Deputy Ashanti Regional Communications Director for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful Kennedy Agyapong, has revealed that their candidate is facing intense pressure from some top party members and government officials to withdraw from the flagbearership contest.
Ohemeng Ian Moore Ian Moore, said in an interview on Akoma FM on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, that some of the people who have been pleading with Kennedy to step aside allegedly include his close contenders, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
He claimed that Ken Ofori-Atta called Kennedy at dawn to withdraw from the race
“Today, it is the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Attathat they have appointed to plead with Kennedy Agyapong to withdraw from the race, to make way for Bawumia. But I say, with Kennedy, before you think about something, he has already thought ahead of you. I am not joking, I am talking with all seriousness. They have now changed their strategy, and today it is the Finance Minister they are using, he boldly said.
“And our honourable Kennedy Agyapong told them to stop playing around. So I am telling everyone, Kennedy Agyapong will not withdraw today or tomorrow,” he recounted in Asante Twi dialect.
Ian Moore also claimed that, individuals in the Dr Bawumia campaign team who have asked Kennedy to withdraw have admitted that they may not win the 2024 general elections without his support.
“They are also saying that if Kennedy does not campaign for the NPP, Bawumia will lose the elections… If you know you can’t win without Kennedy, why are you treating him badly?” he added.
Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flag, Alan Kyerematen, reportedly sought extensive advice before announcing his intention to withdraw from the party’s flagbearer election, according to host of Egyaso Gyaso on Okay FM, Afia Pokuaa , commonly known as, Vim Lady.
She claimed that Mr. Kyerematen had discussions with important people in the nation, including several notable chiefs in the Ashanti Region, which was thought to be his stronghold.
“Last Monday when I came, I questioned why Alan did not attend the Akwasidae like Bawumia who attended. Apparently, Alan was in Kumasi all that while.
“The truth of the matter is, before Alan would come out with his statement yesterday, he had met a number of prominent chiefs in the Ashanti Region which is his base.
“He had consulted extensively asking the leaders whether he should go ahead with the contest or not. Alan had consulted, so when he did not attend the Akwasidae, he was in Kumasi consulting.
“In fact he started the consultation from Accra and ended it throughout the weekend and the Monday in Kumasi,” she stated on the Wednesday, September 6, 2023, edition of her show.
In the late afternoon of September 5, 2023, Alan Kyerematen issued a press release announcing his decision to withdraw from the running to be the NPP’s flagbearer, claiming incidents of threats, intimidation, and assault against his agents during the party’s recently concluded special delegates congress.
Along with highlighting their inaction on the pressing concerns, he also charged the party’s leadership with skewing the election in favor of another candidate.
“After having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant. The pronouncements made by some leading Members of our Party both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations.
“The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our Party. In addition, the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eye sight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party. This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other Voting Centers, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable,” he lamented.
Mr. Kyerematen announced his decision to withdraw from the contest, citing his dedication to the security of his agents and followers. He believes the incident of August 26 will probably recur on November 4 when the party hosts a final delegates congress to nominate a flagbearer.
“Regrettably, I am not convinced that the circumstances I have referred to earlier, will not persist or even be escalated in the next round of elections, for which balloting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6 of September 2023.
“In light of the foregoing, I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023, In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well. wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups,” he stated.
Host of Egyaso Gyaso on Okay FM, Afia Pokuaa alias Vim Lady, alleges that there was a scheme by some people to incite trouble during a press conference that was meant to be addressed by Alan Kyerematen, a candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer position.
Vim Lady claims that the aforementioned event was abruptly canceled after Alan’s campaign staff learned that certain people had been paid to act as his fans during the news conference and cause mayhem.
“Some party members had been hired to mar Alan’s press conference. They were going to pose as Alan’s supporters and cause destruction and Alan said he will no longer go ahead with the press conference, he would rather release a statement,” he stated on the Wednesday, September 6, 2023, edition of her show.
In the late afternoon of September 5, 2023, Alan Kyerematen issued a press release announcing his decision to withdraw from the running to be the NPP’s flagbearer, claiming incidents of threats, intimidation, and assault against his agents during the party’s recently concluded special delegates congress.
Along with highlighting their inaction on the pressing concerns, he also charged the party’s leadership with skewing the election in favor of another candidate.
“After having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant. The pronouncements made by some leading Members of our Party both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations.
“The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our Party. In addition, the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eye sight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party. This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other Voting Centers, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable,” he lamented.
Mr. Kyerematen announced his decision to withdraw from the contest, citing his dedication to the security of his agents and followers. He believes the incident of August 26 will probably recur on November 4 when the party hosts a final delegates congress to nominate a flagbearer.
“Regrettably, I am not convinced that the circumstances I have referred to earlier, will not persist or even be escalated in the next round of elections, for which balloting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6 of September 2023.
“In light of the foregoing, I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023, In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well. wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups,” he stated.
The National Council of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has given its approval for the organization of an Extraordinary Constituency Delegates Conference.
This conference will encompass the vetting process for Parliamentary aspirants, scheduled to take place on Friday, September 8, 2023, at all Regional Party offices.
Following this, the Extraordinary Constituency Delegates Conference is scheduled for Sunday, September 10, 2023, at the Constituency level.
Numerous constituencies, including Suaman, Anlo, North Dayi, Nadowli/Kaleo, Sagnarigu, Kumbungu, Builsa North, Pusiga, Ada, Bolgatanga East, Tema East, La Dadekotopon, Buem, Biakoye, Amenfi West, New Edubiase, and Upper Manya Krobo, are expected to participate in this process.
A statement released by the Party and authorized by its General Secretary, Justin Kodua, has directed all Regional Executive Committees to take the requisite actions to ensure the seamless vetting of aspirants and the orderly execution of the Delegates’ Conference in the specified constituencies.
In the meantime, the balloting event planned for the remaining NPP flagbearer aspirants has been postponed.
Political marketing strategist affiliated with theUniversity of Ghana Business School, Prof. Kobby Mensah,has offered insights into the recent move by former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen to withdraw from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Primaries scheduled for November 4, 2023.
Alan Kyerematen, who secured the third position in the party’s August 26 special delegates conference, cited various reasons for his withdrawal. Among these reasons, he highlighted concerns about the intimidation faced by his agents and alleged that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically biased in favor of a specific aspirant.
Speaking to Kweku Temeng on GHOne’s News Tonight on Tuesday, September 05, 2023, Prof. Mensah expressed concerns about the NPP’s apparent departure from its long-standing emphasis on a collective leadership model. He recalled the days of former President John Agyekum Kufuor when the party championed the idea that “we have the men,” highlighting the NPP’s historical commitment to a collective approach.
“This move by Alan Kyerematen serves as an indictment on the NPP’s internal processes, especially for a party that has historically prided itself on its collective ethos,” noted Prof. Mensah. “Former President Kufuor consistently referred to the party’s collective nature. Unfortunately, it appears that the party is gradually shifting towards a more personality-centered approach.”
Prof. Mensah emphasised the significance of Alan Kyerematen’s withdrawal statement, which points out the alleged favouritism of a particular candidate within the NPP’s internal structures. He had expected that the party would take steps to address the concerns raised by Alan’s campaign team.
“So for me I think that it is not absolutely foreseen, I did not anticipate this coming. Of course, the campaign team had a lot of concerns, which I thought the party was going to deal with especially when they set up a committee to deal with the aftermath of the super delegate elections. Clearly, they were not interested in anything other than Kennedy Agyapong’s outburst against the President and the Vice- President, which was a shame.”
The political marketing strategist alsohighlighted Alan Kyerematen’s consistent stance against what he perceives as intimidation and unfair treatment of his supporters within the NPP. Prof. Mensah noted that Alan has been a vocal advocate for the equitable treatment of his backers and has consistently voiced concerns regarding the treatment of his supporters during party delegate elections.
“Alan Kyerematen’s decision to withdraw represents a principled stance,” emphasised Prof. Mensah. “He has consistently spoken out against perceived mistreatment of his supporters within the party, and this withdrawal underscores his commitment to defending what he believes is right.”
The Ghana Soya Bean Farmers and Aggregators Association has alleged that certain supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) engaged in commercial activities with the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs program.
Abdul Hakeem Issah, the association’s Director of Administration, stated that a significant amount of fertilizers intended for farmers were smuggled, with supplies that could benefit farmers being redirected to party members.
He emphasized that unless this issue is resolved, the success of the government’s second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative will be jeopardized.
“The first challenge has not been addressed, and we are bringing on another one,” he said. “With the earlier one, fertilizers were smuggled, and inputs were being given to party people instead of farmers. At the end of the day, party people were using these things to do business, and the resources were not getting to the farmers,” he said in an interview with CitiNews. “So, the point is that if these things are not checked, and the next thing comes on board, it will fail,” he added.
Mr. Issah’s statement coincides with the launch of Phase two of the Planting for Food and Jobs program by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on August 28, 2023.
The second phase of the PFJ initiative outlines a five-year strategy aimed at revolutionizing agriculture in Ghana. Its primary objectives are to promote modernization by enhancing specific commodity value chains and fostering active involvement from the private sector.
According to information provided by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Planting for Food and Jobs, a prominent agricultural campaign, was initially inaugurated on April 19, 2017.
In accordance with Article 7(31) of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) constitution, the Extraordinary Constituency Delegates Conference of the party has officially been announced by the National Council.
The primary objective of this conference is to select the party’s Parliamentary Candidates in specific constituencies.
On that note, the parliamentary aspirants’ vetting is slated for Friday, September 8, 2023, at the Regional Party Offices.
The Extraordinary Constituency Delegates Conference on the other hand, is scheduled for Sunday, September 10, 2023.
The constituencies involved are Suaman, Anlo, North Dayi, Nadowli/Kaleo, Sagnarigu, Kumbungu, Builsa North, Pusiga, Ada, Bolgatanga East, Tema East, La Dadekotopon, Buem, Biakoye, Amenfi West, New Edubiase, and Upper Manya Krobo.
The General Secretary’s statement also instructs the Regional Executive Committees to take necessary actions to ensure successful aspirant vetting and the smooth execution of the Delegates’ Conference in the mentioned constituencies.
The Election Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has suspended the balloting of positions for the party’s Primaries slated for November 4, 2023.
Spokesperson of the Committee, Alexander Afenyo Markin, made this known today, September 6, during an engagement with the media.
“The engagement was fruitful. The issues raised were all addressed. We have agreed to proceed with the guidelines, and when we are done, we will again serve you notice, and soon thereafter, we will proceed with the balloting,” he said.
He engaged the press following a crucial meeting held by the Election Committee and the party’s presidential aspirants as well as members of the Electoral Commission.
Present at the NPP headquarters were Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto.
Officials of the Electoral Commission (EC) led by Director of Electoral Services, Dr. Serebour Quaicoo, arrived at the venue to oversee the proceedings.
With Mr Kyerematen out of the race, Mr Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimo will contest against Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is considered the front runner in the party’s presidential elections.
The leadership of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has responded to claims of intimidation at the Super Delegates Conference by former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen.
Alan Kyerematen while announcing his withdrawal from the NPP presidential race on Tuesday, September 5, noted that his abysmal performance at the party’s just-ended Super Delegates Conference was due to the “level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions.”
Mr Kyerematen has noted that his polling agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eye sight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee.
In response, the party has not refuted or admitted to the claims.
However, in a press statement dated September 6, General Secretary, Justin Kodua noted that both the Elections Committee and the Disciplinary Committee have initiated comprehensive investigations into all reported incidents of violations and infractions that are alleged to have occurred at various voting centers during the super delegates election which was held on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
“We wish to reassure all stakeholders and the general public that the reports of the aforementioned committees will be made readily available and persons who may be found culpable of any wrongdoing will be held accountable,” the party concluded.
The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has acknowledged receipt of Alan Kyerematen’s letter announcing his decision to withdraw from the upcoming Presidential Primaries.
The ruling party made this known in a press release issued on September 6, which was signed by General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.
Earlier, Deputy General Secretary, Haruna Mohammed, noted that the party has not received official communication regarding Alan Kyerematen’s withdrawal from the presidential race.
He stated, “We have learned of this news through the media, but we have not officially received communication from a senior party member, Alan Kojo Kyerematen; the party has not yet officially received any communication (regarding his withdrawal).”
“The proper procedure would involve drafting a statement or a letter to the presidential elections committee… The elections committee will be prepared to receive him, his representatives, or his agents tomorrow (Wednesday) for the balloting,” he added.
But as it stands now, the party has been duly informed of Alan Kyerematen’s decision.
“The leadership of the New Patriotic Party hereby acknowledges the receipt of a letter dated September 5, 2023, signed by Hon. John Alan Kyerematen and the contents therein are duly noted. We note with regret Hon. Kyerematen’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming Presidential Primaries,” the Party noted in its statement.
Alan Kyerematen announced his withdrawal from the NPP presidential race on Tuesday, September 5, citing his abysmal performance at the party’s just-ended Super Delegates Conference and “level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions,” as reasons for his decision.
In response to his claims, the party has noted that both the Elections Committee and the Disciplinary Committee have initiated comprehensive investigations into all reported incidents of violations and infractions that are alleged to have occurred at various voting centers during the super delegates election which was held on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
“We wish to reassure all stakeholders and the general public that the reports of the aforementioned committees will be made readily available and persons who may be found culpable of any wrongdoing will be held accountable,” the party concluded.
A member of the Communications Team of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alfred Thompson, has blamed delegates he describes as hypocritical for former Trade Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen’s, withdrawal from the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential elections.
According to Mr Thompson, Mr Kyerematen was sweet-talked into believing he stood a great chance in his quest to becoming the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2024 elections.
He emphasised that the former Trade Minister wholeheartedly believed what was told him by delegates.
“To tell you the truth, if you listen to wholeheartedly to what delegates tell you, you will behave exactly like what has happened.
Because they will tell you all sorts of things just to make you happy and believe that you are going to win, and you will win convincingly. So when results come this way and you get those votes, you sit back and ask yourself, Is it that what the people are saying were true?” he quizzed during an interview on TV3.
Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen’s official withdrawal is contained in a press statement issued on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
According to the former minister, his withdrawal stems from his abysmal performance at the party’s just-ended Super Delegates Conference due to the interference of some leaders of the party.
In his statement, he said: “After having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant. The pronouncements made by some leading Members of our Party both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations.
If you listen wholeheartedly to what delegates tell you, you will behave exactly like what has happened – Alfred Thompson on Alan Kyerematen's withdrawal from the NPP flagbearer race.#TV3NewDaypic.twitter.com/sGNWjDkav1
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia won the super delegates conference held on August 26, with a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the total valid votes.
Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes, or 14.30% while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes, or 10.29%.
With Mr Kyerematen out of the race, Mr Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimo will contest against Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is considered the front runner in the party’s presidential elections.
On Sunday, the 27th of August 2023, I issued a public statement which made reference to the selection and shortlisting of Presidential Aspirants by the Special Electoral College convened by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the 26th of August 2023.
After having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant.
The pronouncements made by some leading Members of our Party both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations.
The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our Party.
In addition, the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eye sight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party.
This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other Voting Centers, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable. I am committed to, and value the safety of those who work with me and for me, and I will always fight for their interest.
The question I keep asking myself is, “How did we get here as a Party in the first place, and how far are we prepared to tread on this dangerous path to self-destruction?”
Regrettably, I am not convinced that the circumstances I have referred to earlier, will not persist or even be escalated in the next round of elections, for which balloting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6th of September 2023.
In light of the foregoing, I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023.
In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well- wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups.
I wish all the other Aspirants well as they continue on their journey. I also wish to use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude once again to my family, the Alan 4 President (A4P) Campaign Team, and all my teeming supporters in Ghana and from around the world, who have supported me in diverse ways over the years.
Please be assured that the battle is still the Lord’s, and that those who wait upon the Lord shall have their strength renewed.
God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong! .Signed…………. HON. ALAN KYEREMATEN
Former Trade Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has withdrawn from the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential elections.
His official withdrawal is contained in a press statement issued on September 5, 2023, signed by himself.
According to the former minister, his withdrawal stems from his abysmal performance at the party’s just-ended Super Delegates Conference.
“After having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant. The pronouncements made by some leading Members of our Party both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations,” he wrote.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia won the super delegates conference held on August 26, with a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the total valid votes.
Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes, or 14.30% while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes, or 10.29%.
In the recent release, Mr Alan Kyerematen further accused the party of allowing the “level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions.”
This, he said, is unprecedented in the history of the NPP.
“In addition, the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eye sight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party.
This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other Voting Centers, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable,” he added.
Mr Kyerematen is of the assertion that the path allegedly taken by the party is one that would lead to “self-destruction.”
He is of the opinion that the challenges raised will be “escalated in the next round of elections, for which balloting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6th of September 2023.”
In view of the aforementioned matters, Mr Alan Kyerematen announced that he is “honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023.”
He however revealed his intentions to update Ghanaians on the role he will play in the country’s politics in the next upcoming weeks.
Meanwhile, Mr Kyerematen has expressed his well wishes to the remaining individuals competing for the NPP flagbearership race.
“I wish all the other Aspirants well as they continue on their journey. I also wish to use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude once again to my family, the Alan 4 President (A4P) Campaign Team, and all my teeming supporters in Ghana and from around the world, who have supported me in diverse ways over the years.
“Please be assured that the battle is still the Lord’s, and that those who wait upon the Lord shall have their strength renewed,” he concluded.
With Mr Kyerematen out the race, Mr Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimo will contest against Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is considered the front runner in the party’s presidential elections.
A presidential aspirant of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, will not announce the future course of his campaign after the party’s Super Delegates’ Conference today as expected.
The former Trade Minister was to hold “Alan Speaks” at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.
Immediately after the election on Saturday, August 26, the former Trade and Industry Minister notified the public of his intention to conduct a public address outlining the way forward for his campaign, following a thorough analysis of the election results.
In his statement, Mr. Kyerematen, who secured the third position in the election, strongly criticized the reported assault on his North-East Regional Coordinator during the voting day.
He deemed the incident as unjustified and unnecessary, emphasizing that his representative had committed no wrongdoing at the voting center.
But in a Twitter post on Tuesday, September 5, Mr Alan Kyerematen noted that the presser has been cancelled. He failed to disclose the reason behind this new development.
However, he did apologise to the members of the general public for any inconvenience caused by his decision.
A baffling and captivating narrative has emerged from the ongoing probe into the alleged leaked plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, as the third witness in the probe has shed more light on a series of events that took place prior to the recording of the audio.
Supt George Asare has revealed that he received twelve consecutive phone calls from the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bugri Naabu. He noted that, while it was unusual, he didn’t suspect any ill intent.
“On the 19th of June Bugri Naabu at 2:13, Bugri Naabu called me twelve consecutive times (and when I finally answered) he told me there’s good news so I should do my best and come with COP. The last call was at 5:57, and for more than 3 hours, he still wanted to see me. I never knew there was any malice intended,” he recalled.
Narrating the events, he recalled that prior to these calls, he had previously had an engagement with Bugri Naabu who is also a chief.
He mentioned that Bugri Naabu had called once, requesting to meet him for a discussion. Upon receiving the request, he agreed to the meeting.
It was during this meeting that Bugri Naabu informed him that a new Inspector General of Police (IGP) is being sought.
“And he asked me if I had anyone in mind to recommend and I told him of course, yes, so he asked me who that person was and I mentioned COP Alex Mensah, and I also made him know about his credentials and how he’s highly respected among the rank and file of the police,” he explained.
According to him, Bugri Naabu acknowledged knowing COP Mensah and said he had even been to his house at Dansoman.
Later, he said Bugri Naabu called him, invited him and asked for his opinion on the performance of the IGP.
“… I went there, met them (Bugri Naabu and COP Mensah), they were already talking and they asked me what my opinion on the performance of the IGP was and I gave them my opinion,” he told the committee.
The Communications Director of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has expressed his disapproval of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in its handling of the suspected corruption case involving former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah.
Ahiagbah has voiced his belief that the OSP appears to prioritize media attention over a thorough investigation to collect the necessary evidence for potential charges.
In an interview with the media on Saturday, September 2, the NPP’s Communications Director criticized the Special Prosecutor and urged him to focus on his official duties instead of unnecessarily tarnishing individuals’ reputations.
He stated, “I believe the Special Prosecutor has been rather disorganized in handling this entire case, excessively seeking public attention, which is affecting its approach to the matter. He should pay less heed to the media and concentrate on his responsibilities.”
On the same program, Mahama Ayariga, the NDC MP for Bawku Central, also criticized the OSP for what he perceived as negligence in handling the case. Ayariga argued that the OSP had not fully adhered to its legal obligations by failing to apply to the court for the confirmation of the seizure and freezing of Cecilia Dapaah’s accounts within the stipulated seven-day period.
He stated, “The law explicitly requires an application for confirmation of the seizure within seven days, and I assert that the Special Prosecutor did not fulfill this requirement. He has shown negligence, and his attempt to divert attention by issuing a lengthy statement is unfounded. The courts are accessible to everyone, so let’s not blame the court,” noted the opposition MP.
Previously, the Financial and Economic Division of an Accra High Court had directed the OSP to return all confiscated funds from Cecilia Dapaah, indicating an inability to confirm the freezing of her bank accounts and other assets.
In response, the OSP issued a statement acknowledging the court’s decision while expressing disagreement, citing a perceived error in calculating the time limitation and emphasizing the ongoing nature of its investigation.
The OSP is conducting an investigation into allegations of corruption and corruption-related offenses against Cecilia Dapaah after it was revealed that she had retained more than $1 million in her residence.
Last weekend, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia graced the Manhyia Palace with his presence to partake in the celebration of Akwasidae alongside Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the esteemed monarch of the Asante Kingdom. This memorable event unfolded on September 3, 2023.
Dr. Bawumia, adorned in the rich and vibrant traditional kente attire, was joined at the Manhyia Palace by a delegation that included several party officials.
During this significant gathering, the Vice President took the opportunity to convey his heartfelt appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon him by Otumfuo during the Party’s Super Delegates Conference, which had taken place on August 26. Dr. Bawumia openly acknowledged the pivotal role that Otumfuo’s blessings had played in securing his victory during the conference.
“I came in peace, and today being Akwasidae, I came for a visit and to celebrate with him (Otumfuo). Again, I came here initially to ask for his blessing when I was going to contest for the flagbearership of the NPP. He blessed me, and God also blessed his blessing, which materialized for me to win the contest on August 26, 2023.”
The Vice President made it clear that his journey was more than just one of thanks. In order to prepare for the NPP’s presidential elections’ final round, when he will compete against four other contenders, he expressed his need for Otumfuo’s ongoing blessings and prayers.
“We have another contest coming again on the 4th of November, where we are going to elect the flagbearer, and I still need his blessing. So, I came to ask for his blessing and inform him about it, that he may give me his blessings and show me the way to clinch victory. I thank you so much, and may God bless you.”
During the NPP Super Delegates Election held on August 26, 2023, Dr. Bawumia garnered a total of 629 votes, which constituted an impressive 68.15 percent of the overall votes cast. Following closely in second place was Kennedy Agyapong, the lawmaker representing Assin Central, who secured 132 votes, equivalent to 14.30 percent of the vote share. Alan Kyerematen occupied the third position with 95 votes, translating to 10.29 percent of the total.
Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, on the other hand, secured the fourth position, amassing 36 votes, which accounted for 3.90 percent of the vote tally.
The upcoming final round, scheduled for November this year, will ultimately determine the official candidate of the NPP for the forthcoming presidential election, a crucial milestone in preparation for the 2024 general elections.
A member of the NPP’s communication team named Solomon Owusu has questioned the rationale for forming a parliamentary committee to look into a tape that was leaked and showed some senior police officers pleading with Bugri Naabu for help in removing the current Inspector-General of Police.
Owusu claims that the work of the committee is superfluous since Bugri Naabu, a former regional chairman of the party, and the senior officers involved lack the authority to remove Dampare from office.
Solomon Nkansah labeled Bugri Naabu as the major gossip in the NPP, whose specialty is creating rumors about people, during an appearance on Happy FM’s “Epa Hoa Daben?” program.
“If you know Bugri Naabu, he is the number one gossip. Bugri Naabu’s eyes hate to see money.
“In 2015, it was Bugri Naabu who claimed on tape that Paul Afoko and Kwabena Agyepong had received money and V8 vehicles from John Mahama. Bugri Naabu played a role in bringing down Kwabena Agyepong and Paul Afoko,” he stated.
Former NPP regional chairman Bugri Naabu recently made headlines after the media received the anti-Dampare audio.
Bugri Naabu testified before a parliamentary committee looking into the tape’s content and acknowledged that he had taped the conversation with the senior officials in order to provide it as proof to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The senior police officers claimed, among other things, that Dr. Dampare’s removal is essential for the party to win the 2024 presidential election. One commissioner identified himself as a member of the NPP.
Former Ghanaian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration and immediate past National Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Alhaji Said Sinare, has argued that the NPP has not advanced beyond the rationale of its ideological origins and has instead become a mere ballot paper alternative to the NDC and the entire nation so far as the development
Alhaji Said Sinare wrote on Facebook that despite having been in power for close to seven years, the NPP lacks an ideological stance, coherent policy, and a history of good governance that would address Ghanaians’ problems.
According to him, the party has continued to be an oddity and an embarrassing ideological proposition to the people of this nation.
His comments follow his position on the just-ended presidential primaries of the NPP held on August 26th,2023 where Alhaji Bawumia emerged as the winner.
He claims that Dr. Bawumia’s victory in the most recent primaries validates his claim that the party is just a ballot-paper alternative.
According to him,after he had led this nation into an economic crisis, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s election at the NPP’s super delegate conference had been seen as a grave political error. The country’s chief economist, the central bank, had built an office complex valued at more than US$250 million after recording a historic loss of more than GHS60 billion, while the average Ghanaian did not have the purchasing power to afford it.
The founder of Zongo for NDC, Alhaji Said Sinare, who traversed the entire nation and expended all of his energy and resources to ensure that President Mahama secured the crucial and anticipated Muslim votes in the 2020 general elections, has declared that John Dramani Mahama, the party’s presidential candidate, will defeat anyone put forth by the New Patriotic Party because the NPP as a political party has nothing to offer Ghanaians.
The founder of Zongo for NDC, Alhaji Said Sinare, made an appeal to Ghanaians to vote his National Democratic Congress back into power. He said it was crucial for Ghanaians to align themselves with the formidable John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress, who has the ability to deliver the nation from its current woes.
Communications Director of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has stated that the Ghana Police Service’s decision to modify the routes for the Minority’s #OccupyBoG protest does not undermine the core purpose of the demonstration.
Mr. Ahiagbah believes that the police’s decision is reasonable as it will help safeguard the Bank of Ghana and other state institutions from potential incidents.
During an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 2, Mr. Ahiagbah urged the public to discuss the matter objectively.
However, he also called on the police to maintain consistency and apply the same principles to future demonstrations.
“I think this conversation must be looked at dispassionately because I think the essential spirit of the demonstration is not hurt by the police asking them to change portions of their routes.”
“Now the decision of the demonstrators to say they want to go here or there and the position of the police saying that it might be a security zone and the Bank of Ghana headquarters is already a crowded place, we are beginning to see an instance that the police is trying to manage the crowd situation and to prevent unforeseen incidents from happening.”
The NDC MPs are planning to march on Tuesday, September 5, starting from Makola and proceeding through Rawlings Park and Opera Square, ultimately arriving at the frontage of the Bank of Ghana. The purpose of this march is to demand the resignation of the Bank of Ghana Governor and his two deputies in response to the central bank’s over GH¢60.8 billion losses recorded in 2022.
However, the police argue that the selected route often experiences heavy congestion from both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, potentially jeopardizing public order, public safety, and essential services.
The police had proposed an alternative route, starting from Parliament House and leading through the Osu Cemetery Traffic Light, concluding at Independence Square. This proposal was rejected by the minority.
The police have filed an injunction to prevent the Minority from using their preferred route, and this case will be heard on September 4.
Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has criticized the police’s actions, labeling them as a “breach of trust” and expressing profound disappointment in their conduct.
“We received a letter on Wednesday from the Ghana Police Service accompanied by a bailiff from the Accra High Court who served a notice or motion for an order to prohibit our Bank of Ghana protest, and we must say that we are very disappointed with this development which is an attempt to scatter the protest which is intended to hold the Governor and his deputies accountable for their mismanagement of the bank which resulted in an unprecedented and colossal loss of GH¢60.8 billion, an amount which has had serious consequences on the economy and pushed close to one million Ghanaians into poverty.”
“And let us assure the people of Ghana that, as representatives, we will keep our sacred duty and we will uphold the public interest in line with our constitutionally guaranteed right to publicly protest, and we want to assure the people of Ghana that we have resolved to embark on this protest and nothing will stop us.”
Director of Operations for the Ghana Police Service, COP George Alex Mensah, has expressed remorse after a private conversation he had with Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), was leaked to the public.
The recorded conversation, which was later made public, purportedly contained discussions about a plan to oust Dr George Akuffo Dampare, who holds the position of Inspector General of Police.
An ad-hoc committee set up by the Speaker of Parliament to investigate the issue has been interrogating persons implicated in the audio.
COP George Alex Mensah, who was grilled for hours when he appeared before the committee on Thursday, August 31, and September 1, vehemently denied the authenticity of the audio.
The Director of Operations of the Ghana Police Service, who is currently on leave pending retirement in September 2023, stated that he could not confirm the authenticity of the audio because it was “seriously edited.”
When he was asked if he had any regrets following the leaked audio, COP Mensah said, “Honestly, yes, because I thought I was speaking to a well-respected confidential friend. I didn’t know that I was just speaking to such a person [who would record our conversation].”
During his interrogation, COP Mensah disclosed how he, through the former Northern Regional Chairman, tried to lobby for the IGP position.
Bugri Naabu, who recorded the leaked tape, confirmed its authenticity when he appeared before the committee on Monday.
Commissioner of Police (COP) Alex Mensah disclosed that he was summoned to the office of Bugri Naabu, the paramount chief of the Namong traditional area in the Northern Region, for a meeting that ultimately led to the leaked audio detailing plans to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare.
He revealed that in the course of their meeting, Bugri Naabu explicitly stated that the present IGP, Dampare, would be discharged from his position in the near future. Therefore, he was actively seeking individuals who could assume the role once it became available.
At a committee hearing held on Friday, September 1, 2023, COP Alex Mensah recounted the circumstances in which one of his fellow police officers endorsed Bugri Naabu as a capable candidate for the position of Inspector General of Police (IGP).
“My going to Mr. Bugri Naabu was through his own invitation and the purpose was that the current IGP [George Akuffo Dampare], the probability that they are going to change him is high and they are looking for somebody who can do the job, and do it well.
“Bugri Naabu invited me because one of my boys, the police officers, had gone to tell him that if they were looking for a new Inspector General of Police (IGP), then the man that he thinks could do the job and do it well is COP George Alex Mensah. And Bugri Naabu said Oh, is that so? Then bring him and let me see him. That is why I [COP Alex Mensah] ended up at Bugri Naabu’s office,” he said.
COP Alex Mensah further disclosed that the utterances of Bugri Naabu gave him the impression that he was scouting for a new IGP because Akuffo Dampare would be sacked soon due to his poor management of the police service.
“My impression was that yes, he was scouting for a new IGP. He [Bugri Naabu] made it clear. And that is why I was even surprised about some of the audio, that is why I said the audio was edited because he said so many things about this current IGP what he has done, and what he’s not doing.
“The promise he [IGP Dampare] gave him [Bugri Naabu] has not been satisfied and the fact that the likelihood of him being changed is about 100%, so he is scouting for one person who can do the work well,” he narrated.
Background:
A leaked audio recording, allegedly involving a Police Commissioner and a politician discussing a plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, has ignited public outrage.
In the said video, a Police Commissioner, who described himself as Mensa, was heard with Bugri Naabu, plotting the removal of IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare over fears he will be too firm in the 2024 elections. The Police Commissioner, who is said to be retiring, is heard telling the politician that the IGP is too firm and will not allow machinations in next year’s polls if he is not removed. He further notes that the nature of security the IGP provided during the Assin North by-election shows he will not allow any rigging in the polls.
“This IGP won’t help us. He won’t, he wants everything to be done fairly and we don’t win elections that way. If we don’t remove him, we can’t break the 8, in politics we need machinations and this IGP won’t allow that,” the Police Commissioner is heard saying.
The Parliament of Ghana has set up a 7-member committee to conduct a probe into the leaked tape after calls by the NDC Members of Parliament.
Proponents of the government have however stated that the allegations in the said tape should not be taken seriously because the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has no plans to change IGP Dr Geroge Akuffo Dampare.
In a significant observation, security analyst Adib Saani has pointed out that COP Alex Mensah, a police officer featured in an audio recording discussing the removal of IGP Dampare from office before the 2024 elections, adopts a communication style more akin to that of a politician than a law enforcement officer.
Adib Saani’s statement is based on the way COP Alex Mensah responded to the queries posed by the seven-member committee during the investigation of the anti-IGP audio on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
“What I am very worried about is whether COP Alex Mensah is a police officer or politician. He spoke more like a politician than a police professional. And I think that is sad because the thing is we cannot delink politics from the police. This is something that has always been the case for years unend,” Adib Saani said on Accra-based JoyNews.
COP Alex Mensah during the committee sitting disclosed that he is a sympathiser of the New Patriotic Party but no card-bearing member.
He also added that he talked with the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Frimpong Kodua to be vigilant or his party will go into opposition come 2025.
The police commissioner furthered that IGP Dampare is mismanaging the police service and the force is not happy about it.
“Dampare is not managing the Police Service well and the majority of police officers are not happy. You can call the police officers on the ground and they will tell you,” COP Mensah said.
Background
A leaked audio recording, allegedly involving a Police Commissioner, a sergeant and a politician discussing a plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, ignited public outrage in July 2023.
The recording features an officer who identifies himself as “Mensah” and a politician who is reportedly a regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Their conversation revolves around plans to remove the IGP from office due to fears that he would be too firm during the 2024 elections and prevent any potential rigging.
The Commissioner of Police also specifically identifies the IGP’s handling of the Assin North by-election as evidence of his commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
Member of Parliament for Kwadaso constituency, Dr. Kingsley Nyarko, has entreated the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirants with the exception of Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to throw in the towel.
The other four presidential aspirants are Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen, former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto and former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai Nimoh.
In an interview on Hello FM, Dr. Kingsley Nyarko noted that none of the contenders can be compared to Dr Bawumia when it comes to support from the grassroot.
He further argued that the results of the just-ended Super Delegates Conference is testament to the Vice President’s vast support.
He therefore submitted that the four contenders brace themselves for defeat at the party’s primaries slated for November 4 and must not be moved by false reports by political pundits.
“I heard some political pundits say that those who placed second, third can win November 4. Those political pundits they have to be realistic, they have to say the truth to the candidates that the game is over. They have to be bold. Nothing will change.,” he said.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia won the super delegates conference on August 26, with a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the total valid votes.
Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes, or 14.30% while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes, or 10.29%.
Following the tie between Boakye Agyarko and Francis Addai-Nimoh, a run-off election was to be held for both of them on Saturday, September 2, 2023, to decide which of them would join the primaries, but Mr Agyarko has withdrawn from the race, citing legal breaches by the leadership of the party.
Ghana’s political arena has been set ablaze by a statement fromKwakye Ofosu, a prominent figure in the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), echoing allegations of political favoritism within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He has asserted that the President has and continues to exert influence, fostering impunity in office to such an extent that corrupt officials are being let off the hook.
“I am surprised people are surprised about the turn of events in the Cecilia Dapaah matter. As long as Akufo-Addo and his NPP remain in office, no NPP wrongdoer will ever be held to account. If you want them held to account, boot them out in 2024,” he noted.
His remarks come after a court order to the Office of the Special Prosecutor to return seized cash found in the home of the former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah.
I am surprised people are surprised about the turn of events in the Cecilia Dapaah matter. As long as Akufo-Addo and his NPP remain in office,no NPP wrongdoer will ever be held to account. If you want them held to account,boot them out in 2024.
An Accra High Court has mandated the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to return Cecilia Dapaah seized money to her within a period of seven days.
The former Sanitation Minister found herself entangled in a legal dispute when her assets were seized by the OSP. However, the court has overturned this action, directing the OSP to return the confiscated funds to her.
The OSP is investigating Madam Dapaah for corruption and corruption-related offences following the revelation that she was keeping more than $1 million in her house.
In the wake of the startling revelation of stolen funds by her domestic staff, the Office of the Special Prosecutor embarked on a comprehensive search of the minister’s residences, prompted by the staggering amounts that were reported stolen.
Startling details later emerged from the Office of the Special Prosecutor, that a substantial sum of US$590,000 in cash was unearthed during the search conducted at the Abelemkpe residence of the former Minister.
Concurrently, an astounding amount of GHC2.730,000 in cash was also discovered at the same address.
The Special Prosecutor took immediate action, seizing these substantial cash sums as crucial evidence to support the ongoing investigation.
The OSP subsequently froze the accounts of the former minister’s cedi and dollar accounts pending further investigations.
Background
It emerged on Friday, July 21 that two househelps of the Minister were facing charges before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly stealing an amount of $1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghanaian cedis at the former minister’s residence at Abelenkpe, Accra, in October 2022.
The two, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei allegedly stole the monies and personal effects of the couple, between the months of July and October 2022.
One of the police officers implicated in the leaked plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Akuffo Dampare, has accused former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu, of peddling falsehood when he came before the Adhoc Committee set up by Parliament to investigate the matter.
This happened when COP George Alex Mensah, together with Supt Gyebi and their lawyers appeared before the committee on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
While responding to questions when he appeared before the committee, one of the seven members of the panel, Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, posed a question to the COP regarding some statements made by Bugri Naabu when he appeared before the committee.
Prior to the question, COP Mensah was being evasive about admitting the content of the leaked tape. He claimed that the tape was doctored and although he admitted that portions of the tape contained his voice, he denied being the speaker in other portions of the tape.
However, the member of the committee referred COP Mensah to their earlier meeting with Bugri Naabu, and said the former NPP Northern Region chairman had admitted the tape was authentic.
“Bugri said he was a chief ‘and as a Chief, I don’t lie. If I lie I will die,” the committee member quoted Bugri Naabu as saying.
He added that Bugri Naabu had admitted to recording the tape to serve as evidence.
However, COP Mensah in response said: “That is what the statement from Bugri Naabu. In that statement, he also mentioned that some Superintendent Kyebi called him and said that he was going to meet him at Cape Coast to go and see the President. We were all here when Supt. Kyebi denied that he never spoke to Bugri Naabu. Bugri Naabu came here to lie,” he said.
Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, a presidential aspirant from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has officially withdrawn from the upcoming run-off election, which was intended to determine the 5th aspirant.
This decision comes in response to the NPP’s announcement that its National Council would form an electoral college to resolve the tie between Mr. Agyarko and his rival, Francis Addai Nimoh, both of whom secured the 5th position in the recently concluded super delegate conference.
In a press release issued by Mr. Agyarko, he has characterized this move as unconstitutional, arguing that the National Council’s selection of a few individuals to represent the 955 participants from the first round is not in line with the party’s democratic principles.
He further contends that the establishment of this electoral college also violates the party’s constitution, pointing to additional legal violations as well.
“It is totally unacceptable to me that such an unconstitutional act can be perpetuated on the altar of expediency. Am I to surmise that the party did not know the cost implication? It is unconscionable that the rules of the game will be changed midstream.
“Rules and regulations that are flip-flopped in such a manner is only detrimental to fair play and justice. It is a clear violation of the party’s constitution and the guidelines for the Special Electoral College. It is an unconstitutional act which | cannot allow myself to be associated with,” portions of his statement read.
In light of these concerns, the former Energy Minister asserts that he cannot, in good conscience, participate in an electoral process that disrupts an earlier mutually agreed-upon procedure.
“I, therefore, respectfully, serve this notice to refrain from such a contest. As always, I wish the party well.”
On Saturday, August 26, during the New Patriotic Party’s Super Delegates Conference, six presidential aspirants successfully advanced in the competition. Leading the pack was Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who garnered 68.15% (629) of the total votes. He was followed by Kennedy Agyapong, who secured 15.03% (132) of the total votes.
Alan Kyerematen secured the third position with 10.29% (95) of the total votes, while Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto came in fourth place with 3.90% (36) of the votes.
Interestingly, although the Super Delegates Conference was originally intended to select five candidates, it resulted in a tie for the fifth position, with both Francis Addai Nimoh and Boakye Kyeremateng Ayarko receiving nine votes each.
A former Deputy Minister of Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has predicted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will face electoral defeat in 2024 due to the “unprecedented” levels of hardship being encountered in Ghana.
He believes that the outcome of the 2024 general elections will be influenced by what he perceives as the “ineffective performance” of the NPP administration under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu was addressing the Western Regional youth wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
The youth wing of the party had met at a capacity-building conference at in Ellembelle.
The conference was on the theme “Effective Mobilisation for Power: the Role of a Youth Organizer”.
“The very essence of governance has eluded the current administration following the abysmal performance recorded in the last seven years… hardship would determine the outcome of the 2024 general elections. Hardship is the cause of change of governments since history”, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said.
He was speaking under the topic “Effective Communication in Youth Mobilization: The Tips and Strategies” Felix Kwakye Ofosu said a number of Ghanaian youth have been deserting their communities and leaving the country in mass droves following the excruciating hardship they are enduring under the current administration.
He added that Ghanaian youth do not have hope in the leadership of the country.
“The disastrous performance recorded in government and having been confused about the series of mess, and embarrassments suffered, nothing important about governance again lately concerns President Akufo-Addo. The youth have lost hope in his government hence their exodus to other countries for greener pastures”
The former Deputy Minister for Communications said the NPP does not come nearer to the NDC when it comes to good governance.
According to him, anytime the NDC gets an opportunity to govern, the party develops and improves all spheres of the country’s governance process as well as the national economy.
“Unfortunately, the same thing cannot be said about the NPP since what they do basically is to reap the benefits accrued and later destroy everything before leaving office”, said.
On his part, the leader of the NDC legal team, Lawyer Edudzi Kudzo Tameklo, who touched on the topic ” Youth mobilization, law, and political dynamics: the role of an activist”, appealed to the youth organizers to collaborate with the branch executives to facilitate the timely and cautious collation of figures with effectiveness and efficiency in 2024 election.
Capacity Building Conference
The exercise formed an integral part of activities being rolled out to sharpen the skills and experience of the youth wing of the party ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The theme for the conference was ” Effective Mobilisation for Power: the role of a youth organization”
It attracted many party stalwarts who did not only contribute in kind, but in cash to support activities of the youth wing of the party in the region.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkTV6VCffhAMeanwhile, the Western Regional Youth Organizer of NDC, Alhaji Mustapha Iddirisu charged each of the constituency youth organizers to work zealously in their respective communities and Constituencies to influence the establishment of NDC presence across the country and also push hard to determine the outcome of the 2024 general elections.
It has emerged that the founder and leader of Ghana Freedom Party, Akua Donkor, marched to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Headquarters Asylum Down to cast her ballot during the party’s Super Delegates Conference.
On August 26, the ruling party held an election at 17 polling stations to trim the number of its presidential aspirants from 10 to 5.
About 956 super delegates were to partake. These delegates are members of the party, therefore, the presence of Akua Donkor on that fateful Saturday at the party’s headquarters raised eyebrows.
On Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana Show, a journalist informed host Paul Adom-Otchere that Akua Donkor was shown the way out as she attempted to vote.
“Some videos that people didn’t have, Akua Donkor’s sacking or escorting out from the National headquarters. She told the police officers that she was coming to vote,” he said.
He noted that but for the limited number of delegates expected to vote at the party headquarters, Akua Donkor might have had her way.
“She went there to vote. The thing was that because the chosen number of delegates at the headquarters, just about 151, it was easy to pick her out,” he narrated.
At the end of the Super delegates conference, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia led the aspirants with a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the total valid votes.
Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes.
Former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto placed fourth.
The fifth slot is currently vacant as Boakye Agyarko and Francis Addai-Nimoh tied.
According to the party, a run-off election will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, to decide which of them will join the primaries.
The Deputy Spokesperson for Alan Kyerematen’s campaign, Richard Nyamah, has expressed that the recent events during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) super delegates’ conference have served as a tough lesson for their team.
He emphasized that relying solely on the party’s leadership is no longer a viable strategy.
Nyamah pointed out that the party’s failure to promptly address widely reported electoral irregularities and incidents of violence, particularly the assault on an electoral agent from the Alan campaign team, sends a clear signal that they must fend for themselves.
In response, he stated that their faction has decided to no longer place unwavering trust in the party’s leadership. Instead, they are taking proactive measures to safeguard their interests in preparation for the upcoming November 4 polls.
Speaking on JoyFM, he said, “What we have learnt from this very conduct is that we would have to be our own keeper. We will be prepared and ready on November 4th. We are not going to put our faith in the party because they have shown us that they can’t be trusted.
“They will bring guidelines, the guidelines on the D-day are flouted across the country and nobody is interested in that. When you’re done they will take you through constitutional processes that end in nothing.
“So, we would make sure that we are ready physically, spiritually whatever way it is on the D-day. We’re not going to wait for anything to repeat itself and then we’ll go reporting and having investigations. It’s an aftereffect. The point is that fortunately, this is a learning curve, they have taught us the hard way.”
Mr. Nyamah has leveled accusations against the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), alleging that they are practicing selective justice.
He asserts that despite an incident in which a regional coordinator from the Alan Kyerematen campaign team was assaulted in Nalerigu, located in the North East region during the super delegates’ conference, the party has not taken any steps to support the victim or denounce the violence that transpired.
Nyamah contends that the party’s actions and inactions are conveying a distinct message that individuals associated with the Alan team are not welcome within the party.
He said, “Do you realise since this incident happened, it’s been four days? Have you heard or seen any condemnation officially from the NPP as a party? The NPP as a party has officially not reached out to us, not the agent that was beaten to pulp and his eye virtually bulged out, nobody has bothered because it doesn’t matter, it has happened to an Alan agent.”
Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has personally condemned the attack on his campaign coordinator.
The NPP flagbearer aspirant asserted that the party should not “put a shine on this kind of incident”, adding he was frankly disturbed by the incident.
A prominent figure within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, has proposed that Boakye Agyarko and Francis Addai-Nimoh, who shared the fifth position at the Super Delegates Conference, should be given the opportunity to compete in the Party’s Presidential Primary scheduled for November 4th.
He clarified that even though the requirement for the upcoming election’s next phase was five candidates, it might be practical to permit all six contenders to participate. This would help avoid the expenses associated with organizing a run-off specifically for the two candidates.
Francis Addai-Nimoh and Boakye Agyarko both secured an equal fifth position during the NPP Super Delegates Conference held on Saturday, August 26. In the conference, they each received nine votes.
The Party was expected to select five out of 10 aspirants to compete in the November 4, Presidential Primary.
Mr Agyepong, who could not form the top five aspirants in the first round, pledged to table the issue before the NPP’s Presidential Elections Committee as well as the National Council meeting on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
“The National Council is meeting on Wednesday; I am a member of it. If I have the opportunity, I will suggest that they should allow them to join. Six is not different from five….”
“After all, the whole idea behind pruning down is because of the massive numbers that we saw in 2007, when I was the youngest of the 17 aspirants and this time, we had 10, which with some of us, in our view, they could have allowed us to go straight on.”
He stressed: “I think they should be allowed since they are sharing the fifth position.”
Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, Chairman of the Vetting Committee speaking after the declaration of the results by the Electoral Commission (EC), announced a run- off on Saturday, 2nd September to break the tie between Addai-Nimoh and Boakye Agyarko.
An unsuccessful flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku, has expressed contentment with the three votes he received during Saturday’s special delegates conference held nationwide.
Initially, Mr. Poku had expressed confidence in securing a spot among the top five contenders for the presidential nomination scheduled for November 4.
However, he received only three votes from the 955 delegates who participated in the NPP’s special delegates conference, effectively removing him from the flagbearer race.
During an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Monday, Mr. Poku expressed satisfaction with his three votes, pointing out that some delegates had cast their votes more than once.
“You know some people voted twice…I don’t vote, So some of the candidates who voted for themselves and also had a proxy voted twice. So if you look at my three votes…that for me is a plus.”
“But for my first votes, I think I have done well and I am very happy with myself,” he added.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia won the super delegates conference held on Saturday, August 26th, with a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the total valid votes.
Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes.
Former Agriculture Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto placed fourth.
The fifth slot is currently vacant as Boakye Agyarko and Francis Addai-Nimoh tied.
According to the party, a run-off election will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, to decide which of them will join the primaries.
An unsuccessful presidential candidate from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, has expressed that any future flagbearer of the party should consider incorporating certain aspects of his six-point strategy to enhance the country’s prospects for achievement.
Following the NPP’s special delegates conference on Saturday, August 26, 2023, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, Joe Ghartey, Kofi Konadu Apraku, and Kwadwo Poku were unable to secure sufficient votes to progress to the subsequent stage of the party’s presidential competition.
During the initiation of his campaign on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Mr. Agyepong advised the party against selecting individuals who had faced shortcomings within the Akufo-Addo administration to assume leadership positions within the party in preparation for the 2024 elections.
He emphasized the importance of selecting candidates who can effectively address the challenges facing the nation.
Speaking on the aftermath of the elections in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM in Accra on Monday, Mr. Agyepong said, “I hope that whoever emerges takes out my six-point plan to rescue the country. I would like the person to identify with some of my ideals.”
He said he was expecting to be in the top five, as the results of the polls had suggested that he would be in the top four.
Mr. Agyepong said that was because he was very confident and worked hard, but at the end of the day, the delegates made their decision, which he highly respected, and he was at peace with himself.
A prospective presidential candidate who did not secure a place in the top five contenders for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary on November 4, 2023, has mentioned that certain aspirants have been engaged in conversations regarding which candidate to endorse for the upcoming November 4, 2023, election.
Kwadwo Poku has noted that several discussions took place regarding this matter, but the choice for defeated aspirants to back a candidate is an individual decision.
He stated that “meetings had taken place, and that except for the establishment candidate, some of us resolved to back a candidate from among us who would perform well.
But it is a personal decision, and the five of her candidates who were unable to attend would have to select who to endorse”.
“We have completed the super delegates conference, and the five candidates who did not make it to the November 4 election will have to decide who they will support. We can all support the same candidate, or we might each support a different one. In any case, we must protect the party’s democracy.
Personally, in the next two weeks, I will speak with my followers and ask which of the candidates they believe is a potential winner of the process and will undoubtedly win the 2024 election, so that we can support the individual,” he added.
Ashanti regional Chairman for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, has described what it would mean if NPP flagbearer hopeful and former Agric Minister, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, should he contest in the upcoming presidential primaries.
Speaking in an interview with Paul Adom Otchere after Saturday’s Super Delegates Conference, he noted that the outcome of the August 26 elections is a testament to his fate in the November 4, 2023, presidential primaries.
He acknowledged that Dr Afriyie Akoto has been in the party for long and congratulated him for taking the fourth spot, however, that’s not a guarantee for more votes in the primaries.
“He’s someone who has been in the system from 1998, 2007 and I know him very well and for ending up as the fourth candidate in the race, I congratulate him.
“He has done well but to me if you see his numbers and compare that with that of Dr Bawumia, if you’re not careful and you want to move further, it will be a political remedial or political school fees because what has happened now cuts across,” he noted.
Mr Wontumi’s comment follows the aftermath of the Super Delegates Conference, where Dr Afriyie Akoto took the fourth spot after the results were declared.
The Super Delegates Conference, a pivotal event in the NPP’s political calendar, provided a platform for candidates to showcase their appeal among the party’s influential members.
As the votes were tallied on the Saturday August 26, 2023, the numbers painted a challenging picture for Dr Afriyie Akoto, with his vote count falling short of expectations.
At the end of the race, he polled 36 out of the total votes cast.
It is in view of this that the Chairman has advised Dr Akoto to rescind his decision to contest in the November 4, 2023, elections.
“He’s someone who has been in the system from 1998, 2007 and I know him very well and for ending up as the fourth candidate in the race, I congratulate him. He has done well but to me if you see the numbers
After the elections Dr Mahamudu Bawumia emerged the candidate with the highest votes winning over 60%.
He amassed 629 total votes at the end of the election, representing 68.15% of the votes.
Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes, or 14.30% while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes, or 10.29%.
The result is an indication that Mr Kyeremanten together with five other candidates qualified for the next round.
The former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, has affirmed the accuracy of the controversial leaked recording purportedly outlining a scheme to oust Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo-Dampare, from his post.
Bugri Naabu confirmed this revelation during his appearance before the Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee, established to probe the alleged conspiracy against the IGP.
In a straightforward acknowledgment, Bugri Naabu verified that the pivotal conversation, causing a stir, did indeed occur between himself and three other high-ranking Police Officers.
He proceeded to identify these three Police officers as Commander Asare, COP Mensah, and Superintendent Gyebi.
Adding more detail, Bugri Naabu disclosed that the discussion unfolded within the confines of his office situated in Osu, near the Osu Police Station.
As per his account, the two senior officers approached him with a proposition to advocate for the dismissal of the IGP.
Their reasoning behind this proposal, as conveyed by the officers, was that Dr. Akuffo-Dampare’s actions were perceived to be aligning more closely with the opposition NDC’s interests, potentially undermining the ruling party’s prospects in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Bugri Naabu further shared that he felt apprehensive about the request from these top officers, which led him to record the conversation as a safeguard against potential denials.
Guided by Samuel Atta-Akyea, a respected Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, the Ad-Hoc Committee includes Dr. Isaac Lartey Annan, a specialist in legal and human rights matters.
Empowered to scrutinize both the authenticity of the leaked recording and the intricate allegations that have captured the nation’s attention, this panel holds the responsibility of the investigation.
The Presidential Elections Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is preparing to present its findings to the party’s National Council following the recent Special Delegates’ Conference held on Saturday.
The committee’s report aims to offer valuable insights and recommendations for ensuring a smooth presidential election scheduled for November 4, 2023.
During the event, there were reports of isolated incidents of violence at certain polling centers. Allegations surfaced from both the camps of Kennedy Agyapong, the MP for Assin Central, and Alan Kyerematen, the former Trade Minister.
These allegations claimed that their representatives had been subjected to acts of aggression.
Additional candidates also raised concerns about the proceedings. Evans Nimako, the Director of Elections for the NPP, clarified that the National Council would address any disagreements that might have emerged during the election process.
Nimako stated, “Upon the conclusion of this overall process, which has so far been characterized by peace, fairness, and transparency towards all stakeholders, we will furnish the party’s National Council with a comprehensive report.
The National Council holds the prerogative to approve the findings assembled by the Elections Committee.”
Kennedy Agyapong issued a veiled threat to expose President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in relation to the reported attacks on his representatives during the ongoing party super delegates congress.
In a video that gained widespread attention, Agyapong could be seen speaking with visible anger on the phone, invoking the names of the president and vice president. He claimed that his representative had been forced out of a voting center and asserted his intention to take action against them.
The former Director of Communications for the NPP and spokesperson for Alan Kyerematen’s campaign, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, also expressed dissatisfaction with alleged rule breaches during the ongoing super delegates conference in the North East Region.
Asamoa also criticized the assault on their representative.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged victorious in the NPP super delegates conference with a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the ballots cast. Kennedy Agyapong secured second place with 132 votes (14.30%), while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen secured third place with 95 votes (10.29%).
These results mean that Agyapong has successfully qualified for the NPP’s presidential primaries scheduled for November, alongside Bawumia. Notably, both Bawumia and Agyapong are first-time presidential contenders.
In contrast, Kyerematen has been a participant in the race since 2007 but has not yet secured the party’s nomination.
The upcoming November primaries will serve as a significant test for both Bawumia and Agyapong.
To become the NPP’s flagbearer, they will need to secure the support of over 200,000 delegates from various regions across the country.
The ultimate victor in the primaries will then face off against the National Democratic Congress’s John Dramani Mahama, the opposition’s candidate, in the broader December 2024 general election.
Marketing strategist Prof Kobby Mensah has expressed his view that the decision of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reduce the number of candidates in the flagbearer contest was unnecessary.
According to him, a higher number of contenders would be beneficial for both the health of the country’s democracy and the cohesion of the party. He conveyed this perspective during an interview on “The Big Issue,” broadcasted on Citi TV on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
His remarks come in the aftermath of the recently concluded Super Delegates’ Conference of the NPP. This conference aimed to select presidential aspirants who will participate in the forthcoming party primaries scheduled for November 4, 2023.
“The party did not address the concerns of 2008 properly. There was a public outcry that almost 17 aspirants who were ministers at the time had filed in a very substantial amount of money, and people felt that they had used state resources. However, this is a democracy, and we encourage democracy and participation.
“So, if we have 17 aspirants participating, and they are genuine in their participation, and people don’t think that they actually had the funds from state coffers, then why should we have a problem with that? I personally believe that the more participation we have from people in the race, the more beneficial it is to our democratic process.”
He proceeded to criticize the party’s decision to allow a select few, designated as “super delegates,” to cast their votes to determine the candidates for November 4th.
“There was no need for this administrative decision by a few selected people to reduce the number of candidates if the process was genuine and people felt that the candidates actually relied on their own resources.”
In the 2008 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer race, initially, 17 candidates expressed their intention to vie for the party’s presidential nomination.
However, apprehensions about internal competition within the NPP were rampant during that election period.
Nonetheless, at the end of the process, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emerged as the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2008 presidential election.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bawumia emerged as the frontrunner with the highest number of votes at the recently concluded Super Delegates Conference, held across all 17 voting centres nationwide.
Securing the second position was Kennedy Agyapong, the Assin Central MP, who obtained 132 votes, accounting for 14.30%.
Former Trade and Industry Minister Alan John Kyeremanteng came third with 95 votes, while former Food and Agriculture Minister Owusu Afriyie Akoto secured the fourth spot with 36 votes.
The fifth position was tied between former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko and former Member of Parliament for Mampong Francis Addai-Nimoh, who both received nine votes each.
On September 2, 2023, the NPP will hold a run-off election between Addai-Nimoh and Agyarko to decide who will join the other four candidates in the presidential primary’s final round. The run-off will take place at the party’s headquarters in Accra, and the same delegates who attended the congress will vote by simple majority to determine the winner.
National campaign coordinator for Kennedy Agyapong‘s candidacy for flagbearer, Kwame Owusu, has disclosed how an incident concerning their polling agent in the North East Region was resolved.
He mentioned that upon being informed by the female agent in the region about the difficulties she was encountering, he brought the matter to the notice of the Inspector-General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, who skillfully facilitated a resolution.
During an interview with Oman FM shortly after Kennedy Agyapong’s passionate outburst at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Super Delegates Conference voting on Saturday (August 26), he explained that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) instructed the local police to address the situation. This resulted in the resolution of the standoff, leading to the replacement of the agent from the Ken Agyapong team at the center.
“I interceded and I called quickly and I got the police and the IGP put people on line and we have our representative there who is making sure that things are ok…
“I called in the Inspector-General of Police, he has been so helpful, he got the commander there and we have been able to resolve the issue… Ganiyu our second agent is there and we spoke to him and he said he is okay,” he stressed.
Ken Agyapong descended into a fit while speaking to Oman FM alleging that his polling agent had been chased from the Nalerigu regional polling station in the North East Region – believed to be a stronghold of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
He threatened to give the president and Bawumia a ‘showdown’ and to ensure the party lands in opposition if that is what they want by mistreating aspirants in the flagbearership race.
Agyapong, who came a distant second in the super delegates vote is currently the subject of summons to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee over his comments.
Wontumi reveals source of Agyapong’s ‘misplaced anger’
Ashanti Regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi; disclosed the source of the information that caused Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong to go ‘into a fit.’
Wontumi, in an interview with Metro TV revealed that it was Kwame Owusu, a former boss of the Ghana Maritime Authority, who called Kennedy to inform him about the said development.
“Something happened in the Northern Region and the people who were there just called Kennedy to tell him, it was specifically my uncle, Kwame Owusu… he called Kennedy and you know at a time like this his energy will be high.
“And you are not there but called him to say this what has happened, meanwhile we have police and agents there, so, why do you have to talk?” he stressed.
He said Kwame Owusu, who was in Kumasi, was talking to Ken in intervals of five to 10 minutes in his capacity as a campaign lead for the Assin Central MP, giving updates from across the country.
Former National Security Minister and a leading member of the campaign team for NPP flagbearer hopeful, Alan K Kyerematen, has threatened to expose the person who masterminded his dismissal from office if provoked.
Speaking after the results of the Super Delegates Conference was declared, Mr Hopeful Adorye stated that he was fully aware of persons who orchestrated his removal from office.
He also alleged that some persons voted in favor of a particular candidate because they wanted to secure their positions in government.
“They are only protecting their jobs. Use me as an example. I was sacked barely a week after my open declaration for Alan Kyerematen. So, I know what I’m saying. And the person who engineered it, I will mention his name if I am dared. But I will do so at the appropriate time,” he said.
Mr Adorye was dismissed from office in November 2022. Confirming the incident, Hopeson Adorye said he has so far received his termination letter.
“Yes, my appointment has been terminated as a national security member. No reason was stated for my termination.”
He noted that some people are behind the termination of his appointment and strongly believed it was due to his affiliation with former Traders Minister, Alan K Kyrematen.
“This has strengthened me the most, I will work hard for Alan Kyeremanteng to win the NPP Presidential primaries.”
The New Patriotic Party held its Super Delegates Conference on Saturday, August 28, 2023, across the country.
After the elections Dr Mahamudu Bawumia emerged the candidate with the highest votes winning over 60%.
He amassed 629 total votes at the end of the election, representing 68.15% of the votes.
Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes, or 14.30% while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes, or 10.29%.
The result is an indication that Mr Kyeremanten together with five other candidates qualified to the next round, however, his camp has been accusing some people of vote buying.
One of such persons is the Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, whom Mr Adorye has accused of offering delegates money at the just ended Super Delegates Conference.
He noted that the Chief of Staff was trying to please and work in favour of a particular candidate since she has aspirations of becoming a Vice President under the leadership of that candidate.
“I am saying that people who have been in the government for these years, they are even old ladies, they still want to continue, so, do you think she is going to vote in a certain direction,” he quizzed when asked about Alan’s performance in the polls.
“An old lady wants to be a Vice President, how much more the young ones?” he asked.
When pushed about who this old lady was, he referenced the chief of staff citing an electoral malpractice allegation.
“Chief of Staff was here giving money to people, are we afraid? What I fear I don’t talk about,” he added.
His comments have triggered a reaction from Leadership of the party, who have referred him, in addition to other candidates to the disciplinary committee.
Aspiring New Patriotic Party flagbearer, Kennedy Agyapong, and four others have been invoked the wrath of leadership of the party following their conduct during and after Saturday’s Super Delegates Conference.
The five have been summoned to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee for misconducting themselves during the just-ended Conference.
The four are; Mr. Raphael Patrick Sarfo, Mr. Charles Dokyi Yaw-Addo, Mr. Musa Sulemana and Mr. Hopeson Yaovi Adorye.
The party in a statement explained that their referral to the disciplinary committee is in “direct response to evidence, including video and photographic materials, which suggest potential violations of the provisions outlined in Article 3(5)(A) of the Party’s Constitution and a potential misconduct under Article 4(7).”
The party further stated that in relation to Kennedy Agyapong, he will be summoned before the disciplinary committee to “provide responses and further details to the accusations and threats he made against certain personalities in a video that has since gone viral on social media and mainstream media.”
This comes after the Assin Central MP was captured on camera promising to deliver “a showdown” to President Akufo-Addo and his vice, Dr. Bawumia after his polling agent was allegedly chased into a room by angry delegates.In the statement, the party stressed their commitment “to upholding democratic values, accountability, and the highest standards of conduct.”
“We are confident that this disciplinary process will be conducted with fairness, transparency, and impartiality,” it concluded.
Former President John Mahama has condemned the chaos which emerged during the New Patriotic Party’s Super Delegates Conference.
He particularly expressed worry over the attacks that have characterized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) special delegates congress held on Saturday August 26, 2023.
The agent for Flag bearer hopeful, Alan Kyerematen, Ali Zakaria has been attacked at the North East Region during the on-going Special Delegates Congress of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Speaking on GHOne TV with Joshua Kodjo Mensah, deputy spokesperson for Alan Campaign Team, Richard Nyamah stated that the agent was beaten to pulp for protesting the public display of the ballot by some delegates.
Commenting on the development , President Mahama says reported cases of violence during the special delegates congress is “detrimental to democracy.”“It would appear that violence has become the new normal for the NPP in any electoral contest they are involved in.
“Acts of violence during what should be a peaceful civic exercise must be condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians. Such brutal acts have no place in modern society, especially during an internal contest among persons who belong to the same party and have known each other for many years,” Mr. Mahama stated.
He continued: “The barbarity of Ayawaso West Wuogon in 2019 and the murder of eight innocent Ghanaians during the 2020 elections will forever be a blot on the legacy of President Akufo-Addo and VP Mahamudu Bawumia.”
However, Mr. Nyamah stated that their agent is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital adding that the Alan camp will take the necessary steps on the issue.
“I’ve personally spoken to the Police Commander and the Electoral Commission Officer and I told them our concern. Unfortunately the process is over. There are other processes and we have reported it to our bosses in Accra and we will take the necessary steps,” added.
MP for Ahanta West, Ebenezer Kojo Kum, did not allow his ailing health to stop him from casting his vote for his preferred candidate in the New Patriotic Party‘s Super Delegates Conference held August 26, 2023.
The former chieftaincy minister is not in good health condition yet he made his way to the voting center to cast his ballot.
Former Chieftaincy Minister and Ahanta West MP, Ebenezer Kojo Kum being helped to the Takoradi voting centre to vote in the NPP Super Delegates Conference.#CitiNewsroom#NPPDecidespic.twitter.com/tUPpV8YWpi
The Member of Parliament for Ahanta West Constituency was seen struggling to walk while using a walking stick to aid his steps and was accompanied by police and other people.
Despite his ailment, he made it a point to go to the voting center in Takoradi to cast his ballot for the candidate he deemed fit to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the flagbearer.
The video, published on the Twitter page of Citinewsroom.com, shows the ailing Ahanta West MP in his kaftan heading to the voting center with difficulty in his movement to cast his ballot.
MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has reacted to the chaos that characterised the New Patriotic Party’s Super Delegates Conference which was held on August 26, 2023.
Apart from describing the scenes as distressing, he condemned them outright.
“Didn’t know the NPP’s “BREAKING THE 8” has become “BREAKING OUR BONES.” Really distressing scenes as Frankenstein monsters devour their own.
“There must be no place for “All-Die-Be-Die” violence in Ghana’s politics. Our politics should be inspiring & transformational.”
The main incident of violence in the conference was in the North East Region where a delegate of candidate Alan Kyerematen was attacked and injured by alleged supporters of another candidate.
A leading member of the Alan Kyerematen flagbearership campaign in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hopeson Adorye, has accused Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, of offering delegates money at the just ended Super Delegates Conference.
He noted that the Chief of Staff was trying to please and work in favour of a particular candidate since she has aspirations of becoming a Vice President under the leadership of that candidate.
“I am saying that people who have been in the government for these years, they are even old ladies, they still want to continue, so, do you think she is going to vote in a certain direction,” he quizzed when asked about Alan’s performance in the polls.
“An old lady wants to be a Vice President, how much more the young ones?” he asked.
When pushed about who this old lady was, he referenced the chief of staff citing an electoral malpractice allegation.
“Chief of Staff was here giving money to people, are we afraid? What I fear I don’t talk about.
“You’re done voting, go home. She (Chief of Staff) went to sit in the office of the Women’s Organizer and was calling people and giving them money after voting. This is total indiscipline…” he blasted.
One of the flagbearer hopefuls in the New Patriotic Party’s presidential race, who did not make it to the next round of the competition has confessed to voting twice in the just ended Super Delegates Conference.
Kwabena Agyei Agapong, however, explained that his second vote was for one delegate who could not exercise her franchise due to ill health.
“I voted two times. I voted as a Delegate and also voted for Otiko Afisa Djaba on proxy because she is currently under the weather.”
When asked if he voted for himself twice, he retorted, “It’s a secret. She told me who to vote for and I exercised that right. I don’t need to disclose who I voted for”.
The New Patriotic Party is today, August 26, 2023, electing five people who will contest for the flagbearership of the political party.
On November 4, 2023, the party will elect one of these five to be the flagbearer of the political party.
The aftermath of a resounding triumph in the flagbearer race has found Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia rallying his party to embrace unity as a cornerstone of their strategy for the upcoming 2024 elections.
Having topped the flagbearer race by an overwhelming margin, Dr Bawumia called for cohesion within the party’s ranks, underscoring the significance of collective strength in shaping both the party and nation’s future.
Amid the celebration of this remarkable victory, Dr Bawumia wasted no time in addressing his party with a plea for unity.
“While we celebrate let us remain very conscious that we have you to keep this party together. All my colleagues who contested, now everybody did well and we have to bring everybody together and so as we celebrate, let’s mind our words and let’s keep the party united,” he said.
He further expressed profound gratitude to the delegates for voting for him massively.
They thought it was not possible, but by the grace of God, it is possible. – Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s remarks after leading in the NPP Super Delegates Conference. #UTVGhanapic.twitter.com/q5IYnPLCJh
“When we started this journey, many people thought it was not possible but by the grace of God, it is possible. So I’ll like to start by giving thanks to God almighty because he made this possible.
“The victory that we have chalked today is an emphatic victory, it is a victory for the grassroots of our party, it is a victory for the delegates who voted today, it is a victory for the country. I believe that we have embarked on the journey towards winning election 2024 and it has taken a lot of hard work and it will take more hard work.
“I want us to remember that the hard work is still ahead of us. We will have to win November 4 by the grace of God it will happen and I think it’s very important that we remain united as a party,” he added
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia emerged the Ashanti Region’s preferred candidate in the Super Delegates Conference which took place on August 26, 2023.
Dr Bawumia amassed 97 votes, which made him the winner in the region. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen was the second winner with ten votes, followed by Kennedy Agyapong.
Dr Afriyie Akoto came next with 5 votes while the rest of the candidates all secured zero votes.
Eastern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Jeff Konadu, holds a positive outlook that the party’s unity will remain intact following the conclusion of the superdelegates conference scheduled for today.
After participating in the ongoing voting process, Mr. Konadu addressed journalists, highlighting the party’s commitment to internal procedures aimed at preventing divisions arising from the elections.
Observing the spirit of camaraderie among supporters of different candidates at the polling centre, he drew optimism from this unity and considered it a positive sign for the NPP.
Satisfaction with Voting Progress
Furthermore, the regional chairman expressed contentment with the conduct of the polls thus far. He noted that the process has been characterised by fairness and freedom.
He credited the smooth proceedings to effective coordination between himself and the elections committee.
Reports labelling former president John Dramani Mahama as the fourth wealthiest individual in Ghana, possessing a net worth of $900 million, have been denounced by his office as baseless and malicious.
They assert that these claims are without foundation and are seemingly aimed at creating negative sentiment towards the 2024 flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress.
“The Office of HE John Dramani Mahama has been made aware of false publications claiming that the former President is the fourth richest person in Ghana and worth around $900 million.
“We wish to state categorically that the publications are entirely false and baseless. Mr Mahama vehemently denies the claims, which he considers yet another attempt to discredit his reputation, cause disaffection for him, and undermine his leadership of selfless service,” Mr Mahama’s office said in a statement dated August 26, 2023.
Highlighting the falseness of the report, the office of the former president emphasised that the assertions within the mentioned article are a purposeful effort by the ruling New Patriotic Party to generate public discontent towards the NDC flagbearer.
“These malicious false publications from obvious political opponents will be expected as Ghana approaches the 2024 general elections, an election John Mahama will win.
“It is obvious that this publication is part of a deliberate and discredited strategy by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to spread lies and seek to generate public disaffection for the leader and flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a man in whom many Ghanaians have expressed their confidence and are looking forward to his visionary leadership from January 7, 2025,” the statement said.
Issued by Joyce Bawah Mogtari, who serves as a Special Aide to Mr. Mahama, the statement urged Ghanaians to dismiss the mentioned article and similar malicious publications in the times ahead. Instead, it encouraged the public to concentrate on holding President Akufo-Addo’s administration and Vice President Bawumia accountable for their significant mishandling of the economy and depletion of national resources.
