Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has unveiled his “One Constituency 10 Appointments Policy,” which aims to address the longstanding issue of neglecting constituencies during government appointments in Ghana.
During a meeting with delegates from the Awutu Senya East constituency, Vice President Bawumia expressed concerns raised by party loyalists who felt excluded from the governance processes after the party came to power.
To foster better integration between the party and the government, he proposed three initiatives, the first being the appointment process.
Under this policy, all 275 constituencies in Ghana will be given the opportunity to have a representative on various government boards and agencies. Currently, a president can make approximately 7000 appointments. With the addition of one more constituency next year, the total number of constituencies will be 276. The Vice President’s plan is to allocate 10 appointments to each constituency, resulting in a total of 2760 appointments for all constituencies.
By implementing this policy, Vice President Bawumia aims to ensure that no constituency is left out and that party loyalists from every region have a fair chance to participate in the governance of the country.
“Party loyalists tell me that when the party is voted into power to form a government, they are left out in the processes of governance. That is why I’m coming up with three initiatives which I believe that if effectively utilised the party and the government will be well integrated. The first one is appointment. Anytime there are appointments, the constituencies normally say they have been left out.”
“So what I will do is that in governance, a president can make about 7000 appointments, and we have 275 constituencies which we will add one more next year to make them 276, so my plan is that some of the 7000 appointees can come from the constituencies. My proposal is that one constituency, 10 appointments. Doing that will ensure that all the constituencies will have a total of 2760 appointmet,” Dr Bawumia stated.
The Minority in Parliament has raised objections to the sod-cutting ceremony conducted by President Akufo-Addo for the National Affordable Housing Project.
This project aims to construct approximately 8,000 units of affordable houses with support from the private sector.
Sampson Ahi, a member of the Works and Housing Committee of Parliament, has criticized the government, stating that they have not provided the necessary details of the agreement to Parliament for approval.
According to him, the project’s Essential Project Committee (EPC) agreement has not been laid in Parliament, and as a result, it has not been officially approved. Despite this, the ceremony took place, which the Minority perceives as a disregard for established government procedures.
The concerns raised by the Minority revolve around the lack of transparency regarding the project.
They are seeking answers regarding the value of the land involved in the project and the cost of onsite infrastructure that the government is obligated to provide as part of its equity in the venture.
By questioning these aspects, they aim to ensure accountability and proper adherence to parliamentary approval processes.
“This particular project is supposed to be laid in Parliament today, but it has not been done which means that the EPC agreement has not been approved in Parliament and so if you have presented such a document to Parliament for approval, it has not even been laid, yet we are there cutting sod to commence work and that is a slap or disrespect to government structures.”
“We are raising concerns, and we will want to know the value of the land, the cost of the onsite infrastructure that the government is supposed to provide as part of its equity in the project, and all these questions must be answered.”
A presidential hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has called on the leadership of the party to establish businesses that would support the growth of the country and inure to the benefit of its supporters.
Speaking on JoyNews, the former Agric Minister noted that there are concerns by party faithful over lack of employment and economic hardship.
As a solution, Dr Afriyie Akoto entreated the party to venture into active businesses to provide jobs for its supporters, arguing that political parties such as the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa has several companies providing job opportunities.
“We need to fix this party in order that we can sustain ourselves in power come December 2024. We have a lot of contracts. Government is the biggest business in this country.
“If the military can have companies to do business, why can’t political parties. The ANC in South Africa owns mines, manufacturing concessions, insurance companies and so on. We have to be more entrepreneurial.
“As a key to ‘we have nothing’ the party as a body should have some business edge to raise income for themselves,” he said.
The ANC has had a strong presence in various sectors of the South African economy, particularly through its investment arm, Chancellor House Holdings (Pty) Ltd.
Chancellor House was established to fund the ANC’s activities during the struggle against apartheid.
Over the years, it has invested in various business ventures, including energy, construction, and telecommunications.
The former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akwatia in the Eastern Region, Mercy Adu-Gyamfi, popularly known as Ama Sey, is determined to reclaim the Akwatia seat from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general election.
Despite losing in her re-election bid during the party’s parliamentary primary to Ernest Kumi, who subsequently lost the seat to the NDC in the 2020 election, Ama Sey is determined to make a comeback.
A group of NPP polling station executive members presented the party’s parliamentary nomination forms to Ama Sey, expressing their unwavering support for her candidacy in the 2024 elections.
Ama Sey emphasized that her desire to return to Parliament is driven by her commitment to serving the people of Akwatia and bringing development to the area.
She has engaged in consultations with key personalities within and outside the NPP regarding her intention to contest for the parliamentary seat once again on the NPP ticket.
The party has opened nominations in the 137 constituencies where it has no sitting MPs, known as orphan constituencies, starting from July 11, 2023, until August 10, 2023.
Elections in these orphan constituencies to elect parliamentary candidates for the 2024 general election will take place between September 2023 and December 2, 2023.
The Akwatia parliamentary seat is currently held by the NDC, with Henry Yiadom Boakye as the MP. In the 2020 general election, Boakye won the seat with 19,899 votes (51.5%), defeating Ernest Kumi of the NPP, who received 18,742 votes (48.5%). Ama Sey is determined to reclaim the seat for the NPP in the upcoming elections.
Former Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Yaw Adomako Baafi, has urged the party’s communicators to adopt a conciliatory approach when addressing the Cecilia Dapaah matter.
Adomako Baafi stressed that supporting the embattled former sanitation minister would not serve the party’s interests and might negatively impact the NPP‘s reputation.
During an interview with Wontumi TV on July 31, 2023, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation and emphasized that the current controversy surrounding the former minister is an unfavorable narrative for the party.
He mentioned that although there is no definitive evidence of wrongdoing on Cecilia Dapaah’s part, the party communicators should avoid being defensive in their responses to the allegations and instead adopt an apologetic position.
“The NPP communicators, I will commend them, we should not be on the defensive, we should rather sound apologetic because it is not a good story even though we don’t have any basis that the woman has taken the nation’s money, for that aspect, the law will deal with it.
“It is painful, she is our mother and sister who has come to serve the nation, for us we had wished this did not happen, but for us as humans we are surrounded by problems, but that doesn’t mean we should betray her and at the same time that, it doesn’t mean we should defend what is indefensible.”
Cecilia Dapaah has since July 22 resigned her ministerial position and has been arrested and released on bail by the Special Prosecutor after a search was conducted at her residence.
Meanwhile, police have submitted the docket of the case of theft as reported by the minister and her husband to the Attorney-General for advice.
However, some relatives of the former minister have also been questioned about the stolen monies from her Abelemkpe residence which led to her resignation from office and the current probe by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
Ghanaians from all walks of life have gathered on Twitter to express their grievances about the current state of affairs in Ghana, with the hashtag #LifeHardUnderThisGovt.
The hashtag, believed to be sponsored by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has swiftly become a focal point for citizens to express their concerns and frustrations regarding the policies of the present government and their impact on daily life.
The social media sensation coincides with the day Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta presented the highly anticipated 2023 Mid-Year Budget Review.
The trending hashtag has allowed users to pinpoint specific instances where they feel let down by the government’s response to crucial issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has expressed deep concern about the governance of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government, stating that it poses a significant threat to Ghana’s democracy.
Taking to Facebook on Monday, July 31, Mr. Mahama urged Ghanaians to vote out the current administration in the upcoming 2024 election to save the nation from further challenges.
“Transparent and accountable governance in which opportunities are open to all and not just a few is the greatest guarantor of our democracy.
“The almost seven years of Akufo Addo and Bawumia’s maladministration is the biggest threat to the survival of our constitutional democracy. Only a CHANGE in this inept NPP government can ensure the sustainability of our democracy.
“The next NDC administration will work to restore hope to Ghanaians quickly. The business-as-usual approach to governance, lies and propaganda will not work. We cannot and must avoid repeating the mistakes of the NPP.”
He firmly believes that the nearly seven years of the Akufo-Addo and Bawumia administrations have put Ghana’s constitutional democracy at risk.
According to him, the only way to ensure the sustainability of democracy and restore hope to the people is through a change of leadership.
He emphasized the need to replace the current inept NPP government with the NDC administration.
Mr. Mahama stressed that transparent and accountable governance, where opportunities are accessible to all, not just a privileged few, is crucial for upholding democracy in the country.
He further warned against the business-as-usual approach to governance, lies, and propaganda, and pledged that the next NDC administration would work diligently to address the challenges and restore hope to the Ghanaian people.
In addition, John Dramani Mahama criticized President Akufo-Addo’s appointees for their conduct and actions, which he believes are in stark contrast to the president’s previous advice about seeking personal enrichment in the private sector, rather than in politics.
Mahama expressed his disappointment that the current behavior of President Akufo-Addo’s appointees deviates significantly from the president’s wise words spoken more than six years ago.
These remarks were made during his address to the graduating class of 2023 at the Academic City University College.
“Some of you who will find yourself in politics, I wish to sound a note of caution, as President Akufo-Addo said if your goal into office is to enrich yourself, then don’t come, go to the private sector.
“Very profound words were spoken by the President, more than 6 and a half years ago. With what is happening today, I’m sure the President himself does not remember he spoke these very wise words.”
New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has stated that he is not a politician.
Despite his strong ties to the ruling party, Mr Otchere-Darko asserted that he does not identify himself as a politician.
He stated that his association is solely with the NPP, and being affiliated with the party doesn’t categorize him as a politician.
During an interview with Kwahu Ambassador, Odame Agyare, which was posted on Facebook on July 28, 2023, Gabby referred to himself as a public figure and a political strategist.
While the journalist was in the process of posing a question, he referred to Gabby as a politician, prompting Gabby to interject with the response, “I’m not a politician.”
“Yes, I’m a public figure; I have been a journalist, I have been on radio. I’ve been a political strategist. I have a political affiliation but I am not a politician,” he reiterated.
The Volta regional organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Korsi Bodja, has submitted a petition to the party’s national executives on July 3, urging the suspension of the NPP Volta Regional Secretary, Pope Yevu.
The petition alleges that Pope Yevu diverted campaign materials, including hair dryers, cutlasses, Wellington boots, head pans, fertilizers, and sewing machines, intended for distribution in Ewe communities during the recent Assin North by-election.
In the petition, Korsi Bodja invoked Article 3(7) of the party’s constitution, accusing Pope Yevu of gross misconduct as an elected officer and contravening various clauses of the party’s constitution related to the recent by-election campaign activities in Assin North Constituency.
The petition highlights that the campaign materials were meant to enhance the party’s electoral fortunes in Ewe communities.
However, it claims that Pope Yevu chose to retain these items in his hotel facility for personal interests instead of distributing them as intended.
According to Korsi Bodja, there is video evidence showing Pope Yevu secretly packing the hoarded campaign materials into his car on the morning of June 28, 2023, with the assistance of the Deputy Volta Regional Organizer, who also provided a pickup vehicle for transporting the items to the region.
Read below the petition by the NPP Volta regional organiser to the General Secretary:
REGIONAL ORGANIZER,
NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY,
VOLTA REGIONAL OFFICE,
HO – V/R.
3RD JULY, 2023.
THE GENERAL SECRETARY
NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
ACCRA
Dear Sir,
PETITION TO SUSPEND THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY VOLTA REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR DIVERSION OF CAMPAIGN MATERIALS FOR PRIVATE USE.
I write to invoke Article 3(7) of the party’s constitution for the suspension of the New Patriotic Party’s Volta Regional Secretary, Mr. Pope Yevu for gross misconduct against the party as an elected officer, contravening Article 3 Clauses 1,3,4,5 and 6 of the party’s constitution, in the recent by-election campaign activities held at Assin North Constituency where the Volta Regional Secretary was caught diverting campaign material meant for the said by-election.
In the said by-election, the New Patriotic Party Volta Regional Executives and other constituency executives were expected to enhance the party’s electoral fortunes by intensifying the campaign in the Ewe communities within the Assin North Constituency. As a result, campaign materials including hairdryers, cutlasses, Wellington boots, head pans, Fertilizers and sewing machines were handed over to the region to help meet the demand of the electorate in the Ewe communities during the campaign. However, it turned out that, while there was indeed, high demand for the said campaign materials within communities where we campaigned, the Volta Regional Secretary decided to keep such items in his hotel facility and diverted the same for his parochial interest.
From the video footage available for your view, the Volta Regional Secretary is visibly seen at the dawn of 28th June 2023, at about 3: 58am, a day after the by-election in Assin North, secretly packing out the hoarded items for the campaign into his car with the support of the Deputy Volta Regional Organizer who had also brought a pickup vehicle for the conveyance of same items to their region.
It must be stated that this act of irresponsible conduct and disloyalty to the party’s collective cause for which we went to Assin North to canvass for vote for the party’s victory in the by-election was a major factor in the apathy that reared its ugly head in the Ewe communities in Assin North Constituency. In fact, the conduct of the Volta Regional Secretary also contravenes Article 3 Clause 6 of the party’s constitution, which calls for members to participate fully in the activities of the party and ensure that the local organs of the party work effectively and accountably.
It indeed beggars belief that the Volta Regional Secretary of our party could be that mean and act in ways that do not promote the good name of the party, as the act was orchestrated before the right-thinking members of the hotel community, subjecting the New Patriotic Party to open mockery and negative branding.
If the Volta Regional Secretary is able to oversee the stealing of campaign materials far away Assin North to his home region, what will he not do if he gets hold of the same materials in his home region?
It is sad to note that even on the day of voting, persons who were promised such campaign materials called our team for the same to be brought to them, but to no avail. This indeed lowered the integrity of my team, which went around canvassing for vote in the Ewe communities. The Regional Secretary should be explaining what benefit there is to get from hoarding campaign materials meant for the electorate and losing by-elections in communities that were in one way or the other avoidable.
As a regional secretary, he owes it a duty to effectively and selflessly rally members of the party around a collective cause and sole objective of winning elections in any given contest and not engage in activities that would negatively affect the party’s chances in any election, whether in his home region or elsewhere. This conduct of his, therefore, makes him not fit for the position and I foresee disaster in the greater task of the election 2024 where the party has an agenda of breaking the eight-year cycle of governance in our country.
I therefore wish to crave your indulgence to as a matter of urgency treat this petition with the seriousness it deserves to save our party from any looming danger in the not-distant future.
President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has lauded the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, for her sacrifice in resigning amid the stolen money scandal, stating that she safeguarded the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from potential embarrassment.
Concerns have been raised by various groups regarding the origin and intended use of the US$1 million, €300,000, and unspecified amounts of Ghanaian cedis allegedly stolen from Ms. Dapaah’s residence.
Reports circulated about two house helps facing court charges for supposedly stealing significant sums of money and personal belongings from the former minister and her husband.
As a result of the incident, Madam Dapaah chose to step down from her ministerial position and was later arrested by the Special Prosecutor.
Her two residential properties were searched before she was granted bail.
During an interview with the media, Mr. Cudjoe expressed his belief that her decision to resign was not only in her own interest but also a sacrifice for the entire party.
He empathized with the potential damage she could have faced due to the circulating information, emphasizing the human aspect of such situations, especially if she had not committed any wrongdoing.
Mr. Cudjoe commended the former minister for her honorable resignation and acknowledged that external pressures might have influenced her decision.
He recognized her efforts to preserve a sense of sanity amidst ongoing investigations, concluding that her resignation was well-received, and he holds no fault against her for making that choice.
“When matters of this kind happen, the damage you are likely to suffer due to the information that is out there, if you don’t take care, you could break down. We are humans, especially if it’s really the case that you haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Maybe some pressures made her resign. Ultimately, she made the decision that she could save some sanity, for now, while investigations continue. Her decision to resign was welcomed. I don’t fault her.”
Assin Central Member of Parliament and flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has declared himself as one of the richest and untouchable members of the NPP.
He is currently on a campaign tour, touting himself as the best candidate to lead the NPP citing his historical monetary and material contributions to the party.
He told delegates and party faithful during his Western Regional campaign stop that he had become fearless because of his wealth, which he had used a considerable amount of to help the party over the years.
“At this stage in my life, I will never be poor till I die. I have home sense, I will never go hungry. I won’t let anyone scare you in this region, we are not afraid of anyone,” he stressed.
“I don’t fear anyone (in this party), you know why? Because I got dough, I got dough,” he stressed whiles gesturing with his hand on his trouser pocket. The claim and gesture elicited lots of cheers from the gathering.
He tasked delegates on the need to not fear anyone in the party who is trying to whip them to support a particular candidate.
“Regional executives are being whipped, I have given 26 pickups to this region, all the 10 contestants, which of them has donated even a car tyre to this region. Come on, you should wake up. Why are you afraid?
“Why are you afraid, those whipping you into a certain line, which candidate can say they care for the Western Region than myself, Kennedy Agyapong?” he told a charged crowd.
Agyapong will contest for the flagbearership slot along with nine other contenders including former trade minister Alan Kyerematen and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who are seen as his main challengers.
The NPP will slash the 10 candidates, who passed the vetting stage, down to five in a preliminary vote (set for August) before the main contest is held in November 2023 to elect a successor to president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as leader of the party.
A visually impaired historian has asserted delegates will show aspiring New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, the exit in the upcoming special delegate congress, scheduled for August 26, 2023.
Duodu The Historian, as he is affectionately called, said delegates will punish Mr Agyapong for spreading “anti-party” messages during his ongoing campaigns.
“Kwabena Agyei Agyapong is conducting an anti-party campaign and he is annoying party members with that,” he said.
Duodu asserted that all aspirants seeking to lead the NPP, including Mr Agyapong will be campaigning based on the track record of the current administration. Therefore, anyone who makes comments that put the current administration in a bad light, is shooting himself in the foot.
“There are a lot of factors that can influence his defeat; like things he did when he was the General Secretary of the party and how he existed [which party members have still not forgiven him for], in addition to his anti party campaign and I hope delegates are taking this into account and they will show him the exit on August 26, 2023,” he added.
A visually impaired historian has asserted that aspiring New patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer and former Trades Minister, Alan Kyerematen, is unlikely to emerge winner of the upcoming NPP Presidential Primaries.
Although Duodo The Blind Historian, as he is affectionately called asserts that Mr Kyerematen is likely to cross the first selection process, where five candidates will be selected, it will be impossible for him to win the Presidential primaries to become the party’s flagbearer.
He attributed this to what he describes as a political plunder Mr Kyerematen committed in 2008.
“Alan for instance can break the first five but to become a flagbearer will be very very difficult. It is the most difficult thing currently in the world. It will be more difficult for him to win than for someone to die and resurrect.
Asked by host Kofi Adoma Nwanwani why he says so, he explained that: “in April 2008, he [Alan] committed a political suicide and that political suicide will follow him.”
The case in reference occurred in April 2008 when Mr Kyerematen resigned from the party.
A Daily Guide report indicated that the then defeated New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, John Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has resigned from the party.
Mr Kyerematen, popularly called Alan Cash, was said to have submitted his resignation letter to the office of the National Chairman of NPP, Peter Mac Manu, who was then out of the country.
The former Minister was said to have stated in the letter that his supporters were being harassed since his defeat at the party’s Legon Congress, and therefore he was left with no option than to quit.
Alan however said he would rejoin the party at the appropriate time and later did so.
Duodu, who emphasised that forgiveness is rare in Ghanaian politics, said that party delegates might not forgive him for his decision to exit and rejoin the party.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Ahanta West, Ebenezer Kojo Kum, is preparing to step down from his position.
Kojo Kum has communicated his intention to resign to the national NPP leadership twice, citing health reasons as the primary cause.
Despite the party’s leadership expressing a desire for him to continue, Kojo Kum’s family is adamant that he should resign due to his health condition.
Kojo Kum’s health struggles date back to 2021 when he fell ill, and he has been confined to his bed since then.
As a result, he previously resigned from his role as the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs on February 3, 2023, due to his deteriorating health.
If Kojo Kum indeed resigns, it would prompt the 3rd by-election of the 8th Parliament of Ghana. So far, the parliament has already witnessed two by-elections: the Assin North and the Kumawu by-elections.
Former parliamentary aspirant for Kpone Katamanso, Hopeson Adorye, has cautioned the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against taking any action to suspend party members for statements made during the campaign for the presidential primaries.
He pointed out that while the party’s Members of Parliament and certain regional executives freely declare their support for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and criticize other presidential contenders, the party leadership remains silent. However, they are now adopting a different stance, threatening to disqualify and suspend individuals who defend themselves.
During an interview on Atinka TV, Adorye criticized the party’s national executives for showing favoritism in dealing with matters related to the primaries. He further asserted that the party leadership does not have the authority to disqualify any of the candidates in the upcoming elections.
“You can’t scare anybody. We are in this country… You think we are here to joke. If you want us to fight, we will fight. I’m saying that if they want us to fight, we will fight.
“You think we are just going to sit down? Nobody is going to cheat us. We’re unperturbed about your threats to disqualify people; nobody can threaten us,” he said in Twi.
Hopeson Adorye, a former National Security operative, added, “the system cannot impose anybody on us. The grassroots are going to select the candidate for the party. We are not afraid of anybody,”.
Ten people would be contesting the NPP presidential primaries, which are slated for August and November 2023.
A super delegate conference would be held in August 2023 to reduce the number of contenders to five, while the main primaries would be held in November 2023 to choose the party’s presidential candidate for the 2024 elections.
The ten candidates include Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; a former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen; Kwadwo Poku, an energy expert; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Joe Ghartey; a former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto; a former General Secretary of the NPP, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong; MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong; a former MP for Offinso North, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku; and a former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko.
Member of Alan Kyerematen’s campaign team, Collins Owusu Amankwaah, has emphasized that they will strongly oppose any efforts to manipulate the upcoming NPP presidential primaries.
Amankwaah has voiced worries about possible unfair tactics and attempts to rig the party’s primaries by certain factions.
During an interview with Oyerepa Radio on July 27, 2023, the ex-Member of Parliament for Manhyia North Constituency disclosed that his team is well-informed about current endeavors to manipulate delegates’ records, specifically in the Ashanti Region.
He stated that should any constituency be found attempting to remove names of delegates from the NPP album, Alan Kyerematen’s supporters will take action and not remain passive.
He declared, “We’ll not permit voting to take place in any constituency that’s planning to remove names of some delegates in the NPP album. We’ll never sit aloof and watch one person take the law into his hands to cheat us. It will never happen.”
He further assured that Alan’s camp is highly vigilant and fully prepared to confront any individuals involved in rigging attempts head-on.
He warned those considering altering the album to abandon such plans, as they would face severe consequences from the resolute camp of Alan Kyerematen.
Central Regional Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Gabriella Tetteh has labeled President Akufo-Addo has waded in recent corruption scandals involving the current administration.
Speaking in an interview, she said the current administration, led by President Akufo-Addo has failed woefully in the fight against corruption.
To her, it appears the ‘god of corruption’ has been awakened by the current administration led by President Akufo-Addo.
“The bigger problem is that as a country, we have failed in the fight against corruption and under President Akufo-Addo’s regime, we have failed woefully, she said.
She made the remarks during a conversation on Cecilia Dapaah’s recent corruption saga where she intimated that Ghanaians have lost confidence in the current as a result of various corruption scandals that have emerged.
Making reference to the country’s ranking on the Global Index on Corruption, she expressed the view that Ghana’s performance in terms of the fight against corruption is abysmal.
Additionally, she said Ghanaians have totally lost confidence in the President due to the economic hardships that the country has been plunged into.
“The hope Ghanaians had in [President Akufo-Addo] which led to them voting to elect him as President has totally diminished. Ghanaians no longer have confidence in him,” she added.
Former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, has recently been in the news following a theft case involving two of her house helps.
The women, an 18-year-old, and a 32-year-old, are said to have stolen huge sums of money from the former Minister’s home. The case is currently in court, however, the Special Prosecutor has taken up the matter for further investigations.
Meanwhile, Ghanaians have questioned the source of wealth of the former minister.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has asserted that the only individuals claiming that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are similar are disillusioned NPP members.
During an interview on the KSM show, Mahama, who is the presidential candidate of the NDC for the 2024 elections, emphasized that there is no basis for comparing the NPP to his party, as the NDC’s track record speaks for itself.
He further urged NPP members to refrain from making such claims and instead face the consequences of the actions their party has taken, which, according to him, have led to challenges in Ghana.
“It is NPP propaganda… they are in their mess and want to draw everybody else into the same mess. You’ve messed the country up.
“Not all politicians are the same. But they’re happy to push that mantra and make it look like Oh, whether NDC comes or NPP comes, you’re better off staying with us because when NDC comes it will be the same.
“That is the psychology of the propaganda they are doing. We are not the same,” he told veteran journalist Kwaku Sintim-Misa (KSM).
During his comparison of the NDC and NPP’s records in various sectors, the former president highlighted the educational sector.
He pointed out that the NDC has been responsible for constructing all the public universities in Ghana, while the NPP, in contrast, has only renamed them without significant infrastructure development.
“We have given more Ghanaians electricity than any party in the history of this country. Rolling started the national electrification program, and the rural electrification program, which has brought Ghana to above 80% electricity coverage.
“In our time we’ve given more Ghanaians water than any party in the history of this country. When proof came into office water coverage was 55%.
“By the time I left office, water coverage was 72%. We have built all the public universities in this country, NPP hasn’t built one public university, they’re just good at renaming them with their party figures,” he said.
He added that Ghana’s digitalising agenda which the NPP drags off started under his watch when he was theMinister of Communications.
“We started the digital revolution in this country. I was Minister of Communications when we divided posts and telecommunications and created Ghana Telecom and allowed Space Phone and all the mobile operators to come in. We started laying optic fibre in this country, did the Eastern Corridor Optic Fibre. And so that whole digital revolution started in our time.”
The spokesperson for the Alan Kyerematen campaign team, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, has provided an explanation for the decision to put on hold the campaign trip of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant to the Ashanti Region.
According to Mr. Asamoa, the postponement was deemed necessary due to other essential government and parliamentary activities scheduled for that period.
Specifically, the decision was made to avoid interfering with public interest in the mid-year budget review, which is set to be delivered to Parliament on Monday, July 31.
He highlighted the significance of the budget review, as it is the first since Ghana entered the IMF program.
The review will assess whether the country is making progress, remaining static, or experiencing setbacks in its economic development.
“The Minister of Finance is slated to deliver the mid-year budget review to Parliament. That budget review, the first since we entered the IMF programme, will tell us whether we are making progress, we are static or we are retrogressing.
Given the importance of this event for the entire nation, the campaign team did not want their activities to compete for media attention during that week.
Mr. Asamoa stressed the significance of the budget review for Mr. Kyerematen’s campaign and his chances of winning the 2024 polls.
The team is conscious of the fact that the state of the nation’s economy will play a crucial role in the 2024 election’s outcome.
Therefore, they are keen on aligning their campaign with Mr. Kyerematen’s great transformational plan, which aims to build the economy following the IMF stabilisation period, focusing on a stable and sound macroeconomic environment.
The mid-year budget review is expected to prioritize policies aimed at securing economic stability and fostering growth.
It will also encompass several reforms, including the Post-CoVID-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG), which aims to improve institutions and controls in the country.
Other areas targeted for enhancements include expenditure commitment control and arrears clearance, debt management, governance, tax policy, tax administration, energy sector reforms, and cocoa sector reforms.
The NPP has scheduled a Special Delegates Congress on August 26, 2023, with the purpose of selecting top five candidates who will compete in the November 4, 2023, election.
This election will determine the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2024 General Election.
After the closure of nominations last month, ten individuals submitted their nomination forms to vie for the flagbearership position.
The vetting process commenced on Monday, July 3, and is set to conclude on Thursday.
According to the party’s rules, if more than five aspirants qualify to compete, a special electoral college will be convened.
The college’s task will be to select the final five candidates who will proceed to the November 4 presidential primary.
Currently, there is speculation surrounding a list containing the names of over 900 NPP special delegates who will participate in the selection process to determine the top five candidates for the November 4 election.
However, the authenticity of this list is yet to be confirmed, and the aspirants are eagerly waiting to know their fate.
ELECTORAL COLLEGE COMPOSITION
1. All Constituency Chairmen – 275
2. All Regional Executives – 272
3. All NPP Members of Parliament – 137
4. Regional Representatives to the National Council – 60
5. Council of Elders – 30
6. Founding Members / Fathers – 123
7. Reps from the Women’s Wing – 3
8. Rep from the Youth Wing – 3
9. Reps from the Nasara Wing – 3
10. Three (3) reps from each of the 25 international branches – 75
Former Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen, has voiced his disapproval of parliament’s decision to remove the death penalty from the constitution, fearing it might lead to an increase in mob justice.
During an interview with the media on July 26, Boahen expressed support for mob attacks, questioning the idea of imprisoning murderers for life while considering their punishment, which is death, as a human rights issue.
He argued that the rights of the victims who lost their lives should also be respected.
Boahen firmly stood by his position, declaring that he would eliminate the abolition and reinstate capital punishment if he were to become president.
“What happens to the right of the person who was killed, doesn’t he/she also have the same right?”
“We have created an atmosphere of fear and panic for ourselves because we pardon and pamper murderers on human right grounds. I’m telling you, if I, Obiri Boahen became the president, you’ll see what would happen in this country. Enough of that ugly noise! Ghanaians are sick and tired of the panic,” he added.
He criticized the current system for granting too much leniency to murderers under the guise of human rights, creating an atmosphere of fear and panic among the people.
The lawyer contended that life imprisonment alone does not effectively deter crime and cautioned against the potential dangerous consequences of abolishing the death penalty.
He further criticized past presidents for not implementing capital punishment in the name of preserving human rights credentials, believing that this approach disregards the rights of the victims who suffered due to heinous crimes.
An aspiring presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Member of Parliament (MP) representing Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has assured the Savannah Regional Minister, Saeed Jibril, that he intends to silence his critics by establishing factories in the region.
During an interview with the media on July 24, 2023, he emphasized that Saeed Jibril’s background as a former classroom teacher is different from the realm of politics, and he will overlook the insults directed at him.
Notably, after Kennedy Agyapong’s visit to Damongo, the Savannah Regional Minister urged NPP delegates across the region to vote for a candidate who differs from John Dramani to lead the party in the 2024 elections and avoid supporting radicals who engage in a spree of insults.
Saeed Muhazu Jibril criticized the campaign tactics employed by Kennedy Agyapong and the former NPP general secretary, Kwabena Agyapong, for their disrespectful remarks targeting Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, which he believed would harm the NPP.
Speaking with the media on July 19, 2023, Saeed Jibril stressed that all campaigns should focus on the party’s achievements, rather than speaking against the very party they seek to lead. He regarded those resorting to insults as unpatriotic and unfit to lead the party.
In response to the comments made by the Savannah Regional Minister, Kennedy Agyapong, during his interview on Wa-based Home Radio, stated that speaking the truth often makes one a target, and he has endured insults while conveying his message.
Kennedy Agyapong expressed his frustration, noting that he refrains from responding to insults for a while, but when he eventually does, it becomes an issue for the party. He considered this treatment unfair.
Furthermore, Kennedy Agyapong shared that despite receiving insults, he chooses to ignore them and provided examples of his achievements. He mentioned plans to construct factories in Savannah to showcase his endeavors.
He also highlighted his significant contributions, such as building the largest cold store facility in Africa, amounting to thirty-one thousand tonnes, all accomplished without any loans or debts to banks.
Kennedy Agyapong emphasized that his accomplishments were beyond the scope of classroom work, urging others to appreciate his efforts and contributions.
Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has affirmed the government’s strong commitment to passing the Code of Conduct Bill.
In an interview with the media, Mr. Tuah-Yeboah emphasized the extensive efforts put into drafting the bill, including public engagements and discussions.
The final draft of the bill currently awaits approval from the cabinet before being presented to Parliament for further consideration.
Mr. Tuah-Yeboah highlighted that the Code of Conduct Bill addresses various important issues, making it crucial for public officers to exercise caution in their actions as they will be held accountable.
He stressed that the bill covers a wide range of matters, indicating that those who believe they can act recklessly would need to rethink their approach.
The Deputy Attorney-General expressed optimism that the Code of Conduct Bill would become one of the country’s significant and commendable laws once passed into legislation.
On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) organized a balloting event to determine the sequence of its flagbearer hopefuls for the upcoming special delegates conference scheduled for August 26.
During the balloting process, the representatives of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia chose the 10th position for their candidate.
Kennedy Agyapong was allocated the first slot, while Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen secured the second slot.
Check the full list below:
1. Ken Ohene Agyapong 2. Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen 3. Joe Ghartey 4. Kwadwo Poku 5. Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto 6. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong 7. Francis Addai Nimoh 8. Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku 9. Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko 10. Dr Mahamadu Bawumia
Former president, John Dramani Mahama has stated that if he had caused even a fraction of the problems he perceives the current government to have created, Ghanaians would have criticised him.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, 25 July 2023, he accused the ruling party of employing a deliberate propaganda strategy to mislead the public into believing that both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are alike and urged Ghanaians not to fall for this deception.
According to Mr. Mahama, the NPP has fostered a crisis of confidence in Ghana’s democracy, leading people to view politicians as dishonest and power-hungry.
He stated that he would have faced severe backlash and condemnation had he done even one-tenth of what the current government has done during their eight years in power.
“They [NPP] have created a crisis of confidence in the population in our democracy because now it’s easy for Ghanaians to think that politicians are liars; they’ll just lie for political power. If I did one-tenth of what they have done these last eight years, I’m sure that I would have been pilloried and crucified on a cross by now. There’s a bit of hypocrisy in it.”
“It’s NPP propaganda…they are in their mess, and they want to draw everybody else into the same mess,” the flagbearer of the NDC for the 2024 elections added.
“They [NPP] are happy to push that mantra and make it look like, ‘Oww, you’re better off staying with us because if the NDC comes, it will be the same.’ That is the psychology of the propaganda they are doing, It’s not the same.”
He attributed this perceived hypocrisy to NPP’s propaganda, which aims to implicate others in their own shortcomings.
The NDC’s flagbearer for the 2024 elections highlighted his party’s achievements, emphasizing that the NDC has a track record of delivering tangible benefits to Ghanaians.
He pointed out that the NDC has been instrumental in expanding electricity coverage in the country, citing the national and rural electrification programs initiated during Rawlings’ tenure.
He also noted the NDC’s contributions to the digital revolution, telecommunications development, and the provision of water, which significantly increased during his time in office.
Mr. Mahama further criticized the NPP for not establishing any public universities but rather renaming existing ones after their party figures.
He urged them to accept responsibility for their actions and refrain from trying to portray both parties as similar, as the NDC and NPP have distinct approaches and accomplishments.
In conclusion, former president Mahama defended his party’s record and called out the NPP for their alleged propaganda, urging them to focus on their own actions and leave the NDC to pursue their objectives separately.
“We started the digital revolution in this country. I was the Minister of Communication when we divided post and telecommunications and created Ghana Telecom and allowed Spacefon and all the mobile operators to come in. We started laying fibre optics in this country. We did the eastern corridor fibre optic.”
“We’ve given more Ghanaians water than any party in the history of this country. When Prof [John Evans Atta Mills] came into office, water coverage was 55 per cent; by the time I left office, water coverage was 72 per cent.”
“Seventy-two per cent of Ghanaians had access to good drinking water. We have built all the public universities in this country. NPP hasn’t built one public university. They are just good at renaming them with their party figures. And, so, somebody builds a university and you come and name it Dombo University, Tedam University, and so, don’t let them come to tell us we and they are the same. We are not the same. They should just wallow in their mess and leave us alone.”
An old video featuring presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has surfaced, where he is seen showering praises on the brilliance of Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Kennedy Agyapong, who is vying for the NPP flagbearer position along with nine other aspirants for the upcoming elections, had predominantly centered his campaign on criticizing the Vice President.
However, last week, after indirectly criticizing Dr. Bawumia for the recent depreciation of the Cedi, an old video resurfaced, displaying Kennedy Agyapong absolving Dr. Bawumia of blame.
As the Assin North MP intensifies his campaign, another throwback video has emerged, where he lauds the performance of Vice Presidents in the 4th Republic.
In the video, Kennedy Agyapong discusses the effectiveness of Vice Presidents under various regimes and highlights Dr. Bawumia’s exceptional brilliance and capabilities.
He attributes this effectiveness to both Dr. Bawumia’s natural abilities and the leadership style of President Akufo-Addo, which has allowed him to shine.
“I want Ghanaians to understand that it is not every President that allows their Vice Presidents to shine. It is Akufo-Addo’s style of government managing the country that has allowed the Vice President,” said Kennedy Agyepong in 2021.
He added: “But Dr Bawumia himself is naturally good. If he was like Mahama, he would have been ineffective.”
In the 2021 video, Kennedy Agyapong emphasizes that not all Presidents give their Vice Presidents the opportunity to excel, but President Akufo-Addo’s management style has allowed Dr. Bawumia to showcase his brilliance.
He further contrasts Dr. Bawumia’s competence with that of former Vice President Mahama, suggesting that the latter might have been less effective in a similar role.
These videos showcasing Kennedy Agyapong praising Vice President Bawumia and acknowledging his competence stand in stark contrast to his recent campaign messages, which have been critical of the Vice President.
Ghanaians have been urged to rekindle the spirit of patriotism exhibited by their predecessors during and after the struggle for the country’s independence.
The Superintendent Minister of the Kwashieman North Circuit of the Methodist Church Ghana, Very Rev. Ebenezer Grantson, made this call when he was addressing congregants.
He expressed concern that individualism had taken precedence over collective nation-building, leading citizens to pursue personal benefits rather than working for the greater good of the nation.
“Just look at what is happening on our political front.
“We surely do, but the truth is that they have all forgotten about the Christian principles which taught us to be faithful and to love one another, and rather joined the train to collect money from aspirants and candidates, knowing very well that they had only one person in mind,” he stated.
Rev. Grantson pointed out the state of politics in the country, emphasizing that some political delegates voted not based on their conscience but on who offered the most money.
He lamented that even Christian delegates seemed to have forgotten the values of faithfulness and love, becoming entangled in monetary considerations during political processes.
Speaking at the 35th-anniversary celebration of the Dunwell Methodist Society, Rev. Grantson stressed the need to look beyond material gain and instead focus on bringing in politicians and officials committed to serving the country rather than their self-interests.
He attributed corruption to the pursuit of personal gains at the expense of the nation.
Rev. Grantson called for a change in attitudes among Ghanaians, emphasizing that behavioral change was essential.
He cited the environmental challenges and the issue of illegal mining, urging the congregation to work together and support each other’s God-given talents, regardless of their size, to build a better society.
The Dunwell Methodist Church was established on July 17, 1988, through the efforts of Very Rev. Thomas Oseku Aful and ministerial students who were motivated to plant a church in Santa Maria after planning and collaboration with various societies and circuits.
Guidelines for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) impending presidential and parliamentary primaries in November of this year have been announced by the NPP National Council.
These rules have been made public for all candidates to comply by in order to prove their eligibility and be ready for the elections. They were debated and taken into consideration during its meeting on Thursday, July 20, 2023.
Here is a press announcement from the party’s national council that includes all the essential rules.
The presidential primaries held by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to choose a candidate for the general elections in 2024 will take place on November 4, 2023.
The 10 presidential candidates, who were all approved during the vetting process, will be reduced to five in a Special Electoral College on August 26, 2023.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has released the resolutions of the National Council following their meeting last week concerning the forthcoming parliamentary and presidential primaries.
In a press release dated July 24, 2023, issued by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party clarified that all Presidential aspirants must sign an agreement with the party, pledging their support to the eventual winner of the party’s Presidential Candidate election/selection, in the event that they are not elected/selected themselves.
It reiterated that the Special Electoral College scheduled for August 26, 2023, shall be held at each of the 16 Regional Capitals and that each delegate shall be entitled to one vote, and shall cast his/her vote by secret ballot for only one Candidate.
“All Aspiring Presidential Candidates shall be given the validated Album for the Special Electoral College at least one month to the date of the Congress (i.e. not later than July 26, 2023),” it added.
Unhealthy comments
The National Council said it took a serious view of some unhealthy comments and utterances from some aspiring presidential candidates and their supporters, which do not auger well for the unity and cohesion of the Party.
“Accordingly, the Council, by this statement, reinforces compliance with the Code of Conduct for Presidential and Parliamentary Elections of the Party.”
“Any Aspiring Presidential Candidate, or his supporters, and party executives at all levels who act in contravention of the Code of Conduct, moving forward, shall be dealt with in accordance with the guidelines thereof and the Party Constitution.
It said all aspiring presidential candidates shall campaign on issues and refrain from levelling unsubstantiated allegations, personal attacks and vilifications against their opponents and that no aspiring presidential candidate shall undertake any activity that will polarize the Party along tribal, religious, and other factional lines.
It added that all aspiring presidential candidates should impress upon their supporters not to engage in any of the activities stated above.
An aspiring presidential candidate shall sign an undertaking with the party, committing himself to supporting whoever is eventually elected/selected as the party’s Presidential Candidate after the election/selection process in the event that he is not elected/selected.
Below is a copy of the press statement:
For Immediate Release
July 24, 2023
DECISIONS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY ON PARLIAMENTARY AND PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES
The National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), at its meeting held on Thursday, July 20, 2023, considered the guidelines for the conduct of the Party’s presidential, and parliamentary primaries in constituencies where the Party has sitting Members of Parliament.
After extensive deliberations, the Council arrived at the following decisions and resolutions:
1) Regional and Constituency Party executives who wish to contest in the primaries in Constituencies with sitting Members of Parliament shall resign from their respective positions not later than September 20, 2023. All such executives shall tender in their resignation letters to their respective Regional Party Secretariats not later than September 20, 2023.
2) Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in Constituencies where the Party has sitting Members of Parliament are not eligible to contest in the parliamentary primaries for those Constituencies.
3) The Recommendations of the Vetting Committee clearing all the ten Aspiring Presidential Candidates to contest in the primaries were approved by the National Council. The approved candidates are:
a) Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen
b) Mr. Kwadwo Poku
c) Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
d) Boakye Kyerematen Agyarko
e) Kwabena Agyei Agyepong
f) Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
g) Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku
h) Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto
i) Joe Ghartey
j) Francis Addai-Nimoh
4) The Special Electoral College scheduled for August 26, 2023, shall be held at each of the 16 Regional Capitals.
5) Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote, and shall cast his/her vote by secret ballot for only one Candidate.
6) All Aspiring Presidential Candidates shall be given the validated Album for the Special Electoral College at least one month to the date of the Congress (i.e. not later than July 26, 2023).
7) The Electoral Commission of Ghana shall conduct the Special Electoral College elections.
8) An Elections Committee has been constituted to supervise the conduct of the Special Electoral College and the National Congress respectively. The Committee is composed as follows:
NAMES OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS 1. Rt. Rev. Rt. Hon. Prof. Mike Aaron Ocquaye -Chairman 2. Mr. Abankwa Yeboah -Vice Chairman
9) The National Council took a serious view of some unhealthy comments and utterances from some aspiring Presidential Candidates and their supporters, which do not auger well for the unity and cohesion of the Party.
Accordingly, the Council, by this statement, reinforces compliance with the Code of Conduct for Presidential and Parliamentary Elections of the Party.
Any Aspiring Presidential Candidate, or his supporters, and party executives at all levels who act in contravention of the Code of Conduct, moving forward, shall be dealt with in accordance with the guidelines thereof and the Party Constitution.
10) For the avoidance of doubt, the relevant portions of the guidelines dealing with the expected standards of conduct include the following:
a) All Aspiring Presidential Candidates shall campaign on issues and refrain from levelling unsubstantiated allegations, personal attacks and vilifications against their opponents.
b) No Aspiring Presidential Candidate shall undertake any activity that will polarize the Party along tribal, religious, and other factional lines.
c) All Aspiring Presidential Candidates shall impress upon their supporters not to engage in any of the activities stated above.
11) An Aspiring Presidential Candidate shall sign an undertaking with the party, committing himself to supporting whoever is eventually elected/selected as the party’s Presidential Candidate after the election/selection process in the event that he is not elected/selected.
He shall also undertake not to contest as an Independent Presidential Candidate or as a Candidate on the ticket of any other political party, and that, the NPP reserves the right to restrain him should he decide otherwise.
12) The photo Album/Register that was used to elect the Constituency Executives between April 22, 2022, and May 2, 2023, shall be the same album that will be made available to the Electoral Commission of Ghana for the conduct of the presidential primaries.
13) Any delegate who appoints a proxy shall apply to the National Secretariat three weeks before the conduct of the presidential primaries. However, persons appointed as proxies must be delegates to the conference.
The Party wishes to reiterate that any Aspiring Presidential Candidate who flouts any of the above guidelines and modalities, or conducts himself in a manner that brings the Party’s name into disrepute shall be deemed to be in breach of the Party Constitution and will, accordingly, be sanctioned including being disqualified from contesting in the Primaries.
Finally, while the Party wishes all its Aspiring Presidential Candidates the best of luck in the primaries, it anticipates that these rules and regulations shall be strictly complied with by all stakeholders, particularly the candidates and their supporters in the supreme interest of the party. Thanks.
A lecturer from Luton University’s Department of African Studies has proposed that Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) consider selecting a prominent figure like Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, as their running mate for the upcoming elections.
Dr. Effah Eghan believes that Wontumi’s popularity extends beyond regional or ethnic boundaries, making him a potential catalyst for the NPP’s victory.
Dr. Eghan emphasized that Ghana‘s political landscape has evolved significantly, with popularity and national acceptance playing a crucial role in determining political success. While acknowledging that his suggestion might be controversial to some, he urged people to objectively reflect on the idea.
“Chairman Wontumi and figures like him are now leading the political pack, wielding influence that can sway votes in favor of their parties,” Dr. Effah argued.
Drawing on his expertise in African political dynamics and election studies, Dr. Effah highlighted Chairman Wontumi’s significant impact across the country’s social fabric since entering politics. He asserted that Wontumi’s widespread popularity in both the northern and southern regions, along with his ability to connect with grassroots communities, make him an ideal candidate for the crucial role of NPP’s running mate.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has mandated its regional and constituency executives planning to run in the parliamentary primaries against incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs) to step down from their current positions.
As per a party statement, the executives must resign from their positions by September 20, 2023, in order to qualify as candidates in the upcoming parliamentary primaries.
The directive also extends to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in constituencies where the party has sitting MPs. Those MMDCEs, according to the NPP, are not eligible to participate in the parliamentary primaries for those constituencies.
The directive, the NPP explained was borne out of a National Council meeting held on Thursday, July 20, 2023.
“Regional and Constituency Party executives who wish to contest in the primaries in Constituencies with sitting Members of Parliament shall resign from their respective positions not later than September 20, 2023. All such executives shall tender in their resignation letters to their respective Regional Party Secretariats not later than September 20, 2023.
“Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in Constituencies where the Party has sitting Members of Parliament are not eligible to contest in the parliamentary primaries for those Constituencies,” the NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, said in a statement issued on July 24.
However, the party warned to deal with presidential aspirants who engage in unhealthy campaigns that will dent the image of the party.
“Any Aspiring Presidential Candidate, or his supporters, and party executives at all levels who act in contravention of the Code of Conduct, moving forward, shall be dealt with in accordance with the guidelines thereof and the Party Constitution. For the avoidance of doubt, the relevant portions of the guidelines dealing with the expected standards of conduct include the following: All Aspiring Presidential Candidates shall campaign on issues and refrain from levelling unsubstantiated allegations, personal attacks and vilifications against their opponents”.
Former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, has reportedly had her name expunged from the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Election Committee.
Per reports, Madam Dapaah’s name has been removed from the members of the NPP Election Committee that is to supervise the party’s internal elections.
Engaging the media at the NPP headquarters on Monday, July 24, Deputy Majority leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who is a member of the Election Committee could not confirm the assertion.
This was contained in a statement from the Office of the Special Prosecutor dated July 24, 2023.
According to the OSP, her arrest involves suspicions of corruption and corruption-related offences, revolving around the alleged theft of significant amounts of money and valuable items from her residence in Accra.
Five individuals are facing charges for their alleged involvement in stealing millions of dollars and euros from the minister’s house at Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra.
According to Madam Dapaah, the reported amounts of money stolen in the media is inconsistent with the original complaint she filed.
According to Madam Cecilia Dapaah, she decided to resign on July 23, 2023, to prevent this matter from becoming a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time.
She also assured of her willingness to cooperate fully with all state agencies to enable them fully establish the facts.
It is expected that investigation by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, will bring finality to the matter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e06Xo3HY5HI
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
A businessman who had his multi-million dollar company demolished years ago, Raymond Archer, has offered an advice to the Board Chair of the Ghana Trade Fair Company, Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan.
Speaking to the media, he suggested that McDan should pray for his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to remain in power indefinitely.
Archer’s remark came after he was asked about McDan’s comment on Ghanaian youth being lazy.
In response, Archer highlighted his concerns about the dangers that might lie ahead if the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) were to win the 2024 general elections.
The businessman accuses the NPP of targeting businesses belonging to NDC supporters when in power, leading to their collapse.
He alleged that businesses of NPP supporters, including the McDan Group, will receive preferential treatment and thrive under the party’s rule.
“Now, he has the McDan Group…a whole lagoon; natural resource was seized and given to him and all those people who lived on that lagoon and I understand about 4,000, 5,000 livelihoods have been taken and given to one man…he is building his empire whiles trampling on other people is who they are and what they have always done,” he stated.
Mr Archer mentions the demolition of his companies, Universal Labels and Packaging Co. Ltd (UNIPACK) and Colour Planet Limited, during the redevelopment project at the Trade Fair Center. He claims that the demolition took place despite a court injunction, and he acquired the property legally, rendering the actions of the authorities unjustifiable.
In particular, Archer points to the case of McDan, whose group allegedly acquired a lagoon and displaced thousands of livelihoods to build their empire, while disregarding the impact on others.
Given this backdrop, Archer advises McDan to be cautious about the potential consequences if the NDC comes to power, implying that his business success may be influenced by the ruling party in office.
Some female Members of Parliament (MPs) are calling for financial assistance from various civil society organizations and stakeholders to effectively fulfill their constituency duties.
They believe that such support would contribute to retaining the majority of female MPs and promote gender parity in politics.
According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, Ghana has a higher female population, accounting for 50.7 percent of the total population, while males constitute 49.3 percent.
However, within the 8th Parliament, both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have 20 female members each, totaling 40 out of 275 MPs.
During recent NDC primaries, three female MPs lost their bids to contest in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Expressing their concerns during a breakfast meeting organized by the Parliamentary Network Africa, Members of Parliament Patricia Appiagyei, Betty Krosbi Mensah, and Sheila Bartels called for financial support to retain their seats.
“It is very important that if we are working with the CSOs, wherever you are getting your funding from, it is critical that you appreciate the challenges we have in ensuring that we are servicing our constituencies and support us especially even during our primaries. What do you do to support and ensure that we retain our numbers and be able to even appreciate the numbers that we have in Parliament?”
Patricia Appiagyei stressed the importance of recognizing the challenges MPs face while serving their constituencies, especially during primaries, and urged the civil society organizations (CSOs) to offer necessary support.
Betty Krosbi Mensah, representing Afram Plains North, highlighted the limited resources available to MPs, making it difficult to effectively represent their constituencies.
Sheila Bartels, MP for Ablekuma North, emphasized that empowering women in Parliament would encourage more women to seek these positions.
She expressed concerns about women in politics not getting the same support as their male counterparts and urged for equitable financing opportunities.
The financial support sought by these female MPs aims to ensure they can continue their parliamentary roles effectively and pave the way for greater gender representation in Ghanaian politics.
The Member of Parliament for Assin Central and a hopeful for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer position, Kennedy Agyapong has reaffirmed his belief that pragmatic leadership outweighs language proficiency in politics.
While campaigning in the northern parts of the country and addressing delegates on Twitter, he emphasized that effective leadership can create job opportunities and improve people’s financial well-being.
Agyapong stressed that politics should not be solely about English proficiency but rather the ability to develop the country and uplift its citizens.
Agyapong is considered a frontrunner in the NPP presidential primaries, competing with Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia and former trade minister Alan Kyerematen.
Alongside them, seven other aspirants have been approved to contest in the preliminary election, which will eventually narrow down the number of candidates to five before the main election in November this year.
A member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) communications team, Clement Wilkinson, has made an audacious claim regarding the millions of dollars and pounds found in the home of the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah.
He suggested that the funds could be unaccounted donations received at recent funerals, including those of her brother and mother.
According to Wilkinson, the company that dredged the Odaw River might have contributed to the donations, as they received a significant amount for their services.
“The company which received $43 million dollars to dredge the Odaw river could have given Cecilia Dapaah $2 million dollars in funeral donation. You know Until the family meets to look at the entire donation, it would not be touched. It could be the reason the money was at her home”
Former Deputy Information Minister Felix Kwakye Fosu shared parts of the video on Twitter, expressing shock at the NPP communicator’s explanation.
The minister’s domestic staff is accused of stealing substantial amounts of money, jewelry, and clothing from her home.
Under pressure from various groups, including the minority, civil society organizations, and anti-corruption groups, the minister is still in her post, but calls for her resignation or removal by the President persist.
The Minister’s two house helps are currently facing charges before an Accra Circuit Court for supposedly stealing $1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghanaian cedis from her residence in Abelenkpe, Accra, in October 2023.
Yussif Sulemana, the Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi, expressed his expectations in a Citi News interview. He stated that he believes President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo should immediately dismiss the Minister while investigations are carried out to verify the legitimacy of the money.
“I expect the President to fire her if it’s true that she kept that huge sum of money in her house. The question is where did she get the money? If indeed that money was legitimate, why did she put it in her house instead of the bank?
“If it is indeed established that this woman was keeping such sums of money, the first thing is for the President to sack her.
“That’s the only way we would know that the President is fighting corruption. The President must act and act immediately. The next stage is that any state institution interested in investigating her could do so freely,” Mr. Sulemana added.
The NDC MP for the Kumbungu constituency, Hamza Adam, also speaking to Citi News, said it would be shocking if it is indeed established that the said monies were kept in the house of the Minister.
“Every minister of state has the right to own properties provided those properties are owned on the back of legitimacy. The issue surrounding Cecilia Dapaah is something that has come up as a shock, especially when everyone knows that the country is in a crisis. It will be surprising if indeed such monies were kept by her in her house. We have to establish the truth of the matter.”
“We are expecting the proper legal action to be taken and an investigation triggered to establish where she got the money from. I think it is illegal to keep such money in your house,” the Kumbungu MP added.
Camp of New Patriotic Party (NPP) has threatened to exit the party if it proceeds with its decision to decentralise the upcoming congress.
Head of communication for the Assin Central MP,Kennedy Agyapong‘s campaign team, William Kusi, has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to decentralize its upcoming super delegates congress with the intention of reducing the number of presidential hopefuls from ten to five.
He stated that the majority of the ten presidential hopefuls, specifically nine of them, prefer the congress to be centralized (held at a single location). Thus, deviating from this preference may lead to unfavorable outcomes.
Lawyer Kusi, who made these remarks in an interview on Akoma FM, on Thursday, July 20, 2023, added that it is likely that eight of the presidential hopefuls would leave the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to form another political party should the congress be centralised.
“They may be shocked at what would happen after that decision. It is either we agree with them to go on with the decentralized elections. . “Or we would tell them to take their elections and we would organise our own elections… they (the eight contenders) would form their own party to contest in the election,” he said in Twi.
The lawyer refuted the assertion that the 8 contenders would be responsible for the collapse of the NPP should they decide to form their own party.
“It is the executives that are breaking the NPP. Let us use common sense, we are part of a group of ten. Nine out of the ten went to go in a certain direction but you insist on the other direction, are you not the one breaking up the party?” he quizzed.
Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, has announced it will conduct its super delegates congress at the regional level.
This will be in line with the 2014 edition where it was held along regional lines as part of measures to prune the number of aspirants down to five for the main contest slated for November 2023.
The party’s scribe told Metro TV in a brief interaction at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, where representatives of some flagbearer hopefuls had attended a crunch meeting over the matter; that all parties were satisfied with the decision.
“The party has taken a firm decision with respect to the presidential primaries, where we are going to hold it and also one or two issues that came up. We have been able to resolve it.
“We are going to do it (the super delegates voting) at the regional level. Across 16 regions, same as occurred in 2014,” JFK told Paul Adom-Otchere.
Certain members of the Minority Members of Parliament have expressed their view that Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, acted unlawfully by keeping significant amounts of money in her house, which has allegedly been stolen by her house helps.
The Minister and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, were reportedly robbed by two of their house helps, Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei, between July and October 2022.
The house helps have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, involving large sums of money in different currencies and valuable items.
Three other individuals, including a plumber, a trader, and an unemployed person, have also been charged for dishonestly receiving stolen funds.
The accused allegedly used the stolen money to finance various purchases and properties.
In court, one of the house helps, Sarah Agyei, was granted bail, and the case has been scheduled for further investigation.
Speaking in parliament the Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi, , Yussif Sulemana, called on President Akufo-Addo to immediately dismiss the Minister while investigations into the source and legitimacy of the money take place.
He emphasized that such actions would demonstrate a commitment to fighting corruption within the government.
The NDC MP for the Kumbungu constituency, Hamza Adam, also expressed shock at the situation, stating that if proven true, the Minister’s possession of such large sums of money at her residence would be unlawful.
Both MPs have demanded a thorough investigation to ascertain the origin of the funds and appropriate legal actions to be taken.
Head of communication forKennedy Agyapong‘s campaign team, William Kusi, has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to decentralize its upcoming super delegates congress with the intention of reducing the number of presidential hopefuls from ten to five.
He stated that the majority of the ten presidential hopefuls, specifically nine of them, prefer the congress to be centralized (held at a single location). Thus, deviating from this preference may lead to unfavorable outcomes.
Lawyer Kusi, who made these remarks in an interview on Akoma FM, on Thursday, July 20, 2023, added that it is likely that eight of the presidential hopefuls would leave the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to form another political party should the congress be centralised.
“They may be shocked at what would happen after that decision. It is either we agree with them to go on with the decentralized elections. . “Or we would tell them to take their elections and we would organise our own elections… they (the eight contenders) would form their own party to contest in the election,” he said in Twi.
The lawyer refuted the assertion that the 8 contenders would be responsible for the collapse of the NPP should they decide to form their own party.
“It is the executives that are breaking the NPP. Let us use common sense, we are part of a group of ten. Nine out of the ten went to go in a certain direction but you insist on the other direction, are you not the one breaking up the party?” he quizzed.
Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, has announced it will conduct its super delegates congress at the regional level.
This will be in line with the 2014 edition where it was held along regional lines as part of measures to prune the number of aspirants down to five for the main contest slated for November 2023.
The party’s scribe told Metro TV in a brief interaction at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, where representatives of some flagbearer hopefuls had attended a crunch meeting over the matter; that all parties were satisfied with the decision.
“The party has taken a firm decision with respect to the presidential primaries, where we are going to hold it and also one or two issues that came up. We have been able to resolve it.
“We are going to do it (the super delegates voting) at the regional level. Across 16 regions, same as occurred in 2014,” JFK told Paul Adom-Otchere.
Spokesperson for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia‘s Campaign, Miracles Dennis Aboagye, has clarified that the Vice President is not opposing the petition from the remaining nine flagbearer hopefuls of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to centralize the special delegates’ congress scheduled for August 26th.
During an interview with the media, Mr. Aboagye stated that Dr. Bawumia remains indifferent to the matter and will honor whatever decision the party’s National Council arrives at.
“The Vice President’s position is to accede to whatever guidelines and decision that the National Council will come up with. The Vice President is indifferent,” he stated.
As a member of the National Council, the Vice President cannot simultaneously act as a “referee” and a “player” in the decision-making process, ensuring the right course of action is followed.
Mr. Aboagye emphasized that Dr. Bawumia’s primary focus is on communicating his message to the delegates and polling station executives, rejecting any involvement in propaganda aimed at discrediting his candidacy or message.
“Once you begin to say that the party must take a decision according to how you feel, you begin to create problems for the party, which has the potential of disorganizing the party,” he added.
He added that the Vice President avoids engaging in discussions that may lead to insinuations and name-calling, dismissing any attempts to label his supporters as cowards.
“These are issues that Dr. Bawumia does not want to discuss because he is busy with the delegates and the polling station executives. He is not ready to engage in casting insinuations and name-calling, and this issue of trying to say that anyone following the Vice President is a coward is laughable,” he added.
Following the recent revelations of construction lapses in the dams built under the ‘One Village, One Dam’ policy by the governing New Patriotic Party, (NPP) Minority MPs have strongly criticized the initiative, labelling it a mere political gimmick.
They argue that the policy was hastily implemented without proper consideration.
The criticism from the Minority MPs comes in the wake of JoyNews’ documentary, titled ‘Thirsty Dams,’ which exposed the poor condition of the dams constructed during the Akufo-Addo government’s tenure.
Among those expressing their concerns was Samson Ahi, the NDC MP for Bodi Constituency in the Western North Region.
According to Mr. Ahi, the ‘One Village, One Dam’ policy lacked careful planning and was primarily used as a propaganda tool to deceive the Ghanaian public.
He pointed out that despite the government’s claims of having built dams, many of them were unable to retain water even during the rainy season, indicating poor execution.
Furthermore, the MPs accused the NPP government of prioritizing fulfilling a manifesto promise over the well-being of the communities affected by the dams. They emphasized that the policy’s rushed implementation led to subpar construction, causing ongoing challenges with water supply in those areas.
Henry Yiadom Boakye, the NDC MP for Akwatia Constituency in the Eastern Region, echoed these concerns, highlighting the failure of the dams to deliver on their promised benefits.
He lamented that despite significant financial investments exceeding 200 million, the project failed to provide any meaningful returns or benefits to the communities.
The MPs argued that such resources could have been better utilized in other sectors like education, instead of being wasted on a project that did not meet its intended objectives.
They concluded that the evidence presented in the documentary reinforces their initial opposition to the ‘One Village, One Dam’ policy and calls for a more responsible approach to infrastructure development in the future.
On Thursday, July 20, the National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held a crucial meeting at the Alisa Hotel and unanimously rejected a petition from nine aspirants seeking a centralized venue for the party’s Special Delegates Conference.
The petitioners wanted the number of presidential aspirants, currently scheduled for Saturday, August 26, to be reduced to a central location.
The National Council cited the party’s constitution and a precedent set in 2014 as crucial factors that needed to be respected.
The General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, addressed journalists and announced that the NPP would proceed with its initially planned decentralization for the election.
The NPP’s constitution states that if there are more than five aspirants after the nomination and vetting process, a special delegates college should be held to reduce the number of candidates to five. The vetting committee had submitted their recommendations to the National Council, which was unanimously approved.
The nine flagbearer hopefuls, excluding Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, argued that a centralized election would be more efficient and transparent. They were not in favor of the plan to limit the voting to only 900 delegates at the regional level.
Despite their arguments, the National Council, which is the second highest decision-making body of the party, did not support their petition. As a result, the NPP will proceed with its plan to trim the list of presidential aspirants from ten to five on August 26, in accordance with its constitution.
Before the election, the party stated that a new register would be necessary to remove the names of delegates who have passed away or are no longer available to participate. General Secretary Justin Koduah assured that the new register would be finalized by the end of the week, and it would comprise between 900 and 1,000 delegates. This registration process aims to ensure a fair and accurate electoral college for the special delegates’ election.
Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako-Mensah, has praised Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for his remarkable display of tolerance in the face of adversity.
Speaking in an interview on Sompa FM, monitored by The Independent Ghana, the NPP legislator noted that despite the challenges and pressures that come with holding the high office of the Vice President, Dr Bawumia has consistently exhibited an unwavering commitment to maintaining composure and dignity.
He stressed that the Vice President has demonstrated an exceptional level of tolerance and resilience, earning admiration from both supporters and critics alike.
“He’s the first person I’ve seen in my political career who is extremely humble. Since 2008 when he came into the political stream, he’s been insulted but not a single time has he responded to any being. The level of temperament is unmatched,” he added.
In the world of politics, it is not uncommon for politicians to face heated debates, criticism, and even personal attacks, however, Dr Bawumia has chosen not to engage in tit-for-tat responses, opting instead to maintain a dignified silence, the MP argued.
“His shock absorbers are unmatched and that’s the kind of character of a leader. He comes down to everybody’s level. As a political leader, his human relation, his character, is unmatched,” he added.
Dr Bawumia is one of the ten candidates participating in the upcoming presidential primaries. He will be contesting with others including the former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen; the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong; a former Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko, who was the first to pick the form, a former NPP General Secretary and presidential spokesperson, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong; a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh.
The rest are a former Minister of State, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku and a former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto; a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General and MP for Essikado-Ketan, Joe Ghartey, and a businessman and energy expert Kwadwo Poku.
November 4, 2023, has been selected as the date for the NPP’s much anticipated presidential primaries which will result in the selection of a flag bearer for the general election in 2024.
Former Minister for Trade and Industries and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Alan Kyerematen, has promised to empower two local road contractors in every constituency if elected as the party’s flagbearer and subsequently president.
Speaking to the media, Alan Kyerematen stated that aims to prioritize local contractors over expatriates to boost the local economy and foster growth and development within each constituency.
He also committed to paying all constituency executives once assuming the role of party leader, urging delegates to choose a leader who resonates with the people they represent.
Kyerematen emphasized the importance of engaging floating voters in determining the party’s fortunes at the national level, asserting his capabilities to break the 8 in the 2024 general election.
Nine out of the ten presidential aspirants vying to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 election have jointly requested the party leadership to centralize the special delegates’ congress slated for August 26th.
The nine candidates, in expressing their opposition to the idea of conducting the election on a regional level, stated that it is not favorable for the party.
The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is the sole candidate who does not endorse the proposal.
They contend that distributing the election among a mere 900 voters would not be a prudent choice.
They are therefore urging the party to allow all 900 delegates to converge at one venue for the polls.
The NPP will on August 26th cut down the list of its presidential aspirants from 10 to five as stipulated in its constitution.
Meanwhile, the NPP says it is compiling a new register for its August 26th special delegates’ congress.
The party says a new register will be needed for the register since some of the delegates had passed.
General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong Koduah says a new register will be out by the end of the week.
“We are in the final stage of doing the compilation. Basically, we are not going to exceed 1000 so between 900 and 1000 delegates will form the special electoral college.”
“Some of the founding members have died, so we have to take their names out. We also have to look at past national officers. I am sure before the week ends we should have the final list for the special delegates’ election,” he stated.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is in the process of creating a fresh register for its upcoming special delegates’ congress scheduled for August 26th.
The party states that a new register will be necessary for the upcoming congress as some of the delegates have passed away.
“We are in the final stage of doing the compilation. Basically, we are not going to exceed 1000 so between 900 and 1000 delegates will form the special electoral college.”
“Some of the founding members have died, so we have to take their names out. We also have to look at past national officers. I am sure before the week ends we should have the final list for the special delegates’ election,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the national executive council of the NPP has directed all regional executives of the party to stop charging parliamentary aspirants unapproved fees.
A statement signed by Kodua Frimpong indicated that though the intentions of the regional executives may be positive, it is only the national executive of the party that can direct such charges and therefore called on them to cease such charges with immediate effect.
“While the national executive body acknowledges and appreciates the otherwise good intentions behind these decisions, you are hereby reminded that directives governing the conduct of elections of the Party can only be issued by the National Executive Committee, the appropriate body constitutionally mandated to do so.
“Accordingly, all Regional Executive Committees are, by this letter, directed to cease forthwith, the issuance of any directives on the conduct of parliamentary primaries unless and until the same have been approved by the National Executive Committee in accordance with the Constitution of the Party.”
Nine out of ten flagbearer hopefuls have allegedly threatened to withdraw from the New Patriotic Party’s Presidential primaries following an impending decision by the party.
According to reports, the party is yet to decide on whether or not to centralise the upcoming super delegate congress scheduled for August 2023.
Majority of the NPP presidential hopefuls want the congress to be held at a central location. However, one candidate, who is reportedly supported by the government and is advocating for the congress to be conducted in various locations based on the respective regions.
The other nine have raised concerns over conducting the primaries in various parts of the country, with claims that this would allow for intimidation of the party’s delegates, thus, have threatened to bare their teeth to the party if it fails to heed to their plights.
Also, according to a UTV report, the steering committee of the party and the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, want the congress to be held in the 16 regions.
The UTV report added that the committee has garnered the backing of the party’s regional chairmen and will strongly advocate for the super delegate congress voting to be conducted at the regional level during the meeting, however, the decision does not sit well with the nine candidates who have threatened to withdraw from the race.
In furtherance to this, a meeting has been scheduled for all aspirants who have reportedly halted their campaigns to attend a crucial meeting in Accra, today, Thursday, July 20, 2023, to decide on the matter.
“If the NPP would go into opposition or break the 8, it depends on this meeting which would be held tomorrow, July 20th,” a UTV reporter said in Twi on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is preparing a new register for its August 26th special delegates’ congress.
The party is creating this new register because some of the delegates have passed away.
According to the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong Koduah, the compilation is in its final stages. The special electoral college will consist of around 900 to 1000 delegates.
He explained, “Some of the founding members have died, so we have to take their names out. We also have to look at past national officers. I am sure before the week ends we should have the final list for the special delegates’ election.”
Furthermore, the NPP’s national executive council has instructed all regional executives to stop charging unapproved fees from parliamentary aspirants.
While recognizing the positive intentions, the party emphasized that only the national executive committee has the authority to issue such charges.
The regional committees were directed to halt these charges immediately and await approval from the National Executive Committee as per the Party’s constitution.
“While the national executive body acknowledges and appreciates the otherwise good intentions behind these decisions, you are hereby reminded that directives governing the conduct of elections of the Party can only be issued by the National Executive Committee, the appropriate body constitutionally mandated to do so.
“Accordingly, all Regional Executive Committees are, by this letter, directed to cease forthwith, the issuance of any directives on the conduct of parliamentary primaries unless and until same have been approved by the National Executive Committee in accordance with the Constitution of the Party.”
A presidential hopeful from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, firmly believes that he is the ideal candidate to lead Ghana’s rebuilding efforts.
Acknowledging the current economic challenges faced by the country, Dr. Apraku emphasizes that he possesses the necessary expertise and skills required to restore Ghana to its prosperous days. During his tenure as the Minister for Trade and Industry in the John Agyekum Kufuor government, he demonstrated a strong commitment to the nation’s development.
In an interview with the media, Dr. Apraku expressed a deep sense of responsibility to step forward as president during these difficult times, with the primary goal of revitalizing the country’s economy and bringing about positive change.
“I have been blessed, and I feel a sense of responsibility and the strongest belief to serve and build this nation. I have been placed in a position where I believe I have had the opportunity to see countries go through difficult times and I have a background in finance and economics and know how to turn things around.”
“I have had practical experience in working with economies that were practically destroyed such as in the case of Croatia after they separated from Yugoslavia and the United Nations needed people to go there and rebuild the country after it was devastated by the war, and I was one of the people that were selected. They needed economists to begin a new plan and I went and I made my contributions and that country is a strong economy today. The same thing happened in South Africa after it gained independence, and it needed people to build it, I was once again called, and I went there, and we strengthened the economy.”
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has cleared Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku and nine other aspirants to compete in the party’s flagbearer contest.
