trial in court.
Quayson took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Member of Parliament administered by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. This came one week after he won the by-election following his deposition by a Supreme Court ruling, which deemed his election invalid.
During Quayson’s swearing-in ceremony, attended by friends and family, Dr. Ato Forson declared that the Minority would abstain from participating in parliamentary proceedings on the days when the Assin North member has his court hearings.
“Mr Speaker, I wish to serve notice that the entire Minority Group will accompany our colleague to court today and any other day that he is to appear in court,” he stated.
“Mr Speaker, we are solidarising with our colleague and we will not participate in the business of the House anytime our colleague is in court and we will be withdrawing form the chamber after this ceremony if the court processes indeed happen today.”
The case was called at the High Court on Tuesday, July 4 but it was adjourned to Thursday, July 6.
The Minority insists cooperation in the House will be difficult to achieve in the face of the ongoing trial.
“Amid persecution, cooperation will certainly suffer. Mr Speaker, a word to wise is in Assin North.”
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has asserted that he has made significant sacrifices for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and should be granted the opportunity to lead the party in the 2024 elections.
During the 2012 general election petition, Dr. Bawumia emphasized that he willingly stepped forward as a witness for the NPP while his contenders made excuses.
Addressing delegates in the Suame constituency as part of his campaign in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bawumia highlights his numerous sacrifices for the party throughout the years, including putting his political career on the line during his role as a witness for the NPP.
“Most of our members were giving excuses when the party was in need of a witness for the 2012 general election petition at the Supreme Court. I sacrificed my political career for the party, knowing very well the implications ahead if I don’t deliver well in court.”
“The excuses were many, some claimed they were travelling and all that because they were scared to put their political career on the line, but I stood my ground, I’m the best person to lead the party,” Dr. Bawumia added.
Dr. Bawumia is among the ten candidates who have undergone vetting and are vying for the position of flagbearer in the upcoming 2024 elections.
The other candidates include Alan Kyerematen, a former Trade Minister; Joe Ghartey, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice; Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie, a former Minister of Food and Agric; Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, a former General Secretary of NPP; Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, MP for Assin Central; Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, a former MP for Offinso North; Boakye Agyarko, a former Energy Minister; Kojo Opoku; and Francis Addai-Nimoh, a former MP for Mampong constituency.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has provided assurance that its systems are not designed to favor any specific political party, including the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Electoral Commission (EC) has proposed a constitutional amendment that would make the Ghana Card the sole document for confirming nationality and age during voter registration for the 2024 elections. However, this proposal has faced opposition from the minority group in Parliament, who express concerns about potential disenfranchisement of citizens.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show, Attafuah stated that it would be a significant embarrassment not to utilize the Ghana Card for the upcoming general election.
“Our processes is politically neutral, it cannot benefit a particular party, weather it is National Democratic Congress or New Patriotic Party and NDC has nothing to fear about the Ghana Card and our processes.
“We are not engineering anything to the detriment of NDC and we cannot engineer anything to the benefit of the NPP, we will not do that, we are not designed to do that, the system is technical, its is neutral,” the NIA boss added.
Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has revealed that out of the three New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs who initially expressed support for the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, only one remained committed to the drafting of the bill.
Speaking in an interview on Neat FM on Thursday, July 6, 2023, Sam George said that the NPP MP who stayed loyal to the course was the MP for Assin South and Deputy Minister for Education, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour.
According to him, the other NPP MPs who were initially sponsoring the bill failed to attend meetings to draft the bill and even missed the final presentation of the bill to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, because of the pressures they were under.
The MP made these remarks while reacting to a statement by Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, the MP for Asante Akim, who was part of the NPP MPs initially sponsoring the anti-LGBTQI bill, that he was not present for the presentation of the bill because he was busy.
“He had sixteen meetings to put together the bill with the coalition. Ask him (Andy Appiah) Kubi whether he attended any of these meetings. Every time, they have an excuse to give, even on the day of the presentation they want to give an excuse.
“If today all of them are now on board, they are welcome. But I would continue to celebrate Honourable Ntim Fordjour because on that day (the day of the presentation of the bill) we knew the pressure that he came under but he said he was a priest and he believed it was the right thing to do,” Sam George said.
He insisted that Andy Appiah and all the other sponsors of the bill were aware of the day it was being presented but he failed to show up.
The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, was sponsored by Sam George (NDC MP), Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah (NDC MP), Della Adjoa Sowah (NDC MP), Rev Ntim Fordjour (NPP MP), Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini (NDC MP), Rita Naa Odoley Ntso (NDC MP) and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (NDC MP).
The names of the two other NPP MPs who were initially supporting the bill did not appear on the final report of the bill by the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of the House.
Parliament on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, adopted a motion to approve the bill.
Chief of Amoah Apagya in the Afigya Kwabere South District of the Ashanti Region, Apagyahene Nana Owusu Peprah II, has accused government of sabotaging his community in terms of development over claims he supports the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Chief has also accused the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government of tagging him as a member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for which reason no development comes to the area.
According to him, his community Apagya has been deprived of development because politicians in the region say he is a member of the NDC so they are not going to make his people enjoy their share of the national cake.
“In my own hometown Mpintin where I was born, the community is lit beautifully. They distributed street lights in all communities around but they said Nana is an NDC so they won’t give him some”, Nana Owusu Preprah II lamented
“They lied to me that, they ignored my community because the road is not tarred but let me ask, are the roads in those communities with street lights tarred? They just hate me. Anytime I ask for the developmental project they don’t give me, but God is on my side”, he added.
Nana Owusu Preprah II vented his frustrations days ago while addressing people of his community at a ceremony held to commission a newly constructed water project.
He earnestly pleaded with the authorities of the Afigya Kwabere South District to prioritize the improvement of the road connecting Kodie, Apagya, and nearby communities, urging them to refrain from engaging in political games.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Major Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has cautioned the National Democratic Congress (NDC) not to excessively rejoice over the success of James Gyakye Quayson, their elected representative for Assin North.
During his address in parliament on Tuesday, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who represents Suame in Parliament, expressed the belief that the jubilation of the NDC would be of brief duration, according to their party’s perspective.
He suggested that the fate of Quayson is now in the hands of the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Dame.
“NDC wants to believe that this is a peak victory that would hurt the bride of the NPP… we the parliamentary group of the NPP believe that this is a momentary victory of phantasmal character that certainly may not last.
“But Mr Speaker that is the choice of the people Assin North and everybody must respect that whiles it last. The rest of it is in the hands of the attorney general.
“While he remains here, we can only embrace him as a Member of Parliament… whiles it last,” he said.
James Gyakye Quayson won the Assin North by-election on June 27, 2023, after the seat was declared vacant due to his removal from parliament.
The Supreme Court of Ghana, on May 17, 2023, ordered the Parliament of Ghana to expunge the name of James Gyakye Quayson as a Member of Parliament (MP).
But there is still one case the former MP has to face in court after the Office of the Attorney General accused him of deceiving public officers to acquire state documents.
On February 12, 2022, the State charged James Gyakye Quayson with five counts; deceit of a public officer, forgery of a passport, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration.
Many notable Ghanaians across the political divide have called on the attorney general to drop the case against but he has described the calls as interference in justice delivery.
The Ashanti Region Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been expressing their satisfaction with meeting the expectations placed upon them after being elected into power.
Following their defeat in the Kumawu by-election, the executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region, represented by 1st Regional Vice Chairman Captain (retired) John Kwame Jabari, have portrayed the Kumawu setback as a minor setback and an opportunity for the party to learn and grow at both the regional and national levels.
He made the assertions while speaking to Julius Caesar Anadem on the Cup of Tea show on Ultimate FM monitored by MyNewsGh.com.
“We are a team and we are resilient to win 2024 for NDC and make John Mahama President again. We learnt a lot from the Kumawu by-elections and it’s a step up for our preparations. We didn’t fail in the Kumawu by-elections, it was a learning curve for both the national executives and the regional executives and we perfected the system in the Assin North elections”. He bragged.
He says the unique crop of executives the NDC in the Ashanti Region has is helping them to jell well and perform for the victory of the party.
“After the regional elections, we had eight new executives and old executives from the previous team.
“The old executives are seasoned; the Chairman, the Organizer, the Youth Organizer, the Women Organizer, and the communication executive are seasoned and experienced. The eight new are youthful, very strong and vibrant we have been jelling very well”, he observed.
The Dormaahene is allegedly a member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), according to the member of parliament for Adansi Asokwa in the Ashanti Region, Kobina Tahir Hammond.
Osagyefo Aseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II has allegedly violated all of the constitutional prohibitions against chiefs participating in active politics, according to the MP who also serves as the minister of trade.
“All along, he was an NDC member,” KT Hammond told a journalist who responded that chiefs are not supposed to engage in politics.
The Minister fired back: “he has breached all provisions of the Constitution against chiefs engaging in politics. He is bona fide NDC member and is active in the party’s activities and engagements.
When the reporter pressed him further, KT Hammond reiterated his argument and claimed he could be found quoting himself anyplace before stepping towards his waiting vehicle without providing any supporting evidence.
“You don’t know anything in this town, go tell him, I, KT Hammond said he is an NDC member that is why he is doing the things he does.”
Dormaahene in the news over nolle prosequi call
Nolle prosequi is a legal terminology that has become popular in the last few days after Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II appealed to government to invoke it in the criminal case involving Assin North Member of Parliament James Gyakye Quayson.
It is simply the dismissal or termination of legal proceedings by the Attorney General.
The Dormaahene’s call was premised on the fact that the Quayson trial was of no need to the populace more so the people of Assin North who retained the defendant as their MP even after his tenure was terminated by the Supreme Court in May.
Pro-government voices have outrightly dismissed the call terming it undue interference in the legal process and an attempt to put some people above the law because of their status in society.
A deputy youth organiser aspirant in the Amenfi East of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in the Western Region has died after he was allegedly knocked down by a vehicle.
According to reports, the deceased, Maclean Jacob Asaah, died on the spot after being hit by a vehicle while riding his motorcycle back from a campaign.
The report stated that the deceased was on a motorbike with another party member who is currently in critical condition at the hospital.
The NDC’s Western Regional Communication Director, Richard Kirk Mensah, confirmed the tragic news to journalists, stating that the deputy youth organizer aspirant died on the spot after being knocked down by the car.
“The deceased was on a motorbike with another party member, and they were returning from a campaign when the unfortunate incident happened on Sunday, July 2, 2023,” he said.
It will be recalled that the election of the NDC’s constituency officers in the Amenfi East Constituency was postponed due to internal party issues.
After resolving the issues, the party decided to hold the election on Monday, July 3, 2023, only for this tragic incident to hit the party.
However, the newspaper reported that the election went ahead as planned, but the positions for which the deceased was running, Deputy Youth Organiser and Youth Organiser, were postponed until further notice.
The Mpraeso Member of Parliament (MP) has expressed support for Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, the former Trade Minister, as the most suitable candidate to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as its flagbearer in the 2024 election.
The MP, Davis Ansah Opoku, emphasized that Kyerematen has made significant sacrifices for the party and deserves recognition and reward.
Opoku further argued that the NPP needs a fresh and charismatic leader to effectively challenge the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) John Dramani Mahama.
He believes that a new face would enhance the party’s chances of defeating their political opponents.
“I am campaigning for Alan Kyeremanten. I strongly believe that he’s the best person to lead. There’s one thing that we all must know in politics; people’s sacrifices must be rewarded.
“In 2007, when this party was at the crossroads in Legon, Alan singlehandedly took a decision and said that he was not going to contest a second round of the election and that he would allow his elder brother, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to contest. That was the highest or the height of a political sacrifice that I’ve seen.
“So for me, I feel that people have served. John Mahama has done eight years at the presidency, Dr. Bawumia has done eight years at the presidency and there’s a need for a new face for Ghanaians.
“For me, I believe that if the NPP were to go into the next election with a new face against John Mahama who has served eight years at the presidency, we’ll be able to defeat John Mahama easily,” he said on JoyNews’ AM show on Tuesday.
Defeated candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Assin North by-election, Charles Opoku, has recently come under scrutiny for his alleged attempts to buy votes during the election.
Per reports, Mr Opoku allegedly distributed money and various items including; different types of fabrics, cement, roofing sheets, and farm tools to constituents in a bid to secure their support.
Despite his efforts, James Gyakye Quayson of the National Democratic Candidate (NDC) emerged victorious, securing 57.56% of the total votes cast, with a significant total of 17,245 votes.
The by-election in the Assin North constituency of the Central Region took place on June 27, 2023, following a high court ruling that nullified the 2020 parliamentary election in the area.
The court ruled that Mr. Quayson’s possession of both Canadian and Ghanaian citizenship rendered him ineligible to contest the seat.
Despite the nullification, Mr. Quayson continued to hold himself as the MP for Assin North, leading the petitioner, Michael Ankomah Nimfah, to take the case to the Supreme Court for an interpretation of Article 94 (2) (a).
On May 17, 2023, the Supreme Court emphasized that allowing Mr. Quayson to remain in office would undermine the administration of justice. As a result, the court directed Parliament to expunge his name from its records as the Assin North MP.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) stalwarts on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, set aside all other engagements to gather at Parliament and offer their resolute support to their ‘darling boy’, James Gyakye Quayson, as he was being sworn-in in Parliament
Former President John Dramani Mahama who is also the flagbearer of the party, National Chairman of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, General Secretary, Fiifi Kwetey, among others, were all present to grace the occasion. Their presence was announced by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
The MP in the past few years had been entangled in a legal battle over his failure to revoke his dual citizenship prior to the conduct of the December 7, 2020 general elections.
On May 13, 2023, the Supreme Court directed Parliament to expunge Mr Gyakye Quayson from the records of the house, and declare his seat vacant.
The directive led to a by-election, which Mr Quayson eventually won.
As he was being sworn in on Tuesday, his fellow MPs on the Minority side were in their numbers to support him.
The NDC MPs, all clad in white, greeted the re-elected MP for Assin North with exuberant cheers and resounding applause as he prepared to take his oath of office in Parliament on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
However, most members on the Majority side did not show up for the event.
Meanwhile, the MP is still in court facing charges of perjury and deceiving a public officer after the Supreme Court nullified his election as MP for Assin North for holding Canadian citizenship and being a Ghanaian when he filed his nomination to contest the election in 2020.
The Minority in Parliament has informed the Speaker that they will abstain from participating in the House proceedings on court days concerning their colleague, James Gyakye Quayson.
The leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, stated that they will instead accompany their colleague during his court hearings.
This announcement was made by the Ajumako Enyan Essiam lawmaker on Tuesday, July 4, following the swearing-in of the Assin North MP.
“We wish to serve notice that the entire Minority will accompany our colleague today and any other day that he is to appear in court and we are solidarising with our colleague and we will not participate in the business of the House anytime our colleague is in court and we will be withdrawing from the Chamber after this ceremony if the court processes happen today.”
The former Deputy Finance Minister highlighted that Mr. Quayson’s electoral success is a clear indication that Ghanaians are dissatisfied with the Akufo-Addo government.
He emphasized that this victory demonstrates that Ghanaians cannot be influenced solely by financial incentives or virtual projects in exchange for votes.
“The people of Assin North have sent a clear message to all politicians and the government of the day especially, that they cannot be lured with money not be intimidated by threats and it is the same message that Ghanaians are sending to us that in the year 2024, they will exercise their franchise based on their conscience and no amount of threats will dissuade them from voting out the administration that we are witnessing.”
“Ghanaians are really appalled by the abysmal economic mismanagement, poor governance, and increasing level of corruption leading to the unprecedented economic hardship being experienced by the people of Ghana and the time has come for the political class to have a rethink about the worsening monetization of our elections and its negative impact for our democracy,” Dr Forson added.
James Gyakye Quayson has been officially sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Assin North on Tuesday, July 4. This follows his victory in the by-election held on Tuesday, June 27, after the Supreme Court ruled his previous election illegal.
Quayson’s main opponent, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party, secured the second position with 42.15% of valid votes. The Liberal Party of Ghana’s Bernice Enam Sefanu received a minimal number of votes.
The voter turnout was reported to be high at 74.23%, according to officials of the Electoral Commission.
Quayson is currently facing charges of forgery, perjury, deceiving a public officer, and making a false declaration regarding his Canadian citizenship during the 2020 election. He has filed a motion at the High Court for a stay of proceedings pending an appeal, seeking to halt the ongoing trial until the appeal is determined.
A Communications member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Edudzi Tamakloe, has stated that Dormaahene, Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, merely made an appeal in his comments regarding the trial of the Assin North Member of Parliament (MP), James Gyakye Quayson.
Tamakloe finds it perplexing that such comments have drawn severe criticism.
“Were we not in this country when we saw the Okyenhene, Amoatia leading a group of chiefs in the Eastern because they said their roads were bad? It’s an appeal, beyond the appeal what else did he (Dormaahene) do?
“Did he say I am directing, I am instructing? No, he said, I am appealing to the President and the Attorney General that if he pleases them, they should file a nolle prosequi and discontinue this matter. What else has the chief said?” he quizzed.
According to Edudzi Tamakloe, the chief, who also serves as a High Court judge, made a harmless appeal that did not involve any attacks on the judicial system.
“He did not attack Godfred Dame, he didn’t attack the president. Compare that to the reckless and irresponsible commentary by Mr Akufo-Addo in Assin-North. Look he went to a church of Pentecost in Assin North, in a very highly prejudicial manner inciting the people and the court against Gyakye Quayson. It didn’t end there, he went to Assin Bereku Park and repeated those irresponsible highly prejudicial comments again.
“The president is a lawyer he knows that he is the appointing authority of the judge. He knows that the judge has taken a judicial oath to do justice to all manner of persons without being woe. But he was deliberate, very intentional and seeking to incite the court against the person of Gyakye Quayson,” he said.
Responding to the chief’s appeal, Attorney General Godfred Dame expressed concerns that such remarks could impact the fair adjudication of the case. He emphasized that any comment undermining the administration of justice is detrimental and should not be accepted.
Various prominent individuals have also shared their opinions on the ongoing trial, including President Nana Akufo-Addo, who advised Assin North constituents against voting for Mr Quayson due to the potential risk of imprisonment.
In the run-up to the NPP primaries, Vice President Bawumia has made a fervent appeal for a clean campaign, urging all party members to avoid resorting to insults to maintain party unity. Bawumia’s call comes as an effort to foster a positive and constructive atmosphere within the party and ensure a cohesive and harmonious approach towards the primaries.
As the race for the flagbearership of the party intensifies, ten individuals, including the Vice President, have submitted their candidacy for consideration. However, concerns have arisen as the campaigning gains momentum, with allegations surfacing that certain aspirants are engaging in a divisive and hate-filled campaign.
Addressing party delegates on the final day of his Greater Accra tour, Dr. Bawumia said, as one family, it is important for all camps to understand that the party would need a united front to face the “main enemy”, which is the NDC.
“We all should understand that the campaign we are having now is for an internal election. The main enemy in 2024 is the NDC. As we embark on the campaign, let us not speak against each other,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“We want peace, we want a clean campaign and we want a clean election. We don’t want anyone to go out there and speak against an opponents. Because after our elections, we will need everyone on board to tackle the NDC.
In a clear demonstration of his commitment to a clean campaign, Dr. Bawumia said he has asked his campaign staff and well-wishers to be mindful of their utterances in order to ensure the unity of the party.
“So I have told all my supporters and spokespersons that we want a clean campaign and they should not go out there and insult anyone.”
“We are one family so let’s all stay together. When the contest is over, we will all come together as one family and make sure that the NDC doesn’t come back to power. That is very important. Let’s keep the NPP in power and we want unity in the NPP.”
Dr. Bawumia rounded off his campaign in the Greater Region over the weekend with a visit to the Obom Domeabra Constituency.
Ahead of the highly anticipated primaries of the New Patriotic Party, a comprehensive vetting roster has been unveiled by the party to assess and evaluate the candidates vying for various positions.
According to a statement issued by Secretary to the National Presidential Vetting Committee, Evans Nimako, the vetting will take place from today, July 3, 2023, to July 6, 2023.
The first batch of candidates to face the panel today includes Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Trade and Industry Minister Alan K Kyerematen, and Energy Expert Kwadwo Poku.
Dr. Bawumia is making his first attempt to vie for the NPP flagbearer position, after serving as the running mate and Vice President under President Nana Akufo-Addo for two terms.
Mr. Kyerematen, popularly known as Alan Cash, has attempted to vie for the NPP flagbearer position twice in the past. The first time was in 2007, during the party’s primary elections for the 2008 general elections. The second attempt was in 2014, when he contested for the NPP flagbearer position ahead of the 2016 general elections. This becomes his third attempt to vie for the position.
Mr. Poku is a newcomer to the NPP flagbearer race, having declared his intention to contest earlier this year.
The second day of the vetting will see three more aspirants appearing before the committee. They are former Energy Minister Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, and Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
The remaining aspirants will undergo the vetting on July 5 and 6. They are former Food and Agriculture Minister Owusu Afriyie Akoto, former MP for Asante Mampong Edward Addai-Nimo, Economist Kofi Konadu Apraku, and former Railways Minister Joe Ghartey.
The vetting process is part of the NPP’s preparations for its presidential primary, which will determine the party’s flagbearer for the 2024 general election.
The party has appealed to all presidential aspirants to respect the timetable and participate actively in the vetting process, which is crucial for assessing their visions, policies, and plans for the country.
As of now, 10 candidates have successfully filed their nominations for the flagbearer race. However, only five candidates will make it to the final round of the vetting process.
During the vetting process, aspirants are provided with an opportunity to showcase their visions, policies, and developmental plans for the country to the National Presidential Vetting Committee of the NPP.
The presidential primaries, according to the party, will take place on November 4, 2023.
