An alleged artwork that the management of Despite Media Group subsidiary UTV, based in Accra, purportedly released over remarks about ethnic groups allegedly made by former president John Dramani Mahama, has been retracted.
The false artwork depicting Mahama reportedly urging delegates in the Eastern Region to reject the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was categorically denied by the show’s host on Friday (April 14) on the Mpu Ne Mpu program.
“Owners of our station are responsible and have toiled to make it, so there are somethings we don’t do.
“It has come to light that some people are using UTV’s name and logo on purported comments by former president John Dramani Mahama, that we were the authors of that statement,” the host said.
He continued: “I stand on behalf of our owners …and management to state that as UTV, what is said, was not authored by us. It is some unscrupulous people who manufactured it and put the UTV logo on it to make it look as though it was by us.
“This is to state officially that UTV knows nothing about this. Our logo was misused in the context. It is people whose thinking I do not know of,” he stressed before reading out the real quote that was doctored into the now disclaimed version.
Some known New Patriotic Party (NPP) activists including a presidential staffer, Nana Hesse Ogyiri, shared the artwork of the purported quote, in which the former president “speaks” against the Ashanti Region.
“Don’t be like Ashanti Region. They are emotionally attached to the NPP that they don’t even think before voting for them. Your party and your son has led Ghana into a ditch, be bold to vote against them. Be different. Come back to the NDC in 2024 and we wont neglect you this time,” the comment read.
A search on UTV’s social media feeds at the time of the publication showed that a similar artwork was posted on April 11, 2023 except that the accompanying text has nothing to do with the Ashanti Region or the NPP.
The original quote reads: “By God’s grace we have the experience, we didn’t buy it in the store, we didn’t learn it in school, it is God who gave us the opportunity to gather that experience. Don’t worry about what some people are saying, it is God’s will, I attend church and when I pray God speaks to me and God has said this is the time for NDC, he has given us power. If God decides no one can change it.”
Mahama completed his regional tour of the Eastern Region on Thursday and is expected to start the Greater Accra Regional tour almost immediately.
His aide, Joyce Bawah-Mogtari has also dismissed the purported quote via a tweet that read: “Wait a minute: Treat with utmost contempt,fake news headlines being churned out by a desperately unscrupulous government that has absolutely nothing to show for itself than to hide behind faceless lies and propaganda against notable political opponents!”
Find the original and fake artworks below:
Former President John Mahama has expressed optimism that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) will win the 2024 elections.#UTVNewspic.twitter.com/eqqryJgI8V— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) April 11, 2023
Kennedy Agyapong, a member of parliament for Assin Central district in the Central region has spoken out against the notion that people from the north are violent.
Kennedy Agyapong who claims to have family ties to that part if the country stated that northerners are simply quick to defend themselves and their rights when they are being cheated or taken advantage of. Hence, the stereotype that they are violent is untrue.
In a video shared by Oman Channel on April 7, 2023, and sighted by GhanaWeb, the NPP flagbearer hopeful while speaking to members of the party in the Ayawaso East Constituency of the Greater Accra region, explained that because bortherners are quick to defend themselves, they are often labeled as violent. However, he stressed that this is not an accurate characterization of the people from the northern region of Ghana.
“…and the truth is, for my household, I celebrate both Salah and Christmas, in fact, my grandmother was a Muslim before she married. So, she was ‘Asante kremo’ but all my grandfathers are Muslims, I have Seidu, Abass, Siaka, and Yakubu, and all of these people are in my family who are Muslims.
“They settled more at Ajumako Anyan Asiam, whereby one of them married a Muslim there, so, all my family people are full of Muslims, except a few of us whose grandparents married Christians.
“You don’t know where I got my braveness from, my father used to teach at Wa, so I was always fighting and there was a certain day when I went to beat a certain lady. So, my mother was crying lamenting about what a man gave her during her pregnancy to mix with her meals and eat.
“So, I asked her about what she was lamenting about? and she replied that a certain man used to give her some powder to mix with her porridge and drink so that her son will become strong after delivery.
He added “So, for me, I am a ‘Wawula’ person, I come from Wa, and that is where the braveness comes from. That is why whenever I see the Northerners, I become happy because we all have the same character, we all hate nonsense … if you want to cheat us and we don’t give room for such things then you conclude we are not good.
“Do you understand? I know you don’t like cheating, so when it happens then you just say your mind, then they will conclude that they are violent people. So, I should sit down for you to cheat on me and go scot-free, no, is not possible. So, for me, I am one of you,” he said.
The race for the NPP flagbearership slot has top party members including Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; former trade and industry minister, Alan Kyerematen; former food and agric minister, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto; former NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyapong among others.
November 4, 2023, has been slated as the date for the NPP presidential primaries to elect a flagbearer for the general elections in 2024.
It has emerged that the late MP for Kumawu, Philip Basoah, had a strained relationship with the executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the constituency.
Brother of the deceased legislator, Solomon Basoah, alleged that his brother suffered at the hand of the party executives held meetings and took important decisions without his knowledge.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, he said: “My brother really suffered before dying. Even in Parliament, a lot of people were aware of the treatment meted out to him. The constituency executives never liked him. They even organise meetings without his knowledge.”
He also assumed that “If he were alive today and we are going for elections, trust me, the executives would have deserted him because majority of them are not in his camp.”
Mr. Basoah also alleged that, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Samuel Addae Agyekum was spreading false rumours about the late MP even when he was battling for his life.
The pained brother said he is shocked eight people including some constituency executives have picked forms to contest in the by-election.
“Eight people are currently contesting the seat. But for someone who had worked hard in the constituency, they could have just said they won’t contest and even allowed a family member to go. But the number of people contesting really puts me off and shows they never cared about him,” he fumed.
Asked if he would still do politics after his brother’s death, Solomon said “I won’t bother venturing into politics again. I am an Electoral Area Coordinator and after my tenure, I won’t bother to continue. My brother went through a lot and I cannot see myself going through that too,” he noted.
Both the rulingNew Patriotic Party(NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) are a bunch of thieves, according to Reverend Christian Kwabena Andrews, the founder of the Ghana Union Movement.
He has cautioned the Ghanaian youth not to blindly follow them to give them the urge to continuously milk the state.
Osofo Kyiri Abosom, as he is also known, and Founder and General Overseer of Life Assembly Worship Centre, speaking with Onua TV’s Akua Sarpomaa Wednesday, April 12, 2023, said the NPP and NDC are same wine from the same source, making one not better than the other.
The third force in the 2020 presidential polls opined that, the recent rants from the opposition NDC is nothing Ghanaians should build any hopes on, since they will come and do worse of what the NPP are doing, should they be given the opportunity to rule again.
“The NDC and NPP are two sides of the same coin. All the noise of the NDC is nothing because when they come, they’ll do the same things. What I will tell the Ghanaian youth is that, if we don’t get civilised and blindly follow the orators of the English Language… they’re thieves and they will continue to milk this country,” he maintained.
Meanwhile, the man of God says President Akufo-Addo and his brother the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, should begin investigating themselves over the loans taken on behalf of the state.
The man of God is suspecting the numerous bonds government has been raising on the international market are diverted elsewhere without getting to the country.
“I think Nana Akufo-Addo and Ken Ofori-Atta should begin to investigate themselves. With me I think the loans we take don’t get to Ghana. When they take the money they divert it and print currencies here to run the economy because this does not make sense,” he lamented.
Former Central Region Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bernard Allotey Jacobs, has mounted a strong defence for Abetifi MP, Bryan Acheampong over some comments he recently made.
He says he finds nothing wrong with Mr. Byran Acheampong’s controversial statements that have aroused political sentiments.
The Minister for Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, speechifying before a mammoth NPP supporters, stated emphatically that there is no way the NPP will hand over power to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“If the NDC dares to use threats, violence and foolishness in the 2024 election, we will let them know we have the men. We will show them that we have the men,” he stated.
He also stressed the “NDC party will collapse…We will show them that we have the men. We have the men!…We will make sure NPP remains in government at all cost”.
After making these statements, Mr. Bryan Acheampong has been bombarded with a barrage of criticisms with particularly the NDC petitioning the IGP to arrest him.
Reacting to the issue during Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” morning show, Allotey Jacobs exclaimed that he doesn’t “see anything wrong with what Bryan Acheampong said”.
To him, Mr. Bryan Acheampong was possessed by what he called “gbeshie” to pep his party supporters up.
“It could be that he was possessed by ‘gbeshie’ and in one way or other was motivating their footsoldiers because of their large crowd which the other party never expected the NPP, their Unity walk, would have such a crowd,” he stated.
He also described Bryan Acheampong’s comments as a political strategy to debilitate the National Democratic Congress.
Narrating how he used to mobilize NDC footsoldiers to politically attack their opponents, Allotey Jacobs said; “We can group our footsoldiers and brief them as to what to say on a particular station. We tell our serial callers to tow a certain line. I mean it is organizational strategy; communicational strategy. So, Bryan Acheampong also felt that let me motivate my people because sometimes when you see the crowd, something we call in Ga ‘gbeshie’ could arrest you.”
A deputy communications officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Anthony Kweku Boahen, has alleged that New Patriotic Party (NPP) members who participated in the party’s unity walk at Mpreaso-Kwahu in the Eastern Region, were paid GHS 100 each.
According to him, a source privy to the organisation of the walk dubbed “Walk to Build A Better Ghana”, which took place on Saturday, April 8, 2023, informed of the said payment.
Speaking in a UTV interview on Thursday, April 14, 2023, monitored by GhanaWeb, Kweku Boahen berated the ruling NPP government for squandering Ghana’s resources.
“They are just wasting our money; they don’t know what they are doing. Look at what they went to do in Kwahu.
“I was told everybody who went there was paid GHS 100. The over 2000 people who went for the walk were paid GH¢100 each.
“You bussed these people to Kwahu, you gave them water and food and you gave them GH¢100 each for Easter, where did you get this money from? he said in Twi.
The NDC deputy communications officer said that money used for the walk could have been used for a project which will benefit the people of Kwahu.
“Couldn’t you have built a huge marker in Kwahu for people to get jobs? Because of your wickedness and inability to govern you just squandered the money.”
“… what crime did we commit for us to have such a cursed government,” he added.
Jennifer Oforiwaa Prempeh (Jennifer Queen), the deputy national communications director of NADMO, refuted Kweku Boahen’s allegations.
“He is telling lies… How can we give the over 2000 people, GH¢100 each? Was the money taken from your room?” she said.
Brother of late Member of Parliament (MP) for Kumawu, Philip Basoah has suggested to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to allow a relative of the deceased MP to replace him instead of allowing other party members to contest for the seat.
He believes this is the best way the party can compensate Mr Basoah for his many years of hard work.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme “eight people are currently contesting the seat. But for someone who had worked hard in the constituency, they could have just said they won’t contest and even allowed a family member to go. But the number of people contesting really puts me off and shows they never cared about him,” he fumed.
He further made some shocking revelations following his death.
To Solomon Basoah, his late brother was not treated fairly while he was alive.
He said despite the MP’s loyalty to NPP, constituency executives worked against him.
“My brother really suffered before dying. Even in Parliament, a lot of people were aware of the treatment meted out to him. The constituency executives never liked him. They even organise meetings without his knowledge. If he were alive today and we are going for elections, trust me, the executives would have deserted him because majority of them are not in his camp,” he said.
Mr. Basoah also alleged that, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Samuel Addae Agyekum was spreading false rumours about the late MP even when he was battling for his life.
The pained brother said he is shocked eight people including some constituency executives have picked forms to contest in the by-election.
Asked if he would still do politics after his brother’s death, Solomon said “I won’t bother venturing into politics again. I am an Electoral Area Coordinator and after my tenure, I won’t bother to continue. My brother went through a lot and I cannot see myself going through that too,” he noted.
Ghana’s political terrain has recently seen a new trend. Call it mere political talk or comments that incite violence or not, one cannot help but notice how the two main political parties: the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have been in the news for the past few days over derogatory comments made by some individuals in their respective parties.
These individuals include ministers, statesmen, party executives, among others, with the latest of such controversial utterances made by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, at the NPP’s Arise and Build Unity Walk.
The minister was captured saying in Twi, “We will show the NDC that we have the men if they want to intimidate, harass us, or do anything foolish during the 2024 elections…It will not happen that we will hand over power to NDC. We’ll use any means for NPP to stay in power.”
Since then, the two parties have thrown jabs at each other. Whereas the NPP supports the minister, the opposition NDC has made several calls for the police to have Bryan Acheampong arrested.
The NDC has described the comments by the minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Abetifi, as offensive, treasonable, and a catalyst for violence.
But the NDC has not been alone in this, as a lot more individuals and groups have also called Bryan out over the controversial comments he made.
Experts, analysts, and even the National Peace Council have all added their voices to the conversation.
Yet, the use of comments with subtle ‘war inviting’ meanings is not new to Ghana’s political arena.
More than once, some known faces in the governing party NPP, while on different platforms, have made comments deemed troubling and ones that have the tendency to incite political tensions.
Giving a little background to this, in 2012, when the sitting president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was the flagbearer of the NPP, he made a comment that, for a long time, became a mantra around him.
“… They [NDC] have intentions to intimidate us in 2012 because they believe that we are soft and cowards. If they are thinking, then we shall see. At least, during the Atiwa by-elections, we showed a little of our colours there. You must understand that this party was formed by courageous people. Our leaders who formed this party that has now becomes the biggest political movement in Ghana were not cowards. So, in 2012 we need to be courageous, because all die be die…all die be die…” he said during a campaign event.
The infamous ‘All Die Be Die’ became a reference point for a lot of conversations about violence and war-mongering for so long thereafter.
And then more recently, in 2022, during the NPP’s Delegates Conference in Kumasi, the Director of Operations at the Presidency, Lord Commey, also made a similar statement.
“… this is the time. If we can’t say these things in conference, I don’t know where else we would say them. I charge you… break the eight, break the eight… it has become a slogan… I, who stand before you now, so far as I live, I am not breaking any eight… the power, I say, I will not hand over to them today nor tomorrow…” he chanted to the teeming supporters of the party.
As expected, those comments also received a lot of backlash and condemnations, but that did not stop others in the party from also choosing to follow in this line.
Just a year later, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has become the newest culprit.
The National Democratic Congress’ John Dramani Mahama may have also recently said that he and his party would match the NPP ‘boot for boot’ in lead up to the 2020 general elections, but it is not enough justification for the ruling party to still want to maintain a stance on comments that fuel tensions in the country.
It is, therefore, worrying that the only justification the NPP continues to make to, especially, the recent comments by Bryan Acheampong, is their reference to Mahama’s comments, and those of the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, during his victory speech in 2022, where he said ‘we are prepared to sacrifice everything… including our lives.’
What remains an unanswered question is, if members of the NPP are not comfortable with other politicians making similar utterances, why make them yourselves?
The tradition of campaigning has been that candidates or parties sell their messages and achievements to the citizens with the aim of getting their votes.
The warmongering comments must be rebuked, called out and stopped before they escalate into full-blown violence in the country.
Political parties must note that power comes with responsibilities. Whether you retain it or hand it over to the next, utterances with subtle ‘war inviting’ meanings and controversial comments must be made with a pinch of salt.
The Association of Small Scale Miners have accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government of politicising the operations in the fight against illegal mining also known as ‘galamsey’.
According to the Association, mining concessions are awarded to only government cronies at the expense of others.
This follows the former president’s comments about the alleged politicization of the fight against galamsey whilst at Atiwa East and West constituency in the Eastern Region.
Speaking on Starr Midday News with Blessing Bless Frimpong, the group’s president, Michael Peprah lamented that the NPP government has embarked on targeting those who are not in their party, even though they possess the necessary qualifications and licenses to operate.
“We at the Association, we knew the mining but here is the case that it was DCEs who were appointing people to be trained, they train party youth organizers and known faces in the NPP. So this is a fact and you can as well cross-check.
“I have had attacks and as a matter of fact, I am even in court with the government because my machine was burnt. Meanwhile, I had all my documents and as we are speaking now we are in court just because I am a critic of the government. We have people who are working in the forest reserves with impunity and yet still Operation Vanguard, operation whatever will not go there to even stop them,” Mr. Peprah stated.
He continued: “So these are facts that our former president has spoken about. You know, we just have to be candid in this aspect. If we look into the launching of the community mining scheme, you will realize that now the community mining does not come with any license. They only launch it for people who are known faces of the party.”
The President further alleged that the bureaucracy in acquiring the license the Minister will have to know you before he signed it.
“Recently the minister met some people and said he has only signed 99 licenses for some people which we knew their party affiliations. When we speak it is not something they will want to listen to any suggestion we are bringing on board and that is the problem that has made us not able to fight this galamsey problem. Now Ghana is as well facing the consequences,” he added.
Abdul Salam Mustapha, the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has shaded the police in respect of an invitation extended to him over purported use of military attire.
Salam in a Facebook post of April 12, 2023, hours to his appearance at the Police CID Headquarters in Accra pointed out that he was only wearing a designer shirt bought in the United Kingdom.
His post confirmed receipt of the police invite, went on to jab the National Democratic Congress [NDC] who he accused of petitioning for his questioning before addressing where he got the attire from.
“How the police failed to see the symbol of ‘true religion’ embossed on the shirt left breast-pocket strikes me. How can a shirt bought in a shop in London with its label be described as a military camouflage?” his post concluded.
On April 13, he honoured the police invitation in the company of hundreds of party supporters. Photos shared on his Facebook timeline showed him in the company of some party bigwigs walking from the Kanda area towards the police headquarters.
He captioned the post thus: “One for all, all for one! Thank you all for the love today. I couldn’t have asked for anything more, this is love. For all those who called and texted too, I appreciate you too. You made me feel loved today.
“I honored the invitation of the police and it went well. Sincere gratitude to Senior Counsel Frank Davies and Andrew Khartey for the solid legal representation. Thank you once more!”
Salam’s April 12 post
I received this letter from the Police Commander to report to the Upper West Regional Police Command. Due to some family circumstances, i couldn’t travel to Wa, but upon further communication, we subsequently have arranged for me to meet the police at CID headquarters tomorrow at 12 noon.
I understand that the NDC petitioned the police to invite me because some officers of theirs were invited to answer questions on why they wore camouflage to campaign in the Ashanti Region.
I will honour the invitation tomorrow, but this equalisation attempt has failed. How the police failed to see the symbol of ‘true religion’ embossed on the shirt left breast-pocket strikes me. How can a shirt bought in a shop in London with its label be described as a military camouflage?
The New Patriotic Party(NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign team has urged other candidates and their teams to run their campaigns in accordance with the party’s code of conduct.
According to the team, it is important that the codes outlined by the party are duly followed so as not to create unbridgeable divisions in the party.
The word of caution from Kennedy Agyapong’s team comes in the wake of attacks on the Assin Central MP over the sincerity of his promise to set up a scholarship fund with his salary in the event that he is elected president of Ghana.
Critics questioned the genuineness of the promise on the premise that Kennedy Agyapong is allegedly drawing bonuses as board chair of Ghana Gas.
The Ken 2024 team deems that rhetoric as a propaganda scheme from competitors to soil the image of Kennedy Agyapong.
The team insisted Kennedy Agyapong has consistently shown himself to be a man of his word and will not abandon the promise if he the elections.
Read the full statement below
Our attention has been drawn to some vile propaganda against our candidate Ken Ohene Agyapong on some social media platforms. The propaganda believed to have been churned out by some faceless individuals from the camp of our opponents is for all intent and purposes meant to discredit our candidate.
In a subtle jab, these faceless individuals through their propaganda materials sought to question the sincerity of Ken Ohene Agyapong’s promise to use his salary as President to establish a scholarship scheme to support the needy but brilliant students. They reason that, by accepting his allowances as Board Chairman of Ghana Gas as well as remuneration from his legitimate business gains, he cannot be trusted to keep his promise.
We wish to state unequivocally that not only are the assertions stated above infantile, but they also demonstrate profound nervousness within the competing camps that Ken Agyapong’s listening tour to hear directly from the people is generating excitement unparalleled by their feeble efforts to emulate same.
Ken Ohene Agyapong has demonstrated throughout his political life that he is not someone who dabbles in deceit for political gains. Not only is he seen by many as one of the few credible voices in our political space today, but he is also seen as someone who honors his pledges of support, especially to those less fortunate. Unlike, some of his opponents, Ken Agyapong can boast of massive support for the party both at the top echelons and at the grassroots.
There is no gainsaying that the growing popularity of Ken’s campaign at the grassroots is causing considerable nervousness among his competitor. The infantile attacks notwithstanding. Ken Agyapong is still committed to a civil and sane internal campaign and would not resort to any form of abrasive tactics to destroy anyone in our party. But he will respond to falsehoods and misinformation.
We wish to caution that all aspirants and their hirelings or assigns must stay within the party’s code ‘which mandates all to ensure a decorous campaign to make reconciliation after the elections easy for all. Let us remember the real opponent we face out there is the NDC and not ourselves.
A National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer hopeful,John Dramani Mahama, has stated that Ghana would be doomed if the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is retained in 2024.
In Mr Mahama’s view, the excessive borrowing by the NPP administration will have serious implications for the country’s future generations.
Speaking to delegates of the NDC in theFanteakwa Constituencyin the Eastern Region, John Mahama said the NPP poses a threat to the future of Ghana.
“This government has endangered the future of our children by their reckless borrowing because when our children take over tomorrow, and they are in our shoes, and they go to the International market to look for money, these people will say that your fathers borrowed recklessly, and you could not pay your debt, and so we had to cancel your debt for you.”
The former President also stated that no youthful person concerned about the state of the country will vote to maintain the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2024.
According to Mr Mahama who is on a 3-day tour of the Eastern Region, the reckless and excessive borrowing by the NPP has jeopardised the future of the country for the next 10 years.
“The NPP government is destroying the future of the youth with excessive borrowing. For those who took the loans, how many years are left for them to leave the surface of the earth to join God? The creditors will not give the future generation loans due to the failure of this government to settle its loans”.
“If you are concerned about your future don’t vote for the NPP government that has put us in this situation. Listen to your conscience, they have spoilt the future of Ghana. For the next ten years, it will be difficult to go outside for loans. They have done enough damage to the country, they should pack out,” he said.
Richard Ahiagbah, the director of communications for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has asked former president John Dramani Mahama to name the party’s individuals he alleges are involved in galamsey.
Mr. Ahiagbah said the former president must be patriotic enough and help the police bring such persons to book.
Mr. Ahiagbah made the call on the back of a claim by former president Mahama that government has deliberately been harassing NDC supporters who engage in galamsey but allowing NPP fanatics to engage in the practice with impunity.
In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr. Ahiagbah refuted the accusations and said the Akufo-Addo government has made strides in its fight against galamsey and admonished the former president to volunteer information leading to the prosecution of such people.
“When the president took control of the fight against galamsey, he engaged everyone because it is an open fight he was leading and there was no secret about it and I call others to come on board and disregard the comments of the former president”.
“If the former president knows anyone engaging in galamsey, he should tell us because all of us are united in the fight against galamsey. But we want to know the NDC supporters he said are engaged in galamsey, so they can be prosecuted for endangering our future.”
“We must be interested in what the former president was saying because it is revealing that there are NDC people who are doing galamsey, and he knows them and encourages them to keep doing it, but they are now disappointed because the fight against galamsey is successful,” Mr. Ahiagbah further stressed.
Mr. Ahiagbah further indicated that the government’s fight against galamsey has been relatively successful and appealed for a collective effort and collaboration of the public to keep it going.
“The Lands Minister is busy reclaiming galamsey lands and the fight against galamsey is ongoing, and we all have to make efforts to help make the fight a success.”
The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) will end nominations today, April 13, 2023 in preparation for the Kumawu by-election.
This follows the passing of Philip Atta Basoah, the area’s member of parliament.
On April 3, 2023, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, declared the seat of Philip Basoa, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) MP for Kumawu, vacant.
The decision followed the death of Mr Basoah, 53, on March 27, 2023.
The party has opened nomination from Monday 11th – 14th April 2023 for interested party members to pick nomination forms.
So far, 8 party members have picked nomination to contest. Ashanti regional Chairman Benard Antwi Boasiako popularly known as ‘Chairman Wontumi’ is currently in Kumawu to ensure no prospective candidate is denied access to picking of the nomination forms in the party’s constituency office.
Aspirants who have picked nominations form at the time of filing this report on Thursday April 13th 2023 include:
Lawyer Edward Kofi Osei.
Dr. Philip Bannor
Dr. Dacoster Aboagye
Mr Ernest Yaw Anim
Mad. Ama Serwaa
Kwame Appiah-Kubi
Yaw Baah former Kumawu MP unseated by the late MP.
Osei Hweree Kwame Bempah.
Overnight road construction ahead of the by-election
Concerned citizens of Sekyere Kumawu district earlier this week threatened to vote against the ruling party, NPP in this all important by-election citing total neglect of the Kumawu constituency in terms of roads infrastructure, abandoned Kumawu district hospital project initiated by the NDC administration among other basic needs of the district.
A vote against the party in this by-election means the party will lose their majority position in Parliament hence immediate response to the concerns of Kumawu constitituent to calm all tempers.
On Wednesday day 12 April 2023, Minister of roads and highways, Kwasi Amoako Atta visited the Kumawu town with road contractors to commence construction of Kumawu to Afigyasi major road, a move Kumawu constituents have discribe as vote buying.
Assembly member of Dadiese electoral area Kofi Addei who has been moniting overnight constriction of the Kumawu to Effiduase told GHone News Ashanti regional correspondent Isaac Justice Bediako that” After the sod cutting ceremony yesterday the road contractor immediately started working on site right from Kumawu.
Every person in Kumawu district is calling the project vote buying road. They are all asking why now, why this overnight speed road construction project.
He added” some of the NPP party members believe that the ruling government was anti Kumawu development because the government didn’t ever support any thing which was proposed by the late MP who is believed to be Alan Kyeremanteng loyalist”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama says his ‘do-or-die’ comments have been twisted by his political opponents.
Mr Mahama said his comments were not intended to incite violence in the 2024 general elections.
According to him, he only meant that the 2024 polls is crucial for the NDC and the party will not joke with it.
Mr Mahama, addressing NDC faithful in the Eastern Region on April 12, said his political opponents have twisted his words to court disaffection for him.
“We are not going to joke in the upcoming 2024 general elections. That’s why I said it’s a do-or-die affair. I made these comments and some people have twisted my words saying I meant we will be butchering and killing people with cutlasses and guns.
No, that’s not the ‘do or I die’ I meant. Do or die means the election is very crucial one for NDC to win, so we will not joke with it. It doesn’t mean that we will beat people with sticks and kill them,” Mr Mahama clarified.
Already, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Police Service to arrest him for allegedly making treasonable remarks.
The National Organiser of the party Henry Nana Boakye popularly known as ‘Nana B’ said the NPP wants the CID to arrest the National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia.
According to him, Mr Asiedu Nketia has also made comments that portend great danger to the peace and stability of the country.
He said the two personalities wield influential positions in the country and as such any dangerous comments from them could jeopardize the country’s security.
Nana B thus wants the CID to work on the petition with alacrity as any further delay could cause a “great danger” to the country.
The president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s job approval rating has plummeted after improving in January 2023, according to a new national survey released by Global InfoAnalytics for the month of April 2023.
According to a brand-new nationwide survey conducted byGlobal InfoAnalytics in April 2023, president Akufo-Addo’s job approval rating dropped after improving in January 2023.
The poll shows 65 per cent of voters disapprove of his performance, up from 59 per cent in January, while 29 per cent approve of his performance, down from 32 per cent.
Fifty-eight percent of the governingNew Patriotic Party(NPP) supporters approve the president’s performance and 38 per cent disapprove.
For the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), 11 per cent approved Nana Akufo-Addo’s job performance whilst 86 per cent disapproved his performance.
Additionally, 15 per cent of floating voters approved of his performance compared to 77 per cent who disapproved his performance.
Also, 71 per cent of voters believe Ghana is headed in the wrong direction, unchanged from January 2023 poll.
Nineteen percent believed it is headed in the right direction and a further 10 per cent did not have opinion.
For the NPP primaries ahead of the 2024 national elections, the poll shows Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (KOA) surging among general voters but not enough to overtake Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen (AKK) and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB) in the race to lead the NPP into the 2024 elections.
Kennedy Agyapong according to the polls now attracts 23 per cent of votes when voters were asked to indicate their preference for the NPP leadership.
Alan Kyerematen stills leads Dr Bawumia 30 per cent to 29 per cent among all voters. However, among NPP affiliates, Dr Bawumia still has a slender lead over Alan Kyerematen. Dr Bawumia now attracts 39 per cent of NPP votes, Alan Kyerematen attracts 37 per cent while Kennedy Agyapong has 23 per cent.
The formerNew Patriotic Party(NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Tema East, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, has stated that President Akufo-Addo will make the greatest mistake if he refuses to sign the anti-LGBT bill into law.
Speaking in an interview on UTV on Thursday, which was monitored by GhanaWeb, Titus-Glover allayed fears that the president will not assent to the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 (Anti-LGBTQI bill), saying that Akufo-Addo not approving the bill will not be politically prudent for the NPP.
“President Akufo-Addo has femalechildren and recently one of them got married. He is a strong believer of the Anglican faith; he does not support gayism and lesbianism.
“Just like the late former President, Prof John Evans Atta Mills, who said he will not allow the acceptance of gays under his presidency, Akufo-Addo also in an Anglican Church in Mampong said same-sex marriage will never happen under his watch.
“We know the implication of these gay issues in Ghana, as a political party and as a government. And you think that after Parliament has passed the anti-LGBT bill, the president will say he will not assent it. That will be the greatest mistake of President Akufo-Addo,” he said in Twi.
Titus-Glover, a former deputy minister of trade and industry, also said that the response given by President Akufo-Addo on the anti-LGBT bill, during the visit of the Vice President of the United States of America, Kamal Harris, was apt.
He explained that President Akufo-Addo only said that the bill is being considered by Parliament and that when it is passed, it will come to him for approval into law.
What Akufo-Addo said:
At the joint press conference, both President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Kamala Harris were confronted with the issue of the criminalization of LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.
Responding to the question at Jubilee House, in Accra, on Monday, March 27, President Akufo-Addo refuted the suggestion that Ghana already had an anti-LGBT law.
He said that the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 (Anti-LGBTQI bill), which was championed by “only a hand full of MPs”, is currently being considered by Parliament.
Akufo-Addo added that even if the bill is passed, it will still have to be ratified by him. He also said that the anti-LGBT bill has been modified.
“The legislation was a private members bill; it is not an official legislation of the government but it is one that is being muted by a hand full of private members.
“My understanding from the recent discussion I had with the chairman of the committee is that the substantial elements of the bill have already been modified as a result of the intervention of the Attorney General,” he said.
Vice President Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has eulogised a former Northern Regional Women Organiser of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) who served from 2009 to 2017 for her hard work and dedication to work.
He also has expressed shock over the sudden demise of Hajia Amama Shaibu, .
Hajia Amama Shaibu was one of the most prominent and powerful female politicians in the NPP in the Northern Region. She was pivotal in canvassing women’s votes for the party, especially in the 2016 General Elections.
The Vice President extended his condolences to the bereaved family and the NPP.
“Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.This evening, I received with shock, the sudden passing of Hajia Amama Shaibu.
Hajia Amama was the NPP Regional Women Organiser of the then-Northern Region from 2009 to 2017. She was noted for her dedication to duty. I cherished our relationship till her passing today.
I send my condolences to her family, friends, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP: Development in Freedom). May Allah accept her soul and extend the mercies of the holy month of Ramadan unto her,” the Vice President wrote.
Tributes are pouring in from different persons, especially politicians across the political divide following her shocking death.
Hajia Amama Shaibu, the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Northern Regional Women’s Organiser, has reportedly passed away.
Deputy NPP National Women’s Organiser, Hajia Safia Mohammed revealed this in a post on Facebook.
She said Hajia Amama Shaibu passed on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
“It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the loss of my former boss, Hajia Amama Shaibu.
“Hajia’s passing has left a void in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege to know her, work with her, and interact with her. She was a selfless leader, a role model, and a true inspiration to many people, especially women in politics.
“I had the privilege of working alongside her as the Deputy Northern Regional Women’s Organiser of the NPP, and I can say without doubt that she was one of the most remarkable individuals I have met.”
She described Hajia Amama Shaibu as a force to be reckoned with – a woman of unwavering faith and immeasurable courage.
“As my boss, she was an incredible mentor who inspired me to be the best version of myself,” she added.
Hajia Amama Shaibu was said had dedicated her life to advancing the status of women, especially in politics.
“Her passing is a huge loss not just to the NPP but to the women’s movement in the northern region, Ghana, and the world at large. She will always be remembered as a trailblazer, a visionary leader, and a true inspiration to women everywhere.
“On behalf of my Boss, the National Women’s Organiser, Maa Kate Gyamfuah and the entire women’s wing of the party, I extend our solemn and sincere condolences to the bereaved family.
“And may the Almighty Allah grant the soul of Hajia Amama Shaibu and the soul of all departed ones Jannatul Firdaus and continue to comfort her family and loved ones,” she indicated.
Meanwhile, funeral arrangements is yet to be announced.
The prospectiveNational Democratic Congress(NDC) flagbearer, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, has stated that only a serious-minded person with the required skills and credentials could handle the nation’s economic situation.
He noted that state resources have been wasted by the NPP which has led to the country’s economic downturn.
Addressing the NDC party executives in Tamale, the flagbearer hopeful told party faithful that the race to salvage Ghanaians from the current economic hardship must be devoid of attacks on personalities.
He added that the party needs peace and unity in order to get the needed win from the NPP.
Dr Duffuor further urged party executives to vote for him on May 13th to save the country from the NPP.
The northern regional chairman of the NDC, Ali Adolf who received the campaign team at the party secretariat urged Dr. Duffuor to still support the party rank and file even if it does not go in his favour during the party’s primaries.
Dr. Duffuor and his team moved to the Tamale South constituency where a huge crowd met him.
He lashed out at the Akufo-Addo led government for mismanaging Ghana’s economy.
The team also moved to Mion, Saboba, Tatali, and Bimbilla constituencies where party delegates and party executives welcomed Dr Kwabena Duffuor and his team.
He noted that state resources have been wasted by the NPP which has led to the country’s economic downturn.
Addressing the NDC party executives in Tamale, the flagbearer hopeful told party faithful that the race to salvage Ghanaians from the current economic hardship must be devoid of attacks on personalities.
He added that the party needs peace and unity in order to get the needed win from the NPP.
Dr Duffuor further urged party executivesto vote for him on May 13th to save the country from the NPP.
The northern regional chairman of the NDC, Ali Adolf who received the campaign team at the party secretariat urged Dr. Duffuor to still support the party rank and file even if it does not go in his favour during the party’s primaries.
Dr. Duffuor and his team moved to the Tamale South constituency where a huge crowd met him.
He lashed out at the Akufo-Addo led government for mismanaging Ghana’s economy.
The team also moved to Mion, Saboba, Tatali, and Bimbilla constituencies where party delegates and party executives welcomed Dr Kwabena Duffuor and his team.
The Eastern Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mark Oliver Kevor, has stated that reacted to ‘reckless’ comments by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong.
According to Oliver Kevor, the NDC is not intimidated by Bryan Acheampong’s statement that the New Patriotic Party will use all means necessary to win power in the upcoming elections.
He cautioned that the NDC is also prepared to use all means to win the vote.
Oliver Kevor, while speaking to party supporters during a tour by NDC flagbearer hopeful John Dramani Mahama to the Eastern region, said they are prepared to fight for victory in other ways if necessary.
“The NPP is self-aware that the time has come for John Mahama to be president, so it has resorted to intimidation.
“The NPP is threatening not to hand over power to the NDC in 2024. As regional chairman, I believe I have the support of other executives at various levels, and so I say we will also devise any means to snatch power from the governing NPP to John Mahama. We are ready as a party to match the NPP boot for boot,” he said.
Bryan Acheampong’s comment has been met with criticism from opposition parties, who accused the NPP of seeking to undermine the democratic process of the country.
Bryan Acheampong is on record as saying the governing New Patriotic Party will do everything within its means to win the 2024 general elections.
According to him, the NPP is not ready to hand over power to the NDC; therefore, his party will go to the election fully prepared.
He stated that the NPP has the men to match the opposition boot for boot during the 2024 polls.
Addressing party faithful after a health walk through the principal streets of Mpraeso on Saturday, April 8, 2023, Bryan Acheampong stressed that “We will show NDC that we have the men if they want to do intimidate, harass us or do anything foolish during the 2024 elections…It will not happen that we will hand over power to NDC. We’ll use any means for NPP to stay in power.”
The National Organiser of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has disclosed that they are forwarding a petition to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for the arrest and prosecution of former President John Dramani Mahama over his ‘do-or-die’ comment.
Nana Boakye said Mr. Mahama needs to be arrested for inciting political violence.
Mr. Mahama prior to the 2020 general elections said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will face the NPP boot for boot if they attempt to intimidate them with hoodlums.
He also mentioned that the 2024 general election is a ‘do or die’ affair for the NDC.
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News, the NPP National Organiser said, “former President, John Mahama, said for the 2020 general elections, it’s boot for boot, and 2024 general elections it’s going to be a do-or-die affair” insisting that those utterances could incite violence in the country.
He disclosed, “We [NPP] are forwarding a petition to the police CID. We are calling for the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of former President John Dramani Mahama for all these comments that he has made. We are of the view that, it undermines national security and the peace that we are enjoying, it undermines our democratic stability”.
He also indicated that the NPP has included the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah in their petition for saying that the NDC will do everything within its power to win the 2024 elections even if they have to sacrifice their lives.
“We have also included the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah over his statements which in our view undermine the peace and stability we enjoy as a democratic nation. During his acceptance speech at the NDC congress, he said they are prepared to sacrifice everything including sacrificing their lives to achieve victory. We are calling for the arrest of these two gentlemen, former President Mahama and Asiedu Nketiah for these comments they made,” he said.
He reiterated that the NPP fully supports the comments by Mr. Acheampong adding that his comments are premised on the economic crisis which the government is working to change the fortunes of the country.
According to him, the NPP will not hand over power to the NDC if they win power in the 2024 general elections.
“We support Bryan’s utterances because we are not going to hand over power to you [NDC] because we will win, if we lose we will hand over power to you. He never said whether the NDC loses or wins we are not going to hand over power to them. He never said NPP whether we win or lose we are not going to hand over. We find absolutely nothing wrong with his comment, we fully support him,” the National Organiser of NPP stated.
Former President John Mahama has asserted that he is the only candidate who the current government’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) fears, and that as a result, he ought to be chosen to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the impending general elections in 2024.
Mahama reaffirmed his confidence in his abilities to lead the NDC to victory in the polls while addressing NDC delegates in the Somanya Constituency on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
“I wouldn’t have contested if I was sure that my contenders for the NDC presidential slot could stand against the NPP and win the 2024 general elections, but we cannot take the risk. The only person the NPP fears amongst NDC members is me, John Dramani Mahama,” he said.
Mahama went on to accuse the NPP of being unable to sleep when they hear his name, hence their call for a new face to lead the NDC. He also dismissed calls for a change in leadership within the NDC, saying it was none of their business.
“They [NPP] are unable to sleep when they hear my name. That’s why they have been calling for a fresh person. Are you the ones to tell us what we should do? It’s none of your business, I believe God has given us the power already,” he said.
The NDC is expected to hold its presidential primaries on May 13, 2023, with Mahama and other prominent party members expected to contest for the position of flagbearer.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has encouraged all Parliamentary candidate hopefuls of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to remain steadfast in their support to the party despite the outcome of the party’s upcoming primaries.
In the event of failing to obtain their goal, the NDC presidential candidate assured that positions such as Ambassadors, District Chief Executives (DCEs) among others, will be up for grabs to failed candidates should the NDC win the 2024 polls, per reports.
Speaking to Asuogyaman NDC delegates as part of his tour of the Eastern Region on Tuesday, April 11, 2022, he suggested that those who would abandon the party would not be considered in the next NDC administration.
“If your party is in government, there is a lot of work you can do. So if it is not yet your time and we elect someone else, just support the person.”
“Because if God opens opportunities for us in future, the assistance you showed is the same assistance you would receive. It is your time to get appointed. So do not make a mistake to shift sides,” he said per campaign videos monitored by The Independent Ghana.
“It is not only the MP that we have, if we come to power we have board chairmen, we have Ambassadors, DCEs, and a lot of appointments and so if you don’t become an MP you will get an appointment,” Mr Mahama is also quoted to have said by TV3 news.
According to the 64-year-old, it is imperative that aspirants in the Parliament contest battle it out with transparency and decency.
The former President on the other hand offered job opportunities to the unemployed party supporters he engaged, explaining that it would serve as a reward for their “sacrifices” for the party.
He noted that it is high time their hardwork and dedication to the party pay off.
“We will help you with employment opportunities. We will help you to set up your own businesses so that you can look after yourself. We will seek the welfare of our party people. We will no longer expect that you only sacrifice so that other people enjoy it. The opportunities Ghanaians enjoy, are party executives and cadres must also enjoy,” he promised.
On Day 1 of his 3-day tour of the Eastern Region, Mr John Mahama engaged delegates of Lower Manya, Yilo Krobo, Aburi, Akuropong and Okere. He is expected to visit 33 constituencies.
From the Eastern Region, Mr Mahama will spend a day touring some constituencies in the Greater Accra Region on Friday April 14, before heading out to the Oti Region.
Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, says fellow flagbearer hopeful, Alan Kyerematen, has paid his dues and is well deserving of becoming the next flagbearer of the
fellow flag bearer aspirant Alan Kyerematen is deserving of the slot by virtue of his toils for the party.
Mr Agyapong told Sompa FM in the Kumasi metropolis that Mr Kyerematen has paid his dues to the party and, thus, deserves to be the flag bearer.
In is view, if people are arguing that Dr Bawumia deserves to be the flag bearer because he has been the Vice President for two terms, then Mr Kyerematen is even more deserving of that privilege.
“Yes, if Alan says it’s his turn, he deserves it because he has been in the trenches with the party from its inception as the president of the Young Executives Forum (YEF) which was the financial wing of the NPP in the early days”, Mr Agyapong noted.
He wondered: “Where were all these small boys who have been insulting Alan, when he was in the trenches working for the NPP”.
The Office of the Vice President has refuted claims that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia recently said “there are jobs everywhere” in the country.
Dr Bawumia’s Office said the Vice President never said that hence, the claim is false.
The Office has therefore demanded that the media house, Multimedia Group, retracts and delete quotes attributed to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and contained in its story about some 2.1 million jobs created by the current administration and the supposed joblessness during the era of National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Office in a response issued and signed by Dr. Gideon Boako, also wants that the media house apologise for misquoting and misrepresenting the Vice President.
The statement noted that the demand being made on Multimedia is to ensure that persons who have not had access to the full address of the Vice President are not misled.
Subsidiaries of Multimedia, MyJoyOnline.com and Joy News, had reported that the Vice President claimed in an address at Kwahu Mpraeso that the NPP had created some 2.1 million jobs and quoted him to back the report. But the Office of the Vice President says he did not say” These days there are jobs everywhere,” and therefore wants a retraction, a deletion and an apology.
Read full statement below:
The attention of the Office of the Vice President has been drawn to a quote in a myjoyonline.com news report titled: “We’ve created 2.1m jobs unlike the NDC who created unemployment – Dr. Bawumia”, which was published on Saturday, April 7, 2023.
The story quoted Dr. Bawumia as saying: “During the NDC administration, there were no jobs, they created unemployment instead of employment, BUT THESE DAYS THERE ARE JOBS EVERYWHERE.”
The Office of the Vice President wishes to state for the record that portions of the quote were fabricated, as nowhere in the Vice President’s address at Mpraeso did he say, “These days there are jobs everywhere,” as was reported by myjoyonline.com and shared by its social media handles.
The Office finds it strange that comments he did not utter, found their way into the story and were attributed to him in a direct quote.
The misrepresentation is still highlighted on some social media platforms of multimedia such as Joy News.
We have been compelled to set the records straight, as many unsuspecting readers may not have the benefit of the full address of the Vice President’s address. We ask that a media house of the stature of Joyfm retract and delete the fabricated quotes and apologize for what can only be described as unprofessional conduct on the part of some of its employees who engaged in this fabrication.
Founder and Leader of the Charismatic Temple International Ministry, Rev. Paul Kusi Appiah is optimistic about Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia becoming President come 2025.
According to the man of God, although the Vice President is yet to declare his presidential ambition, he will become Ghana’s next president because “the victory of Bawumia is sealed and there is nothing anyone can do about it”
He again noted that “Dr Bawumia has already won the elections in the realms of the spirit.”
Rev. Paul Kusi Appiah prophesied that the Vice President “will sweep 10 regions out of the 16 in 2024.”
Dr Bawumia, he said, will be the most loved President ever, beating late President Atta Mills, who many regarded as “Asomdwe Hene.”
He therefore questioned the authenticity of men of God who have not publicly predicted the victory of the Vice President who believes the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will retain power following the next polls.
“I wonder why some Prophets can’t see the power of victory showing towards Bawumia. I don’t know if we have five Gods or so,” he quizzed.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in one of his recent posts on social media suggested that he may declare his presidential ambition shortly.
On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, the Vice President wrote “It is Possible!’, posting with the Ghana flag and the flag of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on all his social media pages.
This statement is ambiguous however some social media users are reading meaning into it. They believe this is a subtle way of indicating his interest in the NPP flagbearership race.
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has called the bluff of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over their intention to withhold power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) come 2025.
Over the weekend, an NPP MP, Bryan Acheampong, the MP for Abetifi told party faithful that the Party would at all cost win the 2024 general elections.
He added that if the NDC dares to use threats and brute force in the 2024 election, the NPP will show them that “we have the men.”
Reacting to the Mr Acheampong’s statement, Mr Nartey George in a Facebook post over the weekend belittled the armor of the ruling party asking that “people who did a 6 month Military Course now threaten the NDC? I mean how?”
According to him, there is no need to get worried over “the rantings of scarecrows and hype simpletons into cult status.”
He has therefore challenged the NPP to stay true to their words.
“Can we go back to our old days? We are children of a REVOLUTION! Can we call these imposters out and dare them to try? Let’s stop glorifying folks who don’t deserve our attention and focus on what we have to do,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NDC want the Police to execute their mandate and invite the Abetifi MP in for questioning over his “treasonable” statement.
Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsawam/Adoagyiri Constituency in the Eastern Region, Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh has affirmed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP’s) full support for Minister of Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong’s recent remarks on the NPP’s commitment to retaining power at all costs, despite concerns over potential national security implications.
Mr Acheampong, who is also a former Minister of State in Charge of National Security, made this assertion when he addressed party supporters at Mpraeso on Saturday, 8th April 2023 and emphasised the party’s resolve to never hand over power to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) by any means necessary.
“NDC party will collapse. If the NDC dares to use threats, Violence, and foolishness in the 2024 election, we will let them know we have the men. We will show them that we have the men. We have the men![He screamed to emphasise]. It will never happen that we the NPP will stand on a platform to hand over power to the NDC. It will never happen! We will make sure NPP remain in government at all cost”.
He also stressed his party’s ability to develop the nation by citing how the government’s recent economic interventions have started yielding positive results, reflecting in the stabilisation of the cedi and the reduction in fuel prices.
While several Ghanaians and members of the opposition have condemned Mr Acheampong’s statement, his party however, is full support of his sentiments.
In a Facebook post addressing Mr Acheampong’s critics and those calling for his restraint in addressing such issues as the general elections approach, Mr Annoh-Dompreh expressed total support for his fellow party member and asked all critics to “leave Bryan alone”.
He accused the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of hypocrisy in their criticisms.
This is because the NDC in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, directly addressing Mr Acheampong’s comments, chided the MP for his unfortunate words and accused the NPP of attempting to subvert the will of the people in 2024, and assured that the NDC will also do everything possible within its power to protect the democratic will and the sovereignty of the Ghanaian people.
“The NDC, a party that both in the years 2001 and 2017, handed power to NPP when the people of Ghana voted for the NPP, wants to assure Ghanaians that we SHALL DO EVERYTHING that is necessary to protect the democratic will and the sovereignty of the Ghanaian people. We wish to assure the good people of Ghana of our resolve and readiness to do whatever is necessary to preserve the democratic will of the people – even at the peril of our lives. The supreme will of the Ghanaian electorate will be manifested come December 7, 2024.”
In rebuttal, the NPP also dismissed the NDC’s concerns and accused them of having ill-founded and hypocritical motives and thriving on diabolic propaganda with an ill attempt to emotionally blackmail Ghanaians in furtherance of their selfish political interest.
This is not the first time a Ghanaian politician has used strong statements to describe their party’s resilience.
The NPP cited similar statements by former President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC National Chairman, Asiedu Nketiah in previous years and expressed how as such, the NDC has no moral right to condemn or attack Bryan Acheampong.
“If anybody has to be arrested by the Police for treasonable comments, then certainly it is John Dramani Mahama for his continuous “Do or die for the NDC” in reference to the 2024 general elections, and Asidedu Nketiah for his brazen proclamation that members of the NDC are willing to sacrifice their lives to win the 2024 elections.
The use of such strong language in Ghanaian politics is unfortunately common. However, as the country approaches the 2024 general elections, the use of such rhetoric has the potential to compromise national security. It is crucial for all political parties to demonstrate restraint in their language and actions to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process.
President Akufo-Addo has been accused by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the persistent claim the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will not hand over power to an NDC government in 2024.
The party through its National Organizer Joseph Yammin seems to suggest, persons who are making positions of not handing over power in 2024 and breaking the eight are only taking cues from the President who is just a bad influence.
Mr. Yammin has vowed as long as he remains a leader of the NDC during the election 2024, the NPP wish will only remain that and not a reality.
He spoke in a Facebook live stream monitored by MyNewsGh.com
“As the national organizer, I will not lead the NDC into election 2024 for Bryan Acheampong and the NPP to make such useless statements, this is not the first time such a statement has been made, unfortunately, the president of the republic made a similar statement and I wonder why people with a conscience did not speak against the president. That is the hypocrisy you find in this country, that you have men of God, CSOs that will not see the wisdom in criticizing the president when he makes a statement like that”, he lashed out.
“Nana Akufo-Addo is the first person to say he will hand over to an NPP government, does the president understand the words he was using, and then Lord Commey comes to repeat such nonsense”, he added.
Comments from Abetifi MP, Bryan Acheampong, suggesting that the New Patriotic Party will never hand over power to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) continue to attract backlash from the public.
The MP has been highly criticised by some Ghanaians who believe that the comment is a threat to the security of the country.
Latest to react to the statement is MP for the Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu, who has indicated that the NDC will not be intimidated by the statements.
Mr Acheampong, who doubles as Agric Minister, at a New Patriotic Party rally on April 8 is on record to have said the NPP will match the opposition come 2024 and that they were never going to hand over power to the National Democratic Congress.
Sosu via an April 9, 2023 post on Facebook reminded Acheampong that the NDC was birthed from a revolution, stressing in parables that the NDC was ever ready to face the NPP when the need arises.
“We may look like sheep outside but we’re lions within. We’re children of the Revolution and not intimidated by mere vituperations. Ghana will vote NDC in 2024 and would stand by the NDC to take over power from the NPP and nothing will happen. Tsoooooooboi” his post read.
The revolution referred to is the 31st December, 1981 coup that marked the second coming into office of Jerry Rawlings with the Provisional National Defense Council, PNDC.
The council ruled for 11 year till 1992 when Rawlings formed the NDC largely out of the PNDC. He went on to win two elections with the NDC before leaving office in 2000.
Bryan Acheampong booms
Bryan Acheampong‘s controversial views were made at a party rally over the weekend.
He is heard saying in a viral video that the NPP will do everything within its means to win the 2024 general elections.
According to him, the NPP is not ready to hand over power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), therefore, his party will go to the election fully prepared.
He stated that the NPP has the men to match the opposition boot for boot during the 2024 polls.
Addressing party faithful after a health walk through the principal streets of Mpraeso on Saturday, April 8, 2023, Bryan Acheampong stressed that “We will show NDC that we have the men if they want to do intimidate, harass us or do anything foolish during the 2024 elections…It will not happen that we will hand over power to NDC. We’ll use any means for NPP to stay in power.”
Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has defended his fellow MP representing the Abetifi Constituency over his comment suggesting that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will never hand over power to the opposition NDC.
He restated the support of the New Patriotic Party for Bryan Acheampong, a colleague MP and Minister of Agric.
Acheampong has come under opposition critique following controversial comments he made last Saturday at a party event in Mpraeso, stating among others that the NPP was never going to hand over power to the National Democratic Congress after the 2024 polls.
The NDC has since described the statement as reckless and treasonable and called for the minister’s arrest.
The NPP in a response said they stood by the minister’s comment and that he was responding to similar comments by opposition leaders including by John Mahama and Asiedu Nketiah, the former president and NDC National Chairman respectively.
Annoh-Dompreh who was at the event where Bryan spoke tweeted his support for the party position on Sunday, April 10.
“Leave Bryn alone. He said nothing new…The entire Party & the parliamentary Caucus is fully associated with him.. The hypocrisy of our colleagues is just nauseating often times…” he wrote.
Bryan Acheampong booms
Bryan Acheampong‘s controversial views were made at a party rally over the weekend.
He is heard saying in a viral video that the NPP will do everything within its means to win the 2024 general elections.
According to him, the NPP is not ready to hand over power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), therefore, his party will go to the election fully prepared.
He stated that the NPP has the men to match the opposition boot for boot during the 2024 polls.
Addressing party faithful after a health walk through the principal streets of Mpraeso on Saturday, April 8, 2023, Bryan Acheampong stressed that “We will show NDC that we have the men if they want to do intimidate, harass us or do anything foolish during the 2024 elections…It will not happen that we will hand over power to NDC. We’ll use any means for NPP to stay in power.”
The Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, Mr James Agalga, has called for the arrest of the Abetifi MP.
He appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to arrest Mr Bryan Acheampong for publicly declaring that the governing New Patriotic Party will never hand over power to the main opposition National Democratic Congress in the 2024 elections.
Mr Acheamping, who is the Minister of Agriculture, and also served as a Minister of State in Charge of National Security, told party supporters after a health march at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region on Saturday, 8 March 2023: “NDC party will collapse”.
“If the NDC dares to use threats, violence and foolishness in the 2024 election we will let them know we have the men”, he threatened, stressing: “We will show them that we have the men. We have the men”.
Mr Bryan then noted: “It will never happen that we the NPP will stand on a platform to hand over power to the NDC”.
“It will never happen! We will make sure NPP remains in government at all cost”.
In his view, the government is fixing the economy, which will inure to the NPP’s electoral fortunes.
“Now with the way things are changing the economy will bounce back again, I am telling you that we are going to come around that curve and we are going to win the 2024 elections hands down.”
At the same event, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia taunted former President John Mahama, saying his only claim to fame are dumsor and guinea fowls under the Savanna Development Authority (SADA) project, flying away to neighbouring Burkina Faso.
According to him, unlike the Akufo-Addo administration, Mr Mahama cannot boast of one transformational achievement in his several decades of politics.
“Do you know that John Mahama has been in politics his entire adult life; over 30 years?” he told the crowd, adding: “He has been an assemblyman, deputy minister to minister then Vice President and then President”.
“But can you mention a single transformational policy that he has implemented?” he asked.
“Just mention one, but there is none. Only Dumsor and guinea fowls; that’s all, but with the NPP, we have mobile money interoperability, one district-one factory, digital address, Free SHS, zongo constituency fund; there is so much we have done.”
Also, Dr Bawumia said the National Democratic Congress (NDC), under President John Mahama, only created unemployment while in office but the Akufo-Addo administration has created 2.1 million jobs so far.
“During the NDC administration, there were no jobs; they created unemployment instead of employment but these days there are jobs everywhere”.
“I have been looking at the data lately and we have created 2.1 million jobs”.
He said 975, 000 of those jobs are in the private sector while 1.2 million are in the public sector.
“This is verifiable and identifiable data which is available”, Dr Bawumia noted.
Dr Bawumia told the crowd: “We are not done yet because there are more jobs for us to create”.
“But when it comes to job creation, no government since independence has created more jobs than the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo”, daring: “Anybody can challenge me and I will provide the data”.
“But we want to do more; we want to get to the Promised Land. We can be a Dubai, we can be a South Korea, we can be a Singapore’ it is possible”, he noted.
Speaking to the crowd, too, the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Justin Frimpong Kodua, said the government will fix the ravaged economy by the end of the year.
“Akufo-Addo has stated that the NPP has the men to turn the economy around. We are confident that by the end of the year, the economy will be in good shape. We just need your support because the alternative is worse, it is empty and hopeless”.
Responding to his fellow MP’s comment, Mr Agalga said in a statement: “… The dishonourable conduct of Bryan Acheampong poses a direct and grave threat to Ghana’s democracy and for which reason he must be held accountable”.
“Consequently, we entreat the Inspector General of Police to, as a matter of urgency, arrest Bryan Acheampong and cause his prosecution for engaging in conduct which has the potential to undermine the peace and security of our country”.
Mr Agalga said Mr Acheampong’s track record and the behavior of the Akufo-Addo government toward the electoral commission, gives cause for worry.
The 2024 election appears to be a stiff one as political parties, especially, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) are ensuring that the election would be conducted in a free and fair manner.
According to the Member of Parliament for Abetifi Constituency, Bryan Acheampong, the NPP will resist any attempt from the NDC to harass or intimidate its members during the general election.
Addressing party faithful after a health walk through the principal streets of Mpraeso on Saturday, April 8, 2023, Bryan Acheampong said the NPP will prove to the NDC that they have the men should they try anything mischievous on election day.
Amidst shouts and cheers from the party faithful, the NPP MP said, “We will show NDC that we have the men if they want to do intimidate, harass us, or do anything foolish during the 2024 elections…”
“It will not happen that we will hand over power to NDC. We’ll use any means for NPP to stay in power,” he stated.
It would be recalled that Former President John Mahama on March 13, 2023, made the same comments, stating that, the National Democratic Congress will match the New Patriotic Party boot for boot in the 2024 elections if the government attempts to intimidate and harass supporters of the NDC.
He said NDC will be very vigilant at the polling stations during the general elections in 2024.
John Dramani Mahama said this when he addressed party supporters in the Tain and Banda constituency in the Bono East Region.
National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Joseph Yammin has reacted to comments by the Member Parliament (MP) for Abetifi Bryan Acheampong, that suggest that the NPP will not hand over power.
He assured the party that they will beg to hand over the NDC and John Mahama in 2024.
In a Facebook post reacting to statements made by the Abetifi MP after a walk for Vice President Bawumia in Kwahu suggesting the NPP will break the 8 with a Bawumia presidency at all cost, Mr. Yammin said the NDC will be well prepared to face NPP and any tricks that will unfold in the 2024 elections.
“When I hear people speak so childish like what a dishonorable member of parliament by name Bryan Acheampong or something is reported to have said I get to wonder if indeed they know and understand the exact words coming out of their mouths.”
“Let me tell them and I mean the NPP that if their thinking of breaking the 8 is not about how good they’ve been as a government but how prepared they are to rig the elections then they should forget about the so-called breaking the 8.” He said.
“If their thinking is that the NDC will go into the 2024 elections unprepared then they should rethink because we are ready to meet them.
Let me tell them and they should mark it that THEY WILL BEG TO HANDOVER POWER TO JOHN MAHAMA AND THE NDC IN 2024 if Ghanaians vote against them,” he warned.
The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed the highest optimism of beating the NDC hands down in next years Presidential elections.
The party led by whoever emerges as the winner of the presidential primary, will defeat former President John Mahama at the polls again, General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua has said.
According to him, even though the National Democratic Congress is yet to elect a flagbearer, the NPP knows former President Mahama will emerge winner of that internal race so, the NPP is poised to defeat him for the third time.
Addressing party supporters after a health walk through the principal streets of Mpraeso on Saturday, 8 April 2023, Mr Kodua said the Akufo-Addo government will fix the economy before the 2024 elections.
“Akufo-Addo has stated that the NPP has the men to turn the economy around. We are confident that by the end of the year, the economy will be in good shape. We just need your support because the alternative is worse, it is empty and hopeless”, he said.
Mr Kodua noted: “Whoever we elect as the flagbearer for the NPP will defeat John Mahama in the 2024 elections. They are yet to elect a flagbearer but we know it is Mahama who will win eventually.”
General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has said government has competent people to turn the country’s economic misfortunes around.
Mr Kodua said he was optimistic that the economy will bounce back on track by the end of 2023.
He stressed that government only needs the support of Ghanaians to sail through the crisis to have a better and more robust economy.
Speaking to some members of the New Patriotic Party after a health walk through the principal streets of Mpraeso on Saturday, April 8, 2023, the general secretary of NPP said, “Akufo-Addo has stated that the NPP has the men to turn the economy around. We are confident that by the end of the year, the economy will be in good shape. We just need your support because the alternative is worse, it is empty and hopeless.”
The Ghanaian economy has in the past years taken a nose dive and this has had dire consequences on both Ghanaians and businesses.
To salvage the situation, government of Ghana ran to the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance.
Government is targeting an amount of $3 billion over a three-year period from the IMF once an agreement on a programme is reached.
The IMF programme, according to government is aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and safeguarding debt sustainability among many others.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong has noted that contrary to the mantra ‘fear delegates’ he is confident that delegates will be faithful to him in the upcoming primaries given his hard work and loyalty to the party.
He stated a view contrary to the widely acclaimed “fear delegates” mantra coined by the party’s late former General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie.
According to him, delegates are people with consciences in making rational choices and cannot be said to be treacherous beings who are easily influenced.
“When they bring you money, take it but show them that you cannot be taken for a ride. They say fear delegates, for me, I don’t fear delegates because if you are faithful to delegates, they won’t take someone’s money and even if they do, they will still vote for you,” Kennedy Agyapong told a gathering of NPP members in the Ayawaso East Constituency in a video shared by Oman Channel.
The Assin Central MP noted that he remains the only candidate amongst the party’s flagbearer hopefuls who has been consistent in showing devotion to the cause of the NPP and members at all levels.
He thus implored the party members to reward his devotion with the nod to lead the party into victory for the 2024 presidential election by electing him as flagbearer.
“I have confidence in the grassroots. I may not have been able to take care of everyone but I have fought hard for you. From being charged with treason because of injustice against NPP among other things.
“So I know the love you are showing me is not the ‘fear delegates’ type but one that will manifest in votes. I still have confidence in you,” Kennedy stated while listing his many contributions to the NPP.
Nhyiaeso MP and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Stephen Amoah has refuted claims that he was arrested in 2021.
In 2021, the MP was among seven drivers of V8 vehicles who were allegedly involved in reckless driving, violating road traffic regulations.
The minister was allegedly apprehended during a special operation by the police around Accra’s Airport Bypass.
However, subsequent reports stated that Dr Amoah had failed to appear in court after an arrest warrant was issued.
According to a police statement, five of the seven drivers who were summoned before the La Magistrate Court were present, with the exception of the MP.
However, speaking on Joy Prime’s’Prime Morning’, he refuted the claims saying it was false.
“When I started driving out of Parliament, I saw one land cruiser with a caged motor, so I followed it. If that is a crime, that one is 100%. Apart from that, everything was a lie. That they asked me to come to court, and I never…Everything was fake,” Dr Amoah told Roselyn Felli on Wednesday.
Nonetheless, he does not blame the institution’s senior officials, stating that some are honest and dedicated to their work. He said lying is just a habit for some of them.
Thus, he challenged the police to substantiate their claims, stressing that it has always been a problem within the police force.
“They do that to a lot of people. They had also arrested the MP for Madina, Xavier Sosu, by then.”
The minister also said some of these claims are made primarily for the sake of publicity and institutional equality.
He revealed that the police eventually apologised to the judge in the case for a miscommunication.
“If what I’m saying is a lie, the police should come and prove that they never went back to court,” the MP dared.
Although he is guilty of the offence, the Nhyiaeso MP thinks the issue could have been addressed appropriately.
Based on his experience, Dr. Amoah believes the majority of prisoners are innocent of their crimes.
Ghanaian actor turned politician, John Dumelo, is incensed by the 10% tax imposed on earnings from lotteries, games of chance, and sports betting.
The new tax policy is part of the government’s efforts to increase domestic tax revenue and expand the tax base.
In a tweet, Dumelo criticized the government’s decision and noted that the youth, who have created their own jobs through sports betting and other forms of gambling, would rise against the government if the tax policy is implemented.
He argued that instead of taxing the youth’s winnings, the government should focus on creating jobs and providing economic opportunities for the youth.
“Create jobs; you won’t create. The youth have created their own jobs too; ahhh, you want to tax their winnings…continue. That day will come when the youth will rise against you. It will be too late,” he said.
Dumelo’s comments have sparked a heated debate on social media, with some Ghanaians supporting his position and others criticizing him for promoting gambling and opposing a legitimate tax policy.
John Dumelo is not new to the political scene in Ghana. He contested for a parliamentary seat in the 2020 general elections under the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), but lost to his opponent from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
However, he has remained vocal on issues affecting youth and has used his platform to advocate for their interests.
The former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei has responded to a comment made by a member of the New Patriotic Party’s communications team.
She shared a cryptic message to the views expressed by NPP’s communication team member, Ellen Ama Daaku on the partiality or otherwise of the new members of the Electoral Commission
Reacting to a video where Ellen Ama Daaku is captured on TV3 defending the president’s choice of persons for the EC, Charlotte Osei tweeted “I see”.
Speaking as a panellist on TV3’s, New Day show, Ellen Daaku said that regardless of whoever chairs the EC or work for the institution, the results of elections will not be affected.
“And my point is, it doesn’t matter who becomes the EC boss and who the commissioners are. If you would an election, you will win.” she said.
To her, the various parties should rather do their work by ensuring they get their figures right at the polling stations and not who the referee of the election is.
“You should be able to count your vote and know what you got. So that you would have it to defend yourself if you think you’ve been cheated. You should get your acts together down there. Whoever is the referee doesn’t matter get you your job done. Nobody will be comfortable with everybody in this country.” she added.
After swearing in three members to join the EC board by the president on Monday, March 20, 2023, pressure has since been mounting up calling for the resignation of two of the three members.
The two members are Dr Peter Appiahene and Hajia Salima Tijani.
Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Hon Sam Pyne has hinted he is ready to rescind his decision to contest for the Suame Parliamentary seat if incumbent MP Hon Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu chooses to contest again.
According to Sam Pyne, his decision is in respect of the new law made by the National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) barring MMDCEs from contesting incumbent MPs.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) will open nominations for the upcoming Parliamentary Elections to be held on February 24, 2024, according to sources available to MyNewsGH.com.
As per our sources, the nominations will open on December 20, 2023, and close on January 4, 2024.
The decision is in line with the party’s election guidelines as enshrined in Article 11 (2) of its constitution.
The party in a new law by the National Council says National Officers (chairmen), Regional Officers (chairmen) and MMDCEs cannot contest in areas there is already an NPP MP.
“In places where there are sitting MPs, you cannot contest”, the party has said.
However, speaking in an interview with Angel FM Kumasi monitored by MyNewsGH.com, Sam Pyne noted that, to respect the party’s decision, he will not contest the Suame Constituency primaries should the incumbent MP Hon Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu makes a U-turn and decides to contest.
“The new law states that, if you are an MMDCE you can’t contest and people are not clear with that. It is applicable to where there is a sitting MP. For instance, though I have the intention to contest for the Suame seat, if Hon Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, says he will contest again, I will have to resign. But if he says he is not going to contest then I will go,” Sam Pyne told Kwame Tanko on the show “Angel in the Morning”.
Sophia Akuffo, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana, has waded into the conversation about the appointment of three new commissioners of the Electoral Commission of Ghana.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Monday, March 20, 2023, swore-in three new members of the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) at the Jubilee House.
The three new members of the EC, Dr. Peter Appiahene, Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani, and Reverend Akua Ofori Boateng, are expected to serve in their new roles till the end of the 2024 elections and are replacements for members of the commission who recently retired.
Akufo-Addo has been heavily criticized for the appointment because some of the appointees are said to be known members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The president is being particularly berated for the appointments of Dr. Peter Appiahene, who is said to be a patron of TESCON, the tertiary education branch of the NPP, and Salima Ahmed Tijani, whose family relations are leading members of the NPP.
Reacting to this in an interview with TV3 on Wednesday, monitored by GhanaWeb, Sophia Akuffo said that the possibility of conflict of interest should be considered when it comes to the appointments of public servants.
She suggested that appointments to the EC must be made in such a way that no party will be disadvantaged.
“There are standards for the public service… and conflict of interest is something that always can be dealt with, whether it is written in black and white or not… and conflict of interest does not necessarily have to be actual; it can be potential.
“… in doing the right thing in public service, a lot of it depends on public perception, and I think when it comes to something to do with national elections and so on, public perception is very important.
“Everything in this world that you can arrange in such a way that the dealings are at arm’s length is better than somebody’s arm is twisted and another person’s arm is in their pocket,” she said.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has designated Tuesday, April 11, 2023, as the opening day for nominations for the Kumawu seat.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 14, 2023, and the by-election’s parliamentary candidate will be chosen on Sunday, April 23.
Following the party’s national executive committee and national council meetings on Monday, April 3, the deadlines for the by-election in the Kumawu constituency were set.
The Party in a release also stated that it had “approved detailed Rules and Regulations to govern the conduct of the parliamentary primary election which would be made available to stakeholders. However, Nomination Forms will be available at the Constituency Party Office for purchase.”
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin on Friday, March 31 declared the Kumawu Parliamentary seat vacant following the passing of the late Philip Basoah on March 28, 2023.
The 54-year-old late Kumawu MP died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after he was found unconscious in his room on Friday, March 24, and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
Before Parliament closed for recess on Friday, Speaker Bagbin disclosed that the Electoral Commission has been officially informed about the MP’s death and waiting for the conduct of a by-election within the next ninety days in accordance with Section 3 of the EC’s Amendment Act 1996 ACT 52.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) eulogized the late Mr Basoah saying “a gentle and astute politician whose contributions to the party, constituents, and the development of Ghana through his work in Parliament cannot be overemphasized.”
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has not declared his presidential ambition, however, his most recent post on social media suggests that he may do so shortly.
On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, the Vice President wrote “It is Possible!’, posting with the Ghana flag and the flag of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on all his social media pages.
This statement is ambiguous however some social media users are reading meaning into it. They believe this is a subtle way of indicating his interest in the NPP flagbearership race.
Dr. Bawumia is widely tipped to win the NPP flagbearership race, which is scheduled to kick off next month, with the flagbearership election slated for November this year.
Mr Sammi Awuku, currently the Director General of the National Lottery Authority, has thrown his weight behind Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
In an interview on Asempa FM on Monday, April 3, 2023, monitored by The Independent Ghana, Mr Awuku explained that his support for the Vice President stems from the worth-emulating values Dr Bawumia possesses. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is a very strong, tolerant and open- minded young man, he said.
“He looks into the future with courage and optimism. I’m fond of him.
“I asked him two critical questions: Why do you want to be president? He told me his major focus if he should ever become President one day is how to create a future of opportunities for young people,” Mr Awuku said.
The 38-year-old who played a vital role in mobilizing the youth leading to NPP’s victory in the 2016 general election further lauded the Veep for his unified spirit and sacrifices made for the party.
“That politics of inclusion for me is something that is admirable. I’ve watched him move with people who had supported other candidates in the past. Someone like Fredrick Opare Ansah. Day in and day out, you see new people around him,” he stated.
Mr Awuku noted that it took bravery and discipline to come up against the legal team of the National Democratic Congress in the 2020 election petition case at the Supreme Court for eight months without losing one’s composure.
“For somebody, to sit there when it mattered most to defend his party’s position and resolve for 8 months continuously and facing the NDC legal team is not easy. Lawyers Tsatsu Tsikata, Tony Lithur – deadly combination with Baasit Bamba. For 8 months he (Dr Bawumia) never lost his cool. He had his composure and defended the NPP’s position.”
According to him, “if the NPP opens nomination, and his Excellency the Vice President says he will run, I (will support him),” adding that “I think he will make a great president.”
The NLA boss has however entreated the Vice President to brace himself for intense “grilling” should he decide to declare his presidential ambition.
In his view, this is because “he (would) compete against strong and capable people in the party.”
Former Trade Minister, John Alan Kyerematen, former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto, former Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko, Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Presidential Spokesperson and General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyepong, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Joe Ghartey, who is also the MP for Essikado-Ketan; a former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and a former Minister of State, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, who is also a former MP for Offinso North, have all declared their intention to contest for the NPP presidential primaries to help break the 8-year-cycle.
The ruling party has announced that nominations for the Presidential primaries will open on May 26, 2023 and close on June 24, 2023.
On November 4, 2023, the NPP would hold its National Congress to elect its flagbearer for the next polls.
Former deputy minister of Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has described as abysmal, the current administration’s performance so far.
He has outlined economic performance indicators that show that the governing New Patriotic Party has been a “huge joke in government.”
In a social media post dated April 4, Kwakye Ofosu described the overall performance of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Ado government as one of “rubish governance.”
He said the economy had been destroyed, the economy bankrupted as a result of wastage by the government tasking that the NPP be kicked out of office as quickly as possible.
“The NPP has been a huge joke in government. They have offered rubbish governance, destroyed our economy, rendered us bankrupt, defaulted on our debt, destroyed our currency, wasted billions of public funds and imposed the worst ever economic hardships on us and should be booted out at the earliest opportunity,” his post read.
Ghana is meanwhile undergoing external debt restructuring as part of conditionalities for an International Monetary Fund loan facility of US$3 billion.
Government approached the fund last year amid an economic squeeze brought on by a depreciating currency, galloping inflation, rise in the general cost of living, government being shut out of the international capital market and suffering multiple economic downgrades.
Whiles the opposition insisted that the headwinds were as a result of wanton borrowing and mismanagement, the government blamed the malaise on the aftershocks of COVID-19 as well as the Russia-Ukraine war.
Government and the NPP have serially promised to do all it takes to put the economy back on track.
The National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Stephen Ntim, has refuted claims the Akufo-Addo-led government has ignored calls to reduce its government size.
According to him, Akufo-Addo has been listening to Ghanaians about how to manage expenditures while maintaining a dynamic team of ministers and appointees to deliver its mandate.
Speaking at a press conference, he said, “Therefore, it is not true that the government has ignored calls to reduce its size. Instead, the government has been listening to Ghanaians, establishing a more robust control mechanism to manage expenditure while maintaining a dynamic team of ministers and appointees to deliver on its mandate.”
He also dismissed claims that the government has appointed people to needless positions, adding that the NDC government employed more presidential staffers.
“The NDC has been promoting the view that this government has appointed people to needless positions and is paying them for doing nothing. It must be stated on record that many of the workers at the Presidency are public sector employees. Today, out of the 995 workers at the Presidency, 658 (66%) are public sector employees.
“The NDC government had more presidential staffers than this administration. While we have 44 presidential staffers and 1 Minister of State at the Presidency, the Mahama-NDC Administration had 61 presidential staffers, 6 Ministers of State, and the 3 “wise men,” he added.
Claims that the Akufo-Addo-led administration disregarded requests to shrink its size have been disputed by Stephen Ntim, national chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to him, Akufo-Addo has been listening to Ghanaians about how to manage expenditures while maintaining a dynamic team of ministers and appointees to deliver its mandate.
Speaking at a press conference, he said, “Therefore, it is not true that the government has ignored calls to reduce its size. Instead, the government has been listening to Ghanaians, establishing a more robust control mechanism to manage expenditure while maintaining a dynamic team of ministers and appointees to deliver on its mandate.”
He also dismissed claims that the government has appointed people to needless positions, adding that the NDC government employed more presidential staffers.
“The NDC has been promoting the view that this government has appointed people to needless positions and is paying them for doing nothing. It must be stated on record that many of the workers at the Presidency are public sector employees. Today, out of the 995 workers at the Presidency, 658 (66%) are public sector employees.
“The NDC government had more presidential staffers than this administration. While we have 44 presidential staffers and 1 Minister of State at the Presidency, the Mahama-NDC Administration had 61 presidential staffers, 6 Ministers of State, and the 3 “wise men,” he added.
Former National Youth Organiser for the ruling New Patriotic Party, Sammi Awuku, has waded into the conversation on the next flagbearer to lead the party come 2024 in hopes of retaining power.
Mr Sammi Awuku, currently the Director General of the National Lottery Authority, has thrown his weight behind Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is yet to declare his intention to contest in the flagbearership race.
In an interview on Asempa FM on Monday, April 3, 2023, monitored by The Independent Ghana, Mr Awuku explained that his support for the Vice President stems from the worth-emulating values Dr Bawumia possesses. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is a very strong, tolerant and open- minded young man, he said.
“He looks into the future with courage and optimism. I’m fond of him.
“I asked him two critical questions: Why do you want to be president? He told me his major focus if he should ever become President one day is how to create a future of opportunities for young people,” Mr Awuku said.
The 38-year-old who played a vital role in mobilizing the youth leading to NPP’s victory in the 2016 general election further lauded the Veep for his unified spirit and sacrifices made for the party.
“That politics of inclusion for me is something that is admirable. I’ve watched him move with people who had supported other candidates in the past. Someone like Fredrick Opare Ansah. Day in and day out, you see new people around him,” he stated.
Mr Awuku noted that it took bravery and discipline to come up against the legal team of the National Democratic Congress in the 2020 election petition case at the Supreme Court for eight months without losing one’s composure.
“For somebody, to sit there when it mattered most to defend his party’s position and resolve for 8 months continuously and facing the NDC legal team is not easy. Lawyers Tsatsu Tsikata, Tony Lithur – deadly combination with Baasit Bamba. For 8 months he (Dr Bawumia) never lost his cool. He had his composure and defended the NPP’s position.”
According to him, “if the NPP opens nomination, and his Excellency the Vice President says he will run, I (will support him),” adding that “I think he will make a great president.”
The NLA boss has however entreated the Vice President to brace himself for intense “grilling” should he decide to declare his presidential ambition.
In his view, this is because “he (would) compete against strong and capable people in the party.”
Former Trade Minister, John Alan Kyerematen, former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto, former Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko, Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Presidential Spokesperson and General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyepong, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Joe Ghartey, who is also the MP for Essikado-Ketan; a former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and a former Minister of State, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, who is also a former MP for Offinso North, have all declared their intention to contest for the NPP presidential primaries to help break the 8-year-cycle.
The ruling party has announced that nominations for the Presidential primaries will open on May 26, 2023 and close on June 24, 2023.
On November 4, 2023, the NPP would hold its National Congress to elect its flagbearer for the next polls.
Background details on Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia served as a Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana until his nomination as Vice Presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by then Presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in 2008.
He also ran as the vice-presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party in Ghana’s 2012 general elections and was the lead witness for the petitioners in the 2012/2013 Presidential Election Petition, which challenged the declaration of John Mahama as the winner of the 2012 Presidential Election.
He became Ghana’s Vice President in 2017 after Nana Akufo-Addo beat John Mahama in the 2016 general election. In 2020, he retained his position as the NDC lost to the NPP in the presidential election.
TheNew Patriotic Party (NPP) needs to concentrate on restoring its majority advantage in Parliament, according to Sammi Awuku, Director General of Ghana’s National Lottery Authority.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, April 4, the former National Organiser of the NPP said he anticipates a battle for several parliamentary seats in the 2024 elections.
He, however, added that the NPP will beat the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) through various strategies that will be deployed by the NPP.
“I think that the NPP must focus on regaining our lost seats because there will be a battle for Parliament. But I think we [NPP] will beat the NDC through strategy.”
Mr Awuku also hinted at the possibility of contesting for the Akropong parliamentary seat on the ticket of the NPP.
According to him, several Chiefs and Opinion Leaders in the area are convincing him to contest for the Akropong seat.
The NPP controlled 169 parliamentary seats after the 2016 polls while the NDC had 106.
However, after the 2020 polls, the NPP lost its strong grip on Parliament reducing its seats to 137 while the NDC also had 137 seats and one independent candidate.
