Tag: NDC

  • How NDC appointees bought 361 state cars valued at $110m for $3m

    The Bono Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party(NPP), Kwame Baffoe, alias Abronye DC, has revealed how several state-owned vehicles were purchased at a discount by former National Democratic Congress (NDC)government officials as they prepared to leave office.

    According to the document sighted by GhanaWeb, 361 automobiles at $110 each were sold to government appointees for a pitiful $3 million.

    Abronye asserted that the state lost $107 million as a result of this.

    “The table above shows 40 out of the available 361 documents exposing how various state cars were purchased by high-rank NDC officials after they had lost the 2016 polls. The total value of all 361 cars was $110, but John Mahama sold it to his appointees at $3m, causing a financial loss of $107m equivalent to GHC1.5 billion to the state,” he shared as part of a press conference organised by the Patriotic Forum for Accountable Governance at the International Press Centre on Monday, September 19, 2022.

    The press conference was on the back of a statement by former President John Dramani Mahama that he will review Article 71 of the 1992 Constitution, which covers emoluments such as ex-gratia for senior government officials if he wins power in 2024.

    But according to Abronye, the former president’s promise is aimed at scoring political points and has no actual commitment behind it.

    He tagged former President Mahama as being the biggest beneficiary of Article 71.

    Per details of the document shared by Abronye, some of the cars, including a 2015 model Toyota Avensis registered WR 2798-15 with a market price of $28,965.00 (GHC167,846.38), were sold to former Deputy Education Minister Alex Kyeremeh for a paltry GHC500.
    Some other beneficiaries of the 361 cars include Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Collins Dauda, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Sylvester Mensah, Murtala Mohammed, Victor Smith, Dr Raymond Atuguba and Dzifa Attivor.

    Abronye noted that a good number of persons who benefited from the sale of the cars were cronies of former President Mahama and officials of the NDC and did not merit an ex-gratia in the first place.

  • Devise new strategies to solve Wa killings – MP to IGP

    Member of Parliament (MP) for the Wa Central Constituency in the Upper West Region, Dr. Rasheed Pelpuo has urged that the police to come up with initiatives to help curb the recent killings in the municipality.

    According to him, the police’s present tactics and procedures are failing to address the of ritual killings in the municipality.

    So far, nine private security guards working at night in the Wa municipality have allegedly been slaughtered for ritual purposes.

    In an interview with Class 91.3 FM, the chief member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), recommended that the RESEC conducts regular inspections on all vehicles leaving the area.

    Dr. Pelpuo is also of the view that the identity of people who out of the blue exhibit wealth in the municipality must be known to help unravel the situation of alleged ritual killings.

    He alleged that reports available have it that the bodies are being taken to Sierra Leone for some rituals.

  • I will bring back the NDC spirit – Elvis Afriyie Ankrah

    A former director of elections for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, has declared his intention to run for the party’s general secretary position.

    He declared that in order to unify the party, engaging unhappy cadres and party members is his top priority.

    Mr Ankrah asserted that the party, particularly those party members who felt abandoned in the past, needs to be united at this point.

    “The general approach is to bring everybody on board. I know so many people. You know it’s not as if there is a deliberate attempt to sideline anybody, it’s just an evolution of the party and even the society.

    “We are both physical and spiritual beings so you don’t want to have very key strategic people walking around with bitterness. Of course there is some bitterness which is unfounded.

    “If you are harbouring bitterness in your heart for no reason, you will die, but people who genuinely feel they’ve been neglected there is a way to bring them back and bring the spirit of the party back. That is what wins elections and it is going to be a major thing and I’m well positioned to do that,”he added.

     

  • Economic crunch: Is a new wife Akufo-Addo’s top priority? – Sam George mocks

    A member of parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has ridiculed President Akufo-Addo over his jovial plan to wed a new wife, especially one from the Volta region.

    President Akufo-Addo disclosed this in an interview on a local radio station in the Volta region during an official visit.

    The president stated that witnessing the female presenter who granted him interview revived his motivation to keep working toward that goal.

    “You know my basic position that I’ve taken, and seeing you, of course, it’s heightened it: my determination to marry in the Volta Region, and that I’m like a suitor who keeps on knocking on the door, looking forward to the day the door will be open. We’ll keep on till the day the door is open,” he said.

    However, Sam George a social media post has questioned whether the president’s intentions to find a new wife a major priority in the midst of the economic crisis.

    “Hehehehehe! Addo Showboy nunu. I can testify about the Ayigbe Toffee but in this hard times, is a new wife Bossu’s top priority? Ah well,” he tweeted on September 17.

    The economy has suffered a downturn in recent months with inflation rate hovering around 33.9% per data from the Ghana Statistical Service.

    The Cedi has also significantly depreciated with the economy also hard hit by recent downgrades by international rating agencies such as Fitch and S & P.

    Government has partly blamed Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war as cause for the increased cost of living while promising to implement measures to curtail it.

    It is consequently seeking a $3 billion IMF credit facility over a three year as it finds its way out of the economic quagmire.

    Hehehehehe!

    Addo Showboy nunu. I can testify about the Ayigbe Toffee but in this hard times, is a new wife Bossu’s top priority? Ah well! ????????‍♂️https://t.co/6LF4NDfI9n

    — Sam ‘Dzata’ George (@samgeorgegh) September 17, 2022

  • NDC slates October-December for its internal elections

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has released a calendar of events for its internal elections in 2024.

    Speaking to the media, NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia revealed that the Party has scheduled constituency level elections for the 22nd and 23rd of October 2022.

    Nominations for constituency elections will be accepted from September 20th to September 22nd, he said.

    Those who successfully submit nominations will be subjected to vetting from September 30 to October 2, 2022.

    Following the constituency elections, the Party will hold its regional conference on the 12th and 13th of November 2022 to elect its regional executive members, while that of national executive members will be held on December 17, 2022.

    Nominations will be open on the 20th and 21st of October for the national elections.

    The General Secretary noted that the spacing of the various dates is to minimise conflicts among some party faithful.

    “We want to cut off the practice where somebody contests at the constituency level, loses the election and proceeds to contest at the regional level and wins. So what happens? It generates a lot of conflict in the party,” Mr Asiedu Nketia said.

    He further added that “since we are dealing with the whole country, we will allow 14 days for the collection of proposers and endorsers.”

    Ahead of the 2024 general elections, the NDC is hoping to seize power from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Minority vows to reject Communications Ministrys 2023 budget over SIM card re-registration

    The Minority says it will not approve the 2023 budgetary allocation for the Communications Ministry should the Sector Minister not heed calls to slow down on the SIM card re-registration exercise.

    The caucus says the Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful will be made to suffer the consequences of her actions.

    This is according to the Deputy Ranking on the Communications Committee of Parliament, Samuel Nartey George.

    When asked if this does not amount to blackmail, the Ningo-Prampram lawmaker answered in the negative.

    The MP says the Minister has refused to listen to reason on the matter. He said her actions were akin to that of a recalcitrant child.

  • Asiedu Nketia accuses EC of seeking to change electoral laws

    General Secretary, National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, is claiming that his outfit is not convinced about the explanations given by the Electoral Commission, EC, on the use of Ghana Card for continuous voter registration.

    He accused the Commission of aiming to change the existing law on elections in the country following a proposed Constitutional Instrument (C.I) by the Commission for the continuous registration exercise.

    Speaking on Joy News’ ‘PM Express’ show, General Mosquito, as he is known in Ghanaian politics said “this whole idea of trying to throw dust into the eyes of the Ghanaian public that the law is for continuous registration is completely false.”

    He stated that Ghana’s electoral laws do not provide two separate provisions for registration.

    “The same law that will provide for registration can be used for continuous registration, it can be used for limited registration and a total overhaul of the register.

    “Going by the history of the Electoral Commission, nobody is convinced if EC just comes out without anything in the law and then to tell us that, believe us, we are going to use it for continuous registration. What happens if they use it for something else?“ Asiedu Nketia quizzed.

    He noted that the proposed C.I, when it is passed will imply that “all the laws based on which the previous registers have been done, are all going to be repealed.”

    When asked by the host, whether the NDC is suspecting the EC wants to change the law by doing away with the 2020 register, the Chief Scribe said “yes, by their history.”

    In explaining his position, Johnson Asiedu Nketia said, “We have been here before… EC has used a health insurance card as a document in registering to build a previous register. That matter was closed and we had a register intact, then somebody goes to court that the Heath Insurance card cannot be used to identify Ghanaians for the purpose of registration … the court ruled and EC was compelled to go back and deleted all the names of people who registered with health insurance card,” he said.

    About the C.I.

    Per the new C.I, the EC is seeking to make the Ghana Card the sole form of identification for eligible voters who want to get onto the electoral roll.

    The C.I has been referred to the Subsidiary Legislation Committee of Parliament. By convention, the committee is chaired by a member of the Minority group.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • LIVESTREAMING: NDC speaks on Ghana’s economy

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is holding a press briefing to discuss the current state of the economy.

    National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, is moderating the press conference.

    Ghana is currently seeing a surge in its inflation, which currently stands at 29.6%. Also, prices of fuel products have been on the rise for months.

    It is reported that fuel prices would see a reduction, however, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), has said the reduction would not be substantial due to the depreciation of the cedi.

    The NDC has attributed the current state of the economy to the government’s poor performance.

     

  • NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    The 2020 Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on Wednesday launched a book on the administrative history of the party in Accra.

    Compiled as part of the 30th anniversary of the NDC, the launch was attended by the Chairman, the General Secretary and members of the Council of Elders of the party.

    Also present were the Regional and Constituency Executives, members of the diplomatic corps and supporters of the party.

    Below are photos from the event.

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

     

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    Below are photos from the event.

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party
    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

  • Five arrested over violence at Bono East NDC office

    Police have arrested five people in connection with the attack on the Bono East National Democratic Congress party office at Techiman on July 28.

    The five were identified as Kojo Agyei alias Kojo Cocaine, Illiasu Sulemana aka Oboot, Andrew Kemire, Fatau Abdallah and Alhaji Nuhu.

    “During the attacks, one person sustained multiple knife wounds and is currently on admission at the Techiman Government Hospital,” police noted in a statement.

    The sliding windows of the party office and a vehicle which was parked at the office were also vandalised.

    All the suspects will be put before court later today.

    “We wish to take the opportunity to urge individuals and groups to choose dialogue rather than violence to resolve their differences, since the Police will not hesitate to apply the law,” police concluded.

     

    Source: Citinews 

  • NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    The 2020 Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, on Wednesday launched a book on the administrative history of the party in Accra.

    Compiled as part of the 30th anniversary of the NDC, the launch was attended by the Chairman, the General Secretary and members of the Council of Elders of the party.

    Also present were the Regional and Constituency Executives, members of the diplomatic corps and supporters of the party.

    Below are photos from the event.

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    NDC launches book on administrative history of the party

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • NDCs Peter Otokunor bags PhD in Agric Economics and Policy

    A Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Boamah Otokunor, has successfully obtained a doctorate degree in Agric Economics and Policy from the University of Ghana.

    Mr. Peter Boamah Otokunor successfully graduated on Friday, July 29.

    The Deputy NDC scribe in a post on June 21 celebrated the successful defense of his PhD thesis.

    The subject of his thesis was centered on “Technical efficiency and competitiveness of irrigated and rain-fed production technologies in Ghana.”

    A video on his Facebook page showed him interacting with his supervisors for the oral defense of his thesis.

    The accompanying caption of the post read: “Romans 8:28 All things work together for good to those who love God …We made it. I came, I saw and conquered! PhD Agric Economics and Policy bagged successfully.”

    NDC's Peter Otokunor bags PhD in Agric Economics and Policy

    On June 22, he posted another video of the moment the examination panel declared his results.

    “The declaration of my results by the examination panel Chaired by Prof. Irene Egyir after the presentation of my viva at the University of Ghana yesterday. An exciting moment it was, the emotions were overwhelming. Glory be to God!” the caption of the video read.

    NDC's Peter Otokunor bags PhD in Agric Economics and Policy

    “I thank God Almighty for the support, the protection, the courage, the assistance in making this dream come true and I consider it as one of the biggest dreams of my life,” he said.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Why Owusu Bempah has stopped praying for Akufo-Addo

    The Leader and Founder of Glorious Word and Power Ministries International, Rev Isaac Owusu Bempah,  has said he has stopped praying for President Akufo-Addo, the man he spiritually backed in opposition until he ascended unto the highest office of the Presidency in 2016.

    According to him, he used to be close to the president, but today, there has been a gap between them.

    He said he has stopped praying for a president, and never will he pray for any regime that emerges on the political scene going forward.

    Speaking on Accra-based Okay FM, the man of God advised that the president should, as a matter of urgency, gather some men of God to intercede on his behalf because what is happening in the country is not normal.

    “This is not to disrespect the president, but I have stopped praying for the president like I used to do. I (used) pray for the president and that God should protect him and make sure that his tenure is successful; to pray for the president like I used to do some time ago, I have stopped doing that,” Rev Owusu Bempah said.

    “Like Saul, Samuel and David in the Holy Bible as instances, Nana Addo has turned away from God. He is no longer the man ruling the country because he has become disobedient like Saul in the Bible,” Owusu Bempah added.

    He noted that no political party – whether NDC or NPP – can be able to make it without spiritual backing.

    “If you claim to be of God, then let the people of God back you with prayers; if you claim to believe in other gods, then let your magicians intercede for you like King Pharaoh because, without power, you can never succeed in life,” he stressed.

    When asked what has brought about the ‘bad’ blood between him and the president to the extent that he has stopped interceding for him, he explained that, as a man of God, he is willing and ready to intercede for anybody who approaches him for spiritual help and direction but “when I see that after praying for you, you do not have any belief in the prayer, I will just withdraw and stay within my lane.

    “I am human, and if after fighting to do whatever that you want, you decide not to mind and appreciate whatever I have done for you, therefore, you keep disregarding me, [I won’t mind you again].

    “It is very painful to go all out and help someone to achieve some status in life, and later the person behaves like you have been rejected; it makes you feel that you have fought and done all that you needed to do in vain. I am not saying if I do something bad, nobody should confront me or the law so be twisted to favour me, no, but at least the person should be able to remember whatever I have done for him; the person should remember that if not for this individual, I would not have achieved such status.

    “I do not want the glory or recognition for myself, no. When President Akufo-Addo mentioned my name during his victory speech, I took that recognition for the Lord; what I mean is that when you start with God, you need to finish with him. The battle is the Lords should be the altar and finisher of your faith…,” Rev Owusu Bempah explained further.

     

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • “Were in massive hole and dont need further digging” Mahama on $1 billion syndicated loan

    Former President, John Dramani Mahama says the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs will not support the approval of any new loans that do not have specific terms or purposes.

    This comes on the back of the $1 billion syndicated loan presented to Parliament.

    Delivering a speech at a closing ceremony of a retreat for Minority Group MPs at the Volta Serene hotel in Ho on Sunday, July 17, 2022, the former President said Ghana is in an economic hole, and it will not be prudent to continue digging with more loans.

    ”We do not believe that the existence of crisis permits even more reckless decision-making. All decisions and policy choices made at this critical juncture could offer relief or exacerbate our problems and make recovery extremely difficult. We are in a massive hole and, and we do not need further digging.”

    The 2022 budget noted an international financing programme to raise at least $750 million, with an option to increase it by a further $750 million for budget support and liability management.

    Although the budget captured $750 million, a $1 billion loan agreement is currently before the House.

    At a Finance Committee meeting on Thursday, the Minority stalled the approval processes owing to what they call the discrepancies between the loan presented to the house and what has been presented to the committee for consideration.

    A Ranking Member on the Committee, Cassiel Ato Forson said “the budget is saying that, in the course of the year, they will be taking a term loan of $750 million. Why do you ask us to approve $1 billion?”

    Reacting to the development, Mr. John Mahama insisted that until the terms of the $250 million loan component are renegotiated to make them “favourable” and same captured in subsequent budgets, the Minority MPs will not support its approval.

    “Our position on the $250 million component remains unchanged, as such unfavourable terms as the $40 million insurance payment and total interest of over $80 million make it too expensive and inimical to the economic interest of Ghana. It is also not programmed in the 2022 budget statement.”

    On the $750 million component, Mr. Mahama noted that after he raised concerns, some effort has gone into renegotiating the costs and terms, which now appear more favourable.

    He is however unclear on the exact purpose of the loan.

    Mr. Mahama said the NDC will only support its approval if ”evidence of its use for specific growth-related projects leading to improvements in the lives of people is presented.”

     

    Source: Citinews

  • Compiling a new voter register using the Ghana card is good, but Ghanaians must all have one – Asiedu Nketia

    The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Asiedu Nketia has stated that using the Ghana Card as a sole document to register voters is not a bad idea.

    According to him, this will only be possible if all Ghanaians have received  their Ghana Cards from the National Identification Authority

    His comments come at the back of a warning in Parliament by the Minority against the Electoral Commissions to compile a new voter register using only the Ghana card.

    But Asiedu Nketia has cautioned the National Identification Authority and the Electoral Commission on that decision.

    “If you ask me that we should use the Ghana card exclusively for voter registration, I’ll say yes; It’s wonderful and I urged all Ghanaians to be given their Ghana card before that decision is implemented” he stated .

    It will be recalled that Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu stated that such a move by the EC will threaten the stability of the country as the rights of legal age Ghanaians to vote and exercise their franchise will be infringed upon.

    “Our understanding as we pick it up is that the Electoral Commission of Ghana is desperately planning to discard the 2020 voter register and replace it with a new voter register ,which has caused the taxpayer and the people of Ghana to build with $80million thereabout “ he said.

    Ahead of the 2020 general elections ,the EC had Justified its call for a new voters register by claiming that the 2016 register contained names of non citizens hence the reason for a new voters register.

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Sammy Gyamfi explains how an NDC government will deal with National Cathedral project

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has consistently criticized the project insisting that since it was a personal vow the President made to God, it was wrong to use state funds.

    According to the NDC’s argument the President mentioned that the construction of the project was not going to be done at the expense of the taxpayer, hence it’s wrong to use state funds for personal dreams

    The question on some people’s minds is whether or not the project will be continued if the NDC comes to power.

    Even though there’s not been an official position, Sammy Gyamfi said: “The board of trustees is already raising funds for the project and individuals and other groups are also donating and so if we come and the church or Christian body brings up an idea or seek government’s support or facilitation for any cause, I know any NDC government will support.

    “For now, public funds have been used on that project without parliamentary approval and against the laws of this country and so let’s deal with that”.

    Speaking on PeaceFM’s “The Platform”programme, he added: “…who knows if by the time we come to power and the project has advanced to a certain stage because of funds raised; who knows…the party is yet to take a position on whether it will be willing to commit public funds…

    “NDC has not taken an official position on this issue because we have not even been consulted on this project we don’t even have any idea on how much the project will

    Source:ghanaweb.com

  • How angry Fomena NPP youth repainted party office with NDC colours

    In an attempt to tell executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that they are seriously against a move by the party to impose the second Deputy Speaker of Parliament Andrews Asiamah on them, the party youth in Fomena have painted the party office with NDC colours.

    In a video which has since gone viral on social media, the youth are seen changing the traditional colours of white, blue and red to the colours of the largest opposition party Red, White, Green and Black.

    The youth say their displeasure emanates from the fact that apart from attempts to impose a candidate on them for the 2024 Parliamentary elections, they have been disallowed to take part in the ongoing polling station election.

    Apart from painting the office with NDC colours, they placed placards that read “let the constitution work, “no unopposed”, “let the constitution work” to drum home their demands of the party and its executives.

    “We will resist any attempt by NPP party executives to impose the independent candidate together with his supporters on the faithful NPP supporters within the constituency,” a youth activist in Fomena said on February 23.

    Source: www.mynewsgh.com

  • ‘They’ve disgraced themselves and the entire nation’ – Nana Fredua scolds NDC over Commonwealth petition

    Board Chairman of the National Theatre, Nana Fredua Agyeman Ofori-Atta, has slammed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for hopping to the Commonwealth Nations to investigate Ghana under suspicions of human rights abuses.

    The NDC has petitioned the Commonwealth Nations to monitor the human rights situation in Ghana as well as what they say is criminal persecution of its members.

    According to the party’s General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who announced the petition to the press on Monday, February 28, it was necessary to send the petition to the international entity because of the “harassment, criminal persecution and human rights violations” against some NDC leading members including their National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo.

    “There are some practices that are not in accordance with good governance and the principles of the Commonwealth so we have petitioned them to take the appropriate action,” he added.

    But Nana Fredua, sharing dissenting views on the petition, ridiculed the NDC for going to the Commonwealth Nations.

    He wondered how the NDC would have the audacity to petition an international body to report human rights violations when they have a track record of abusing the people’s rights and criminally pursuing innocent Ghanaians.

    Although this, he said, is not to justify human rights encroachment by any government including the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), he finds it ridiculous that the NDC are crying about rights infringement which, to him, is not even the reality in Ghana under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    “They think everyone in Ghana is a kid. They think the wise people in Ghana are not many . . . I feel they have disgraced themselves and the entire nation,” he said while making submissions on Peace FM’s ”Kokrokoo”.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • NDC will abolish E-Levy within 100 days in office Asiedu Nketia



    The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has revealed the NDC government will abolish E-Levy when they assume power should it be passed.

    According to him, the E-Levy will be the first tax to be abolished in their first hundred days in office as it’s a daylight robbery and not taxation.

    Addressing the crowd gathered at the Obra Spot demonstrating against the E-levy dubbed “Yentua Demo” today, Thursday, 10 February 2022, Asiedu Nketiasaid, “Let me tell you all right now that in the unlikely event the e-levy is passed, we will abolish it, and it will be the first tax to be abolished within the first 100 days of a future NDC government because we don’t see it as a tax, it is daylight robbery, this is not taxation.

    “That is not to say we will not be taking other taxes, but we are saying this is thievery, it is not tax based on any production, it’s not tax based on any value addition, it is daylight robbery, taking people’s capital from their pockets because they chose not to keep the money in their pockets but to keep it on momo wallets.”

    The Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is currently protesting against the passage of the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-levy) presented by the government.

    This follows previous messages by the opposition and minority members to the effect that they are against the tax, which will burden Ghanaians more than they already are.

    The protest is also to register displeasure with the ongoing UTAG strike and the government’s inability to resolve the situation.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • NDC once imposed 17.5% tax, 1.75% e-levy is the lowest rate ever – Egyapa Mercer

    Lawyer Andrew Egyapa Mercer, the Member of Parliament for Sekondi constituency, has urged Ghanaians to support the government’s E-levy policy pending Parliamentary approval.

    The E-levy is to be rolled out next month ensuring that Ghanaians are taxed on a range of electronic transactions.

    A 1.75 percent charge is to be deducted on every 100 cedi MoMo transaction made and also on all bank transfers.

    The E-levy has been met with strong opposition from the Minority in Parliament as they have vehemently kicked against its passage into law.

    However, the NPP Majority in Parliament is in support of it and is bent on implementing the policy in February as was announced by the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta last year during his presentation of the 2022 Budget and Economic Policy before the Legislative House.

    Commenting on the E-levy during a panel discussion on Peace FM’s ”Kokrokoo”, Lawyer Egyapa Mercer beleived it’s the way to go for Ghana’s development.

    He was optimistic the e-levy will be used to fix the country’s developmental challenges like bad roads, inadequate infrastructure and hospitals among others, hence encouraging all Ghanaians to embrace this initiative.

    He shot down arguments that the 1.75% should be reduced stressing ”1.75 is 1 cedi 75 pesewas on a 100 cedis. It’s 17 cedis 50 pesewas on a 1000 cedis. It’s the lowest tax rate ever,” he submitted.

    He also recalled how the NDC years ago introduced a 17.5% Value Added Tax on financial services, which he says was way higher than what is being proposed today.

    “Let them propose an alternative, they have been in government before, remember VAT on financial services? Theirs was 17.5% and there was no pandemic and all other expenditures this government has made.

    “The difference between 17.5% then and 1.75% now all to allow for development efforts, to among others help government combat youth unemployment,” he stressed.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • NDC marks 40th anniversary of 31st December Revolution

    The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) will today Friday, 31st December, mark the 40th Anniversary of the 31st December Revolution.

    A statement issued by the events Planning Committee, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the event would be held on the theme “40 Years of Democratic Stability; the Legacy of the Legend”.

    It said in line with that, on Friday 31st December, there would be a Wreath Laying and Flagraising Ceremony Parade at 0800 hours at Town Council line Ablekuma Central.

    The statement said speakers at the event would include Dr Zanetor Rawlings, Member of Parliament (MP) for Klottey-Korle; Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the General Secretary of the NDC and Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the National Chairman of the NDC and former President John Dramani Mahama. 

    The statement said there would be a walk at 0700 hours from the first light traffic light to the Town Council Line Park before the commencement of the event.

    “All covid19 protocols will be strictly enforced,” it said and invited the public to participate in the event.

    Source: GNA

  • Meet the four NDC MPs facing legal challenges

    Four Members of Parliament of the opposition National Democratic Congress, NDC, are facing legal challenges on a number of issues.

    Two of them are before the courts with respect to the processes that led to the election into office in the 2020 Parliamentary elections.

    The other is before an Accra Circuit Court for his role in a protest that he led in his constituency but which resulted in public order and vandalism concerns according to the Ghana Police Service. The fourth is facing corruption charges.

    GhanaWeb looks at a brief of the respective cases.

    Dorcas Affo-Toffey MP for Jomoro is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by a Sekondi High Court on December 6, 2021. Reports say the presiding judge, Sedina Agbemava, citing the MP’s failure to attend the court sitting on Monday, December 6, 2021, as the basis for the warrant.

    The qualification of Affo-Toffey to represent the people of Jomoro in Parliament is being challenged in a case in which she has been sued for allegedly possessing dual citizenship prior to her contesting in the 2020 election.

    A contempt case was filed against the MP by one Joshua Emuah Kofie, a resident of Nuba-Mpataba in the Jomoro Constituency when Madam Tooffey reportedly failed to deposit with the court registrar documents supporting the renunciation of her alleged Ivorian citizenship as ordered by the Sekondi High Court.

    Although the MP filed for a stay of execution of the High Court’s order, the court dismissed the application in July this year.

    James Gyakye Quayson, MP for Assin North faces a similar case to that of his Jomoro colleague.

    A Cape Coast High Court on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, passed a verdict on the election petition against the Assin North MP with the presiding judge, Justice Kwasi Boakye, upholding the argument of a petitioner who contended that James Quayson was not qualified to contest the 2020 elections.

    The basis for the ruling was that at the point of filing to contest the elections, the court claims James Quayson had not successfully renounced his Canadian citizenship.

    The court ordered him to subsequently desist from holding himself out as the MP for the Constituency but the Police CID suspended a probe into the issue after it emerged in August that he planned to file an appeal against the verdict.

    Francis-Xavier Sosu, the MP for Madina was engaged in a back and forth with the Police from late October through to November 2021.

    On October 25, 2021, he led a police-sanctioned protest in a part of his constituency but as it wrapped up, police invited him for questioning but he refused, citing Parliamentary responsibilities later that day.

    Police have since attempted to arrest him, written to the Speaker of Parliament for his release which was turned down. He was subsequently hauled before a court where an arrest warrant was issued after he failed to appear a third time.

    The court vacated the warrant recently after he appealed and appeared. Meanwhile, he has also sued the Inspector-General of Police and the Ghana Police Service for the enforcement of his basic rights, including the right to freedom of movement and the right to protest and demonstrate among others.

    Collins Dauda, the Asutifi North MP and former Works and Housing Minister and four others are currently on bail for willfully causing financial loss to the state.

    They were hauled before the courts in respect of the execution of the 5,000 unit housing project at Saglemi, which project was costed at $200 million dollars and started under the John Evans Atta Mills administration.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Western Region illicit baby trade: Two more grabbed, one discharged

    The National Investigative Bureau (NIB) has nabbed two more persons allegedly involved in the stealing and sale of babies at Atuabo and Half Assini in the Western Region.

    Komene Nda Kwakye aka John Quashie who was at large and Ayisha Barry were nabbed by NIB and arraigned.

    Earlier on four persons, including a retired midwife, allegedly involved in the stealing and sale of babies at Atuabo and Half Assin in the Western Region were nabbed by the National Investigative Bureau (NIB).

    However, when accused persons were put before an Accra Circuit Court, Cynthia Quashie, private security personnel, was discharged after the charges were amended and substituted.

    Cynthia Beyeden, a 63-year-old Retired Midwife/ Nurse, Sylvester Quashie, a mason, Ediemu Bozoma, a 55-year-old trader, Komene Nda Kwakye aka John Quarshie and Ayisha Barry appeared before the court today.

    Beyeden is facing two counts of child stealing.

    The rest of the accused persons have been variously held over abetment of crime and conspiracy and hindrance to the inquest.

    Ayisha Barry is additionally being held over the abandonment of Infant. She is said to have abandoned her newborn baby at the house of Cynthia Beyeden.

    They have all pleaded not guilty.

    The court presided over by Mrs Evelyn Asamoah admitted the five accused persons to bail in the sum of GHC150,000 each with two sureties each.

    The court ordered the prosecution to file their disclosures by December 7 and adjourned the matter to December 14.

    Mr George Asamaning, Counsel for Cynthia, prayed the court to admit his client to bail because she was not a flight risk.

    According to Mr Asamaning, the charges preferred on his client were bailable.

    He told the court that his client had been in custody for some time now and she should be admitted to bail.

    Mr Yaw Dankwah, who represented three of the accused, Sylvester, Bozoma and Kwakye, said there was nowhere in the laws of Ghana indicating that accused persons should assist police in investigations.

    Mr Dankwah said the accused should be granted bail as the charges preferred against his clients were flimsy.

    He said the facts of the Police did not support the charges.

    Defense Counsel, therefore, prayed the court to admit his clients to bail since they have people to stand as sureties.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Fuseini Yakubu opposed the grant of bail, saying officials of the NIB did not know the place of abode of the accused persons.

    ASP Yakubu noted that the NIB would like to conduct a DNA test on Ayisha Barry to ascertain whether she was one of the mothers of the dead babies.

    He said the accused when granted bail would tamper with investigations.

    Narrating the facts, Chief Inspector Apiorsornu, said NIB, acting on intelligence, arrested suspects Cynthia Beyejen, Ediemu Bozoma, Sylvester Quarshie in the Western Region.

    The prosecution said Sylvester Quarshie, was arrested after he tried to offer a seven-month baby boy for sale at GH¢80,000.00 at Atuabo to undercover NIB personnel.

    He said the Bureau’s Agent feigned interest in buying the said victim and arrested him.

    The prosecution said Sylvester did all the negotiation on phone with the Agent and even sent recorded video of the late victim, Nhyira, a 10-day-old baby girl to show that he was into the business of baby selling.

    Sylvester mentioned Beyejen, a retired midwife as his source, it said.

    The prosecution said investigations revealed that Bozoma and Cynthia Quarshie had been assisting Sylvester Quarshie Nyamekeh.

    It said Bozoma and Cynthia Quashie had been keeping and taking care of the victims in their houses and later given to Sylvester Quarshie for ‘disposal’.

    According to the prosecutor, it was also established that the late victim Nhyira, was with Ediemu Bozoma, Cynthia Quarshie and Quarshie and that they claimed the victim, Nhyira, died while with them at home.

    It said Bozoma, had informed Cynthia Beyejen of the death of Nhyira and Beyejen ordered “Bozoma”, and Quashie to bury Nhyira without reporting to any authority.

    According to the prosecution, Komene stated that it was normal in the area for rush burial to take place without reporting and denied knowing it was a crime to bury anybody without reporting.

    On October 28, this year, Beyejen led a team of NIB officials to arrest Ayisha Barry as the mother of Jerome, one of the babies.

    The prosecution said Beyejen further told the team that Ayisha Barry came to her with the intention of aborting her pregnancy that had reached an advanced stage.

    Beyejen said she gave Ayisha Barry induction labour and she delivered.

    However, after delivery, Beyejen informed Ayisha that the baby was dead, and she (Beyejen) sent the baby to Bozoma.

    Ayisha however denied that Jerome was her son. Jerome is however on admission at the NIB Clinic and was responding to treatment.

    Source: GNA

  • NDC denounces Do or Die paraphernalia

    The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi, has stated that the party has not sanctioned any paraphernalia bearing the inscription; “Do or Die”.

    In a statement dated November 9, 2021, Sammy Gyamfi said the NDC had taken notice of some branded paraphernalia with the inscription “Do or Die”.

    According to him, the said paraphernalia including T-Shirts making rounds on social media platforms has been created to portray violence under a misguided and malicious misrepresentation of the “Do or Die” statement.

    This was in reference to an earlier statement made by Mr Mahama in a radio interview. Mr Mahama, whilst speaking about the NDCs plan going into the 2024 elections said it will be a “Do or Die” affair where the party will go all out to ensure vigilance in protecting ballots.

    However, according to Sammy Gyamfi, the public at this point must treat with contempt, any paraphernalia bearing the catchphrase which has resonated with many NDC sympathizers as the party has not sanctioned such.

    “We wish to state without any equivocation that neither the NDC nor any of its assigns has sanctioned this paraphernalia which are the obvious creation of some faceless individuals who are up to mischief. The General Public is hereby urged to disregard such images and treat them with the contempt they deserve,” the statement said.

    Read the full statement below:

    For Immediate Release
    9th November 2021

    DISCLAIMER
    The attention of the National Democratic Congress has been drawn to some images of branded paraphernalia including T-shirts with the inscription; “Do or Die”, making the rounds on various social media platforms.

    These despicable images, some of which bear what looks like the logo and official colours of the NDC, appear to portray violence under a misguided and malicious misrepresentation of “Do or Die”.

    We wish to state without any equivocation that neither the NDC nor any of its assigns has sanctioned this paraphernalia which are the obvious creation of some faceless individuals who are up to mischief. The General Public is hereby urged to disregard such images and treat them with the contempt they deserve.

    The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi, has stated that the party has not sanctioned any paraphernalia bearing the inscription; “Do or Die”.

    In a statement dated November 9, 2021, Sammy Gyamfi said the NDC had taken notice of some branded paraphernalia with the inscription “Do or Die”.

    According to him, the said paraphernalia including T-Shirts making rounds on social media platforms have been created to portray violence under a misguided and malicious misrepresentation of the “Do or Die” statement.

    This was in reference to an earlier statement made by Mr Mahama in a radio interview. Mr Mahama, whilst speaking about the NDCs plan going into the 2024 elections said it will be a “Do or Die” affair where the party will go all out to ensure vigilance in protecting ballots.

    However, according to Sammy Gyamfi, the public at this point must treat with contempt, any paraphernalia bearing the catchphrase which has resonated with many NDC sympathizers as the party has not sanctioned such.

    “We wish to state without any equivocation that neither the NDC nor any of its assigns has sanctioned this paraphernalia which are the obvious creation of some faceless individuals who are up to mischief. The General Public is hereby urged to disregard such images and treat them with the contempt they deserve,” the statement said.

    Read the full statement below:

    For Immediate Release
    9th November 2021

    DISCLAIMER
    The attention of the National Democratic Congress has been drawn to some images of branded paraphernalia including T-shirts with the inscription; “Do or Die”, making the rounds on various social media platforms.

    These despicable images, some of which bear what looks like the logo and official colours of the NDC, appear to portray violence under a misguided and malicious misrepresentation of “Do or Die”.

    We wish to state without any equivocation that neither the NDC nor any of its assigns has sanctioned this paraphernalia which are the obvious creation of some faceless individuals who are up to mischief. The General Public is hereby urged to disregard such images and treat them with the contempt they deserve.

    Signed,
    SAMMY GYAMFI
    National Communication Officer

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Government not responsible for fuel price increment – Energy Ministry to NDC

    The Ministry of Energy has responded to claims made by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the increase in fuel prices in recent times is due to the callousness of the Akufo-Addo-led government.

    It would be recalled that on Monday, October 18, 2021, the NDC at a press conference accused the government of being insensitive to the plights of Ghanaians.

    They further called for the immediate reduction of fuel prices for Ghanaians to heave a sigh of relief amidst the economic hardship.

    Reacting to this in a press release sighted by GhanaWeb, the Ministry said, the ex-pump prices have not increased by 7%.

    It indicated that Total Energies is the only oil marketing company that has revised its prices to GH¢6.80pesewas per litre.

    The Energy Ministry noted that changes in prices at various pumps are not determined by the government rather, the changes of prices of petroleum products on the world market as well as the strength of the Cedi against the US Dollar are the key determinants.

    It said, “The price of petroleum products on the world market is something government has no control over and it is not government that dictates the prices of fuel at the pumps in Ghana as it did before July 2015. It is worthy to note that the price of petrol on the world market in December 2016 was about $504 per metric tonne. This has increased by about 55% to around $783 per metric tonne today. If prices on the world market today were at the levels they were in December 2016, the price of petrol for example would have been about GHS5.49 per litre.”

    “Contrary to the allegations levelled against the ruling government, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh led Energy Ministry says “Ex-pump prices have not increased by 7% as purported by the NDC. As of today Total Energies is the only OMC that has revised its price upwards from GH¢6.52 per litre to GH¢6.80 per litre; that is a 4.29% increase. Other OMCs are yet to announce their prices for the new window. We believe competition will even force this increase further down to a level below 3%,” part of the press statement read.

    “Since the implementation of the price deregulation policy in July 2015, the responsibility of setting ex-pump prices lies with the various Bulk Import, Distribution and Export Companies (BIDECs) and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). As a result, changes in prices at the pumps almost every two weeks are not dictated by government but are a direct response to changes in prices of petroleum products on the world market and the strength of the Ghana Cedi (GHS) against the US Dollar (USD), as well as the keen competition amongst the various players competing to sell their products to the motoring public,” it added.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Kwesi Dawood saga: NDC quashes suspension of officer accused of incest

    The National Democratic Congress, NDC, on Wednesday (October 13) quashed a decision by a regional branch to suspend an embattled officer facing charges of incest.

    Kwesi Dawood, the Central Regional Communications Officer was suspended by the regional executives after reports emerged that he had had sexual relations with his 15-year-old daughter.

    But a letter signed by Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the NDC General Secretary said the Functional Executive Committee, FEC, at a meeting on Wednesday (October 13, 2021) had overturned the decision stating among others that it was prejudicial and violated his rights as a criminally accused person.

    “The Functional Executive Committee of the party, at its meeting held today, 13th October 2021 took the view that the suspension of Mr. Kwesi Dawood is not only prejudicial to the matter pending in Court, but that same violates the rights of a criminally accused person to a fair trial, the rules of natural justice and Article 46(1)(a)(c)(d) of the NDC Constitution.”

    “…Only the Functional Executive Committee at the national level of the party has the power to suspend an office holder of the party at the regional level. Consequently, FEC has quashed the purported suspension of the Central Regional Communication Officer, Mr. Kwesi Dawood by the Central Regional Executive Committee of the party, as same is wrongful and without regard for due process,” the statement explained.

    Allegations of incest against Kwesi Dawood

    Kwesi Dawood is battling with the law after his 15-year-old daughter made allegations of defilement against him.

    He is reported to have subjected the girl to sexual intercourse which is termed as incest.

    He was declared wanted by the police in the Central Regional capital of Cape Coast but he turned himself and was processed for court on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

    He has since been granted bail to the tune of GH¢30,000 by the Cape Coast Circuit Court.

    Read the full statement by NDC FEC below:

    FEC QUASHES SUSPENSION OF CENTRAL REGIONAL COMMUNICATION OFFICER OF THE NDC, MR. KWESI DAWOOD.

    The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has taken note of reports in the media that the Central Regional Communication Officer, Mr. Kwesi Dawood has been suspended by the Central Regional Executive Committee of the party over some allegations that are pending before a Court of Competent Jurisdiction.

    Our attention has also been drawn to media interviews granted by the Central Regional Secretary of the party, Mr. Kojo Quansah in which he confirmed the said decision by the Central Regional Executive Committee.

    The Functional Executive Committee of the party at its meeting held today, 13th October, 2021 took the view that the suspension of Mr. Kwesi Dawood is not only prejudicial to the matter pending in Court, but that same violates the rights of a criminally accused person to a fair trial, the rules of natural justice and Article 46(1)(a)(c)(d) of the NDC Constitution which provides as follows;

    Article 46: SPECIAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE

    (1) A Special Complaints Committee comprising three (3) members shall be established at various levels of the party structure to perform the following functions:

    (a) Receive complaints at various levels related to acts or omissions by PARTY OFFICE HOLDERS that constitute a breach of chapter eight on the Code of Conduct and the Disciplinary Code.

    (c) The Special Complaints Committee shall investigate the matter complained of and make appropriate recommendations to the NEXT LEVEL and

    (d) THE LEADERSHIP OF THE NEXT LEVEL shall deal with the report on the complaints as appropriate.

    It is evident from the foregoing, that only the Functional Executive Committee at the national level of the party has the power to suspend an office holder of the party at the regional level.

    Consequently, FEC has quashed the purported suspension of Central Regional Communication Officer, Mr. Kwesi Dawood by the Central Regional Executive Committee of the party, as same is wrongful and without regard for due process.

    As a law abiding party, we do not and will not condone crime of any form. Neither will we judge an accused person unheard nor presume him guilty until proven innocent. Thus, the Functional Executive Committee will abide by the decision of the Court hearing the matter on the guilt or innocence of the accused person, before we decide on whether or not he should be subjected to disciplinary proceedings of the party.

    The leadership of the party will be meeting with the Central Regional Executive Committee in the coming days to resolve all outstanding issues. We urge all officials and members of the Party in the Central Region, particularly members of the Communication Team to stay focused and work hard with a united sense of purpose towards the Victory 2024 Agenda of the party.

    Signed,
    Johnson Asiedu Nketiah
    General Secretary

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ama Benyiwa Doe passes on

    Former President John Dramani Mahama in a tribute has described her as not only a “politician, but also a gender activist and champion of women’s rights.”

    He said “Ama Benyiwa Doe was an embodiment of limitless courage, commitment and passion for service.
    May her soul rest in eternal glory.”

    Former President John Dramani Mahama in a tribute has described her as not only a “politician, but also a gender activist and champion of women’s rights.”

    He said “Ama Benyiwa Doe was an embodiment of limitless courage, commitment and passion for service.
    May her soul rest in eternal glory.”

    Ama Benyima Doe served as a Member of Parliament for Gomoa West on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from 1992 to 2004. 

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Are frontline health workers still benefiting from COVID-19 reliefs? NDC team member quizzes

    A communication team member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Gabriel Maestro is demanding the current state of the incentive package paid to frontline health workers to help them fight the coronavirus in the country.

    Appearing on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, he stated that Ghanaians deserve to know whether the Frontline health workers are benefiting from the COVID-19 reliefs.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in June 2020, extended the tax holiday provided for all health workers in the country for another three months.

    In his 13th update, the President said the extension meant that all health workers would pay no income taxes for the next three months, that is July, August, and September.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo added that all frontline health workers, as defined by the Ministry of Health, would continue to receive the additional allowance of 50 percent of their basic salary per month, for July, August, and September.

    The President first announced the incentive package for health workers in his fifth update to the nation on Sunday, April 5, 2020. The “thank you” package was for all health workers for the months of April, May, and June.

    Gabriel Maestro commenting on the issue said it would be important for the government to tell Ghanaians whether the reliefs were still in place.

    He said the virus was still with us, thus we have there was the need to let the people know if our Frontline health workers are being treated fairly.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Assin North MPs case: Amaliba withdraws services as lawyer

    The Head of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal team, Lawyer Abraham Amaliba has withdrawn his service as counsel for the Member of Parliament of Assin North, Joe Gyakye Quayson in the ongoing dual citizenship case.

    He has accused Justice Kwasi Boakye, the trial judge of being bias, in a case in which Michael Ankomah Nimfah, a resident of the Assin North Constituency, is challenging the eligibility of Joe Gyakye Quayson as MP.

    In the suit, Michael Ankomah Nimfah is alleging that the MP held dual citizenship at the time of filing his nomination to contest the 2020 Parliamentary elections and thus was not qualified.

    Lawyer Amaliba failed to substantiate the accusation of bias when given the opportunity, thus his application was refused.

    He alleges that on the day the matter came up for settlement of the issues for trial, the presiding judge, Justice Kwasi Boakye, made a comment to the effect that Article 94(2) (a) applies at the time of filing the nomination forms.

    Mr. Amaliba explained that although his application was refused, he was still of the conviction that the likelihood of bias still exists, so he could not be a party to such an enterprise.

    Speaking to the media after the Court sitting the National Communication Officer for the NDC Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi said it was important that the court allowed for some time to enable the MP to find a new lawyer to defend him.

    Meanwhile, the Central Regional Secretary for the New Patriotic Party Richard Takyi Mensah addressing the media after the Court sitting said Lawyer Amaliba intentionally withdrew his service to delay the Court rulling.

    The case has been adjourned the case to 8th June 2021.

    In court today were some NDC bigwigs including Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, National Democratic National Chairman, Sammy Gyamfi, NDC National Communication Officer Lawyer, Central Regional Vice Chairman, Theophilus Adu Mensah, Lawyer Abraham Amaliba among others.

    Source: Kasapafmonline.com

  • Why NDC didnt back #FixTheCountry campaign Asiedu Nketiah discloses

    The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, also known as General Mosquito has debunked claims that they were the masterminds behind the #Fixthecountry campaign.

    A few weeks ago, a section of Ghanaians took to social media to protest over what they describe as “bad governance and the high cost of living” in a campaign dubbed #Fixthecountry.

    The hashtag which trended for weeks followed an increase in prices of fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

    Some communicators of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) accused the NDC of sponsoring the campaign.

    However, General Mosquito denies giving the conveners any form of backing.

    “If we did that; NPP would have used us as the mobilizing tool; helping them in the end”

    “Moreover, these are issues we’ve raised already and it’s good individuals have taken them up and leading the fight. Joining them will change it into an NDC, NPP affair” he said in a one-on-one interview on UTV.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • NDC has sufficient intellectual academic power to take on any party in the world Mahama

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has said that his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has sufficient intellectual brains to take on any political party in the world.

    He explained that several socio economic development projects that propelled the country to economic growth were initiated during the Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) era.

    When the PNDC metamorphosed into NDC, he said, several of these projects were also introduced.

    Speaking as the Special Guest at the Annual Conference of the NDC Professionals Forum on Thursday, April 29, he said “The perception has always been that mass parties do not have intellectuals and academic fire power.

    “Just a fraction of the members of the pro-forum in this room and the self-introduction that you gave clearly shows that that pound for pound, we have on the side of NDC sufficient intellectual academic power to take on any party in this world.

    “We have proved it over the years.”

    He added “If you look at the period of PNDC right to NDC, you will find that a lot of the critical social policy and economic reforms undertaken in this country were undertaken under these administrations.

    “If you look at the economic recovery programme that restructured our economy and the structural adjustment programme that went with it that brought Ghana back onto the path of growth, it was initiated under the PNDC.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Imitate Rawlings by correcting the NDC when it veers off Dzifa Gomashie to Ghanaians

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ketu-South Constituency and a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dzifa Gomashie, has appealed to Ghanaians to emulate the late former President Rawlings by correcting the party when it goes wrong.

    According to the MP, Ghanaians will only be showing their love for the party and passion for the development of the country if they do so.

    Speaking to Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning Show, she stated: “All we ask is for Ghanaians to believe in us, trust us and support us to do right by this country and like what our father and founder used to do, when we are veering off, correct us. My 95-year-old father stills tells me what I do right and what I do wrong. It just shows me that he loves me. If you love us when we are doing wrong tell us. When we do right applaud us. It is the only way I know that this country will develop”.

    Commenting on how the death of their founder will impact the NDC, Dzifa Gomashie noted that while they have lost a father figure, they are committed to uphold the values that Rawlings left the party.

    “The Bible says teach the child the way they should go and when they grow they will not depart from it. He has given us the principles and the values. The NDC will be strong. The NDC is the biggest party in this country. As a member of the NDC, my pledge to the NDC is that everything I do will be to strengthen the party. And I speak for the rest of us; that we are committed to ensuring that value for which our party was created will not be thrown away”, she added.

    Rawlings died on 12 November 2020 at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a week after having been admitted for a “short term illness”.

    Today, 27th January 2021, marked the last day of the funeral rites of the late former President. A state funeral, characterized by the attendance of political leaders and dignitaries, was held at the Black Star Square for the late former President.

    Source: e.TV Ghana

  • Machomen attack Awutu Senya East NDC Constituency Secretary

    The National Democratic Congress Constituency Secretary for Awutu Senya East, Amadu Taurik has been subjected to severe beatings by some yet to be identified machomen.

    According to an Adomonline.com report, Mr. Taurik together with other executives of the party was attacked by the thugs whose appearance on the scene was swift with the aid of two Land Cruisers.

    The secretary, having received most of the punches and slaps unleashed by thugs, sustained several injuries which resulted in a swollen eye, bruised face, and deep cuts on his lips.

    He is said to be receiving treatment at the Kasoa Polyclinic with the actual cause of the attack yet to be established

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Police secured wrong order to ban NDC protest Asiedu Nketia

    The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has dismissed a court order by the Accra Regional Police Command restraining the NDC from further protests against the election 2020 results in Accra.

    According to Mr Asiedu Nketia, popularly known as General Mosquito, the order secured by the Police is wrong and does not change anything as far their protests are concerned.

    “The court has ruled that you cannot stop people from demonstrating with an ex parte order,” Mr Asiedu Nketia said on GHONE TV Thursday in an interview with Serwah Amihere.

    He added, “as we sit here nothing has been served to us [NDC] so the order does not exist…they [Police] are on a wild goose chase…we are not aware of any order, our leadership has not been served with any court notice.”

    The police in a statement on Wednesday said it had secured a restraining order against the NDC, from embarking on further protests and demonstrations in Accra.

    The statement added that “in a matter between the Republic (Ghana Police Service) and National Democratic Congress and Kobina Ade Coker, the high Court, under Justice Elfreda they Dankyi (Mrs.), has prohibited all NDC intended protests from Sunday 20th December, 2020 —10th January, 2021.

    “The prohibition order follows an Affidavit filed by the Police upon receipt of notification from the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of NDC, Kobina Ade Coker, on intended daily protests within the above-mentioned dates in Accra and all constituencies across the region.”

    “The request by the NDC cannot obviously be met by the police in view of ongoing post-election and multifaceted security operations for the festive season and beyond. The Regional Police Command is hereby drawing the attention of the general public especially sympathisers, followers and supporters of the NDC, to the restriction order and compliance.”

    Source: Starr FM

  • NDC wins Sene West Seat by 16 vote-margin

    The National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate for Sene West has retained his seat as the Member of Parliament for the constituency.

    This comes after the Electoral Commission counted the ballot papers from the Tato Battor Polling Station B which were prior to this locked up at the Techiman police station following a court injunction.

    The Sene West constituency results were not declared after the elections because the ballot box for Tato Battor Polling Station B was snatched by one Christian Nukpeta when the election results were being counted.

    Although Christian Nukpeta was arrested immediately, the parties involved noticed that the seal of the ballot box belonging to the NPP had been removed, leaving that of the Electoral Commission and NDC.

    As a result, Lawyers for the NPP’s Sene West parliamentary candidate, Joseph Markay Kuma, immediately sought an injunction from the court to stop the EC from counting the ballot papers in the box.

    The ballot box was then locked up at the Techiman Police Headquarters.

    However, counsel for Joseph Markay Kuma withdrew their motion of injunction on the declaration of the results as filed in their petition.

    On Thursday, December 17, 2020 the court threw out the case brought by the New Patriotic Party against the Electoral Commission and the National Democratic Congress on the Sene West Parliamentary Elections.

    The court ruled that the said case lacks merit, the reason it was dismissed.

    The NPP has also been fined an amount of GH¢20,000 for wasting the time of the court.

    After the court ruling, the ballot papers in the box were counted and the NDC emerged winners.

    For the Tato battor polling station B NPP polled 148 votes while the NDC polled 275.

    This, when added to the previous results by other polling stations where the NDC polled 12441 and NPP polled 12952 votes, will produce higher figures; the NPP will now have a total of 13100 votes, while the NDC polls 13116 votes.

    The NDC won by 16 votes.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Election 2020: Police arrest scores of aggressive NDC protesters at EC Headquarters

    The Ghana Police has arrested some persons said to be sympathizers of the National Democratic Congress for picketing at the headquarters of the Electoral Commission.

    The protesters in the early hours of Thursday morning clashed with the police over the declaration of results of the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections.

    Hundreds clad in red attire and NDC party colours, amassed at the headquarters of the EC with placards to register their protest. The police then intervened in the situation and things turned rather ugly.

    The protestors began littering the streets, burning car tyres, a situation which led to somewhat a public distraction.

    Tensions were relatively calm at the time the GhanaWeb team arrived at the scene but later escalated as the protesters mounted a road block on the Kanda highway.

    The Police and military keeping security briskly moved in towards them and fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd who kept chanting the words “No Mahama, No Peace”.

    This then followed up with a chase between the police and protestors which resulted in some arrests.

    Meanwhile, flagbearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama has accused Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa of presiding over what he describes as a flawed election.

    Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was declared the winner of the election by the returning officer of the presidential election on Wednesday December 9, 2020.

    Ghanaians went to the polls on Monday December 7, 2020 to elect a president and 275 Members of Parliament for the eighth time since 1992.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Let’s have ‘responsible demonstrations’ – Rev Opuni-Frimpong advises amidst NDC election protests

    Former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana and former Chairman of the Asante Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong has asked party supporters not to be brainwashed by their leaders to foment trouble over what they claim to be rigged results in the just-ended 2020 elections.

    Speaking on Okay FM’s ‘Ade Akye Abia’ programme, he advised that those youth perpetrating violence because their leader failed to win the elections and they are being incited to hit the streets should think twice about it before they join forces to demonstrate.

    “The leaders organizing those protests should ensure we have responsible demonstrations,” he advised.

    In a related event, thousands of NDC supporters clad in red and black demonstrated at the premises of the Electoral Commission in Accra.

    In videos gone viral on social media, the police were seen using waters cannons to disperse the crowd which seemed resistant.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Election 2020: We’ve not filed any case against EC on Techiman South Parliamentary election NDC

    The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied reports that it has filed a case against the Electoral Commission (EC) on the Techiman South Parliamentary election and has withdrawn same.

    According to the party, it has not filed any case in the High Court.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by the NDC on Thursday, 17 December 2020 and signed by the Bono East Regional NDC Secretary, Mohammed Shamsudeen Ali.

    The Bono East NDC indicated that publication by some print media creating the impression that it has “withdrawn a suit brought against the EC from the High court for lack of evidence” is false.

    The party stated unequivocally that, it “has not filed any suit in court against the EC on the Techiman South Parliamentary Elections let alone withdrawing same” and urged the “general public to dismiss the said malicious publication with all the contempt it deserves.”

    The party further pointed out the facts that: “A citizen of Ghana who is a member of the NDC decided to go to court to compel the EC to do what is expected of them as the law establishes, this happened at the early stage of the confusion before the NDC legal team even came into the region for their facts finding mission.”

    Also, the NDC “legal team led by Lawyer Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu filed a petition to the EC for re-collation and submission of the results declaration sheet as it claims it has declared the results, after their facts finding mission in the Bono East region concerning the Techiman South and the Sene West Parliamentary Elections” and the citizen “who filed the said suit in the High court decided to withdraw his suit to pave way for the NDC petition filed by the legal team to be considered by the EC as the first legitimate means.”

    It continued that: “Any attempt by the pro-NPP media house or their surrogates to twist the facts for their political expediency will not see the light of the day.”

    The party also called on “those media houses to desist from publishing such malicious and fabricated stories just to please their paymasters.”

    It added that it is poised to “use all legitimate means to make sure that, the Techiman South Parliamentary Seat is declared” for its Candidate Mr Christopher Baasongti Bayere, “because he won the Seat convincingly based on the evidence available” to them on the face of all the pink sheets in their possession.

    The NDC, therefore, urged its “members, supporters and sympathisers to remain calm and resolute.”

    Source: Class FM

  • NDC supporters mass up in Tamale to protest against EC

    Supporters of the National Democratic Congress have hit the street of Tamale in the Northern Region to protest against the declaration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as president-elect in the just ended polls.

    The demonstration which is currently ongoing in the city central recorded huge turnout as partakers chanted war songs.

    The National Vice-Chair of the opposition National Democratic Congress Chief Sofo Azoka was pictured holding hands with some supporters as they went around town.

    Others were seen with placards on motorcycles while others burnt car tyres at some parts of the city.

    Security Personnel were also spotted in their vehicles to ensure a chaos-free protest.

    Meanwhile, this is not the first demonstration held by members of the opposition since results of the December 7 elections were announced by the electoral body.

    The first of many was after Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu told supporters the NDC does not accept the results of the presidential elections as announced by the Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC) Jean Mensa

    At a press conference, Haruna Iddrisu expressed reservations about the way and manner in which the polls were conducted hence, the rejection.

    “We reject the presidential elections as announced by the chair of the Electoral Commission. And we also want to serve notice that the blatant effort even to deny us of a parliamentary majority will be fiercely resisted,” the Tamale South lawmaker said.

    In Bolgatanga and Tamale, for instance, hundreds of supporters were seen on the streets burning car tyres in disapproval of the election results.

    Also, Ashiaman supporters and NDC Women wing also hit the street yesterday to express their displeasure as well as protest against the EC.

    The NDC, however, maintained that they intend to continuously hold a peace protest until their votes counts.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Desist from street protests against election results Christian Council to NDC

    The Christian Council of Ghana has urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to consider legal action instead of street protests in its opposition to the declared election results.

    “We entreat them to desist from the street protests and agitations and rather resort to the court to seek redress for their concerns in accordance with the law,” the council said in a statement.

    It also urged the NDC to “avoid statements that have the tendency to inflame passion and cause mayhem in the country.”

    The party has been engaged in some protests nationwide in protest of some declared election results.

    The opposition has engaged in a series of demonstrations in Accra, Zabzugu, Techiman South, Tamale and Kumasi in protest of the outcome of the elections.

    Most recently, hundreds of NDC supporters in the Ashanti Region marched to the regional EC office to protest the outcome of the 2020 elections.

    Aside from grievances at the constituency level, the NDC has also rejected the outcome of the presidential election which saw Nana Akufo-Addo declared President.

    The council further called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to as a matter of urgency come out with “a clear statement on the state of constituencies that have challenges with results declared in the December 7, 2020 elections.”

    Following reports that five persons in incidents of election violence, the Christian Council expressed concern that “the government has been quiet about the unfortunate killings that took place in certain constituencies during the elections and admonish government to ensure the investigation of the killings and bring culprits to book.”

    Find below the full statement

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Election 2020: JMs children must join NDCs street protests too for their dads selfish interest NPP

    The General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr John Boadu, has condemned the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its leadership for inciting the youth to hit the streets in protest to the outcome of the just-ended general elections.

    According to Mr Boadu, the children of former President John Mahama, who got defeated for the second time by President Nana Akufo-Addo, must join the street protests sparked by the NDC, since, according to him, they are meant to inure to the “selfish” interest of their father.

    Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, 15 December 2020, Mr Boadu indicated that Mr Mahama should have asked his children, who are wallowing in comfort, to join the youth marching on the streets against the results.

    “We won’t allow someone because of his selfish interest and because he wants to contest the elections again, he says children should hit the streets and make noise. Then his children must also join but they are living in comfort in this country, some of them are outside the country,” Mr Boadu noted.

    “So, if Ghana burns, you and I and our children will suffer”, he said.

    “I don’t think we must condone such statements,” he added.

    He, therefore, called on the National Peace Council, National House of Chiefs, Civil Society Organisations and the media to tell Mr Mahama to concede defeat and accept the outcome of the polls.

    “Even the media houses: don’t sit on the fence. Tell him point-blank that he has lost the elections and, so, he should concede,” Mr Boadu noted.

    Source: Class FM

  • Police arrest 5 supporters of NDC over rioting

    Five persons believed to be members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are assisting the Accra Regional Police Command over an alleged rioting.

    They are Benedicta Coffie, 20, Kweku Osai, 23, Mohammed Fona, 21, Bismark Teye, 30 and Lukman Zakaria, 38.

    Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Effia Tenge, Head of Public Affairs Unit of the Command, told the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

    She said on Sunday, December 13, 2020, at about 1700 hours, a group of people were found rioting and burning car tyres at the Christian Village Junction, Achimota.

    She said police were alerted and proceeded to the scene where they managed to put out the fire as well as arrested some members of the group.

    DSP Tenge said whilst their cautioned statements were being taken, other members of the Party, on hearing their arrest started massing up at the station.

    The Formed Police Unit Team came in and assisted in transferring the suspects to the Regional Command, where they are on detention.

    Source: GNA

  • Form a unity government with NDC – Korankye Ankrah to Akufo-Addo

    The founder and Apostle General of Royalhouse Chapel International, Most Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah, has called for peace in the aftermath of the December 7 elections.

    According to him, whatever the outcome of the general election, peace must prevail especially between the two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    He said the leaders of the major parties must find a common ground and settle their misunderstanding regarding the declaration of results.

    “I know that usually the one who is in opposition calls the winner to congratulate him, but I am praying for the Lord to touch the heart of President Nana Akufo-Addo to call former president Mahama and say come and let us talk. I pray that this will happen this week,” he said.

    Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah also called for a unity government where members of the opposition would have a place in government.

    “I want to encourage the President to consider giving some executive positions in his government to qualified officers of the NDC. We want to break the winner takes all spirit,” he said.

    He said it is the winner takes all spirit that brings about the agitations and contention in the elections.

    “We want to see a unity government happen so that we can run this nation as one unit and develop the nation and serve God together,” he added.

    He also called for peace to prevail in constituencies where the parliamentary results were in contention.

    Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah was speaking to his congregation at the thanksgiving service held on Sunday, December 13, 2020, where two members of his church emerged winners at the parliamentary elections.

    Madam Rita Odoley Sowah won the parliamentary seat for the La Dadekopoton Constituency in Greater Accra on the ticket of the NDC and Mr. Teddy Nana Yaw Addi, won for the Ayensuano constituency in the Eastern Region on the ticket of the NDC.

    Rev Sam Korankye Ankrah thanked God for their victory and charged them to serve faith.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • NDC has no right to compromise the peace in Ghana Most Rev. Emmanuel Asante

    Immediate Past Chairman of the National Peace Council, Most Rev. Emmanuel Asante says the National Democratic Congress (NDC) cannot be allowed to compromise the peace Ghana currently enjoys.

    According to him, the NDC must appreciate the importance of the 42 days set aside for election petition to seek redress in Court and not on the streets of Ghana.

    “Former President Mahama and the NDC are saying they will not accept the results of the election, there is nothing wrong with that.

    “They have every right to express their views, but they do not have the right to compromise the peace of this country in expressing their views.

    “If they feel strongly that they have been given a raw deal, they should rather take the legal path to seek redress,” he said.

    He went on to state that the actions of the NDC put a strain on the peace pact the presidential candidate of the NDC, former President Mahama and President-elect, Akufo-Addo signed prior to the 2020 general elections,

    He urged the NDC to go to Court to settle their claims and assertions.

    “I am waiting to see that they take that step rather than hitting the streets, burning tyres and inciting people to match to different places to demand what they consider to be their right,” he said,

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Election 2020: Court is the best option Gatsi to NDC

    Dean of the Business School of the University of Cape Coast Professor John Gatsi has called for a legal action against the Electoral Commission (EC) to compel the elections management body to explain disparity claims with regard to the results of the recently held general elections.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the results as announced by the EC and the party’s Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama believes the results were manipulated in favour of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    But in an opinion piece on the elections, Professor Gasti said just as the rejection of the election results put demands on the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and government, it is important for the party and candidates who rejected the results to appreciate the responsibility to voters.

    He added that if the Electoral Commission does not act timely, legal action should be sought.

    “Refusal to go to court as the final game plan will create huge reputation challenges. At the court, the electoral commission will be cross-examined with relevant questions and the public will know everything and judge for themselves. A political party has the future in mind in all of its strategic games.

    “We should accept and unite to resolve the electoral problems now. Hypocrisy does not promote peace, it only silences people and plant pain and bitterness in their hearts and daily meditation to emerge at a later date and perhaps in another form. We do not have angels in political parties, the Electoral Commission and government. We should accept that mistakes can occur and sometimes they may be intentional. That is why we must work together.”

    Read below his full post…

    Rejection of 2020 Presidential Results. Congratulations and Observers Report: My Comment as a voter- Prof. John Gatsi

    In a democracy rejecting election results based on concrete facts and documented evidence is a strong weapon to protect democracy, preserve the votes of voters and legitimize continuous participation in elections. If the picture is painted as though once unacceptable results are declared nothing can be done to secure the votes of the electorates, we create mistrust in democratic pillars of an election, vote accountability and transparency.

    The weight of damage to democratic institutional quality, trust and legitimacy of a government cannot be measured. It takes a maximum of 4 hours to correct alleged errors to ensure peace. It seems some people still think peace means the absence of war. In terms of elections the absence of demonstrations, calls for the right thing to be done, inability to express emotional pain of proven theft of votes means peace. Accepting results one believes with an evidential value of the fraud, misreporting, disregard for the rules of engagement only piles up anger that may explode later. The time-tested remedial process in elections may confirm the candidate who was earlier declared winner or the candidate who rejected the results may become the winner. What is important is that at the end of the remedial process transparency is given a chance and independence and voter satisfaction is achieved. Just as consumption of a service or a product gives utility, voters maximize their utility or satisfaction with a transparent process.

    Foreign observers report and congratulations

    The European Union (EU) Observers reported that voters freely participated in voting at the polling stations but collation was not transparent or collation does not meet the minimum standard required to declare elections results. The votes cast by voters generated votes( data) through counting as required at the polling stations. Per the EU observers, the votes generated at the polling stations meet the standard required and that the polling accounts or the vote data generated at the polling stations can be relied upon for the purposes of the declaration. The observers are clearly saying there is a credibility problem with the vote data generated at the point of collation and transmission.

    If declared results are rejected based on these observations, the best response does the collation again especially at the constituencies and regions where the alleged errors occurred.

    Millions of congratulations to the candidate in whose favour the declaration was made is not insulation for the wrong basis for the declaration. Congratulations irrespective of where it comes from does not serve as immunity from a rejection of the results if the basis of the rejection is blessed with facts and evidence.

    The Presidency is rotational among political parties and individuals guided by the votes of people. Counting the votes of people with sanctified commitment is the highest service to the nation and citizens. Counting and collating votes in a predetermined manner to favour a particular candidate is wicked and demonstrates enmity to the state and citizens.

    Since rejecting election outcomes is an important element of protecting our democracy if it is based on facts and evidence, we should be open and willing to listen to and obtain the basis for the rejection rather than calling for peace when correcting the errors is the surest path to sustainable peace.

    Just as the rejection of the election results put demands of the electoral Commission, security agencies and government, it is important for the party and candidates who rejected the results to appreciate the responsibility to voters. The responsibilities include- explaining and making available to voters and key stakeholders the facts and the evidence. If the electoral Commission does not act timely, this should trigger legal action.

    Refusal to go to court as the final game plan will create huge reputation challenges. At the court, the electoral commission will be cross-examined with relevant questions and the public will know everything and judge for themselves. A political party has the future in mind in all of its strategic games.

    We should accept and unite to resolve the electoral problems now. Hypocrisy does not promote peace, it only silences people and plant pain and bitterness in their hearts and daily meditation to emerge at a later date and perhaps in another form. We do not have angels in political parties, the Electoral Commission and government. We should accept that mistakes can occur and sometimes they may be intentional. That is why we must work together.

    Source: 3 News

  • Police invites Jomoro NDC, NPP executives after clash leaves 2 injured

    Police at Jomoro in the Western Region has invited executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to a meeting after a clash between their sympathisers left two persons injured.

    Public Relations Officer of the Western Region, DSP Olivia Adiku explained that the clash occurred as members of the two parties celebrated their victories.

    “The NPP were excited about a presidential win and the NDC were jubilating following the victory of their elected MP, Dorcas Affo-Toffey,” she told JoyNews.

    However, Police in Jomoro say two sympathizers of the NPP and NDC who sustained injuries during the clash have been treated and discharged.

    She further urged the public to disregard a video circulating online showing a man whose limbs had been severed following the incident as not a true reflection of the incident.

    DSP Adiku said calm has been restored to the area and executives of the two parties have been invited by the Regional Commander to settle their differences.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • GhanaWeb journalists traumatised after attack at NDC Headquarters

    Two GhanaWeb staff who were attacked by irate National Democratic Congress supporters at the party’s headquarters on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, have been left traumatised.

    The supporters attacked Laud Adu-Asare who is Head of Political Desk and Sandra Obiribea, a videographer, at the party’s premises in the course of covering a scheduled press conference by the party executives.

    A distressed Laud Adu-Asare had his shirt and media jacket torn with bruises on his left arm from the assault while Sandra also escaped a knife attack.

    “Let’s kill her, lets beat her. You the media caused all this. This keeps ringing a bell anytime I am left alone. Though my family and company have been supportive, I still can’t shake off the nightmare I experienced,” a distraught Sandra said.

    The two have undergone medical treatment and are helping with police investigation. They are also scheduled to receive psychological help.

    Company equipment including tripod and identification cards were also stolen as a result of the attack by the irate supporters.

    The NDC has not reacted to the attack on the GhanaWeb journalists. However, GhanaWeb maintains its decision to withdraw from covering NDC events until steps are taken by the party to avoid any further occurrences.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Rojo Mettle Nunoo was not thrown out of national collation centre EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has described as “surprising” reports that National Democratic Congress representative Rojo Mettle Nunoo was thrown out of the national collation centre on Tuesday, 8 December 2020.

    According to the EC, the report is “false.”

    “Mr Rojo Mettle Nunoo was never at any point driven out of the national collation centre. This allegation comes as a surprise to the Commission,” the election management body said in a statement.

    Read the full statement below:

    Source: Class FM

  • No NDC party agent was ejected from national collation centre EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has dismissed claims that a representative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rojo Mettle Nunoo was ejected from the national collation centre on Tuesday.

    The Commission in a statement said, “Rojo Mettle Nunoo was never at any point driven out of the national collation centre.”

    It added that is taken aback by such a claim.

    “The allegation comes as a surprise to the Commission. Mr Rojo Mettle Nunoo has comported himself and cooperated with the staff of the Commission and other Political Party Agents throughout the process of validating the results coming from the Regional Collation Centres and has expressed no concerns with the certified results released so far.”

    The election management body further indicated that the National collation centre has been “peaceful and cordial throughout the process.”

    Below is the full statement;

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Recounting of votes at collation centre unlawful NDC

    The National Democratic Congress has expressed dismay over what it describes as “unwarranted recounting of votes” at some collation centres across the nation.

    The Party said such acts did not only contravene the laws that governed the electoral process but also caused “undue delay in collating the results.”

    Speaking at a fourth update by the Party on the December polls, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of the NDC, said laws governing the polls only allowed recounting to be done at polling stations.

    He said the law only permitted recounting at a collation centre if a dissatisfied agent(s) had filed complaint sheet challenging the results of the ballots cast.

    The General Secretary said it was, therefore, surprising that many collation centres continued to allow recount even though no such formal complaint had been filed by party agents at polling station levels.

    “In fact, the process of recounting cannot be initiated at the collation centre at all, the law is very very clear. If at the polling station you disagree with any result you will call for a recount at the polling station. And the Presiding Officer must comply for the first time,” he said.

    “If you are not satisfied, you can call for a second recount, if the presiding officer disagrees with you, then you indicate that you want the content of a particular ballot box to be recounted at the collation centre. It is only there and then that a box can be reopened at a collation centre for a recount.”

    “We wish to report that out of the 275 constituencies, the NDC has won 141. That put us in a clear majority and will be giving John Mahama the needed majority in Parliament to be able to conduct his business as President.”

    “What the clear majority means in a Parliamentary term is that the NDC will be selecting the next Speaker of Parliament, the First Deputy Speaker will be selecting all Chairmen of parliamentary select and standing committees. That gives us absolute control of the house,” he added.

    Source: GNA