In the Eastern Region’s Nsawam Adoagyiri Constituency, heightened tension prevails as posters of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary aspirant Hayford Siaw are defaced, further intensifying the political climate in the area.
Backing their candidate, supporters of Hayford Siaw, the CEO of the Ghana Library Authority, engaged with individuals caught defacing Mr. Siaw’s campaign posters in the constituency.
Mr. Siaw is making a bid to dislodge the current Member of Parliament for the area, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
In the lead-up to the party’s January 27 primaries, Mr Siaw’s publicity team has been posting their candidate’s posters in strategic locations across various neighbourhoods.
However, they have discovered that these posters are being removed overnight by unknown individuals.
A video has surfaced showing a man, allegedly from the incumbent MP’s camp, physically assaulting a member of Siaw’s team who questioned him about the defacement of Siaw’s posters.
According to sources from Citi News, bystanders had to intervene to prevent the situation from escalating further, as tensions between the two camps continued to rise.
Mr Siaw’s supporters have condemned these acts, describing them as cowardly, and are calling for the police to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Attempts to contact the incumbent Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri have so far been unsuccessful.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has announced that stalled infrastructure projects across Ghana, funded by donors, are set to resume in the coming weeks.
The restart is based on agreements reached with Ghana’s bilateral creditors regarding the restructuring of the country’s debt.
Ofori-Atta shared this information on PM EXPRESS BUSINESS EDITION with host George Wiafe, scheduled to air on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
The Finance Minister explained that as negotiations with donors progress, some will begin disbursing necessary funds for the halted projects.
A Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be signed with bilateral creditors in the coming days after reaching a deal on debt restructuring.
“Some of these donors have demonstrated their commitment to support the economy once issues around these debt restructuring are resolved” the Finance Minister added.
Ofori-Atta highlighted the commitment of some donors to support Ghana’s economy once debt restructuring matters are resolved.
The Finance Minister addressed concerns from certain donors, such as China, regarding the cutoff date for debt restructuring, noting that an agreement was reached with the Paris Club and China, setting December 2022 as the cutoff date.
Regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, Ofori-Atta shared that Ghana has fulfilled requirements for the first review, anticipating a disbursement of about $600 million to the Bank of Ghana next week.
He revealed that the second tranche of the IMF cash would be directed toward projects outlined in the budget, indicating a shift from previous programs where all funds were focused on balancing payments.
Ofori-Atta emphasized that the incoming funds would enhance the Bank of Ghana’s reserves, stabilizing the Ghana cedis. He expressed optimism about similar responses from other donors, contributing significantly to the country’s economic recovery.
The Finance Minister concluded by assuring that the government would maintain fiscal discipline during an election year, completing necessary actions for economic stability.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has set January 27, 2024, as the date for delegates to choose parliamentary candidates who will represent the party in various constituencies for the upcoming general elections in December.
The party has already finalized its selection of parliamentary candidates in orphan constituencies without sitting MPs.
As of now, the NPP has approved 326 parliamentary aspirants for the January 27 primaries.
Out of the 373 aspirants who initially filed for the contest, 29 are running unopposed, 11 were disqualified, two were referred to the National Executive Committee (NEC), two withdrew, one submitted an incomplete form, and two did not attend vetting, leaving the qualified aspirants at 326 after the vetting process.
Below is the regional breakdown of the MPs not being contested:
Greater Accra Region: Patrick Yaw Boamah – Okaikoi Central MP
Lydia Seyram Alhassan – Ayawaso West Wuogon MP
Dakoa Newman – Okaikwei South MP
Savannah Region Samuel Abu Jinapor – Damongo MP
Upper West Region Dr Bright Yelviedong Baligi – Lambussie MP Ambrose Dery – Nandom MP
Northern Region Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli – Gushegu MP Alhaji Iddrisu Habib – Tolon MP Mohammed Amin Adam – Karaga MP Thomas Mbomba – Tatale/Sanguli MP
Eastern Region Dr. Bryan Yaw Acheampong – Abetifi MP
Michael Okyere Baafi – New Juaben South MP
Frederick Obeng Adom – Upper West Akyem MP
Western North Alex Tetteh Djornobuah – Akontombra MP
Bono East Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah – Techiman South MP
Bono Region Paul Apreku Twum-Barimah – Dormaa East MP
Ahafo Region Dr Benjamin Yeboah Sekyere – Tano South MP
Central Region Rev. John Ntim Fordjour – Assin South MP Dr Festus Awuah Kwofie – Upper Denkyira East MP
Ashanti Region Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum – Bosomtwe MP Frederick Obeng Adom – Upper West Akyem MP Dr John Ampontuah Kumah – Ejisu MP Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie – Effiduase MP Isaac Yaw Opoku – Offinso South MP Alex Blankson – Akrofuom MP
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is determined to break the eight-year cycle of power in the 2024 general elections. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 flagbearer of the NPP, has urged all party supporters to exert maximum effort to turn this aspiration into a reality.
On the other hand, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) expresses optimism that the NPP will face defeat in the 2024 general election, attributing it to alleged mismanagement of the economy.
Abossey Okai spare parts dealers have voiced concerns over the government’s new taxes, expressing dissatisfaction with the adverse business impact.
The spare parts dealers conveyed their disappointment, having initially perceived the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government as business-friendly, only to witness what they now characterize as detrimental taxation measures.
The dealers urged the government to establish a stable business environment to support economic growth.
“The country and everything in it are messed up, and everything has changed, right down to the food we eat. Everything is being taxed, and we don’t see what the tax is being used for. I am paying GHS6,000 for a container, and a part I used to sell for GHS5 is now GHS20,” one spare parts dealer said.
“Some two years ago, we were selling Toyota Vitz for GHS35,000, but it is now selling for GHS70,000, and the cost of spare parts has also shot up due to high import duties and the unstable exchange rates, and all we look forward to is voting this government out,” another dealer stated.
Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has praised the Akufo-Addo-led administration for its anti-corruption efforts.
While acknowledging the pervasive global nature of corruption, Mr Blay commended the government’s commitment to combat the issue through effective policies and institutional measures.
In a discussion on the January 14 edition of Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor, Blay highlighted the importance of policies and institutions in the fight against corruption.
He pointed out the significant efforts made by the Akufo-Addo administration, emphasizing the empowerment of the Police and Judiciary, along with initiatives like digitalization.
Blay’s remarks came in response to concerns raised by former Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, who stated during the Constitution Day Public Lecture that institutions tasked with fighting corruption are not doing enough.
Afari-Gyan expressed worry about the impact of corruption on the nation, emphasizing the need for measures to curb the menace.
While acknowledging the detrimental effects of corruption on the economy, Blay noted its global prevalence and stressed that the Akufo-Addo government has put in more effort than any other administration in the fight against corruption.
A faction within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Akim Swedru Constituency, Eastern Region, has issued a threat to vote against the party if the current Member of Parliament (MP), Kennedy Osei Nyarko, is retained as the parliamentary candidate for the 2024 elections.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the MP’s nearly 12-year tenure, the supporters criticize his alleged lack of developmental projects and accuse him of insensitivity to the constituents’ needs.
The discontented supporters highlight various issues, including a deteriorating road network, inadequate market infrastructure, and the absence of public amenities and sanitation facilities in Akim Swedru Township. T
hey argue that these challenges have persisted throughout the MP’s tenure, prompting their call for a change in leadership.
In contrast, the dissatisfied faction is advocating for the election of the Controller and Accountant General, Mr. Kwasi Kwaning Bosompem, as the NPP parliamentary candidate for the constituency.
Supporters of Bosompem cite his contributions to education, health, and employment in the area. Specifically, they mention the construction of a 12-unit classroom block at Swedru SHS and road projects connecting Aporah Ningo to other communities.
“Our problem is that, we want jobs in the constituency. Secondly, the river Tsitsifo overflows its boundaries to the town, we have complained several times to the MP, he said it is not his job. Also the road from Oda to this place is in good condition, but from Adeambra and Edusei are in a deplorable state. If the Controller can do all these for us, we are waiting for him, we will vote for him.”
“We want change, four years now we have not seen anything good done by the MP. The roads are half done, the market too the same, no water, no light at the markets. The most worrying situation there is that there are no toilet facilities at the markets.”
“We don’t want the MP again, he has been on the seat for the past 12 years yet he has done nothing for the constituency. The police station here is someone’s rented house, no market, no lorry station, all he does is to push money to the delegates to vote for him. He doesn’t think about the people in the constituency. The plight of the people in the constituency doesn’t matter to him “another constituent said.
Another resident said, “The former MPs did a lot for the constituency when it was very large, now that it has been divided and the whole of Eastern Region he has the smallest constituency, he still can’t do anything. He is tired, he should go. We are pleading with the delegates to vote for Controller as PC for the constituency. They should vote wisely in the coming election or else we will also vote only presidential in the general election.”
The dissatisfied group accuses the incumbent MP of neglecting their concerns, emphasizing the need for change. They express a willingness to adopt a “skirt and blouse” voting strategy in the main polls if their preferred candidate is not selected.
Market women in Akim Swedru also join the chorus of dissatisfaction, claiming that the MP has ignored their needs, resulting in a deteriorating market environment.
They highlight issues such as water entering stores during rainfall and unfulfilled promises of cement deliveries.
The discontented residents voice their frustration, stating that the current MP has not adequately addressed the constituency’s challenges, and they urge fellow delegates to vote for a change in the upcoming election.
“The market is in a very deplorable state. When it rains the water enters the stores, we have complained a lot to the MP but he has not done anything about it. He even promised us 100 bags of cement but he never brought them. He refuses to listen to our plight”, a trader lamented.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central , Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has expressed his exclusive support for Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) as the only individual he will endorse for the role of running mate to NPP Flagbearer Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the bid to ‘break the 8.’
Addressing delegates of the Bantama Constituency in the Ashanti Region ahead of the January 27 primaries, where parliamentary candidates will be selected for NPP-held constituencies, Agyapong praised NAPO’s positive rapport with the party’s rank and file.
He emphasized the importance of NAPO’s ability to energize party members and attract victory in the 2024 elections.
“If you go to NAPO’s office, you will be marveled at the way he relates with party people. He takes care of party people. If we had 5 of his kind in the party, NPP would have been better off and far ahead of the NDC. Given the current circumstances where many of our members are despondent, selecting NAPO will be the only way to bring back the needed energy for victory in the 2024 elections,” Mr Agyapong said.
Ken Agyapong added, “If anybody else asks me to campaign for him or her to be selected as running mate, I won’t, except Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.”
This position aligns with the sentiments of grassroots and party members who believe that the running mate should come from the Ashanti Region.
Political analysts also point to NAPO’s grassroots connection and commendable performance as Minister for Education and Energy, suggesting he could help Dr. Bawumia secure support from floating voters.
Rumors circulate that Dr. Bawumia is preparing to submit his running mate’s name to the NPP National Council for approval after the party’s primaries on January 27, 2024.
Meanwhile, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has filed his nomination for re-election as the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Manyhia South in Kumasi, marking his fifth bid for the position.
In a Facebook post on December 20, he expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of NPP members in the constituency.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has reassured the Ghanaian public that the recent power outages, reminiscent of the 2015 “dumsor” crisis, will not become a recurring issue.
The party is adamant that intermittent power supply, also known as ‘dumsor’ is a thing of the past and is committed to preventing widespread power shortages, as experienced during the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
A member of the NPP Communications Team, Alfred Thompson, emphasized during an interview on The Big Issue on Citi TV that Ghanaians should not categorize the recent power outages as a resurgence of ‘dumsor.’
“We are saying to Ghanaians that it is not a dumsor era and we will never let them go under that challenge in this country again.”
“And that is why we are working assiduously to make sure that the lights are on and that is why we are working assiduously to make sure that the laws are reduced…and we will work in the interest of Ghanaians,” he stated.
He underscored the government’s concerted efforts to ensure a consistent and reliable power supply for the nation.
Former National Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has acknowledged the detrimental impact of corruption on the economy while emphasizing its global prevalence, stating that Ghana is not an exception.
In an interview on Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor, Blay expressed concern about corruption’s pervasive and harmful nature, noting that approximately a third of Ghana’s GDP is lost to corruption.
He highlighted the risk of people losing confidence in the economy, resorting to improper means to circumvent systems and evade taxes.
Responding to former Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan’s statement about public institutions not doing enough to combat corruption, Blay disagreed with the assertion that Ghana has become poorer due to corruption.
He emphasized that while corruption is a challenge that needs to be addressed, the country is not poorer and is progressing toward middle-income status.
Blay commended the efforts of the Akufo-Addo-led administration in fighting corruption, citing policies and institutions such as digitalization, empowered police, and the judiciary as effective measures.
“The government of Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, so far as I am concerned, has put in more efforts under the third and fourth republic, to fight corruption than any other government that I can think of,” he stated.
Mr Blay stressed the importance of institutions and policies in the fight against corruption and highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering law enforcement and judicial bodies.
The founder and leader of God’s Crown Chapel, Eagle Prophet, has recently shared his vision for the 2024 general elections during an interview on Top Radio.
Eagle Prophet predicted a significant upheaval within the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces leading up to the 2024 polls. He foresaw a mass exodus of officers from both security services, with many choosing not to participate in the election.
In describing his vision, Eagle Prophet recounted, “I saw that a police car and a military vehicle were in one compound, and there was water oozing out from the ground, and there was water also from the heavens. The water entered the two cars, and all the people who were in these cars got down, and the water swept the car away.”
“As the policemen were coming out of their cars, they were all removing their uniforms and throwing them in the water, and they were all walking away naked. I asked that spirit of God what this meant, and that was when I saw a lot of the ballot boxes in the water being dragged away, as the police were walking off with their hands raised.”
Eagle Prophet conveyed the message he received from the spirit of God, stating, “A lot of military and police people would not vote this year. The voter turnout of their session is going to be very poor. There is going to be a very strong mass resignation in the military and the police.”
He further described seeing eagles lifting the two vehicles onto a mountaintop, where a policeman and a soldier blew horns to assemble a new set of officers. Eagle Prophet emphasized the need for prayers to avert this vision and urged President Akufo-Addo to address the situation with the people.
Spare parts traders at Abossey Okai has expressed discontent with the government, citing concerns over the negative impact of recently introduced taxes on their businesses.
They express disappointment, having perceived the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government as business-friendly, only to witness what they deem as harmful taxation measures.
The traders appeal to the government to establish a stable business environment to facilitate economic growth.
“The country and everything in it are messed up, and everything has changed, right down to the food we eat. Everything is being taxed, and we don’t see what the tax is being used for. I am paying GH¢6,000 for a container, and a part I used to sell for GH¢5 is now GH¢20,” one spare parts dealer said.
“Some two years ago, we were selling Toyota Vitz for GH¢35,000, but it is now selling for GH¢70,000, and the cost of spare parts has also shot up due to high import duties and the unstable exchange rates, and all we look forward to is voting this government out,” another dealer stated.
The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has emphasized his cautious approach to promises in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, citing the current economic challenges as a limiting factor for grand commitments.
Speaking to NDC supporters in Hohoe, Volta Region, Mahama stated, “…I am being very measured in the promises that I make because we all know the crisis in which this country has been plunged [into]. We will show you the books and finances of this country, and you will realize the harm that the New Patriotic Party administration has done to this country; the economy is broke.”
Mahama also revealed that the next NDC government, if elected, would institute a monthly allowance of GH¢1,000 for all Assembly members. He estimated that this initiative would incur an annual cost of GH¢80 million.
Additionally, he pledged to reduce the budget of the President’s office, currently exceeding GH¢2 billion, to fund the proposed allowances for Assembly members. The announcement came during Mahama’s two-day “Building the Ghana we want together” tour in the Volta Region.
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Parliamentary primaries in the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency will take an interesting turn this year as a new face has joined the race.
Sheela Oppong Sakyi, currently holding the positions of Head of Strategic Planning and Implementation and Legal Advisor at the Office of the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, has expressed her aspirations to become the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Dome Kwabenya Constituency.
Her decision to enter the primaries is rooted in her commitment to fostering unity within the NPP in the region and contributing to the party’s success in securing a third consecutive term in the upcoming General Elections, aiming to “break the eight.”
Emphasizing her dual role as the Head of the Rebecca Foundation, Ms. Oppong Sakyi underscored the imperative for the NPP in the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency to reconcile internal differences and exert concerted efforts to secure victory in the 2024 General Elections.
She would have to defeat the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for the Constituency Sarah Adwoa Safo, and another contender Mike Ocquaye.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen programme recently, Ms Oppong Sakyi said that her personal motivation for seeking to be MP is to bring her expertise in Law and Development to bear on the development challenges of the Constituency as well as help the NPP to not only retain the parliamentary seat but win the General Elections.
“Apart from being a lawyer, I have done work as a Development professional for many years. So I think it’s time for me to bring all the skills I have acquired to help the development agenda of Dome-Kwabenya and my party, especially at this critical stage that our party is committed to breaking the eight which is unprecedented in the Fourth Republic.
“It is important we put our best energies and resources together to break the eight,” she said in Twi.
The NPP will conduct its parliamentary primaries on January 27, 2024. NPP Delegates of the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency will choose among Sheela Oppong Sakyi, Sarah Adwoa Safo and Mike Ocquaye Jnr.
Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Mr Kennedy Agyapong, has declared his intention to campaign for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming political season.
However, his allegiance seems to have limitations, as he expressed uncertainty about supporting certain Members of Parliament (MPs) within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mr. Agyapong, known for his candid and sometimes controversial statements, made these remarks during a recent public engagement.
He affirmed his commitment to actively advocate for Vice President Bawumia.
“For the Vice President, I’ll campaign for him. I call him and we have a good laugh over issues,” he said.
However, when it comes to supporting certain NPP MPs, the Assin Central MP seems to have reservations.
Agyapong voiced concerns about what he described as disrespectful attitude exhibited towards him by some members of the party including MP for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, MP for Banatama, Francis Asenso-Boakye, MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri, Frank etc, and vowed to campaign against them.
Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong is determined to take any necessary measures to secure the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary ticket for his brother in the Bantama Constituency of the Ashanti Region.
Consequently, he has pledged financial support to Ralph Opoku Agyapong’s campaign with the goal of unseating the incumbent Francis Asenso-Boakye in the primaries scheduled for November 27.
Speaking to delegates on a campaign stop recently, Agyapong said: “Don’t vote for someone who would become pompous and forget his roots. You have long invested in this party, what benefit have you gotten?”
“I will be like a watchman over him and scrutinize how he interacts with you. Vote for my younger brother and see the amount of development that will reach Bantama,” he stressed.
Regarding the matter of providing money to voters, he claimed that Asenso-Boakye had intended to offer delegates 5,000 Ghana cedis, but he expressed his willingness to provide an even higher amount.
“He says he is going to pay 5,000 cedis, tell him to bring it on; I will show him that I got real money. They come and deceive you…. On November 4, they deployed threats and money, but how much of that money is left today?
“Pompous leaders are humbled by God and time. I am not in Bantama but people urge me to help my brother to run because Asenso is disrespectful. I don’t know and I don’t belong here but such an impression is not good,” he added.
Asenso-Boakye and Ralph Agyapong are set for a showdown on January 27, 2023, when the delegates of the party in constituencies with incumbent MPs will go to the polls to elect parliamentary candidates for the 2024 general election.
Mamprugu Zaabuni Youth for Development, a prominent advocacy group in the Mamprugu traditional area, has officially declared its support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, in the upcoming presidential elections on December 7th.
During the group’s Congress held in Walewale, North East Region, Mr. Musah Abdul Basit, the President of the group, passionately encouraged the youth in the area to actively contribute to Dr. Bawumia’s victory.
“We encourage the youth of Mamprugu to wholeheartedly support one of our own for the presidency, regardless of political affiliations. If a similar opportunity arises from another political party in the future, Zaabuni will not hesitate to offer maximum support,” remarked Mr. Basit.
The Congress served as a platform to assess the region’s development and reinforce the group’s commitment to advocating for improved opportunities. The event carried the theme “Rekindling the Glory of Mamprugu; Our Collective Responsibility.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC6X8wbBYo4
The group underscored Dr. Bawumia’s significant contributions to Mamprugu, urging the youth to actively support his electoral success, which would mark a historic achievement for the region. Mr. Basit pointed out notable government projects, including the extension of electricity to various communities and the development of sports facilities in the area.
The group expressed satisfaction with the establishment of its own region. Engaging in community service for about eight years, they have assisted the needy by covering medical bills and school fees. Previously, the group appealed to the Vice President for the construction of a bridge connecting Arigu to the Shiling community.
As the special guest at the Congress, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia highlighted various developmental projects in the region. These initiatives encompass the establishment of the STEM Senior High School at Kpasenkpe, the Fire Service Training School at Wungu, and the ongoing construction of roads in Walewale, Nalerigu, and Gambaga towns.
Dr. Bawumia assured that efforts were underway to complete the Misio bridge for improved transportation, and he emphasised the ongoing benefits of the Agenda 111 hospital projects across all districts in the region.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) dismisses proposals to protect seasoned Members of Parliament (MPs) in the upcoming primaries, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values.
The response follows comments by Kwame Ayimadu-Antwi, MP for Asante Akim Central, expressing dissatisfaction with the party’s perceived lack of support for experienced lawmakers.
While NPP Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, acknowledges the worth of considering measures to safeguard experienced MPs, he underscores the need for careful evaluation to prevent compromising the democratic foundations of party primaries.
“The allegation that somebody is orchestrating somebody, that is just talk for people because maybe one thing is against them or the other. That should not be part of the conversation. But is it the expectation that the party should create a certain system? I think that I agree but my worry about that suggestion is what system is it and to what extent is it going to impact the basic allowance of democracy to prevail,” he remarked.
Further highlighting the potential advantages of open competition, Richard Ahiagbah suggested that it guarantees the selected candidate has the strongest public support and acts as an incentive for performance.
“If it is a system and arrangement that will affect a true and true practice of democracy then that will not be the system we want,” he added.
Some incumbent Members of Parliament of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), numbering about 28, will be contesting in the upcoming January 27 primaries.
As the political tempo heightens leading up to the primaries on January 27, 2024, these unchallenged MPs, spanning from seasoned veterans to emerging figures, discover themselves in a distinctive position. They stand alone in their individual races, with their destinies appearing predetermined even before the commencement of the race.
After vetting a total of 373 aspirants, the NPP has revealed the exclusive list of these uncontested candidates.
Those who are going unopposed are the MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon and First Deputy Majority Whip, Lydia Seyram Alhassan; MP for Okaikoi Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah; MP for Damongo and Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor; MP for Lambussie, Dr Bright Yelviedong Baligi; MP for Nandom and Minister for The Interior, Ambrose Dery; MP for Assin South and Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour; and MP for Upper Denkyira East, Dr Festus Awuah Kwofie.
The others are MP for Bosomtwe and Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum; MP for Abetifi and Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Yaw Acheampong; MP for New Juaben South and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi; MP for Upper West Akyem and a Deputy Minister of Transport, Frederick Obeng Adom; MP for Ejisu and a Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr John Ampontuah Kumah; MP for Effiduase, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye; MP for Offinso South, Isaac Yaw Opoku; MP for Akrofuom, Alex Blankson; MP for Tano South, Dr Benjamin Yeboah Sekyere; MP for Dormaa East, Paul Apreku Twum-Barimah; and MP for Sefwi Akontombra, Alex Tetteh Djornobuah.
The rest are MP for Tolon and Second Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Alhaji Iddrisu Habib; MP for Karaga and Deputy Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Amin Adam; MP for Gushegu and Deputy Minister of Transport, Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli; MP for Tatale/Sanguli and Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Thomas Mbomba; MP for Techiman South and Deputy Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, is currently under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
This development comes as part of ongoing efforts to scrutinize allegations of financial irregularities and other related matters.
The Special Prosecutor’s Office has not disclosed specific details about the nature of the investigation or the allegations against Mr. Nkansah. However, a source at the Office reported that the probe is centered around the alleged use of NEIP funds to finance his campaign.Ofosu
Nkansah was reportedly arrested on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in connection with the alleged distribution of money to NPP delegates ahead of the parliamentary primaries scheduled for January 27.
In addition to the arrest, officials from the OSP conducted a search of Nkansah’s office on the same day.
The NEIP CEO, who is also a contestant for the Asante Akim Central parliamentary seat, however, has been released.
Member of Parliament for the Bekwai Constituency, Joseph Osei-Owusu, also known as Joe Wise, has officially endorsed retired Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah as his successor.
In a viral video, Joe Wise, during a meeting with New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates, commended the courage of COP Mensah.
Months earlier, COP Mensah had been the focus of a parliamentary investigation into a leaked tape in which some officers and a politician were allegedly plotting the removal of the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, from office.
“If COP today has announced his intention to contest our party primaries, he is no stranger…” he stated.
According to the MP, who currently serves as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, COP Mensah not only displayed courage during his appearance at the committee’s sitting but also refuted the various allegations made against the current IGP in the leaked tape.
“So, when you watched on TV how he answered the questions; the courage and the truthfulness that unfolded, a lot of people including the committee members kept calling me that Joe your man is heavy, he is courageous.
“Today, by the grace of God, we have concluded the committee’s report, those who brought the issue are afraid and do not want the report to be brought out because of his truthfulness, the testimony he gave proved that everything he said was the truth,” he said.
In the leaked tape, COP Asare, along with two other senior officers, Superintendent George Lysander Asare and Superintendent Emmanuel Gyabi, were heard seeking the support of former New Patriotic Party Regional Chairman Bugri Naabu for the removal of Dr. Dampare.
In the recording, the officers accused Dr. Dampare of incompetence and alleged that he was a member of the opposition National Democratic Congress, suggesting that his presence in office posed a threat to the NPP’s ability to retain power.
The officers also confessed to being NPP members on the tape.
Constituency Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, has accused Member of Parliament Kwame Anyimadu Antwi of being the mastermind behind the arrest of the CEO of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (NEIP) by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The allegations suggest a political intrigue within the party, raising questions about the motives and potential implications for the accused NEIP CEO. Read on for further details on this developing story.
During an interview on Citi News on January 10, 2024, Amakye claimed that Anyimadu Antwi had conveyed to his assistant his intention to report Nkansah to the Special Prosecutor. The accusation suggested that the NEIP CEO had allegedly distributed money to delegates in anticipation of the upcoming NPP parliamentary primaries.
“The MP reported Kofi Ofosu because he told my assistant, Debrah Philip, that he was going to report Kofi Ofosu to the Special Prosecutor and that is what he has done.
“I am the constituency secretary and we know all the delegates and when they meet too, we know everything and it includes our family members and it is an open thing and he gave it (money) to every delegate and the delegates are around 623 and everybody knows it and so I don’t know why MP is pushing this thing to that end.
“My wife is a delegate and she collected GH¢300 from the MP. Kofi shared it (money)with all delegates and that is what the MP also did and it is a Christmas package,” he added.
In response, Anyimadu Antwi has refuted the allegations, stating that he was unaware of Nkansah’s arrest.
He accused Amakye of bias and disseminating misinformation, pointing to previous claims made on social media by the constituency secretary regarding financial payments to delegates.
“I have no clue about what the secretary is alleging and it is about time for us to do the elections and the primaries are still around the corner and this is not a do-or-die affair.
“The secretary has taken sides with one of the contenders and has been speaking passionately and there is pain in the constituency speaking to delegates.
“If you are talking about reporting anybody to the OSP, I have no idea, but he [Felix Amakye] is on record saying that my preferred candidate has been paying GH¢500,000 and promised to pay GHS1 million to people and he said these things on Facebook,” citinewsroom.com quoted him to have said.
Meanwhile, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, the CEO of NEIP and a candidate for the Asante Akim Central parliamentary seat, has been released after being arrested by the Special Prosecutor.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has reiterated Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia‘s commitment to providing every student in public Senior High Schools (SHS) with a tablet.
Addressing attendees at the commencement of the 75th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC), Dr. Adutwum stated that in the near future, the government would distribute tablets to every student in SHS as part of the digitalization agenda.
He made this announcement while commending Dr. Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), for spearheading Ghana’s digitalization drive.
He highlighted that the Vice President has revolutionized the way things are done in Ghana by leveraging technology and innovation.
“You know we have a digitalisation agenda led by the president but championed by the vice president together with the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation.
“The vice president’s agenda has done so much for this nation; whether it is mobile interoperability… being able to use digital service for transportation. In the past few years, it was so difficult moving from point A to B in Ghana, now because of Google App you just have to turn on your GPS and your driver would take you from point A to B,” he said.
The minister added, “…. We have seen digitalisation in the field of agriculture. Now the latest addition is the field of education and the total transformation of education as you know it, is happening. And very soon you are going to see students with their tablets – One to One – at the Senior High School level,” he added.
Dr Adutwum made these remarks as he was introducing Dr Bawumia to open the 2024 ANYSC on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The 75 (ANYSC), which started on Tuesday, is being held under the theme: “Nurturing Resilience: Adopting Technology and Embracing Humanism for Sustainable Development,” and will end on Thursday, January 11, 2024.
Professor Katrin Niglas, the Vice-Rector for Research at Tallinn University, Estonia, delivered the keynote address at the opening of the school and conference at the Great Hall, UG.
Professor Niglas, in her address, emphasised how the embracement of technology by Estonia in every sector, including education, helped make the small European country one of the most developed countries in the world.
The ANYSC is an annual event that brings together academics, policymakers, business leaders, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting the African Continent and Ghana in particular.
This year’s theme focuses on the need to develop resilience, adapt to leverage technology and promote human values and dignity to propel the ended development and progress in Ghana and will be organized around the following sub-themes:
1. Nurturing resilience and leveraging on technology to achieve sustainable growth
2. Promoting education for sustainable development.
3. Towards the attainment of a digital economy: Global Perspectives.
4. New local government system, election 2024, security and peacebuilding.
The deliberations at the conference will be documented and presented to the appropriate authorities for policy interventions.
First Deputy Minority Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, has raised concerns about the impending primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), emphasizing potential far-reaching implications for Ghana’s Parliament.
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim underscored the significance of closely monitoring the effects of the party’s internal processes on the broader parliamentary landscape.
The decision of 18 incumbent NPP MPs not to seek re-election presents a significant challenge due to the potential loss of institutional memory and expertise.
He pointed specifically to the departure of Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, a veteran politician trained by the legendary JH Mensah, as a potential blow to Parliament’s capacity.
“The exit of Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu who was trained by J.H Mensah, are you saying it is not going to have a negative impact on parliament, it will. As for representation, you will get somebody to represent you but as for replacement, you cannot replace the institutional memory and capacity of the exiting MP and that is how parliament is going to be negatively affected. We take you, invest in you, and throw you out.”
He further argued that the government’s underutilization of experienced MPs contributes to their decision to leave. Citing examples like Joe Ghartey and Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Ibrahim highlighted their wasted potential and lack of meaningful roles within the government.
“You see Joe Ghartey, you see Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi which post is he holding, zero. Joe Ghartey which post is he holding, zero. I can mention the names of the seniors to you. Joe Ghartey was a former Attorney General and a former deputy speaker but he is there, his party is not using him so he sees himself as being underutilised. And do you think that when that happens he will contest again, he will not.”
“Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi was a law lecturer from Tech, he is here, they left him and took a first-timer as an Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General in those days. Anyimadu-Antwi is still there, a law lecturer, with 16 years in parliament.
Ibrahim urged the government to take proactive steps to retain experienced MPs and tap into their expertise. He emphasized the importance of recognizing their contributions and offering them roles that utilize their skills and knowledge.
The Parliamentary Committee investigating the leaked tape, wherein three senior police officers were conspiring to remove Inspector-General of Police George Akuffo Dampare, has officially accused the implicated officers of perjury.
A preliminary report from the committee, revealed that Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah (now retired) provided false testimony under oath during his appearance before the committee.
“The Committee established that COP George Alex Mensah lied under oath before the Committee by stating categorically that he was not a card-bearing member of the NPP when responding to questions about whether or not he is a member of the NPP.
“His subsequent conduct, however, of picking and filing to contest a parliamentary seat, specifically to represent the Bekwai constituency on the ticket of the NPP established that he actually is evidently a card-bearing member of the NPP,” the report noted.
Likewise, the report implicated Superintendent George Lysander Asare and Superintendent Emmanuel Gyabi for making false statements while under oath.
“The Committee further established that Supt. George Lysander Asare and Supt. Eric Emmanuel Gyebi lied under oath before the Committee when they both denied calling and speaking to Chief Bugri Naabu on Supt. Asare’s phone in furtherance to their conspiracy to remove the IGP.
“They both stated categorically before the Committee that Chief Bugri Naabu was palpable liar when he alleged that they spoke to him on Supt. Asare’s phone. They both upon submission of the second audio tape by Chief Bugri Naabu promptly recanted their earlier denials under oath and admitted their voices and participation in the phone call,” the report said.
The over 70-page report which covered the work of the committee chaired by the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea cleared the IGP of allegations made by the three officers.
Among other things, the committee established the authenticity of the leaked tape, it established that the three senior police officers conspired to remove the IGP from office for the replacement of their own (COP George Mensah).
The committee further established that the objective of the plot was to help the officers take charge of election security management and favour their party, the New Patriotic Party to “break the 8.”
In line with the committee’s terms of reference, it also established that the officers by their actions, misconducted themselves against the constitution and misconducted themselves under the Police Service Act, 1970 (ACT 350) and the Police Service Regulations, 2012, (C. I. 76).
According to the committee, the actions of the three senior officers could affect the integrity of the 2024 general elections.
“The three senior police officers namely, COP Alex Mensah, Supt. George Lysander Asare and Supt. Eric Emmanuel Gyebi involved in the conspiracy to remove the IGP should be referred for further investigation and possible prosecution for perjury under the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29) and professional misconduct under the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350) and the Police Service Regulations, 2012, (C.I. 76),” the committee recommended.
National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, widely known as Nana B, has addressed a suggestion urging the NPP to commence preparations for their transition documents in anticipation of the 2024 general elections.
The remark was issued by Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who holds the position of National Chairman within the primary opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Nana B remarked that there is no necessity for such preparations, confidently stating that the NDC is destined to lose the 2024 general elections.
During an interview on Peace FM on January 9, 2023, he shared the perspective that Ghanaians have already grown disillusioned with the NDC’s candidate, former president John Dramani Mahama. Consequently, he urged the party to abstain from disseminating misinformation among their supporters.
“NDC has been playing games all along. Yesterday, Asiedu Nketiah addressed the press conference, the same person who claimed NDC won the 2020 election and vowed to go to court. However, he was also the witness who testified, not realizing that their collated results were baseless,” he said.
He continued “NDC will lose this election, and they should be careful not to go and lie to their supporters as they have been doing always because nobody is going to rig any election.”
Highlighting the perceived unpopularity of the NDC’s presidential candidate, Nana B suggested that Ghanaians have grown weary of John Dramani Mahama.
“Ghanaians already know their presidential candidate, and they are no longer interested in him. His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will become the president of this country,” he added.
Ahead of the scheduled parliamentary primaries on January 27, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has disclosed the disqualification of eleven prospective candidates.
The revelation of the disqualifications came to light in a summary detailing the results of the vetting process conducted last week. Specific reasons for the disqualifications were not provided.
Speaking to the press in Accra, Evans Nimako, the Director of Elections, underscored that the vetting procedure strictly adhered to the party’s constitution.
He emphasized the party’s dedication to carrying out a vetting process that is both fair and transparent.
Nimako stated, “If you look at the party’s constitution, it has been done in a very free, fair and transparent manner. But, as I said, we are human, and that’s why the party has provided the opportunity for individuals who may feel aggrieved by some development to appeal through the National Parliaments Appeals Committee.”
Around 400 individuals acquired forms to enter the NPP Parliamentary race, and among them, 373 underwent the vetting process. Of these, 11 candidates faced disqualification, 326 successfully qualified to compete, and two cases were forwarded to the National Executive Committee for additional scrutiny.
Apart from the disqualifications, two aspirants opted to withdraw voluntarily from the race. Additionally, 29 individuals faced no opposition, and one aspirant had their application considered incomplete due to a failure to fill out the required forms. Moreover, two aspirants did not appear before the vetting committee.
The NPP has previously conducted parliamentary primaries in orphaned constituencies. The upcoming January 27 election will now take place in constituencies where the party currently has incumbent Members of Parliament (MP).
Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has offered a candid advice to the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, in the lead up of the 2024 general elections.
Ahiagbah suggested that instead of planning for the 2024 general elections, the NDC‘s flagbearer and former President John Dramani Mahama should consider preparing for retirement.
In a direct message to Asiedu Nketiah, Ahiagbah emphasized the significance of looking towards the future and making strategic decisions for the party.
The statement implies a belief that Mahama’s political career should come to an end, prompting discussions about the NDC’s leadership and its approach to the upcoming elections.
As the political landscape evolves, the NPP’s communication director has positioned retirement as a consideration for Mahama, adding a layer of speculation to the dynamics leading up to the 2024 general elections.
The statement reflects the ongoing discourse surrounding political figures and their roles in shaping the future of their respective parties.
He has made a projection concerning the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s performance in the upcoming elections. Ahiagbah anticipates that the NDC will face defeat in this year’s elections, adding to the political speculation surrounding the competitive landscape leading up to the polls.
He was reacting to Mr Asiedu Nketiah’s comment that the NPP administration should start preparing their handing over notes.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, January 8, Mr Asiedu Nketiah said “They will fail because no power can defeat an organized and determined people struggling for their freedom. Truth is, Ghanaians have already abandoned the NPP and their followers. Therefore, the NPP ministers must begin preparing their handing over notes.
“Already, thousands of persons affiliated to the NPP have lost the District Level Elections. Yes, NPP people have miserably lost the Assembly and Unit Committee elections to members, supporters, and affiliates of the NDC.”
He added, “Ashanti and Eastern regions were also very impressive for the NDC compared to 2019 performance. Presently, even though the Electoral Commission unexpectedly postponed voting in some electoral areas in these two stronghold regions of the ruling NPP, NDC members and affiliates secured 34.13% and 45.52% of the electoral areas in Ashanti and Eastern regions respectively.”
But responding to him, the Director of Communication of the NPP Richard Ahiagbah, said the 2024 general election is about programmes and policies and not subtle ‘threats of violence’ and ‘vain’ innuendos.
He said the elections are about which candidate has the best policies and programmes to manage the economy. To him, the flagbearer of his party, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is next to lead the country ‘with humility, capacity, and the fear of God to unleash Ghana’s production potential to benefit all Ghanaians’.
In a statement he posted on his X platform, Mr Ahiagbah said “NDC should not get it twisted. We have seen you this confident and boastful before. Please note, Chairman Mosquito, where we have gotten to as people or a democracy, it is not simply a question of it is my turn or to propagate hardship. No no no…..Chairman. It is about programs and policies, not subtle threats of violence and vain innuendos. Bawumia is next to lead with humility, capacity and the fear of God to unleash Ghana’s production potential to benefit of all Ghanaians.
It is possible. There are difficulties to do with the economy, and it is the same globally. But it is coming back, and you know it. But regarding your suggestion to the NPP, respectfully Chairman, I think you should be the one preparing for retirement on 7th Dec 2024; because it will be your LAST DANCE, and it will end in defeat. So chill, Sir!
“I make you this promise Sir, the elections will be free and fair….Pls stop seeing the ghosts of your past electoral ways & means in your dream. I wish you a humble new year.”
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vowed to identify and bring to book persons responsible for the killing of eight individuals during the 2020 general elections.
The party, through its National Chairman, announced its unwavering commitment to uncover and bring to justice those responsible for the killings at a press brief on January 8, 2024.
At the press brief, he bemoaned the failure of the current administration to address the matter. He noted that his party will therefore go after the said perpetrators.
“You can run but you can’t hide,” he said.
has declared that the party will not extend congratulations to President Akufo-Addo following his 2020 victory.
His remark is in response to the President’s claim during a speech delivered ahead of theConstitution Daycelebration that former President John Dramani Mahama is yet to congratulate him after four years of winning the election.
Although the former President has come out to refute the claim, the Leadership of the NDC has defended the party’s stance on not congratulating the President.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah, at a press brief held on Monday, January 8, 2024, in commemoration of Constitution Day, noted that the NDC will not congratulate individuals who resort to murder as a means to secure political power in Ghana.
“We will not congratulate anybody who murders Ghanaians to secure power,” Johnson Asiedu Nketiah said.
Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has disclosed a crucial approach the party plans to implement in preparation for the upcoming general elections in December.
During an appearance on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning, Mustapha Gbande asserts that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has let down Ghanaians by not fulfilling its promises over the course of the past eight years.
He noted that the NDC plans to replay the NPP’s unfulfilled promises as a reminder to the public of the government’s ineffectiveness.
“We’re coming into government in 2024. We’ll hold the government accountable, and we’ll play back the government’s failed promises to Ghanaians. We’ll playback the inconsistencies,” Mustapha Gbande shared.
He stressed that the current leadership of the party is proficient and vibrantly working towards their victory in the upcoming elections.
Touching on who will be selected as running mate to flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, the deputy secretary said a vast number of people in the party have been trained for the purpose, and these individuals are currently lobbying for the position.
However, the decision lies with the flagbearer to nominate a suitable mate who is capable of supporting him.
“Many people have been groomed for a time like this. They have shown interest; they’re lobbying and engaging, but when you lobby, you’ll come to a position where people must select, and people must agree that they must balance region and experience; they must balance the person’s experience that he brings to the table. His width to be able to help the president because the vice president is the closest to the president; that’s why Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia can never exonerate himself from the ills of President Akufo-Addo.”
“So, the time will come when his Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the man Ghanaians are going to trust as the president, will choose one person, and we in the NDC will rally around him and get Ghanaians to rally around that individual to support the flagbearer to bring the NDC into government,” he said.
The specific individual, Mr. Gbande, did not mention. Nonetheless, he said that a lot of people are on the list, including himself, because he is of the view that the party needs young people to put in ‘young energy.’ But it is dependent on the elders to appoint who is qualified for the role, depending on the selection criteria.
He asserted that John Mahama has been given the mandate and ample time to select his trusted running mate, which will be announced soon.
Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, has underscored the conviction that hard work, not mere belief, is the key to winning elections.
In a bold declaration, Mr Agyepong, firmly asserted his disapproval of sloganeering, making it clear that he has never endorsed or mentioned the party’s “Breaking the Eight” slogan.
Kwabena Agyepong conveyed this information during an interview with Accra-based TV3.
He said, “I have never used the word break the 8, I don’t like slogans, I don’t like sloganeering, I believe in hard work”.
Kwabena Agyepong further indicated that the NPP has done greatly in terms of infrastructural development across the country.
“Looking at the record of this government, there are quite a number of things you can speak to. Like infrastructural development. I am a civil engineer, and I speak with a lot of experience regarding that.
“I don’t think I’ve seen a government that has touched so many roads across the country all at the same time,” he said.
be succeeded in the Assin Central constituency following the 2024 general elections, as he did not submit nomination forms for the rulingNew Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary primaries.
This marks a significant change for the constituency, which has been represented by Agyapong for over 25 years.
Despite earlier speculations that potential successors like John Boadu, former General Secretary of the NPP, and acting director-general of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), or Ken Agyapong’s son, Kenneth Agyapong Jnr, might step in, neither candidate has picked up nomination forms for the NPP parliamentary primaries.
The vetting process for the four contenders who submitted forms took place on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
1. Godfred Nti Anewu
Godfred Nti Anewu is a businessman, a philanthropist and a politician. This would be the first time he is contesting in the parliamentary primaries for Assin North.
2. Eric Kwadwo Baidoo
Eric Kwadwo Baidoo, a native of Assin Central, filed his nomination in the 2020 NPP parliamentary primaries to contest against Ken Agyapong but was disqualified.
Baidoo is well-educated, holding a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from KNUST and an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Howard University in Washington, DC, classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities in the USA.”
Currently pursuing a second Master’s degree at Harvard University in Strategic Management and International Business, Baidoo’s professional journey has involved overseeing various manufacturing operations across Asia, Europe, and America.
3. Joseph Adjei-Banin
Joseph Adjei-Banin is the deputy director of State Protocol at the Presidency, who also doubles as the chairman of the Joseph Adjei-Banin Foundation, a non-governmental organization.
4. Obed Kumi Awuah
Obed Kumi, a businessman, gained attention when he contributed GHC50,000 in support of Ken Agyapong’s candidacy for the NPP presidential candidate.
In the lead-up to the NPP primaries, a wave of controversy has swept through the party, with serious allegations of ‘mafia tactics’ being deployed by prominent Members of Parliament (MPs) to sideline their contenders.
In the midst of swirling controversy over alleged ‘mafia tactics,’ the party is forging ahead with advanced stages of its primary processes. The party is on the verge of completing the vetting of candidates, predominantly incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs) and challengers vying for their seats in the upcoming primaries.
Nevertheless, challenges have surfaced at numerous regional centers, with several candidates leveling accusations against incumbent MPs, as well as regional and constituency party executives. These allegations suggest a concerted effort to disqualify them from participating in the upcoming primaries.
Disqualified aspirants seeking NPP parliamentary candidacy have alleged that the party establishment unjustly disqualified them, with claims that such actions were taken to guarantee the incumbent MPs run unopposed in the upcoming primaries.
Here are some NPP MPs who have been accused of masterminding the disqualification of their opponent to go unopposed:
Lydia Alhassan:
A disqualified parliamentary candidate hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency, Samuel Amankwah, accused executives of the party of bribery.
He explained that along the process of his campaign to represent the party in the constituency, he was presented with an offer to step down for the incumbent Member of Parliament, Lydia Seyram Alhassan.
He explained, in a video shared by Citi FM on X, that he out rightly shot down this desire of the executives because he believed the people want him to contest the seat but he was unjustly disqualified during the vetting.
“… I, Kwabena Owusu Amankwah, am going to fight for each and every one of us. Look, we are going to appeal today. I am going to see my lawyers and appeal this case because it cannot happen. This is not the JB Danquah party. This is not the JA Kufuor party. This is not the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo party. It cannot happen,” he explained.
“How can you disqualify a candidate with just two candidates contest in the race? How? How on earth? This is purely a scheme, a game and an agenda against Amankwah. This is not just against Amankwah; this is against the youth of Ghana… against the youth of Ayawaso West Wuogon, and I, Kwabena Owusu Amankwah Samuel, we will fight for you,” he said.
Ambrose Dery
Another MP accused of foul play is the Member of Parliament for the Nandom Constituency, who doubles as the Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery.
The MP and the executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in his constituency have been accused of scheming to disqualify his contender for the party’s January 20 parliamentary primaries.
According to the disqualified NPP parliamentary candidate, Alois Mohl, the vetting committee for the parliamentary primaries told him they were not going to vet him because he failed to respond to a petition by the constituency executives.
He indicated that members of the vetting committee said they were not going to vet him because he had forfeited his membership of the party even before picking the nomination form for the primaries by his refusal to respond to the petition.
He said that the constituency executives of the party accused him of supporting an independent candidate and campaigning against Ambrose Dery during the 2012, 2016 and 2020 parliamentary elections, an allegation he had previously denied.
Alois Mohl indicated that he did not respond to the said petition because he felt it was just a letter which had no evidence of him campaigning against the current MP.
He said that he was forced to pick the nomination form for the primaries at the national office of the party because both the regional and constituency executives of the party were bent on preventing him from contesting Ambrose Dery.
“… you have accused me of campaigning against our parliamentary candidate in 2012, 2016 and 2020, but you took no action. And in 2023 there is an opportunity for anyone who wants to become an MP to pick a form and then you now want to invoke these proceedings, that clearly is bad fate,” he said as he was addressing the press after his disqualification on January 5, 2024.
He added that the “body language of the executives” indicated that they had already decided not to allow him to contest Ambrose Dery.
Ursula Owusu
The Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, who doubles as the MP for Ablekuma West Constituency, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has also been accused of scheming to remove her contender for the parliamentary candidature of her constituency for the 2024 elections.
Sylvia Manu, an NPP parliamentary candidate aspirant for Ablekuma West, has accused Ursula Owusu-Ekuful of masterminding her disqualification during vetting ahead of the parliamentary primaries.
According to a report by starfm.com.gh, Sylvia Manu, a grassroots politician, said Ursula Owusu worked through her friend and NPP National Women’s Organizer, Kate Gyamfua, who was the Chairperson of the vetting committee, to ensure that she (Sylvia Manu) was dropped from the race to enable Ursula win the contest.
She further alleged that the MP tried to induce her to step down from the contest.
“On Wednesday, a night before the vetting, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful sent Grace Acheampong the Greater Accra Women’s Organizer to come and see me with cash so that I step down from contesting the primary. She said Ursula asked her to tell me to name my price and I will be sorted so that I drop from the race. I told her to go and tell Ursula that I won’t step down and that I don’t like even her one cedi, because I am not ready to betray delegates of Ablekuma West who have reposed their trust in me. I know this was recorded because I saw Grace recording me and I also spoke my mind.”
She added: “When I appeared before the vetting committee, Kate Gyamfuor said she knows me and I have really worked in the NPP, but for the past two years, the work that I have done in the constituency is not remarkable and she’s not pleased with my level of work and so on that basis, she as the chairperson of the vetting committee was disqualifying me. She asked me to go and work much more in the constituency and contest the next time around. But I know all this is because I did not step down for Ursula, they have found a means to disqualify me.”
Okyere Baafi:
Micheal Okyere Baafi, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, has been accused of foul play as his contenders in the primaries have been removed for what some are describing as meagre reasons.
According to a report by rainbowradioonline.com, the Eastern Regional Vetting Committee disqualified the contestant who filed nominations to contest Okyere Baafi in the New Juaben South primaries, Yaa Ansah.
The report indicated that Yaa Ansah was out of the country during the original date scheduled for the vetting but was allowed to meet with the vetting committee on, Thursday, January 4, 2024.
She was however disqualified after a petition was submitted before the committee over impersonation allegations.
Yaa Ansah’s disqualification means Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi will run unopposed for the New Juaben South Constituency parliamentary primary.
The Eastern Regional NPP Secretary, Tony Osei Adjei speaking to journalists on the matter said “Some members said their names had been used and top-printed on Madam Yaa Ansah’s forms, which they did not authorize. The committee was petitioned, and we called the petitioner, and he agreed that he wrote the petition. We asked Yaa Ansah, who said the petitioner consented to using his name, which the petitioner insisted he didn’t. So, there was an issue of impersonation, and we had to hold on to her vetting and refer the matter to the national level for redress.
“As it stands now, she has been disqualified by the vetting committee. So, unless there is an appeal or whatever, if she pulls through successfully, the MP [Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi] will go unopposed.”
Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Madam Mavis Hawa Koomson, is vigorously making her case for re-election, highlighting her extensive credentials and notable achievements within the constituency.
Expressing her aspirations for a fourth term in Parliament, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development emphasizes that she has already made a substantial impact in numerous developmental areas within her constituency and asserts her continued dedication to addressing constituents’ needs.
Addressing the media following her vetting in Cape Coast, she highlighted her investments in education, health, road infrastructure, water, and security, among other sectors, with the aim of enhancing the overall quality of life for the constituents.
“I am putting up a police regional headquarters for the Central East Police Regional Command in my constituency to enhance security,” she said.
“I’m also providing boreholes to provide potable water to areas without pipe borne water until they are finally connected.”
Considering the vast area of her constituency, it was difficult to notice the development projects she had undertaken, but they existed and she was poised to add more, Madam Koomson noted.
She indicated that with her experience, affable personality and achievements, she stood tall among her contenders.
She is being contested by Mr Bernard Ayeh Danquah and Mr Eric Kwaku Boateng.
Director of Elections for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Evans Nimako, has asserted that those responsible for any attack on the party’s offices will face the full force of the law.
During an inteirview, Mr Nimako noted that despite a smooth process, the vetting was marred by a little chaos.
He described the ongoing vetting of parliamentary aspirants in constituencies nationwide with incumbent parliamentarians by the party as largely successful.
The vetting, which is expected to end on Friday, January 5, began on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
The vetting is ahead of the party’s parliamentary primaries set for January 7, 2024.
When asked to describe the vetting process so far during the interview, he said, “It has been very smooth; not too many issues have come up.”
He added, “We are looking at constituencies numbering 134, you know, we have 137 constituencies where we have sitting members of Parliament but three of them are not participating.”
Touching on reports of attacks on properties at the party’s Bimbilla office following the disqualification of Alhaji Razak, Nimako said the culprits will be made to face the law in accordance with the party’s rules.
“Those who have attacked the party’s office will have to face the law, prospective candidates must know how to seek redress for their concerns,” he said.
“The gentleman in question will have to go through other engagements with the party to ascertain the full development, and as we speak the responsibility lies with the vetting committee to furnish the party with the details,” Nimako added.
Generally, 23 applicants in the ongoing process went unopposed.
The Eastern Regional Vetting Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken a decisive stance by disqualifying two aspirants.
Madam Yaa Ansah, who aimed to challenge Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and MP for New Juaben South, and Frank Aidoo, the Municipal Chief Executive of Akuapem South, have been disqualified from the party’s electoral process. This decision sets the stage for a dynamic political landscape as the party moves forward in its candidate selection for the upcoming elections.
Yaa Ansah, who was outside the country’s jurisdiction on January 3,2024, when she was slated to meet the committee, arrived significantly behind schedule.
Nevertheless, she was granted a hearing on January 4, 2024, for the vetting process. Following a petition submitted to the committee by a complainant, Madam Yaa Ansah faced disqualification over allegations of impersonation.
Yaa Ansah’s disqualification now means Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi will contest the New Juaben South Constituency seat unopposed.
On the other hand, the Municipal Chief Executive of Akuapem South, Frank Aidoo, was disqualified for not stepping down from his position as the MCE before filing his forms to contest the Akuapem South seat, where the sitting MP OB Amoah is also seeking another term in office.
The Eastern Regional NPP Secretary, Tony Osei Adjei, explained that Madam Yaa Ansah was disqualified for impersonation.
“Some members said their names had been used and top-printed on Madam Yaa Ansah’s forms, which they did not authorize. The committee was petitioned, and we called the petitioner, and he agreed that he wrote the petition. We asked Yaa Ansah, who said the petitioner consented to using his name, which the petitioner insisted he didn’t. So, there was an issue of impersonation, and we had to hold on to her vetting and refer the matter to the national level for redress.
“As it stands now, she has been disqualified by the vetting committee. So, unless there is an appeal or whatever, if she pulls through successfully, the MP [Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi] will go unopposed.”
The competition for the parliamentary primary within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Bekwai Constituency has intensified after the effective vetting of four candidates.
Among the contenders are George Alex Mensah, a retired Commissioner of Police, Ralph Poku-Adusei, Kingsley Opoku Agyemang, and Henry Opoku-Ware, who have all successfully undergone the vetting process.
Each candidate has conveyed unwavering confidence in their ability to succeed the outgoing Member of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, and assume the role of the next Member of Parliament for the Bekwai Constituency.
The former police chief, however, has put percentages to his expected victory come January 27, 2024.
“I am going to bring unity to the party because we have to break the 8, and it is only unity that will help us break the 8, and that is what I am going to do.
“I am going to do everything that I have to do to bring improvement to the community. With the percent that I am going to get, it should be more than 60 percent,” he added.
Mensah gained popularity in the latter part of his police career when it emerged that he was involved in a plot with an NPP heavyweight in seeking to oust current Inspector-General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare.
He subsequently appeared before a parliamentary probe and made further explosive revelations including confirming his political leanings. He is the third former police commissioner seeking to run on the ticket of the NPP.
General Secretary for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has called upon the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to undertake a comprehensive internal cleansing, contending that there exists significant decay within the ranks of the main opposition party.
Addressing the commemorative anniversary of the 2023 edition of the 31st December Revolution in Accra, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) asserted that the challenges within the NDC surpassed those of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“There is real decay and that decay continues to be in the NDC today. So, I don’t want us the NDC to pretend that 31st (December) is simply a day to bash NPP, (the) NPP is not the issue, the issue is bigger than NPP.
“The decay even within the NDC must stop with that blazing fire and that is what this business is about,” a charged Kwetey submitted.
He stressed that unless the NDC rids itself of the internal decay, the 2024 victory will be meaningless.
“It is in vain if we win power only to continue what we see, only to do some of the things that we are seeing and only to claim we are doing less, that is not enough,” he cautioned.
31st December in 1981 marked the second coming into office of former president Jerry John Rawlings as a military leader.
Kwetey’s comments has excited former Deputy General Secretary, Samuel Koku Anyidoho , who has proclaimed vindication over his position that the party was suffering moral decadence.
Referencing Kwetey’s submission that the NDC needed to clean its house, Anyidoho suggested that his purported sacking from the party was because of similar calls.
He challenged the current chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah and leader of the party, John Dramani Mahama; to take similar action against Kwetey because Asiedu Nketiah as the then party scribe oversaw the process that led to Anyidoho’s expulsion for anti-party conduct.
“Let the Chairman and the Leader of the NDC dare come out and sack the General Secretary if they have the “balls” to do so,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Two aspirants in the ongoing New Patriotic Party’s Parliamentary primaries vetting have been disqualified in the Greater Accra Region.
The two aspirants have been identified as Mr Richard Hagan from Okaikoi South Constituency and Mr Samuel Owusu Amankwah from Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, and have been disqualified for different reasons.
For Mr Hagan, he was disqualified for late submission of his nomination forms while Mr Amankwah was disqualified for not being in good standing.
However, 11 others from six constituencies in the region were approved by the Committee after meeting the Party’s constitutional requirements.
They included Madam Dakoa Newman from OkaiKoi South; Dr Adomako Kissi, incumbent MP for Anyaa Sowutuom and his contender Elder Emmanuel Tobbin and Nana Boakye and Mr Robert Richard Siapim from Tema West.
Incumbent MP for Dome-Kwabenya, Ms Sarah Adwoa Safo, Mr Michael Oquaye and Sheila Oppong Sakyi, were all approved by the Committee, while in Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro, incumbent MP, Mr Sylvester Tetteh together with his two contenders – Vida Agyekum Acheampong and Mr Eric Kojo Kuranchie, were also passed.
Dr Adomako Kissi, incumbent MP for Anyaa Sowutuom, addressing the media after sailing through the process, said maintaining him as Parliamentary Candidate would better the chances of the Party in retaining the seat.
He explained that, with the Party about to lose a chunk of its experienced legislators in the coming Parliament, his experience in the 8th Parliament would come in handy.
Ms Adwoa Safo, Aspirant for Dome-Kwabenya, said she was confident of winning the Party’s primaries and retaining the seat in the 2024 general election.
According to her, she still retained the trust and confidence of her constituents despite the issues that had characterised her second tenure.
Meanwhile, Mr Michael Oquaye, said he was confident of beating Adwoa Safo this time and retaining the seat for the NPP come December 7, 2024.
Addressing the media in an interview after the first day of the vetting exercise, Mr Daniel Parker Odarlai France, Greater Accra Regional Secretary of the NPP, expressed satisfaction about the process so far.
“During the orphan constituency vetting, there was chaos here but, today, as you can see, this place has been quiet and orderly,” he said.
On the disqualification of the two aspirants, Mr France said they failed to meet aspects of the Party’s constitution.
He explained that Mr Hagan was disqualified because he failed to submit his nomination forms before the deadline.
“For Mr Samuel Owusu Amankwah, we asked him if he pays his dues which he said he does, but he didn’t know we also had copies about all members who pay their dues. So, after we showed him copies, he said he paid three months in the morning.
“For the past two years, you have not paid your dues. It means you are not good a standing member of the Party,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Hagan, in an interview with the media after his disqualification, said he would not appeal the decision but would rather support the sole aspirant and the Party to ensure victory in the 2024 general election.
The Party will hold elections for constituencies with sitting MPs on January 27, 2024. Fourteen of those constituencies are in the Greater Accra Region.
The Ashanti regional office of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has successfully vetted more than 60 parliamentary aspirants. The vetting process marks a crucial stage in the party’s preparation for the electoral contest.
In a notable development, Opoku Ahwenie, one of the five aspirants for the Ahafo Ano South-West parliamentary primary, has withdrawn from the race. Citing a commitment to preserving the integrity of the polls in the constituency, Ahwenie’s decision adds a unique dimension to the unfolding dynamics of the NPP’s electoral process.
Kwame Adom Appiah, the Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region, formally acknowledged the receipt of the withdrawal notice from aspirant Opoku Ahwenie.
The confirmation adds a procedural note to the unfolding events surrounding the parliamentary primary in Ahafo Ano South-West.
The Vetting Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region has dismissed a petition aimed at disqualifying Sammy Binfoh Darkwa from the parliamentary race in Adansi Asokwa. The committee’s ruling adds a significant development to the unfolding dynamics of the party’s selection process in the constituency.
During the initial day of the vetting process, the Committee was presented with a petition from 14 constituency executives and their Member of Parliament, K.T Hammond, urging the disqualification of the deputy managing director of the Ghana Publishing Company.
Following extensive hours of deliberation on the petition, the Committee absolved Mr Binfoh Darkwa, dismissing all allegations leveled against him.
In an interview, Sammy Binfoh Darkwa said he is ready to defend himself against all the allegations levelled against him.
“I faced the Committee and came out successful. The Committee analysed the allegation and I was vindicated. I will always defend myself against any form of allegation” he said.
Mr. K.T Hammond while responding to the petition, says the accused person knows nothing about the constituency which is a breach of Article 12(4) and (7).
“Go and ask them if they know anything about the constituency. Go and ask them. What do they know about the constituency?” he asked.
After day one of the vetting, all four aspirants eyeing the Adansi Asokwa constituency seat on the ticket of the NPP have been cleared to contest.
Last night, the White restaurant at Marina Mall, Airport City, transformed into a haven of sophistication as it played host to the exclusive 2023 Masquerade Ball. The illustrious gathering saw a fusion of 100 top personalities, spanning the realms of politics, business, and societal influence.
The evening commenced with a mesmerizing red carpet grand entrance, where each guest, shrouded in mystique behind exquisite masks, added an air of intrigue to the affair. Politicians from both the ruling NPP and the opposition NDC mingled seamlessly with influential business tycoons, creating an atmosphere that buzzed with conversations at the intersection of power and influence.
Inside the venue, a symphony of culinary delights awaited the attendees. Food stations adorned with gourmet delicacies, a themed bar serving bespoke concoctions, and a wine & bubbly station offering the finest libations elevated the gastronomic experience.
The stage was set for a night of entertainment that transcended ordinary revelry. A live band’s enchanting melodies filled the air, complemented by the rhythmic beats of a live DJ. Dazzling dancers and captivating shows added a layer of theatrical brilliance to the event.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the Masquerade Ball served as a nexus for networking opportunities. Patrons seized the chance to forge connections, fostering relationships that extended far beyond the confines of the ballroom.
As the night unfolded, masks came off, revealing the faces behind the influential personas that graced the occasion. The echoes of laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the hum of meaningful conversations lingered in the air, creating a tapestry of memories that would be etched in the minds of those fortunate enough to attend this exclusive gathering.
A disqualified parliamentary candidate hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency, Samuel Amankwah, has leveled accusations against party executives, alleging instances of bribery.
He clarified that during the course of his campaign to secure the party’s representation in the constituency, he was confronted with a proposal to withdraw his candidacy in favor of the incumbent Member of Parliament, Lydia Seyram Alhassan.
In a video disseminated by Citi FM on X, he elaborated on his stance, stating that he categorically rejected the executives’ request as he firmly believes the constituents desire him to vie for the seat.
Amankwah, however, added that he was surprised when he was eventually disqualified from the race.
“After a couple of meetings with very high-powered gentlemen and executives of the party, persuading me to step down for the incumbent, which I told them in all humility, will not happen because the delegates; the constituents are calling for Amankwah.
“After the vetting; after two successive meetings, spanning over 3 hours, they are telling us Amankwah is not qualified to contest the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat. Fortunately, we have an appeal process to embark on. I think this will be a very nice journey. It’s a battle for the youth of Ghana and the youth of Ayawaso West Wuogon,” he added.
Indicating his readiness to go all out to seek justice in this process, Samuel Amankwah said what happened is a scheme against him and the youth of the country.
He has vowed to go all out to ensure that the right thing is done and that he gets back into the race.
“… I, Kwabena Owusu Amankwah, am going to fight for each and every one of us. Look, we are going to appeal today. I am going to see my lawyers and appeal this case because it cannot happen. This is not the JB Danquah party. This is not the JA Kufuor party. This is not the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo party. It cannot happen,” he explained.
“How can you disqualify a candidate with just two candidates contesting. How? How on earth? This is purely a scheme, a game and an agenda against Amankwah. This is not just against Amankwah; this is against the youth of Ghana… against the youth of Ayawaso West Wuogon, and I, Kwabena Owusu Amankwah Samuel, we will fight for you,” he said.
The New Patriotic Party is currently vetting candidates who have presented themselves to contest the various constituency seats in the country on the ticket of the party.
The primaries that will see to the election of these parliamentary candidates will be held in the last week of January 2024.
Former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has affirmed the significance of Ghanaian voters, assuring them that their ballots will hold weight in the upcoming elections on December 7, 2024.
Emphasizing the necessity for a change, former President John Dramani Mahama declares that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is committed to safeguarding the votes of the Ghanaian people.
“Change is coming! I am confident that together we will change the direction of this country – THIS YEAR – on December 7, 2024, and build a brighter future for Ghana. A future you will be proud of. Let me assure you that your votes will count because we shall protect and secure them,” he said in a New Year speech.
John Dramani. Mahama used the opportunity to call on the people of Ghana to support him build a more prosperous nation.
“By working together, we shall overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous and inclusive nation. I call on all of you to join me in this endeavour. Lend your support and actively engage with my outlined vision. This call to national duty is bigger than any individual interest,” he said.
Ghana’s Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has underscored the significance of retaining the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in power.
He argues that the most effective way to acknowledge the substantial transformation witnessed in Ghana over the past seven years is to continue supporting the NPP, attributing the progress to the party’s initiatives.
He emphasized that any decision deviating from the retention of the ruling party by Ghanaians would disrupt the ongoing transformation agenda, which has been demonstrating positive outcomes across all sectors of the economy.
Speaking at a ceremony to distribute Christmas gifts to over 500 widows in Jachie, Dr Adutwum emphasized that there is no legal restriction preventing Ghanaians from granting their mandate to a party that has demonstrated performance, enabling it to continue leading even after eight years in office.
“One good term deserves another, and I believe you are all witnesses to the massive infrastructural development that this government has undertaken here in Bosomtwe,” he told the widows.
Over the past seven years, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, has consistently expressed kindness towards selected widows in the constituency. On New Year’s Day, he continued this heartwarming tradition by presenting Christmas gifts to these deserving individuals.
Each recipient, representing various electoral areas within the constituency, was given a piece of cloth and a token, ensuring they could partake in the festive season with some joy and comfort.
Dr Adutwum argued that the level of impact that the free senior high school policy had had on every Ghanaian home was unprecedented.
To him, no government could manage and sustain the policy better than the NPP and stressed the need to maintain the party to protect its legacy under the leadership of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
The NPP, according to him, remained the best option to drive Ghana’s development agenda to the desired destination anchored on digitalisation.
He told his constituents to continue to keep faith with the NPP to benefit from more development projects and the completion of ongoing ones across the constituency.
He assured them of the completion of the main road from Kumasi to Kuntanase which is currently at Abidjan Nkwanta to boost the local economy.
The Minister encouraged the women to take keen interest in the education of their children and grandchildren, reminding them of how their education could turn around the fortunes of their families.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is scheduled to initiate the vetting process for aspiring parliamentary candidates within constituencies featuring incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs), commencing today, Wednesday, January 3.
The vetting sessions will be held in all regional capitals nationwide.
The party has formed multiple committees to supervise and streamline the vetting procedures.
Prominent figures appointed as national representatives on these committees include NPP National Organizer Henry Nana Boakye, NPP National Women Organizer Kate Gyamfua, Prof Addai Mensah, Gary Nimako, and other distinguished individuals.
In a directive conveyed through an official statement signed by the General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, all regional executive committees have been mandated to communicate this decision to their respective constituencies.
Furious supporters of Alhaji Nuhu Zaruk, a contender in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries for the Bimbilla constituency, have unleashed havoc by vandalizing the party’s office.
Chaos erupted at the constituency office on the evening of Tuesday, January 2, 2024, as fervent supporters demanded explanations regarding the removal of Alhaji Zaruk’s name from the vetting list in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries for the Bimbilla constituency.
Seeking justification for the omission, the disgruntled supporters congregated at the constituency office, vocalizing their dissatisfaction and issuing threats to set the party office on fire unless Alhaji Zaruk’s name is promptly reinstated.
The situation escalated as they burned tires and threw stones at the office, prompting the intervention of the military to disperse the agitated supporters.
Meanwhile, the vetting of the aspirants starts today.
The Hohoe Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region has enforced disciplinary measures, ousting Ibrahim Abass, a branch member.
Abass faced expulsion over allegations of supporting Mr. John Peter Amewu, a Member of Parliament affiliated with the rival New Patriotic Party (NPP), during the nomination filing process. The expulsion underscores the party’s commitment to maintaining internal allegiance and discipline within its ranks.
The dismissal of Ibrahim Abass from the Hohoe Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was officially communicated through a letter signed by Mr. Newton Darkey, the Constituency Chairman. Dated 26/12/2023, the letter formalized the decision and copies were distributed to key figures, including the Volta Regional Chairman, Ward Coordinators, and Branch Executives. This administrative move highlights the structured and formalized nature of the disciplinary action taken against Abass.
The expulsion of Mr. Ibrahim Abass from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was rationalized on the grounds of upholding party discipline. The NDC, citing anti-party behavior, referenced Article 48, Clause (B) of the party’s constitution to justify its decision. This clause specifically addresses actions or conduct deemed likely to embarrass the party or subject it to hatred, ridicule, or contempt, emphasizing the party’s commitment to adhering to its constitutional principles.
Mr Newton Darkey emphasized the seriousness of the alleged misconduct, stating, “We see this as anti-party behaviour and stand against the Constitution of the party.”
The decision to expel Mr Abass was made in light of his perceived support for the NPP’s John Peter Amewu during the filing of nomination forms in the Hoehoe Constituency. The party pointed to photographic and video evidence circulating widely as proof of his presence at the event.
The expulsion serves as a clear message from the NDC regarding the importance of party loyalty and discipline. The party encourages its members to adhere to the principles and values outlined in its constitution and discourages any conduct that may compromise the party’s unity or public image.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) has unveiled committees responsible for overseeing the vetting process of Parliamentary aspirants in constituencies with incumbent MPs.
This announcement came through a press statement dated January 1, 2024, signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.
As outlined in the statement, the vetting of aspiring Parliamentary Candidates is slated to occur in all regional capitals from Wednesday, January 3, 2024, to Friday, January 5, 2024.
Additionally, the NPP has directed all Regional Executive Committees to ensure the prompt dissemination of information concerning the date, time, and venue of the vetting process to their respective constituencies and aspiring parliamentary Candidates.
The press statement also disclosed that the party has designated specific individuals to serve as National representatives on the vetting committees across different regions.
Furthermore, the vetting process for aspiring Parliamentary Candidates in the Bawku Central, Ketu North, and Akatsi North constituencies has received confirmation from the party.
In addition, the statement outlined the establishment of a National Parliamentary Appeals Committee (NPAC) tasked with addressing appeals from aspirants and other stakeholders.
The NPP conveyed its expectation of full cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure the seamless conduct of the primaries and extended its best wishes to allaspiring candidates.
A member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), James Agbey, has issued a formidable warning to Ernest Owusu-Bempah, the deputy communication director of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). This development underscores heightened tensions between key figures from opposing political parties.
Alleging unwarranted attacks on the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, James Agbey claims that Ernest Owusu-Bempah, the Executive Director of the Ghana National Gas Company Limited, has been needlessly targeting Mahama. This assertion points to escalating political tensions and exchanges between individuals associated with different parties.
In a statement released to GhanaWeb, James Agbey declared that members of his party would handle Ernest Owusu-Bempeh with severity if he persists in his attacks on Mahama, the former president of Ghana. This statement further accentuates the intensifying political friction and the potential for increased confrontations between the two parties.
“Politicians have a duty to uphold the highest standards. We are entrusted by the public to safeguard and protect our democracy. Failing to do so and allowing characters like Owusu-Bempah to taint the halls of power risks the very foundation of our democracy.
“It is no secret that this weakling and pathetic stooge is incredibly fixated with the former president. Let me assure him that we have taken notice of him and we’re coming for him,” the NDC operative wrote.
He added that, “I, James Agbey, acting on behalf of my colleague operatives in the NDC can assure Owusu-Bempah that the NPP will be sent parking out of the Jubilee House on December 7 through the ballot box, and there’s absolutely nothing he can do about that. However, if his likes decide to play the long game, then he should be ready to pay the price for his clownish politics”.
Read the full statement by James Agbey below:
For Immediate Release
Tuesday 2nd January 2024
NDC Operative warns: We will deal ruthlessly with Owusu-Bempah if his attacks on Mahama continues ———-
I have become aware of yet another dose of Ernest Owusu-Bempah’s mindless drivel directed at His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the former president of Ghana.
Ernest Owusu-Bempah infamously has no shame when it comes to disparaging others, but he should make an exception and be ashamed of his recent, continuing attacks on former President John Mahama.
Instead, he continues to prove that he is a man without character and backbone.
His Facebook post yesterday was almost deranged in its utter lack of conviction. Typical of Owusu-Bempah, he once again portrayed President Mahama as a failure, and even went further to assassinate the character of the former president.
I’ve long been convinced that this Owusu-Bempah boy ought to have his head examined. His blend of nastiness, pettiness and general mental incompetence marked him out as a social misfit.
Indeed, it is quite astonishing just how little Owusu-Bempah cares for anyone but himself yet managed to persuade a decent chunk of NPP insiders that he is fit enough to work as a public servant in a department that was incorporated under the Mahama/Mahama regime .
Owusu-Bempah has got the comfort blanket of Ghana Gas Company Limited to keep him warm and so he feels he is untouchable.
When are these twats in government going to wake up and realise that Ghana isn’t their personal property?
That we have such a comical character parading himself as a politcal player is a stain on our country.
Quite clearly, the likes of Owusu-Bempah hasn’t figured out yet that picking a curious series of public fights on social media and its related confrontational stunts also reflects his thinking as a public servant.
Politicians have a duty to uphold the highest standards. We are entrusted by the public to safeguard and protect our democracy. Failing to do so and allowing characters like Owusu-Bempah to taint the halls of power risks the very foundation of our democracy.
It is no secret that this weakling and pathetic stooge is incredibly fixated with the former president. Let me assure him that we have taken notice of him and we’re coming for him.
I, James Agbey, acting on behalf of my colleague operatives in the NDC can assure Owusu-Bempah that the NPP will be sent parking out of the Jubilee House on December 7 through the ballot box, and there’s absolutely nothing he can do about that. However, if his likes decides to play the long game, then he should be ready to pay the price for his clownish politics.
Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has asserted that the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has demonstrated its trustworthiness in the education of Ghanaian children.
This declaration underscores the party’s commitment and track record in the educational sector under its leadership.
Addressing the 63rd Conference of the Ghana Muslim Mission in Kumasi on Saturday, December 31, Vice President Dr. Bawumia emphasized that with 7 years of dedicated investment in the Free SHS policy and its evident positive impact, the NPP proudly presents a substantial track record in effectively overseeing the education of Ghanaian children.
Dr. Bawumia, who listed the successes of the Free SHS policy, including an increase in enrollment from 800,000 to 1.4m in seven years and gender parity in enrollment, said some people predicted doom for Free SHS, and are now denigrating the success of the policy.
“While the government rolled out the Free SHS policy, much to the excitement and relief of parents, some pessimists predicted doom for Free SHS,” said Dr. Bawumia.
“They said Free SHS was a scam. They said it was 419 and they said if they 2 billion cedis to spend, they won’t spend it on Free SHS.” They said Free SHS will lower the quality of educational standards.
Dr. Bawumia added that “at the end of the 2023 WASSCE, nearly 70% of Ghanaian students who sat the exam passed, representing the highest pass rate since 2015.”
“There are those, who, instead of congratulating the students and their hard-working teachers for their remarkable success, are rather denigrating their efforts, by questioning the credibility of the score of the WAEC exams they wrote,”
Dr. Bawumia also reminded the audience that the last NDC government also cancelled allowances for teacher trainees, nursing trainees and Arabic instructors and it took The NPP government to restore these allowances. In addition, the NPP government introduced free TVET education.
While slamming the negative attitude of “Our opponent” to Free SHS and other educational initiatives, Dr. Bawumia concluded that “the future of the education of Ghanaian children will be safer in the hands of the NPP”.
“We, the NPP, have demonstrated that we can be trusted with the education of our children,” he said.
“Free SHS will not be safe in the hands of our main opponent. Let us not sacrifice the future of our children on the altar of people’s political ambitions,“ he added.
