The National Peace Council (NPC), together with the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and other partners in the Election Situation Room, has urged political parties to withdraw their supporters from the election collation centres to ensure the smooth conduct of the collation process.
This comes in response to calls from the two major political parties, urging their supporters to converge at the collation centres to protect the ballots, Electoral Commission (EC) officials, and security personnel.
The Election Situation Room has expressed concern over this development, which it believes could impede the work of electoral officers, delay the delivery of election results, and heighten tensions at the collation centres. T
he NPC has called on political parties to exercise restraint and allow only their accredited agents to observe the collation process, emphasizing the need for political parties to respect electoral rules and support the professionalism and integrity of the EC.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has also reiterated that only accredited individuals will be allowed entry into collation centres across all constituencies. This follows reports of residents and party sympathizers attempting to force their way into restricted areas.
“Currently, a collation of both presidential and parliamentary results is underway in all the 276 constituency collation centres. The Commission wishes to inform the leadership of political parties and presidential candidates that the coalition centres are restricted areas,” the EC stated.
There have been incidents in constituencies such as Ablekuma West, Ablekuma Central, and Okaikoi North, where groups have engaged in standoffs with police and electoral officials as they attempted to observe the counting process.
In a press briefing, Samuel Tettey, the EC’s Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations, emphasized that each candidate is allowed only two agents at the collation centres.
“Only persons who have been accredited by the Electoral Commission can have access to the constituency coalition centres, and each candidate has two agents at each of the coalition centres. There is no need for the coalition centres to be overcrowded.”
The EC urged all stakeholders to comply with these guidelines to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and efficient election process.
Representatives from all political parties and their presidential candidates are expected to convene and sign a peace pact today, Thursday, November 28.
The peace agreement will bind candidates to uphold peace before, during, and after the elections.
Chairman of the National Peace Council, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, in an interview with Citi FM, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, called on political candidates to partake in the ceremony to ensure a free and fair election.
“So far, we believe that all the parties will be there. We have commitments for all of them. We have sent them a copy of the pact for them to study if they have any comments to come back, and so far, we have not had any adverse reactions from any of the parties.”
“And so right now what we are doing is putting down appropriations for the various logistics and the things that need to be done for the signing of the pact.”
There is still uncertainty regarding the participation of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the peace pact.
NDC Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, had indicated that unless specific conditions are met the party will not join in the signing ceremony.
He requested that signatures of key government figures such as the President, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief Justice, the National Security Coordinator, and the Attorney-General must also be included in the pact.
Ahead of Ghana’s December elections, UN Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, has stressed the importance of quality communication and transparency between the Electoral Commission (EC), the judiciary, and key political stakeholders, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Simão stressed that open engagement is critical to fostering trust and ensuring a credible electoral process.
In an interview on Joy News, Simão highlighted that “continuous communication is essential to building a transparent and credible electoral process,” expressing optimism that the EC and Mahama’s camp will maintain open dialogue to secure a fair and peaceful election.
Simão also called for more public outreach from the judiciary, pointing to their professionalism but noting that limited communication has sometimes led to misunderstandings.
“High professionalism alone isn’t enough; the quality of communication must also match the stakes involved,” he emphasized.
He advocated for clear, audience-specific information, recommending technical details for legal experts and broader explanations for the general public to enhance transparency and public trust during the election period.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that it will convene another Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
This was disclosed in a press release issued by the Commission on Monday, October 14.
The meeting will bring together key stakeholders in the electoral process to discuss critical matters ahead of the 2024 general elections. According to the EC, the primary agenda for the meeting will focus on the re-exhibition of the Provisional Voter’s Register (PVR), a significant step in ensuring the accuracy and transparency of the voter register to facilitate a smooth electoral process.
The EC has been actively engaging political parties and other stakeholders in these efforts, encouraging full cooperation and participation to ensure the success of the election preparations. In its press release, the EC urged all political parties to attend the meeting, with a maximum of two representatives per party. This limitation is likely to keep the meeting focused and productive, enabling efficient discussions on the issues at hand.
The Commission hopes to strengthen collaboration with political parties through this meeting. As with previous gatherings, the media will have access to cover the proceedings.
The Electoral Commission (EC) is holding an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting today, Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
The meeting is intended to provide political parties with an opportunity to present any findings they may have regarding the Provisional Voters Register (PVR). It will also allow the EC to present an updated report on issues it has resolved with the PVR.
In a move to keep citizens informed, the Commission has announced that the meeting will be covered live, as part of its ongoing efforts to build trust in its processes. The EC is optimistic that feedback from political parties will help further strengthen the 2024 Voters Register.
This meeting follows persistent pressure on the EC to conduct a forensic audit of the Voters Register, after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) raised concerns about the integrity of the register, particularly regarding the transfer of voters without their consent.
The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to take its responsibilities seriously ahead of the December 7 elections, considering the numerous concerns that have emerged.
Dr Boafo urged the EC to be more transparent in its processes and to address the issues raised by political parties. His comments come after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) held a nationwide demonstration on Tuesday, September 17, protesting the EC’s refusal to allow a forensic audit of the voter’s register.
The NDC argues that such an audit is essential to ensure a fair and credible electoral process, alleviating public concerns about the accuracy of the register.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr Boafo emphasized the need for the EC to address these concerns, stating, “With the issues at stake, we would not say it is enough; that is why, in the statement, we asked if they could also open up and address these issues. We are not saying that everything is done and finished, and so we should just leave it as it is, no.”
He highlighted that the grievances are not exclusive to the NDC, noting that other political groups, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have also raised concerns.
“Looking at all of these, it is not just the NDC; the Alan group might also have their challenge, and the NPP might also have their challenge. All of these are sent to the EC to address. So that, at the end of the day, we can all say that we have a credible register that can lead us to a peaceful election,” Dr. Boafo added.
Electoral Commission (EC)of Ghana has denied allegations that it has withheld the voters’ register from political parties.
During a press conference on Monday, August 19, 2024, Deputy Electoral Commissioner Dr. Bossman Asare confirmed that the political parties have already received a copy of the voters’ register ahead of the voter exhibition exercise set to begin on August 20, 2024.
He also emphasized that the commission remains within its scheduled timeline for distributing the register, according to citinewsroom.com.
“We have heard in sections of the media that the commission has not given the provisional voter register to the political parties after informing the parties to bring their external drives.
We want to place on record that, per Regulation 22 of CI 31 as amended by CI 126, the commission is required to give the provisional register to the political parties not later than three months from the end of the registration period.
“As you may be aware, the limited registration ended on May 29, 2024, and the mop-up registration ended on August 3, 2023.”
Dr. Asare clarified that the NDC had collected its external drive containing copies of the register.
“On the basis of the limited registration, the commission has until the end of August 2024 to give the provisional register of the political parties. We wish to state that the external drives containing the provisional voters register are available for pickup.
However, we can say from the records that the NDC has collected its external drive. The other parties have also collected,” he stated.
The statementof the ECcomes in the wake of pressure mounted by political parties for the release of the voters register ahead of the voter’s exhibition exercise on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
Entertainment pundit, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has criticized detractors for misinterpreting Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong’s remarks about withholding power from the NDC.
Acheampong recently restated his position from 2023, firmly stating that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will not cede power to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
Speaking at a health walk in Kwahu, the Abetifi MP emphasized his skepticism about the NDC’s electoral prospects and questioned their relentless pursuit of power despite their inability to secure victory in elections.
“Last year I stood here in Mpraeso and said that whether NDC likes it or not they will never win the 2024 polls. If you don’t win an election, will power be handed over to you? We will not hand it over to them today or tomorrow,” Mr. Acheampong was heard saying.
His remarks have ignited widespread criticism from the public, with many arguing that they pose a threat to the country’s peace as the elections approach.
However, A Plus holds a different perspective.
Taking to Facebook, the social commentator defended Bryan Acheampong’s statements, providing a detailed explanation of what he believes the minister actually intended to convey.
“What is wrong with this statement? ‘You won’t win and if you don’t win, we won’t hand over power to you.’ What is wrong with it? Did he say if you win, they won’t hand over power? Have you seen or heard that a party came to power because they lost the election before? Work hard and win,” he stated.
A Plus continued, “When you are allocated money for the grassroots who are working tirelessly for the party make sure it gets to them. Don’t engage in the same 4ckry that went on in some places during the 2020 elections where some accept banku and tilapia, fried rice and chicken, etc on election day and allow their opponents to rig the election. If you don’t win, you won’t come to power! It is a m@da4kn fact!! Thank you!!”
President Akufo-Addo assured Ghanaians of a transparent electoral process, emphasizing his dedication to upholding fairness and integrity in the upcoming December polls.
The President highlighted the preparedness of security agencies to swiftly handle any disruptions, urging political parties to campaign without hostility.
Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment as the primary authority governing the country, emphasizing accountability for government decisions.
“Mr. Speaker, I want to at this juncture assure the people of Ghana that I will do everything possible to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections. The security agencies are well-prepared to deal with anyone or groups of persons who intend to cause any havoc.”
Additionally, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his role as the foremost authority responsible for governing the country.
He stressed that there should be no ambiguity regarding who bears the accountability for the outcomes of any decisions implemented by the government.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) is poised to unveil its policy recommendations intended to guide political parties in formulating their manifestos for the upcoming general elections.
This proactive approach aims to ensure the effective integration of GNAT members’ needs into the political agendas of various parties.
In an interview with Citi News in Accra, Thomas Musah, the General Secretary of GNAT, emphasized the departure from a reactive stance to a proactive role in presenting policy suggestions to political entities.
Mr Musah explained, “We have put a team together, and they are working on a policy document. This time, we do not want to go by the reactionary approach where a government official will speak, and then we would be called upon to respond. We also want to give them what we want and then put these things into your manifesto. We want to give them a particular document to factor into their manifesto,” he added.
The GNAT General Secretary highlighted the association’s commitment to safeguarding its members’ welfare by leading in the formulation of policy proposals. The aim is to ensure that the concerns of educators are given priority and adequately addressed in political party manifestos.
“Sovereignty resides in the people. It is in the interest of the people that you are there. For the welfare of our members, we are putting some documents together. So now when it comes to accountability and we are referring, we can also refer to the kind of demand we made on them,” Musah affirmed.
Assuring a timely release, he stated, “All things being equal, we are sure that by the close of this week, we should be able to communicate with the political parties.”
The bill was suggested in 1996 but wasn’t approved for a long time because some political parties didn’t agree with it.
On Wednesday, almost everyone in the Lok Sabha agreed to pass it after a long and intense discussion.
Lawmakers in the upper house of the Indian parliament, called the Rajya Sabha, will need to approve the bill now.
If this is approved, it will be sent to the Indian president and become a law.
However, it is still a long way from being put into action because it relies on India finishing their census.
The exercise is usually done every 10 years. It was supposed to happen in 2021, but because of the coronavirus pandemic it got postponed. Now, it is planned to happen in 2025 instead.
Proposed changes to the boundaries of assembly seats, to increase the total number of constituencies, known as delimitation, could make it even more difficult to put the bill into action.
The BJP, the ruling party in India, hopes that the approval of this law will help them do well in the upcoming elections.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed gratitude to the Members of Parliament who supported the bill in the Lok Sabha. He described it as an important law that will allow more women to get involved in politics.
The bill got approved when 454 MPs from different political parties voted for it, and only two MPs voted against it.
The Lok Sabha talked about the new law for almost eight hours. Some people from the Opposition spoke up about how it will work, but overall, they still backed it.
Sonia Gandhi, who used to be the president of Congress, said that the party agrees with the planned law but wants it to be put into action right away.
Ms Gandhi asked how many years they would have to wait, will it be two, four, or eight years. Delaying this would be very unfair to women. Some MPs who oppose the current system have also asked for a special rule that reserves spots specifically for women from the Other Backward Classes.
In the middle, there are many groups of people, considered to be around 52% of the population, called Other Backward Classes or OBCs. India’s census has always included information about the population of Dalits and Adivasis, but it has never collected data on the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
The new bill suggests that out of all the seats, which are already set aside for Dalits and tribespeople, one-third of them should also be set aside for women. But it doesn’t include a similar rule for women who are part of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Ms Gandhi spoke in parliament and suggested that the government should count and gather information on people belonging to different castes, especially those from Other Backward Classes (OBCs). She also proposed that the benefits of the proposed law should be given to women from these groups too.
Some other Members of Parliament from opposing parties said that the ruling party’s action was just pretending to make things better.
MP Asaduddin Owaisi, one of the two votes against the bill, believes that the current bill will only help women belonging to the upper caste.
The Electoral Commission (EC) office in the Tamale Metropolis has raised serious concerns regarding what it perceives as efforts by political parties to include ineligible voters in the electoral register.
The Director of the Tamale Metro branch of the Commission, Bismark Nteh, expressed dismay over the persistence of this unlawful activity despite numerous engagements with political parties to discourage it.
Mr. Nteh is apprehensive about the potential repercussions for the individuals involved when their falsely claimed ages come back to haunt them in the future. Consequently, he advised parents to discourage their children from engaging in such fraudulent practices.
“I will plead with parents that they shouldn’t allow political parties to deceive them, that because they want a number of people to register, indeed they will have the number, these children are going to suffer in future. One day they will need their actual ages for something and it will affect them,” the Tamale Metro Director of the Electoral Commission in the Northern Region said.
“This is an artificial problem created by the EC, because people come there early, and they don’t get to be registered on time, the entire EC must be blamed,” the NDC Constituency Chairman for Okaikwei North said.
Nonetheless, the Greater Accra Regional Chapter of the NDC has taken the initiative to provide transportation for individuals who may face difficulties accessing registration centers.
Emmanuel Nii Ashie-Moore, the Regional Chairman, explained that this action is essential to ensure that a significant number of party members who are 18 years and older can get registered.
This move comes in response to appeals from various political parties urging the Electoral Commission (EC) to expand the number of registration centers for the upcoming voter registration exercise, scheduled to run from September 12 to October 2, 2023. These parties argued that the 268 EC district offices designated for the exercise were insufficient.
Executive Director of Peace Watch Ghana, Nyonkopa Daniels, has asked political parties to pay their communicators allowances if they are unable to pay them salaries.
Some of these communicators, she claims, live in deplorable conditions but are loyal to their political parties and must be compensated for their efforts.
She explained on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Frontline that the work of these communicators is enormous, but the majority of them are underappreciated.
She observed that some of them go around begging for help but then turn around to defend their government, particularly those affiliated with the ruling government.
She told Kwabena Agyapong, the show’s host, that she would soon launch a campaign to force political parties to pay their communicators.
”Give them money because their work is difficult. A spade must be called a spade. Some political parties are cheats. I will launch a campaign next year to encourage communicators to leave their political parties if they are not appreciated.”
Madam Nyonkopa Daniels also suggested that political parties provide funds to their members in order for them to start their own businesses, or that the party itself establish businesses in order for their communicators and serial callers to have something to do.
Beneficiaries of the garment and textile module would be hired based on merit, according to Alhaji Ibrahim Bashiru, the Youth Employment Agency’s (YEA) deputy chief executive officer in charge of operations.
He emphasized that only those with the necessary talents would be given the opportunity to work; no one would be chosen based on political affiliations.
He claimed during an appearance on the Asaase Breakfast Show that the creation of jobs for young people will enhance their quality of life and advance the economy.
“It is not the creation of jobs for political parties. It is the creation of jobs for young people in this country and the overall effect is how you can improve upon your lives; how you can contribute significantly to the growth of this country,” Alhaji Bashiru stated.
He added that, “I think that at this point in time, this is skills training and I can state emphatically without mincing words that under no circumstances will someone be considered because of party affiliations.”
This module was launched after the apparel and clothing sector worked with the youngsters Employment Agency to teach prospective unemployed youngsters the necessary skills to become qualified dressmakers and tailors.
The Supreme Court has declared the endorsement of candidates or political parties by chiefs as unconstitutional. The court’s decision sets a significant precedent, affirming that such endorsements are in violation of constitutional principles.
The ruling highlights the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates, independent of any affiliations with traditional authorities.
This landmark judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications on future political campaigns and the role of chiefs in the electoral arena.
The court, however, pointed out that chiefs praising or lauding the policy of a candidate is a permissible endorsement.
Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi who authored the November 2022 Judgment of the court explains that this conclusion is “consistent with the role of a Chief as a champion and an advocate for the welfare and interests of their communities”.
He nonetheless stated that other statements where a Chief is heard to endorse the person of the candidate or his party by declaring their preferential support for the election of the candidate or his party or urging voters to vote for them are the kind of “taking sides” in a partisan political contest which the constitution disapproves of.
This is the Apex Court’s decision in a case filed by legal practitioner Elorm Kwame Gorni against the Attorney General.
It was heard by Justices Jones Dotse, Gabriel Pwamang, Nene Amegatcher, Prof Ashie Kotey, Mariama Owusu, Lovelace Johnson and Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi.
Mr Gorni had urged the apex court to interpret “active party politics” as used in Article 276(1) of Ghana’s constitution. This provision states;
“A chief shall not take part in active party politics, and any chief wishing to do so and seeking election to Parliament shall abdicate his stool or skin.“
He wanted the court to declare that certain chiefs who during the electioneering campaign leading up to the 2020 General Elections “endorsed” either the NPP’s Nana Akufo-Addo or the NDC’s John Dramani Mahama were engaged in active party politics. He argued such an endorsement was a breach of the Constitution.
The Attorney General took the view that the case raises no issue requiring the interpretation of the court.
He pointed out that the word “active” is “clear, unambiguous and admits of no interpretation”.
The AG further pointed out that a chief’s endorsement of a candidate for “elective political office without more cannot be said to constitute an engagement in active party politics”.
He insisted chiefs like every citizen have the right to freedom of speech and expression as well as the freedom of thought, conscience and belief.
The Supreme Court however took the view that the phrase “active party politics” raises and presents an issue worth interpreting.
Justice Kulendi explained that it was important for “the exact contours or boundaries of what constitutes such participation” to be determined.
On the substantive issue of chiefs and politics, Justice Kulendi said chiefs occupy an elevated position in the social order and play an influential role in the governance and development of their communities and the country.
“It is on account of the exceptional social and public status of chiefs that although chiefs are not public officers, the constitution disqualifies certain persons, notably persons convicted of offences involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude from being chiefs.
“It is the same heightened concern with preserving and protecting the dignity of the chief’s office that partly underpins Article 276(1)’s banning of chiefs from taking part in active party politics.”
He continued that chiefs are not barred from expressing their opinions about matters that are the subject of public debate and discussion.
This he added strikes the right balance between the rights of Chiefs, the reasonable expectations associated with their role and the public interest concerns that animated the said constitutional provision.
Mr Gormi attached various statements made by some chiefs to his court documents.
“The Paramount Chief of the Duayaw Nkanta Traditional Council, Nana Boakye Tromo III, told the President,
“You have distributed the national cake equitably, and we, in Duayaw Kwanta, have gotten our fair share of development.
The publication proceeded to state that:
“Citing several examples of projects undertaken in Duayaw Nkwanta, together with policies such as Free SHS, 1-District -1-Factory, and the programme for Planting for Food and Jobs, Nana Boakye Tromo III stated that “this clearly shows that you have been sent by God to lead us…”
“We are solidly behind you, and we are declaring today that four more for Nana’, ‘Four more to do more”
The Krontihene of Techimantia, Nana Ampong Koromantan is reported to have said;
“Today, we just want to tell you that we, in Techimantia, will never forget you for the construction of the Bechem-Techimantia-Akomadan road. Indeed the presence of a lot of townsfolk at this durbar testifies to the fact that we have already accepted you as one of us. It is four more for you.”
On his part, the Omanhene of Kenyasi No.1 Nana Kofi Abiri reportedly stated as follows:
“We pleaded with him to construct our roads for us, we also needed a TVER institute. He didn’t ignore our request as we can see machines constructing the road. We also said that we needed a mobile phone network at Wamahiniso, you have done it for us we are grateful.”
The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II is reported to have stated as follows:
“Just like the singer, Lucky Mensah, said in his songs, Nana Akufo-Addo has exceeded all expectations as President and must be given the nod to continue for a second term”.
The Omanhene of Mehame Traditional Area, Nana Owusu Kontoh II is said to have stated the following:
“I have a good road, electricity, ICT centre, health centre and nursing training college among other infrastructure developments and they are all because of Mr Mahama and Alhaji Collins Dauda who is our MP.
The final comment produced in court was that of the Paramount Chief of the Waala Traditional Area, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV:
“No one, at least not one that has lived in this country can deny the fact that the evidence of your achievements during your tenure abound before us. I am therefore justified to bless your decision to contest the Flagbearer position of your party and by extension to seek a re-run for power in 2020”.
Justice Kulendi noted that the courts could not vouch for the accuracy of the statements. The court nonetheless said it will deal with them and conclude with the presumption that they are accurate. He concluded that the statements above that praise a policy or program or project of a candidate or party are permissible endorsements and not unconstitutional.
On the other hand, those other statements where a chief is heard to endorse the person of the candidate or his party or urging voters to vote for them are the kind of “taking sides” in a partisan political contest that the constitution disapproves of.
Former President John Dramani Mahama is against assertions that the state financing political parties.
In his view, the country is broke and cannot absorb additional expenditure streams.
Instead, Mr. Mahama is suggesting political parties broaden their funding sources through technology powered by electronic crowdfunding platforms.
In his address at a public lecture on political financing in Ghana and the launch of the JM 2024 fundraising platform at the UPSA in Accra on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the former president said, “as a key actor in our political space since 1996, I can attest to the relevance of ethical campaign financing in Ghana. Whereas some political actors have advocated state sponsorship for political parties, the truth is Ghana is, today, broke. Ghana is struggling to secure an IMF programme lest the economy collapses totally by end of March 2023, according to the Minister for Finance. This being the case, Ghana cannot, at the moment, absorb additional expenditure streams.”
He noted that, “truth be told, the state already supports political parties in many ways—many political parties have on many occasions had their filing fees returned to them after elections because they attained the minimum threshold of votes. This means the state finances filing fees.”
Also, in the past, he indicated that the government, through the Electoral Commission, procured and distributed vehicles to political parties in proportion to their share of votes in the immediately past election.
“With the possibility of further state financing shut, at least for now,” he said his aim is to “re-open the conversation on political party financing in Ghana, with emphasis on needed reforms and regulation to promote transparent and broad-based financing options for parties.”
Mr. Mahama said in the future, if the state wants to continue to finance political parties, there should be an independent and credible institutions that should be mandated to ensure fairness in sharing the funds to beneficiary parties.
“Ghana today is broke. International credit rating agencies have placed us on junk status. Additional state financing can, therefore, not be a viable option on the table. Even if that becomes an option in the future, I recommend that we put in place explicit public funding of political parties bill in a bipartisan and inclusive manner.
“I further recommend that should public funding of political parties be scaled up in the foreseeable future; then, an independent and credible institution must be selected to administer the state resources advanced to political parties.
“In that regard, a sharing formula could be established to ensure fairness and specific disclosure requirements on beneficiary parties. This must be complemented by auditing and publication of party accounts,” the former president suggested.
The Electoral Commission of Ghana has listed 17 political parties whose registration it intends to revoke for failure to establish national and regional offices in the country.
The EC in a statement said these parties have not met the requirements of the Political Parties Act 2000.
It therefore gave them up to Thursday, October 20, 2022 to show proof why their registrations should not be cancelled.
“The Commission intends to invoke Section 15 (3) (c) of the Political Parties Act of 2000, Act 574, which mandates it to cancel the registration of Political Parties which do not have offices at the National and Regional levels.”
”In this vein, the following Political Parties are by this notice requested to show cause in writing to the Electoral Commission why their registration should not be cancelled,” it added in the notice published on Thursday, October 13, 2022.
The Electoral Commission explained that it undertook a nationwide exercise to inspect the offices of all registered political parties from May 16, 2022 to June 9, 2022.
Following the nationwide inspection, it came to light that the 17 under-listed Political Parties have no offices at the national and regional levels.
The parties include; the United Progressive Party (UPP) led by Akwasi Addae, popularly known as Odike.
Another one on the list is the United Front Party (UFP), which is being led currently by Nana Agyenim Boateng popularly known as ‘Gyataba’ following disagreements with Odike.
The Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), formed by Dr Obed Yao Asamoah, the National Reform Party (NRP) led by Goosie Tanoh, the Reform Patriotic Democrats and a host of others are all on the list.
The rest are; Democratic People’s Party (DPP), United Development System Party (UDSP), Every Ghanaian Living Everywhere (EGLE), Yes People’s Party (YPP), United Ghana Movement (UGM), New Vision Party (NVP), Ghana Democratic Republican Party (GDRP) and the Ghana National Party (GNP).
The others include; the Power Unity Party (PUP), People’s Action Party (PAP), United Renaissance Party (URP) and the United Love Party (ULP).
The Electoral Commission (EC) has urged the leadership of various political parties to use the laid down procedures established by law to seek a redress of disagreements with the 2020 election results.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has held different protests in some parts of the country to express their displeasure over the conduct and outcome of the 2020 polls.
The EC in a statement entreated the parties to resort to the law for redress.
“The Electoral Commission is aware of contests to some parliamentary seats by both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress in a number of constituencies. We entreat the political parties to use the laid down processes established by law to seek redress to their concerns.â€
Sene West parliamentary results
The Commission also said it is concluding processes to declare the outcome of the parliamentary results of the Sene West Constituency.
Sene West in the Bono East Region is the only constituency whose results are yet to be declared by the Commission due to a dispute at the constituency level.Â
So far, results for 274 seats out of the 275 parliamentary seats have been officially declared, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) winning 137 parliamentary seats, putting it ahead of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) which has won 136 seats.
There is also an independent candidate who won a parliamentary seat in the Fomena constituency of the Ashanti Region.
The EC indicated that it will in the coming days, bring finality to the issue of who won the Sene West constituency seat.
“The Sene West parliamentary election is yet to be finalized and the outcome declared. The Commission assures the General Public that it is working to finalize the issues regarding the Sene West Constituency to enable the transparent, fair, credible, and peaceful conclusion of the process. We expect to bring finality to this issue within the shortest possible timeâ€, the statement noted.
The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has called on Christians to avoid wearing political party paraphernalia to church on Sunday, 13 December 2020 for the sake of peace, unity, and national cohesion following the declaration of the winner of the 7 December Presidential election by Electoral Commission.
The main opposition leader John Dramani Mahama has rejected the election result after the incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo was declared the winner.
This decision by Mr. Mahama and the NDC is causing tension to rise in some parts of the country.
To this end, the CCG, in a statement urged supporters of the winning candidate to celebrate moderately and avoid comments that can inflame violence with political opponents.
“We also appeal to supporters of the losing candidate to accept the loss graciously,†the statement signed by Rev. Dr. Cyril Fayose CCG General Secretary said.
The CCG further encouraged pastors to use the coming Sunday to thank God for a peaceful election and to preach unity among the Ghanaian people.
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has advised political party supporters not to mass up at polling stations after voting.
They should also not usurp the duties of accredited polling agents and create unnecessary tension at polling stations.
Mr Patrick Asare, Head of Programmes of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Asante-Akim South Municipality, who gave the advice, said it was the civic duty of the electorate to observe all the electoral rules for a successful election.
He was speaking at a meeting of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful election in the Municipality.
Representatives of political parties, clergy, Muslim leaders, police and the assembly attended the meeting.
Chaired by the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr Fredrick Agyemang, the Committee was formed by the NCCE to allow key stakeholders to discuss issues concerning the upcoming election.
Mr Asare called for political tolerance and urged the leadership of political parties to show the way for the followers to emulate.
He entreated the parties to put Ghana first in their activities and reminded them that their actions and inactions could trigger violence in the country.
Mr Gaston Defoe, the Municipal Director of the NCCE, asked the members of the IPDC to show commitment to the mandate of the committee in resolving electoral issues amicably and expeditiously.
He said Ghana had a reputation to protect as one of the most stable democracies in Sub-Saharan Africa and called on stakeholders to ensure a peaceful election.
The NCCE, he noted, would continue to engage the public on political tolerance and urged the clergy and Imams to join the campaign by using their platforms to preach peace ahead of the elections.
Mr Fredrick Agyemang, Chairman of the IPDC, said every well-meaning Ghanaian had a stake in the election and that it was important for all to commit to a peaceful election.
Director-General of Legal and Prosecution of the Ghana Police Service Commissioner of Police(COP) Nathan Kofi Boakye has cautioned political parties about the tendency of criminals to use politics as a shield against prosecution when they commit crimes, noting that politicians should desist from offering protection to these criminals who hide under their identity to commit crimes.
He noted that political campaign seasons are the most preferred time for criminals to claim to belong to one political party or the other so that they can be shielded when they break the law.
He gave the advice in a statement during the recent passing out ceremony of police recruits recently in Accra.
“To our political parties, please be on the alert and know that the preferred season for social misfits, bandits, hooligans, and criminals to run to you has come, so that you can offer them your party and political identity to enable them commit their usual violence in the name of politics. Please, do not insulate them and cocoon them with your party identity,†he stated.
COP Boakye reiterated the commitment and resolve of the police to fish out and prosecute suspected criminals.
He advised the new recruits to remain professional and exhibit discipline at all times.
“Within these months of training, I have no doubt that you have been thought, coached and mentored with all that can make you efficient police officers and you cannot afford to deviate from it.
The police systems work like the money counting machine, it accepts grooms and maintains you if you are genuine and rejects and casts you off if you are a counterfeit. It would expose you if you allow personal feelings, animosity or friendship and political affiliation to affect your official conduct,†he stated.
The Police Academy for the first time in history successfully trained and graduated recruits from three cadet officers courses within two and half years.
Many in-service training courses have also been organised for personnel in the Service.
In all, 1, 183 recruits would pass out: 352 from Accra; 372 from Pwalugu; 158 from Ho; 188 from Kumasi and 113 from Koforidua.
In a developing country like Ghana with a developing democracy, people are found of making a whole noise when Pastors are sighted making comments about Political issues. In Ghana, when a pastors makes any comment that seem to support the position of a particular political party, he or she is tagged as a supporter of the said political party.
Here are some popular Pastors in Ghana and their Allegedly Political Affiliation;
1. Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams
Papa Nick as he popularly called is the leader and founder of the Action Chapel international. He is considered to be the father of charismatic movement in Ghana which started about 40 years ago. Bishop Duncan Williams is believed to be a sympathizer of opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). In September 2019, Bishop Duncan Williams made a comment that Ghanaians don’t love their own. He was fired by the ruling New Patriotic Party that ” if we don’t love our own, you won’t be here” but the opposition National Democratic Congress backed the position of the renowned Bishop. The Archbishop on 22nd September, 2019 said that no political party can own him even though many Ghanaians believe that he belongs to the National Democratic Congress.
2. Dr. Mensah Otabil
Pastor Otabil is the leader and founder of the International Central Gospel Church. He is well known for his ability to divide the word of God with accuracy and precision. Pastor Otabil is the founder and chancellor of Central University College. He is believed to be a supporter of the New Patriotic Party. This claim is because many Ghanaians believe that when the New Patriotic Party is in power, his preaching and other public utterances give a clue that he supports their agenda.
3. Bishop Dag Heward Mills
He is the leader and the founder of the Light House Chapel International. A charismatic church which has spring across the length and breadth of Ghana and beyond. He is believed to be a sympathizer of the New Patriotic Party. This claim is because, people believed his preaching style is an attack on the National Democratic Congress whenever they are in power but when the New Patriotic Party is in power, his utterances donot suggest an attack on them.
4. Apostle Dr. Isaac Owusu Bempah
He is the leader and founder of the Glorious Word Chapel International. He is well known for his end of year prophecies. He is believed to be a sympathizer of the New Patriotic Party. In 2016, the man of God prophesied that the NPP will win power from their major political opponent the NDC which came to pass. Apart from this, Apostle Owusu Bempah’s public utterances seems to be in favour of the NPP.
5. Prophet Badu Kobi
He is the founder and leader of the Glorious Waves Chapel international. He is popularly called the ‘celebrities Pastor ‘ because many celebrities attend his church in Ghana. He is well known for his generous giving especially giving out cars to his church members. Prophet Badu Kobi is believed to be a sympathizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress.
6. Prophet Nigel Gaisie
He is the leader and founder of the Prophetic Hill chapel. A church which is headquartered in Dome, Accra. He became popular after predicting the death of Ebony ( a popular musician) which came to pass just like he said. In 2018, he prophesied again that former president John Mahama, the leader and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress will win power in the upcoming 2020 polls. This made people to believe that he is a supporter of the Opposition National Democratic Congress.
The political season is safely here with us and it is pregnant with loads of action; promising to be exciting and full of surprises.
With the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) having chosen its Presidential candidate in the person of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo with his running mate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia over the weekend, all eyes turn towards the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as avid watchers of the political space await the choice of a running mate for President John Dramani Mahama.
Many people especially those belonging to the NPP fraternity have taunted the NDC that they are unable to choose a running mate citing several reasons for holding such a view.
One of the many criticisms is that the NDC lack the men or women with the skillset to be able to occupy the position of running mate to President Mahama who is vigorously staging a comeback.
They also add that a lot of possible candidates have declined to be running mate to President Mahama because they do not have faith in the candidature of Mr. Mahama.
Another school of thought say that the NDC fears that its running mate would be subjected to public scrutiny if he/she is announced soon.
It is fair for people to hold diverse views in the same political setting. In the same light, such diverse views should not be immune to a certain measure of scrutiny if not harsher.
A careful look into the bases of criticisms levelled against the NDC reveals a pack of convoluted and unconvincing arguments. For instance, the NPP have always said that Dr. Bawumia is too strong for any NDC candidate for the running mate slot hence the inability of the NDC to announce somebody.
The above cannot be true because the NDC indeed have some very fine brains including Dr. Kwesi Botchway, Alex Mould and several others who can hold their own against the current Vice President. Another strategic candidate is Zanetor Rawlings who has what it takes to stand and be counted on any intellectual platform.
And if indeed the candidate would be no much for Dr. Bawumia and any early announcement would present him/her for undue scrutiny and attacks as the NPP would want all to believe, then the NDC as a rational entity would certainly not announce this early.
All in all, the NDC has been able to get a good deal of attention for the selection of a running mate for President Mahama. It is the single biggest anticipated announcement on the political scene at the moment.
People across the political spectrum have tried to assign their own reasons for the perceived delay in the choice of a running mate for the NDC in the upcoming December 7 elections.
However, all the information and misinformation, front-page propaganda and the spiritual insinuations have all been made possible by that same perceived delay. The media and the people are salivating at the thought of what happens next.
The delay has made an event which would have been forgotten by now, a most anticipated one, attracting the interest of every one with an eye for politics.
The NDC might have pulled a masterstroke and should their choice turn out to be active and charismatic, the colour of the election would significantly be altered in no small measure.
It is indeed in order to posit that an early announcement would give the candidate enough time to contribute to the campaign. However, giving the groundswell of attention this delay has caused, the time is still enough for the person to make an impact if he/is formidable enough.
Let the predictions and forecasting or prophesies go on for now. After all, democracy allows it all.
A Coalition of Independent Presidential Aspirants (CIPA) is poised to change history and deliver to Ghanaians better accountability, better citizen-centered management of its economy and resources, and a long-term agenda that secures Ghana’s posterity.
“The mission is to present to Ghanaians a coalition of Ghanaian leaders in their own fields, with global expertise, and let our people know we have the concern and skillset to unseat and replace the entrenched political NDC and NPP parties in the upcoming Presidential Election,†a release issued in Accra said.
Members of the CIPA) are Mr Kofi Koranteng, a Ghanaian investment banker and real estate investor; Mr Samuel Ofori Ampofo, a retired Ghanaian mechanical engineer, farmer and rural banker; Marricke Kofi Gane, an international development expert, lecturer and chartered certified accountant; Mr Carl Ebo Morgan, a businessman, political scientist and project Management consultant; and Onipayde Ossom Teye, a businessman and welder.
“It our hope that others who share the vision will see the need to join forces with us for the greater good of God and Country,†the team said.
According to the release, the presidential campaigns of the various Independent Aspirants reached a consensus that the best approach to fight for the survival of Ghana and dispose of the NDC and NPP, was to unite behind a single campaign agenda.
“There is a general realization and acceptance in the nation that Ghana is at the crossroads of a leadership crisis and that Ghana as we knew it as an independent nation may not survive under the heavy foreign debt burden, lack of payback plan, and lack of transparency,†it said
It added that, “neither of the two major political party leadership cares enough to understand the real needs of the ordinary people.
“They do not seem fully cognizant of the era we are in and about the youth and their struggles for survival. The leadership seems selfish and greedy and unconcerned about the citizens and the need to plan for posterity.
The team of independent presidential aspirants stressed the need to position Ghana to present a better future for generations.
“Each of these aspirants is pledged to consolidating efforts with a unified Presidential candidate, to win the Presidency in 2020.
Their GOAL in the next few months is to restore Ghana’s dignity in all sectors of the nation, primarily, agriculture to a high level of modernisation, competitive advantage and productivity; attractive farming communities with basic roads and amenities to attract the youth and a pragmatic and superior educational system linked to job creation for our graduates.
They would also pursue public and private financial capital investment in the Youth such as scholarships and student loans; boost-in loans for small and medium scale businesses and come out with a first class Health care that delivers improved life expectancy as in developed countries and environmental sanitation second to none with 99.9 percent control of the mosquito breeding and malaria in 3 years.
According to the release the team assures Ghanaians of banning open gutters and making underground sewage systems standard throughout Ghana.
It would also reduce the size of Government by 50 per cent or more, cut the colonial allowance systems, and balance the Ghana government budget within three years and deal with corruption in the most cross-cutting, efficient and ruthless manner within the confines of law.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Sunday announced the lifting of the ban imposed political activities alongside other social gatherings.
According to the president political activities, except rallies, can be organised but with a maximum of 100 persons.
The restrictions on private burials, conferences, workshops, and weddings have been equally relaxed if the attendees are not more than 100.
The lifting of the bans will allow religious groups to hold services all aimed at easing the restrictions to restore normalcy and allow the restoration of socio-economic life amid living with Covid-19.
The wearing of face masks and observing a mandatory one-metre social distancing rule is to be enforced.
In the case of the church services, worshippers would not spend more than one hour, while congregants are also required to strictly comply with hygiene protocols to ensure the safety of all.
In his 10th national broadcast on measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 on Sunday night, President Akufo-Addo, therefore, said effective Friday, June 5, Muslims could worship at the mosques, while Adventists followed suit on Saturday, June 6, with Christians who hold services on Sundays, following on June 7.
The religious institutions are required to keep a register of names and contact details of all worshippers, amid frequent hand washing and the use of sanitizers.
Prior to the re-opening of churches and mosques, they must disinfect and fumigate their premises and put in place appropriate logistics to guarantee the safety of their members.
The President said the decision to ease the restrictions was based on a consensus that emerged from stakeholder consultations to ensure a strategic, controlled, progressive and safe easing of restrictions to get lives and economy back to normal.
He explained: “As I stated in my May Day address, a month ago, I am now in a position to outline the roadmap for easing safely the restrictions.
“Ours is going to be a phased approach, involving a selected list of public gatherings, based on their risk profile, socio-economic impact, and, most importantly, our capacity to enforce and to respond, in the event of a flair up in our number of infections.
“So, fellow Ghanaians, with effect from Friday, 5th June, we will begin Stage One of the process of easing restrictionsâ€, he stated.
