The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has slated November 2023 for its congress to elect a flagbearer who will lead it into the 2024 polls
This decision was arrived at after a crunched closed-door meeting of the National Council of the party Monday evening at Alisa Hotel in Accra, MyNewsGh.com has confirmed.
The decision is in line with Article 12 of the party’s election guidelines on electing a presidential candidate.
It states that “The election of the Party’s Presidential Candidate shall be held not later than twenty-four (24) months from the date of the national election. The date and venue for the election shall be decided by the National Council, provided, however, that the National Council may, on an appropriate occasion, vary the date…”
Clause 2 of the article further indicates that “Not later than six (6) months prior to the holding of the election, the General Secretary shall give notice inviting applications from Members for nomination as the Party’s candidate to contest for the office of the President of the Republic.
The Notice shall be displayed in a conspicuous place in the Party’s Constituency, Regional and National Offices and shall specify the closing date for application, which shall not be more than five (5) months to the holding of the election…”
Meanwhile, there will be a special Congress that will be held in August ahead of the flagbearer elections.
Sam Nartey George, the representative for Ningo-Prampram, has claimed that the adoption of the three new tax legislation on Friday in parliament was not approved by the minority.
He claims that it is necessary to examine the clerk of parliament about how they were able to obtain 137 despite Ahmed Tuferu’s absence due to an injury.
On the basis of the information the clerk gave the speaker, he continued, the majority won the vote with 137 votes, hence he was not to be held responsible.
According to him, the minority would not have had to participate in the vote process if the revenue bill had been approved by consensus.
“If we had acquiesced, we wouldn’t have gone through with the vote, we wouldn’t have accounted for our 136, we wouldn’t have challenged what appeared to be an error in counting. We are aware now that at the time we did the first count, Ahmed Tuferu was not in Parliament.
“There are two [majority] MPs who also walked in after the clerks had finished taking the vote from the majority side, so clearly, that vote shouldn’t have read 136, 137, but be that as it may, the Speaker only announces what it is presented to him.
“The clerks have a question to answer as to how they managed to get 137,” he is quoted to have said by CitiTV.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament has explained why the Member of Parliament (MP) for Nanton Constituency, Northern Region, Mohammed Hardi Tufeiru, was counted despite being absent in the chamber during voting.
According to him, the leaders reported that the MP was incapacitated by some physical infirmity, and based on this, the MPs, including doctor Dickson Adamako Kissi who accompanied the MP, were counted and accordingly recorded.
Mohammed Hardi Tufeiru is reported to have been involved in an accident, preventing him from participating in the head count vote in the chamber.
Following this development, the Minority Chief Whip, Govern Agbogza, quizzed the speaker about why he counted 137 from the majority side of the house despite the absence of two.
Govern Agbodza said, “When we took the last vote, you counted 137 for our colleagues. Some members of the public are aware that two of our colleagues were not physically present here, I think it will be appropriate for you to make a pronouncement so that the public knows why you still counted 137.”
In response, the speaker said, “…that is why I referred you to Order 114 rule 4, and asked you to read that order, but for the education of the public, I will read that order.
“Order 114 rule 4 says for members who are incapacitated by some physical infirmity from passing through the lobbies shall upon reporting their incapacitate to the speaker though the clerk, be counted and recorded accordingly in the house.
“We have some of our members that are incapacitated and what I did was to ask the clerk to go and physically see them, the state of incapacitating, whether they are of sound mind because we are dealing with the decision taken, voting before they can come to testify; which has been done and so they recorded and counted accordingly.”
According to reports, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central and candidate for the NPP’s flagbearer position, plans to resign from his position as board chair of Ghana Gas Company Limited.
The MP is set to tender his resignation letter to President Akufo-Addo, it is clear that the MP would take the decision to enable him properly focus on his presidential ambition.
Hon. Agyapong has indicated that his presidential ambitions are genuine and he is not ready to rescind his decision on leading the NPP in 2024.
He has stated unequivocally that he intends to run in the upcoming NPP presidential primaries.
According to him, “I will go and pick up forms when NPP opens nominations for presidential aspirants”.
Kennedy Agyapong is gradually gaining the support of many NPP members and many Ghanaians, especially the youth. Background
In July 2021,President Akufo-Addoappointed the Assin Central lawmaker as the new Board Chairman of the Ghana Gas Company Limited.
Other members of the nine-member board are Mr. Ben K.D Asante, the Managing Director of the Company; Mr. John Darko, Mrs. Adelaide Mary Benneh; Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli; Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh; Madam Delphine Dogbegah; Nana Owusu Ansah Ababio, and Mr. Stephen Sumani Nayina.
The members of the board are expected to provide direction and leadership in the day-to-day running of the nation’s only gas transmission utility.
The Ghana National Gas Company was established in July 2011 as a limited liability company with the responsibility to build, own and operate natural gas infrastructure required to ensure the role of a transmission utility.
In the world of politics, rhetoric is a powerful tool that is often used to sway public opinion and win elections.
It is the art of using language effectively to persuade or influence others, and it is an essential part of any politician’s arsenal.
But to discredit Dr. Bawumia’s credibility on mere political rhetoric is an exercise in futility. This is because rhetoric, in and of itself, is not a reliable indicator of a politician’s credibility.
While it is true that some politicians use rhetoric to manipulate or deceive their audiences, it is equally true that many politicians use it as a means of communicating their ideas clearly and compellingly.
Dr. Bawumia is a politician who has a reputation for being a skilled orator who can connect with his audience on a deep emotional level, using vivid language and powerful *metaphors* to convey his ideas. His speeches are often described as inspiring and motivating, and he has a large following of supporters who are drawn to his charisma and energy.
Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
However, some of Dr. Bawumia’s opponents have criticized him for relying too heavily on rhetoric and not providing enough substance in his arguments.
They argue that his speeches are full of empty promises and vague generalizations and that he lacks the intellectual depth to provide real solutions to the problems facing the country.
While it is true that Dr. Bawumia’s speeches are often heavy on emotion and light on specifics, this does not necessarily mean that he lacks credibility. Many successful politicians throughout history have relied on rhetoric as a means of inspiring their followers and winning elections.
The key to evaluating a politician’s credibility is to look beyond their rhetoric and examine their actions and accomplishments. In the case of Dr. Bawumia, he has a long record of public service and has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the Ghanaian people.
He has championed causes such as gold for oil, digitization in healthcare delivery, and job creation, and has a track record of getting things done.
US Vice Prez Kamala Harris and Vice President Bawumia
It is worth noting that, Dr. Bawumia has a reputation for being humble and submissive to his compatriots. He has never been involved in any major scandals or controversies and has always been open and forthcoming about his positions and policies.
This kind of integrity is a rare commodity in politics, and it is something that should be valued and appreciated.
In all, while it is important to be critical of politicians and hold them accountable for their actions, discrediting Dr. Bawumia’s credibility based on his political rhetoric is misguided. Rhetoric is a powerful tool that can be used for good or for ill, and it is up to us as party people and as citizens to evaluate a politician’s credibility based on their actions and accomplishments, rather than on the way they present their ideas.
Dr. Bawumia has a long record of public service and a reputation for humbleness and transparency, and these are the qualities that should matter most to us when evaluating his candidacy.
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
New Patriotic Party flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has stated that majority of soldiers are willing to vote for him to become President if given the nod as the NPP flagbearer.
He says he is currently the only politician in Ghana whose ambition resonates with the ordinary Ghanaian.
According to the Assin Central Member of Parliament, even members of the Ghana Armed Forces are in full support of his bid to become president due to his history and contribution towards the welfare of the army.
“Ghana is hard but soldiers are saying that ‘Kennedy Agyapong, do not listen to anyone asking you to resign from the contest because you will win the 2024 election.’ Why are soldiers asking me not to resign? Because I am the only man in the history of Ghana who has taken $6 million from his own pocket to build a cardio and dialysis centre at the 37 Military Hospital.
“I am the only politician who has five fish ponds each spanning one kilometre at Atwima Kwanwoma in the Ashanti Region which I have gifted to the Ghana Armed Forces to be used in feeding soldiers. Because of that the soldiers ‘say we will reward you for the good you have done for us. If you don’t believe it, come to Burma Camp and conduct a survey, about 85% of soldiers will vote for you,” he told a group of NPP members in a campaign video shared by Oman Channel.
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and some leading members of the NPP have declared their bids to contest the party’s flagbearership ahead of the 2024 presidential elections.
Some of his contenders include former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
But speaking to the party supporters in the video sighted by GhanaWeb, Kennedy Agyapong stated that he remains the only viable candidate in the NPP capable of defeating former President John Dramani Mahama who is deemed the ‘presumptive’ flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress.
Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo was warmly welcomed back to parliament by her colleague female MPs from both sides of the House.
This follows her absence from the chamber last week.
On yet another occasion, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker missed sitting in parliament when the majority caucus required her presence for a vote.
On Friday, March 24, 2023, the House conducted a crucial vote on the approval of some six ministers nominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The equality in numbers on both the majority and minority sides of the house meant that every single vote was key in securing the badly needed approval of the nominees.
This was more important especially when the minority had served a clear notice of adhering to a directive from its party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reject the nominees.
Adwoa Safo, who had been absent during previous votings, failed to attend the sitting on Friday.
She, however, returned to the chamber on Monday, March 29, 2023, when the house reconvened.
In a video shared by Oyerepa TV and sighted by GhanaWeb, the MP beaming with smiles was seen being welcomed back to the House by other female MPs from both the majority and minority.
Her colleagues took turns to share a hug with the Dome Kwabenya MP amidst the exchange of pleasantries.
Ahead of the vote on Friday, some NPP members had expressed concerns about the truancy of Adwoa Safo when it comes to critical issues that required her presence.
Deputy Communications Director of the NPP, Jennifer Queen likened Adwo Safo to an overpampered village girl.
“One our villages there are small some small girls who grow up to be stubborn and will not listen to anyone. When you ask her to go and bathe, she will not budge. With some twisted hair on her head, she won’t listen to anything and will grow up with such an attitude,” she bemoaned during an interview on Okay FM.
Reports making round is that General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Kwetey, has released a list of NDC MPs who did not betray the party during the approval of President Akufo-Addo’s ministerial nominees.
On Friday, March 24, 2023, the Minority failed to halt the approval of six ministerial nominees (K.T. Hammond, Brian Acheampong, Amin Adam, O.B. Amoah, Stephen Amoah and Asamoah Boateng) as directed by the party as part of efforts to reduce the size of the current government.
Out the 135 NDC MPs in Parliament, close to 40 are said to have approved the nominees.
According to sources, Fiifi Kwetey, who together with other party leaders have condemned the recent incident, has provided the identities of 46 NDC MPs who adhered to the party’s directive via Whatsapp.
The said list is however incomplete as it is believed that about 38 NDC MPs betrayed the party. More names of loyal MPs are expected.
Below is the list of the 46 loyal NDC MPs:
Kobla Mensah Wisdom Woyome – South Tongu MP
Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui – Awutu Senya West MP
Ernest Henry Norgbey – Ashaiman MP
Edward Abambire Bawa – Bongo MP
Yusif Sulemana – Bole Bamboi MP
Richard Kwame Sefe – Anlo MP
Yao Gomado – Akan MP
Richard Gyan-Mensah – Gomoa West MP
Geoffrey Kini – Nkwanta South MP
James Klutse Avedzi – Ketu North MP
Kwame Governs Agbodza – Adaklu MP
Andrew Dari Chiwitey – Sawla-Tuna Kalba MP
Mark Kurt Nawaane – Nabdam MP
Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor – South Dayi MP
Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah – Ellembelle MP
Peter Kwasi Nortsu-Kotoe – Akatsi North MP
Ablah Dzifa Gomashie – Ketu South MP
Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings – Klottey-Korle MP
Angela Oforiwa Alorwu-Tay – Afadjato South MP
Theresa Lardi Awuni – Okaikwei North MP
Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah – Ho West MP
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – North Tongu MP
Cassiel Ato Baah Forson – Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam MP
Alexander Roosevelt Hottordze – Central Tongu MP
Della Sowah – Kpando MP
Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed – Tamale Central MP
Bernard Ahiafor – Akatsi South MP
Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah – Amenfi Central MP
Clement Abas Apaak – Builsa South MP
Joseph Appiah Boateng – Afram Plains South MP
Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare – Techiman North
Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo – Shai-Osudoku MP
Kofi Iddie Adams – Buem MP
John Oti Bless – Nkwanta North
Sampson Tangombu Chiragia – Navrongo Central
Peter Lanchene Toobu – Wa West MP
Agnes Naa Momo Lartey – Krowor MP
Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah – Afram Plains North
Evidence of how some members of the minority caucus in parliament voted to determine the fate of six ministers nominated byPresident Akufo-Addohas surfaced online.
A video circulating on social media shows how Tamale Central Member of Parliament,Ibrahim Murtala Mohammedvoted in compliance with a directive by the National Democratic Congress against all six nominees.
“This is how I voted. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed…this one No, No, No, No, No, this one No…this is how I voted and I record,” a voice purported to be that of the Tamale Central is heard in the video of an individual ticking through the nominees’ list.
Prior to the vetting of the nominees by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, the NDC had issued a directive to its MPs to reject the nominees in demand for a reduction in the size of the current government.
However, when the House last Friday conducted a secret ballot on the nominees, all six acquired overwhelming votes despite the equal numbers on both sides of the House.
The outcome of the voting process has led to accusations of treachery being made against the minority MPs.
Some members of the caucus have since taken to social media to express their disappointment with the result while others have sought to claim their innocence.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged NDC supporters to disregard a list of Minority MPs claimed to have betrayed the party in the approval of ministerial appointees, on social media.
Interacting with delegates at Kanokoare during his tour of the Ellembelle Constituency in the Western Region on Sunday (26 March), Mr Mahama described the list as “fake”.
“And so, I am urging all NDC supporters to ignore it”, Mr Mahama said.
The Minority caucus has been heavily criticised for breaking rank to pass all six ministers appointed byPresident Akufo-Addo.
Commenting on the issue Mr Mahama urged disgruntled NDC supporters to remain resolute ahead of the 2024 polls as there “are little battles we have to fight before we go into the main battle. And that is one of those we fought a few days ago”.
“So, you don’t throw the baby away with the bathwater. I urge you all to remain calm because we need them at this crucial moment”, the former President said.
Parliament approves all six nominees, two Supreme Court Justices:
Parliament has approved all six ministerial nominees appointed by President Akufo-Addo after a heated debate on Thursday, March 24th, and a tense voting process on Friday, March 25th. Final results declared by Speaker Alban Bagbin showed that all nominees got more than the minimum of 138 votes required, as there were three absentees out of the 275 eligible voters.
Below are the final figures for each nominee:
Total eligible 275
Absentees = 3
Total valid votes = 272
Hon KT Hammond, Minister for Trade and Industry
Yes = 154 No = 116 Rejected = 1 Abstention = 1
Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture
Yes = 167 No = 98 Rejected = 1 Abstention = 3
Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
Yes = 147 No = 122 Abstention = 3
Mohammed Amin
Yes = 152 No = 117 Rejected = 1 Abstentions = 2
Osei Bonsu Amoah
Yes = 149 No = 120 Abesmtion = 2
Stephen Amoah, deputy minister of Trade and Industry
Yes = 146 No = 123 Abstentions = 3
There is currently a debate on whether or not to take a vote on the remaining two Supreme Court justice nominees appointed by Akufo-Addo. Out of the four appointed, two have been approved, leaving George Kingsley Koomson, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, Justice of the High Court.
Kennedy Agyapong, a presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has repeatedly discussed the financial contributions he has made to the party since its founding.
Additionally, he has contributed money to recent events, including more than 2.75 million Ghana cedis for the April 2022 local elections (10,000 cedis to each constituency).
Later in December, as his widow’s mite contribution to Christmas, he once more gave the party 9,000 bags of rice and other supplies.
He has disclosed a logistical donation made in 2016 as the party prepared for elections.
“Just this 2016, I bought 240 used pick-ups for NPP campaigns. Today, you are in power and you are telling Ghanaians not to buy used (cars)… what is the purchasing power of every Ghanaian in the country. How many people can afford new cars?” he asked during a public function.
The crux of his concern with used cars being the decision of government to ban the importation of such vehicles.
Ken Agyapong insists that the decision by the government is totally wrong and was not well thought off.
“You cannot bring a year to five-year-old cars because VW is going to produce brand new cars in Ghana, because Nissan is going to produce brand new cars in Ghana.
“The direct tax (we are losing) through customs is more than anything in the country. Look at the number of people who are going to lose their jobs. How many jobs are these companies going to create? We didn’t sit down to analyse all these things, we just come out with policies, don’t bring used cars,” he said.
He is considered a frontrunner in the New Patriotic Party’s presidential flagbearership race along with Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen.
The Deputy Majority Leader, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged members of the National Democratic Congress not to be dejected by the loss in the battle on the approval of ministerial and judicial appointees of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
According to him, even though the loss was unbearable, the important thing is that the party comes together for the many battles ahead.
“I was naturally devastated last night but woke up surprisingly feeling stronger and convinced that we simply lost a battle and not the war.
“We necessarily have to regroup and soldier on for there are many battles ahead and I know with God on our side we shall win the war in the end,” the deputy majority leader wrote in a tweet shared, on Saturday, March 25, 2023.
“The victory of the NDC is coming again and nothing can stop it,” Armah-Kofi Buah, the Member of Parliament for Ellembele, added.
Parliament approves all six nominees, two Supreme Court Justices:
Parliament on Friday, March 24 approved all six ministerial nominees as well as the nominees of the supreme court of President Akufo-Addo after a heated debate, 24 hours prior and a tense voting process.
Final results declared by Speaker Alban Bagbin showed that all nominees got more votes than the minimum of 138 votes required because out of the 275 eligible voters, there were three absent.
Some Members of Parliament (MPs) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) did not adhere to the decision of the party to vote against the approval of the nominees.
Kobina Tahiru Hammond (MP for Adansi Asokwa) was approved as the Minister of Trade and Industry and Bryan Acheampong (MP for Abetifi) as the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Other nominees who were approved include Stephen Asamoah Boateng, as Ministry of Chieftaincy; Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of State (Ministry of Finance), and Osei Bonsu Amoah, Ministry of Local Government.
Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, was also approved as the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.
The Supreme Court nominees who were approved include George Kingsley Koomson, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, Justice of the High Court.
The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) is impressed with the support of the Minority in the approval of the six ministerial appointees of President Akufo-Addo.
The party has therefore congratulated MPs on the opposing side who ensured that president the ministerial and Supreme Court nominees were passed.
The party also expressed the nation’s gratitude to opposition MPs who also defied the Minority position to reject the nominees to vote in the national interest.
“Kudos to our gallant MPs for standing firmly behind the Government and ensuring that the President’s nominees for Ministers of State and Deputy Minister as well as for the Supreme Court were approved! The nation is also grateful to the brave NDC MPs who stood for #GhanaFirst,” the NPP posted on their official Twitter handle.
Parliament on Friday, March 24 approved all six ministerial nominees of president Akufo-Addo after a heated debate, 24 hours prior and a tense voting process.
Final results declared by Speaker Alban Bagbin showed that all six nominees got more votes than the minimum of 138 votes required because out of the 275 eligible voters, three were absent. The NPP thus had 136 MPs, same as the NDC.
After the ministerial vote, Parliament also voted on the report of two remaining Supreme Court justice nominees appointed by Akufo-Addo. The Minority had stated their position to reject the nominees in this case too.
At the end of a vote demanded by the Minority, both nominees were approved by a slight majority.
George Kingsley Koomson, Justice of the Court of Appeal got 139 YES votes against 133 NO votes, whiles Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, Justice of the High Court got 138 YES and 134 NO votes.
Dome Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, was no where in sight when Parliament was conducting a secret ballot to determine the fate of President Akufo-Addo’s recent ministerial appointees.
All members of the House were expected to be in the House to cast their votes on the matter, given the country’s hung Parliament.
Prior to the vote, the National Executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) issued a statement directing all members of the Majority Caucus not to miss the day’s sitting.
However, the former Gender Minister was no where to be found during the day’s sitting.
It is unclear her whereabouts or whether she had sought permission to be absent from the sitting but when her name was mentioned by the Speaker, she was not in the House to cast her vote.
Aside Adwoa Safo, MP for the Kumawu Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Philip Atta Basoah, was also not in the House.
With the absence of the two, the President’s nominees are unlikely to be appointed if all the members of the Minority Caucus were present to cast their vote, and did so in accordance with the party’s decision.
Founder and leader of Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Akua Donkor has disclosed why she believes she is the best person to redeem Ghana from the current economic situation.
She says she is the richest politician in the country, and can manage the economy given the wealth she has acquired. In an interview on Happy 98.9 FM’s “Epa Hoa Daben” socio-political talk show, Akua Donkor said she has the required qualities to adequately manage Ghana’s economy and improve the current state of the country.
“I’m richer than Mahama and Akufo-Addo,” she boasted. “And I can manage the economy better than they have.”
Akua Donkor criticized other Ghanaian politicians, accusing them of being torn between the two major political parties in Ghana – the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). She claimed that all other parties in Ghana are not legitimate and are affiliated with either the NDC or NPP.
“They’re all in it for the money and share it among themselves,” She alleged. “But I’m the only genuine independent politician in Ghana. I’ve done everything solely with my hard-earned money. I’ve filled out and signed documents and paid my dues. I fend for my people and take good care of myself as well.”
Akua Donkor further claimed that she has built houses and hired hotels for some of her supporters, using her own money.
“So if I’m able to do all these things, who among the Ghanaian politicians have more money than I do? They all squander state money, but I spend my own money, and they also spend my money through the taxes I pay.”
Akua Donkor expressed confidence that she could become Ghana’s next president and manage the economy more effectively than Mahama or Akufo-Addo.
Ahead of Friday March 23, 2023’s parliamentary sitting, Leadership of the New Patriotic Party, is urging all its members in the House not to miss the day’s sitting.
A statement signed by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua, said: “following the outcome of the proceedings of Parliament on Thursday, March 23, 2023, [leadership] hereby urges all members of the Majority Caucus to be present at the House to fully participate in all parliamentary proceedings and voting scheduled for the day.”
On Thursday, leadership of the House failed to reach a consensus on the approval of six persons nominated by President Akufo-Addo for appointment as Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Minister.
During this sitting, the First Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Appointment Commitment, Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, moved a Motion on the floor of the House, for the nominees to be approved.
Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, advocated for the nominees to be approved despite
He acknowledged hearing his colleagues on the Minority side complain about the ‘bloated’ number of Ministers, however, he contended that the high numbers were as a result of the new regions which were not present during previous tenures.
He, therefore, urged Members of the House to approve the Ministerial Nominees to enable them to help the President to prosecute his agenda for the nation.
Mr Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Majority Leader, who seconded the Motion, noted that all the Nominees except Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng were sitting Members of Parliament (MPs).
The Deputy Majority Leader said he believed the Nominees had the qualities to make in roads in their respective sectors.
Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minority Leader and Ranking Member on the Appointment Committee in Parliament, said the position taken by his side of the House to reject the six Ministerial Nominees were based on principles and that in the midst of the current economic challenges facing the country, there was the need for the President to cut down the size of the Government.
Thus, entreated the House to disapprove the appointment. Following the back and forth, the Speaker adjourned the day’s sitting and said the House will vote on the matter today, Friday, March 24, 2023.
It is against this background that leadership of the NPP is entreating its members not to miss the day’s sitting.
“The Party continues to appreciate the efforts of the Majority Caucus in getting the business of the House done despite its latent challenges.
“The leadership of the Party entreats the Majority Caucus especially, the Whips to ensure that no member of the Caucus absent himself or herself from the House on Friday, March 24, 2023, to get Government Business accomplished in the supreme interest of the country,” the statement said.
“The Party is committed to supporting and rallying behind the government in achieving the desired economic transformation for the good people of Ghanam,” the statement added.
Reports that former president John Dramani Mahama was recently hooted at in Damongo when he attended the enskinment of the new Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jawu Soale, on Monday, March 20, 2023, have been refuted by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Savannah Regional branch.
This comes after a video went viral showing a section of the audience allegedly cheering as Mahama and other dignitaries, such as Vice President Dr. Bawumia and the Jinapor brothers, descended from the stage they were on to address the crowd.
The persons who were hooting, even though were a small section of the crowd, could be seen clapping and screaming “away, away, away”.
A statement from the NDC stating the facts of the incident alleged that the booing party were NPP supporters bussed from parts of the northern region for the specific purpose.
Adding that despite their unruly behaviour, Mahama “was welcomed with cheers and a loud applause as his brilliant speech touched the hearts and minds of his tribesmen, chiefs, and elders at the ceremony.
“There was absolutely no reason or cause for anyone whatsoever to hoot at President Mahama. The false narrative of being booed must be treated with contempt,” the statement read in part.
Explaining the source of the unruly crowd, the statement continued: “It was observed that a small group of people who were part of an unruly and uncouth supporters of the NPP were on the blind side of President Mahama and his delegation, shouting and recording themselves. In the process, the detachment of police and military personnel ensured that they remained where they were, without the people at the durbar hearing whatever they were saying.
View Koku Anyidoho’s tweet plus the booing incident below:
Please watch this clip in detail: JJ was never hooted at in Volta; Kufuor was never hooted at in Ashanti; Atta-Mills was never hooted at in Central; Nana Addo has never been hooted at in Eastern; Someone has been hooted at in his own Gonjaland – Damango. Hmm! pic.twitter.com/m86LpN38kf— Samuel Koku Anyidoho???????? (@KokuAnyidoho) March 22, 2023
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) of the Savannah Region has dismissed reports that former President John Dramani Mahama was booed at Damango during the outdooring of the new Yagbonwura in Damongo on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. They say the public should disregard a viral video suggesting so.
According to the NDC, Mr. Mahama was welcomed with cheers and loud applause as his brilliant speech touched the hearts and minds of his tribesmen, chiefs, and elders at the ceremony.
“There was absolutely no reason or cause for anyone whatsoever to hoot at President Mahama. The false narrative of being booed must be treated with contempt.
“It was observed that a small group of people who were part of unruly and uncouth supporters of the NPP were on the blind side of President Mahama and his delegation, shouting and recording themselves. In the process, the detachment of police and military personnel ensured that they remained where they were, without the people at the durbar hearing whatever they were saying,” the NDC Communications Officer for Savannah region explained in a statement.
Below is the full statement
We have taken notice of a video circulated by Koku Anyidoho on behalf of the Bawumia-led faction of the NPP.
The video and narration sought to create an impression that former President John Mahama was booed by his own tribesmen at the outdooring of our new Yagbonwura in Damongo on Tuesday.
Here are the facts:
1. As a Royal and a native of the Gonja Kingdom, President John Mahama attended the event as a son and grandson of the land.
2. HE John Mahama, after all the protocols, paying homage to the new Yagbonwura with his delegation, stepped forward to deliver his speech, which had nothing to do with politics but was full of wisdom, history, and the great traditions of the great Gonja Kingdom.
3. He was welcomed with cheers and a loud applause as his brilliant speech touched the hearts and minds of his tribesmen, chiefs, and elders at the ceremony.
4. There was absolutely no reason or cause for anyone whatsoever to hoot at President Mahama. The false narrative of being booed must be treated with contempt.
5. It was observed that a small group of people who were part of an unruly and uncouth supporters of the NPP were on the blind side of President Mahama and his delegation, shouting and recording themselves. In the process, the detachment of police and military personnel ensured that they remained where they were, without the people at the durbar hearing whatever they were saying.
6. These were NPP supporters bussed into Damongo by the NPP, obviously because of the Vice President’s feeling of insecurity and nervousness. A total of five buses transported these supporters from Tamale and Wa to cheer him.
7. However, we wish to state in the strongest terms possible that the deliberate attempts by the NPP to always bus people from other regions into the Savannah Region just to cause confusion, disorder and mayhem at public functions will no longer be tolerated, and this will be the last caution.
8. For the records, H.E John Mahama remains the only president with an enviable record of projects in the entire Gonja kingdom from Senior High Schools (E Blocks at Daboya, Mpaha and Bamboi etc), Hospitals (Sawla, Buipe and Bamboi district hospitals etc), roads (147km Fufulso-Sawla road, Datoyili – Buipe road etc), factories (Buipe shea nut, Daboya smock, Savanah cement factories etc), water projects (Ntereso water project etc) among others.
For maximum satisfaction and the avoidance of doubt, kindly find attached two videos- one of the arrivals of President Mahama at the durbar ground, and the other, the beautiful speech delivered by the former president as he was cheered on by the good people of the Savannah region and all present.
Regional Communications Officer Savannah Region NDC Damongo
Former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has taken a swipe at critics who are discrediting government’s flagship programme Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ).
According to him, critics of the programme are being ignorant and must not be tolerated.
However, in his view, despite the initiative’s challenges, it had some positive results, including the prevention of food shortages in Ghana.
Speaking in an interview with Kwamina Sam Biney on Angel FM/TV’s Anopa Bofo morning show on Wednesday, March 22, he said due to the intervention of the programme; there was hunger-free in Ghana during the coronavirus era, despite the hunger menace hitting some countries globally.
He noted that the attribution of the recent hikes in food prices by some sections of the public to the Planting for Foods and Jobs policy is just “hostile.”
The agriculture sector growth, he stated, had declined as low as below 3 percent under the then-main opposition National Democratic Congress government, but the implementations of some key policies during his tenure under the Akufo-Addo government have seen massive growth.
Dr. Akoto supported his argument, saying, “we had an annual growth of 4.7 percent in 2019, 7.4 percent in 2020, and 8.4 percent in 2021.
“If someone tells you that there’s a hike in food prices, so therefore, the Planting for Foods and Jobs is a failed policy, tell the person I said he doesn’t know what he is saying,” the former minister added.
He reminded his critics that the programme included five modules [tree crop, horticulture, livestock, farm mechanization, and the PFJ itself], and to that end, using the setback of one module as a yardstick to judge the entire programme as unsuccessful is unjustifiable.
Whiles bidding for his presidential ambition, the former Minister of Food and Agriculture said when offered the nod as the country’s president, he would provide the requisite resources through the sector and tap the willingness of the hardworking Ghanaian farmer to ensure that the potential of the sector was reaped for the socio-economic development of the nation.
Planting for Food and Jobs
The concept of the agricultural flagship programme – Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) – policy was introduced by the NPP government to address the declining growth in the country’s agricultural sector.
It was launched on April 19, 2017, at Goaso in the Ahafo Region and spearheaded by the then Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, to, among others, encourage Ghanaians to take farming more seriously than in the recent past and aims to make farming once more a respectable and profitable venture and create jobs.
Member of the Minority Group in Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced the possibility of the caucus rejecting the budgetary allocation made to the Electoral Commission (EC) over the recent appointment made by the president.
The North Tongu MP in a Facebook post on Thursday asked Ghanaians whether it would be morally right for the Minority to shortchange the Commission over the appointment of Dr. Peter Appiahene, who is alleged to be a New Patriotic Party (NPP) faithful.
“With Prez Akufo-Addo’s unpatriotic & extremely reckless determination to convert Ghana’s Electoral Commission into an NPP HQ annex, would NDC MPs in Parliament be wrong in refusing to approve the budget of the EC until TESCON Patron Dr. Peter Appiahene is dropped? Your thoughts, please,” Mr Ablakwa wrote.
TESCON (Tertiary Students Confederacy) is the student wing of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) of Ghana that is instrumental in the party’s student and grass-root engagement and mobilisation.
Mr. Ablakwa felt it necessary to ask this question because the government has allocated an amount of GH¢386,047,606 to the Electoral Commission to be spent in 2023, which is yet to be approved by parliament.
The money, according to the 2023 budget statement, is to be used for compensation of employees, purchasing of goods and offering services, as well as upgrading or maintaining physical assets (CAPEX).
Background
President Akufo-Addo inaugurated the Electoral Commission’s new members on Monday, March 20, 2023.
Among the newly appointed commissioners are Dr. Appiahene, a TESCON patron, Salima Ahmed Tijani, and Rev. Akua Ofori Boateng.
While the government praised the new appointments as a move towards strengthening the Commission’s capacity, the minority has expressed concerns about the EC’s integrity.
Following the ceremony, pictures and videos implicating Dr Peter Appiahene of being involved in partisan politics emerged.
He is reported to be actively engaged in TESCON activities at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR).
Dr. Peter Appiahene, whom Akufo-Addo has appointed to the Electoral Commission with two others is a card-bearing @NPP_GH juggernaut. Its a plan!
He’s TESCON-UENR Patron, was once among considerables for Bono Regional Minister & had represented the NPP on several political shows. pic.twitter.com/1VzH6TeQN2
This revelation has infuriated members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) who assert that the president is working to turn the Electoral Commission into an annex of the ruling party.
Director of the NDC’s International Relations Directorate, Alexander Segbefia, stated that Ghana’s democracy hangs in the balance as the government is allegedly working to alter the decisions made by Ghanaians when they exercise their franchise.
“It is clear that in a situation like this, it’s imperative that partisan colours for certain positions in this country should not be or cannot be overtly shown to have been demonstrated in the past because it means that on every decision that person is involved in, it will be scrutinised 10, 15, 20 times more than it should be, because there is already a fear and a belief that that person doesn’t approach it in a fair manner or a neutral position.
“And that, whether right or wrong, is the perception that is created, by allowing somebody who is clearly very overtly partisan but is coming into the position of a referee to actually hold such an office. I think it’s so obvious that I don’t know why it keeps being done.
“It has the ability to threaten our very democracy, elections in Africa are some of the most tense periods in the democratic dispensation of countries and any step that you take that is going to heighten that tension is not advisable within the African context,” he told JoyNews.
On the matter, former President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to amend Article 43(2) of the 1992 Constitution to provide Parliament with power to approve new commissioners.
“Of course, the appointments of known party activists onto the Electoral Commission by our current President may require an amendment of Article 43(2), to provide for parliamentary approval of new Commissioners to the Commission. Let me assure you once again, I remain committed to these reforms,” he said.
He made the statement at the launch of his JM 2024 Campaign fundraising app at UPSA on Wednesday, March 22, 2022.
Article 43(2) of the 1992 constitution states that “ The members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President under article 70 of this Constitution.”
Member of Parliament for Yendi, Farouk Aliu Mahama, is advocating for Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to become the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to show that the party does not discriminate.
He, thus, has appealed to delegates of the party to choose Vice President Dr.Mahamudu Bawumiaas the flagbearer of the party for the 2024 presidential elections.
According to him, choosing Bawumia as the NPP’s presidential candidate will help break the notion that the NPP, as a party, discriminates.
Speaking in an interview on Happy FM on Monday, the MP added that leading figures in the NPP have realised that it is time to show Ghanaians that the party is for all people and not just a selected few.
“It is time for us to make sure that we clean up the perception that the NPP is for a few. The NPP is for everybody.
“We now want to work in a way that shows that the NPP is a party that accepts all. And Bawumia is the unifying person we can use to show that we accept every person.
“Bawmia will bring Northerners, Akans, Ewes, everybody together. He is a humble person, and he will be a listening president. Also, with his economic background, he will move the country to a different level,” he said in Twi.
The likes of former Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kyerematen Assin, Central MP Ken Agyapong, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Food and Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, ex-Mampong MP Francis Addai-Nimoh, and ex-Regional Cooperation Minister Dr. Kofi Konadu Apreku are expected to face off in the race for the flagbearership position of the NPP.
Lawyer and host of a radio morning show, Adakabre Frimpong Manso, recently claimed that Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia was jeered during a visit to the devastated Kejetia market in Kumasi. Nana Ayew Afriye, Member of Parliament for Effiduase/Asokore in the Ashati Region, has refuted this claim.
The vice president was allegedly abandoned by the MP and his Manhyia North colleague when they vanished while they were being heckled by the irate market ladies over the facility’s shutdown.
His response to the situation drew criticism on social media from pro-government users, including a presidential aide who used profane language to disparage Adakabre.
Explaining his side of events, Ayew Afriye said the vice president was at no point booed by the market women and that Adakabre was forcing himself by his actions to twist reality into an illusion.
“Adakabre this is pathetic!!! So Vice President had an unannounced visit & with all this massive show of love from the traders, all you can do is to twist reality into illusion then aka kakra bro…! Do all u can but remember those women at that point wanted 3 things;
“1. An emergency exit in kejetia …I found ds point sensible. 2. They chanted y3ne abrik))) …as they wanted the market opened. 3. They kept on in anger asking why not code off the burnt shops, and rather asking all of them to have their shops closed,” his post read.
He explained further that after Bawumia had addressed issues to do with the fire and announced that the facility was to be opened 24 hours later, he was rather cheered.
“So where was the hooting ? In any case in a crowd of say 2000 if 3 people decide to hoot at some1 for any reason why should this be news….Moreso it didn’t happen.”
Read his full post below:
Adakabre this is pathetic!!! So Vice President had an unannounced visit & with all this massive show of love from the traders, all you can do is to twist reality into illusion then aka kakra bro…! Do all u can but remember those women at that point wanted 3 things;
1. An emergency exit in kejetia …I found ds point sensible 2. They chanted y3ne abrik))) …as they wanted the market opened 3. They kept on in anger asking why not code off the burnt shops, and rather asking all of them to have their shops closed.
Indeed Vice President briefed them on the reasons for the fire and why they had to close the shop for 3 days. Subsequently VP announced the opening of the market the next day which got all excited.
So where was the hooting ? In any case in a crowd of say 2000 if 3 people decide to hoot at some1 for any reason why should this be news….Moreso it didn’t happen.
FYI the over 80 MPs for addae left same day to Accra on the 19th. This kejetia visit was on Monday the 20th and not the Sunday of Akwasidae wai
A Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asa Asante is disgruntled over the appointment of a member of the New Patriotic Party as a member of the Electoral Commission (EC).
He has therefore urged President Akufo-Addo to withdraw the appointment of the known member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a Commissioner of the Electoral Commission.
On Monday, President Akufo-Addo swore in Dr. Peter Appiahene, Salima Ahmed Tijani, and Rev Akua Ofori Boateng as new members of the commission.
But pictures have since gone viral alleging in particular Dr. Peter Appiahene as a patron of the NPP’s tertiary institutions wing, TESCON, specifically at the University of Energy and Natural Resources.
Many including the Centre for Democratic Development(CDD) Ghana, have expressed misgivings over the appointment of Dr. Appiahene who was at one time tipped to be a Regional Minister.
Speaking on the Morning Starr on Starr FM Wednesday, Dr. Asa Asante argued that the development does not auger well for confidence in the EC to be a fair arbiter.
“The Electoral Commission is a body which by law and by practice must be a neutral arbiter of electoral issues. So for that reason, if somebody is politically exposed, he should not be there. Even if he or she is appointed, the appointing authority can take a second look and withdraw that person because for elections to be free and fair, the electoral body must be neutral at all times and create a neutral enabling environment for all parties and political actors to act on that political sphere.
On that basis, any action taken by an appointing authority that has something to undermine the credibility of the EC obviously flies in the face of the work of the EC.”
He added: “So, I believe that this particular appointment given the evidence that is coming out now, it is important that Mr. President will take a second look at this appointment and withdraw the person. Because from the word go, it will create a whole lot of problems for the EC. The commission itself has over the years been suffering from a lot of concerns from political parties, particularly the NDC.”
A photo of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in a handshake with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has warmed the hearts of many Ghanaians.
On either end, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, command their shares of public admiration, though the former mostly outweighs the latter.
And even more recently, because of the impending political season the country is about to enter, news and stories about the vice president have taken on even more interest in the hearts and minds of many.
This is because Dr. Bawumia has been linked to the vacant position of flagbearer (presidential candidate) of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), especially since his president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is no longer going to be in the picture.
But then, there has yet to be any official announcement by the man himself on this new move, although several recent movements of the vice president point to those indications.
That aside, the Asantehene hosted the 2023 Akwasidae Festival over the past weekend in Kumasi.
In attendance were some of the crème de la crème of the country’s political, traditional and affluent class.
Sharing some of the photos from his attendance of the Akwasidae, the Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, posted a photo of the moment the vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, met with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in what appeared to have been a meeting right after the public ceremony.
Deputy Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts,Mark Okraku-Mantey, has announced his intention to run for the Ayensuano parliamentary seat in the Eastern Region on the New Patriotic Party’s ticket (NPP) .
The stateman has joined a long list of figures in the arts who have decided to run for parliament by making this decision.
Fred Nuamah, a movie producer, is looking forward to running for the Ayawaso Constituency seat on the NDC ticket (NDC).
On the NDC ticket, Baba Saddiq, a creative director for 3Media, is also running for the Okai Kwei Central seat.
Additionally, NDC candidate and actor John Dumelo has redoubled his efforts to win the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat.
In an interview with Akwasi Aboagye on Neat FM in Accra, Mr. Okraku Mantey announced the choice.
The founder and current CEO of Slip Mark Entertainment isMr. Okraku Mantey.
Lord Kenya, Kumi Guitar, Oheneba Kissi, Daasebre Gyamenah, Akyeame, and Adane Best are just a few of the Ghanaian musicians that Mark Okraku Mantey has collaborated with.
Okraku Mantey began his career as a DJ at Joy FM in the 1990s and progressed to become the Programs Director for Hitz FM, both of which are owned by the Multi-Media Group Limited.
National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC),Sammy Gyamfi, maintains that Ghana’s economy was in ruins long before COVID-19 appeared.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Russia and Ukraine are to blame for Ghana’s economic crisis, according to the Akufo-Addo administration.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva earlier confirmed that COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war had a negative impact on the nation’s economy.
Sammy Gyamfi, however, claimed that the IMF chief was being diplomatic with the truth about the true state of the Ghanaian economy when he appeared on Citi TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu.
He claimed that the IMF managing director massaged the numbers because he didn’t want to endanger the government’s efforts to restructure its debt as part of the bailout, hence the massaged facts regarding the economic crisis.
The NDC’s National Communications Officer reiterated that the economy was broken before the outbreak of COVID-19.
“The economy was worse before COVID-19 came in, even before COVID-19 our economy was broken. It’s not what the IMF or World Bank says, it’s about what the facts say. The IMF is like a doctor, doctors have a certain duty of care to their clients. They will tell you reasons for your sickness but in a diplomatic way and well-dressed manner”.
He maintained, “right now that we have gone to IMF for a bailout, they are our doctor, and we are the patient. They will definitely not say something that actually reflects the reality, knowing that it can hamper the bailout and economic recovery programme we are seeking from them. They were being diplomatic. In diplomatic settings, it’s very normal. If you listen to what these external players are saying, you will be deceived. You need to examine things for yourself, before COVID-19 what was the state of the economy?”.
Mr. Gyamfi asserted that the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be used as a justification by the government for the woes of the country slamming the government for spending money on wasteful ventures.
“They [NPP government] had more resources to transform this country than any government sinceDr. Kwame Nkrumah’s tenure. Yet have wasted these funds on needless and useless ventures such that today they have very little to show for the unprecedented resources they had. These and many falsehoods were presented by President Akufo-Addo in his state of the nation address,” the National Communications Officer of NDC pointed out.
According to him, the local currency had depreciated by close to 13% against the dollar before COVID-19 describing as false claims that the economy was on a good trajectory before the pandemic.
“Before COVID-19, our cedi had depreciated against the dollar by close to 13%. That claim that we were on a good trajectory before COVID-19 is false,” he stated.
National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi has reiterated calls on the government to cut down on its expenditure in the wake of the current economic crisis.
“Mr. President cut down on the waste, the waste in your government is too much. They told us two years ago that they were going to cut expenditures yet we see an increase in waste” he said.
Speaking to TV3 on Wednesday morning (March 22, 2023), Mr. Gyamfi cited the National Cathedral project as one of the “wasteful expenditures” of the government that needs to stop.
“The government is wasting the public purse on a needless National Cathedral. Do we need a national cathedral in the midst of this economic crisis?”
“Cut down on the bloated size of the government and we can make huge savings,” he added.
He also called on government to eschew corruption and punish persons involved in corrupt practices.
Three years into the next [NDC] administration, the reality, according to Bernard Oduro Tacky will dawn on President Akufo-Addo for him to know the mess he presided over in his tenure.
That would be the time, the Chartered Economist says Akufo-Addo, will apologise to Ghanaians.
He has been telling Dr. Prekese on Onua FM’s drive time show, Efie Ne Fie, Monday, March 20, 2023, that when the President leaves office, that would be when he would know the real deals that were happening around him.
For instance, after realising his successor is ruling effectively with 60 ministers, that would be when he will know he shouldn’t have drained the public purse for the many ministers he appointed without results.
Mr. Oduro Takyi says President Akufo-Addo as it stands may not appreciate the truth which he may term as mere criticisms but will know the truth after leaving office.
A flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, says he is capable of operating a smooth government with fewer ministers.
According to him, the current number of ministers in the Akufo-Addo government is far too much and is taking a toll on the economy.
He says with just 54 ministers and their deputies in total; he can improve the economy and restore confidence in the people.
Mr. Agyapong was speaking in an interview with GBC URA Radio in Bolgatanga.
“We need a new leader who can win the trust of the Ghanaian people. I am very confident that the people need somebody to protect the public purse. This can be done by having a reasonable number of ministers. There are a lot of ministries that should be consolidated. The ministry of aquaculture should be part of agriculture. Transport, aviation, railway, ports and harbour should be transport. It makes no sense to have a ministry of parliamentary affairs. This is how to protect the people’s money,” Mr. Agyapong hinted.
The one-time press secretary to former President John Agyekum Kufuor envisaged a new Ghana with a generational leader who hoped to lead with compassion, courage, competence, and results-oriented.
“We have got to cut the size of our government ourselves. I believe nineteen ministers, each of them having one deputy plus the sixteen (16) Regional Ministers, making up a team of 54, should be enough for a country of fifty-one million people. Those are some of the measures I want to see. We cannot spend what we cannot earn,” Mr. Agyapong concluded.
Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong is currently touring the Upper East Region in a campaign to be elected as the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party for the 2024 general elections.
National Chairman for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused President Akufo-Addo of deceiving Ghanaians with the claim that he knows how to “revive the economy.”
Speaking at a press conference dubbed the “True State of the Nation’s Address,” held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), he noted the government has failed in reviving the country’s economy, as it promised.
On the contrary, he said the current administration has plunged the country into a severe economic crisis.
“Despite being the luckiest and most resourced government in Ghana’s history, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government has the least to show in terms of socio-economic development. This is because the NPP has used all your money mainly for consumption. This is contrary to the President’s claim that his government has used “a large amount of the money we borrowed on road construction,” he said on Monday, March 20, 2023.
He further refuted the government’s claim of constructing 11,000 kilometres of new roads, describing it as false “and should be completely disregarded.”
“It is a tragedy that the President will classify routine minor road management repairs such as re-sealing, refilling, reshaping, pothole filling, re-gravelling and even desilting of gutters as new road construction,” he said.
Baffled by the address presented by the President, Mr Asiedu Nketiah noted that the President is being evasive about the reality on the ground with regards to what the true State of the nation is.
“It is obvious that President Akufo-Addo who continues to revel in the largesse of high office does not appreciate the present reality of the Ghanaian people. The President continues to live in his own world, far removed from yours and mine, that he fails or neglects to appreciate the true State of the Nation.
“The true State of the Nation is when a ball of kenkey which used to sell between 50 pesewas and GHS1.00 in December 2016, is now being sold between GhS4.00 and GHS5.00. The true State of Ghana today is that, a sack of maize which used to sell for GHS170.00 in 2016 is now being sold for GHS900.00 as at February, 2023.
“The true State of the Nation is when a bag of Gino Rice (5kg) which used to go for GHS25.00 in December 2016, is now being sold for GHS185.00. Similarly, a tuber of yam which used to sell for GHS5.00 is now being sold for GHS25.00, while a bag of Sachet Water which used to sell for GHS1.50 in 2016, is now being sold for GHS10.00 as at February 2023. Also, a bag of cement which sold for GHS27.00 in December 2016 is today selling at a staggering GHS90.00 and last, but not least, sanitary pad which used to sell for averagely GHS2.50 in December 2016 is today selling for GHS20.00.
“When everything is said and done, this is the true State of the Nation. This is what we feel when we go to the market. This is what we feel in our pockets. This is our everyday reality. A reality in which babies do not have vaccines leading to a measles outbreak; the youth do not have jobs; the middle class faces imminent extinction; and the elderly are being deprived of their life-savings by the very government that swore to protect them.
He concluded that: “This is not the Ghana we deserve; this is not the Ghana our forebears toiled and sacrificed for. The NDC shall not be complicit in this mess.”
“It is absolutely important to awaken President Akufo-Addo and the ruling NPP to the uncomfortable, but frank True State of Ghana today – a nation of many living in fear of where to find their next meal, leaving many parents to endure sleepless nights.
“The true State of our dear Nation no longer lies in flowery speeches laced with political chicanery that never accepts responsibility for anything. Neither does it lie in abstract theories that blame personal failings on events that have no significant impact on our lives,” he added.
Pollster and Managing Editor of the Dispatch Newspaper, Ben Ephson, has stated that Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is likely to emerge as the preferred candidate to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He says the Vice president Mahamudu Bawumia stands a high chance of becoming the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
His comment comes at the back of the Vice president’s visit to Akwasidae at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Sunday, March 19, 2023. Where over 80 lawmakers, government appointees and some stakeholders who matter within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) accompanied him to the event.
Ben Epson said this move witnessed, sends a strong message.
“Human head is not a coconut to see inside and I believe that the various delegates will vote in secret and the delegation I think was to send a message because you need to bear in mind that many of the Members of Parliament of the NPP will be seeking reelection.
“For your chances in seeking reelection many of the delegates that will vote for you as the Member of Parliament to remain in Parliament you will ensure that people who will obey you are people you have handpicked and elected. So it is likely that many of the MPs have handpicked those they can control to vote for them to remain in power,” the Pollster stated.
He continued: “So it is meant to send a signal and I am waiting for the date of the flag bearer ship of the NPP to be announced and I will conclude my seventh book on elections. But I have done some work before the election of the executives and post-election of the executives.
“I can reveal exclusively on your program that I think that Bawumia is in the lead in terms of possibly winning the NPP flag bearer ship race,” starrfmonline.com.gh quoted Ben Ephson.
Mr. Ephson added that there is a high change Dr Bawumia will poll over 60 per cent voted in the NPP’s flagbearer race.
The Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has debunked rumours that he is working to become Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate.
He, thus, has asked the general public to ignore speculations about his alleged intentions to serve as a running mate to Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia should the latter contest and win in the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer race ahead of the 2024 elections.
Speaking on Kumasi-based Pure FM in an exclusive interview with Kwame Adinkrah on March 20, 2023, Napo, as he is affectionately called, declared in an unequivocal tone that he believes in the competence of Dr. Bawumia to lead Ghana, hence his selfless effort in trumpeting his capabilities.
He noted that he serves as the Energy Minister and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, which remains his primary focus, and so he is not working to earn the admiration of the Vice President.
“Kwame, I have also heard it on the radio and on social media that I am aiming at serving as Dr. Bawumia’s vice, hence my constant crusade in telling Ghanaians the competence of Dr. Bawumia.
Ghanaians should ignore these rumours. The vice president position is neither a birthright nor an elected position.
The person under discussion has not even declared his bid to lead the NPP as its flagbearer, so tell me, why will I sit here and think or harbour that vision of serving as his veep.”
“I serve as the Minister of Energy; that is my primary focus. However, I believe in the competence of our Vice President, and Ghanaians must know these qualities of his, Simple!
I am not working to become his running mate,” Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh retorted.
The Member of Parliament(MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong has asserted that theNew Patriotic Party(NPP) did not win the 2020 elections fairly.
According to him, he will reveal how the current administration rigged the 2020 presidential election inAkufo-Addo‘s favor.
The ruling New Patriotic Party MP for Assin Central has made these allegations in an interview on NET 2 TV.
Do you remember the lawsuit filed by the NDC against EC boss Jean Mensah to have the 2020 election results annulled? As we know, the NDC could not win that case.
They thought the election results weren’t correct, which sparked a debate. Akufo-Addo got 6,730,413 votes, while John Mahama got 6,214,889 votes.
Kennedy Agyapong effectively rebuked his government by threatening to air its dirty laundry in public if they try to collapse his business.
His anger stems from the government’s pervasive incompetence and the current state of the economy, which has severely affected his chain of businesses including allegations by him that the Government wants to collapse his business.
A former chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Klotey Korley Constituency, Mr. Nii Noi Nortey, has urged young people to disregard the promises made by former President John Dramani Mahama, reiterating the fact that he has nothing better to provide Ghanaians.
According to Mr. Nii Noi Nortey, choosing Mr. Mahama is not only scary but also empty.
“Any time Mahama is talking, you could see how desperate he is… He is soo desperate that he can even insult without thinking. He does not have a single solution to the country’s problems. Mahama is just desperate to rule the country again, hence his penchant for making false claims of having all the answers to the country’s problems. Was it not under Mahama Ghana faced multiple problems like dumsor collapsing numerous businesses, poor infrastructure and the like?”
Speaking at TESCON general meeting atAccra Technical University College, Mr. Nii Noi added; “We want to hear something new and different from John Mahama. we want to hear him say he will do tertiary education free, we want to hear he will take care of our children right from birth to 18 years, we want to hear him say he will take full medical bill of our aged mothers and fathers…we want to hear something new and different ideas from him and not always trying to rubbish someone’s good initiatives.”
He asked Mr. Mahama and the NDC to mention a single social intervention they have made for Ghanaians.
“Why am I saying this? Because anytime NPP is in power we come up with soo many social interactions namely, Female Maternal Care for our pregnant mothers, NHIS for free medical care, Free SHS and more.”
“The incompetence of Mr. Mahama rather eroded the gains made by the erstwhile Kufuor government, thereby worsening the plight of the people. In the midst of the challenge, we are still constructing roads, building schools, paying nursing and teachers allowance…”
Mr. Nii Noi also stated the need for all TESCON members to sacrifice and have an enduring heart to achieve victory for the NPP.
“With you all around I believe we will break the eight. The good people of Ghana will retain the NPP government because of our good work. Put your energy and strength into this constituency and we will reward you because NPP rewards hard work.
Get us the numbers get us the people and help us break the 8,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of the Coastal Development Authority, Jerry Ahmed Shaib also advised the youth to ignore former President Mahama’s promises and champion President Akufo Addo’s works to every student on campus.
If you prefer the return of dumsor, let’s welcome Mahama’s empty promises back. John Mahama is not the option.”
He also urged them to vote for Nii Noi Nortey when nomination is opened.
“In 2024, look out for those who are vibrant, those you see relationships in them, affable and reliable. We’re looking for a candidate who will do the talk, who will give us power and snatch this seat from the NDC. Look out for the right candidate.
The National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has pleaded with the residents of the Volta Region not to allow themselves to be used as voting machines that produce votes for the opposition National Democratic Congress in the general election of 2024.
In an interview on Volta-based Stone City FM, which was also carried on Keta-based Sandcity Radio, the youth leader, who is on a national tour to all the 16 regions of the country stated, “You are not voting machines.”
“It should be a hand-go-hand-come affair. The Volta Region has been loyal to the NDC since 1992. But what has been the reward for the region for this loyalty? The NPP has brought more development to this region despite our short stay in office compared to the NDC. We have offered young people hope and will continue to make the development of young people our priority,” he said.
Explaining further, the youth leader said “we are constructing eight district hospitals under Agenda 111 in the region, which includes Agortime Ziope District, Agortoe in the Anloga District, Ave-Dakpa in the Akatsi North District, Adeheta in the Akatsi South District, Adaklu Waya in the Adaklu District, Kpeve New Town in the South Dayi District, Dzolokputa in the Ho West District and Ve-Golokwati Afadzato in the Afadzato South District.
The Volta Regional Youth Resource Centre, the asphalting of roads, digitalisation, 1D1F, creating job opportunities, the hosting of the 66th Independence Day in the Volta region among others. Under President Kuffour, we also had Health Insurance, Free Maternal Care, etc”.
He continued further, “let us begin to have a conversation as to which of these two political parties have benefited more in terms of votes and which party has contributed more in terms of development. The youth of this region must do an analysis of the two parties and see which is good for the region in terms of development and progress”.
On the current state of the economy, Salam Mustapha indicated that the government has admitted the difficult moment the country finds itself in, and is working hard to restore the economy of the country, adding that it is only the NPP government that can ensure the economy is placed on a sound footing again.
“Yes, we, including His Excellency, the President, have all admitted that we are in a crisis largely due to exogenous factors of Covid-19 and the war in Russia and Ukraine. Ghana was the fastest-growing economy in the world somewhere in 2019, according to Reuters and Bloomberg.
“We were ahead of China and the USA. And it is only the NPP that can take us out of our current situation. Even our management of COVID-19 has been one of the best in the world. Under John Mahama and the NDC, when we were struck with mere cholera, we lost over 213 people in Ghana. If they couldn’t manage mere cholera, how could they have managed COVID?
“Even in our current state, we are still not doing badly, our lights are still on, and we still get fuel at the pump to buy. In the UK, Spain, Italy, and Nigeria, there is a shortage of fuel. There is dumsor there too.”
He further urged the people of the Volta Region not to become victims of the opposition party’s propaganda only aimed at deceiving the people of Ghana into voting for them, and plunging the nation into further difficulties, and derailing the progress being made in the Volta Region.
“Let’s not fall for the NDC’s propaganda, lies and treachery. They left office with virtually nothing left behind. All our statutory payments, GETFUND, NHIA, Common Fund, Road Fund, etc. were all in arrears. Even in the midst of all these difficulties, we still pay public sector workers monthly without delay, we still meet all our statutory payments obligations, our lights are still on, there is enough fuel at the pump, etc.
“We have carried water, and we have carried wine; and we can tell which one is heavier. Per the track record, it’s evident that the NPP has done more to the development and progress of the Volta Region than the NDC. It is now time for the good people of the Volta Region, especially the youth, to reward the NPP by voting for us in 2024 to break the 8 and do more for the Region,” he said.
Salam Mustapha appealed to the region to vote for the governing NPP to help maintain it in power to continue the good works it is doing for the region and Ghana as a whole.
“The NPP truly deserves a 3rd term based on our track record and performance. We have demonstrated enough commitment to solving the problems of the country more than the NDC. We have superior ideas and policy initiatives than NDC. I am not disappointed that Ghanaians are complaining because of the current economic difficulties. It is because they hold us in high esteem.”
The National Youth Organiser has been on a national tour to touch base with the youth and party’s youth organisers and their deputies across the country.
He is also using the opportunity to assess the strength of the party and energise the base. He is being accompanied across the country by his two deputies, Isaac Jay Hyde and Sandra Sarkodee-Addo, as well as the National Youth Administrator, Prince A. A. Sadat and Joe Waladi, Director of Operations and other supporting staff.
According to Ambrose Dery, minister of the interior, due to equipment purchases made by the security forces, criminals can no longer hold the nation hostage.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament during a debate on the President’s State of Nation Address, Mr. Dery assures the public that NADMO is now ready to deal with disasters such as earthquakes.
“Ghana now, Mr. Speaker, we do not have a threat of being held hostage by criminals. Is it perfect, no, we intend to continue to do more and Mr. Speaker let’s use this opportunity to appeal to the public. That we should not shield suspects even if they are relatives. Because if we do that then it means that they will harm us, and harm other people.
“So we will like to say that we will continue to depend on them and that security is a collective responsibility. With the numbers we need more even though the recruitment on the Immigration, Fire Service, Prisons and all have been unprecedented as compared to the past,” the Interior Minister stated.
He however stated that despite the number of recruitment the nation still needs more.
“Because each person does want to have a police station established. Mr. Speaker the other agencies under the Ministry of Interior are doing very well. Right now with NADMO, we are moving into the contingency plan in the short term,” Mr. Dery indicated.
Paul Amaning, a member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) communication team, said that even the IMF’s managing director had said Ghana was on track for sustainable growth, barring exogenous shocks like COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war.
He emphasised that the NPP government has provided significant infrastructure to every sector of the economy.
If not for the current global financial crisis, according to him, the government had a clear vision for the country and was on track to carry it out.
He claims that whenever he hears the NDC criticizing wasteful spending, even though they are well aware of the fact that the government has invested in every area of the economy, they always seem to forget that many public employees have been working from home for close to a year as a result of COVID-19 while still receiving their salaries. Even though Ghanaians had their power costs cut in half, the country’s tax revenue was negatively impacted since businesses stopped operating.
“But in all, we were vindicated by the IMF Boss. Do you remember she used Ghana as an example for countries that had tangent growth that would have been sustainable but was affected due to external factors”, he told Movement Tv.
“This is a clear indication that government has better plans for the country which has been affected by external crisis. There are some countries where workers did not receive salaries. But ours is different due to the leadership ofNana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo”, he added.
Former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto has for the umpteenth time expressed optimism over his victory in the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to him most of the delegates have benefitted from him as minister of Agric under the Planting for Food and Jobs policy hence the reason they will vote for him.
“Well, you go into a contest to win, so I’m in the contest hoping to win, and I know that God will bless me to win this contest,” Citinewsroom.com quoted Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto as having said.
Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto also added that the incumbency of the Vice President has no advantage over him hence the reason he is not worried.
“The incumbency of the Vice President does not worry me at all, it doesn’t give any advantage over others. The party people know who is who. You just have to make sure that they know you are in the race.
“Most of our delegates are rural people, they benefitted from Planting for Food and Jobs. They are part of the 1.7 million farmers that have benefitted from the PFJ. So they relate to what I’m doing,” a flagbearer hopeful of NPP said.
Kennedy Agyapong, a member of parliament for Assin Central, is appealing for the reinstatement of every person who was fired from their job after being involved in what he calls Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ “awful” investigation.
His remarks follow his victory over a defamation suit filed against him by Anas.
On Wednesday, March 15, the Accra High Court dismissed the GH¢25 million defamation suit against Kennedy Ohene Agyapong brought by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
The judge, Justice Eric Baah, held that Anas Aremeyaw Anas failed to prove that Ken Agyapong defamed him by airing the documentary – “Who watches the watchman” – but rather, the documentary exposed shady deals that Anas and his associates were involved in.
This was after Anas, in 2018, sued the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for allegedly defaming him.
Anas prayed to the court to award GH¢25 million against Mr Agyapong to compensate him for the defamatory material published against him by the MP.
The court concluded that what Anas is engaged in is not investigative journalism but rather “investigative terrorism” and that Agyapong was justified to call Anas “a blackmailer, corrupt, an extortionist, and evil”.
“I find the claims by the plaintiff [Anas Aremeyaw Anas) meritless and they are hereby dismissed,” Justice Baah ruled.
Mr Agyapong dedicated his victory to victims of Anas’ work including former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Kwasi Nyantakyi who was captured in Anas’ investigative work dubbed “Number 12” which uncovered rots in Ghana football.
Speaking to journalists after the court hearing, Mr Kennedy Agyapong said “we have to be bold to speak the truth, Anas goes ahead to [allegedly] defame people and gets away. It is only in this country that a journalist covers his face to go and give witness while Supreme Court judges are sitting there.
“Anas has to come out and apologize. All I am saying is the victory is for Kwasi Nyantakyi.”
“All those who were sacked over Anas terrible should be reinstated,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Tiger Eye PI, the investigative firm belonging to Anas Aremeyaw Anas, has said that they are disappointed in the court ruling.
In a statement reacting to the ruling, Tiger Eye PI said: “We find the court decision an unfortunate travesty of justice and very inimical to the administration of justice and fairness. If for nothing at all made an allegation of murder against Anas.”
It added: “Tiger Eye PI and our CEO Anas Aremeyaw remain resolute in our fight against corruption in the Ghanaian society.”
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency chairman for New Juaben North has pledged to resign from politics should Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia be defeated in the NPP flagbearership contest.
According to Kwadwo Boateng-Agyemang, Dr. Bawumia’s defeat will merely confirm that politics is in fact a game of deception.
He was speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen.
“Mark it on the wall, I swear by the grave of my father who passed when I was 10 that I will quit politics because it will give me a clear picture that there is indeed no truth in politics,” he stated without mincing words.
Former New Juaben North Chairman
About five leading members of the governing NPP including former Energy Minister; Boakye Agyarko, former Agric Minister; Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, former Trade Minister; Alan Kyerematen, and former General Secretary Kwabena Agyapong have all expressed interest in contesting the flagbearership slot of the party.
Many have also tipped Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the position but he is yet to officially make his intentions known.
But Mr Boateng-Agyemang has expressed conviction Dr Bawumia will gain a resounding victory, adding the grounds are fertile for him.
“I know what is happening on the grounds and you can go and conduct a survey to ascertain that fact,” he added.
Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, a former minister of food and agriculture, has criticized former President John Dramani Mahama for neglecting to take action to address the country’s cocoa swollen shoot virus epidemic during his administration.
Many hectares of farmland were harmed by the disease, and the former president, according to Dr. Afriyie Akoto, should have proposed some solutions to stop its recurrence.
Parts of the country were severely hit by the swollen shoot virus disease during the erstwhile Mahama administration. Western and Eastern regions were the most affected.
Cases of the disease were recorded in Ghana between 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2017 and 2021, where millions of trees were affected.
But laying the blame on Mr. Mahama, on the Point of View with Bernard Avle, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto said, “cocoa production has almost stagnated and for a good reason. The swollen shoot virus disease set in about 11 years ago. The NDC-Mahama administration should have taken measures immediately when the incident started to stop spreading. But it was only when we came that through the African Development Bank, we managed to get a loan for rehabilitation to control the virus in the cocoa industry. The project started in 2020, it’s in 3rd year of implementation”.
He stressed, “the Ivorians took measures when it should have been taken, unlike Ghana where it festered to the extent that Western North production came down. We have taken some measures to correct something which should have been done 10 years back”.
The cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD) is one of the most devastating diseases on cacao and causes significant production losses and death of cacao trees. The CSSVD is caused by a badnavirus within the family Caulimoviridae.
Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, a former minister of food and agriculture, is convinced he would prevail in the flagbearership race of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He expressed confidence that he would receive a resounding majority of the party’s delegate votes to lead the party in the general elections of 2024.
According to him, the delegates will choose a competent person to lead the party.
“Well you go into a contest to win, so I’m in the contest hoping to win, and I know that God will bless me to win this contest,” Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto said.
Speaking on the Point of View on Citi TV, with Bernard Avle,Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto said he’s not worried that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is in the race adding that he does not have any advantage over him and the other hopefuls.
“The incumbency of the Vice President does not worry me at all, it doesn’t give any advantage over others. The party people know who is who. You just have to make sure that they know you are in the race. Most of our delegates are rural people, they benefitted from Planting for Food and Jobs. They are part of the 1.7 million farmers that have benefitted from the PFJ. So they relate to what I’m doing,” a flagbearer hopeful of NPP said.
He added, “NPP is not an ethnic party, it’s a national party so if the delegates decide who is competent enough to lead them, they will vote for the person. So what is it about tribalism and all that, I can’t understand it”.
Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto who has been silent after resigning explained that he does not want to break the party’s rules by campaigning vigorously.
“The party has regulations, and I’m the last person to break regulations which state that until the party sets a date and invites potential contestants to come and pick forms and so on and so forth, there should be no campaigning. This has been grossly overlooked by a lot of people, I wasn’t going to stampede into that. But it doesn’t mean that I’m not working,” he explained.
Former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto has disclosed the motive behind his presidential ambition.
He says he wants to be president because he wants to make a contribution to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“I want to be President because I want to be the flag bearer of the NPP,” he said.
He made the remarks in an interview with JoyNews.
The former Minister is known to have served the country in many ways. He served two terms as the Member of Parliament for Kwadaso from 2009 to 2016. While at Parliament, Afriyie Akoto was the Deputy Ranking Member for the Committee on Food and Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs.
In January 2017, President Nana Akufo-Addo nominated Afriyie Akoto for the position of Minister of Food and Agriculture. He was approved the same month and served as Minister till he resigned in January 2023.
Given all these portfolios , host of PM Express, Evans Mensa, questioned why Dr Akoto still wants to lead the country.
In response he noted that “to [be] given that opportunity for me to make a contribution to the New Patriotic Party.”
Following the comment, the former Kwadaso MP, has come under severe fire, with many Ghanaians contending that he does not have the nation at heart, rather, he is only pursuing this ambition in the interest of his political party.
Samuel Koku Anyidoho, a former general secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has ridiculed the immediate past Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, over comments he made regarding his presidential ambition.
Dr Afriyie Akoto, in an interview on JoyNews, on Tuesday, said that he wants to become president of Ghana because he wants to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“I want to be president because I want to be flagbearer of the NPP which is what is driving me; to give an opportunity for me to make a contribution to the New Patriotic Party as you saw in 2020,” he said.
Reacting to this in a tweet shared, on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, Koku Anyidoho could not believe what the NPP presidential hopeful said.
Koku Anyidoho, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Atta-Mills Institute, said that Dr Afriyie Akoto has gotten his aims twisted.
“You want to be President because you want to be Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party? Please can someone explain to me what he is trying to communicate? A case of, reverse osmosis?” parts of the tweet read.
He also indicated that the former agriculture minister failed in the implementation of the government’s flagship Planting for Food and Jobs programme.
“Is he eating the food before he plants? Then what happens to the jobs?”
Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has cast doubt over the ability of the National Identification Authority (NIA) to print and issue out all outstanding Ghana Cards before the EC commences the continuous Voters Registration Exercise.
He stated that the leadership of the party does not trust the National Identification Authority (NIA) due to the inconsistency in their communication on the issue of the Ghana Card.
He contends that the NIA cannot be taken seriously because its executive secretary, Professor Ken Attafuah, failed to fulfil a promise he made to Ghanaians that he would issue them with their Ghana Cards by December 2022.
Speaking in an interview on “The Pulse” on Joy News, on March 14, 2023, Aseidu Nketiah lamented by saying “The cause of this problem is the lack of complete trust between us (NDC) and the NIA and other state agencies.
“Where are we now? We are approaching March ending 2023 and they’re still replacing those promises with other promises. In other jurisdictions, Ken Attafuah would have resigned because we are discussing state business and you come and swear on your honour that this is what we have put in place,” he said.
He added “It’s state business, and we must all work together to make it happen, and I am going to play this part within three months, now, it’s been six months and more, and what you promised hasn’t happened, do you think you are entitled to be listened to?” he asked.
The proposed C.I. by the EC, which would require the EC to use Ghana Card alone to register citizens for the new voter ID cards, has received harsh criticism from some members of the NDC. They assert that the new C.I. is an effort on the part of the Electoral Commission to rig the upcoming 2024 general elections.
Jean Mensa appeared before parliament on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, over the proposed Constitutional Instrument (CI) her outfit brought before the House.
Her appearance came after Speaker Alban Bagbin, summoned her to appear before the committee of the whole.
On their part, the National Identification Authority (NIA) says it is set to print more cards as the government has settled the GH¢100 million debt owed creditors. Printing of the cards was suspended following financial constraints faced by the NIA.
According to former president John Dramani Mahama, the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration will finish off abandoned projects rather than start new ones.
John Mahamaasserts that the administration cannot wait to launch fresh initiatives due to the nation’s economic state.
Speaking to delegates in the Tano North constituency as part of a campaign tour in the Ahafo Region, Mahama, a flagbearer aspirant of the NDC, said that when the party takes office, it will ensure that all abandoned infrastructural works are completed.
“With the economic crisis that we currently have, by the time the NDC comes into power in 2025, we are still going to have a restricted fiscal space because of the economic difficulties. A new NDC will not be in a hurry to start new projects. What we will do is that the projects that have been ongoing and have been abandoned and uncompleted, we will take an inventory of all of them and with the little resources, we will dedicate it to finishing them.”
Former President John Mahama has accused the Akufo-Addo administration of abandoning many of the projects started during his government’s tenure.
The former President says he finds it disappointing that a number of the projects remain uncompleted since his administration left office in January 2017.
According to him, schools and road projects among others initiated during his time as President have been left unattended to.
John Dramani Mahama has been describing this situation with development projects as very unfortunate.
The former president is campaigning to lead his party the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 general elections.
But the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has dismissed former President John Dramani Mahama’s claims that government has abandoned several projects initiated by the previous NDC administration in the country.
Francis Addai-Nimoh, a flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has stated that the current number of ministers under the executive branch of government is excessive.
According to him, Ghana can be governed by at most 60 ministers, including both regional ministers and central government ministers.
Speaking in an interview Addai-Nimoh, a former Member of Parliament for Mampong, said that if he becomes president, he will ensure that the roles of ministers are streamlined so that the country will have a very small number of ministers.
“I think we should be able to work around a total of 60 ministers. Currently, we have 16 regions, so, you have 16 regional ministers, then we have to talk about the sector ministries.
“So, you have to look at the various sectors. Currently, which of the ministries can you merge so that you can still have one minister and maybe 2 of 3 deputy ministers, and you merge the sector?
“And so, I believe that we can scale the numbers down. And me, my background as a public administrator, as well as an engineer, we should be able to have a framework that will define and have as such a minimal number of ministerial appointments under my watch,” he told GhanaWeb’s Etsey Atisu.
The likes of the former Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kyerematen Assin, Central MP Ken Agyapong, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Food and Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, ex-Mampong MP Francis Addai-Nimoh, and Regional Cooperation Minister Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku are expected to face off in the race for the flagbearership position of the NPP.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, claims he won’t ever leave the New Patriotic Party (NPP), even if he isn’t granted the chance to lead the political party until the 2024 elections.
Although he has voiced complaints about unfairness in the election preparation process, he is confident that he would not abandon the political party that he has worked so hard to establish.
“I am not ready to do that. I will make them know that I am a man. I will be in NPP and if we are fair, I will continue to serve the NPP. My anger stems from the fact that people who came to me in time past to beg me to buy pickups for the party and turn around today that they will collapse my businesses.
I don’t talk anyhow. I was called and told that they will destroy my business but that cannot happen. I’ve hustled and they cannot destroy my sweat. I am not afraid of anyone. A man who has sold on the streets in Ghana, Germany you cannot destroy me,” he angrily said.
Kennedy Agyapong says he will want to lead the NPP going into 2024 elections.
A private practitioner, Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, has criticized Kennedy Agyapong, a candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer position, for threatening to collapse the party.
He asserts that Kennedy Agyapong lacks the authority or constitutional right to initiate such action against theparty.
In an interview with Sompa FM (March 10), Kennedy Agyapong claimed that there was a plot by the government to collapse his companies, before sounding a word of caution that if the plot is pursued, he will reveal secrets that will collapse the NPP.
“You are going there because Kwame Agyapong is a loudmouth. You want to collapse my companies because I want to contest. I’m being nice and charitable to the NPP but they shouldn’t dare me. Anybody who tries to kill my companies because I’m contesting for elections, I will kill the party.
“The things I know and will say will kill the party. I’ve gone through a lot from January till date but I’ve been very nice. If you want to collapse my company because of one person then I will also kill the company. I’m not afraid of anyone,” he fumed.
While appearing as a guest on Mmra Abrabo Mu nsem on Wontumi TV on March 13, 2023, Maurice Ampaw urged Kennedy Agyapong to become acquainted with the law in order to avoid exposing his ignorance to Ghanaians.
“NPP is nobody’s property, Kennedy Agyapong listen to me, NPP is not for you. How dare you? That you will collapse the party…don’t let me come directly at you, you dare not.
“You cannot… it is the party members who are afraid of you. NPP party is a public entity, I’m teaching you law today. NPP party is a political party and in law, a political party is a public institution, it is not owned…NPP is not owned by one person.
“All Ghanaians have an interest in what goes on in NPP, and the same with NDC that’s why I can speak about the NDC, because both political parties, through your activities win power to govern us.
“So, Ghanaians have an interest, and that’s why I can talk about NDC because whatever happens in NDC, one day they will win power. So, if we don’t have a say in what goes on in NDC, we will get bad leadership to control our resources.
“That’s why I said Kennedy Agyapong, know the law, go and learn about the law because you can’t collapse the NPP party.”
He also dared Kennedy Agyapong to reveal whatever secrets he claims to have against the party.
“Whatever secret you have, come and say it. You’re loud Kennedy Agyapong, use that to scare the foot soldiers.
“And those that are following Kennedy Agyapong, thinking that he is their saviour he can’t come and save anybody. He’s a populist.”
Ampaw asked Agyapong to look and learn from fellow aspirants: “Look at the other presidential candidates, look at Alan Kyerematen, look at Bawumia, on a quiet note. They’re working, and Kennedy, he’s just making noise. For you, every day you’re accusing Nana Addo, what at all has Nana Addo done to you?” he asked.
The Ga Mantse, Nii Teiko Tsuru II is upset about what he called a disdain for the mistreatment of Gas on their own land.
The Ga King claims that his people are depressed about the situation.
“Ga Dangbe is sad, sad because of a lot of things that are being done against us. That is why I am speaking in English today and I want you to hear we are sad!
“We are sad about the way we are being treated in the capital. People just get up, go to a place like Agbogbloshie and start building why? Without even consulting a traditional authority,” he said,
The Ga Mantse made these remarks during a visit by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Mr Alan Kyerematen to his palace on Monday.
He stated that Gas have the ability to decide the outcome of the 2024 general election, thus should be recognised as key stakeholders in the affairs of the country.
“We will decide this election in 2024 because Accra is the pivot of the election. Accra is Ghana and Ghana is Accra, don’t take us for granted” he pointed out
The Ga Mantse pledged his support and that of Gas in general if Mr. Kyerematen would formalise his relationship with them.
“Build a social contract with the Ga-Adangbe people and you will see the light. Reiterating the number of people you have mentioned of Ga descent, Obetsebi Lamptey, Ako Adjei and all, are great men who stood and fought for this party. If you win your bid, which we pray you do, don’t forget the toil of these great leaders whose will, thought and process made this party what it is today,” he said.
“Remember that the Ga’s have laid down their lives for you,” he added.https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?
On his part, the former Trade and Industry Minister has been making some promises on the back of the Ga King’s remarks
According to Mr Kyerematen, he will transform Accra if he becomes president of Ghana.
He added that he will ensure that Ga’s feature very prominently in government.
“In our party our symbol is the elephant and we know that it is the symbol of the Ga State. All Gas naturally belong to the NPP and there is a spiritual connectivity between our symbols…. The role that the Ga community has played in bringing us to power must be appreciated by our party. And so if it is God’s will that I lead this party and I become president, I will make sure that Ga’s feature very prominently in government,” he assured.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has rejected claims made by the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong that the authority has sabotaged his businesses.
Allegations of an unauthorized audit of the MP’s companies’ financial records, according to the GRA, are untrue.
“The purpose of such audits is to measure and improve compliance while fine-tuning controls. The factory in question together with other companies were thus audited to check the value of goods imported and their intended use. We wish to disclose that in January and February 2023, about thirty (30) of such risk-based activities were carried out on a number of businesses”, it said in a release.
The MP who is also aNew Patriotic Party(NPP) flagbearer aspirant, recently alleged that his businesses are under attack as a result of his decision to run for president.
He claims that state institutions are frustrating and intimidating him in his quest to lead the NPP in the 2024 NPP elections.
But the Authority further explained in the statement that its officials have been carrying out their mandate in accordance with World Customs Organization guidelines, ensuring adherence to best practices.
“GRA wishes to categorically refute the specific allegation of harassment at a factory under construction owned by the MP. We wish to clarify that as part of GRA’s mandate and in line with World Customs Organization’s (WCO’s) guidelines in ensuring adherence to best practices; such exercises are regularly conducted.”
Here is the full statement
ALLEGED HARASSMENT OF HON. KENNEDY AGYAPONGBY GRA
Management of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has sighted a recording of a media interview by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central constituency, Honourable Kennedy Agyapong circulating on social media in which he accused GRA Officials of constant harassment through unwarranted audits of his companies.
GRA wishes to categorically refute the specific allegation of harassment at a factory under construction owned by the MP. We wish to clarify that as part of GRA’s mandate and in line with World Customs Organization’s (WCO’s) guidelines in ensuring adherence to best practices; such exercises are regularly conducted. The purpose of such audits, are to measure and improve compliance whiles fine tuning controls. The factory in question together with other companies were thus audited to check the value of goods imported and their intended use.
We wish to disclose that in January and February 2023, about thirty (30) of such risk-based activities were carried out on a number of businesses. Furthermore, in the area of enforcement and compliance, GRA carries out invoice invigilation exercises to ascertain Value Added Tax (VAT) paid by VAT registered businesses. These exercises entail stationing staff on the premises of VAT registered businesses such as shops, restaurants and manufacturing sites to check the issuance of VAT invoices.
In September 2022, invigilation exercises were intensified nationwide in order to enforce the issuance of VAT invoices and to encourage persons who buy goods and patronize services to demand for VAT invoices. This exercise was very successful and GRA intends to scale up the invoice invigilation exercise from April 2023 as part of its revenue mobilization efforts.
In carrying out all these enforcement and compliance activities, staff of GRA have been advised to remain professional and act at all times with integrity as required by the Authority’s Code of Ethics and Conduct. We therefore encourage any member of the public who has evidence of any alleged corrupt practice by an official of the Authority to report such criminal acts to the Management of GRA on 0800-900-110 for redress.
Management wishes to use this opportunity to assure Honourable Kennedy Agyapong and all taxpayers of our readiness to receive complaints and feedback on our work as we partner to mobilise revenue for national development. We also wish to state that GRA remains committed to carrying out its mandate of revenue mobilization with integrity, fairness and utmost professionalism. –End–
SIGNED FLORENCE ASANTE (MRS) COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
