President-elect John Dramani Mahama has conveyed his Christmas greetings to Ghanaians as they celebrate the holiday on December 25, 2024.
In a message shared on social media, Mahama expressed his gratitude to the people of Ghana for electing him as their leader.
He assured citizens that his leadership will focus on building a fair and inclusive nation, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
“In the Republic of Ghana, Christmas is a season of hope and renewed inspiration. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the values He lived by, I wish to thank you, the good people of Ghana, for bestowing on me the opportunity to serve you as your President and Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“I wish to also reaffirm my determination to build a nation that works for all, a prosperous and democratic state anchored in the principles of freedom, justice, accountability, and equal opportunities for all,” he said.
On Monday, December 9, the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa, declared John Mahama, the NDC’s presidential candidate, as the winner of the 2024 election with 6,328,397 votes.
Dr. Bawumia, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), received 4,657,304 votes.
In a historic achievement, Mahama’s NDC also secured a majority in Parliament.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called on the upcoming National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) government to increase the feeding allowance given to school caterers, criticizing the current GH¢1 per child as insufficient to meet the nutritional needs of students.
GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Musah, expressed concern that the meager allocation is hindering the success of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) initiative.
Mr Musah also advocated for the creation of a special fund for pre-tertiary education, aimed at improving catering services and enhancing the overall quality of education in the country.
“The current arrangement is that you are feeding a child around GH¢1.20, but go to Makola or go to the Agbogbloshie market and find out what GH¢1.20 can buy.
“The essence of the school feeding programme was that we give students a hot meal at least once a day. But if you look at the quality of food that the children are eating today, you don’t need a prophet to tell you where we are heading towards.”
The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has accused the outgoing government of trying to undermine the incoming administration.
He alleges that the NPP is conducting rushed recruitment processes across various government sectors in the final days of its tenure.
Nketiah emphasized that any appointments made without proper authority will be annulled once the NDC takes power.
Speaking at a victory rally in Sunyani on December 20, 2024, Nketiah revealed that the outgoing government had issued about 10,000 appointment letters, along with promotions, to public service personnel in several key institutions.
These include the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
“The outgoing government, having lost the elections, is sabotaging the incoming administration. They have mismanaged the energy sector, and if precautions are not taken, the dumsor will reoccur, so our MPs will come to address this. They informed us that the public sector was overburdened and that no recruitment could be conducted. However, over the last week, they have issued backdated appointment letters to approximately 10,000 people for immigration, GPHA, and other institutions.
“Those who do not meet the qualifications for promotions are promoted. They are promoting NPP members to lead these institutions and sabotage us. However, I want to assure them that if we take over and discover that your appointment was done illegally, you will be asked to go home,” he added.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly opposed the re-collated parliamentary results announced by the Electoral Commission (EC) for seven constituencies.
The re-collation exercise, undertaken after a High Court ruling, covered constituencies such as Ahafo Ano North, Techiman South, Ahafo Ano South West, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, and Tema Central. Following the process, the EC declared all seven seats for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Reacting to the announcement, NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey dismissed the process as flawed and biased, alleging that it lacked transparency and fairness. He further accused the EC of acting in a manner that unfairly benefited the NPP.
“These results, declared under questionable and illegal circumstances, represent a blatant assault on Ghana’s democratic principles and a betrayal of the sovereign will of the Ghanaian people.”
“It is abundantly clear that the Electoral Commission, under the leadership of Jean Mensah. has consistently chosen a path of illegality and impunity. By engaging in actions that deliberately undermine the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process, the EC has compromised its mandate and deepened public mistrust in the institution.
“The NDC strongly condemns these undemocratic practices and reminds all involved that electoral crimes have no expiry date and that the date of reckoning would come.”
The NDC has praised its members and supporters for remaining calm and refraining from clashes with security personnel during the re-collation process.
“We commend our rank and file for heeding our call to maintain peace and avoid confrontation with security forces deployed to intimidate and oppress innocent citizens.”
To date, the Electoral Commission (EC) has finalized and declared the results for seven constituencies, all favoring the New Patriotic Party (NPP). These constituencies include:
The Electoral Commission (EC) has increased security at its Regional Office in Ridge, Accra, as it begins the process of reviewing results for nine contested constituencies.
This action follows a December 20 court order to re-collate and announce results for areas like Ablekuma North and Nsawam-Adoagyiri after irregularities were flagged during the election count.
The review, aimed at ensuring fairness, is being carried out without participation from the NDC, who have requested a pause on the court’s decision.
The constituencies under scrutiny include Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, Techiman South, and Dome Kwabenya.
Armed personnel from the police and military have been deployed to secure the venue, with access restricted to authorized individuals only. The increased security is due to the political sensitivity of the situation, with large crowds gathering nearby for updates.
The Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent process as the re-collation continues.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has firmly condemned a press briefing by Electoral Commission (EC) Chair Jean Mensa, claiming it aims to weaken the party’s majority in Parliament.
In a statement shared on social media, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC’s Director of Elections and IT, accused the EC of acting under the influence of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and questioned the intent behind the announcement.
The NDC argued that the actions appear to be a deliberate attempt to erode their parliamentary strength.
“This useless press conference by Jean Mensah has obviously been instructed by the NPP to dilute the two-thirds majority of the NDC.But she will fail!” the statement read.
The NDC accused the EC Chair of sidestepping essential issues by failing to call an emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting.
The party stressed the importance of adhering to established procedures to uphold transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
“At all constituencies where the declaration was not done, the EC must produce pink sheets that show the NDC won.
Instead of agreeing with our demand for an emergency IPAC meeting, she has decided to hide,” the statement continued.
The NDC reaffirmed its determination to safeguard its parliamentary wins and closely monitor the electoral process.
The party encouraged supporters and all Ghanaians to stay vigilant, using the hashtag #EAGLEEYES to emphasize the importance of relentless oversight.
Ending on a resolute note, the statement urged proactive measures against perceived injustices, declaring: “Organise, don’t agonise!”
The Presiding Archbishop of Action Chapel International Ministry, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has advised Ghanaians to avoid labeling President-elect John Mahama Dramani as the nation’s savior.
He emphasized the significant challenges the incoming President faces, particularly in addressing economic issues, and urged citizens to offer prayers and support instead of undue praise.
Speaking during a visit by the Apostolic Fathers to John Mahama, the Archbishop encouraged the public to maintain realistic expectations of the new administration and focus on collective efforts to support the nation’s progress.
“Expectations have to be managed because you are a vessel that has come. This notion that people say you have come to rescue or to save—people should be very careful with that. You are a vessel in the hands of God, so they should stop saying such things and instead pray for you. Pray that God can use you to execute the mandate that the people of this country have entrusted to you. I know it is a difficult challenge.
“During your time in opposition, we were talking once, and you and Mama Lordina were questioning why you were standing for election, considering the kind of situation we are facing. I think that is when you realized it is a call and a mandate from God that you have to fulfill,” Archbishop Duncan-Williams said.
“I remember that when we spoke in 2016, I mentioned to you what I felt prophetically—that you would have to leave and, at the right time, you would return. In 2020, we met again with Hon. Elvis in my office, and I told you, ‘Mr. President, you are not coming back now, but you will return after 2020.’
“So, when 2020 ended, I was very confident, regardless of what anyone said, that it was your time to come back, to fulfill your mandate, and to finish your unfinished business,” he added.
Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has praised the Ghana Police Service for preventing rigging activities that could have compromised the integrity of the December 2024 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with TV3 on December 13, Mr. Gbande highlighted the proactive measures taken by the police, which played a crucial role in averting potential chaos and safeguarding the electoral process.
“The leadership of the police administration deserves commendation for their actions. They did not allow any rigging activities that could have resulted in chaos,” he stated.
He emphasized that the vigilance and professionalism exhibited by the security forces demonstrated their commitment to protecting the nation’s democracy and ensuring the will of the people was upheld.
Mr. Gbande also credited the robust measures put in place by the NDC to secure their votes, reiterating the party’s readiness to resist any attempts to undermine the election’s outcome.
“The NDC had a robust plan to protect our votes, and we would have stopped at nothing to achieve that,” he added.
He further acknowledged the collaborative efforts of political parties, security agencies, and other stakeholders in ensuring a relatively peaceful and transparent electoral process.
Mr. Gbande urged all political actors to build on the foundation of fairness and transparency demonstrated in the 2024 elections, emphasizing the need to strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions and processes for the future.
Outgoing Majority Leader of Ghana’s Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to retain the current Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, in the 9th Parliament.
According to Mr. Afenyo-Markin, the institutional empowerment achieved under Speaker Bagbin’s leadership over the past four years has been unparalleled. He emphasized that Mr. Bagbin’s background as a legislator contributed to his effective leadership, and it would not be fair to replace him with an outsider.
“Mr Speaker, the institutional empowerment you have given to Parliament is unmatched, and it is likely because we have you as speaker coming from within. Mr Speaker, I don’t know whether you will be retained or if a new person will be appointed… If they decide to maintain you, I know parliament will continue to benefit.
Mr Speaker, let me commend you for the four years of your leadership in this House. We may have had our disagreements, but it is clear that the welfare of members has been key to your leadership. Nobody can take that away from you,” he said on December 16, when the House reconvened after recess.
The Effutu legislator noted that if a change is inevitable, the next government should choose a new Speaker who is already a member of Parliament.
“But should they decide to retire you, which I know they can do, if they choose to bring in a new Speaker, that person should come from within. We don’t want an outsider,” he added.
Monday’s sitting, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, marked the resumption of parliamentary activities as legislators prepared to debate pending matters ahead of the current Parliament’s closure.
The Majority Leader’s remarks come against the backdrop of recent tensions between his group and the Speaker. The conflict emerged when Speaker Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant after their occupants opted to contest the 2024 general elections as independent candidates or under the ticket of another political party.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin subsequently sought the Supreme Court’s intervention, which overturned the Speaker’s ruling. However, Speaker Bagbin expressed displeasure over legislators resorting to the courts for matters that could have been addressed within Parliament, cautioning that such actions undermine the reputation of the Legislature.
Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, a veteran politician and former Member of Parliament for Nadowli Kaleo on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), made history as the Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic. In a tightly contested election, he secured 138 votes, narrowly defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, who polled 136 votes.
Mr. Bagbin, who previously served as the Second Deputy Speaker in the 7th Parliament, has received wide recognition for his contributions to Ghana’s democracy and governance. In 2021, he was honored with the Parliamentarian of the Decade Award by the Millennium Excellence Foundation for his exceptional role in advancing national development and parliamentary democracy.
More recently, in 2024, Speaker Bagbin was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 6th Annual Jacobs-Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies (JAGILS) Awards Night in Alexandria, Virginia, for his lifelong dedication to public service and leadership.
As the incoming government prepares for the 9th Parliament, Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s call to retain Speaker Bagbin underscores the belief that his experience and leadership will continue to benefit Ghana’s Legislature.
Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Special Aide to President-elect John Dramani Mahama, has advised National Democratic Congress (NDC) communicators to exercise caution in their conversations as well and mindful of their surroundings.
She noted that the party has previously faced incidents where private discussions were leaked, underscoring the need for heightened awareness.
In a post on the X platform, Joyce Mogtari cautioned that being in close quarters with others can often lead to unintentional eavesdropping and the spread of sensitive information. She urged party communicators to stay alert and protect the confidentiality of their discussions.
“Please, please, for emphasis and clarity, be careful what you say and to whom you say it.”
She urged NDC members to celebrate their victory responsibly, avoiding remarks that could harm the party’s reputation.
She added that the priority now should be on fulfilling the trust Ghanaians have placed in them by focusing on delivering on their promises and meeting the needs of the people.
“Now, it is time to focus on implementing the mandate entrusted to us for the development of Ghana and its people.”
Communication 101
Dear NDC young men and women, you have all been phenomenal and worked very hard to secure this momentous victory. We have all earned the privilege and the right to be jubilant, and we have every reason to be thankful to God, and to be honest, I am still in a…
President-elect John Dramani Mahama has revealed that he had a deep conviction of his electoral victory well before the polls were held.
During a sermon at the Assemblies of God Church in Osu on Sunday, December 15, 2024, Mahama shared that he felt certain of winning, as he believed God had already assured him of the outcome.
While he trusted in the divine promise, he was surprised by the overwhelming nature of his win, which turned out to be both historic and remarkable.
Mahama also reflected on his personal moments of prayer, where he earnestly asked for God’s guidance, grace, and favor, trusting that his victory was part of a greater plan.
“I cried onto God and brought my supplications to the Almighty and he responded with bountiful blessings and success and for that, I give him thanks. This victory can only be divine because God assured me in my heart and I knew. He spoke to me and said that he would bless me with success in this election. I did not know that the blessing was going to be so bountiful and that, the victory was going to be so massive and dramatic. I give him all the thanks and blessings for what he has done, not only for me but for the whole of Ghana,” he said.
To mark the culmination of his victory celebrations, President-elect John Dramani Mahama and his family took part in a thanksgiving service to express their gratitude for the overwhelming support they received during the campaign.
The service, which took place on Sunday, December 15, 2024, saw Mahama joined by his wife Lordina, their children, siblings, friends, and supporters, all dressed in white. A video of the event was shared by Gh Brain on YouTube.
In his speech, Mahama thanked his family and close friends for their steadfast backing. He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the church and its pastors for their prayers and encouragement throughout his journey.
The parliamentary candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Trobu constituency, John Kofi Halm, has filed a lawsuit to contest the outcome of the December 7 elections, which saw Gloria Owusu of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) declared the winner.
In the legal challenge, Halm has named multiple respondents, including the Electoral Commission (EC) Headquarters, the EC’s Trobu District Office, and the Clerk of Parliament, as part of the case.
Mr Halm argues that irregularities during the election process have undermined the results in his constituency, prompting him to seek legal redress.
“Irregularities and inconsistencies contained in FORM 8A (Regulation 32 (7) and 39(2) Statement of Polls for the Office of Member of Parliament (Pink Sheet) for Ninety-eight (98) polling stations out of a total of Two hundred and eighty-eight (288) polling stations in the Trobu Constituency,” he added.
Although Gloria Owusu won the election with 43,789 votes, defeating Halm who secured 35,147 votes, the NDC candidate and his legal team insist that these results should be overturned due to the alleged issues with the electoral process.
Mr. Halm, through his attorney Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, is asking the court to invalidate the election results, arguing that the claimed irregularities breach the country’s electoral laws and procedures.
“Parliamentary election held in the Trobu Constituency on 7th December 2024 was not conducted in compliance with Regulations 39 of the Public Elections Regulations, 2020 (C.I. 127) and the principles laid down by Regulations 39 and that the said non-compliance affected the results of the elections.”
New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) were the first to arrive in Parliament on Monday, December 16, as the House reconvened after nearly two months of political deadlock.
The NPP caucus took over the right-hand side of the Speaker, a position previously occupied by their National Democratic Congress (NDC) colleagues during the last two meetings, where the NDC had insisted they were the majority.
Speaking to journalists after proceedings began, First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Wusu affirmed the NPP MPs’ decision to reclaim their “rightful place” in the chamber.
“Eighth parliament will continue as it started in 2021 before,” Mr. Osei-Wusu stated.
However, Minority MPs from the NDC were yet to make an appearance in Parliament.
Mr. Osei-Wusu further noted that he did not expect all MPs, especially those defeated in the recent elections, to be present as key government business remains on the agenda.
“We will sit where we have sat from 2021, today. Well, what else can you expect? Some people are demoralized. So can I expect everybody to be able to be here? It’s normal. From my experience in the last four parliaments, we hardly get full members so I’ll not be surprised if we don’t get full members.”
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the Trobu constituency, John Kofi Halm, has filed a legal challenge seeking to overturn the declaration of Gloria Owusu of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the winner of the December 7 parliamentary elections.
In his lawsuit, Mr. Halm names multiple respondents, including the Electoral Commission (EC) Headquarters, the Electoral Commission’s Trobu District Office, and the Clerk of Parliament, listed as the second, third, and fourth respondents, respectively.
Mr. Halm alleges that irregularities in the electoral process undermined the integrity of the results in the constituency. Gloria Owusu was declared the winner after securing 43,789 votes, while Mr. Halm polled 35,147 votes.
The NDC candidate and his legal team argue that the results cannot stand due to alleged “irregularities and inconsistencies contained in FORM 8A (Regulation 32 (7) and 39(2) Statement of Polls for the Office of Member of Parliament (Pink Sheet) for Ninety-eight (98) polling stations out of a total of Two hundred and eighty-eight (288) polling stations in the Trobu Constituency.”
Represented by his lawyer, Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, Mr. Halm is asking the court to nullify the results, citing violations of Ghana’s electoral laws and regulations.
“The parliamentary election held in the Trobu Constituency on 7th December 2024 was not conducted in compliance with Regulations 39 of the Public Elections Regulations, 2020 (C.I. 127) and the principles laid down by Regulations 39 and that the said non-compliance affected the results of the elections,” the legal team argues.
They further highlight alleged discrepancies between the votes recorded on the pink sheets and the actual votes counted at polling stations, claiming the inconsistencies are significant enough to cast doubt on the declared results.
The suit contends that the Electoral Commission’s failure to resolve these alleged irregularities before declaring Gloria Owusu the winner constitutes a breach of its constitutional mandate to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vowed to contest the results of three parliamentary seats declared by the Electoral Commission (EC) at the National Police Training School (NPTS) in Tesano, describing the process as illegal.
The Deputy Director of Legal Affairs for the NDC, George Loh, stated that the party will challenge the results for the Akwatia, Fanteakwa North, and Suhum constituencies, which were declared in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) after a recount at the NPTS on Thursday, December 12.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, December 16, George Loh criticized the legality of the venue and the process, arguing that the declarations should have been made within the respective regions of the constituencies, in line with electoral laws.
“The point we are making is that we were invited by the EC to the National Police Training School, and we went there and we waited, and we were of the view that even if the process is completed, it cannot be taken out of the respective regions because it is not in tandem with the law,” Loh said.
He further emphasized the NDC’s resolve to take the matter to court, insisting that the declarations were unlawful.
“An illegality is an illegality, and for that reason, we will be going to court. All those declarations done at the Police Training School are illegal, and we will fight till the very end. We will fight them in court,” Loh added.
The NDC maintains that the EC’s actions were beyond its jurisdiction and violated electoral procedures, reinforcing the party’s commitment to seek legal redress.
A stash of government fertilizers meant for farmers has been uncovered in a two-storey building at Sokoban New Site in Kumasi.
This operation was led by Joseph Yamin as part of efforts to retrieve misappropriated state resources in the Ashanti Region.
The discovery has sparked demands for transparency and further investigation from Joseph Yamin, who serves as the National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In an interview with GHOne News’ Ashanti regional correspondent, Isaac Justice Bediako, Yamin claimed that the fertilizers, which were part of government programs to support farmers, appeared to have been stockpiled and potentially misused for personal profit.
“This is a serious issue. These fertilizers are supposed to be distributed to farmers to improve agricultural productivity, but here we are with evidence that they’ve been hidden in a private warehouse. The implications are worrying,” he said.
Mr Yamin voiced strong concerns about the persistent mishandling of resources under the present government, urging swift action to address these systemic issues.
He accused the incident of being part of a larger pattern of corruption, asserting that such acts of resource misappropriation are common. Yamin further alleged that these schemes often favor individuals with political connections, highlighting a troubling exploitation of public assets for personal benefit.
“This isn’t the first time we have heard about government resources being misappropriated. We need to ask ourselves: Who owns this building? Who authorized the storage of these fertilizers here? And how long has this been going on?” he questioned.
John Dramani Mahama’s Campaign Manager, Joshua Alabi, has stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) took deliberate steps to protect the integrity of the electoral process during the December 7 general elections, following appeals from voters.
Speaking in an interview with TV3 Ghana, Alabi revealed that many Ghanaians urged the NDC to ensure their votes were safeguarded, expressing fears of electoral manipulation.
“All over, people would call us and say, we shall vote for you but protect the votes,” Alabi said. “The people begged us, and we assured them that we will protect the ballots.”
He accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of prioritizing electoral manipulation instead of presenting substantive policies and programmes to Ghanaians. According to Alabi, while the NPP allegedly focused on strategies to unfairly influence the election outcome, the NDC adopted a more direct approach by engaging with voters across the country.
“Your performance will give you the mark that you require, and to an extent, I must say that the NDC campaigned very well. We had good campaign messages, and our presence was felt everywhere, but the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was working on how to cheat when we were working,” he added.
Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North,Andy Appiah-Kubi, has revealed how some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) tried unsuccessfully to persuade Alan Kyerematen to return to the party.
He revealed that NPP MPs reached out to key figures close to Alan, including the founder of Lighthouse Group of Churches (formerly Lighthouse Chapel International), Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, Anglican bishops, and other influential individuals, hoping they could convince him to come back.
Despite their persistent efforts, Alan, now leader of the Alliance for Revolutionary Change (ARC), refused to reconsider.
In an interview with JoyNews, Appiah-Kubi explained that Alan’s departure left many voters in the Ashanti Region dissatisfied, contributing to the NPP’s significant loss in the 2024 general elections.
“The people of the Ashanti Region are likely to vote for the NDC because they are hurt. Myself and other colleagues took it upon ourselves to go and see Bishop Heward-Mills, Anglican bishops, and other prominent people who were close to Alan in an attempt to bring him back to the party, but our efforts were not successful.
“It was not that he was indispensable, but it was a necessary effort. Some people in Kumasi always supported Alan, and if they are unhappy with the situation, they will not come out to vote,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alan exited the NPP after losing in the party’s primaries to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, from where he formed his own political movement.
In the 2024 Election, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, emerged as the winner, garnering 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55%, while the New Patriotic Party Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, finished second with 4,657,304 votes, representing 41.61%.
The NPP also lost most of their parliamentary seats, with some of their bigwigs like KT Hammond, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, and Henry Quartey being major victims.
National Chairman of the NDC,Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has promised to tackle political violence that has troubled the nation since 2016.
During a press briefing, he pledged that an NDC government would investigate such incidents thoroughly and ensure those responsible face justice.
“All this violence, right from 2016 to date, will be properly investigated, and our electoral system and democracy will be cleaned of these violent things,” he stated emphatically.
Mr. Asiedu Nketia specifically called out Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, urging him to focus on addressing alleged violent actions linked to his party’s parliamentary candidates and members.
“He [Afenyo Markin] should go back to his region and take stock of his parliamentary candidates who have been shooting and killing people, his party people, who have been shooting and maiming people across the country,” Mr. Nketia said.
He firmly cautioned anyone planning to misuse their power in the final weeks before the elections, assuring that anNDC government would hold them accountable.
“Anybody who is thinking about abusing these three weeks, abusing his power during these three weeks to create any problem, must know that there will be consequences for him after they take over,” he cautioned.
The outgoing Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has urged President-elect John Mahama to set up a committee to look into how public lands are allocated and distributed.
“I request the setting up of a committee to investigate all public lands and their distribution. he stated on GHOne TV with Serwaa Amihere.
He critiqued the issues surrounding public resource management.
“Sometimes it’s not just about the clearance; it’s about the philosophy of living. We have established a philosophy. It may not necessarily mean putting someone in opposition or government, but people become too pompous with power and misapply or misuse public space, funds, and property. Let’s move away from such behaviour,” he said.
Mr. Appiah-Kubi emphasised the importance of integrity in leadership and the need to discourage the culture of exploiting public office for personal gain.
“We don’t make money in government; let’s make money in the private sector,” he remarked.
In addition, Appiah-Kubi proposed a comprehensive review of all natural resource contracts in Ghana.
He underscoredthe urgency of this measure by highlighting the nation’s missed opportunities due to poor resource management.
“And again, I want us to review all natural resource contracts in Ghana
“The way to get out of poverty is to look back at what we are losing, stop the looting, and benefit from our resources. How can you expect a country to be resourceful when you’re giving away our resources for free?” he questioned.
Director of Communications for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2024 general elections,Miracles Aboagye, has reiterated assertions that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost the 2024 general election due to low voter turnout among its members.
Speaking on Joy News’ Newsfile a week after the general election, Aboagye explained that, based on the party’s data from previous elections, it was clear that most of their members failed to vote on December 7.
“One of the key reasons this result is as it is, according to the data, is that our people didn’t turn out to vote, and that is the fact,” he said.
He highlighted the voting statistics in various regions, stating, “The data is there. If you put emotions aside and analyse it across all the regions: In 2020, the NPP had 145,000 votes in the Ahafo region; in 2024, we had 113,000.
The NDC had 116,000 in 2020 and 130,000 in 2024. In Greater Accra, the NPP had 1,253,179 votes in 2020, and the NDC had 1,326,489. But in 2024, the NPP had only 681,000, which is half of what we achieved in 2020.”
Aboagye explained that the NPP’s loss was mainly due to low voter turnout, with no other major factors contributing to the defeat. He pointed out that NPP members who didn’t vote should not be seen as supporters of John Mahama and the NDC.
Meanwhile, the NPP’s flagbearer andVice President, Dr. Bawumia, has said the loss was due to a sharp decline in the party’s vote share. He argued that the NDC did not win the election outright, as their results in 2024 were almost the same as in 2020.
“I want to encourage you all to see that we handed this election over to the NDC; they didn’t win it outright. Their numbers didn’t change from 2020. Ours have dropped by 40%, so the analysis is simple,” he stated.
He, however, noted that the NPP aims to return strongly in future elections.
Speaking to the media on Friday, December 13, 2024, he explained that the party’s leaders had no prior agreement with the Electoral Commission (EC) on the collation or recollation of parliamentary results for the unresolved constituencies.
He accused EC officials of acting unlawfully and promised that the party would take steps to ensure the law is followed.
“What we are seeing in the Police Training Depot, of which we are yet to find out what was happening there because that meeting was called without any discussions with us as leadership of the National Democratic Congress.
For some of us, when asked by our officials in the constituencies, we told them plainly that we didn’t have any notice about it and we are not involved. In fact, I advised some of them not to appear,” he stated.
The NDC has announced that it will take legal action to resolve the issue peacefully and prevent any tension from rising.
The party has already filed for a court order to stop the re-collation of results at the Tesano Police Depot.
“We don’t want to engage in anything that will escalate tension so we have proceeded to court to apply injunction to put on hold the process that is happening over there,” he added. Johnson Asiedu Nketia advised EC officials engaged in the process to desist or face consequences.
The government’s Transition Teamhas denied allegations of wrongdoing in recent recruitment and payment activities by the outgoing administration.
This response came after President-elect John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Transition Team raised concerns about last-minute actions by the government.
In a statement issued on Friday, December 13, the team explained that both sides had agreed that any major payments, recruitment, or similar activities would be reviewed by the Transition Team on a case-by-case basis.
However, the government’s Transition Team rejected claims of irregularities, stating that all recruitment processes followed legal procedures and received the required approvals.
“Any specific allegation of illegality regarding any particular payment or recruitment should be brought to the attention of the Transition Team for a decision to be made,” stated Fatimatu Abubakar, spokesperson for the Government’s Team, on Friday.
She asked the public to ignore rumours that the committee had stopped all payments and recruitment, calling those claims untrue.
Fatimatu Abubakar assured everyone that the outgoing government is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition.
“We remain committed to passing the baton to the incoming government on 7 January 2025,” she reiterated.
The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has hit back at Majority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, following his comments about the NDC’s role in the re-collation of election results.
Afenyo-Markin had accused the NDC of intentionally hindering the re-collation process at the Tesano Police Training School, urging the party to respect the Electoral Commission (EC) and follow due process.
Speaking at a press conference on December 13, Asiedu Nketiah dismissed the allegations, asserting that the NDC had acted in accordance with its rights.
He also questioned Afenyo-Markin’s credibility, stating that the Majority Leader was not in a position to criticize the NDC’s handling of the process.
“I heard Afenyo-Markin, who has rejected the position of a minority leader, is now on his way to becoming a micro-minority leader, bragging that he belongs to a party of the rule of law.
“Who doesn’t know the NPP? We in the National Democratic Congress do not need lectures from Afenyo-Markin about democracy at all.
“Indeed, if there were any need for lectures in impunity, then we will invite him as a lecturer but if it is about democracy, he must shut up,” he stated.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has voiced significant unease about the disputes surrounding the recounting of votes in certain constituencies after the parliamentary elections.
According to head of the NPP’s Research and Elections Committee, O.B. Amoah, the actions of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its representatives are concerning and have the potential to undermine the country’s democracy.
“What is strange to us is the kind of violence that has been visited at coalition centres against EC officers, party agents, and even security personnel. We never imagined that not even post-revolution in 1992, we would have such elections.
“Post-1992, when we wrote Stolen Verdict, we were saying that ballot boxes had been stuffed and minors had voted. We were saying that the figures had been changed. By the end of the day, there was no such violence that we had seen. It is strange to us.”
The Electoral Commission (EC) shifted the collation of results to Tesano after efforts to complete the process in the Eastern Region encountered challenges.
This move followed disputes between party agents and EC officials over the validity and reliability of the initial results, resulting in a deadlock.
The decision has drawn mixed responses. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticized the relocation, claiming it jeopardizes the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.
Conversely, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has supported the EC’s action, viewing it as essential to uphold accuracy and restore order to the collation process.
The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has hit back at comments made by the outgoing Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, saying the Effutu MP-elect can only lecture the party on impunity, not democracy.
At a press conference on Friday, December 13, Afenyo-Markin, who also leads the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament, accused NDC supporters of causing chaos at collation centres, describing their actions as detrimental to democracy and calling on the party’s leadership to act swiftly.
In response, Mr. Asiedu Nketia dismissed the comments, saying, “We in the National Democratic Congress don’t need lectures from Afenyo-Markin about democracy at all. Indeed, if there were any lectures on impunity, we would invite him as our lecturer.”
He further mocked Afenyo-Markin over his political standing following the NPP’s recent electoral performance.
“I heard my junior brother Afenyo-Markin, who, having rejected the position of Minority Leader, is now on his way to becoming a micro Minority Leader. He is bragging that he belongs to a party of the rule of law and all that,” Mr. Asiedu Nketia remarked.
The NDC Chairman went on to warn that any abuses or acts of violence during the transition period would be thoroughly investigated.
“And so, anybody who is thinking about abusing these three weeks, abusing power during these three weeks to create any problems, must know that there will be consequences for them after the takeover,” he cautioned.
Mr. Asiedu Nketia urged Afenyo-Markin to focus on addressing issues within the NPP rather than lecturing the NDC on democracy.
The Third National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Masawudu Osman, has encouraged party members to stay resilient as tensions rise at Electoral Commission (EC) collation centers due to disputes over parliamentary results.
He urged NPP supporters to be present at the collation centers and stand firm for the party, as members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are putting pressure on EC officials to release the results.
Addressing the current state of the 2024 general elections, Osman warned that NDC’s Deputy Communications Officer, Malik Basintale, should not be allowed to intimidate NPP supporters, despite the NDC’s success in securing the presidential victory.
“The men in NPP, come out. As the Vice Chairman of the NPP in charge of operations at the headquarters, I will not stand by and allow my people to be intimidated. Come out from all the regions, and seek revenge from tomorrow to Friday. Anybody who has a gun, go and bring it out.
“We will not allow Basintale to instill fear and panic in our people. I am telling you, I will end by telling Ghanaians that you all know how much NPP loves peace. That is the reason why we conceded defeat earlier. But it seems that the NDC does not appreciate our effort. If they don’t appreciate our effort, we will show them that we are more hooligans than them,” he said.
Recent reports have highlighted chaotic scenes at multiple collation centers as the Electoral Commission (EC) continues the process of tallying disputed parliamentary election results.
The EC officially declared the results of the 2024 general elections on December 9, 2024. In the presidential race, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, emerged victorious with 6,328,397 votes, making up 56.55% of the total, while Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, secured 4,657,304 votes, or 41.61%.
The NPP also faced significant losses in the parliamentary elections, with several prominent figures, including KT Hammond, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, and Henry Quartey, among the key casualties.
General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has encouraged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to acknowledge the re-collated election results from the Eastern Region, despite the ongoing disagreements.
During an interview on TV3 at the Tesano Police Station on Friday, December 13, Kodua expressed frustration with the NDC’s shifting stance on the matter, questioning their credibility and consistency in handling the situation.
He also shared an incident where an NDC representative had demanded proof of an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting, asking for concrete evidence like a text message or official letter to confirm the meeting’s occurrence.
This, Kodua argued, further undermined the NDC’s position and approach to the election results.
“How can someone who earlier claimed there was an IPAC meeting, only to later allege an injunction, be taken seriously?” Kodua questioned, expressing skepticism about the NDC’s actions.
Justin Frimpong Kodua addressed the concerns raised by the NDC regarding alleged issues during the re-collation of election results. He reaffirmed the integrity of the process, asserting that any discrepancies observed had no effect on the final outcome.
Mr Kodua further highlighted the importance of ensuring that the NDC’s records align with the data provided by the Electoral Commission.
He challenged the NDC to provide valid reasons for their objections, questioning the credibility of their claims if no inconsistencies were found in the EC’s data.
“The NDC is frustrated, and we understand them. They are under pressure from their supporters, questioning why they are sitting down for re-collation to be done while the NPP is relaxed, even taking food and drinks. It is this pressure that is causing their misbehaviour”, he noted.
Justin Kodua emphasized the NPP’s commitment to fairness, pointing out that the party had previously accepted unfavorable election results without resistance.
He urged the NDC to follow suit and focus on transparency and honesty, rather than getting caught up in unnecessary complaints.
Despite the disruptions caused by the ongoing disputes, he stressed that the election process must proceed with precision, even if it takes longer to resolve.
“No matter how long it takes—today, tomorrow, or next week, the right thing must be done,” he stressed.
On December 12, 2024, the Electoral Commission (EC) transferred the re-collation of disputed results from several constituencies in the Eastern Region to the Police Training School in Tesano, Greater Accra, in a bid to prevent the chaos that had occurred in other areas.
Following the re-collation process, the returning officer declared Ernest Yaw Kumi of the NPP as the winner.
However, the NDC has voiced their disagreement with the result, pointing out discrepancies between the declared figures and the original pink sheet data.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has held a press briefing to address emerging issues surrounding the recollation and re-declaration of disputed partiamentary results.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has relocated the results collation process for the Eastern Region to the National Police Training School (NPTS) at Tesano in Accra.
As a result, the Ghana Police Service has intensified security measures following disputes over results collation.
NDC Chairman Asiedu Nketia, who engaged the press, called for a halt of the exercise.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reportedly obtained a court order to prevent the Electoral Commission (EC) from continuing the process of re-collating parliamentary results for the Nsawam Adoagyiri constituency.
This legal challenge comes amid growing concerns over alleged irregularities in the election results. The NDC has sought to block the EC’s attempt to resolve the ongoing disputes, which have become a point of contention between the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
On December 12, the EC announced it would re-collate the results for four constituencies in the Eastern Region—Suhum, Nsawam, Fanteakwa North, and Akwatia—following challenges with the initial count.
The re-collation process, which began at the National Police Training School in Tesano, Accra, was meant to settle these disagreements.
However, the process was delayed due to disputes between the NDC and NPP, stretching it into a second day.
The NDC has also raised issues with discrepancies found in the original pink sheets from the EC, further complicating the re-collation process.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to immediately halt a purported recollation exercise of parliamentary election results from December 7, 2024, being conducted at the Tesano Police Training School.
The party expressed grave concerns over the exercise, which it believes is being carried out in bad faith and could lead to electoral chaos, erode public trust, and destabilize the nation’s peace and cohesion.
In an urgent statement, the NDC called for an emergency meeting of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to be convened today to address the matter. The party emphasized that such an exercise, conducted without proper consultation, has the potential to fuel tensions and further undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
The NDC’s statement urged the Electoral Commission to act decisively, asserting that the sanctity of the electoral process must be preserved and that all steps taken by the EC must be guided by principles of legality, fairness, and consensus.
According to the NDC, an inclusive dialogue through an emergency IPAC meeting would provide clarity on the situation and restore confidence in the Electoral Commission’s commitment to upholding its constitutional mandate.
The party’s call for immediate action comes at a critical time, with political tensions running high in the wake of the December 7 election.
The NDC insists that the public and all political stakeholders must be assured that the electoral process is transparent and conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has relocated the results collation process for the Eastern Region to the National Police Training School (NPTS) at Tesano in Accra.
As a result, the Ghana Police Service has intensified security measures following disputes over results collation.
Deputy National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale,has recently spoke about the growing attention he’s been getting from female fans.
During a TV3 interview, Basintale shared that he is already in a committed relationship. He acknowledged the wave of admiration from women but said there’s not much he can do about it.
The NDC spokesperson also mentioned that he has seen many women on social media calling themselves “Mrs. Basintale” or “The Basintale Lady,” showing their affection for him.
During his appearance on the show, several women flooded the phone lines, openly declaring their admiration for him live on TV. A fed-up Basintale couldn’t help but address the situation.
“I go on TikTok and see people calling themselves ‘Mrs. Basintale’ or ‘The Basintale Lady. Please, I am taken. Leave me in peace,” he emphasised while discussing post-election matters and other issues related to the NDC’s future plans.
Known for his fiery personality, confidence, and outspoken nature, Malik Basintale has garnered a significant following, particularly among women.
His tall, dark, and charismatic personality, have made him a standout figure online in recent times.
Beyond his political career,Basintale’s online presence, often seen riding stylishly on his motorbike, has further cemented his popularity and captured the attention of many Ghanaians, particularly women.
Leading member of the National Democratic Congress,Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, has opined that the appalling performance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections is evocative of the overwhelming anger and disapproval of Ghanaians towards the performance of the Akufo-Addo government.
According to him, the 2024 elections should serve as a permanent reminder to Ghanaian politicians of the unforgiving nature of Ghanaians, who would not hesitate to kick out any government that underperforms.
Alex Mould, in a social media post on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, warned the NPP of the difficult task ahead in regrouping and bridging the over 1.5 million margin they lost in the recently-held elections.
“The NPP is about to experience what the NDC went through post-2016. We won this election by a landslide because the NDC had put institutional changes in place to be fit-for-purpose; contrarily, the NPP was in denial of the rot and pain the NADAA/Bawumia government caused Ghanaians,” he stated.
Despite being a leading member of the NDC, Alex Mould is wishing the NPP all the best as he believes that a formidable NPP is integral to keeping the NDC government on its toes to deliver on its promise to Ghanaians.
“We want them back stronger in 2028; we want a fair challenge. Ghana must build strong institutions, and that starts from having world-class, well-managed political parties,” he emphasized.
Acknowledging the uphill task for the NPP in rebuilding its base, he pointed to his party’s experience in regaining lost ground.
“From personal experience, crawling back 500k in 2020 of the 1M votes lost in 2016 was no joke,” he noted.
In the 2024 presidential race, former President Mahama, who was the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, won the race according to the results declared by theElectoral Commission. He beat 12 other candidates with 56.55% of the total valid votes.
His closest contender, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party, obtained 41.61% of the total valid votes cast.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsawam Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has urged President Akufo-Addo to halt the transition process until the Electoral Commission (EC) has fully declared all parliamentary election results.
The appeal comes amid disputes over the declaration of several parliamentary results, including that of Nsawam Adoagyiri.
Speaking at the party’s office in Nsawam on Wednesday, December 11, Annoh-Dompreh criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he described as reckless behavior.
He also called for the Electoral Commission to create a secure platform to announce the remaining results.
“Let me appeal to the outgoing president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. We know he has set in motion a transition process as a matter of course. We want to appeal to the president: he who comes to equity must come with clean hands, so the transition process should be halted.
“His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo should halt the transition process, and John Dramani Mahama, president-elect, must show the same equity, must speak to his people, and we must ensure that all the other seats are declared duly by the EC before the transition process goes on,” he stated.
Frank Annoh-Dompreh vehemently denied the allegations that he was involved in a shooting incident at the Nsawam Adoagyiri Collation Center, dismissing them as entirely untrue.
The accusations, made by the NDC Chairman in the Eastern Region, suggested that Annoh-Dompreh shot an observer, Richard Taboh, during a chaotic moment at the collation center.
Annoh-Dompreh rejected these claims, calling for a comprehensive investigation by the Ghana Police to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Actor Prince David Osei has apologised to supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following criticism over remarks he made about President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
On December 10, 2024, he shared a post on Instagram expressing regret for his comments and emphasised the importance of unity and peace among Ghanaians.
“I deeply apologise if my words during the campaign offended anyone from the NDC. We were all focused on winning, but now let’s move forward and live in peace. God bless Ghana,” he wrote.
It could be recalled that following Mahama’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, Osei, in a now-deleted post intended to congratulate the president-elect, stated that he himself would be president one day.
This post, however, was met with insults from some users who lambasted him for his comment.
An infuriated Osei, in response to one comment, labelled the commenter “fool” and questioned why he couldn’t aspire to be president, suggesting even a “drunkard” had been elected.
The remarks were widely interpreted as an insult to Mahama, fuelling anger among Ghanaians, particularly NDC supporters.
Deputy National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale, has issued a strong warning to individuals expected to join the John Dramani Mahama administration.
During an appearance on TV3 on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, Basintale stressed that any appointee found guilty of corruption or mismanaging public funds would be prosecuted, no matter their position.
He further stated that those involved in such misconduct would be held accountable under the Operation Recover All the Loot (ORAL) initiative and face the full force of the law.
“I’m passionate about Operation Recover All the Loot (ORAL) and I feel people must be held accountable not just persons from the NPP, but even persons from the NDC who decide to misappropriate funds. Let me sound that caution, if John Mahama appoints you and you come into office to loot, we will bring you out of the office and hold you accountable. We will let the laws deal with you,” he warned.
Basintale emphasized that John Mahama had a proven history of holding corrupt officials accountable during his prior tenure, noting that Mahama himself is free from corruption. He further underscored the need to uphold this standard of integrity in the upcoming administration.
“President Mahama has said it and we will rehash it because this is not a man that is going to tolerate a single iota of corruption under his government. President Mahama will never be called a mother serpent of corruption. He is going to fight corruption; face it head on and he has demonstrated that before and he will repeat it.
“If you know you are coming to work under President Mahama’s administration and the intention is to create, loot, and share then please you better wait after 50 years because that administration has passed and is about leaving office. You can come and start looting maybe when we are tired of governance but if you think you can loot under Mahama’s governance then forget it because if you do, ORAL will deal with you like it is going to deal with the NPP appointees and yours will be worse because we need to use you to set an example to the Ghanaian people that Mahama is coming to develop the country, progress the economy, transform Ghana and the man to take us to the promise land,” he stated.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on its members, agents, and supporters stationed at collation centres across the country to withdraw and return home.
The directive comes as the party expresses appreciation for their vigilance during the electoral process.
In a statement issued on December 10, signed by NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey, the party thanked its supporters for their dedication to safeguarding the integrity of the elections. However, it emphasized the need for members to trust the leadership and technical team to handle the rest of the collation and declaration process.
“This is the time to trust the leadership and the technical staff of our great party to fully manage the rest of the process. Our team of experienced professionals is fully prepared and equipped to ensure that every aspect of the collation and declaration process is handled diligently and transparently,” the statement read.
The announcement follows rising tensions at certain collation centres, particularly at the Accra regional collation centre, where delays in declaring the Ablekuma North constituency results have caused unease among party supporters.
The NDC reassured its members of their commitment to upholding the will of the people and ensuring that every vote cast for the party is protected. The statement urged supporters to remain calm, confident, and focused, as the leadership works to secure victory.
“Your role in this process has been invaluable, and we urge you to remain united and resolute as we work in your interest,” it concluded.
The party remains optimistic that the results will reflect the choice of the Ghanaian people, pledging to handle the final phases of the process diligently.
Ghana’s political scene saw a significant change as popular Ghanaian actor turned politician,John Dumelo, won the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency seat as a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In an exclusive interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Dumelo discussed his campaign success, expressing confidence in the support he received from the electorate.
He also commented on the tactics used by his opponent during the election, including distributing rice, oil, and money and encouraging voters in the queue to vote a certain way.
“It was at that point I knew she’s lost the election from the onset. If you know you’ve worked, if you know you’ve been a good MP, whatever, and deserve another term, why are you sharing food and money and rice and oil, and of course clearly it backfired?” in reference to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Madam Lydia Seyram Alhassan, on her alleged tactics to win the election.
Nonetheless, Dumelo’s comments highlight not only his campaign’s strategy and the engagement with grassroots supporters but also cast a spotlight on the contentious tactics sometimes employed in Ghanaian politics.
Meanwhile, as he prepares to assume his new role in parliament, Dumelo emphasises his commitment to serving the constituents of Ayawaso West and not to repeat the previous mistakes made in the past by other MPs.
“I don’t want to be the kind of MP that will disappear, and election time I’ll come around sharing rice,” he stated.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi,the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has announced that the party’s leadership plans to investigate why they lost the December 7, 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections.
At a press conference on December 9, 2024, Chairman Wontumi admitted that the party needed to reflect on its performance and promised to work with stakeholders, especially in the Ashanti region, to find out the reasons behind the party’s poor results.
“If it is time to cry and you don’t cry, people will talk about it. And if it is time to laugh and you don’t laugh, people will talk about it, so God knows why He created crying and laughing,” he said.
Admitting the party’s struggles, he added, “It didn’t go well for us. However, the NPP branch in the Ashanti region will soon convene a meeting with all regional leaders, including regional executives, MPs, parliamentary candidates, MMDCEs, constituency executives, and regional council members, to investigate what went wrong and share the findings with the public.”
He assured supporters that the party’s focus now is on recovery.
“For now, we are at a loss. What is important is to bounce back so that Ghana and Asanteman can thrive again” Chairman Wontumi added.
On Monday, December 9, Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa announced that John Dramani Mahama won the 2024 general elections with 6,328,397 votes. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s candidate, received 4,657,304 votes.
In a historic win, Mahama’s party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), also gained a majority in parliament.
Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC’s National Communications Officer, stated that the party has won 185 parliamentary seats so far.
The North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth, who are reportedly attacking state institutions and seizing property, to cease their actions. He warned that they would not be supported if arrested.
He condemned the behavior as lawless and contrary to the principles upheld by NDC leader, John Dramani Mahama, urging the youth to stop.
Speaking on TV3 on Tuesday, December 10, Ablakwa stated, “If you are arrested don’t expect any of us to come and defend you because what you have done you don’t have our permission to do that.
“Our leader is a peaceful leader, and so you have to be law-abiding in celebration. Don’t take over state institutions.”
He also pointed out that this behavior has been repeated in previous elections, but it must be put to an end.
A video showed the youth attempting to force open the main gate of a state institution.
This occurred despite earlier pleas from NDC National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, urging supporters to celebrate the electoral victory in a restrained manner.
Mr Gyamfi’s request followed reports of violence and the heartbreaking deaths of two NDC supporters in Akomadan.
Speaking to the media in Accra on Monday, he stressed the importance of moderation and responsible conduct during celebrations.
“Exercise restraint in your celebration. We must show that we are responsible citizens. You can’t engage in vandalism, attacks, or looting state properties; it is against the law. Ours is a law-abiding party. We want you to live to see Mahama sworn into office,” Gyamfi stated.
He additionally called on supporters to avoid any aggression towards state institutions and to celebrate in a responsible manner.
A tense standoff took place at the Ghana National Gas Company Limited (GNGCL) headquarters in Accraas a group of individuals, believed to be supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), reportedly assembled at the site.
The incident has triggered a significant law enforcement response, with both military personnel and police officers deployed to the area to restore order.
Witnesses report that the crowd attempted to forcibly breach the GNGCL premises, leading to clashes with security officers.
In a bid to disperse the group and regain control, security forces fired warning shots.
The situation remains unstable, with heightened tensions as authorities continue to manage the crowd and prevent further unrest.
There has been no official statement from the authorities yet, but more information is expected to be provided as the situation develops.
Tensions have escalated in the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency amid allegations of irregularities in the election result tallying process.
Mike Oquaye Jnr., the parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called for restraint and emphasized the importance of following legal procedures.
During a press conference on December 10, 2024, Mr Oquaye criticized what he termed undemocratic behavior by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing them of compiling the results without the participation of other political party representatives.
“We respect Ghanaians and the rule of law because we want to follow due process, but no one should think that they can usurp democracy and go and count and collate without the presence of other party people. This is against the law,” he stated.
He urged his supporters to maintain peace, stressing, “No one on my side should go and fight a fellow brother; let the rules work.”
Despite his call for calm, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, won the highly competitive race.
Akurugu secured 51,634 votes, narrowly surpassing Mike Oquaye Jnr., who earned 50,477 votes.
This victory is particularly significant for Akurugu, marking a breakthrough after two prior unsuccessful attempts against the outgoing MP Sarah Adwoa Safo, who had held the seat since 2012.
Director of Research at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Dr. John Kwakye, has stressed the need for the government to prioritise Ghana’s natural resources as a primary means of generating internal revenue for development rather than relying on borrowing.
In his message to the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, Dr. Kwakye stated that this approach would help prevent the nation from sinking deeper into its ongoing debt crisis.
“The Mahama administration must leverage Ghana’s natural resources as the main source of development financing. It must abandon the habit of borrowing to avoid further debt crises,” Dr. Kwakye stated on his X page.
He added, “It is the hope of Ghanaians that you will use the second opportunity and your experience to bring about the necessary change to meet their aspirations through inclusive government.”
Dr. Kwakye’s comments come against the backdrop of Ghana’s severe debt crisis, which has forced the government to adopt drastic measures, such as the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), to restructure its liabilities.
Under the current administration led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s public debt has ballooned to approximately $58 billion, representing 72.3% of GDP. This figure surpasses the cumulative debt accumulated by all previous administrations combined. It is estimated that the government has added about GH¢620 billion to the national debt since 2017.
The government has often attributed the debt crisis to external factors such as theCOVID-19 pandemicand the Russia-Ukraine war. However, unsustainable borrowing, a depreciating currency, and dwindling international reserves have exacerbated the situation.
The DDEP, introduced to address these fiscal challenges, has had significant repercussions. Domestic bondholders, including pensioners and individual investors, suffered substantial losses due to reduced interest rates and extended repayment periods. These measures also triggered widespread protests, with pensioners arguing that they were unfairly targeted.
A video circulating online shows individuals forcibly entering the premises of several state institutions in the aftermath of the recent general election results.
The video, shared by an X user named Sika Official, claims that these individuals are affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The post identifies the affected institutions as the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority, Forestry Commission, Ghana Gas, Metro Mass Transit, and NADMO offices.
There have been reports of mobs of alleged NDC supporters storming the premises of multiple state institutions including the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority, Forestry Commission, Ghana Gas, Metro Mass Transit and NADMO offices, following the declaration of Saturday’s election… pic.twitter.com/TjHgRuW13V
“There have been reports of mobs of alleged NDC supporters storming the premises of multiple state institutions including the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority, Forestry Commission, Ghana Gas, Metro Mass Transit and NADMO offices, following the declaration of Saturday’s election results,” he wrote.
Per reports a break-in at the Forestry Commission depot in Achimota, Accra, has led to the theft of several valuable items.Witnesses report that the suspects, wearing shirts bearing the logo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), were heard chanting,“Our government is now in power,” as they raided the facility early this morning.
Among the stolen items were 24 air conditioners, laptops, and other important equipment belonging to the Commission.
The intruders also attempted, but failed, to seize keys for newly acquired vehicles.The incident has raised concerns about the security of state assets, particularly following the recent political transition.
Authorities have not yet confirmed if the break-in was politically motivated.Police responded quickly to the scene, securing the premises and launching an investigation to identify and apprehend the suspects.
The Forestry Commission has yet to comment on the incident, with further updates expected as the investigation unfolds.
Renowned musician and producer Nacee has shared insights into the making of the music video for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign song“Kwen Kwen,” which is currently topping the Apple Music Ghana charts.
The song, now the anthem of the NDC’s 2024 campaign, has struck a chord with Ghanaians as election results come in. Nacee also praised the videography team for their excellent work on the visuals.
“Behind every stunning shot, there’s a talented team bringing the vision to life. Huge shoutout to our incredible videography crew for capturing this magic!” Nacee posted on X.
The celebrated producer also acknowledged the contributions of social media influencers Kaly Jay and Olele Salvador, who played roles in amplifying the song’s impact.
With its wide appeal, “Kwen Kwen“ has become a unifying tune for supporters while cementing Nacee’s role in creating impactful campaign music.
Former Sekondi Hasaacas player Kwabena Baidoo tragically lost his life during celebrations for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) victory in Ellembelle District, Western Region.
According to reports from Ghanasoccernet.com, Baidoo died in a motor accident while joining fellow NDC supporters to celebrate.
His brother, Emmanuel Quarm, confirmed the sad news, saying the family is deeply heartbroken. Neither the family nor his former club, Sekondi Hasaacas, has issued an official statement about the incident.
NDC supporters nationwide took to the streets to celebrate after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat to John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 general elections on December 8.
Even before theElectoral Commission’s officialdeclaration, many supporters in Accra, Kumasi, and other towns celebrated enthusiastically, marking the NDC’s return to power after eight years in opposition.
Following theNPP’s loss in the 2024 general elections and the election of John Dramani Mahama as president, musician and entrepreneur Criss Waddle has shared his emotional thoughts on what he calls a difficult time for Ghanaians under the leadership of Nana Akufo-Addo.
In a series of posts on December 8, Criss Waddle reflected on the hardships endured during the NPP government’s eight-year term, describing it as a nightmare for many citizens.
He criticised the outgoing president, accusing him of suppressing freedoms, burdening businesses with high taxes, enabling corruption, and ignoring the struggles faced by ordinary Ghanaians.
“You arrested almost everyone who spoke against your party, making sure even journalists lost their freedom of speech. You collapsed and crippled almost every business that wasn’t owned by your allies. People cried out in hunger, yet you kept imposing higher taxes,” he posted on X.
You arrested almost everyone that spoke against ur party,making sure even journalists lost their freedom of speech,you collapsed and crippled almost every business that wasn’t owned by your allies,people cried of pure hunger yet you kept imposing higher taxes.
The musician also criticised the government’s decision to construct a national cathedral instead of prioritising employment opportunities, despite widespread public opposition.
He further accused the government of ruling the country like a military dictatorship.
“Almost the whole country cried, begged, and said, ‘We don’t need a cathedral right now. We need employment.’ But you said, ‘NEVER. I’m still building it.’ You ordered the chiefs to stand up and greet you as if sitting down to greet you would take away their blessings and good policies.”
For eight years, we were all under your military rule. Unless a person shouted, ‘Ajei, I’m hungry or I’m hurting,’ you would arrest or cripple them. Herh, we suffered ooo,” he added.
For 8 years we were all under your military rule,unless person no shout “Ajei am hungry or am Hurting” then Kpa u arrest am or Cripple am 🤣🤣🤣 Herh we suffer ooo.
The climax of Criss Waddle’s posts came when he recalled the “Fix The Country” movement, during which Ghanaians on social media called on the government to address major national issues.
Almost the whole Country Cried,begged and said We don’t need a Cathedral right now.we need employment But You said NEVER u still go build am 🥹🥹.U ordered chiefs to get up and greet you as if sitting down to greet U takes away ur blessings and good policies u had.
He recounted how many government supporters responded by telling the movement’s proponents to “fix yourselves.”
“People begged you to fix the country, and you told them to ‘fix themselves.’ Herh, you’re a champion. We will never forget you until we die, short man devil,” he posted.
People begged you to fix the country you told them to “fix themselves”🤣🤣🤣 Herh u be champion,we will never forget you da until we die short man Devil
Criss Waddle’s comments come as several celebrities are openly criticizing the outgoing government, with the country preparing for a change in leadership under John Mahama.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has claimed victory in Ghana’s December 7 general elections, winning both the presidential and parliamentary votes.
Although the Electoral Commission has not yet announced the official results, NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has conceded defeat and congratulated John Mahama of the NDC.
National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia,has expressed great joy over the victory of President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
His excitement was evident during his speech on December 9, after the Electoral Commission announced the results of the 2024 general election.
Known as General Mosquito, he described the NDC’s hard-fought win against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a historic achievement for the party.
“I believe that the party has never seen this level of total mobilization of its rank and file to fight and achieve a purpose. At long last, the battle has ended, and the great elephant has been slaughtered mercilessly,” he declared.
He extended special commendations to the technical team at the NDC headquarters, acknowledging their pivotal role in managing the election campaign.
“I want to specially commend the technical staff of our headquarters, who managed this election very, very successfully. I mean the directors of elections, directors of IT, and all other persons who played roles in this success,” he said.
While celebrating the victory, Mr Asiedu Nketia urged party members to exercise modesty in their celebrations and focus on the enormous responsibility ahead.
“Let me advise that we should be modest in our celebrations because I can almost feel the weight of responsibility on our shoulders. Ghanaians have given us this mandate to accomplish the task of national reconstruction,” he reiterated.
He reminded the NDC leadership and supporters of the high expectations of Ghanaians, adding, “We cannot afford to disappoint them.”
This message follows the announcement by Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa on December 9, 2024, who also served as the returning officer for the presidential election.
In a statement from his office, the Speaker praised the trust the public has placed in Mr. Mahama, calling it a display of remarkable confidence and bravery.
“Today, we celebrate not just a victory but a reaffirmation of our democratic principles,” Mr Bagbin stated.
“John Mahama’s win is an affirmation of the will of the people, and I am confident that he will lead Ghana towards greater prosperity and inclusivity.”
The Speaker’s congratulatory message included a call for all Ghanaians to rally behind the newly elected president. “It is now our collective responsibility to support him in the task of nation-building.
“Together, we can work towards addressing the challenges that lie ahead and ensure that every citizen feels the impact of good governance,” he added.
Our best days are ahead of us my brothers and sisters!
A while ago, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana declared me the winner of the 2024 presidential elections. I give thanks and praise to God almighty because this successful outcome is the doing of the Lord.
I want to thank the Vice President for his statesmanship in conceding the election long before the Commission declared the results. This concession largely diffused the tensions that characterise high-stakes elections such as this.
The results as declared by the EC show that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) with me, John Dramani Mahama, as leader, has just chalked one of the most emphatic victories in the electoral history of the Fourth Republic.
We have, therefore, been bestowed with a very outstanding mandate by the good people of Ghana.
I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive such an overwhelming endorsement from the Ghanaian people, and I wish to thank all who made this possible by going out to vote for me.
I thank all Ghanaians for your continued belief in our democracy despite the severe crisis our nation is going through. I also congratulate our Parliamentary Candidates who have also swept the electoral landscape with a resounding victory.
I have a legion of thanks to give for this emphatic electoral success.
Let me begin by thanking the Almighty God—the creator of heaven and earth, for protecting and preserving us through this whole campaign period.
To paraphrase the Psalmist, I also give thanks to God for preparing a table before me in the presence of my ‘enemies’. And for anointing my head with oil and making my cup overflow.
Let me begin by thanking my wife, Lordina, and my family for standing by me through all the difficult Dmes when victory and success appeared elusive and out of sight.
On those gloomy occasions, you came through and offered me the encouragement to keep soldiering on.
I would like to thank the Vice President-elect Professor Jana Naana Opoku-Agyemang for being an exemplary and inspirational running mate.
Naana, your decency, humility, and sense of responsibility added so much to this campaign. The eyes of every young girl, not only in Ghana but in nations across this continent and the world are on you today.
Your name has become synonymous with breaking boundaries. You have opened the door for boundless opportunities for our female citizens.
Because of you, the people of Ghana can celebrate the fact that we have made history by electing our FIRST WOMAN as Vice President.
I must also thank my very loyal and dedicated staff, who have been with me over the last eight years in opposition, for the sacrifice and hard work they have put into this endeavour.
To my campaign team members and the countless volunteers who spent uncountable hours, day, and night, working to secure victory, I cannot thank you enough.
To the Council of Elders, the gallant leadership of the National Democratic Congress led by Chairman Johnson Asiedu NkeDa, and our general membership, I am deeply grateful for your dedication and commitment to this cause and your willingness to give everything to ensure success in this election.
To all the religious leaders who prayed for me, to all the Civil Society organisations, and professional groups we consulted in building our message, to all the traditional leaders who warmly welcomed me to your palaces during the campaign, our security officers across the country, the media, and EC staff; to you all I say a big thank you.
For all its historic undertones, this mandate represents many things for all political actors and those who seek to lead our country.
It shows that the Ghanaian people have little tolerance for bad governance, particularly of the sort witnessed in the last eight years, and that they are willing to take decisive action at critical moments when it matters most.
These eight years have witnessed some of the darkest periods of governance. The crises our beloved country has been through these last several years have lea a scar on our national psyche which may take some time to erase.
This mandate also serves as a constant reminder of what fate awaits us if we fail to meet the aspirations of our people and govern with arrogance.
My brothers and sisters, there is much to do to salvage our country and reset it.
It would have to start with a reset of the relationship between citizens and elected officials. We must never forget that the people of Ghana have chosen us to represent their wishes and best interests.
It is the reason we would be initiating important governance reforms and sometimes initiating severe measures in the next four years to reset our nation and bring it back on track as the black star of Africa.
The journey will not be smooth because the outgoing government has
plunged our dear nation into an abyss. However, we are determined to work together with you to build the Ghana we want. We know we shall win!
We intend to work to restore the shattered confidence in our politics and governance arrangements.
This election and its outcome represent an opportunity for a new beginning and as we begin to write this new chapter of our collective story, we need to consciously set the tone for the new direction in which we will be travelling.
“My Brothers and Sisters”
I want those words to be a reminder to all of you – a reminder to me – and to every individual who has just been elected or re-elected that no matter what office you hold, no matter what your political affiliaDon is or has been in the past, the one thing we share in common is this nation.
It is that WE WANT a much better Ghana.
WE WANT a Ghana that works for everybody, not just a few.
WE WANT a Ghana that considers the well-being of all her citizens and affords them each the ability to live a life of dignity, a life of limitless opportunities.
My Brothers and Sisters,
From the kayayei to the managing directors, to the market women, the bankers, the teachers, security personnel, nurses and doctors, the pastors and drivers, tailors, and seamstresses – we are ALL essential to the functioning and forward motion of this country.
We, the PEOPLE of this soil—sons and daughters, brothers and sisters— are, in fact, the GREATEST resource that Ghana has. This country, this land, is not for one person, for one family, for one tribe or ethnic group.
This country, this beautiful, resilient, and resource-rich country that we so love, Ghana, is for all of us.
This is our home. But it is not enough to be born here and to die here. We must also be able to LIVE here with saDsfacDon.
We must be able to love, dream, laugh, eat, dance, drum and share all aspects of the culture that was handed down to us.
And to do that, we must create sustainable and well-paying jobs through the 24-hour economy initiative. Our most basic needs must be met—affordable housing and healthcare, food and clean water, safe work, and fair wages.
My Brothers and Sisters, it is with tremendous humility that I accept this clear mandate that you, the good people of Ghana, have given me to lead this great nation as your next President.
Every vote that was cast in this election carried the same WEIGHT. Every vote also carried a HOPE for the future of our country.
I promise you that I will assemble and lead a government that will carry the WEIGHT of those HOPES and dreams, whether you voted for me or not because every victory is a victory for the people—ALL of the people.
Each Dme we have FREE and FAIR elections, and then conduct a smooth transfer of power, it reaffirms that our history of leadership and trailblazing was NOT an aberration.
It is NOT by accident that we were the first nation in Black Africa to win our independence from colonial rule.
It is NOT by accident that the first Black person to serve as the UN Secretary-General, the late Kofi Annan, was a Ghanaian.
It is NOT by accident that so many Ghanaians are out in the world blazing new trails and being recognized as leaders in their industries.
Despite being a relatively small nation, Ghana has been and continues to be a MIGHTY force on the world stage.
We are a PROUD people, and we have EVERY reason to be.
When GHANA rises, we all STAND tall and RISE with her. Africa rises!
Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank you, the good people of Ghana, once more.
I know that many of you are feeling frustration and anger, but I ask you today, please do NOT give in to negativity and pessimism.
There have been reports of acts of vandalism at some government facilities and installations. I urge you not to vent your frustration in a criminal enterprise, we must channel your anger and frustration into the positive enterprise of resetting and rebuilding our beloved nation.
Let us maintain AND even MAGNIFY this joy and positivity we feel. We have arrived at THIS moment because so many of you believed that CHANGE was possible.
And now we KNOW that not only is CHANGE possible, but it is also ALREADY in process.
Let us continue to believe that we are ALREADY moving toward the Ghana we want, the Ghana of our hopes and dreams.
And IN this Ghana, where we have turned a NEW chapter and are setting a NEW tone, our BEST days are NOT behind us.
