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Tag: NPP

  • ASEPA boss slams Gabby over comments on economy

    ASEPA boss slams Gabby over comments on economy

    The Executive Director of the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), Mensah Thompson has taken a swipe at NPP stalwart Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko over his comments concerning the economy and other matters concerning the state.

    Mr Thompson says Gabby is a spin doctor for the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government.

    Thompson told Metro TV news on February 15 that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart has serially been helping the government deal with negative publicity by his actions especially on social media.

    He described Gabby as “delusional” and averred that the recent attack Gabby launched on former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo bore the signs of one that had the blessings of the president and the presidency.

    “Gabby has always been delusional, we all know, and we know one job he has been doing for this government is (as) a spin doctor. If you follow Gabby on social media, he is a spin doctor.

    “What he does is that, he does damage control, political calumny, tries to drive attention from substantive issues, tries to set political agenda and try to dissuade people from taking certain decisions,” he stressed.

    Gabby gets served by Sophia Akuffo

    Ex-Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has become topical in the last two weeks after she joined colleague pensioner bondholders who had been picketing at the Ministry of Finance since February 6 demanding total exclusion from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP.)

    Mrs. Akuffo’s involvement also saw her slam government’s handling of the programme and the general economic situation of the country.

    She received heavy backlash via social media from New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko.

    In her second appearance at the picket this week, she responded to Gabby’s critique among others by referring to him as a nuisance who did not matter to her and her life.

    Meanwhile, government has closed the subscription window for the DDEP announcing an 85% subscription rate.

    Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta told picketing pensioners on February 15 that their maturing coupons will be honoured even though they had opted against signing up, as in self-exempted from the programme.

    Ofori-Atta appeared before Parliament to answer questions over the programme on February 16, 2023.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • NPP will win 2024 elections amid economic challenges – Owusu Bempah

    NPP will win 2024 elections amid economic challenges – Owusu Bempah

    Deputy Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ernest Owusu Bempah has stated that his party is poised at winning the 2024 parliamentary and presidential elections despite the economic hurdles confronting the country.

    Mr. Owusu Bempah expressed optimism that the government, under President Akufo-Addo, will tackle the economic challenges that have arisen as a result of exogenous factors including the Russia-Ukraine war and the outbreak of Covid-19.

    Prior to the emergence of these factors, he said, Ghana was one of the fastest-growing economies in the world due to the prudent measures of President Akufo-Addo.

    Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday, February 15, Mr. Bempah said “during the Mahama administration, Ghana’s economy was running at a 3 percent growth rate. Under the NPP, before Covid, it was doing 8 percent, that tells you we managed the economy better than the NDC.”

    He added that the “NPP has been able to captain the country through the storm even though there are challenges. One can imagine if Mahama and his NDC were leading this country Ghanaians by now will be wallowing in abject poverty, people wouldn’t be able to afford three square meals a day”.

    “There will be total darkness because of dumsor, joblessness will be the order of the day, and the youth will be perplexed if Mahama had been the leader of this country at this time. Despite all the challenges now, school children are going to school for free, and road networks are being built across the country.”

    “If it had happened during the Mahama era you wouldn’t see all of these, they will blame it on the challenge. But we believe that as a political party before the 2024 elections, these challenges shall pass and NPP will come out united to win the elections and break the 8.

    “The NDC, John Mahama as an alternative is empty. They have been there before when there was no crisis, we saw what they did, and they have nothing better to offer.”

  • Why Addai Nimoh became an MP despite his quiet nature

    Why Addai Nimoh became an MP despite his quiet nature

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Francis Addai-Nimoh, has disclosed reasons why he was elected Member of Parliament despite his quiet nature.

    He says even though he is naturally a quiet person, it is still in his nature to fight for his rights and what is deemed right.

    He said being quiet and gentle has never prevented him from going after the things he wants.

    According to an adomonline.com report, the former MP described himself as a very focused, result-oriented person who always gets things done despite his personality.

    He believes aggression is not really a requirement for achieving.

    To buttress his point, Mr. Addai-Nimoh, recounted a response he gave his friend, the current Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyemang Manu, some years back about his quiet nature.

    “I remember one time, my very good friend who is an MP; he is the Minister for Health. We were in parliament one day and he asked me why I became an MP even with my quiet nature, I also replied him that I want to leave Mampong and contest him at Dormaa Central and if he agrees, then we go ahead. I told him after giving me the chance, he will know whether I am quiet or not and we all laughed,” he said.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • NPP shades Mahama over ‘corruption collaborators’ jibe

    NPP shades Mahama over ‘corruption collaborators’ jibe

    Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has defended the current administration over some corruption allegations leveled against them by former president John Dramani Mahama.

    Ahiagbah in a quoted tweet ‘defended’ the anti-corruption credentials of the president stating thus: “At least President Akufo-Addo is clear about his incorruptibility.”

    Mahama via social media posts dated February 15, 2023 made the corruption collaborators allusion whiles reacting to a letter from the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, to the Auditor-General, Johnson Akuamoah-Asiedu.

    The letter, a legal advice from the government lawyer, pointed the A-G to obey procedures in law laid down for the publication of audit reports even though others interpreted same as an attempt to dictate to the audit boss.

    The recently released report on COVID-19 expenditure in the country, revealed several instances of alleged financial malfeasance.

    “The Attorney General’s letter to the Auditor General is clearly meant to silence him and create a conducive atmosphere for corruption to thrive,” Mahama wrote.

    “President @NAkufoAddo’s administration is not only indifferent in the fight against corruption – they are collaborators!” he added.

    Background:

    After the Auditor-General released a damning Special Audit Report on its findings on the government’s expenditure of COVID-19 expenditures in the country since the deadly pandemic was recorded in Ghana, the Attorney General wrote a letter to the A-G.

    In the letter, Godfred Dame asked Johnson Akuamoah-Asiedu to stop the publication of the report on the Special Audit of COVID-19 expenditures.

    He further stated in the letter, based on Article 187(5) of the constitution, that the Auditor-General is rather mandated to submit his report to parliament, and in that report, draw attention to any irregularities in the accounts audited which is often concurrently published with the submission.

    The Attorney General added that it was only after satisfying the constitutional requirement of submitting the Auditor-General’s report to parliament that the report might be considered final and relevant action might be taken thereon.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • We have failed the younger generation big time – Sophia Akuffo

    We have failed the younger generation big time – Sophia Akuffo

    Retired Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has admitted that her generation has failed the current generation.

    She said in a wide-ranging interview with Accra-based Joy News that they had inherited a lot of hope as children post-independence but years on, they have failed to transfer that hope to the current generation.

    Asked the question: “Has your generation failed the younger generation?” she said: “Oh big time, we have. Look at where we are, what can I say? I think we have, especially the post-independence people.

    “We grew up with so much hope in our hearts but that hope we couldn’t sustain it in the hearts of the next people,” she stressed.

    As to whether Ghana can mount a turnaround of its current leadership and development trajectory, she said it was an imperative.

    “Ghana is forever. We will have to turn it around, it is not a matter of can we? We must. Don’t ask me how,” she added.

    Asked whether she was disappointed in the current government, the former CJ said her disappointment spanned all governments under the Fourth Republican Constitution.

    “I have been disappointed with every single government we have had under this (1992) constitution, because after all that we went through with the military and everything and we centered the constitution as guiding principle, at least constitutionalism should have been what should have been guiding us.

    “But we have eroded so many standards, principles. It is not only the NPP government, a far as I am concerned, every government has failed us,” she emphasized.

    Sophia Akuffo has become topical in the last two weeks after she joined colleague pensioner bondholders who had been picketing at the Ministry of Finance since February 6 demanding total exclusion from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP.)

    Mrs. Akuffo’s involvement also saw her slam government’s handling of the programme and the general economic situation of the country.

    She received heavy backlash via social media from New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko.

    In her second appearance at the picket this week, she responded to Gabby’s critique among others by referring to him as a nuisance who did not matter to her and her life.

    Meanwhile, government has closed the subscription window for the DDEP announcing an 85% subscription rate.

    Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta told picketing pensioners on February 15 that their maturing coupons will be honoured even though they had opted against signing up, as in self-exempted from the programme.

    Ofori-Atta is due to appear before Parliament to answer questions over the programme on February 16, 2023.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Sophia Akuffo disappointed in NPP, NDC governments in the 4th republic

    Sophia Akuffo disappointed in NPP, NDC governments in the 4th republic

    Former Cief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, is unimpressed with how administrations have performed since the 1992 Constitution took effect.

    Even the New Patriotic Party (NPP), where she served as Chief Justice, is subject to her criticism of underperforming political leaders.

    These remarks were delivered by her in an interview on JoyNews which is yet to be aired.

    She believes that, to the detriment of the citizenry, succeeding administrations have consistently put the constitution on the back burner.

    “I’ve been disappointed with every single government under this Constitution. Because, after all that we went through with the military and everything and we centered the Constitution as the guiding principle, at least, constitutionalism should have been what should have been guiding us,” she told Raymond Acquah.

    According to her, “we have eroded so many standards, we’ve eroded so many principles. Yes, it’s not only the NPP government, as far as I’m concerned, every government has failed.”

    The stateswoman has been on a vociferous path since the Finance Ministry decided to embark on a Domestic Debt Exchange programme.

    She lashed out at the move describing it as wicked, unlawful, and disrespectful to pensioners who have worked hard in serving the country.

    This forms part of the reason why she is baffled by the state in which Ghana has been left after over three decades of constitutional rule.

    The Finance Minister is one of the officials who has particularly incurred the former Chief Justice’s wrath.

    Sophia Akuffo says Ken Ofori Atta has not done well managing the Ghanaian economy.

    She says he has failed to see through the promise by the Akufo-Addo government to protect the public purse when it took office in 2017.

    The purse she pointed out has rather become empty.

    Source: MyJoyOnline

  • National Rental Assistance Scheme is not solely for NPP supporters

    National Rental Assistance Scheme is not solely for NPP supporters

    The Secretary-General of the National Tenant Union of Ghana, Frederick Opoku, has refuted claims that the National Rental Assistance Scheme of the government will solely benefit supporters of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Speaking in an interview on ‘The Lowdown’ programme on GhanaWeb TV, Frederick Opoku said that the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who has been championing the scheme, has assured that every Ghanaian, no matter their political affiliation, benefits from the programme.

    “The government involving the private sector and the Tenant Union of Ghana to be fully involved and also monitor, evaluate and comment is enough for us to believe that nothing is going to be hidden.

    “On the day that they were launching this (scheme), at the foul glare of the vice president, I was very categorical that, Mr Vice President, Madam Chief of Staff, we know that people don’t trust whatever the government brings and that we fear that everything must be transparent, credible so that people will have trust in the system and the scheme.

    “And we were given the assurance even when the vice president had the stage. And in fact, from there we realise that they meant business. And this time round we don’t foresee it becoming like others or the usual,” he said.

    The secretary-general, who made the remarks while answering a question on the politicization of the scheme by GhanaWeb’s Daniel Oduro, added that the only thing needed by Ghanaians from both the private sector and the public sector, who want to benefit from the scheme, is that proof that they can repay the assistance given to them on a monthly basis.

    About National Rental Assistance Scheme:

    Government through the Ministry of Works and Housing on January 31, 2023, launched the National Rental Assistance Scheme with a GH¢30 million commitment under a pilot phase.

    The pilot phase will cover the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Eastern, Bono East, and Northern regions.

    Under the scheme, rent payment advances will be made for applicants who are either in the process of renewing, renting a room/apartment or a complete house.

    Government adds that the scheme will provide low-interest loans to eligible Ghanaians to enable them to pay rent advances, which will be repaid on a monthly basis to match the tenure of the rent.

    GhanaWeb Business examines the simple steps and requirements for enrolling in the NRAS.

    How to qualify:

    To qualify for the scheme, an applicant must show proof of employment covering 3 months of payslips, proof of income (3 months of official bank statements or mobile money statements), or an audited financial statement (for business owners).

    Other requirments:

    • Applicants must be Ghanaian

    • Possess a valid Ghana Card

    • Must be an adult of eighteen (18) years and above

    • Verifiable employment and earned income

    • Rent payable must not exceed 30 percent of the household income

    Application process and how to apply

    • The qualified person is expected to identify a property of their preference and notify the NRAS of same through a formal online application. (https://www.nras.gov.gh)

    • An applicant must also complete an online or paper application form or submit two forms of national identification. They will also pay an application processing fee of 100 cedis.

    • If an application is approved, National Rental Assistance Scheme will arrange with your chosen landlord and pay the rent advance directly and sign all required tenancy documentation.

    • It will take about 5 to 10 business days for the NRAS to evaluate your affordability for the rent amount being sought and notify you of your application’s acceptance or denial.

    • Once this process is complete, the tenant takes possession of the rental property thereafter and rent payment is always due on the first of each month to the NRAS.

  • Henry Quartey claims NPP members are sabotaging his regional work

    Henry Quartey claims NPP members are sabotaging his regional work

    Several members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) are allegedly undermining President Akufo-Akufo-Addo’s goal of making the nation’s capital the cleanest city in West Africa, according to Greater Accra Regional Minister Henry Quartey.

    The MP for Ayawaso Central alleges that some party members prioritize their own interests over those of the party. As a result, whenever he sends out a task force to clear the streets of all vendors, certain party members undermine his plans and bring the vendors back to resume their business operations.

    He claimed that because he has the full support of the government, he is not disturbed by the actions of such people in an interview with Peace FM on February 13, 2023.

    “Let me say this, I have issues indeed and let me be clear on this. I have heard people saying that the president has said that, I should stop what I’m doing. I want to say here that the president has not on any day told me that ‘Henry stop what you’re doing.’

    “The vice president has not. In fact, the office of the president has not, but I will say that there is an internal sabotage from my own party.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/henry-quartey-urges-judiciary-to-assist-mmdas-to-enforce-sanitation-bylaws/

    “Yes, and that is what has led us to where we are…they’re happy with what we’re doing but internally some people are sabotaging the work of Henry Quartey and I wonder whether it is for the good of the people of this country or for their own selfish interest I don’t know.

    “Chairman (referring to Kwame Sefa Kayi) the issues are plenty…initially, when you drive the traders away from Nkrumah Circle latest by five minutes… you had been at UTC, it was so beautiful, but some people went to tell the traders not to mind me, so they should go and sell their things,” he said.

    He added, “I am not perturbed and will do the best I can for God and country.”

    Henry Quartey called on the said detractors to put the national interest first instead of parochialism.

  • Obiri Boahen criticises Gabby Otchere-Darko over attack on Sophia Akuffo

    Obiri Boahen criticises Gabby Otchere-Darko over attack on Sophia Akuffo

    Former deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen, has condemned NPP stalwart Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko over his recent comments to former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo after she joined some pensioners to picket government’s DDEP.

    Obiri Boahen contends that everyone has different viewpoints on various subjects so it is incorrect for Gabby to criticize the former CJ for participating in the February 10 edition of picketing by pensioners against the government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).

    Obiri Boahen added that remarks as the one Gabby made of the former CJ won’t benefit the party because they might anger the person involved, thus there is a need for the party to exercise extreme caution while making such comments.

    Speaking in an interview with Okay FM, Nana Obiri Boahen said “the former Chief Justice is a human being, if she partakes in a demonstration, I don’t see the reason why people should insult her.
    “She’s a human being and everyone has different opinions. When the issue came up, you can’t blame the Minister of Finance and the government because they’ve made us understand that where things have gotten to, we’re in dire times so there’s the need for everyone’s help.”

    He added “…now, you can’t also blame the Chief Justice and her pensioners also…because they have also invested their money and hope to enjoy the profits.

    “The government is also saying because we’re in crisis they need to adjust things to make the economy better. The government hasn’t committed any crime and the pensioners who also went to do the picketing have not committed any crime.

    “Because picketing is a form of democracy. There is nothing like pulling a gun, knife, or sword in picketing, they just want to express their displeasure.

    “So, I don’t see the reason why someone should attack the former Chief Justice, I don’t understand. Because everyone is expressing his/her views so why do you attack her? I beg to differ I don’t agree with him (Gabby Otchere Darko).

    “…she is just expressing her views, so we shouldn’t do that because if we do that it is not good. We should be careful with our communications,” he lamented.

    It may be recalled that Sophia Akuffo, joined the retirees picketing the Ministry of Finance in Accra.

    The pensioners have been picketing at the premises of the ministry since Monday, February 6, 2023, over the government’s plan to involve their bonds in the DDEP.

    Sophia Akufo was captured in a front-seat position at the premises of the Ministry holding a wooden placard.

    Her placard read: “We use our bond yields to pay our: rent, medical bills, electricity, and water bills.”

    On the other hand, leading member of the New Patriotic Party () , Gabby Otchere-Darko, has stated that the gesture by the former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo to picket at the Finance Ministry together with pensioner bondholders was done in error.

    According to him, the offer to self-exempt has been given to pensioners, therefore, there is no need to picket when they could just self-exempt.

    In a series of tweets on February 12, 2023, he wrote: “The former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, may mean well but she erred big time in her basic appreciation of the issues. Rather than asking the Govt for exemption at this late hour, why did she simply not ‘exempt’ herself from exchanging her original bond for the new one!”

    “Why picket over something you don’t like (the improved offer) when you have the right not to sign up? Sorry, but I struggle to get her emotional outburst over-exemption! I hope she won’t volunteer to picket tomorrow and on the same issues when the time to sign up has expired,” he added.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • NPP unlikely to break the 8 given the current economic situation- Majority Leader

    NPP unlikely to break the 8 given the current economic situation- Majority Leader

    Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, is skeptical about the New Patriotic Party’s ability to break the eight given the current economic crisis.

    The Member of Parliament for Suame believes Ghanaians may turn their backs on the NPP come 2024 if they fail to address the current economic situation in the country.

    He was speaking to Captain Koda on the Kumasi based OTEC 102.9 FM’s morning show Nyansapo on Monday February 13,2023.

    “Retaining power in the 2024 general polls is not farfetched but the party will have to do more to make the living condition of the ordinary Ghanaian a bit easier “.

    “I strongly believe breaking the eight is doable, however we all must accept that, there is hardship in the country and as the adage goes ‘a hungry man is and angry man’, and so we must work hard to turn things around if indeed we want to remain in power”, he said.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • I would sack Ofori-Atta if I were in Akufo-Addo’s shoes – Konadu Apraku

    I would sack Ofori-Atta if I were in Akufo-Addo’s shoes – Konadu Apraku

    Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, one of the leading members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has stated that the finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta would have resigned if he was the current president.

    According to him, it is enough that there are many disgruntled members of the party, mainly their Members of Parliament, who have expressed their no-confidence in the performance of the Minister of Finance.

    He added that were he in the shoes of President Akufo-Addo, what he would have done was to give into their demands and get the finance minister off the job, a report by citinewsroom.com has said.

    “If I were the president [Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo], I would have listened to the MPs and sacked Ofori-Atta,” he is quoted to have said in an interview with GTV.

    It will be recalled that there were over 80 MPs on the Majority side of parliament who recently addressed the press, announcing their disaffection with the Minister of Finance.

    The MPs then called on the president to sack Ken Ofori-Atta or risk having them no longer participate in any government business that would be brought before parliament.

    Although this is yet to happen, as President Akufo-Addo has severally indicated that he finds nothing wrong with the work of his appointee, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku has said that there is the need for the president to examine the sentiments of the MPs and those of the general public.

    “In politics, you have to be sensitive to public opinion. Sometimes, it may not be the truth, but that is the sentiments, and the sentiments of the people need to be examined, and acted upon if it is possible. It’s a great deal for the NPP MPs to come out there to say they don’t want our finance minister, their own Finance Minister that they have worked with in the past.

    “In democracy, we have to be sensitive to the people. Lack of action exacerbates the problem, so you cut it off and cut your losses and I would have cut my losses and said please you have done enough, the environment is hostile to you so go. I would have changed him,” he is quoted to have said.

    The race for the top-spot of the NPP party elections is yet to be officially opened but so far, a number of names have popped up, indicating that they are also interested in the spot.

    Some of the names that come up have been Alan Kyerematen, the immediate-past Minister of Trade and Industry; Dr Akoto Owusu Afriyie, the former Minister of Food and Agriculture; Francis Addai-Nimoh, a former MP for Ashanti Mampong; and the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

  • The conduction of presidential and legislative primaries will determine NPP’s victory in 2024 – NPP National Chairman

    The conduction of presidential and legislative primaries will determine NPP’s victory in 2024 – NPP National Chairman

    The success of the presidential and parliamentary primaries will determine whether the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) will win the 2024 elections, according to National Chairman of the party, Stephen Ntim.

    According to him, the two elections that will elect the party’s Flagbearer and Members of Parliament will largely impact the electoral fortunes of the party, hence the need for the party to conduct itself properly during and after the primaries.

    Speaking at a brainstorming session by the Council of Elders of the Greater Accra Region at Peduase in Aburi, Chairman Ntim on that account made a passionate appeal to all prospective aspirants, their supporters, party members, and all stakeholders of the Party to respect the rules of engagement.

    “We should always be guided by the supreme interest of the party and eschew all acts that have the tendency of dividing our ranks. We cannot have an effective and well-organized party to break the eight if we do not prioritize the party’s interest. Our victory in 2024 will largely depend on how we conduct ourselves in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary primaries.

    “It is in view of the importance of these primaries on our electoral fortunes that the National Council of the Party formulated a Code of Conduct to regulate our conduct during the period preceding the opening of nominations for these primaries. It is also worth reminding all party members that the Code of Conduct is still in force, and as national officers, we will continue to monitor its implementation to ensure maximum conformity. This is crucial to help us close our ranks going into the 2024 general elections and to be able to break the eight,” Chairman Ntim stated.

  • Alan Kyerematen appeals to Ghanaians to maintain NPP in power

    Alan Kyerematen appeals to Ghanaians to maintain NPP in power

    A New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate hopeful, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, has appealed to Ghanaians to vote to maintain his party in power in 2024.

    According to him, this would contribute to maximize gains of the “solid foundation” laid by the Akufo-Addo government within the last 6 years. 

    Speaking at a media engagement in Ho during his tour of the Volta Region, Mr. Kyeremanteng said maintaining the NPP in power would ensure continuity of governance and a smooth administration of the state. 

    He said that policies and programs introduced by the government transcended into the growth of the economy before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. 

    He disclosed that his Great Transformational Plan (GTP) is engineered to diversify the country’s economy by introducing 10 new sectors among other practicable initiatives to restore the economy,

    Mr. Kyeremanteng asserted that only he can lead the NPP to victory in 2024 because he is capable of transforming the economy and his name resonates with the electorates in every nook and cranny of the country. 

    He said the establishment of about 6 new automobile assembling factories in Ghana, and the success of the 1 District 1 factory policy, among others indicates he is capable of leading “Ghana to rise again”.

    He further indicated that the NPP must select a candidate who can increase its electoral fortunes in the Ashanti Region and reduce votes of the National Democratic Party (NDC) in the Volta Region to win the general elections. 

    “If we want to win this very important and difficult election ahead of us, we need a leader of our party who has the capacity to consolidate our gains in our stronghold. 

    “We need a leader who can win at least 80% of the votes in the Ashanti Region. For me, Alan is our best choice to do that.

    “We also need a leader who can reduce the difference of our opponents in their stronghold, again to do that, Alan is the candidate”, he said. 

    He lamented the NPP’s inability to rake in a substantial percentage of total votes in the Volta Region in previous general elections. 

    “As I have said, people of the Volta Region have taken me as their son, as their friend, as their brother.

    All that the people of the Volta Region are saying to the NPP is that if you bring Alan, we will vote for him”, he stressed.

    He earlier held a closed-door meeting with NPP Executives in the region, and later took a tour of the Ho Central Market where he interacted with traders.  

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Company owners fail their businesses, not BoG – Elsie Awadzi

    Company owners fail their businesses, not BoG – Elsie Awadzi

    Elsie Addo Awadzi, the Bank of Ghana’s second deputy governor, stated in October 2020 that the country’s central bank was not to blame for the failure of the financial firms.

    She claims that the BoG’s duties include regulating and licensing financial institutions, as well as removing failed institutions from the system.

    It’s crucial that the media guides the public conversation in a neutral and knowledgeable way.

    Headlines like “Bank of Ghana has collapsed companies” are ones we’ve heard far too frequently.
    Bank of Ghana never lets anything go under.
    No.
    We supervise, we license, and when an institution fails, we remove it from the system in a way that doesn’t have an impact on the system, she said.

    Read the full story originally published on October 13, 2020 by GhanaWeb

    Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Elsie Addo Awadzi, has asked the media to use the right terminologies in their reports on the sector to send the right messages to the public.

    Speaking at a media sensitization workshop organised by the BoG and associations representing Specialised Deposit-taking Institutions (SDIs), the 2nd Deputy BoG Governor said some headlines distort the salient point in an event within the sector.

    “It is important that the media leads the public discourse in a dispassionate and expert manner…We have heard too often, headlines such as ‘Bank of Ghana has collapsed companies’. Bank of Ghana never collapses anything. No. We licence, we supervise and then when an institution has failed, we take it out of the system in a manner that does not affect the system.

    “So do not say ‘Bank of Ghana has collapsed anything’. Bank of Ghana does not collapse anything. These institutions are run and governed by their shareholders, who put their Board of Directors and a team of management. So, they collapsed the companies. We don’t collapse the companies. It is important for the media to understand that,” she stressed.

    The media sensitisation event brought together key players in the sector and presented a rare opportunity for the SDI associations to better explain their operations to the media.

    It also enabled the media to ask appropriate questions of the key players in the sector and provide feedback to SDIs as to what the public thinks of their service.

    Elsie Addo Awadzi said it is important that the media grows to become a key partner that understands the financial sector and the regulatory framework within which the financial sector operates.

    “[The financial sector] is very different from other types of businesses and it is important that the media, when they engage in discussions related to the financial sector, they do so with an understanding of regulatory environment as well as the policy environment within which the financial sector operates,” she admonished.

  • Mahama is Ghana’s only hope – Opare Addo

    Mahama is Ghana’s only hope – Opare Addo

    National Youth Organizer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), George Opare Addo popularly known as Pablo, is optimistic that Ghana’s dwindling economy can be resuscitated by the former President John Dramani Mahama.

    He stated that only former president John Dramani Mahama can transform Ghana’s economy, hence Ghanaians should offer thanksgiving to God for providing the country with an opportunity for economic optimism.

    He argued further that the former president is the only person who can offer solutions to Ghana’s current problems.

    Speaking in an interview with Original FM, Pablo stated that the current NPP administration is relying on the former statesman’s policy positions and interventions that were put in place during his term in office to survive.

    He added that, in critical times of economic crises, there is a need for a competent and skilled person to be able to assist in cleaning up the economic mess and rebuilding.

    “2017 was Ghana’s best-performing year (economically). In 2015, president Mahama at the state of the nation address said that in 2017, the economy will turn around. So, he was a prophet, he foresaw the future and predicted it right.

    “Because of the sound policies that he implemented in 2015 and 2016. The only government that 2016 in an election year implemented zero finance from the central bank. That was the level of discipline that he brought on board when we were challenged.

    “And that is the kind of discipline that we need currently to turn the economy around. And that’s why I say that we have to thank God for President Mahama as the only option for an economic turnaround. Because he has that discipline and that tenacity to be able to build,” he said.

    Government is seeking a programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with the view to salvage the economy which suffered a torrid in 2022 characterised by a depreciating currency, galloping inflation and a general increase in the cost of living.

    Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is optimistic that Ghana will conclude talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a possible financial bailout programme.

    According to President Akufo-Addo, though the government’s debt exchange programme was fraught with several challenges after its announcement, it has largely been accepted by the citizenry.

    He made this known when the German Federal Minister of Finance, Christian Lindner, paid him a visit at the Jubilee House.

    “We have already taken one important step forward in concluding a staff-level agreement with the IMF. One of the steps was the domestic debt exchange programme which encountered a lot of difficulties, but it has now been virtually concluded…We are now looking towards going the full hog and concluding the agreement. We’re hoping that will be done by the middle of March,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    He also called on Germany to encourage China, an ad hoc member of the Paris Club to support Ghana’s debt restructuring efforts.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • IMF negotiation: Minority Chief Whip asks govt to exhibit openness, transparency

    IMF negotiation: Minority Chief Whip asks govt to exhibit openness, transparency

    The Minority Chief Whip, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has entreated government to exhibit openness and transparency in the ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    He said the current opaque way the Vice President and the Minister of Finance were handling the negotiation with the IMF had only kept many Ghanaians in the dark, leaving them unaware of what was going on.

    “As we speak, we have a situation where Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Ken Ofori-Atta are the only ones who know what they are negotiating. All they want is to decide that Ghanaians pay a certain money from their private sources to save them as part of debt restructuring which people are pushing against heavily,” he said.

    Addressing the media on Ghana’s negotiation with the IMF at Parliament House, Mr Agbodza said currently, there were other significant parts of the negotiation that was not known to Ghanaians, creating “a huge anxiety”.

    “I encourage them to seek help as there are people within and outside the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who can help, failure of which Ghanaians must call Dr Bawumia and Ken Ofori-Atta to order as we cannot continue to wait on them to let us know what is going on as and when they like”, he said.

    Suspension of capital projects

    Mr Agboza, who is the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Adaklu “claimed that he was aware of a series of meetings that had taken place involving “closed group of NPP people close to the President Akufo-Addo, in which a decision had allegedly been made to suspend or cancel about 60 capital projects across the country.

    That, he said, was in spite of the fact that the government had already paid some of the developers or contractors between 15 and 20 per cent mobilisation.

    Mr Agbodza, who is also the Ranking Member on the Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament, mentioned some of the projects to include the Shama Interchange, La General Hospital, and the road between Tema roundabout, Akosombo and the Adomi Bridge.

    “These are foreign companies that have taken the mobilisation and are sitting in their offices because the government is unable to tell them to go ahead because the Finance Minister said all these projects must be suspended.

    “So, we are probably losing value because they have taken money in terms of mobilisation and they have set up camp and they are in the office drinking tea but you cannot blame them,” he said.

    Stop job losses

    “This lack of understanding creates big anxiety as there are financiers, developers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and even ordinary workers working with these entities who are currently unsure whether they are going to lose their work permanently,” he said.

    The MP alleged that some of the foreign companies had already started laying off workers.

    “I encourage them to seek help as there are people within and outside the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who can help, failure of which Ghanaians must call Dr Bawumia and Ken Ofori-Atta to order as we cannot continue to wait on them to let us know what is going on as and when they like”.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • NPP, NDC MPs hail Kennedy Agyapong as “Presidoo”

    NPP, NDC MPs hail Kennedy Agyapong as “Presidoo”

    On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong made a dramatic entrance into the chamber of Parliament, which was resounding with commotion.

    After the House of Representatives went into recess in December, the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic convened at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

    A lot has transpired during the intermission, with MPs raising their voices to support or disparage various characters.

    Kennedy Agyapong, the Assin MP, entered the house and was hailed by both sides of the house with loud cries of “presidoooo, presidooo,” the MP grinning the entire time.

    The MPs cheers appears to be linked to the Assin Lawmaker’s decision to contest as flagbearer for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) when nominations are opened

    Other persons who received cheers and plaudits on the floor of Parliament included Dr. Stephen Amoah, who was hailed by loud noise upon his appointment as Deputy Minister-designate for Trade and Industry.

    “Sticka Stickaaaaaaa” the MPs cheered loudly. Same could be said for Adansi Asokwa’s K.T Hammond who will serve as the direct boss of Dr. Stephen Amoah at the Ministry.

  • Police on manhunt for NDC official over ‘be ready to kill for power’ comments

    Police on manhunt for NDC official over ‘be ready to kill for power’ comments

    The Ghana Police Service is on a manhunt for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth organiser in Suame Constituency over some comments he made.

    This follows the publication of a viral video in which the said official is seen inciting members of the party to engage in violence to win power.

    “The attention of the Police Service has been drawn to a viral video in which a person who identifies himself as the Youth Organiser for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Suame Constituency of the Ashanti Region calls on supporters of the NDC to attack persons of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the run-up to the 2024 General Elections.

    “The Ashanti Regional Police Command has initiated steps to get this person arrested to face justice,” the police said in a statement.

    The police further entreated political actors to be circumspect in their utterances and actions to safeguard national peace and security.

    Youth organiser incites party members

    The now wanted man was captured on tape making inciteful comments with respect to the 2024 general elections.

    Speaking to a journalist on the sidelines on what looked like a party event, the man charged members of the NDC not to hesitate to shed blood if it is what it will take to win power.

    “As journalists, you were witnesses to a situation where people were shot and killed in the 2020 elections. So standing here today, I am to make sure that no NPP member can come and kill me.

    “So we are in and I will advise every true NDC member that in the 2024 elections when it becomes necessary to kill someone to win, kill them; even if it requires that you shoot someone or club them to win us power do it,” he told a journalist with Oyerepa FM.

    The 2020 elections albeit largely peaceful, saw pockets of violence which led to the death of about 8 persons.

    According to the opposition NDC, the New Patriotic Party through state security and vigilantes used violence at various polling stations to rig the election.

    However, the NDC has said that things will be different in the 2024 elections as it will go into the polls more prepared to ward off any such incidents.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Bibiani NADMO calls for support from government, mining companies

    Bibiani NADMO calls for support from government, mining companies

     The National Disaster Management (NADMO) has appealed to the government, mining companies, and other relevant stakeholders to come to their aid with relief  items.

    The Municipal Director of National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Mr. Stephen  Anane Agyapong, noted that though the government has been helping,  the items provided were not adequate to effectively support  the victims in case of a disaster. 

    “I am pleading with mining communities, philanthropists, businessmen and others to also provide us  with relief items,” Mr Agyapong said 

    Mr Agyapong who made call  in an interview with Ghana News Agency, said the major challenge confronting his outfit was insufficient relief  items . 

    He said the government was doing its part but  that it was imperative for other shareholders to  come to their aid so as to help them  execute their mandate effectively.  

    He said in the year under review, the organization  recorded six fire cases in the fourth quarter of 2022 and had already recorded a number cases in January this year at Bibiani, Chirano, Surano and Sefwi Bekwai but there were no  relief items to support the victims 

    The Municipal NADMO Director who is also the constituency financial secretary for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) said several human activities  such as bush fire, wrong wiring, hunting, smoking and several others , particularly during the harmattan season. contributed to fire outbreaks. 

     Mr Agyapong cautioned the  public to avoid setting fire in the bush, smoking, and leaving their gadgets on when leaving home. 

    “We have to take serious precautions about some of these minor mistakes in order to avoid disaster,” he added. 

    He said  setting fire in the bush was criminal and warned the public against behaviours, which  could land them into problem. 

    Source: GNA 

  • Konkombas begin image cleansing campaign

    Konkombas begin image cleansing campaign

    Konkombas have reacted to wild speculations that they are “violent people.”

    As the indigenous of the North-Eastern part of Ghana commenced an image-cleansing campaign, they disputed the long held stereotype that Konkombas are violent people.

    Years of conflicts have left Konkomba tribesmen suffering the shame of being tagged as violent and warlike.

    The Konkombas have had a checkered history ridden with tribal conflicts and land disputes.

    Notable among these have been the inter-Komkomba-families land disputes at Saboba; the Konkomba – Bimoba clashes; the Komkomba – Chokosi feud in Chereponi and the infamous Kokomba – Nanumba Guinea Fowl barter war that claimed over a thousand lives and valuable property.

    Addressing a durbar in Kumasi; the Komkombas enumerated several of their kith and kin serving productively in various capacities both in private and public life

    “We have komkombas who have served in the past and present government. We have nine MPs, five from the NDC and four from the NPP. In this government, we have the Defense Minister, the Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs,” the Konkombas stated.

    “It is an enviable record that apart from the Ashanti’s, there is no other tribe aside Komkombas that dominate in over 30 constituencies and we decide who wins as an MP in those constituencies.”

    The tribesmen reiterated hundreds of Konkombas who had risen through academia to lecture and head major departments of tertiary institutions and boasted of producing the first and youngest black managing director of Multinational shipping Company, Maersk.

    “Apart from that, we have yam markets all over the country and those markets generate a lot of revenue in taxes for the nation,” they added.

    President of the Kumasi Komkomba Youth Association John Womborti appealed for their tribe’s men to be accepted as peace-loving and productive members of the society.

    “We want to tell the world that Konkombas are a peace-loving people, hardworking and trustworthy but people always associate us with our violent past. We want to remove this stigma. Things that happened in the past is regrettable but we shouldn’t be seen as violent.” John Womborti pointed out.

    The leaders encouraged their relatives to participate actively in politics but warned they will not countenance any Komkomba tribesman engaging in any acts of electoral violence as the country gets closer to its campaigning and electioneering period.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Parliament resumes tomorrow February 7, 2023

    Parliament resumes tomorrow February 7, 2023

    Parliament will resume its operations on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 after the House went on recess in December.

    A statement signed by Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, on January 24, said: “The Third Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic shall commence at 10 o’clock in the forenoon of Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

    It adds that, the Speaker of Parliament, by Clause (1) of Article 112 of the 1992 Constitution, appointed Parliament House, Accra, to be the place of meeting.

    Upon assumption, the minority will see new leaders in charge of its caucus following a major shake-up by the NDC leadership.

    The new leaders are Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and Kwame Governs Agbodza, who have replaced Haruna Iddrisu, James Klutse Avedzi, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, as Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader and Minority Chief Whip, respectively.

    Some of the issues the house is expected to consider include the LGBTQ+ bill, the COVID-19 expenditure probe, and the call for the Finance Minister to leave office, National Cathedral expenditure among others.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Economic crisis affecting NPP’s campaign message for 2024 – Alan

    Economic crisis affecting NPP’s campaign message for 2024 – Alan

    A candidate for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential nomination, Alan Kyerematen, has acknowledged that the party is finding it challenging to develop a message for the 2024 general elections as a result of the deteriorating economy.

    Speaking during a visit to the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council as part of his campaign tour, the former Trade and Industry Minister hailed the performance of President Nana Akufo-Addo but stated that the poor state of the economy will make it difficult for the NPP to convince Ghanaians to retain them in the 2024 general elections.

    “Akufo-Addo has done well, when the NPP came, there was no free SHS, but we have brought it, planting for food and jobs, we have brought it, One District, One Factory, we have brought it, I can recount a number of the policies, but we all know that times are hard. We are all in difficulty, we have worked hard but due to the economic hardship, our key message for campaigning as a party for the 2024 election has become difficult for us.

    “But you see, one of our main challenges as a country is how successive governments abandon policies they inherit from another government. This is what has derailed our development efforts. So I would wish that for the first time in the history of the country, allow the NPP to continue, so our policies can gain roots while we do away with the bad policies. If we mean well for the country this is what must happen,” Mr Kyerematen said in Twi.

    Mr Kyerematen also urged the Chiefs to advise the delegates to select a flagbearer who would be acceptable to the entire country.

    “The country is expecting a turnaround based on a big vision to be delivered with competence,” he said.

    Mr Kyerematen said the overreliance on the government to build industries to create jobs needed to change to a more efficient way of empowering the private sector to create jobs for the people.

    Mr Kyerematen noted that as Minister for Trade and Industry under President JA Kufuor, he initiated the Presidential Special Initiatives (PSI) in four different sectors of the economy, which could have yielded over $60 billion a year to the country, had the NDC not terminated them after taking over in 2008.

  • The 8-year cycle is what has derailed our development efforts – Alan Kyerematen

    The 8-year cycle is what has derailed our development efforts – Alan Kyerematen

    NPP flagbearer hopeful, Alan Kyerematen says Ghana is not able to develop as it should due to the 8-year-cyle term citizens have imposed.

    Speaking during a visit to the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council, on Saturday, Mr. Kyerematen said “One of our main challenges as a country is the tendency for successive governments not to continue with their predecessor’s programmes and projects. This is what has derailed our development efforts.”

    He, therefore, entreated the public to allow the ruling New Patriotic Party to continue to stay in office to ensure it completes its developmental agenda.

    Alan Kyerematen however, noted that the worsening economic conditions in the country may affect the party’s chances in the 2024 general elections. 

    He said to enhance the prospects of the party winning the elections, a flagbearer with vision and integrity must be elected.

    “Akufo-Addo has done well. He has initiated numerous programmes such as; 1D1F, Planting for Food and Jobs, Free SHS, but we all know that currently, times are hard. Due to this hardship, our key message for campaigning as a party for the 2024 election has become difficult to identify. I won’t lie to you, times are hard and any truthful person will tell you this,” he said in Twi.

    According to Mr Kyerematen, he is the most suitable person for the NPP’s flagbearer position.

  • Have confidence in me – Kennedy Agyapong

    Have confidence in me – Kennedy Agyapong

    The flagbearer candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Member of Parliament for Assin Central in Central Region, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has asked party followers and Ghanaians to have faith in his goals and objectives.

    Though official nominations have not been opened, flagbearer hopefuls are moving and sending their campaign signals out.

    Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a businessman and politician, is one of them.

    He appealed to Ghanaians to have confidence in him and make him the party’s flagbearer and the country’s president come 2024.

    Mr. Agyapong made this appeal when he appeared on ‘Good Evening Ghana’ on Metro TV in Ghana.

    According to him, he is a man who understands Ghanaian languages and problems and can also solve the problems of the people.

    He also added that even if those who vote for him age, their children will largely benefit from their support for him.

    Ken Agyapong added that he will exonerate himself from the case of Ahmed Suale’s death when he becomes president of Ghana. Though he affirmed that police investigations could not point fingers at him for the death of the investigative journalist, he will show interest in the case when he is voted President of Ghana.

  • NPP yet to decide on date for primaries

    NPP yet to decide on date for primaries

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) could not settle on a date for its presidential and parliamentary primaries after its meeting on Thursday, 2 February 2023.

    The General Secretary of the party, Mr Justin Frimpong Koduah, told the media after a closed-door meeting: “I am sorry to disappoint you that from the Steering Committee through to NEC and National Council (NC), it has been resolved that as a party, we need to do further consultation on the timelines for the presidential and parliamentary elections and within the shortest time possible, we will come out with the timelines for our presidential and parliamentary elections”.

    “As a party, we believe in consensus-building and we recognise the views of each stakeholder in our deliberations, so, we want to come out with a date that is built on consensus and once that is done, we will tell you when the timelines will come,” Mr Koduah said.

    Just some days ago, a former MP, Mr Kwasi Addai-Nimoh, joined the flagbearer race of the governing party.

    “I am humbled that my astute team has assessed my qualifications and motivations using some three criteria. Driven by my personal convictions, I am confident that my professional background and values can be useful in shaping the necessary initiatives that will significantly improve our country coupled with the clarion call I have been receiving over these last years from our party members, rank and file and from wide consultations with elders of the party, I, Addai-Nimoh, have thereby decided and officially announcing my candidacy to be elected as the next flagbearer of the NPP”, Mr Addai-Nimoh announced to journalists.

    Already Trades Minister Alan Kyerematen resigned a few weeks ago and subsequently announced his bid for the slot.

    Agric Minister Owusu Afritie Akoto followed suit.

    Also, Asain Central MP Kennedy Agyapong has been rallying support to win the slot ahead of the 2024 polls.

    A recent survey by two organisations claimed delegates of the NPP prefer Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia to Mr Kyerematen and Mr Agyapong.

    Others such as Mr Kwabena Agyepong and Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku have also hinted at running for the slot.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • NPP primaries: Nyaho-Tamakloe pledges support for Addai-Nimoh

    NPP primaries: Nyaho-Tamakloe pledges support for Addai-Nimoh

    Founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe has endorsed Francis Addai-Nimoh‘s bid to become flagbearer ahead of NPP’s presidential and parliamentary primaries geared towards the 2024 general elections.

    According to the NPP stalwart, Addai-Nimoh is a unifier who doesn’t come with the political baggage of ethnicity and religion yet remains a formidable candidate who can lead the NPP into the next elections.

    He advanced that it would be wise for the party to consider the candidature of Francis Addai-Nimoh at this crucial time when the party needs someone to help them ‘break the eight.’

    “Now let me warn the delegates, I want the delegates to be very careful because if you miss this man, you will regret it terribly. This is a man with enormous experience, and he understands governance, this is a man who is peaceful and will not run this country down and de is a man the whole country should follow.

    “…you see me here today because when I see Addai-Nimoh, I know we still have hope in our party. This is a man of integrity, accountability, humility, and professionalism,” Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe said according to citinewsroom.com report.

    Meanwhile, prominent names that have popped up in the NPP flagbearership race include; Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kyerematen, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Agric Minister Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto.

    The latest to join the race was Addai-Nimoh, the former Member of Parliament who declared his intention to contest the NPP’s flagbearership on February 1 2023.

  • Nana B alleges Mahama wants to rule for 8 years if he wins 2024 elections

    Nana B alleges Mahama wants to rule for 8 years if he wins 2024 elections

    National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party, Henry Nana Boakye, alias Nana B has alleged that former President wants to be President for another eight (8) years should he be given the nod as President in the 2024 elections.

    He also alleges that the changes made in the leadership of the minority caucus by the National Executive Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has the full backing of former President John Mahama and that it is part of bigger plot to extend his reign in the event he becomes president.

    According to him, there are discussions within the corridors of the NDC on how to circumvent the constitution to get John Mahama to govern for eight years if wins the 2024 election.

    In view of this sinister move, Nana B claims that John Mahama with alleged collusion from some members of the NEC is planting persons in key positions in parliament.

    He is therefore challenging John Mahama and the NDC to come out and state publicly that he will not embark on such mission in the event that he becomes president.

    “The selfishness and greediness in Mahama is that he wants to go for 8 years in the unlikely event that he wins the 2024 elections. The plan is either to amend the constitution or go to the Supreme Court interpretation of constitution on the eight-year term.

    “The plan is to convince Ghanaians that the four-year terms is not enough and therefore should be extended. Mahama will come back and not be excited by a four-year mandate. This discussion is going on in the deeper circles of the NDC.

    “They are finding ways and means, constituting teams on how they can make it possible for Mahama to govern for eight years. If you think I’m lying, I’m daring him to say it during his campaign that his will rule for only four years. I’m challenging Mahama to say that he will govern for just four years.

    The NDC on Tuesday, January 24, made some changes to its leadership in Parliament.

    Ranking Member of the Finance Committee and Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam Constituency in the Central Region, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has replaced Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu as the Minority Leader.

    Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle has also replaced Ketu North MP, James Klutse Avedzi as the Deputy Minority Leader while Kwame Governs Agbodza, MP for Adaklu has also replaced Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak as the Minority Whip.

    The decision has since sparked outrage among some sections in the Party, with some NDC Members of Parliament publicly opposing the move.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • NPP meets today over date for presidential, parliamentary primaries

    NPP meets today over date for presidential, parliamentary primaries

    The ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Executive Committee and National Council will meet today to decide when to hold the party’s presidential and parliamentary primaries.

    The meeting will also announce a date for the opening of nomination for both elections.

    The much-anticipated meeting was postponed from January 31st to today following the absence of many of the Council members.

    Reports attributed to the Council said the party has set November 2023 to elect its presidential candidate, January 2024 to elect parliamentary candidates for constituencies with sitting NPP Members of Parliament (MPs) and April 2024 for constituencies without sitting NPP MPs.

    But in a statement, the NPP said timelines in the above were not accurate and dates were yet to be concluded.

    The former Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen has declared his intention to contest the flagbearership slot and lead the NPP. He will contest former Agriculture Minister, Dr Akoto Afriyie and former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko who have all declared their intention to contest.

    On Wednesday, February 1, a former Member of Parliament for the Mampong Constituency, Francis Addai-Nimoh formally announced his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership race when nominations are opened.

    The former legislator said preliminary research conducted by his team coupled with consultation and advice from some elders of the party, psyched himself to bring on board his professional knowledge and values to retain political power.

  • “F9 students ruling the country, A1 students on the bench” – Jantuah

    “F9 students ruling the country, A1 students on the bench” – Jantuah

    General Secretary for the Convention Peoples Party, Nana Yaa Jantuah, has taken a swipe at the current crop of leaders, describing them as failures.

    Speaking on UTV, the CPP executive said the leadership of the country under the New Patriotic Party’s Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo are ruling the country like F9 students while individuals who can be selected to work towards economic liberation have been sidelined.

    “F9 students are ruling this country and the A1s are sitting on the bench

    “Someone who has led the country to this point, how else can we grade him? If his performance was taken to WAEC to be graded using the WASSCE scale, what do you think his performance would have been?

    Touching on issues regarding the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) government is implementing, she said the country is currently facing economic struggles because of some decisions made by elements in government.

    According to Nana Yaa Jantuah, the Finance Minister is being maintained while others in the NPP who are competent and capable of bringing the economy back on track, have been sidelined.

    “It does not matter your relationship with the person, whether or not the person is liked, if you are able to cross carpets into other parties to pick and appoint people who will help solve Ghana’s problems, it’ll be good.

    “One person I have constantly listened to addressing issues of economic importance is Mark Assibey-Yeboah and he is good. Why can’t the president take him to the finance ministry to replace Ken Ofori-Atta?” she further asked.

    The government of Ghana, on December 5, 2022, launched the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, an invitation for the voluntary exchange of the government’s domestic notes and bonds for a package of new bonds.

    The move is to help the government restructure GH¢137 billion of its domestic debts to prove to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that its debts are sustainable so that it can get the $3 billion bailout, it is seeking from the fund.

    However, the government has had to extend the deadline for the programme due to opposition by individuals and entities who will be affected including individual bondholders as well as some labour unions. The new deadline is February 7, 2023.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Stop using Ahmed Suale’s name for political ambitions – Family to Kennedy Agyapong

    Stop using Ahmed Suale’s name for political ambitions – Family to Kennedy Agyapong

    The family of murdered investigator Ahmed Hussein-Suale has warned New Patriotic Party presidential hopeful Kennedy Agyapong from using the name of the victim to advance his political ambitions.

    Kennedy Agyapong who once called for violence to be meted on the Ahmed Suale in a recent interview on Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana denied the allegations, again, that he had a hand in his death.

    He noted that he once offered the deceased financial support to settle his fees at a time when he had no idea about his association with Tiger Eye P. I. owned by Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

    But reacting to the claim by the Assin Central MP, the family of Ahmed in a statement dated February 1, 2023, said “it is preposterous to hear of Kennedy Agyapong’s claim of paying the fees of our late brother. We are very saddened by this comments and wish to state unequivocally that Kennedy Agyapong has never paid the school fees of our late son and brother. We dare him to produce any evidence to that effect.”

    While calling on the public to treat the statement by the MP with contempt, the family said Mr Kennedy Agyapong cannot absolve himself from the fact that he played a role in the murder of Ahmed Suale.

    “What we and the entire world know for a fact is that Kennedy Agyapong published the identity of our late brother on his Net 2 TV and further asked his thugs to harm him whenever they see him which eventually resulted in the gruesome murder of our brother and son. He should henceforth desist from using the name of our brother for political mileage,” the family emphasised.

    Kennedy Agyapong appeared on Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana as part of his campaign for the upcoming flagbearer contest of the New Patriotic Party.

    Asked the death of Ahmed Suale during the interview revealed that he unknowingly paid the school fees of the former investigator.

    The lawmaker narrated that it was after publishing Ahmed Suale’s photos on Net 2 TV years ago with the intent of cautioning the public against his ways, that his staff notified him that Suale (now deceased) is someone whose university tuition fees he had once paid.

    Kennedy Agyapong added that if he is elected as president, he would make sure that Ahmed Suale’s murder is thoroughly investigated in order to clear his name.

    “What I will do if I’m elected president is I will encourage the police to investigate the case to the bottom to uncover everything… I wanted to tell you that if I’m elected today, whether the case is dead or not I will bring it back again to investigate,” he added.

    Ahmed Hussein-Saule was assassinated at Madina on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, by two unknown assailants.

    The assailants shot him twice in his chest and once in his neck after breaking into his car.

    The Ghana Police Service is still investigating his murder, but no one has been arrested yet.

  • Ken Agyapong narrates how he rejected a $3m bride from an Indian businessman

    Ken Agyapong narrates how he rejected a $3m bride from an Indian businessman

    New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, has said that he is not corrupt and that he has never taken a bribe.

    Speaking in an interview on Good Evening Ghana on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, which was monitored by GhanaWeb, Agyapong said that he will never engage in activities that will make him rich at the expense of the people of Ghana.

    He then proceeded to narrate how he rejected a $3 million bribe from an Indian businessman who wanted to get a government project with his help.

    “I met an Indian last week and he said there is a project that he thinks I can influence. The actual cost of the project is ($)26 million.

    “The guy comes to say that he can do it for $9 (million) and of course as a businessman, he has to make a profit with whoever introduced him, $3 (million), making $12 (million). Then he said to me, I’m going to give you $3 million so I will add it to the $12 (million) to make $15 million and I said no to him.

    “I said Ghana first, I don’t want the $3 million if you know you can do the job for $12 million so be it. The young men that come from America with their tickets and everything whatever you want to give to them it is okay but me I will not take any money,” he narrated.

    Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, said that the business told him that he (Agyapong) is the only person, he has met in Africa who has rejected such a huge amount of money.

    “The Indian man, who was there with his young engineer son, said wow, I have goose pimples. I have worked in Africa for 22 years and I have never seen an African reject $3 million like you did,” he said.

  • I won’t step down for anyone – Kennedy Agyapong

    I won’t step down for anyone – Kennedy Agyapong

    A presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party(NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has refuted rumors that he will most likely withdraw from the party’s upcoming primary elections because he is acting on the instructions of another contender.

    According to him, those claims are false and thus urged his teeming supporters to treat such reports with contempt.

    He emphatically said that “Read my lips, I am not doing the bidding of anybody. I am genuinely contesting to become the President because I can do it better.”

    He noted that “I am 62 years old, and I believe I am old and experienced enough to also contest and become the President of our country on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party in 2024”.

    Speaking on Net2 TV, he insisted that his decision to become the president in 2024 on the ticket of the NPP is non-negotiable.

    “I am surprised because the support is coming from angles and corners. Even those in NDC and my own NPP members are supporting my bid”.

    “Some people that I don’t know in person, I am told, have erected my billboards in the Northern parts of the country to support my ambition”, he said with a smile on his face.

    Sounding happy, he said other people have printed his (Kennedy’s) campaign T-Shirts and caps to help him, stressing that he would surely become president in 2024.

    According to him, he would win the upcoming NPP presidential primaries and go ahead to win the ultimate (presidential elections), slated for December 2024.

    On another engagement, speaking to a cross-section of his supporters in the United States, Agyapong stressed that he was more of a leader than a politician, explaining that as a leader, he was focused more on national development whereas politicians are focused on the next election.

    He said, “I don’t want to be president for eight years, I only want to be president for four years, challenge me and see how it will be done, and there is a difference between a leader and a politician”.

    “A leader is the one who thinks of the development of his country and takes bold decisions irrespective of the repercussions. And the politician is the one who thinks of tomorrow’s election and therefore is not bold to take decisions”.

    “And so, I don’t think of tomorrow’s election, I think of today and how I can make a difference,” he stressed adding that even if he was going to spend the full eight-year constitutional term, “Ghanaians will decide after four years, I won’t be afraid, I will invest in Ghana and create employment for the youth,” he said to a loud applause.

    Mr. Agyapong, who is hoping to succeed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as leader of the NPP going into the 2024 elections has a hallmark of speaking truth to power without fear or favour irrespective of which political party is in power is a rare positive trait among his peers.

  • I’m the only one who can win 80% of votes from Ashanti Region, reduce NDC’s strength in Volta – Alan

    I’m the only one who can win 80% of votes from Ashanti Region, reduce NDC’s strength in Volta – Alan

    New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, Alan Kyerematen has made a strong case for the delegates of the party to choose him as their candidate for the 2024 elections.

    Speaking in an interview on Angel FM on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, Alan said that the party needs a candidate who can win not less than 80 percent of the votes in the Ashanti Region.

    The former trade and industry minister added that not only can he win the party over 80 percent of the votes in the Ashanti Region but he can pull a good number of votes for strongholds of the largest opposition party, the NDC.

    “We are not just looking for a flagbearer, we are looking for someone who can help the NPP retain power… Everybody knows that the Ashanti Region is the backbone of the NPP… And so for a difficult election, which I perceive is going to happen in 2024, you need a candidate that is going to win at least 80 percent of the votes in the Ashanti Region to guarantee us victory.

    “You need a candidate who can do two things, consolidate your base and reduce the strength of your opponent. We all know that the base of the NDC is the Volta Region but many people have been asking why Voltarians like me so much.

    “Everybody in Ghana knows that the people of the Volta Region have taken me to be one of them. I believe that I am the candidate who can win 80 percent of the votes in the Ashanti Region and also compete with the NDC in the Volta Region for their votes to be reduced,” he said in Twi.

    Alan added that he has name recognition and he is known in every corner of Ghana.

    “I have been working with Akufo-Addo all these years and there is no village where Akufo-Addo is known where I’m not known,” he said.

    The former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, is expected to face stiff competition from the likes of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former Food and Agriculture Minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, for the flagbearership position of the NPP.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Addai-Nimoh declares intention to contest NPP flagbearership

    Addai-Nimoh declares intention to contest NPP flagbearership

    A former representative for the Mampong Constituency, Francis Addai-Nimoh, has formally declared his intention to run for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership when nominations are accepted.

    The former legislator said preliminary research conducted by his team coupled with consultation and advice from some elders of the party, he said psych himself to bring on board his professional knowledge and values to retain political power.

    “I am humbled that my astute team has assessed my qualifications and motivations using some three criteria. Driven by my personal convictions, I am confident that my professional background and values can be useful in shaping the necessary initiatives that will significantly improve our country and coupled with the clarion call I have been receiving over these last years from our party members, rank and file and from wide consultations with elders of the party, I, Addai-Nimoh, I have thereby decided and officially announcing my candidacy to be elected as the next flagbearer of the NPP.”

    Mr. Addai-Nimoh contested in the NPP’s presidential primaries in 2014 and lost. Addressing the media at the GNAT Hall in Accra, the former MP promised to bring unity and consolidate the performance of the current NPP-led government.

  • Tamale South seat is open, but no challenger will get 2% – Haruna Iddrisu declares

    Tamale South seat is open, but no challenger will get 2% – Haruna Iddrisu declares

    Former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu is optimistic of a complete win the NDC parliamentary elections for his Constituency.

    Although he called for contenders to feel free to file nominations to contest him when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) holds parliamentary primaries in May, he m,entioned that none of his contenders will win more than 1% of the total votes cast.

    Whiles giving hope to would-be aspirants, the Tamale South Member of Parliament assured that he would win re-election by a landslide touting his prowess and growing influence over the years.

    “The Tamale South seat is free, it is open. When nominations open, you can come in. The only thing I can assure you is that you won’t get more than 5% of the votes or probably 2%. You won’t make more than five percent,” he told Evans Mensah on a Joy News programme.

    Haruna has been in Parliament since 2008 when he joined the Fourth Parliament, he has since served in the 5th, 6th, 7th and in the current 8th Parliament.

    He has also held a number of ministerial portfolios over the period, among others Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations and the Ministry of Communications.

    ‘Powerful’ Haruna Iddrisu may go unopposed in primaries – Asiedu Nketiah

    NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah all but endorsed Haruna Iddrisu to sail through upcoming primaries for the Tamale South seat.

    Asiedu Nketiah said the MP, who is in his fifth term, had become so powerful in his constituency that it would even be surprising if he is contested at all when the primaries are held later this year.

    “The outgone Minority Leader, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, he is so powerful in his constituency, he is almost always not contested at all. I have my doubts whether anybody will contest him,” Asiedu Nketiah told party faithful during a meeting in London.

    The one-time General Secretary was addressing concerns that the January 23 changes to the party’s leadership in Parliament was going to affect some of the replaced leaders at the upcoming primaries.

    The NDC will hold presidential and parliamentary primaries on May 13, 2023.

    NDC rings changes in parliamentary leadership

    The NDC, through its General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, wrote to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to announce the replacement of three members: the Minority Leader, the deputy Minority Leader, and the Minority Chief Whip.

    The NDC picked Ato Forson to replace Haruna Iddrisu as leader of the Minority Caucus.

    Other changes included Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembele, who is the new deputy Minority Chief Whip.

    While Kwame Governs Agbodza, MP for Adaklu, will replace Asawase MP Muntaka Mohammed as the Chief Whip.

    Ahmed Ibrahim, MP for Banda, has been maintained as the First deputy Minority Chief Whip, while Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, MP for Ada, is also retained as second deputy Minority Chief Whip.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Alan Kyerematen pledges to modernise NPP if given the nod to lead

    Alan Kyerematen pledges to modernise NPP if given the nod to lead

    Ahead of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries, presidential hopeful, Alan Kyerematen, has pledged to modernise the party if given the nod by delegates.

    The former Minister of Trade and Industry also hinted at establishing platforms that can generate resources to pay party executives, so as to allow them concentrate on party duties and responsibilities.

    Having served as a minister for an accumulated 10 plus years, both under the John Agyekum Kufuor and the current Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administrations, Alan Kyerematen has said that he will also put in place a pension scheme for the party executives who have devoted their entire lives to serving it.

    Speaking during a radio programme in Kumasi, the trade and industry expert did not mince words in highlighting the need for funding party projects and motivating party officials and executives.

    “There must be a platform and programmes for party financing. I have the record to have set up the Constituency Business Ventures in the past, that is your way of strengthening the party,” he said.

    On the subject of party executives at the constituency and national levels, the seasoned politician suggested a salary structure for them, so that they can also focus on their primary jobs in the party.

    He also suggested a pension scheme for committed and full-time party executives, to serve as motivation to others willing to work for the party.

    “Full-time party executives must be on full salary to enable them to devote more attention to party work.

    “There will be a pension scheme to retired party executives who devote all their time to working for the NPP.

    “The focus should be on the party because it is the party that brings the government into power,” he added.

    Alan Kyerematen also stressed the need for more attention to be paid to the concerns of footsoldiers, as well as other workers of the party who continue to work tirelessly to get the party into power but are then neglected, with no benefits to show for their efforts.

    This trend, he said, must stop in order to build a strong party that is capable of convincingly winning elections in the future.

    The longest-serving Minister of Trade and Industry has already confirmed his readiness to contest as flagbearer in the upcoming NPP presidential primaries, anticipated to be fiercely contested, scheduled for later in 2023.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Alan Cash promises to modernize the NPP

    Alan Cash promises to modernize the NPP

     A presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan John Kyerematen, has vowed to modernize the party if granted the nod by delegates when the party holds elections later this year.

    In order to free party officials to focus on their obligations to the party, the former minister of trade and industry suggested creating platforms that can raise money to compensate them.

    Alan Kyerematen, a minister for a total of more than ten years who has worked for both the John Agyekum Kufuor and the present Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administrations, has declared he will also establish a pension plan for party officials who have dedicated their entire lives to serving it.

    Mr Kyerematen stressed the importance of sponsoring party initiatives and inspiring party leaders while speaking on a Kumasi radio program.

    “There must be a platform and programmes for party financing. I have the record to have set up the Constituency Business Ventures in the past, that is your way of strengthening the party,” he said.

    he seasoned politician offered a compensation structure for party executives at the constituency and national levels so they may concentrate on their main responsibilities inside the party.

    In order to encourage individuals to work for the party, he also offered a pension plan for fully devoted party executives.

    “Full-time party executives must be on full salary to enable them to devote more attention to party work.

    “There will be a pension scheme to retired party executives who devote all their time to working for the NPP.

    “The focus should be on the party because it is the party that brings the government into power,” he added.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/npp-communicators-call-off-intended-strike-after-jfks-intervention/

    Alan Kyerematen also stressed the need for more attention to be paid to the concerns of footsoldiers, as well as other workers of the party who continue to work tirelessly to get the party into power but are then neglected, with no benefits to show for their efforts.

    This trend, he said, must stop in order to build a strong party that is capable of convincingly winning elections in the future.

    The longest-serving Minister of Trade and Industry has already confirmed his readiness to contest as flagbearer in the upcoming NPP presidential primaries, anticipated to be fiercely contested, scheduled for later in 2023.

  • Minority reshuffle: Soldiers must be deployed to Parliament – Obiri Boahen

    Minority reshuffle: Soldiers must be deployed to Parliament – Obiri Boahen

    Former Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen, is predicting chaos ahead of Parliament’s first sitting this year. His prediction follows the reshuffle of NDC leadership in Parliament.

    He said that the military and police must be deployed to Parliament on February 7, 2023, when the House resumes its sittings.

    According to him, it is likely there will be chaos in the House because of the change in the leadership of the minority caucus.

    Speaking in a Neat FM interview monitored by GhanaWeb, Obiri Boahen added that there might be chaos because some of the leaders who have changed have not indicated that they are stepping down and their supporters are running riot.

    “… soldiers must be sent to Parliament when the House resumes on the 7th. The number of police and soldiers sent there should be like deployment for a war… Supporters of Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka are very adamant that they are still the leaders of the minority and are determined to cause trouble if there are attempts to replace them.

    “Something is going to happen when parliament resumes on the 7th (of February). Because the supporters of Haruna Iddrisu will not agree for someone else to be in his chair and Ato Forson is also determined to take the position of majority leader.

    “I not happy about this… but some African politicians learn history but don’t learn from the lessons of history. The Swedru declaration led to the NDC losing power and the NPP coming to power. And this reshuffle done by the NDC will either make or break them,” he said in Twi.

    Meanwhile, the National Executive of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is expected to meet the party’s Members of Parliament (MPs) on the appointment of their new leadership, on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

    According to the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Kwetey, the executives will be meeting with the minority caucus to explain their decision, after which a confirmation of the new parliamentary leadership will be made.

    The change in the leadership of the minority caucus of Parliament has led to some confusion in the NDC, with some members of the party, including some Members of Parliament, saying that the party’s parliamentarians should have been consulted before the move.

    The NDC leadership has appointed the former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, as the minority leader in the 8th Parliament of Ghana’s Fourth Republic. He replaced the MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu.

    According to the NDC, Kofi Armah Buah, MP for Ellembele, will take over as the Deputy Minority Leader.

    While Kwame Governs Agbodza, MP for Adaklu, will replace Asawase MP Muntaka Mohammed as the Chief Whip.

    Ahmed Ibrahim, MP for Banda, has been maintained as the First Deputy Minority Whip, while Comfort Doyo Cudjoe-Ghansah, MP for Ada, is the Second Deputy Minority Whip.

    Some MPs of the party have petitioned its National Executive Committee (NEC) to suspend the appointment of the new leadership of the party in Parliament.

    The NDC MPs, including Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka (MP for Asawase), Dominic Ayine (MP for Bolgatanga East), and Cletus Avoka (MP for Zebilla), who are calling for the suspension, argue that the appointment was not made by any of the party’s decision-making structures but was imposed by just a few people.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Kweiman Chief accuses NPP regional youth organiser, landguards of encroaching on Kweiman land

    Kweiman Chief accuses NPP regional youth organiser, landguards of encroaching on Kweiman land

    The chief of Kweiman, Nii Anang Amartey, has raised concerns over what he says is the massive encroachment of Kweiman lands by the Chiefs of Oyarifa, Amanfrom and Danfa.

    According to him, some individuals including the NPP Greater Accra Regional youth organiser, Moses Abor, have taken over the land in the area as the land is no longer serving its initial purpose which was cattle rearing.

    Nii Anang Amartey said several petitions to the government have proven futile they are therefore calling of the Inspector General of Police and the Greater Accra Regional Minister to intervene to prevent landguards and security personnel from encroaching further.

    Narrating the incident from the past, he said that somewhere in 1970, the government acquired the land from Kweiman Danfa and Amrahia.

    The government then named it ‘Kweiman-Amrahia daily farm’ to rear cattle, but as time went on, the government did not use the land again so, they decided to take back our land.

    Danfa and Amrahia were compensated but those at Kweiman had issues between the families involved and who the amount involved in the compensation should go to.

    They therefore decided to go to court to settle it so they know who government should give the compensation to.

    The chief said they won the case in 1992 and have since sent petitions and letters to government.

    In 2019, they however noticed that some people have encroached on the land, so they started calling on government to draw their attention to it.

    “…We found out that there was going to be a demolition, so the government sent one Clement Dzato to us.

    “He came and said the government said he should embark on the demolishing. Since 2019 to now he has sold more than 80 per cent of our land. 80 acres and he is there today with his land guards and boys.

    “We applied to the then NPP chairman Freddie Blay to help us. He introduced us to Ben, Ben brought Moses Abor – they are national security personnel and are helping us. We came with his team and said they are helping us, but right now as I am speaking, Moses Abor’s own is worse. So, we don’t know what to do hence the reason we want the government to intervene,” he said in an interview.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Debt exchange: Visually impaired NPP supporter narrates haircut experience with Databank

    Debt exchange: Visually impaired NPP supporter narrates haircut experience with Databank

    A visually impaired supporter of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by the name of Agya Bray, has shared the experience of his GHc50, 000 investment at Databank being locked up due to the ongoing Domestic Debt Exchange Programme of the government.

    Speaking in an interview on Akoma FM, Agya Bray, who sells medical products, said that he went to the bank to withdraw his investment, which had matured, only to be told that there were no funds available.

    He added that the bank told him that if he insists on getting his money back, he will have to lose GHc16,000 of his investment.

    “I did not invest in a government bond. In 2007, I invested ¢500,000,000 (GHc50,000) in products of Ken Ofori-Atta’s Bank (Databank), called the M-Fund and F-Fund. I went there for my money this past Tuesday, and they said that they don’t have any money for me.

    “They told me that they can’t give me any money, and they were saying some things about haircuts and the IMF bailout the government was seeking. And I asked them why the government should be using my money to borrow from the IMF.

    “Then they told me that if I wanted my money, they would let someone pay me, but I am going to lose ¢160,000,000 (GHc16,000),” he said in Twi.

    The NPP supporter said that he has always voted for the party, but if people like him lose their money due to the government’s debt exchange programme, they will abstain from voting in the upcoming 2024 elections.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Bawumia will take Ghana to the promise land – Yendi MP

    Bawumia will take Ghana to the promise land – Yendi MP

    The Member of Parliament for Yendi, Farouk Aliu-Mahama, has said that Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia should be the flagbearer of his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Being a presidential or parliamentary candidate of a party, he believes, should not be based on the number of years one has been a member of the party.

    He said that people saying it is the turn of Alan Kyerematen to be the flagbearer of the NPP are wrong because there were people on the scene before him, including Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, who contested with ex-President John Agyekum Kufour.

    Aliu-Mahama, who made these remarks in a JoyNews interview monitored by GhanaWeb on Sunday, added that the vice president over the past few years has proven that he has the capacity and the competence to transform Ghana.

    “My support for Dr. Bawumia is not because my late father wanted to see him at some point. I have seen the vice president, within the shortest possible time, become a force to reckon with in this country.

    “He has moved the country as a vice president; he has done a lot. He has the vision to do more with the support of the president and has carried himself to the admiration of everybody; he is very competent.

    “The vice president at least can lead Ghana to the promise land… Dr. Bawumia is somebody who stands tall, in the last 16 years, everything is about Bawumia. Even those who don’t like Bawumia are speaking about him,” he said.

    He warned the party to be careful with how it handles the upcoming presidential primaries to ensure that it does not divide the party as it did in 2008, which led to the party losing the election.

    He added that even though all the persons who have expressed interest in contesting in the party’s flagbearership race are competent, only one person can emerge as the winner.

    Meanwhile, the vice president has been projected to be the flagbearer of the NPP in a recent study co-conducted by Outcomes International Ghana and the Centre for Sustainable African Development Initiatives (C-SADI) UK.

    According to the survey, the most popular candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer position in all 16 regions of Ghana is the vice president.

    In all, the survey got responses from around 197,000 NPP polling station executives (PSEs) in all the regions.

    “Data was obtained mainly through computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) technology between 15th November 2022 and 15th December 2022. Based on 95% confidence level and 2% margin of error a sample size of 6000 PSEs was used. However, 5641 PSEs were successfully interviewed (response rate of 94%) from all 96 constituencies.

    “Greater Accra region had the highest number of PSEs interviewed with 1142 PSEs followed by the Ashanti region with 869 PSEs corresponding to 20.2% and 15.4% respectively. More than half of PSE’s who participated in the survey were Akan (54% [n=3056 PSEs]), and 46% (n=2585 PSEs) were non-Akan. In terms of religious distribution, 78% of the PSEs were Christian whilst 20.6% were Muslim,” the report stated.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Debt exchange: Visually impaired man narrates haircut experience with Data Bank

    Debt exchange: Visually impaired man narrates haircut experience with Data Bank

    A visually impaired supporter of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said that he is unable to retrieve his GHc50,000 investment with Data Bank as a result of government’s ongoing Domestic Debt Exchange Program.

    Speaking in an interview on Akoma FM, Agya Bray, who sells medical products, said that he went to the bank to withdraw his investment, which had matured, only to be told that there were no funds available.

    He added that the bank told him that if he insists on getting his money back, he will have to lose GHc16,000 of his investment.

    “I did not invest in a government bond. In 2007, I invested ¢500,000,000 (GHc50,000) in products of Ofori-Atta’s Bank (Data Bank), called the M-Fund and F-Fund. I went there for my money this past Tuesday, and they said that they don’t have any money for me.

    “They told me that they can’t give me any money, and they were saying some things about haircuts and the IMF bailout the government was seeking. And I asked them why the government should be using my money to borrow from the IMF.

    “Then they told me that if I wanted my money, they would let someone pay me, but I am going to lose ¢160,000,000 (GH¢16,000),” he said in Twi.

    The NPP supporter said that he has always voted for the party, but if people like him lose their money due to the government’s debt exchange programme, they will abstain from voting in the upcoming 2024 elections.

  • NPP Communicators call off intended strike after JFK’s intervention

    NPP Communicators call off intended strike after JFK’s intervention

    Members of the Ashanti regional communication team of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) have called off their intended strike, which was set to start Monday, January 30, 2023.

    This follows an engagement by the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Frimpong Koduah, with leaders of the communication team late Sunday night.

    Speaking to the EIB’s Ashanti regional correspondent Isaac Justice Bediako, the NPP’s General Secretary Justin Koduah, said the communicators agreed to call off the strike and wait for the plan the national executives had in mind for them for just a week.

    He said, “I assured them that engagement with key stakeholders is ongoing and and very soon the support will start coming.”

    The General Secretary said the role of the communicators was vital to the projection and promotion of government programmes and policies, adding that he does not take their work lightly.

    “I believe their call is legitimate, and as a party, we would do what we can to work out something for them to make them secure and motivated to work for the progress of the NPP.”

      He, however, expressed gratitude to other party executives who showed interest in appealing to the communicators to call off their intended strike action, which was announced last night.

    Dennis Kwakwa, Ashanti Regional Director of Communications, confirmed the suspension of the strike action in an interview.

     He said the National Communications director asked for a week’s suspension to allow for a further discussion with National executives.

      The Directorate, he inferred would meet after a week and decide on what next to do if nothing concrete comes out from engagements with the National Executives.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Dr. Lawrence writes: The identities of Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng and Elections 2024

    Dr. Lawrence writes: The identities of Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng and Elections 2024

    The NPP are talking of “Breaking the 8” and as much as they look ridiculous saying so, I personally think they are serious about it. The NDC are also saying election 2024 is going to be do or die, but what are we doing to ensure that we win the elections hands-down? This article is to explore the little things the NDC might ignore but can be dangerous going into Elections 2024.

    Today we know Rev Victor Kusi Boateng is the same person as Kwabena Adu Gyamfi. Do we know what name he used to vote in the 2020 elections? Isn’t it possible that he could have voted with Kwabena Adu Gyamfi at Ayawaso Central and voted at Ayawaso West with Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng?

    We now know that his Ghana card has the name Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, but when he responded to the allegations against him, he signed the letter as Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng. Is the NIA and the NPP waiting to issue another Ghana card for him with the name Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng before December 2024? This question looks silly but this is something the NDC should watch out for.

    The big question is how many people in the secured constituencies of the NPP has such double identities and can run around voting for the NPP? Do we know if this is the reason why even though they are governing the country like blind people, they are bold to say “breaking the 8?”

    The way the NPP quickly came up with a Supreme Court ruling to defend Kwabena Adu Gyamfi should raise eyebrows for the NDC. Their argument was that it is legal to have multiple Ghanaian names and so Kwabena Adu Gyamfi was legal. This should tell the NDC that the NPP has prepared many Ghanaian names and ready to issue them Ghana cards before December 2024. I know what the NPP are capable of doing and that is why I am bringing it up now, so the NDC will be vigilant now and then.

    Doesn’t the double identity of Rev. Kusi Boateng make it nonsense the digitalization by Dr. Bawumiah? So, after all the noise and money spent on this digitization thing, some people can have two names in Ghana?

    Take the name Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo. Clearly, these are two legal names put together. A law certificate has one of the names on it and the other doesn’t have a law certificate. The name that doesn’t have a law certificate is the President of Ghana.

    The NPP are always changing their rigging tactics. They stopped Ghanaians in Togo from voting in 2016. They used internal intimidation in 2020. They will use something else in 2024, and I smell double identities. I am just a messenger who sees from afar and writes.
    Mahama reba

    Dr. Lawrence is the Founder of the Diaspora Progressive Movement in USA.

  • The physically challenged Ghanaian youngster hopes to advance science

    The physically challenged Ghanaian youngster hopes to advance science

    At the age of seven, Veronica Obenewaa began experiencing all she currently deals with.

    She had just awoken from sleep when she became aware of an abnormally severe discomfort in her waist.

    She didn’t know that the agony would eventually render her permanently immobile because she thought it was just something that will go away soon.

    Although she frequently had an outgoing and upbeat attitude on life, Veronica’s infirmity altered the course of her life and forced her to keep to herself and stay inside.

    Years on, Veronica has to come to terms with her new reality. Along the way, she returned to school at the St. Louis Senior High School at Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

    During her time at the school, her quest to study General Science, although challenging, did not stop her from aspiring to be even more.

    Her perseverance saw her become the protocol prefect of her school.

    From secondary school, Veronica who is now 26-years-old went searching for a university that was disability-friendly. A friend then advised her to inquire about Ashesi University, one of Ghana’s prestigious private tertiary institutions.

    Luck being on her side, she eventually gained admission into the university, where she now reads computer science, even as she aspires to become a cyber security analyst.

    She expects this experience to lead her on a new learning curve.

    As part of efforts to help Veronica navigate her way through campus, the university’s Financial Aid Office acquired a motorised wheelchair for her.

    In her brief remarks about her journey, as captured on the school’s Facebook page, Veronica shared, “I am always looking to improve myself as a person. That way, people would be forced to look beyond my disability and see my capabilities.”

  • 18-year-old girl arrested for wearing tempting miniskirt in public

    18-year-old girl arrested for wearing tempting miniskirt in public

    An 18-year-old girl and her 32-year-old aunt were arrested in Lusaka, Zambia on Monday for the girl’s choice of clothing.

    The girl, who recently graduated with high marks, was arrested for wearing a miniskirt that allegedly caused several male police officers to become distracted and nearly led to a traffic accident.

    The aunt was arrested for not advising her niece to dress more modestly.

    The case was set to go to trial on Wednesday, but a state prosecutor informed the court that the prosecution had received instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions to discontinue the matter.

    Former Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) chairperson Sara Longwe spoke out in support of the two women, stating that Zambians are protected by the Constitution to wear whatever they choose.

    “There was no case to start with. Because there is no dress code in Zambia. We have freedom of expression, we are Constitutionally protected. Everybody can wear anything. Miniskirt is not indecent,” she said.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • The three immediate things Ato Forson intends to focus on as Minority Leader

    The three immediate things Ato Forson intends to focus on as Minority Leader

    The new Minority Leader of Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has outlined three specific areas that he hopes to focus on in the immediate terms.

    Addressing a brief press conference in parliament on Thursday, January 26, 2023, the Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Esiam stated that among the things he intends to do as leader, is to unite the caucus.

    He then outlined his three roadmaps, starting with a stern warning to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as well as the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    “I will focus the next month to tackle three things. First, I wish to, first of all, send a message to the NPP that the people of Ghana are calling on them to downsize their government to reflect the mood of the country. You are asking people to forgo their coupons or interests, you are asking the ordinary Ghanaian to sacrifice their payout, and so therefore if His Excellency the president intends to reshuffle his government, let it be known that we in the NDC will not accept an attempt to increase the size of government,” he said.

    Cassiel Ato Forson also sent a caution to the president to ensure that he does not increase his government size, adding that should that happen, such new additions will be resisted by the Minority.

    “And if the current size of his ministers increases by one, that one person may not receive our cooperation. And in the end, we also wish to assure the people of Ghana that, as part of our engagement with the Finance Committee and the Health Committee, we have agreed to do public hearing on the audit of the COVID-19 expenditure beginning on the 7th of February, 2023. At that point, we will pay due diligence to the duties given to us by the people,” he added.

    The Minority Leader concluded by indicating that they will embark on a roadshow across the country to educate Ghanaians on the impact of the current economic challenges.

    “And then finally, we will also embark on a roadshow where we will galvanize the people of Ghana and educate them on what this economic crisis is going to take us through,” he said.

    Cassiel Ato Forson takes over from Haruna Iddrisu as the Minority Leader, while Kwame Governs Agbodza is the new Minority Chief Whip.

    Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah will be the new Deputy Minority Leader, while the two deputy Minority Chief Whips, Ahmed Ibrahim and Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, have been retained.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • NDC just signed its death certificate – NPP reacts to removal of Haruna Iddrisu, others

    NDC just signed its death certificate – NPP reacts to removal of Haruna Iddrisu, others

    The Deputy National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ernest Owusu Bempah believes the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has scored an ‘own goal’ with its decision to substitute Haruna Iddrisu for Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as Minority Leader.

    Owusu Bempah believes that the move by the National Executive Council of the NDC works in the favor of the NPP as Haruna Iddrisu had become a thorn in the flesh of the NPP caucus in Parliament.

    He holds that the Haruna Iddris has for the past six year mastered the art of parliamentary experience and that bringing Dr Ato Forson, who he considers to be inexperienced, is akin to the party signing its own death certificate.

    He is quoted by Onua FM to have said that the move presents a great opportunity for Majority caucus to re-establish its control over the house.

    “To sack Haruna Iddrisu, a matured leader to bring an amateur Ato Forson will keep the NDC in opposition,” he said.

    “To remove Haruna Iddrisu who has been giving NPP nightmare in Parlaiment and to bring Ato Forson is a political suicide, they will be floored in Parliament. They have written their own obituary in 2024. It tells you the incompetence of the NDC, it tells you they haven’t got a clue.

    “Can Ato Forson match up to Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu in terms of parliamentary debate and knowledge? Kofi Armah Buah debating Afenyo-Markin? That is a political obituary, it is a political suicide for NDC,” he said in a statement following the changes made to the leadership of the Minority by the NDC on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

    He added “Mahama comes nowhere near Haruna Iddrisu when it comes to political knowledge. He has won the hearts and minds of Northern region, he is one of the key pillars in the north and for you to get Haruna out to bring Ato Forson it means they have written their political obituary.”

    Background

    A former deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has been appointed as the Minority Leader, as replacement for Haruna Iddrisu.

    Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has also been named as the new deputy Minority Chief Whip.

    Kwame Agbodza takes over as Chief Whip.

    Ahmed Ibrahim, MP for Banda, has been maintained as the First Deputy Minority Chief Whip, while Comfort Doyo Cudjoe-Ghansah, MP for Ada, is the Second deputy Minority Chief Whip.

    This was contained in a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, from the National Democratic Congress dated January 23, 2023.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • If January is mistreating your finances, here are 4 money suggestions to help

    If January is mistreating your finances, here are 4 money suggestions to help

    Because most individuals spend lavishly in December, many people think that January is practically longer than other months of the year.

    Here are four suggestions you might apply in this post to finish the rest of the month strong.

    Read the complete article that was first released by kuulpeeps on January 24, 2020.

    Everyone has heard the jokes about January being the longest month of the year and the place when money and financial plans die.

    If you’re reading this then it’s more than likely that you experienced first-hand the savagery of trying to get through January with the same paycheck that you used for Detty December. If you’ve had a bad month, you can still turn things around next month if you use these 4 hacks.

    1. Review your past budget

    One of the best things you can do for yourself to turn your money situation around is to review the budget that you had for the past month and see where things went wrong. Taking a closer look at your spending will show you all the bad money habits that you need to start doing away with in order to turn things around for your account.

    2. Unlink your Mobile Money from your bank account

    These days it’s so convenient to access your money with just a few taps. You can instantly go into the deepest depths of your bank account on your phone and pull as much money out as you want to fuel your bad decisions. If you are serious about saving or managing your money then unlink your momo as soon as possible. If you can’t transfer your money to a different account or whatever else you have to. Convenience is the death of savings and good money management.

    3. Switch to a group Netflix/Spotify/Apple Music plan

    If you’re going solo on any of your streaming subscriptions then you probably deserve the broke-ness that’s following you. Most of the streaming services that you use have family plans that you can get with your friends and split the bill for. It’s an easy way to cut back on some of the money that you’re leaking.

    4. Start thinking of thoughtful Valentine’s gifts

    Everyone knows that valentine’s day is one of the more expensive periods at the beginning of the year. If you’re all coupled up, there’s still a chance for you to save your bank account from taking a bloody combination to the face. Just start thinking of the most thoughtful gifts you can get your person. That way you can deliver on the thought that counts and leave your coins in your account.

  • Ken Agyapong defends 2019 campaign against ‘fake’ prophets at Owusu Bempah’s church

    Ken Agyapong defends 2019 campaign against ‘fake’ prophets at Owusu Bempah’s church

    On Sunday, January 22, 2023, a flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party(NPP), Kennedy Agyapong visited the Glorious Word Power Ministry International, a Christian denomination founded and led by Reverend Isaac Owusu Bempah.

    Kennedy Agyapong who was given the opportunity to share a sermon with the congregants built his preaching on the Bible’s position on how fake prophets will abound in the end times.

    The Assin Central lawmaker referenced a 2019 campaign he embarked against some Christians leaders he believed to be charlatans who were parading as prophets.

    Kennedy Agyapong said that some Christians misconstrued his crusade as one against the Christian faith explaining that he was doing what a good Christian ought to do which is expose people whose actions bring shame to the faith.

    He stated emphatically that he believes in the Bible and is a devout Christian but will not sit unconcerned for some persons to fleece people in the name of Christianity.

    “The topic I intend to teach is the same verse Reverend Owusu Bempah chose. In 2019, I started a crusade to expose pastors and prophets who are fake. Some of the affected persons were preaching that I was anti-Christ so when I went to certain churches, the pastors told me I was anti-Christ.

    “The topic by Reverend Owusu Bempah shows you what I was trying to do. My first verse is 1st Kings 19:24-40 and it talks about Elijah and the Prophets of Baal. We are in the end times and that is exactly what we are experiencing.

    “We have good prophets and bad ones. Just as the disciples asked Jesus to show them how to pray. We should ask Reverend Owusu Bempah how we can detect the good prophets. If he had lied, I would have exposed him but his topic aligns with mine. He has shown the difference between genuine prophets and bad ones,” he said.

    Kennedy Agyapong’s visit to the Glorious Word Power Ministry International follows a similar visit to the Parliament House Chapel weeks back.

    On December 31, 2022 Kennedy Agyapong visited the church owned by Prophet Amoako Atta who is on record to have prophesied that the Assin Central MP will one day run the affairs of this country.

    Kennedy Agyapong is the second high-profile member of the NPP to have visited Reverend Owusu Bempah’s church after Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia on December 25, 2022.