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Tag: NDC

  • NDC calls for immediate and drastic reduction of fuel prices

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a matter of urgency is demanding an immediate and drastic reduction of minimum 20% in the pump prices of fuel from the ruling NPP government.

    In a statement signed by the communication Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, he stated that; “the declining prices of crude oil on the international market, coupled with the artificial stability the Ghana cedi appears to be chalking, which is largely due to the Coronavirus outbreak and the injection of the recent $3 billion Eurobond into the economy, should have led to a significant drop in the pump prices of fuel by now.”

    He indicated that; “the Akufo-Addo government has deliberately refused to pass on the significant reduction in the prices of crude oil on the global market to petroleum consumers in Ghana…within the period that crude oil prices have experienced a significant decline on the international market, consumers have only been given an insignificant and paltry reduction of 28 pesewas at the pump, from Ghs 5.62 in January 2020 to the current average price of Ghs 5.38.”

    “We call on the President to as a matter of urgency, ensure an immediate and drastic reduction of minimum 20% in the pump prices of fuel. Anything short of this should be fiercely rejected by the Ghanaian people. This, we believe, will reduce the extreme economic hardship in the country and ameliorate the plight of suffering Ghanaians,” portion of the statement read.

    Read full statement below;

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken notice of the continuous reduction of the price of Brent crude on the international market in the last two (2) months. Specifically, we have noted how the price of Brent crude has declined by over 45%, from an average price of $63.60 per barrel in January 2020 to $36 per barrel currently.

    There is no gainsaying the fact that, the declining prices of crude oil on the international market, coupled with the artificial stability the Ghana cedi appears to be chalking, which is largely due to the Coronavirus outbreak and the injection of the recent $3 billion Eurobond into the economy, should have led to a significant drop in the pump prices of fuel by now.

    Unfortunately but predictably, the Akufo-Addo government has deliberately refused to pass on the significant reduction in the prices of crude oil on the global market to petroleum consumers in Ghana. Within the period that crude oil prices have experienced a significant decline on the international market, consumers have only been given an insignificant and paltry reduction of 28 pesewas at the pump, from Ghs 5.62 in January 2020 to the current average price of Ghs 5.38.

    This is callous and insulting to the sensibilities of Ghanaians who are going through excruciating hardships as a result of persistent increases in the pump prices of fuel, cumulatively by over 50% in three (3) years, especially given the fact that President Akufo-Addo whilst in opposition criticized the erstwhile Mahama regime for exorbitant fuel prices and promised to reduce same if elected.

    The NDC is appalled by this display of gross insensitivity by President Akufo-Addo who has consistently flattered to deceive on his promise to reduce fuel prices and all his flagship campaign promises.

    In line with current happenings on the international and local market, we call on the President to as a matter of urgency, ensure an immediate and drastic reduction of minimum 20% in the pump prices of fuel. Anything short of this should be fiercely rejected by the Ghanaian people. This, we believe, will reduce the extreme economic hardship in the country and ameliorate the plight of suffering Ghanaians.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Independence Day celebration in Kumasi was an NPP rally – Yamoah Ponkoh

    Former Municipal Chief Executive Officer for the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh, has pooh-poohed the 63rd Independence Day celebration which was held in Kumai on Friday, describing it as more of a rally for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    According to him, the ruling party, under the guise of an Independence celebration, splurged state resources on party faithfuls and apparatchiks like there is no tomorrow.

    Speaking in an interview with Okay Fm Ade Akye Abia program, he accused the NPP government of merely decorating the Kumasi Sports Stadium and draping trees lining the roads leading to the event grounds with paraphernalia national colors just to give the programme a semblance of state value.

    “The NPP government did not do anything new with this independence day celebration, they only decided to deceive the people of Kumasi because they have not been able to do anything meaningful for them since they assume power.

    “This is a clear indication that the NPP lied to Ashantis when they needed their votes and they think that they can do same again as the next election approaches. No way, the people of Ashanti will not fall for their tricks again,” he added.

    Thousands of Ghanaians on March 6, 2020, converged at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi for the celebration of the 63rd Independence Day, marked under the theme: ‘Consolidating Our Gains’.

    This was the first time it was moved to the Ashanti Region, after 62 years of Independence.

    There was a heavy military presence as representatives of the various military and paramilitary bodies took positions to ensure and maintain law and order.

    The National Disaster Management Organisation, the staff of the Ghana Health Service, among others were also strategically placed with their tents and equipment to ensure that any eventuality was adequately handled.

    One-hundred-and-fifty Diplomats grace the 63rd independence anniversary celebration of the Republic of Ghana at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi, the capital of the Asanti Region.

    But conspicuously missing at the celebration were former Presidents John Dramani Mahama and Jerry John Rawlings, and most members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

     

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Mahama visits family of murdered Sogakope assemblyman

    Former President John Dramani Mahama, flag-bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has on Saturday, March 7, 2020, paid a visit to the family of the assemblyman, Mawutor Adzahli who was gruesomely murdered in his house at Sogakope.

    Ofosu Ampofo, national chairman of NDC, Member of Parliament for South Tongu constituency, Hon. Wisdom Mensah Woyome and few party executives were all in attendance to mourn with the Adzahli family as well as express their condolences.

    Mahama’s visit to Sogakope came just a day after former president Jerry John Rawlings was in the town to observe the 63rd Independence anniversary as a way of mourning with the chiefs and people of the town on the loss of their beloved son.

    A cash amount of GHS 2,000 has also been donated to the family by John Mahama.

    According to a source close to the bereaved family, the money is to be used to buy items such as potable water to receive visitors, mourners and sympathizers who will be visiting the family.

    Background

    Marcus Mawutor Adzahli was shot dead in his room on Sunday, March 1, 2020, at around 1:00 midnight by unknown assailants after they managed to break down his well-fortified door with cement blocks.

    The assailants said to be about eight (8), reportedly stormed the home of Adzahli wielding guns amidst sporadic shooting.

    The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the Sogakope District Hospital Morgue.

    Adzahli aka Mac-Greenline was elected assemblyman in the December 17, 2019, local assembly elections.

    He is known in Sogakope for his mobile money business, with many outlets across the Sogakope Township.

     

    Source: Peter Atsu Ahianyo

  • We don’t know any James Kofi Annan, we have our structures – Asiedu Nketia

    The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has dismissed rumours that the party is settling on an independent candidate in the Effutu Constituency.

    Reacting to agitations by a section of the members of the party in Effutu against news flying around that the NDC had settled on James Kofi Annan, an independent candidate in the wake of the resignation of Victor Yankson, the party’s legitimate candidate, Asiedu Nketia has said the party has no intention of making anyone their candidate apart from a true active member of the NDC.

    “The NDC has structures. We don’t know any independent candidate who wants to switch camp. We have men in our party in Effutu who can be candidates. Ignore rumours making the rounds that we have replaced our candidate with a foreigner” the party’s scribe assured the delegation that called on him at the party’s headquarters.

    In a resignation letter written to the party’s General Secretary recently, Victor Yankson who hitherto, was the elected parliamentary candidate for the party in Effutu citing uncooperative attitudes by the leadership of the party in the constituency.

    Many had reasons to believe that Lawyer Yankson was stepping down to make way for James Kofi Annan following series of demonstrations by a section of the party’s members in the constituency who said the beleaguered and former candidate was an obstacle to the party winning the Effutu seat.

    It would be recalled that a recent interview conducted by Peacefmonline with James Kofi Annan revealed that the now independent candidate said he had resigned from the ruling New Patriotic Party. This was in anticipation of his elevation to Effutu’s NDC parliamentary candidate.

    This new turn of events throws James Kofi Annan’s plans out of gear as the party, through the General Secretary, has disowned him. The party is in the process of electing a new candidate to replace Victor Yankson, the General Secretary intimated.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • We don’t know any James Kofi Annan, we have our structures – Asiedu Nketia

    The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has dismissed rumours that the party is settling on an independent candidate in the Effutu Constituency.

    Reacting to agitations by a section of the members of the party in Effutu against news flying around that the NDC had settled on James Kofi Annan, an independent candidate in the wake of the resignation of Victor Yankson, the party’s legitimate candidate, Asiedu Nketia has said the party has no intention of making anyone their candidate apart from a true active member of the NDC.

    “The NDC has structures. We don’t know any independent candidate who wants to switch camp. We have men in our party in Effutu who can be candidates. Ignore rumours making the rounds that we have replaced our candidate with a foreigner” the party’s scribe assured the delegation that called on him at the party’s headquarters.

    In a resignation letter written to the party’s General Secretary recently, Victor Yankson who hitherto, was the elected parliamentary candidate for the party in Effutu citing uncooperative attitudes by the leadership of the party in the constituency.

    Many had reasons to believe that Lawyer Yankson was stepping down to make way for James Kofi Annan following series of demonstrations by a section of the party’s members in the constituency who said the beleaguered and former candidate was an obstacle to the party winning the Effutu seat.

    It would be recalled that a recent interview conducted by Peacefmonline with James Kofi Annan revealed that the now independent candidate said he had resigned from the ruling New Patriotic Party. This was in anticipation of his elevation to Effutu’s NDC parliamentary candidate.

    This new turn of events throws James Kofi Annan’s plans out of gear as the party, through the General Secretary, has disowned him. The party is in the process of electing a new candidate to replace Victor Yankson, the General Secretary intimated.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • NDC doesn’t know James Kofi Annan – Asiedu Nketia

    The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has dismissed rumours that the party is settling on an independent candidate in the Effutu Constituency.

    Reacting to agitations by a section of party members in Effutu against reports that the NDC had settled on James Kofi Annan, an independent candidate in the wake of the resignation of Victor Yankson, the party’s legitimate candidate, Asiedu Nketia has said the party has no intention of making anyone their candidate apart from a true active member of the NDC.

    “The NDC has structures. We don’t know any independent candidate who wants to switch camp. We have men in our party in Effutu who can be candidates. Ignore rumours making the rounds that we have replaced our candidate with a foreigner,” the party’s scribe assured the delegation that called on him at the party’s headquarters.

    In a resignation letter written to the party’s General Secretary recently, Victor Yankson who hitherto, was the elected parliamentary candidate for the party in Effutu citing uncooperative attitudes by the leadership of the party in the constituency.

    Many had reasons to believe that Lawyer Yankson was stepping down to make way for James Kofi Annan following series of demonstrations by a section of the party’s members in the constituency who said the beleaguered and former candidate was an obstacle to the party winning the Effutu seat.

    It would be recalled that a recent interview conducted by Peacefmonline with James Kofi Annan revealed that the now independent candidate said he had resigned from the ruling New Patriotic Party.

    This was in anticipation of his elevation to Effutu’s NDC parliamentary candidate.

    This new turn of events throws James Kofi Annan’s plans out of gear as the party, through the General Secretary, has disowned him.

    The party is in the process of electing a new candidate to replace Victor Yankson, the General Secretary intimated.

     

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • NDC will partake in ECS voter registration exercise Sammy Gymafi reveals

    The Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Gyamfi has finally revealed that the main opposition political party will partake in the new voter registration to be conducted by the Electoral Commission (EC).

    The revelation by Sammy Gyamfi follows series of demonstrations and press conferences by the NDC calling on the EC to discard the idea of ever embarking on the compilation of a new voters register.

    The NDC has threatened mayhem if the Jean Mensah led EC goes ahead with the compilation of a new voters register for the 2020 elections.

    General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia has argued at a press conference that the EC was abandoning reason to pursue an agenda that only favours the sitting President, Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP.

    He further accused Jean Mensa-led EC of seeking to cause financial loss to the state.

    “It is either Jean Mensa and her sponsors have a financial interest in the procurement of entirely new equipment or that the compilation of a new register is part of a rigging agenda for the benefit of NPP or both.

    “At this stage, we wish to remind Jean Mensa and the Electoral Commission of the ingredients of the law on Willfully Causing Financial Loss to the State as brilliantly espoused by Late Justice Afreh of blessed memory in the famous quality grain case.

    “Financial loss must have occurred. This means that the state spent more money than necessary on the project, whether or not the benefit of the project was more than sufficient to cover the cost,” Asiedu Nketia said at a press conference.

    Commenting on this on Peace FM on Wednesday as monitored by GhanaNewsPage.Com, Sammy Gyamfi revealed that the NDC is ready to seek legal redress if the EC insists on going ahead with the compilation of a new voters register.

    He however revealed to host of Kokrokoo, Kwami Sefa Kayi that the NDC will encourage its members to partake in the registration exercise of the several attempts fail.

    Source: Ghana | GhanaNewsPage.Com

  • Its a big lie, Ghana does not pay $500 million for excess capacity Jinapor

    A former deputy minister of energy and petroleum, John Jinapor, has described as “a big lie” reports that Ghana pays $500 million annually for excess capacity in the electricity sector.

    This payment, according to reports, arises from the take-or-pay contracts signed under the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

    Reacting to the claim, Mr Jinapor in a statement said “this assertion is false and misleading. And the facts do not support the spurious claim.”

    He noted that a cursory look at the 2019 report from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) which is the sole off-taker to the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in Ghana reveals without doubt that about 11,529.97GWH of electricity was procured out of a total projected dependable capacity of 3,424MW.

    “It is instructive to note that by accounting for the 25% required reserve margin which serves as insurance for the Nation, the claim of Excess Capacity becomes flawed,” he said.

    Mr. Jinapor stressed that the assertion that payment of $500 million has been made as a result of a excess capacity is not only “erroneous but completely false.”

    “If Ghana really has 2,000MW excess capacity for which we pay US$500 million, how come Ghanaians are being made to endure load shedding (dumsor) for the three weeks despite having excess capacity?” He quizzed.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Hypocritical NPP campaigning for Made in Ghana rice but distribute foreign rice at Jubilee house A.B.A Fuseini

    Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu Constituency in the Northern Region, A.B.A Fuseini has said the Akufo-Addo led government is not committed to development of Ghanaians as little has been done to promote made in Ghana goods in the country.

    He alleged that government still uses foreign branded rice when holding parties even in the Jubilee house; an indication that the Mahama-led administration did better at projecting the local industry.

    “This government does not have an iota of commitment to ensure that this Made in Ghana thing they are talking about works. They are not committed”

    Speaking on TV3 News Day show A.B.A Fusieni added, “Go and see when they throw parties, when they are organizing reception, foreign goods more than 95 percent. Even the president who gave the directive, when they do (parties) at his door step flagstaff house go and see the stuff”

    “Rice import reduced under Mahama from over 6 million dollars to 480 million dollars under the NPP rice imports have ballooned to 1.3 billion dollars its matter of records. So how can you be encouraging the consumption of local rice when imports are souring than before? So where is the vision of the government? he quizzed.

    He added Ghana Beyond Aid project has failed as this government has borrowed more than any to other that has governed this country.

    He said “talking about Ghana beyond Aid, this is the government that has borrowed more recklessly than any government. So, if you are talking about beyond aid and you are borrowing worse than any government what are you doing to yourself.”

    However, Deputy Information Minister, Pius Ahiadze refuted the above claims stating that his comment with regards to Jubilee House cooking foreign rice is false as the MP did not back it with evidence

    “…. This accusation is a rant, the MP should speak beyond propaganda because it was an unnecessary introduction”

    “Our local capacity under the NDC reduced and documented unless you tell me Ghanaians stopped eating rice. What we are doing today to actually help grow the industry is that the government is making the importers of rice to deal with some of the local rice production at least a certain percentage even if you are to provide or use local rice to a certain percent the Agric Minster does not even give you the license to import rice,” he said

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Election 2020: Widow of NDC parliamentary candidate replaces him

    The widow of the late National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Tempane Constituency in the Upper East Region, Madam Lydia Akanvariba Adakudugu is set to replace her husband Hon. David Adakudugu.

    MyNewsGh.com has sighted images posters of the widow making rounds on social media campaigning to be elected as a Member of Parliament with official party sources confirming same.

    In September last year soon after the constituency parliamentary primaries of the NDC, the candidate for Tempane Constituency David Adakudugu died under mysterious circumstances

    Sources indicate that he died on Thursday, September 19, 2019, in Tamale where he was on transit to Accra.

    NDC activist, Stephen Atubiga who confirmed the unfortunate incident to this portal, disclosed that he complained of severe stomach pains on reaching Tamale from Tempane and was rushed to the hospital where he died on admission.

    “It happened yesterday. I am told he was traveling from the constituency and when he reached Tamale was complaining of stomach pains and they rushed him to the hospital where he died on admission”, he told MyNewsGh.com.

    His death is said to have paved way for fresh elections in the area with the widow stepping in as a replacement just as was the case in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency.

     

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • James Kofi Annan resigns from the NPP, allegedly joins NDC

    James Kofi Annan, the founder of Challenging Heights, and a major financier of the NPP in the Effutu Constituency has resigned from the party and joined the NDC.

    In a letter to the party, dated July 1, 2019, the human rights activist indicated that he was resigning from the party, with immediate effect. He further attached his previous party membership card numbers 0164570 issued in the year 2007, and CR1281001EFFA5 issued in 2012.

    James Kofi Annan recently stepped down from Challenging Heights, a child rights organization he himself founded over 15 years ago. It is believed that he is eyeing the Effutu seat in Parliament.

    In an interview with Peacefmonline.com, James Kofi Annan indicated that he has suffered so much in the hands of the party in Effutu, although he has sacrificed so much for the party since his Legon days. He cited several instances of attacks, victimization, and threats to his life and his businesses.

    James Kofi Annan was a pioneer member of TESCON (Legon Chapter), the campus Chapter of the NPP. His contemporaries were Honorable Isaac Asiamah (the current Minister of Youth and Sports), and Andy Appiah-Kubi, the current Deputy Minister of Railways, both pioneer members of TESCON.

    Commenting further on why he joined the NDC, James Kofi Annan who until recently was a United Nations Global Financial Sector Commissioner, said the NDC in power was not vindictive, even though they knew he was an NPP person, but rather they gave him all the needed support to establish his businesses, and increased his projects.

    “I did a lot to help Afenyo-Markin and the NPP. Yet when they assumed power, Afenyo-Markin has been allowed to do a lot to destroy everything that is associated with me, and to destroy Winneba, particularly the University of Education, Winneba, and the festivals of the town. I now feel more at home with the NDC,” he said.

  • ‘Liars’ NPP more focused than NDC – Solomon Nkansah

    A Former National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Solomon Nkansah claims the only advantage the ruling NPP has over the largest opposition NDC is them appearing focused.

    According to him the only advantage he sees the NPP has over the NDC is that “they appear focused . . . if you look at their government they don’t contradict themselves, even if they are lying the consistency gives them some face . . . it makes the NPP appear somehow organized”.

    He said this is a propaganda tool the ruling party strongly has and using very well.

    He addmitted on Neat FM’s ‘Ghana Montie’ programme that the NDC used to be very strong in that position in the past than now.

    However, he said even with the current Social Media era, you need to have a strong strategy and serious coordinators who can somehow manage sizeable NDC players on the various platforms, otherwise that consistency and coordination will not even be attractive.

    He spoke to host of the show Kwesi Aboagye in a panel discussion.

     

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Rawlings is not strict, he cracks jokes – Kofi Adams

    Former spokesperson of ex-president Jerry John Rawlings, Kofi Adams has revealed that contrary to perceptions that Rawlings may be a strict non-smiling person in private, he is actually a very kind, accommodating person who makes the environment very relaxed for people in his company.

    Kofi Adams, a former organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) revealed in an interview with Joy Prime Monday monitored by MyNewsGh.com that the former President is someone who gives a listening ear to people who approach him with their challenges.

    “Till you get close to him you will never know how Rawlings is, he makes the environment around him very relaxing. He will always crack a joke for those around him to fill relaxed, especially when the atmosphere is tensed,” he noted.

    “I have worked with a lot of leaders, but his leadership style is different and it has influenced me a lot, even with how I relate with people,” he revealed.

    Former President Rawlings, founder of the NDC, is widely respected as a statesman of high repute.

    He became military leader in 1981 and President in 1993 when the country adopted multi-party democracy and also considered as the founding father of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Volta Region needs development projects, not empty frequent visits – NDC

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region says the Region needs projects that would enhance its socio-economic development, “not empty frequent visits from the President.”

    The Party said the President had demonstrated in his recent visits to the Region that he had nothing to show in terms of development for the people of the Region.

    Mr Sorkpa Kafui Agbleze Volta Regional Communications Officer of the Party, in a press release signed and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on several platforms promised to develop the Region, “however, there are no concrete indications pointing to the fulfillment of those promises.”

    He said during the State of the Nation’s Address (SONA) in 2019, the President said a consortium of local banks had raised 51 million dollars to fund the completion of the housing units started by former President Kuffour’s administration in 2006 at Koforidua, Tamale and in Ho.

    Mr Agbleze said, however, there were no housing projects “anywhere in and around Ho” and not even a “dime” of the 51 million dollars raised by the consortium of banks as stated by the President, came to Volta Region for any housing project.

    He said the President in 2018 signed an Executive Instrument to commence the construction of a seaport in Keta, and subsequently appointed Dr Alexander Adusei as Director of, “the yet-to-be constructed Keta Port, a situation that has caused many to express misgivings about the project.”

    Mr Agbleze alleged that though the project had not started, Dr Alexander Adusei Junior continued to draw salary for 10 months since his appointment for no work done, asking, “why should the nation continue to pay Dr. Adusei when all he could show of the port project is a small bill board with the inscription, ‘Site for the Keta Port’.”

    He said the President himself had not shown much commitment on his part towards the project as there was no financial commitment on the side of the government in the 2019 Budget towards it, and “interesting too, there was no mention of the Keta Port in 2020 Budget either.”

    Mr Agbleze said many young people in the region also lost their jobs as a result of government’s approach to the banking sector clean up and the closure of nine radio stations and said, “we want to also assure the President that he is at liberty to frequently visit the region as he so wishes, however, those visits will be meaningless if it does not translate into tangible development of the region.”

    The Communications Director, said the Volta Region under former President John Dramani Mahama’s Administration witnessed several development projects in health, education, infrastructure, road, water among others.

     

    Source: GNA

  • John Mahama promises ‘one district, one technical school’

    Former President and leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Dramani Mahama, has stated that in the next NDC government, each district would get a technical institute in order to improve upon the human capital of the Ghanaian youth.

    In this regard, he called for the needed attention to be given to technical and vocational training in the country since not everyone could acquire secondary education.

    Former President Mahama, who was speaking at separate rallies at Ahebenso, Afere and Kwasikrom all in the Bodi Constituency of the Western North Region to round up his three days tour of the Region, lauded the free senior high school policy but accused the NPP government of not implementing it properly.

    He indicated that he would cancel the double-track system of the free SHS if the NDC wins the next general elections.

    The former President called for unity among the rank and file of the Party and advised Party faithful to vote massively for the NDC parliamentary candidates.

    Mr Micheal Aidoo, Western North Regional Chairman of the Party, asked the members to remain loyal and committed to the cause of the NDC, since that was the only party that had their interest at heart.

    Source: GNA

  • NDC condemns ‘cruel’, ‘barbaric’ police brutality on anti-voter roll protesters

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the “immediate institution of a police inquiry into the use of brute force” on protesters who were demonstrating against the compilation of a new register of voters.

    The party also wants the “issuance of punitive sanctions where necessary.”

    The protesters were met by the police on Thursday, 20 February 2020 around the precincts of Parliament when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo arrived to deliver the State of the Nation Address.

    In a statement released and signed by General Secretary John Asiedu Nketiah on Friday, 21 February 2020, the NDC condemned “the barbaric and brutal treatment of the innocent protesters” who thronged to the streets near Parliament House “to picket” as a “manifestation of their protest against the compilation of a new voter register ahead of the 2020 polls.”

    According to the NDC, “The cruel and barbaric manner in which the police used unjustifiable force in an attempt to suppress the constitutional rights of Ghanaians to protest peacefully, was totally disproportionate and unwarranted”.

    “This callous application of force resulted in physical injuries to some of the protesters including our Deputy General Secretary in charge of Operations, Mr Peter Boamah Otokunor. As have been seen in the video circulating on media, it was the Director of Operations at the Police Regional Command, Supt. Kwasi Ofori, who ordered the use of water cannons containing hot chemical solution on the protestors.”

    The statement continued: “This unprovoked cruelty were triggered by a concern raised by the protesters, when a bus-load of NPP supporters were allowed to enter the Parliament House without hindrance when the protesters had been restricted for several hours from getting close to the entrance of the Parliament House”, and, thus, described it as clearly “an open display of political bias in favour of the NPP, a growing canker that must be resisted with might”.

    “To top this aberrant behaviour of the goons under the authority of Supt Kwasi Ofori, our MPs decried the harassment and intimidation by armed military men and heavily jacked-up SWAT/National Security operatives who uncharacteristically stationed in the Chambers of the House.”

    The NDC also condemned the “utterly unacceptable and despicable security arrangements” emphasising that despite the clear recommendation by the Emile Short Commission for the disbandment of these “unlawful armed units operating under the cloak of national security, President Akufo-Addo found it necessary to deploy them in the august house of Parliament in an unprecedented display of force, to instill fear into those who disagree with him.”

    The NDC also emphasised that it has “an equal stake in this country, just as any other Ghanaian and will never be cowed into submission by such crude tactics” and called for an “immediate institution of a police inquiry into the use of the brute force on the protesters and issue punitive sanction where necessary.”

    Source: Classfmonline.com

  • Prove that you have responsible leaders by calling Nana B to order – NDC youth to NPP

    The Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has challenged the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to call their National Youth Organizer, Henry Nana Boakye aka Nana B to order.

    The NDC youth says they have received reports that he meted out some unsavoury words against NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama.

    In a release, the NDC youth cautioned the NPP to be responsible for their utterances but if they decide to make the 2020 elections insults and vitriolic attacks, they will meet them ‘boot for boot’.

    Below is the release;

    NPP SHOULD PROVE TO GHANAIANS THEY HAVE RESPONSIBLE ELDERS IN THEIR PARTY BY CALLING NANA B TO ORDER

    The Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has received and confirmed same, reports of unsavoury words used against the person of the Leader and Flagbearer of our party, HE John Dramani Mahama by the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party, Henry Nana Boakye AKA Nana B.

    We make an exception of not responding to wild men on the loose with blabbermouths to react to this especially as his commentary was laced with deceit, half-truths and his own interpretation of whatever scenario he pictured in his mind of H.E John Mahama’s words.

    But this is not new to us, Nana B and his party, led by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and Vice President, Dr Mahmoud Bawumia have made it their modus operandi to slight the former President at any given instance.

    HE John Dramani Mahama in his right as a former President, Leader of the opposition party admonished the Electoral Commission and it’s Chairperson to be wary of embarking on activities that will plunge this nation into electoral violence as they will be rightly held responsible for that. How that turns into “irresponsible and reckless’ comment according to Nana B beats imagination.

    The former President was emphatic and concise as he spoke in Twi, a language which offers no ambiguity and misrepresentation. He never mentioned chaos or anarchy, neither did he call for conflicts or violence of any kind.

    It is therefore surprising for a whole National Youth Organizer of the NPP to miss this sound counsel and go to town with his own interpretation of what President John Mahama said. This says a lot about his party and how they have allowed the culture of insults to permeate their ranks. If the NPP has any virtue left in them, their elders will call him to order.

    The NDC is a party made up of young people who take great care to be decorous in their public utterances. We are well aware that imploring him to retract and apologize will not amount to anything but we are giving him the benefit of doubt. And we serve notice that we can equally reply in same measure. If the NPP intends to make this elections about insults and vitriolic attacks, then we will meet them “boot for boot”.

    Calling President Mahama names will not win the elections for the NPP. The Ghanaian people will decide if the politics of corruption, cronyism, nepotism, state capture, flying excavators and using Galamsey money to enrich party functionaries is better than unprecedented achievements in infrastructural development, education, health and shared prosperity for all Ghanaians.

    Signed,

    George Opare Addo,

    National Youth Organizer,

    National Democratic Congress.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Asempaneye Chief prays for NDC win

    The Omanhene of Awaso Asempaneye, Nana Oko Twansuo III, has commended former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the massive development projects across the country.

    He specifically mentioned the provision of a CHPS Compound for his community and the start of work on the Awaso town roads in the town.

    Nana Twansuo said his people are working and praying for a John Mahama victory in 2020 because the people of Asempaneye see him as a redeemer, urging all Ghanaians to give their votes to John Mahama.

    The Omanhene was speaking during a courtesy call by the NDC Flagbearer as part of his #SpeakOut tour of the Western North Region. The #SpeakOut is an opportunity for the NDC leader to meet, interact and listen directly to the people of Ghana.

    According to Nana Twansuo, the people of Awaso Asempaneye are looking forward to the NDC expanding the CHPS compound into a hospital and complete the Awaso town roads. The contract for the road works was stopped by the NPP government on assumption of office in 2017.

    “Even if our thumbs are chopped off on December 07, my people and I will use our toes to vote for you to come and continue with your good works.

    President Mahama thanked the chief and his people for the acknowledgement of the contributions of the NDC, adding that he is aware of the challenges facing cocoa farmers in the region and will take measures to tackle them.

    The NDC Flagbearer said the decision to sell fertiliser to cocoa farmers among others is insensitive and affecting the output of cocoa production.

    The #SpeakOut tour will take place in all 16 regions of the country. Mr. Mahama said major development projects especially roads in the Western North Region were executed by the NDC from the era of President Rawlings through President Mills. He added that at the time of exiting office in 2016, many contracts were awarded for upgrading of roads, stressing that, those contracts were either abrogated or stopped by the NPP government.

    He promised to revisit all those projects and new ones when voted back to power.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Prof. Martey is a hypocrite – NDC’s Anita Desoso fires

    Former First National Vice-chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Anita Desoso has chided former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey, who said Christians, pastors and other religious organizations should stay away from politics.

    According to her, Prof. Emmanuel Martey is a hypocrite because, under the erstwhile John Mahama administration, he consistently attacked his personality and tagged his leadership with corruption but has kept quiet under the crippling administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    “I’m disappointed in Very Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey for saying pastors and Christians should stay away from Politics. In 2016 Prof. Martey was always insulting and attacking former President Mahama, what has changed now? Prof. Martey and other religious leaders are all quiet now they are all hypocrites,” Anita Desoso said on Accra-based Kingdom FM.

    “If you are a religious leader you must be fair and not biased, why have they fail to criticize the incompetent Akufo-Addo government?” she added.

    This comes after the former Presby moderator advised pastors and other religious to desist from doing politics.

    He said “Christian organisations and churches must use the Bible as a tool for the moral conscience of the government and political leaders, but not to use it to engage in partisan politics”, urging Christian organizations and churches to stay away from partisan politics, “but rather educate the public on political issues and matters of national interest”.

    “Although there are instances of politics in the Bible, Jesus refused to partake in it by refusing to be crowned a king, and by refusing to enter into confrontations with the Jewish leaders, so should all Christian organizations also desist from entering into politics,” Prof. Martey said.

    Rev. Prof. Martey’s comment comes after the Catholic Bishops Conference of Ghana said they don’t openly criticize the Akufo-Addo government because they engage with the government at several levels.

     

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • Exhibit mining equipment, weapons seized from illegal miners NDC to Govt

    The largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has demanded a public exhibition of the excavators, weapons and mining equipment seized from illegal miners.

    Their call comes in the wake of reports of some 500 excavators which were seized by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining going missing.

    At a press conference at the banks of the brownish River Prah in the Central Region, the Communications Officer of the NDC Sammy Gyamfi accused President Akufo Addo of sitting unconcerned as top members of his party engage in illegality with impunity.

    “…That a total of 2779 weapons and ammunition has been seized from illegal miners. We are demanding that government accounts for all these seized items.”

     

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Sammy Gyamfi reveals why he rejected NPP for NDC

    National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi says he chose the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the New Patriotic Party (NPP) because the umbrella family is not discriminatory.

    According to him, he never liked the NPP while growing because they loved to undermine and discriminate which is their way of politicking.

    He mentioned that while at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as a fresh student, he tried to weigh both sides of the political divide and realized the New Patriotic Party(NPP) was discriminatory and never allowed for people without “big name” backing the opportunity to excel.

    Speaking on Accra-Based Neat Fm monitored by MyNewsGh.com, he indicated that after reading about the NDC and the fact that the party was welcoming made him choose to be a member of that party and has never regretted his decision to join the NDC.

    He argued if he was a member of the NPP, he will never have risen as fast as he has because the NPP does not give the opportunity to the youth to explore and display their innate abilities.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • When Gideon Boako and John Jinapor met head-on with facts and figures on the economy

    Saturday’s edition of the Newsfile news analysis programme on Joy FM turned into a battle of ideas, facts and figures between Dr Gideon Boako, an aide to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Mr John Jinapor, an aide to former Vice President and President John Dramani Mahama.

    The debate followed last Tuesday’s presentation by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, where he told Ghanaians that the Akufo-Addo administration has kept faith with Ghanaians, with all indications pointing to a Ghana on the rise.

    With about 10 months left for the government to end its four-year mandate, the Vice-President said the NPP administration had delivered on 78 per cent of the 388 promises it made during the 2016 electioneering.

    There has been some public suggestions that when Dr Bawumia speaks on the economy, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) finds it difficult finding someone of his caliber to respond.

    A day after Dr Bawumia’s presention, Mr John Jinapor, a former aide to Mr John Dramani Mahama when he was Vice President and later promoted to the position of Deputy Minister of Power also made a presentation at a dialogue session organised by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) where he claimed the NPP administration had performed poorly in the energy sector and was mismanaging resources in that area.

    So when Dr Gideon Boako and Mr John Jinapor, currently the Member of Parliament for Yapei/Kasawugu in the Northern Region met on the weekend news analysis programme, it was the public’s expectation of an opportunity to checkmate each other on facts and figures.

    Earlier, a member of the NDC and former Central Regional Chairman of the NDC, Mr Bernard Allotey Jacobs had indicated that, the NDC had to be strategic such that when Dr Bawumia speaks on the economy, the party should not just release “mere communicators” to respond but should release people of same “pedigree” to respond.

    Saturday’s edition of the Newsfile programme certainly lived up to the bill as a political battle between aides of Vice Presidents.

    Some reactions on social media indicated that the show ended with Dr Gideon Boako making mince of John Jinapor but there were those who also disagreed and concluded Mr Jinapor punched holes in the Vice President’s presentation.

    John Jinapor who was the former deputy minister in the erstwhile President John Dramani administration according to some social media users bit more than he could chew when he sought to battle the Spokesperson and Economic Advisor for the Vice President on the Newsfile radio and television programme.

    To them, Dr Boako’s intellectual discussion was more admirable than that of Jinapor as the two engaged in a battle of facts checking on the economic achievements of the current government compared to the previous administration.

    On social media, many were full of admiration for Dr Boako for his intellectual dexterity on economics and governance issues.

    After leading the public dialogue to counter the comprehensive presentation by the Vice President a day earlier at the maiden Regional Results Fair in Kumasi, many were those who expected that the former deputy power minister was going to shred the vintage of Dr Bawumia into pieces.

    It appeared however that Mr Jinapor failed to tackle the issues raised by the Vice President head-on with facts and figures.

    From the general economy to energy and agriculture, the NDC MP resorted to what social media users said were tangential arguments and sought to set his own facts and interrogate them instead of responding directly to evidence presented in Kumasi by Dr Bawumia.

    With the young Economist holding him in check and occasionally checkmating, Mr Jinapor at a point seemed frustrated and almost lost his temper and the programme had to take an unplanned break.

    There were however those who thought Mr Jinapor was on top of the issues.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • NDC walks out of Electoral Commission’s technical meeting on new voters register

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Thursday walked out of a meeting called by the Electoral Commission (EC) for technical persons of the political parties and the commission in relation to the plan for a new voters register.

    The NDC argued that the letter inviting them to the meeting did not have an agenda, but when they arrived at the meeting Thursday, it was made clear to them that the decision to have a new voters register, had already been made.

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Thursday walked out of a meeting called by the Electoral Commission (EC) for technical persons of the political parties and the commission in relation to the plan for a new voters register.

    The NDC argued that the letter inviting them to the meeting did not have an agenda, but when they arrived at the meeting Thursday, it was made clear to them that the decision to have a new voters register, had already been made.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Allow party executives to ‘chop’ you – Atubiga tells NDC ladies

    Failed Presidential candidate hopeful of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Stephen Atubiga, has pleaded with the ladies in the party to satisfy their executives by sleeping with them which will enhance the progress of the party.

    According to him, ladies in the NDC should satisfy men in the party rather than allowing the men to marry their political opponents.

    “Is not proper for the Deputy National Organizer, Chief Hamilton Biney to marry from the NPP because we are in the election year and this lady can reveal confidential information and secrets to the NPP to win the 2020 elections,” Atubiga said on Accra-based Kingdom FM.

    “I’m also urging the ladies in the NDC to allow the party executives to sleep with them which will always boost their confidence and promote the ideology of NDC,” he added.

    His comment follows an NDC executive of the party, Chief Biney, who married a government appointee of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Afia Akoto.

    He, however, challenged Chief Binney to resign as NDC’s Deputy Organiser as the party cannot trust him again after marrying an NPP.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • NDC wants to sabotage Pwalugu dam project – NPP

    The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of trying to sabotage the implementation of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam and Irrigation Project (PMDIP).

    According to the NPP, the NDC does not want the project to see the day of light.

    The ruling party said it is for that reason that members of the Minority on the Finance Committee of Parliament including Isaac Adongo, MP for Bolgatanga Central, “refused to attend the Committee meeting to deliberate on the PMDIP which has far reaching positive effects on the lives of our people.”

    The Project is valued at $993 million and considered the single largest investment in the five northern Regions of Ghana since independence in 1957.

    It comprises of a 60mw hydropower dam, a 50mw solar power plant and
    a 24,000 hectares of irrigation scheme.

    President Nana Akufo-Addo on November 29, 2019 cut sod for work to commence on the Project.

    But the NPP strongly believes that even though the Project seeks to impact positively on the lives of residents within the region, the NDC is pushing hard to frustrate the government in implementing it.

    At a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, Anthony Namoo, Upper East Regional Chairman of the NPP, said when the Finance Committee presented its report to the plenary for debate and approval, the NDC minority in parliament then raised the issue of cost.

    “This prompted the Speaker of Parliament to adjourn the debate on it to yesterday to enable the minority to prepare. Our checks show that the debate could not come on as scheduled,” he said.

    “When again will the financing on PMDIP be debated in parliament? The undeclared intention of the NDC is to ensure that the project does not see the light of day,” he noted

    According to him, “they (NDC) want to sabotage this game changing PMDIP for their selfish and myopic political interest. They shall fail in this unproductive venture.”

    He added that “the NDC minority will certainly have their say but the majority will have their way as it usually stated in parliament.”

     

    Source: Dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Free SHS is the biggest social intervention program since Independence- Dr. Bawumia

    The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has described the government’s flagship Frèe SHS program as the biggest social intervention initiative by any government in Ghana since Independence.

    Speaking at the Government’s Town Hall Meeting in Kumasi to lay bare achievements of the Nana Akufo-Addo government in three years, Dr. Bawumia revealed that due to the success of the policy, SHS enrollment has tremendously increased by 69% i three years, leading to about 1.2m students benefiting from Free SHS .

    “The free SHS has resulted in a 69% increase in enrollment. Today, 1.2 million children are benefiting from free SHS,” Dr. Bawumia said.

    The Vice President said that providing access to secondary education to every Ghanaian child was an important concern to President Akufo-Addo and the government because developing human capital is crucial to the development of a nation, hence the government’s commitment to deliver on the Free SHS promise despite the initial challenges.

    “The empirical evidence is very persuasive that the key to economic transformation is human capital, not natural resources. This is why President Akufo-Addo has placed an emphasis of making sure that every Ghanaian child, regardless of the financial circumstances of their parent will have access to free senior high school education,” said the Vice President

    “This was a promise we made prior to the election in 2016 and one that we have fulfilled. It is the most significant social intervention introduced in Ghana since independence. We are investing and building capacity for the future of this country.”

    Dr. Bawumia said the government had initial challenges in rolling out the Free SHS due to insufficient facilities in some schools to accommodate increment in enrollment. Bent on not denying any Ghanaian child access to Free SHS education, Dr. Bawumia said, the government had to be innovative by establishing the double track system in the interim to ensure access for all, while taking steps to build more facilities.

    “We had a big challenge however. We did not have sufficient infrastructure in most schools to accommodate the increased numbers. Today, 1.2 million people are benefiting from Free SHS. The question we faced was “Whose Child Should be left at home?” In response to this challenge we introduced the double track system as a temporary solution to the problem while we construct new school infrastructure.”

    “The thinking here is akin to how churches have first, second and even third services to deal with large numbers.”

    ” There are people who say that we should have finished building the schools before introducing free SHS but I would say that it is better to educate a child even under a tree than to have them sitting at home. With that same logic we would have had to finish building all the hospitals we need before introducing the NHIS.”

    The opposition NDC has been vehement in its criticism of the double track system, but the Vice President said the NDC has not provided any alternative to double track, maintaining that without the double track system, hundreds of thousands of students who now have access to free secondary education would have been sitting at home.

    “The fact is that without the double track system, hundreds of thousands of students would not be able to access free SHS.”

    “Those who are criticizing the double track system have not been able to offer an alternative. Abolishing the double track system means abolishing free SHS as we know it. Whose child should stay at home?”

    “This is why government is investing in the construction of new infrastructure at senior high schools across the country and some schools are no longer on the double track. . The double track system will therefore be over in just a few years for all schools when the infrastructure is completed.”

    “Interestingly the Government of Kenya, facing similar challenges, has asked our Ministry of education to assist them to introduce the double track system in Kenya.”

    Dr. Bawumia added that the best government to kove the Free SHS to the next level should be the President and the government which believed in it and implemented it, not a party which criticized the policy and was pessimistic about its success.

    “We need a government that is committed to the free SHS system. A government that is prepared to commit the resources to finance it,” Dr. Bawumia said, obviously referring to President Akufo-Addo and the NPP.

    “Can we entrust the Free SHS policy to someone who did not believe in it
    in the first place? To someone who said it was a gimmick? To someone who said if he had GHC2 billion he would not spend it on Free SHS? To someone who says he would abolish double track but has no alternative to offer?

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • You are useless if you dont speak for NDC Elikplim to NDC executives

    A former flag bearer hopeful of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Lawyer Elikplim Agbemava, has charged the executive body of the National Democratic Congress to exercise their freedom of speech and stand up for the party, as and when the need arises, using the various media platforms.

    According to him, aspiring ministers and parliamentary candidates should take up the task of speaking to topical issues of national importance when they emerge, rather make it the sole mandate of the Director of Communications, Sammy Gyamfi.

    He believes any member who has been compromised and therefore cannot speak is useless to the party and must therefore give way for new blood.
    In a Facebook post, Elikplim said “If you know you are compromised and therefore cannot risk your liberty to exercise your freedom of speech, then I am afraid you are not useful to the party now. Give way to new blood. Rotten wood does not light fire”

    Below are his full comments

    Today is Sunday but I will like to fire this out of my mind. I know the party executives are working very hard for the NDC. But they are just administrators. Administering a party is enough headache. To also dump the burden of moving from radio and TV station to station on them is unconscionable.

    I ask who are those who want to be ministers in the next JM government? Where are the parliamentary shadow ministers for the various sectors of the economy. Issues of health, corruption and the environment have been very topical national issues. Yet Sammy Gyamfi is the one-man-1000. It can’t work this way. Are we waiting to assume front line positions when the trophy is won?

    If that is the strategy then I am sorry. The sweetness of the pudding is in the eating thereof.

    If you know you are compromised and therefore cannot risk your liberty to exercise your freedom of speech them I am afraid you are not useful to the party now. Give way to new blood. Rotten wood does not light fires

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • NDC introduces Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui to Awutu Traditional Council

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has introduced Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui to the Awutu Traditional Council in the Central Region, as its candidate for the Awutu Senya West Constituency in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

    The colourful event brought together about 40 traditional leaders including chief’s, queen mothers, sub Chief’s and family heads who constitute the traditional council.

    Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui

    Speaking at the gathering, the Paramount Chief of Awutu Traditional Area, Nai Abokuade Agyemang Wyettey Otabil lll, urged Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui to always pursue things that will serve the best interest of the constituents.

    “This is your time to prove yourself. Be guided by developments in Winneba. Awutu police is operating from a rented property. Prioritise tourism too because Awutu has great tourism potentials.

    Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui

    On her part, the candidate assured the council of her commitment to the development of Awutu Traditional Area, promising to sustain the legacy of former parliamentarian, Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, who happens to be her sibling, to lift Awutu to its rightful status.

    She commended the people of Awutu for their unity, stressing it is one key factor she will ride on in bringing development to the people.

    Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui was accompanied by former MP, Nana Larbie; Regional Youth Organiser for the NDC, Eric Dadson; Head of Monitoring and Evaluation at Regional Elections Directorate, Joseph Abekah and all the 28Constituency executives.

     

    Source: myjoyonline.com 

  • Many Ghanaians favour new voters’ register for 2020 polls UG survey

    A survey conducted by the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana has suggested that six out of 10 Ghanaians are in favour of new voters’ register for the 2020 elections.

    According to the department, many of the respondents believe a new register will ensure the credibility of the polls.

    According to the report, 27,500 were interviewed across the 16 regions.

    The survey comes in the wake of the standoff between some political parties and the electoral commission over attempt by the commission to create a new register

    The reasons given by the respondent for a new register are as follows:

    1. To remove deceased names

    2. To detect foreign names

    3. To get a credible register

    In the Volta Region, 1,800 were polled 54% were for yes 45% were for no while Ashanti Region 4,707 were polled 74.2% were for yes 25% were for no.

    The margin of error for the entire exercise was 1%.

     

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • NDC parliamentary candidate for Ahanta West is dead

    The Parliamentary Candidate for the opposition National Democratic Congress for Ahanta West Constituency in the Western Region, George Kwame Aboagye, has died.

    Family sources say he died at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.

    Mr. Kwame Aboagye became the second member of Parliament to have won the parliamentary seat for the NDC in the 2012 elections after beating the incumbent Samuel Johnfiah.

    The close family relations revealed that Aboagye known in political circles as “Abugye” has been on admission at the hospital for a while now.

    His death comes ten months to the 2020 elections

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Desist from Ghana politics — Osei Kwame Despite told

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Despite Media Group, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, has been admonished to desist from dabbling in Ghanaian politics or risk losing his respect in the eyes of the public.

    The former National Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Yaw Boateng-Gyan who made the admonishment said, politics is dangerous for the core business people in the country, adding that, it has turned into an avenue for people in government to deal with people they believed are not their side.

    Read: NDC is dying Amoako Tuffour on voter register protests

    Already some people in the political circles have tagged Mr. Osei Kwame Despite having a soft spot for a particular political party operating in the country.

    Speaking on Okay FM, he said politics over the years have destroyed the business of some highly respected business people who have dabbled in it.
    He explained that Osei Kwame Despite will be heavily tainted the very moment he tries to venture into politics in the country.

    Read: Osei Kwame Despite purchases Lizzy Sports Complex from Marcel Desailly Report

    According to Yaw Boateng-Gyan, joining politics will dent the good image of the business mogul who has employed close to about two thousand abled young men and women from all walks of life.

    He said many businessmen have had their businesses destroyed because they took the initiative to join politics.

    Media giants, Peace FM, Okay FM, Neat FM, and Hello FM in Kumasi all belong to Dr. Osei Kwame Despite. He also owns United

     

    Source: Ghanaguardian.com

  • Three arrested persons confess to stealing from GRA Academy

    Three persons arrested by the Kpetoe District Police for stealing from the Ghana Revenue Academy, GRA premises in Kpetoe have confessed to the crime. The three individuals confessed to the crime at the Kpetoe District Court on the 8th of January 2020.

    The three, Badawusu Kwadzo James aged 18, Bedu Godsway aged 21 and Agbowali John aged 21, pleaded guilty to the offence of stealing and were convicted on their own plea for a sentence to be delivered today 10th January 2020.

    Ghana Revenue Authority seizes products in Kumasi

    The convicts stole four Polytanks with a 10,000-litre capacity each, 24 pieces of ceiling fans and a set of water closet all valued at Gh?23,500.00; from a construction site of the Ghana Revenue Academy at Kpetoe.

    Some residents of Kpetoe are said to be jubilating over their arrest and cites the convicts as perpetrators of several reported incidents of stealing.

    Read the statement from the police below :

    Source: primenewsghana.com

     

  • NDC Parliamentary candidate reportedly found dead in his room

    The National Democratic Congress(NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Subin in the Ashanti Region, Linford Owuo, popularly known as Cedi has been found dead in his bedroom at Asafo in Kumasi Wednesday(today) morning, Kasapafmonline.com can report.

    It is unclear what caused his death.

    The family has officially reported the matter to the police for investigations.

    The lifeless body of the NDC fanatic has been conveyed to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for autopsy and preservation.

    Linford Owuo is reportedly known for engaging in several questionable activities for the NDC in Ashanti region for many years.

    In 2009, he was arrested and stood trial at a Kumasi Circuit Court for robbing Appiah Stadium who was at that time an NPP serial caller.

    According to the facts of the case, Cedi, on Wednesday March 4 purportedly took the laws into his hands and led an unprovoked attack on Appiah Stadium and burnt his Daewoo lenox salon car in the process valued at GH¢7,100 into ashes whilst robbing him of an amount of GH¢2,750.

    Appiah Stadium, the facts stipulated was driving the said car along the Asafo roundabout around 11; 30 am on that day when Cedi, in the company of four-armed persons, allegedly stopped him and demanded his car keys.

    Appiah Stadium who did not sense danger was said to have obliged and was subsequently forced into his car and was driven to Fante-New-Town, near O.A Transport Services area where he was later bungled into a waiting taxi cab.

    His seized car and the taxi cab were afterwards driven to the Asem School Park where the suspect and his accomplices stole an amount of GH¢2,750 from the car and later set it ablaze burning it beyond recognition.

    After the condemnable act, Appiah Stadium was driven in the same taxi cab from the Asem School Park through Amakom, heading to an unknown destination when he was fortunately rescued by some passers-by who heard him scream for help from the taxi.

    Cedi who operates a gymnasium was arrested in his Fante-New-Town residence on Thursday March 5, a day after he had allegedly visited mayhem on Appiah Stadium.

    He was purported to have publicly disclosed that he was operating on the orders of Mr. Daniel Ohene Agyekum, an allegation which the Ashanti regional chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vehemently denied.

    Cedi is alleged to have categorically declared that in as much as he continued to live, he would make sure that life became unbearable for activists of NPP in Kumasi, especially serial callers who call to defend the party and also criticize the ruling government.

  • Desist from electoral violence – NCCE

    A Deputy Chairman of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr Samuel Asare Akumoah has cautioned political parties to desist from acts that will disrupt the peace as the country enters the election year.

    He noted that of the many causes of violence during election, rigging still remained one critical cause that could bring violence and disrupt the nation’s peace

    He said political parties ought to lead the country in one piece and it would be an irony if they worked to disrupt the very nation they sought to lead.

    Read: AWW by-election violence victim still on admission Airport Crime Officer

    He was speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate a 40-member Inter-Party Dialogue Committee ahead of the 2020 general elections.

    Beacon of democracy

    He indicated that Ghana had been acknowledged worldwide as a beacon of democratic advancement and peace.

    He said it was, therefore, important that all efforts were made to keep the peace before, during and after the election.

    He said it was essential that the country did not slip from the path of the democratic gains made.

    Committee

    Mr Akumoah asked the inter party dialogue committee to be open minded and pick up all information on possible acts of rigging and make efforts to revert them.

    “Work hard. Help us to name and shame political parties found culprits,” he stated.

    He urged the political parties to sanction persons who might seek to “set fire” in communities.

    He further cautioned the political parties and other organisations and the media not to rush to announce election results.

    Read: Some videos of Ayawaso by-election violence doctored Colonel Opoku

    Pockets

    The Central Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr Nicholas Ofori Boateng, noted that although the nation had had several peaceful general elections, there had also been pockets of violence during elections hence, the need to work towards consolidating the peace in the country.

    He called for proactive initiative from the committee to prevent violence in the region.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Akufo-Addo must save our internet data now – NDC

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is blaming the government for contributing to the hikes in the cost of internet data in Ghana.

    The NDC in a press conference today December 12, 2019, which was addressed by Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram Sam George said prior to the 50% increase in the CST tax consumers were not complaining but as soon as government introduced the 50% this made telecommunication companies also adjust their charges and that led to the upfront deduction.

    He said once the government directed the telcos to stop the upfront deduction, data runs faster without the knowledge of the consumer because telcos have also increased their charges and the deduction is done at the blind side of the consumer.

    Read:Akufo-Addo, NPP feel betrayed by Mahama, NDC Report

    This he says the blame should be laid at the doorstep of the government and not the telcos.

    “The future of the communication space looks bleak under the NPP, we are calling on President Akufo-Addo to immediately withdraw the 50% increase in CST, the trade of non-expiry of data and tariff increases has disadvantaged the Ghanaian more. President Akufo-Addo must save our data now, he must stop raiding our pocket for private gains, his own people said ‘One bad term deserves an exit’ so we can’t give him another four years”

    The Communication Service Tax which was introduced in 2008 was pegged at a rate of 6 percent payable by consumers of certain electronic communication services — but the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta in his mid-year budget announced a 50 percent increment in the CST rate.

    Read:Akufo-Addo will be jailed when NDC takes over power in 2021 Yayra Koku predicts

    There has been a recent increased in data charges by the telecommunication companies ever since they were directed by the government to stop the upfront deduction.

    This development has not gone down well with most of the customers. This forced some Ghanaians to launch the #SaveOurData campaign on social media.

    Some Ghanaians have even promised to hit the streets to protest the increased data charges by the Telecommunication companies if something is not done about the issue.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Journalist demands audited accounts of NDC, NPP from EC

    A private citizen and broadcast journalist Nana Kwadwo Jantuah has written to the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) to demand the audited accounts of the two biggest political parties in the country, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Mr Jantuah wrote to the EC through his lawyer, Nana Agyeman Osborn of Osborn Legals.

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    In the letter to the EC, Mr Jantuah is demanding “accounts of the two major political parties pursuant to the Political Parties Act 2000 (Act 574) which mandates all political parties to file with the Commission within six months from 31 December of each year, the following documents: a return in the form specified by the Commission indicating: the state of its accounts, the sources of its funds, membership dues paid, contributions or donations in cash or kind, the properties of the party and time of acquisition, such other particulars as the Commission may reasonably require and audited accounts of the party for the year.”

    The letter also stated that, according to the Political Parties Act 2000, “Any person may, on payment of a fee determined by the Commission, inspect or obtain copies of the returns and audited accounts of a political party filed with the Commission under this section.”

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    The letter further added that: “We, respectfully, on the above authority, apply to inspect and also make copies of the state of accounts, sources of funds, sources of membership dues paid, sources of properties and time of acquisition and the audited accounts of the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress as from the year 2016 to date at the soonest possible time.”

    Mr Jantuah had earlier petitioned CHRAJ to probe alleged corrupt practices at Produce Buying Company (PBC).

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Political parties urged to ensure gender parity

    Gender representation at all levels of leadership in the country is reflective of the reality of female political representation in Ghana, despite innumerable efforts to ensure gender parity in governance.

    Out of a total of 275 Parliamentarians in Ghana, for instance, only 37 females are voted into Parliament with only two out of this number propelled into parliamentary leadership; one each from the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) and the governing New Patriotic Party(NPP).

    Read: Recent Afrobarometer report proves Ghanaians are disappointed in NPP govt Otokunor

    A political analyst and Senior Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Journalism, Dr Etse Sikanku, who made this observation, cited unfair media coverage as one of the several factors accounting for this.

    He explained that undue media focus on personalities, physical look, marital status, and maternal roles to evaluate women’s suitability for governance roles had been identified as reasons that continued to discourage women from political participation, while their male counterparts were pushed on a higher pedestal in an already patriarchal society.

    He said the phenomenon tended to undermine their qualifications.

    Dr Sikanku, who was speaking to the Daily Graphic on the sidelines of a workshop on gender responsive reportage in Ho, urged journalists to pay more attention to qualifications, educational background or career experiences of women candidates or aspirants which could contribute to societal acceptance of the competencies of females to handle political and leadership positions.

    He also identified current trends of the monetisation of politics as a dangerous phenomenon which put women at a disadvantaged position.

    He, therefore, directed political parties to “allocate quotas, reduce or waive filing fees,” saying, “NGOs and advocacy groups can support the women by funding their campaigns or provide them with capacity training to compete in elections”.

    The workshop was organised by the AYA Institute for Women Politics and Media to help build the capacity of journalists to be gender balanced in their work as part of efforts to increase the percentage of women in governance and at all levels of leadership, ahead of the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections.

    Plea to journalists

    The Executive Director of AYA, Dr Lawrencia Agyapong, implored journalists to take an interest in pushing women’s issues into the spotlight while taking measures to cover them in a non-stereotypical manner.

    Dr Agyapong also called for accountability from political parties in the country in fulfilling their social contract of delivering on their various affirmative action policies.

    Read: Afrobarometer report: Undecided voters will soon back NPP Buaben Asamoa

    The Affirmative Action Bill, for instance, requires that there be a 50 per cent stake or quota reserved for women in leadership positions, at all decision-making levels and politics in Ghana.

    But Dr Agyapong said “even at the grass-roots level, they (main political parties) don’t invest enough in getting women to participate even from the polling station level.

    If that space gets male dominated, it goes up to the national level as being evidenced.”

    According to research data, sourced by the institute, only 21 per cent out of 180 regional executives are represented by women in the NDC, while 15 per cent out of a total of 100 regional executives of the governing NPP are women.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Afrobarometer: NPPs popularity drops 15%, NDC more popular in new regions

    A recent Afrobarometer report by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) has revealed that 4 in 10 Ghanaians, representing 42 percent would not vote if presidential and parliamentary elections were to be held today.

    According to the study, 42 percent is the highest that has been recorded in the Afrobarometer surveys since 2008.

    Apart from the 42 per cent who said they will not vote, eleven per cent did not know whether or not they would vote.

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    Also, 12 percent refused to answer the question on whether or not they would vote.

    Compared to 2017, the proportion of respondents who said they would vote for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has dwindled by 15 percentage points from 49 percent to 34 percent while the share who said they would vote for the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has remained unchanged (22 per cent).

    Among declared voters, the NPP and the NDC both held leads in eight of the 16 regions with the NDC generally more popular in the six newly-created regions.

    A recent Afrobarometer report by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) has revealed that 4 in 10 Ghanaians, representing 42 percent would not vote if presidential and parliamentary elections were to be held today.

    According to the study, 42 percent is the highest that has been recorded in the Afrobarometer surveys since 2008.

    Neither NPP nor NDC would win one touch Afrobarometer report reveals

    Apart from the 42 per cent who said they will not vote, eleven per cent did not know whether or not they would vote.

    Also, 12 percent refused to answer the question on whether or not they would vote.

    Compared to 2017, the proportion of respondents who said they would vote for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has dwindled by 15 percentage points from 49 percent to 34 percent while the share who said they would vote for the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has remained unchanged (22 per cent).

    Among declared voters, the NPP and the NDC both held leads in eight of the 16 regions with the NDC generally more popular in the six newly-created regions.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • NDCs Edem Agbana does not owe us Students Loan Trust Fund

    The Students Loan Trust Fund has clarified reports suggesting it is owed by the deputy national youth organiser of the opposition NDC Edem Agbana.

    Media reports following the publication of the list of defaulters of the fund have suggested that the NDC executive is indebted to the scheme.

    Read: Prophet Nigel Gaisie allegedly named amongst student loan defaulters

    To prove his innocence, the politician has caused his lawyers to demand an apology from the fund after claiming on social media that he does not owe the state.

    Reacting to the letter, the fund in a statement, said it records does not have the name of Mr. Agbana as a debtor.

    Read: Student Loan Trust Fund to publish more names of loan defaulters

    The publication of the names of defaulters has sparked controversy on social media after names of some popular political figures were spotted on it.

    See the post below:

     

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • NDC opens nominations for 20 Ashanti constituencies

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has opened nominations into 20 constituencies in the Ashanti region.

    The constituencies were stood aside during the August parlimenary primaries by the party that selected candidates for the 2020 polls. The polls will be held on December 14, 2019.

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    A statement by the party said: “The Functional Executive Committee in Consultation with the Ashanti Regional Executive Committee of the National Democratic Congress announces the notice of elections for the conduct of Parliamentary Primary Elections in 20 constituencies in the Ashanti Region in accordance with Article 41(1) of the NDC Constitution. Nominations will open for 3 days from Monday November 18, 2019 to Wednesday Novem ber 20, 2019.

    It continued: The following dates shall also apply for the other electoral activities: Filing of nomination: November 25, 2019 Vetting of Aspirants: 26th and 27th November, 2019 Election: December 14, 2019 The Constituencies are: Atwima Nwabiagya North, Atwima Nwabiagya South, Afigya Kwabre North, Kwabre East, Obuasi East, Obuasi West, Adansi Akrofuom, Manso Adubia, Bekwai, Nsuta Kwaman Beposo, Afigya Sekyere East, Kumawu, Effiduase Asokore, Bosome Freho, Asante Akim South, Asante Akim North, Asante Akim Central, Ejisu, Oforikrom and Bantama”.

    Source: Starrfm.com.gh

  • Work hard to win all seats Akufo-Addo urges Ashanti NPP

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has tasked the Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) to work hard to secure all the 47 regional parliamentary seats in the 2020 general elections.

    He said the Asawase, Ejura and Drobonso seats which were currently in the hands of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) needed to be captured to strengthen the hold of the party in the region.

    Read: NDC, NPP banned at Kade

    Addressing the chiefs and people of Drobonso in the Sekyere Afram Plains District of the region on the final leg of his three-day tour of the region last Friday, President Akufo-Addo told the people that it was time they changed their voting pattern in favour of the ruling party.

    Projects|

    President Akufo-Addo assured the people of Drobonso of massive development projects in the area, saying that it was only fair that the gesture was reciprocated with a massive vote for the NPP in next year’s elections.

    Some of the projects, he said, included the expansion of the electrification programme to cover all the 70 communities, a water project, the stocking of a newly constructed district court with furniture and the construction of a two-storey dormitory facility for a community day school built by the previous government.

    The school has been abandoned and left to rot because it has been sited seven kilometres from the main town.

    Security

    Responding to concerns of insecurity by the Chief of Drobonso, Nana Dwamena Dwebisaw, President Akufo-Addo promised to liaise with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to tighten security in the area.

    He said patrol vehicles would be provided while police visibility would be increased to curb armed robbery.

    “I shall ensure a police vehicle is delivered to you, as well as the district commander,” he told the gathering.

    Read: I lost over GHC1bn in 2008 mobilising macho men for NPP NPP man

    The residents have come under a number of robbery attacks in recent times which is causing panic among the people.

    But the President assured them of a rapid response to deal with the miscreants.

    Chief

    Nana Dwebisaw said the people were excited about the assurance by the President to speed up the development of the area as it had been neglected for far too long.

    He said a major concern to the people was the stocking of the court and the construction of a district hospital.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • PHOTOS: People of Kyebi demonstrate against the NDC

    The Abuakwa Traditional Council has led a protest today, against the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for defaming their overlord Okyenhene.

    “Protest against the national leadership of the National Democratic Congress for the abusive and provocative statements made by Kwame Zu, Ashanti Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress,” a press statement released by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council on 20th September 2019 said.

    The Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC, Kwame Zu, mentioned that the Okyehene competed with animals for water in unsafe sources until former President Mahama provided water for the people of Kyebi, the hometown of President Nana Akufo Addo.

    Kwame Zu’s comments sparked outrage in the traditional area of Kyebi, for this reason, the Okyehene and his people have gathered today, September 23, 2019, at the forecourt of the Ofori Panin Fie in Kyebi to demonstrate.

    Ghanaweb brings you photos from the demonstration:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • NDC gives green light for primaries in 4 constituencies

    The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has given clearance for the conduct of parliamentary primaries in four of the constituencies that the elections were placed on hold.

    The elections are to take place in the Assin South, Mfantsiman, Fanteakwa North and Ellembelle constituencies.

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    Party directive

    A statement signed by the General Secretary of the party, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah urged all officials of the party and interested persons in those areas to take note and comply accordingly.

    The NDC on Saturday, August 24, 2019, held its first batch of primaries in 157 constituencies across the country involving some 524 aspirants.

    However, elections in some constituencies were put on hold, pending the outcome of internal party issues.

    Those constituencies included Assin South, Mfanstiman, Asawase, Mpohor, Yilo Krobo, Fanteakwa North and Ellembelle.

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    With the clearance of the four constituencies, the remain The remainders ing ones are Asawase, Yilo Krobo, and Mpohor.

    The Deputy General Secretary of the NDC in charge of operations, Mr Peter Boamah Otokonor told the Daily Graphic that a committee that was set up to look into the issues in the affected constituencies had not yet completed its work in all the constituencies.

    He added that when the committee was done with its work in the remaining constituencies, dates for the primaries would be announced by the party.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh