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Tag: odike

  • Akufo-Addo doesn’t behave like the lawyer he claims he is – Odike

    The leader of the United Front Party (UFP), Akwasi Addai Odike, has raised concerns regarding the legal qualifications of President Akufo-Addo.

    Mr Odike expressed doubts during a panel discussion on Onua FM on March 20, 2024, citing issues with Akufo-Addo’s handling of constitutional matters and the perceived imbalance of power within Ghana’s governmental framework.

    He questioned the president’s legal background, noting discrepancies between Akufo-Addo’s actions and expectations for someone with legal expertise. Particularly, Odike criticized Akufo-Addo’s reluctance to initiate a review of Ghana’s constitution despite perceived shortcomings.

    Mr Odike highlighted the concentration of power in the presidency, which he argued undermines the necessary checks and balances crucial for upholding democratic principles.

    He expressed concern over Akufo-Addo’s ability to appoint ministers and influence judicial appointments, suggesting that such control undermines the independence of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

    “Someone says Akufo-Addo is a lawyer; I have my doubts since Akufo-Addo became president. He has never been a lawyer before, because, for us laymen, we wouldn’t behave the way Akufo-Addo is behaving when it comes to the rule of law.

    “First of all, Akufo-Addo is saying that he doesn’t see anything wrong with Ghana’s constitution…I have always been advocating for constitutional review.

    “Look, he has control over the executive and the judiciary. Why has he appointed a parliamentary minister? You see, the three arms of government are supposed to work independently, but the president is able to go to parliament and appoint ministers, which is wrong,” he said.

    He added “The president has the power to appoint a minister of parliamentary affairs and also appoints justices and promotes judges.

    “And the lawyers in this country, if these things are happening here, how do you expect the country to progress? Nana Addo has taken the whole nation to ransom.”

  • I will be back – Kenneth Kuranchie after Supreme Court losing case against Mahama

    I will be back – Kenneth Kuranchie after Supreme Court losing case against Mahama

    After the Supreme Court dismissed his application challenging the eligibility of former President John Dramani Mahama to contest the 2024 elections, Kenneth Agyei Kuranchie, the Managing Editor of the Daily Searchlight, has affirmed his determination to rectify the errors in his suit and refile it in court.

    The Supreme Court declared Kuranchie’s application defective on Tuesday, November 14.

    Despite the setback, Kuranchie, who is also a private legal practitioner, spoke to reporters, acknowledging the discussions around the potential outcome and maintaining a resilient stance.

    “We have been having discussions about this process for about two weeks now, and this was envisaged as a possible outcome. As lawyers, when we come to court, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but if you take it along in your stride, then you hope for a better day,” 3news.com quoted him to have said.

    While admitting that oversights can occur in legal processes, he assured that he would correct the errors in his documents and return them to court.

    “Sometimes these oversights happen. I shall be contesting primaries, after the primaries, on December 2, I will have more time to correct the documents and come back.”


    The journalist-turned-politician, Kenneth Agyei Kuranchie, initiated legal action against the former president in June 2023, challenging his eligibility for another presidential candidacy. In his court filing, he sought a clear interpretation of Article 66 (1) of the 1992 Constitution, specifically addressing the presidential term duration of four years.

    Kuranchie argued that a proper interpretation of Article 62 of the Constitution would imply that a former Ghanaian president is not qualified to seek re-election.

    Consequently, he urged the court to bar John Mahama from pursuing his presidential aspirations.

    However, in a Supreme Court ruling on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, the court dismissed the suit, affirming that the former president, John Dramani Mahama, is eligible to run in the 2024 General Elections.

  • Coward! You should have left NPP like Alan to transform Ghana – Odike tells Ken Agyapong

    Coward! You should have left NPP like Alan to transform Ghana – Odike tells Ken Agyapong

    The founder of the now-defunct United Progressive Party (UPP), Mr. Akwasi Addai Odike, has expressed deep disappointment in response to Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong’s decision to support the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    This decision comes after Kennedy Agyapong lost the party’s presidential primaries to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    On November 4, the results of the primaries were as follows: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia polled 118,210 votes (61.43 percent), Kennedy Agyapong received 71,991 votes (37.41 percent), former Agric Minister Dr. Afriyie Akoto secured 1,459 votes (0.76 percent), and former Mampong MP Frimpong Addai-Nimoh obtained 781 votes (0.41 percent).

    Following the announcement of the results, Mr. Agyapong declared his commitment to the NPP, with the goal of ensuring the party’s success in breaking the eight-year cycle.

    “I believe the party has been fair and transparent, and the only thing I have always been preaching is that this election is fair and my grassroots people have spoken. I pledge my support that we are going to work tirelessly to break the eight.”

    “So, party members that we are here, we should put everything behind us and let us move this party forward. With unity, I believe we can break the eight,” he told the gathering to loud cheers.

    A peeved Odike in an interview on Angel FM noted that he, together with the Ghanaian youth, are disappointed in Mr Agyapong over his inability to take risks to ensure his vision comes to fruition.

    He noted that Mr Agyapong, who on a number of occasions accused the government of being corrupt, should have followed Mr Alan Kyerematen’s footsteps and exited the NPP to make his vision a reality.

    “Kennedy Agyapong, now your showdown comment has been slowed down. From showdown to slowdown Ken, you have raised the hopes of many. They think that you have an extraordinary vision. So I looked at his campaign. It looked like he was gearing towards the general election, and people had their hope in you. Now you have quelled back into your shells that you support Bawumia,” he said in an interview on Angel FM.

    “Kennedy you have disappointed Ghanaians, and if some of us are still alive, you can’t make political comments and get away with it. Alan has shown he is more of a man than him because he has shown he wants to implement his vision to transform this country.”

    Mr Kyerematen left the NPP in September this year over several challenges with the party’s electoral process among others in order to run for the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate.

    According to him, the Assin Central MP has sided with a faction that is not keen on prioritising the needs of citizens against theirs.

    “Those who had hope in you after you said Ghana first and not because of a political party, what should those people do? Are you going to tell them to support Bawumia? Someone you campaigned against Ken, if you say you love the NPP more than Ghana, then you have exposed yourself. Many times, your comments suggest Ghana first. So where you are now, because where you are, it is not Ghana first,” he said.

    He added: If he doesn’t change his mind and come to join us to save this country, Ken Agyapong’s political career has come to an end.”

    Mr Odike noted that the action taken by Mr Agyapong hurt him to the extent that he shed tears.

    “I cried at home yesterday (Sunday). When you say you have a vision, it doesn’t matter the risks you have to take to ensure the vision is materialised. You can’t take risks and you have given so much hope to the Ghanaian youth,” he said.

  • I cried after Ken Agyapong backed NPP after his loss, he has disappointed the youth – Odike

    I cried after Ken Agyapong backed NPP after his loss, he has disappointed the youth – Odike

    Founder of the now-defunct United Progressive Party (UPP), Mr Akwasi Addai Odike, has expressed deep sorrow following Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong’s decision to support the New Patriotic Party (NPP) after losing the party’s presidential primaries to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

    On November 4, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia polled 118,210 votes, representing 61.43 percent, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong garnered 71,991 votes (37.41 percent), former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto got 1,459 votes (0.76 percent) and former Mampong MP, Frimpong Addai-Nimoh secured 781 votes, representing (0.41 percent).

    After the results were declared, Mr Agyapong pledged his allegiance to the party to ensure the NPP breaks the 8.

    “I believe the party has been fair and transparent, and the only thing I have always been preaching is that this election is fair and my grassroots people have spoken. I pledge my support that we are going to work tirelessly to break the eight.”

    “So, party members that we are here, we should put everything behind us and let us move this party forward. With unity, I believe we can break the eight,” he told the gathering to loud cheers.

    A peeved Odike in an interview on Angel FM noted that he, together with the Ghanaian youth, are disappointed in Mr Agyapong over his inability to take risks to ensure his vision comes into fruition.

    He noted that Mr Agyapong, who on a number of occasions accused the government of being corrupt, should have followed Mr Alan Kyerematen’s footsteps and exited the NPP to make his vision a reality.

    “Kennedy Agyapong, now your showdown comment has been slowed down. From showdown to slowdown Ken, you have raised the hopes of many. They think that you have an extraordinary vision. So I looked at his campaign. It looked like he was gearing towards the general election, and people had their hope in you. Now you have quelled back into your shells that you support Bawumia,” he said in an interview on Angel FM.

    According to him, the Assin Central MP has sided with a faction that is not keen on prioritising the needs of citizens against theirs.

    “Those who had hope in you after you said Ghana first and not because of a political party, what should those people do? Are you going to tell them to support Bawumia? Someone you campaigned against Ken, if you say you love the NPP more than Ghana, then you have exposed yourself. Many times, your comments suggest Ghana first. So where you are now, because where you are, it is not Ghana first,” he said.

    He added: “Kennedy you have disappointed Ghanaians, and if some of us are still alive, you can’t make political comments and get away with it. Alan has shown he is more of a man than him because he has shown he wants to implement his vision to transform this country. If he doesn’t change his mind and come to join us to save this country, Ken Agyapong’s political career has come to an end.”

    Mr Odike noted that the action taken by Mr Agyapong hurt him to the extent that he shed tears.

    “I cried at home yesterday (Sunday). When you say you have a vision, it doesn’t matter the risks you have to take to ensure the vision is materialised. You can’t take risks and you have given so much hope to the Ghanaian youth,” he said.

  • This is the end of Ken Agyapong’s political career – Odike

    Founder of the now-defunct United Progressive Party (UPP), Mr Akwasi Addai Odike, has noted that Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong’s political career is hinged on his ability to disassociate himself from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to set up another to achieve his vision for the country.

    His comments come after Mr Agyapong lost the NPP presidential primaries and gave his support to the victor of the day, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

    “I believe the party has been fair and transparent, and the only thing I have always been preaching is that this election is fair and my grassroots people have spoken. I pledge my support that we are going to work tirelessly to break the eight.”

    “So, party members that we are here, we should put everything behind us and let us move this party forward. With unity, I believe we can break the eight,” he told the gathering to loud cheers.

    His statements have been condemned by Mr Odike who believes Mr Agyapong has disappointed numerous Ghanaians who had faith that he would be able to transform the country.

    “Kennedy Agyapong, now your showdown comment has been slowed down. From showdown to slowdown Ken, you have raised the hopes of many. They think that you have an extraordinary vision. So I looked at his campaign. It looked like he was gearing towards the general election, and people had their hope in you. Now you have quelled back into your shells that you support Bawumia,” he said in an interview on Angel FM.

    According to him, the Assin Central MP has sided with a faction that is not keen on prioritising the needs of citizens against theirs.

    “Those who had hope in you after you said Ghana first and not because of a political party, what should those people do? Are you going to tell them to support Bawumia? Someone you campaigned against Ken, if you say you love the NPP more than Ghana, then you have exposed yourself. Many times, your comments suggest Ghana first. So where you are now, because where you are, it is not Ghana first,” he said.

    He added: “Kennedy you have disappointed Ghanaians, and if some of us are still alive, you can’t make political comments and get away with it. Alan has shown he is more of a man than him because he has shown he wants to implement his vision to transform this country. If he doesn’t change his mind and come to join us to save this country, Ken Agyapong’s political career has come to an end.”

  • Abronye claims Odike obtained a GH10 million contract from NPP and sold it to Wontumi

    Bono Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Kwame Baffoe popularly known as Abronye DC,   has accused his group of disdaining the NPP’s industrious members.

    According to Abronye, officials of the party who have been appointed in the current government have rather been focused on rewarding members of opposition parties at the expense of NPP members.

    In a Facebook post sighted by GhanaWeb, Abronye, citing an example, alleged that the government awarded a GH¢10 million contract to the founder and leader of the United Front Party, Akwasi Addai Odike.

    “It will amaze you that party executives who are industrious farmers are begging for loans from a certain bank [name withheld] to expand their businesses, but to no avail. These farmers have been denied support, yet Akwasi Addai Odike has been given $50,000 by this same state bank to set up a factory in Kumasi, and absolutely nothing has been done on the purported land.

    “Odike has squandered the money to the bone, yet he is always on radio and TV insulting the president. Same Akwasi Addai Odike was awarded a cocoa road contract worth GHS 10 million and sold it to our Chairman Wontumi for GHS 800,000,” he alleged.

    Abronye emphasized that current government officials have been focused on rewarding their cronies from opposition parties, while people who contribute to the growth of the NPP have been sidelined.

    “Meanwhile, the contract documents of party officers who are sustaining the party including my good self, contract documents every now and then, mysteriously disappear from the Jubilee House. Other die-hard faithfuls have not even seen a contract before.

    “Is Odike better than our regional chairmen, our constituency executives, or former party stewards who are dying of hunger? Or did Odike sacrifice more than our teeming footsoldiers?” he questioned.

    Abronye’s outburst was in response to claims that the National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi, is building a mega-mansion in the plush East Legon Hills area with funding from NPP officials.

    “If Sammy Gyamfi and Co. are enjoying today, then we should blame some of these government appointees who are financing them.

    “Personally, I have stopped defending the party because of this. Some of our appointees pay NDC communicators monthly to stop them from attacking them but do not care about those who defend the president,” Abronye added.

    Read the full statement by Abronye below:

    SAMMY GYAMFI’S MANSION WAS FUNDED BY SOME NPP APPOINTEES; SEVERAL OTHER NDC COMMUNICATORS ARE ON THE PAYROLL OF TOP NPP APPOINTEES.

    I have seen a video of George Opare Addo which has been widely circulated by some npp footsoldiers and patriots concerning a house Sammy Gyamfi is building at Airport Residential area.

    The most important question footsoldiers must ask ourselves is who gave him the money to construct the said building? What is his source of wealth in opposition? Or is it the case that he is benefiting from this administration than those who birth it?

    As a matter of fact, part of the money came from monies Mr. Mahama diverted from the state through several corrupt activities that occurred under the erstwhile government of which we (NPP Government) have been unable to prosecute a majority of such cases however, a large chunk of the money also came from NPP bigwigs.

    Indeed, not all NPP faithfuls can be appointees but all worked hard to birth this government. In fact, some persons who survived incidents that may have taken their lives just to see NPP win power in 2016 are the ones suffering the most.

    As a footsoldier, what support have you received from the government appointees you see living lavish lifestyles on social media?

    I know a government appointee who flies NDC communicators to Dubai for holidays so as to stop them from attacking his personality and the agency he heads working as a CEO.

    Same NDC communicators will sit on Tv attacking Akufo Addo left, right, centre and using all manner of words and that seems not to be a problem for such CEO’s and appointees because all they care about is their side chicks and themselves.

    The benefit Sammy Gyamfi and Co has received from this government’s appointees far exceed what constituency executives, Regional Executives, polling stations executives and foot soldiers combined have received since this party came to power.

    In recent times, I have been calling on the president Akufo Addo government and his appointees to publish list of projects that have been given to Regional chairmen, Regional Executives and Constituency Executives since 2017.

    I have informed the Chief of staff, The president, Vice President, former GS and Gaby Otchere Darko about this issue and nothing has been done about it. I have on so many occasions informed the president about how myself and several other persons who sacrificed to birth this government have been maltreated by his government and I don’t think the president can on any day deny this.

    Those who sacrificed the most in 2016 are those suffering the most today.
    Today, NPP is in power but certain serial callers, social media activists even struggle to make ends meet.

    If I kwame Baffoe Abronye and my colleague Regional Chairpersons, Former Constituency Chairmen, Current and former constituencies Executives are suffering, how much more a footsoldier, serial caller, social media activist, etc..

    It will amaze you that, party executives who are industrious farmers are begging for loans from a certain Bank [Name withheld] to expand their businesses, but to no avail.
    These farmers have been denied support yet AKwasi Addai Odike has been given $50,000 by this same state bank to set up a factory in Kumasi and absolutely nothing has been done on the purported land.

    Odike has squandered the money to the bone and yet he is always on Radio and TV insulting the President.

    Same Akwasi Addai Odike was awarded a cocoa road contract worth GHS 10 million and sold it to our Chairman WONTUMI for GHS 800,000.00

    Meanwhile the contract documents of party officers who are sustaining the party including my good self contract documents every now and then mysteriously disappear from the Jubliee house. Other die hard faithfuls have not even seen a contract before.
    Is Odike better than our Regional Chairmen, our constituency executives, former party Stewart who are dying of hunger? Or did Odike sacrifice more than our teeming footsoldiers?

    Again, Aseidu Nketia in 2018 had mining concessions from the late Sir John but NPP executives were denied same.

    Today, certain appointees are still giving out juicy contracts to known NDC officers while our own remain neglected.

    If Sammy Gyamfi and Co are enjoying today then we should blame some of this government appointees who are financing them.

    Personally I have stopped defending the party because of this.
    Some of our appointees pay NDC communicators monthly to stop them from attacking them but do not care about those who defend the President.

    If all our ministers and appointees are like Napo, Ursula Owusu, Amoako Atta, Dr Afriye Akoto, Kan Dapaah and Ken Ofori Atta , Baffour Awuah, Kennedy Agyapong , Dr Boadi of Geftfund and our able and dynamic vice president then we are good to break the 8 because these appointees and “big men” are not afraid of any attack from the NDC let alone bribing them to keep quiet. These appointees especially head of state agencies should know that the NPP has a vibrant communication team than the NDC but because of their wickedness the party is today suffering.

    I know several party officers and foot soldiers are suffering to death but can’t speak out. For me, I will speak out!

    Breaking the 8 is possible only if our appointees will stop being self centered and greedy.

    The irony is that, the few benefiting from this government are rather feeding NDC officers so that in the unlikely situation when NDC wins power they will also feed them.

    In my next episode, I will name and shame NPP appointees funding NDC communicators and anti Akufo Addo crusaders.

    Arise Arise Arise NPP Footsoldiers.

    Arise To Save The Party

    To be continued……

    GA/SEA

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • The environment is no longer conducive for businesses to thrive – Odike

    Akwasi Addae Odike, the founder of the United Progressive Party (UPP), has claimed that the current business climate is unfavorable, particularly for Ghanaians.

    In regards to our minerals and natural resources, he claimed that since 1992, succeeding governments had engaged in what he called lose-win talks with our foreign partners.

    He claimed that during negotiations, we give up 90% to foreigners, take loans, and use the remaining 10% to pay off our debts.

    This he said has affected the benefits that the country needs to derive from our mineral resources.

    To resolve this challenge, Odike who wants to be elected as president in 2024 said he would change the narrative and ensure that Ghana gets between 30-40 per cent on any deal with our partners.

    He explained that the rule would be explicit and politicians will no longer negotiate deals on behalf of Ghanaians but rather experts.

    He promised to add value to our natural resources so Ghanaians would benefit from them.

    He added that the economy is also not in the best shape and that alone is also affecting businesses, depriving people of their jobs.

    He further promised to introduce a system where business owners would get soft international loans, create a conducive atmosphere, build more factories, mechanised agriculture, and export more.

    “I will support Ghanaians to take commanding heights of the economy by ensuring that they are the majority owners of businesses in the country.”

  • Make galamsey fight part of bailout conditionalities – Odike ‘petitions’ IMF

    Founder of the United Peoples Party (UPP), Akwasi Addae Odike, has hinted that he will be petitioning Ghana’s international partners over illegal small-scale mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.

    He listed three institutions that the UPP will be petitioning to put pressure on the government to take more decisive steps in combatting the ever-growing scourge of galamsey.

    In an interview on Joy News channel, October 10, 2022; Odike stressed that from where he sat, the government was still not taking the galamsey fight seriously hence the need to employ external pressures.

    “We want to send a petition to United Nations, European Union and International Monetary Fund, IMF, we want this to be part of the conditions, the strings attached to the bailout. I am imploring the IMF to bring galamsey issues as part of the conditionalities to secure this bailout.

    “This will push the government harder, to take decisive decisions to mitigate this menace. United Nations Security Council too must come in, because now the effect of illegal mining is creating a health hazard,” he submitted.

    He also cited the issue of security submitting that people into galamsey “are possessing a lot of guns, apart from that, HIV/AIDS is on the ascendency at these mining areas,” he alleged insisting that he had evidence to back the claims.

    He is also worried about the fact that galamsey was gradually posing a health threat, especially to tubers that are grown in affected areas.

    “It is contaminating our food, the tubers. You are sitting in Accra here and unbeknownst to you, you buy a yam which has been contaminated with cyanide and you will have a kidney or some infection,” he added.

    Galamsey has become topical in recent months with the resurgence of news on its continued negative impact on the environment.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at a recent meeting with the National House of Chiefs and selected Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, MMDCEs, restated his resolve to root out the canker.

    The issue has also been given impetus following the rearrest last month of a notorious galamsey kingpin in the person of Aisha Huang.

    The Chinese national who had as of 2018 been repatriated from Ghana after the state discontinued a criminal trial against her for galamsey, reentered the country on the blind side of the authorities.

     

  • My life is in danger Odike cries as armed thugs ransack his office

    Founder and Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai aka Odike, says his life is at stake after escaping an attack on him by some unidentified thugs.

    According to the businessman the gunmen raided his office  in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region Monday amid the firing of gunshots.

    Speaking on Kasapa News, Akwasi Addai Odike, who went into hiding when the thugs stormed his office, said his life is in danger.

    He stated that a bullet hit nobody but a few of my staff were physically assaulted and sustained minor injuries.

    “They could not spot me, otherwise I would have belonged to the silent world by now,” the politician indicated.

    The attack comes three days after the Asanteman Traditional Council held an emergency meeting at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on 19th August 2022, where Odike was banned from visiting the palace after he accused some Ashanti chiefs of their involvement in illegal mining [Galamsey].

    As a result, a ram was slaughtered to invoke ancestral curses against the businessman.

    He has since filed a report with the police following which the police visited the crime scene for preliminary investigation.

     

  • Kumasi Traditional Council performs ritual to banish Odike

    The Manhyia Palace in Kumasi is furious with the founder and leader of United Progressive Party, Akwasi Addai popularly known as “Odike” for his remarks regarding the role of chiefs in illegal mining.

    The former businessman turned politician appeared as a guest on Oyerepa Fm in Kumasi, where he harshly criticized the chiefs for their failure to assist put an end to the galamsey issue.

    He is also accused of encouraging young people to protest against chiefs if they don’t make it plain what their roles in or stances on illicit mining are.

    However, his remarks have been criticized as offensive and unfounded and intended to harm Manhyia’s reputation.

    As a result, some chiefs of the Kumasi Traditional Council, led by the Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, on Friday performed rituals to banish Odike from Manhyia.

    They slaughtered a ram in a traditional rites to prevail on the gods to help resist any rebellion against Asante Kingdom.

     

  • Dont allow yourselves to be compromised Odike warns NDC MPs

    The disqualified 2020 presidential candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP) and businessman Mr. Akwasi Addai Odike has sent a strong warning to opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) not to compromise against the will of Ghanaians in executing their duties of lawmaking.

    After the December 7, 2020 parliamentary elections under the forth Republic in the history of Ghana, opposition party has been able to tie parliamentary seats with party in power.

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) out of the total 275 seats captured 137 with ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) securing 137 seats whiles an independent candidate was able to find his way through.

    However, speaking on the matter on Akoma FM in Kumasi monitored by MyNewsGH.com, Mr. Odike furiously said “we are giving this warning to NDC MPs, if you dare compromise against the sovereign will of the people just as PC Appiah Ofori said MPs have been receiving GHC5, 000 to pass shady bills, if it happens again in this time, you will really disappoint Ghanaians”.

    Mr. Odike further stressed that the tight nature of the parliament would be very helpful in many ways and also eliminates shady deals done by parliament.

    “It is coming to help us in all diverse ways because shady deals that were rubber stumped in parliament will be no more, he said.

    “I am looking for a day when opposition will dominate Parliament, when that happens, checks and balances and separation of Powers will be effective”, Odike added.

    Source: My News GH

  • Why EC disqualified Odike and 4 others from 2020 Presidential polls

    The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has made public some of the problems disqualified candidates had with their nomination forms.

    According to the Commission, independent aspirant Marricke Gane presented fake signatures on his forms.

    Also, Akwasi Addae Odike of the UPP faked signatures of people to complete his form. Kwesi Busumuru of the Popular Action Party also had fake signatures and had no supporters for some districts in Greater Accra Region.

    For Nana Agyenim Boateng of the UFP, three persons denied endorsing his candidature.

    This means 12 candidates will be found on the Ballot paper on December 7 after five of the candidates were cleared off the contest.

    Source: My News GH

  • Jean Mensa must account for botched December 17 referendum – Odike

    The founder of the United Front Party, Akwasi Addai Odike, has asked the Electoral Commissioner, Jean Mensa to come and account for the botched referendum.

    Mr. Odike says the cancellation of the December 17 referendum despite the campaigns and printing of ballot papers caused the nation money hence the need for the EC boss to account.

    The businessman cum politician told Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that though, the cost of the botched referendum is yet to be known by him, he is of a strong opinion that Ghana lost millions of cedis as a result of the decision to cancel the process.

    President Akufo-Addo on December 1, 2019 called off the holding of the Referendum of 17th December 2019 citing the lack of a broad, national consensus amongst key stakeholders and the populace.

    President Akufo-Addo following that decision instructed the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama who was spearheading the process on behalf of the government to abort the process and to see the withdrawal of the bills for the amendment of the constitution, both in respect of the Article 243(1) and Article 55(3).

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Postpone elections to 2021 – Kwasi Addae ‘Odike’

    The founder and leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Mr Kwasi Addae aka Odike, has advised the Electoral Commission (EC) to postpone the 2020 elections to 2021.

    According to him, the continuous rise in the infections of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country would not create an enabling environment for the organisation of a credible parliamentary and presidential election for 2020.

    In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Kumasi, Mr Addae said the current state of affairs would also make it virtually impossible for the EC to strictly follow its schedule timetable for an effective election.

    “No one can tell me that looking at the rate of the infection spreading in the country, the pandemic will end very soon,” he said.

    More time

    Mr Addae further said even if the pandemic should end before December, this year, the EC would still need more time to follow due process in order to organise a credible election.

    “The EC needs enough time to embark on public education before its intended registration exercise, attend to challenges from unqualified registrants, undertake exhibition of the voters register and then prepare for the main election on December 7.

    When asked what should be done to avert a constitutional crisis in the event the EC postpones the elections, Mr Addae said the constitution could be amended to deal with the situation, adding “protecting human lives must be the topmost priority.”

    Change strategy

    Mr Addae called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his team of experts to change strategy in the fight against COVID-19 to halt the spread of the pandemic in the country.

    He said he believed the President lifted the restriction on movement too early.

    “The government must revise its tactics to deal with this pandemic,” he said.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Unemployed graduates more vulnerable than Kayayei, feed them too Odike tells Akufo-Addo

    Founder of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike has faulted government over its classification of some individuals as “vulnerable” in the wake of the COVID-19 without recourse to a thorough judgement to the individual plight of citizens in such a time.

    He says not all head porters (kayayei), street hawkers and shoeshine boys who prior to the lockdown earned a living through non-formal activities can be classified as vulnerable because some of them used to make “unbelievable savings” on a daily basis.

    According to him, unemployed graduates who had no means of earning a living prior to the lockdown could be the most vulnerable in the present circumstances and so must also be brought into the bracket by government.

    He was commenting on the decision by government to serve some 400,000 individuals in the Greater Accra and the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan areas with daily hot meals and dry food packages throughout the period of the partial lockdown in those areas, when he made these remarks in an interview in Kumasi-based Angel FM monitored by MyNewsGh.com on Tuesday.

     

    Source: mynewsgh.com