Ghana ranks seventh among countries with the most educated politicians, according to a report published by The Economist.
The ranking is based on findings from two comprehensive studies that analyzed education levels among legislators in 56 countries with populations exceeding two million, using data from 2015, 2017, and 2023.
Topping the list is Ukraine, followed by Poland, Czech Republic, Taiwan, and South Korea in second, third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively. The United States placed sixth, with Ghana taking the seventh spot and Slovenia ranking eighth.
The studies revealed that globally, an average of 78% of parliamentarians held at least a bachelor’s degree, while 40% had postgraduate qualifications. This is significantly higher than the global average education level among the general population, which stands at 35% in wealthy countries and 15% in poorer nations.
Ukraine emerged as the leader in the rankings, with nearly a quarter of its legislators holding doctoral degrees during the study period. In contrast, countries like Italy, Norway, and the United Kingdom were noted for having a considerable proportion of lawmakers with only secondary education.
The research highlights that while having highly educated legislators is becoming more common worldwide, there is little empirical evidence to suggest a direct correlation between academic qualifications and superior legislative performance.
Despite this, the trend of filling parliaments with highly credentialed individuals continues to grow, potentially making national legislatures less representative of the populations they serve.
The Executive Chairman of KGL Group, Alex Apau Dadey, has insisted that governments need to stop merely paying lip service to the idea of the private sector as the engine of economic growth.
In an interview, he highlighted that successful nations are built on the foundations laid by entrepreneurs and business leaders rather than politicians.
Mr Dadey stressed the importance of government action, urging officials to create the necessary structures and systems that would effectively support and empower the private sector.
“My philosophy is that great countries are built not by politicians but by great entrepreneurs. Once we shift our mindset to that, we will encourage others.
“I hear governments all over the place talk about raising millionaires, raising billionaires but sometimes we misunderstand this concept of raising these millionaires and billionaires.
“We raise them for society, we raise them to create employment. Yes, they might take a chunk of it but would you rather have government take a chunk of your money and provide you with nothing or the private sector takes the lead?
“A recent example is Dangote in Nigeria. Yes, sometimes you get a little political backing but it does not matter because that is what the government is supposed to do.
“Government is supposed to back the private sector, be it in our country NPP or NDC… It does not matter. That is the role of government.”
The 2023 EMY Man of the Year, Alex Apau Dadey, has dismissed the notion that Ghanaian businessmen and entrepreneurs should be categorized as supporters of either the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) or the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He believes that all businesspeople are willing to collaborate with any government in power to foster economic growth.
Mr Dadey emphasized that the hard work and dedication of entrepreneurs to build their businesses should not be overshadowed by political affiliations.
“We get it all wrong when we create our own narrative of an NPP businessman or an NDC businessman, there is no NPP or NDC businessman. There are businessmen. They work.
“But because of the way we have structured our systems, they have to work with every government in power.
“Sometimes you hear people saying this businessman was with this party and later moved to that party but businessmen don’t think like that. They do what is necessary.
“So, we have to encourage the private sector not as a lip service and say that the private sector is the engine of growth when we don’t actually mean that,” he added.
Nana Serwah Brakatuo, Abakomahemaa of Abetifi-Kwahu and representative of the Ghana Queen Mothers Foundation, has urged the public to use respectful and considerate language as the elections draw near.
“Words can build bridges, understanding and cooperation, but they can also destroy the very fabric of our society, divide communities, incite violence and erode the democratic values we all hold dear,” she warned.
She appealed to the public to avoid the “trap of spreading false information, or using language that could inflame tensions”.
She underlined while “elections come and go,” what “must endure long after the ballots are cast” was “our relationships and the bond we share as Ghanaians”.
Nana Serwah Brakatuo spoke at the Championing Peaceful Elections 2024: The Role of All Ghanaians programme by the Centre for Africa Development & Progress (CADeP).
Considering the theme: ‘Ensuring true leadership for democratic stability and advancement in Ghana’, she asked presidential and parliamentary candidates to be mindful “of the words you use on the campaigns” avoiding words that would incite destructive “hatred or division”.
While “we understand elections are competitive,” she emphasised, “no election is worth the cost of our national unity”.
She called on traditional media and “online platforms to be vigilant and responsible in the dissemination of information”.
“The media must play its crucial role in countering hate speech and fake news, ensuring that the public is informed with facts not rumours or inflammatory rhetoric,” she stressed.
With the December 7 elections drawing near, she challenged all to commit to rejecting hate speech in all forms, embracing peaceful dialogue and to acting as ambassadors of unity “for our beloved country”.
The 2024 elections must “strengthen our democracy rather than divide our people,” Nana Serwah Brakatuo concluded.
The CEO of the National Entrepreneurship Innovation Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, has urged government officials and prominent members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reconcile with allies from the party’s opposition days.
Mr. Ofosu Nkansah pointed out a growing divide between the NPP leadership and some party faithful, which has led to discontent among members.
He stated, “Dear NPP Appointee/NPP person who gets Gov’t opportunities, that circle of friends you belonged to and did NPP Politics with when we were in opposition, did you maintain your relationship with them when you got your position or opportunities?”
Ofosu Nkansah added, “Some of you are too selfish and you make Party People struggle because of how you have done your Politics when we got Power. If you are like that, it’s not too late to change.”
He called for concerted efforts from NPP leaders to bridge this gap, emphasizing that internal unity is essential for mounting a strong and effective campaign ahead of the 2024 elections.
The CEO noted, “Unity within the party is not only crucial for electoral success but also for creating a cohesive team of members who can work together to champion the party’s vision.”
Mr. Ofosu Nkansah reassured party members that it is not too late for NPP bigwigs and government officials to reconcile with those who feel alienated.
The Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has voiced his disappointment regarding the negative perceptions of politicians in Ghana, attributing this shift to failures in governance.
During an appearance on TV3’s Hot Issues on September 22, 2024, Iddrisu lamented that the political profession has lost its honor and status, a stark contrast to earlier times when politicians were held in high esteem.
He pointed to the poor governance of the current administration led by President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Bawumia as the primary reason for the growing disdain and lack of respect for politicians among the populace.
“…With the unprecedented hardship and suffering Nana Addo Dankwa and Dr. Bawumia have unleashed on every Ghanaian, I think that they should admit that it’s a failed government. Failed in the sense that there is no honor or respect even in being an elite at the political level with Ghanaians saying that ‘you politicians have no honor’,” he said.
Haruna Iddrisu, the former minority leader, continued his critique of the government, stating that its actions have significantly worsened the economic situation, pushing many Ghanaians into poverty.
He pointed to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the depreciation of the cedi as key factors making it increasingly difficult for citizens to sustain themselves.
Iddrisu emphasized that the prevailing hardships are clear evidence of the ruling government’s failed governance and leadership.
“Today you have the cedi which was at 4 cedis now at 16 cedis. What that means for the cost of doing business, what that means for the cost of living is one of a rejection of a failed government. The cost of living has ballooned and many Ghanaians are struggling to make a living, businesses are struggling with high cost of doing business,” he added.
Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams, the Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International (ACI), has called on all stakeholders in Ghana’s electoral process to prioritize peace, especially leading up to the 2024 elections.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace before, during, and after the elections to avoid a situation where Ghanaians might be forced to seek refuge in other countries.
Archbishop Duncan Williams made this appeal during a significant meeting with John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and members of the Christian Ecumenical Council in Accra on Monday, May 20.
Expressing deep concern over the current state of affairs in the country, Archbishop Duncan Williams lamented the exodus of medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, from Ghana due to prevailing challenges.
He issued a heartfelt plea for the effective management of the nation’s affairs, characterized by transparency and fairness, to avert the risk of Ghanaians being displaced from their homeland.
“There is too much pain and suffering in this country. All our doctors and nurses are leaving this country. And we just pray that things will be well handled and managed with transparency and fairness so that we will not end up being refugees in any other country.
“Because without proper fairness, honesty, and transparency, things may fall out of hand. And may I say this, that nobody should think that the Ghanaian is very gentle, I don’t like trouble human being, it is not true,” he stated.
He stressed the critical role of all political and religious leaders in fostering a peaceful electoral environment.
In his address, Duncan Williams underscored that the desire for a peaceful election is a collective responsibility, urging all Ghanaians to contribute to a harmonious and secure electoral process.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, has highlighted the significance of maintaining peace in Ghana ahead of the December elections.
During his ongoing nationwide tour, which started on April 29, Dr. Bawumia called on Ghanaians to avoid actions or statements that could jeopardize the nation’s peace. He emphasized the need to respect everyone’s views due to Ghana’s diverse nature.
Dr. Bawumia also cautioned politicians against inciting their supporters against others, emphasizing that the upcoming election should not be viewed as a do-or-die situation for the country.
“As politicians, we will come and go, but the country Ghana will remain. So let us unite in peace and continue to respect our diversity. We are Ghanaians first, before our political party,” he said.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has made a pledge to enhance religious coexistence in Ghana if elected into office.
Speaking to Christian and Muslim leaders in Akropong, Eastern Region, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the substantial contributions that faith-based groups have made to Ghana’s development.
He emphasized the need to recognize them as essential development partners, on par with the country’s external partners.
“I want us and faith-based organisations to have a close relationship; a development-based partnership, just like any of our external partners,” he said.
“If you look at the works the faith-based organisations have done for Ghana in terms of infrastructure like schools and hospitals, it is better than whatever our development partners have given,” he said.
A former senior governance advisor at the UN, Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has remarked that in Ghana’s political dialogue, politicians tend to engage in critical thinking primarily when they are not in power.
He observed that many politicians seem to highlight the shortcomings of the ruling party only when they are not actively involved in politics, but once they assume power, they exhibit similar behavior.
Speaking in an interview with Citi Eyewitness News on April 23, Professor Agyeman-Duah remarked, “Generally, let’s put it this way, but it’s like our government: when a party is in opposition, they see all evil in the party in power, and when the tables turn, they become the same way. In other words, our politicians seem to see better when they are not playing active politics, which is a tragic thing for us,” remarked
These comments from Professor Agyeman-Duah come amid recent concerns raised by a Senior Presidential Advisor, Yaw Osafo-Maafo, regarding the lack of transparency surrounding the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998.
Osafo-Maafo expressed reservations about the confidentiality surrounding asset declarations under the law, highlighting the challenges in verifying the accuracy of these declarations due to the lack of transparency.
“In Ghana, when you become a minister of state or hold positions in various sectors at public levels, the first thing you do is to declare your assets.
“What I don’t like personally about this law is that after you have declared your assets, everything is kept confidential between the Auditor General and yourself, and therefore it becomes very difficult for anybody to challenge the authenticity of your declaration,” he said.
President of the Policy Think Tank IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has raised concerns about the sudden wealth accumulation of young politicians in Ghana.
He expressed shock at the significant wealth amassed by these politicians within a short period, especially considering the country’s ongoing financial challenges.
Mr Cudjoe questioned whether the newfound wealth of these politicians was acquired through legitimate means or if it was a result of corruption or misuse of public funds.
He highlighted the contrast between the growing wealth of these individuals and the worsening multidimensional poverty experienced by millions in the country.
In a social media post, Mr Cudjoe hinted at receiving information about the wealth of these politicians, suggesting that they had very little before coming to power.
He called for scrutiny into the source of their wealth, asking whether it was due to their abilities (merit), illicit activities (mangling public vaults), or some other mysterious means (magic).
Mr Cudjoe did not call out or name any young politician in his post.
Renowned fashion designer Adu Amani, known for the brand ‘Ama Ni,’ has weighed in on the recent criticism directed at broadcasters Serwaa Amihere and Nana Aba Anamoah.
Amani suggests that these broadcasters faced a shift in public perception when they began holding politicians accountable across various platforms.
In a detailed Facebook post now deleted, Amani expressed disappointment that instead of being commended for their fearless journalism, Serwaa and Nana Aba are facing criticism. Despite their efforts, they find themselves under scrutiny.
“Nobody wants to talk about the fact that these two have been a target for a long time due to how they interviewed politicians and their loudness,” said Amani. “The agenda is to silence you when you touch politicians irrespective of gender. They just fell into a trap. People were looking forward to silencing them especially because they are women, a woman in our society should shut up and be humble, they crossed the line.”
Amani’s comments come amid the circulation of an intimate video involving Serwaa Amihere. Since then, both Serwaa and Nana Aba have faced criticism and mockery.
Reflecting on the situation, Amani expressed concern about the harsh criticism directed towards Serwaa, emphasizing that everyone makes mistakes and deserves comfort during challenging times.
“Yes, they mess up, we all do at some point in our lives. We face the consequences… Maybe I’m not sleeping with men but you don’t know how I live my life. We all have things we didn’t work for but we think it is by Grace and God’s favour when we actually stole them or lied to get them.”
Amani emphasized the importance of empathy and support, urging people to consider how they would want to be treated if they were in Serwaa’s situation.
“We all have our differences so you are free to say anything you want just as I want to equally speak out on this. But in your low times, having people to comfort you is priceless and it may look to you that people are supporting their actions but no, everybody here has someone who will not leave them on the ground,” Amani noted as she questioned the motive behind the incessant backlash.
“What is your end game? Do you want her sacked etc.? It sounds like some of you even want her out of the world. I mean some of you, it is witchcraft. Because I have seen your pastors/politicians etc. exposed yet you practised silence is golden.
“And before you call people out for sympathizing with her, ask yourself, ‘Today if I were in her shoes, who would sympathize with me?’ Should we stone her to death because her video is out?” Amani asked.
A political scientist from the University of Ghana Legon, Dr. Kwame Ansah-Asante, has emphasized the importance of politicians establishing a connection with the public to understand and address their needs.
He asserted that this connection is crucial for gaining the trust and votes of the electorate.
During the February 19 episode of Ghana Tonight on TV3, Dr. Ansah-Asante highlighted the necessity for politicians to convey convincing messages to the Ghanaian people.
“They need to be able to convince Ghanaians that look, the economic situation they find themselves, in no time it will be resolved. Plans regarding their means of livelihood, employment, should be packaged and sent to the people to convivence them. The issue of even growth of the economy and all that’’ he stated.
He emphasized the importance of addressing economic challenges, livelihood, and employment issues, and ensuring that plans for resolving these concerns are effectively communicated to the public.
In his analysis, Dr. Ansah-Asante stressed that politicians must craft messages that resonate with the public, tackling issues that impact the general population.
“The message must touch and resonate with those listening, address the public issues confronting the general public, and address the ongoing challenges faced,” he added.
According to him “for election, you need to have your human resource material which they will have, your strategy, you need to have manifesto and message’’.
He added that “the promise they made, they make sure by the time it gets to the December 7, they will have enough to stand on to campaign.”
He underlined the significance of addressing ongoing challenges and discussing governance indicators that influence political outcomes.
Furthermore, he pointed out that politicians need a well-prepared human resource material, a strategic plan, and a comprehensive manifesto to effectively campaign for elections.
According to Dr. Ansah-Asante, politicians must fulfill the promises they make, ensuring that they have substantial grounds to campaign on by the time the elections arrive on December 7.
He concluded by stating that discussions on governance indicators should also focus on whether politicians genuinely possess effective solutions to the challenges faced by the nation.
Entertainment pundit and artiste manager, Nana Poku Ashis, is advising creatives to exercise caution when aligning themselves with political campaign platforms. He warns that politicians often exploit artists to garner support during elections but fail to prioritize their welfare.
As the general election approaches later this year, Ashis highlights the recurring pattern of politicians leveraging the popularity and influence of creatives for their campaigns, only to neglect their needs once elected.
In a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz, Ashis emphasized the importance of creatives being mindful of such exploitation and urged them to prioritize their own interests and well-being.
“It is about time players in the Creative Industry come together as one voice to fight for a common goal because politicians have taken them for granted for far too long.
“We are only needed during campaign time so they can come to power and after that, we are left on our own. I have told myself that until a presidential candidate can convince me that he has our interest at heart and is willing to implement policies that help creatives, there is no way I am voting. I believe if every creative thinks like me, they will take us seriously and provide us with what we need to effectively execute our jobs.
“With how we have been treated so far, I don’t expect to see any creative jumping on any political platform to campaign for a politician until our voices are heard. In December, we will be voting, and we will be needed for campaigns, and this is the time we should make our voices heard. Let’s come together as one and fight for a common goal,” Ashis added.
According to Ashis, the creation of jobs, economic growth, and tax revenue for the government were all made possible by the creative sector, which was vital to the nation’s progress.
“It is about time the government took a serious look our way. The creative sector makes huge money for this country, so I cannot understand why we are neglected. Just look at all the money and jobs we created via just December in GH,” he noted.
Renowned manager and entertainment pundit, Nana Poku Ashis, is sounding a warning to creatives, urging them to be cautious about aligning with political campaigns that merely exploit their popularity without prioritizing their welfare.
As the upcoming general election approaches, Ashis emphasizes that politicians often leverage the influence and numbers of creatives for their campaigns but fail to address their needs once in office.
In an exclusive interview with Graphic Showbiz, Ashis advocated for unity within the Creative Industry, emphasising the need for a collective voice to advocate for common goals.
He asserts that politicians have taken creatives for granted for too long, only seeking their support during campaign periods.
“I have made a personal commitment not to vote until a presidential candidate demonstrates a genuine commitment to the welfare of creatives and implements policies supporting our industry,” states Ashis. He encourages others in the creative community to adopt a similar stance to garner the attention and respect they deserve.
Highlighting the vital role of the creative sector in the country’s development, Ashis underscored its contributions to economic growth, job creation, and government tax revenue.
He calls for the government to recognize the significant economic impact of the creative industry and address its longstanding neglect.
“As we approach December, a crucial time for campaigns and voting, creatives should unite and make their voices heard. Let’s stand together and advocate for our common goals,” concludes Ashis, emphasizing the importance of the creative sector in shaping the nation’s prosperity.
Popular Dancehall artist Shatta Wale expressed amusement at people blaming the government, asserting that politicians are doing their best.
He emphasized the need for citizens to seize opportunities, asserting that laziness is the root cause of their grievances.
According to the Gringo hitmaker, citizens should not solely rely on politicians but actively participate in creating opportunities for themselves.
“Sometimes, when we blame the politicians, I laugh. Politicians are doing everything they can to work as politicians. It’s just that when you’re lazy in your mind and you don’t know how to take advantage of opportunities yourself, you will always be talking about politicians,” Shatta Wale stated.
Shatta Wale likened politicians to cartels in their operations and suggested that citizens need to be proactive in utilizing the available resources.
Highlighting a perceived disconnect between politicians and the public, Shatta Wale claimed that politicians often take funds from international sources, intending to provide jobs for the youth.
“Politicians are like cartels with how they run things. It’s not that they’re disrespecting the people; they promise, and you vote for them.”
However, he argued that the money is sometimes redirected to cheap labor in rural areas, leading to a lack of tangible benefits for the citizens.
Shatta Wale further contended that politicians have recognized the preferences of the youth, noting that those with higher education qualifications tend to avoid construction jobs in favor of more glamorous pursuits.
He urged the youth to reconsider their priorities and explore the lucrative opportunities in the construction sector.
“They know that those who went to tertiary institutions will not apply. Our politicians have realized that the youth want flashy things and to wear suits. They don’t want to go into construction. But there’s a lot of money in construction,” he concluded.
Ghanaian Media Personality Slams Politicians for Lack of Patriotism
Nana Aba Anamoah expressed her criticism towards the majority of Ghanaian politicians, labeling them as “senseless and unpatriotic.”
Speaking during a live studio discussion on 3Music TV on February 15, 2024, she asserted that only a mere 8% of politicians in Ghana demonstrate sensibility and diligence.
Anamoah highlighted that the remaining politicians are primarily driven by self-interest, seeking to exploit the state for personal gain and enrichment.
“I’m looking at some of our politicians. I think we have only 8% of the politicians in Ghana who are sensible. Across the board, only 8%.
“The rest of them are just there, not by dint of hard work, not because they are so passionate about this country. They just see the opportunity to milk the state. And they are doing everything possible to get there. They’re the loud ones, always insulting,” she said.
However, Nana Aba stated that she preferred to concentrate on the positive changes taking place in the nation rather than dwelling on the bad qualities of the politicians.
“But I believe we can do better. Things are changing, and that’s why I appreciate this generation because it is an improvement over our previous one,” she stated.
She continued by saying that she had a strong desire to see Ghana grow and prosper.
Ghanaian media personality, Nana Aba Anamoah, asserts that only 8% of the politicians in Ghana are sensible. https://t.co/LbZjb1Xzkn
A prominent figure in Ghanaian media, Nana Aba Anamoah, has expressed the view that a maximum number of politicians in Ghana are deficient in both sensitivity and patriotism.
Participating in a live discussion on 3Music TV on February 15, 2024, Nana Aba Anamoah claimed that a mere 8% of Ghana’s politicians exhibit sensitivity and diligence, attributing the majority to a motivation centered on exploiting the state for personal gain.
She also underscored the prevalent pattern of politicians seizing opportunities without a sincere commitment to the nation, expressing apprehension about their underlying motivations.
“I’m looking at some of our politicians. I think we have only 8% of the politicians in Ghana who are sensible. Across the board, only 8%.”The rest of them are just there, not by dint of hard work, not because they are so passionate about this country.
“They just see the opportunity to milk the state. And they are doing everything possible to get there. They’re the loud ones, always insulting,” she said.
Nevertheless, Nana Aba emphasized her reluctance to dwell on the negative traits of politicians, expressing a preference for focusing on the positive developments taking place in the country.
Ghanaian media personality, Nana Aba Anamoah, asserts that only 8% of the politicians in Ghana are sensible. pic.twitter.com/LbZjb1Xzkn
Driven by a deep love for Ghana, she reiterated her fervent wish to witness the nation flourish and advance.
“I am optimistic that we can achieve better. Positive shifts are happening, and that’s why I applaud this generation for surpassing the previous one,” she asserted.
Ghanaian musician, Okyeame Kwame, has advised electorates to tone down their criticism of government officials and those at the helm of affairs.
Politicians are most often regarded as the most corrupt. Okyeame Kwame does not debunk this assertion but believes there is more that meets the eye.
According to him, the behavior exhibited by politicians is a mirror image of what the voters themselves embody.
“The corruption in Ghana is not outside of me, all of it is inside me. I’m the one looking for boarding for my ward, nephew, I’m the same guy making a quick turn and the police catching me and I am the one saying take this money and let me go. I am the corruption that is inside Ghana and in the same way, I’m the same person that possesses the love to see development,” he said.
“Who voted the politicians into power? You and I. We did it. We choose are terrible leaders. We are terrible so the politician is the perfect reflect of the voter. (of course) we should be blamed. Not entirely. We need to blame the politician and hold him accountable but we need to first blame ourselves for our decisions so we don’t do that again,” he added.
The musician insists that there should be a sense of accountability and responsibility among citizens. He strongly asserts that self-reflection and active participation in the democratic process will bring about positive change.
The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has cautioned politicians against resorting to lies and deception as a means to gain and maintain political power.
In his weekly thought-provoking video series titled “Arise for Ghana,” the General Secretary advised politicians to prioritize the interests of Ghana above their party affiliations.
While the message was primarily directed at the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in light of their performance over the past seven years, Fifi Kwetey also reminded the NDC not to follow a similar path when they assume power.
Ending Deceptive Politics
Fifi Kwetey called on the youth to hold public officials accountable and urged political leaders to put an end to the practice of deceptive politics.
He stated, “the Politics of empty sloganeering, the politics of deliberately lying, knowing very well that what is being said is not true must come to an end”.
Instead, he advocated for “the politics of taking responsibility,” emphasizing that this approach is crucial for effective leadership in Ghana.
Fifi further stressed the NDC’s belief that remaining in power should not rely on falsehood, deception, hypocrisy, or misleading the public.
A Call to the Youth
He encouraged the youth to rise up and demand that both major political parties abandon the politics of falsehood while reiterating the NDC’s commitment to principled politics.
“Arise for Ghana,” a weekly video series that provides a platform for candid discussions with well-meaning Ghanaians, is available on Fifi Kwetey’s social media pages every Tuesday.
Leader of the Believers Worship Center, Prophet Stephen Adom Kyei Duah, has made an appeal to Christians, urging them to dismiss political candidates who resort to using insults during the forthcoming 2024 general elections.
The religious leader stressed that candidates who engage in insulting language do not have divine support, and he expressed his intention to play a significant role in announcing the election results.
During his message to his congregants, Prophet Stephen Adom Kyei Duah stated, “When it is time for the election, I will declare. Are you listening? When it is time for the election, I will declare.
“Every political party, if you have a message, go ahead and share it, but if you resort to insults, I will declare to Philadelphia members that everyone who engages in insults, don’t vote for him or her, as it will not bring blessings to the country.”
“Listen to me, anybody who insults, God is not on his side. Things will change in Ghana. Are you aware that He is dividing the country into three, and He is giving me one part because he knows what he intends to accomplish through me,” he declared.
The NPP, presently in office, is committed to breaking the conventional eight-year electoral cycle by aiming for victory once more.
Having won the presidency in 2016 and successfully retained it in 2020, the party has its sights firmly set on securing yet another term in the upcoming elections.
In the meantime, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is striving for a return to power. After losing to the NPP in the previous election, the party is placing its hopes on the leadership of former President John Mahama to lead its resurgence.
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has sought to explain the genesis of the unending corrupt practices hovering around politicians in the country.
Per his submission on JoyNews’ Newsfile monitored by The Independent Ghana on July 22, the corrupt practices politicians engage in begins with businessmen with corrupt mindset.
According to him, politicians seek the assistance of businessmen to fund their campaigns due to the cost involved.
And during this period, in his words, “You have corrupt businessmen and corrupt business interest that will corrupt politicians – (to) fund them.”
Providing the financial support to the politician, he said is not the end goal, as the money has to be provided to electorates to get politicians into office.
For him, fighting corruption seems like an impossible task as the aforementioned is “an endless cycle”.
“I’ve said this before. We have a supposed fight against corruption. The electorates feel the electoral cycle is the only time where they can actually get a share of the national cake.Because the political class have created a certain gulf between ourselves and the populace. You have corrupt business men and corrupt business interest that will corrupt politicians – fund them. But that money does not necessarily sit with politicians. It has to trickle down for you to then get office. It is an endless cycle,” he said.
Mr Nartey George cited the just-ended by-election in Assin North to exemplify the truth on the ground.
During the Assin North by-election, viral videos on social media showed members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) engaging in vote-buying although the party has dismissed this claim.
Already, Director of Advocacy and Policy Engagement at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) Dr. Pumpuni Asante in an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, warned that due to the enormous resources pumped into campaigns, the development of the country is not the priority of politicians.
He noted that the priority of many elected leaders is to recoup their expenses when they get into power.
“We actually risk the democracy that we have established. And we are 30 years into the Fourth Republic and we are putting it at risk. Because increasingly, the people who come into government because they need to recoup their investment, and of course some of them are greedy and they want to amass all the wealth, we don’t get the development and dividends that we are supposed to get.
“And people are beginning to ask themselves ‘why should we continue doing this?’ So we are running out of time and we need to correct these problems,” he said.
According to research, it is estimated that a candidate in a parliamentary contest in Ghana spends around GH₵350,000 ($60,000) on their campaign.
At the presidential level, a candidate is required to spend significantly more, with figures ranging from GH₵5 million ($867,000) to GH₵50 million ($8.67 million) or even more.
These costs are primarily for advertising, transportation, and paying party agents and supporters.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has entreated the Christian community to play a more active and effective role in affairs of the country.
During the induction ceremony of The Apostolic Church-Ghana on Saturday, June 24, 2023, Speaker Bagbin said that the church’s waning interest in national and political matters has had “severe consequences” on the country’s moral and social fibre.
According to him, “the politicians are part of the flock”, thus “you can’t abandon them.”
“We cannot continue to close our eyes, take a back seat and rely solely on your prayers as a replacement for discipline, hard work, and a sense of duty as patriotic citizens,” he added.
He insisted that prayer without action is not enough as “we need to be more proactive in addressing the challenges facing our country.”
Speaker Bagbin believes the church can use its influence to promote good governance, social justice, and economic development.
Speaker Bagbin’s speech was met with massive applause from the congregation.
About the induction ceremony
The induction ceremony was held at the Apostolic Resource, Conference and Retreat Centre, Frafraha near Adentan, to usher in national leaders of The Apostolic Church-Ghana into office.
Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh, the President of the church was ushered into office for the second term together with the Church’s new Vice President, Apostle Christopher Affum-Nyarko and General Secretary, Apostle Alex Boateng.
The trio were elected for their respective positions in March 2023.
Former president of The Apostolic Church-Ghana, Apostle Ebenezer Nsesa Abebrese, administered the oath of office and inducted the new officers into office.
He congratulated them on their election and urged them to take the church to the next level.
Apostle Abebrese also inducted the church’s executive team.
The leaders of the Netherlands and Denmark, who are in South Africa on a combined working visit, were welcomed by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday.
The visit by Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen is aimed at solidifying the three countries’ relationship in the areas of green hydrogen, renewable energy and a just energy transition, South Africa’s public broadcaster SABC reported.
South Africa and the Netherlands will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation on green hydrogen.
The European leaders brought with them large business delegations.
A Business Forum under the theme “Green Energy Transition and Green Hydrogen Partnerships for Impact” will focus on key areas in green energy and green hydrogen.
Keen to break their dependence on Russian energy, European countries have been looking to their African counterparts to fill the gap.
In the most recent episode of Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia investigative film, a notorious gold smuggler revealed the identity of six African politicians.
The self-proclaimed gold dealer Alistair Mathias, who admitted in the movie to assisting to launder money and storing bribe earnings for prominent African politicians, including presidents, named the six in various contexts.
Most of the presidents mentioned are in the southern African bloc. He mentioned King Mswati in eSwatini as well as presidents of Zimbabwe (where most of their fraudulent activities takes place), South Africa, Zambia, DR Congo and Ghana.
When undercover agents met him in South Africa and asked about his continental connections, he spoke up: “Next door Swaziland, the king is a close friend of mine. Zambia’s president is a close friend of my friend.
DRC Congo, the president is inviting me several times to come and build a refinery. Ghana’s president is a good friend of mine, in fact he was my lawyer. Cyril Ramaphosa here, I know his kids,” he said whiles a close ally added: ”Zimbabwe is easy.”
Mathias stressed: “In Zimbabwe, ED is my partner, I can’t say it in public because he is sanctioned,” he added. ED is the initials of the Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa.
At the tail end of the film, however, he told Al Jazeera wrote what he told them when confronted with evidence:
“Alistair Mathias denied that he designed mechanisms to launder money and said that he never laundered money or gold or offered to do such things.
“He told us he had never had any working relationship with Emmerson Mnangagwa, Ewan Macmillan or any of the African politicians he identified to our reporters.
“Mr Mathias denied ever being awarded any tender by the Ghanaian government or entering any government contracts in any African country.
“President Akufo-Addo of Ghana told us that he had no recollection of acting as a lawyer for Alistair Mathias or his company.”
Months after their system was clogged up with requests for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Ticketmaster apologized to the singer and her fans in front of the US Senate.
Thousands of ‘Swifties’ were unable to buy seats due to the issue.
“We need to do better and we will,” Joe Berchtold, president of Live Nation, Ticketmaster’s parent company, told lawmakers on Tuesday.
A bot attack was responsible for “a terrible consumer experience”, he said.
Ticketmaster, which merged with Live Nation in 2010, has repeatedly faced criticism from fans and politicians, who say it has too much control over the live music market and artificially inflates the cost of tickets with fees and service charges.
According to Senator Amy Klobuchar, who chairs the US Senate committee on consumer rights, Ticketmaster is responsible for 70% of ticket sales in the US.
“In truth, there is no other choice. It is a monopoly,” she told MSNBC last year.
Regarding the Swift tour, she added: “The high fees, site disruptions and cancellations that customers experienced shows how Ticketmaster’s dominant market position means the company does not face any pressure to continually innovate and improve.”
Image caption,Senator Amy Klobuchar has criticised Ticketmaster’s dominance of the US live music market
Swift herself said it was “excruciating” to watch fans struggling to get tickets, and that she had been assured Ticketmaster could handle the demand.
In its written testimony ahead of its Tuesday grilling by US senators, the company explained for the first time how its systems had been targeted by software “bots” used to illegally obtain tickets.
The attacks came despite the use of Ticketmaster’s “verified fan” scheme, which requires customers to pre-register their interest, allowing the company to check whether they are genuine fans intending to see the show.
“We knew bots would attack… and planned accordingly,” wrote Mr Berchtold.
‘Terrible consumer experience’
“We were then hit with three times the amount of bot traffic than we had ever experienced, and for the first time in 400 Verified Fan onsales they came after our Verified Fan access code servers.
“While the bots failed to penetrate our systems or acquire any tickets, the attack required us to slow down and even pause our sales. This is what led to a terrible consumer experience that we deeply regret.”
Mr Berchtold also acknowledged that the company should have staggered the sales “over a longer period of time” to stop its systems being overloaded, and that it should have done “a better job setting fan expectations for getting tickets”.
Penny Harrison was part of a small group protesting Ticketmaster outside the Capitol building as the hearing unfolded.
She recalls spending nine hours trying to get Swift tickets for her three children. At first she was frustrated, then emotional, and finally angry.
“I was pissed off,” Ms Harrison said, adding that she missed two doctor appointments in her all-day attempt to secure tickets.
“As I’m sitting in the queue looking, I’m seeing tickets going on resale prices for $10,000 or $20,000 (£16,223),” Ms Harrison said. “And if you were lucky enough to get tickets in your cart, they were gone before you had a chance to pay it.”
In the end, Mr Berchtold said 2.2 million tickets were sold, with less than 5% ending up on resale sites, where scalpers tend to charge inflated prices.
In response to other criticisms, he said Ticketmaster does “not set ticket prices” and that “the majority” of added fees “go to the venue, not to Ticketmaster”.
Ms Harrison believes anyone interested in ever attending a concert or sporting event “need to speak up, they need to get mad, and they need to demand a change”.
She is one of over 300 plaintiffs who have filed a class-action lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation.
According to the lawsuit, the companies imposed artificially high pre-sale, sale, and re-sale prices on fans.
Image caption,Joe Berchtold (left), CEO of Live Nation Entertainment, testified before the US Senate today
The debacle over Swift’s tour prompted Tuesday’s hearing by the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will examine competition in the ticketing industry.
As well as Live Nation, senators will hear from representatives of SeatGeek, concert promoter JAM Productions and singer-songwriter Clyde Lawrence, an outspoken critic of Ticketmaster’s business practices.
Live Nation included several letters of support with its testimony, including one from country star Garth Brooks, who called on US lawmakers to take a tougher stance on ticket touts.
“My question is, as a country, why don’t we just make scalping illegal?” he wrote. “The crush of bots during an on-sale is a huge reason for programme failure.
“And the one who always pays for this atrocity is the customer, the last one on whom that burden should fall.”
However, it is unclear whether Tuesday’s hearing will prompt any meaningful change, unless evidence is presented of anti-competitive practices by Ticketmaster – for example, unfairly pressuring artists to use their services.
The company has repeatedly denied any such dealings.
Kwaku Annan, a well-known Ghanaian political analyst, has stressed the need for citizens to be informed and actively involved in the political process.
Mr Annan said this when he joined host Fiifi Pratt on the Afro Joint Show to share his insights on the state of politics in Ghana today.
Annan also called out Ghanaian politicians, stating that they are able to behave recklessly because thecitizensof Ghana are not sufficiently informed and do not hold them accountable for their actions. This highlights the crucial role that education and civic engagement play in shaping the political landscape of any nation.
In 1993, during the First Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, Madam Florence Bedford began working as a staff cook in the legislature and has since done so.
The current Principal Catering Officer, 55-year-old Madam Florence Bedford, claimed she did not anticipate remaining in office for this long.
She revealed in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s Nimatu Yakubu Atouyese that she began working for parliament at the age of 25 under the direction of Justice D.F. Annan and is currently working for Alban Bagbin.
“…I joined parliament at the age of 25, when we to came parliament in 1993, the leadership was Owusu J.H Acheampong, Owusu Agyekum and Justice Annan.
“We started serving the MPs when they were very few, as the other party boycotted parliament. But as you can see, there are now over 200 MPs. I served the leadership in 1993 and I enjoyed everything I was doing,” she said.
“Everybody I served in 1993 to 1996 were friendly open and we could actually go to them and they also come to us when there is a problem. Most of them also took our advice when there is something wrong, for instance, some of them will come out of the chamber furious, then after speaking to us, we advise them and they take it easy,” she added.
Auntie Flo as she is popularly called recounted how Yaw Osafo Maafo, president Nana Addo and former president John Mahama would usually come around and have their breakfast, during which time she would engage them in conversations.
She said the provision of food to MPs was proposed by the former clerk of parliament; Samuel Ntim Darkwa after he noticed MPs were eating from places around, therefore in order to reduce the risk of their exposure, he proposed parliament provided breakfast and lunch to MPs.
This was in place for some time but changed in 1996 when MPs demanded money for their meals rather than parliament providing it for them.
“…the former clerk of Parliament, Samuel Ntim Darkwa did not want the MPs to eat outside as it was very risky. So initiated that MPs should be provided with breakfast and lunch. But in 1996 the MPs said they did not want parliament providing them with meals and wanted their money, so the cafeteria started selling foods for those who wanted to buy from them,” she told GhanaWeb’s Nimatu Yakubu.
Florence Bedford is married with four children and is expected to retire from her work as a caterer in parliament in five years.
Dean of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso, has blamed politicians for inciting Bawku dispute despite the grave consequences for peace and order.
Professor Antwi-Danso claims that due to the political character of the problem, the war has been ongoing for more than 100 years with decreasing chances of achieving a lasting resolution.
He pointed out that the matter remains difficult to resolve because the two feuding factions are politically aligned, which makes it very challenging for the security authorities to restore calm in the region.
According to him, the conflict now poses a severe security threat to the nation since one of the fighting factions could call on terrorists to aid them in their cause, which situation could result in a catastrophe for national security.
“It is because of politics that’s why we cannot fight the Bawku conflict. It is just politics…the Bawku conflict has been in existence for over 100 years old, so if every government was to implement peace resolution measures since then, we could have resolved the matter.
“But as times go on, the conflict becomes severe day in and day out. Whether you like it or not, the Kusasis are NDC and the Mamprusis are also NPP. Why should we experience this? This is the political angle, when there’s a crime there’s a crime.
“I’m most worried about the security threat that this conflict is posing to the country because if we don’t take care, a group can invite terrorists to support them in the fight and that will be a national disaster,” he said.
In an interview with Accra-based Peace FM, the academician made a suggestion that it is now time for the media and all Ghanaians to use a name-and-shame approach to expose the perpetrators of the dispute and aid in reestablishing peace in the area and the entire country.
Background:
It may be recalled that personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces who were deployed to Bawku to maintain law and order were accused by some residents of allegedly killing at least 10 unarmed civilians from Kusasi in their homes and communities.
Meanwhile, according to a publication by the BBC published on February 2, 2023, Mahama Ayariga was reported to have accused the military of being behind the deaths and called for an immediate investigation.
Mahama Ayariga went a step further to petition the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the killings of 10 citizens and also demanded GH¢500,000 compensation for each deceased person.
On the other hand, the Ghana Armed Forces in a press statement signed by the Director of Public Relations, Naval Captain Michael Addo Larbie, described the allegations as “false” and “untrue.”
Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., has expressed disgust over the way the government andpoliticians are treating the Chinese galamsey queen, Aisha Huang‘s case.
Aisha Huang was arrested in Kumasi for engaging in illegal mining activities, although she was repatriated to China in 2018.
The galamsey queen re-entered Ghana slyly and continued her activities until her recent arrest.
She has since been arraigned before court and refused bail.
However, the Aisha Huang story has dominated discussions on illegal mining in the country.
But to Kwesi Pratt, Aisha Huang is not the solution to the illegal mining menace in Ghana, “so, why have we reduced everything to Aisha Huang?”
Making his submissions on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” programme, he further questioned; “Will imprisoning Aisha Huang end galamsey?”
“The problem is not Aisha Huang . . . I can’t understand it. Now, wherever you go, it’s Aisha Huang. When you buy newspaper, it’s Aisha Huang. On radio and television is Aisha Huang. It’s like Aisha Huang is the problem. She has now become shortcode for galamsey . . . Before Aisha Huang was born, we knew the problem in the gold industry,” he added.
He charged the government to stay focused on the fight against the menace and stop making the galamsey queen appear like her arrest is the end to galamsey.
Hackers created a fake news website to harvest data from Australian government officials, journalists, and others, according to a top US security company.
The targets received emails claiming to be from Australian news outlets, which linked them to a malicious website.
The website, populated with articles stolen from BBC News, would then install malicious code on their device.
Proofpoint said it had “high confidence” the hackers were aligned with the Chinese government.
“We take attribution very seriously,” Proofpoint threat research and detection vice-president Sherrod DeGrippo said.
“We specifically don’t release attribution unless we have high confidence.
“Essentially, a big part of our attribution capability comes from the fact that the United States Department of Justice agrees with the attribution and data that we have released.
Proofpoint said the hackers were part of a group of which four members had been charged by the US in 2021 when the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre said it was “almost certain” they were linked to the Chinese government.
It said the group was “a China-based, espionage-motivated threat actor that has been active since 2013, targeting a variety of organisations in response to political events in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on the South China Sea.”
The Australian Cyber Security Centre has been approached for comment.
In the group’s latest hack, between April and June, victims had received emails claiming to be from someone who had started a news website, Proofpoint said.
They had then been asked to review the site and consider writing for it.
‘Anglo-styled names’
“What I think is quite novel about it is they went so far as to create these fake media websites, by scraping legitimate sites, including the BBC, in their efforts to appear real,” Ms DeGrippo said.
“And further, they created multiple identities that they were sending from.
“They created all of these sorts of pseudo identities to launch the attack from, making them more believable.”
The fake names – each with their own unique Gmail address – included Daisha Manalo, Blair Goodland, and Bethel Giffen.
IMAGE SOURCE,PROOFPOINT
Image caption,
Victims were invited to write for a new news website, which was fake
The fake website was filled with malware that would infect the victim’s computer with a tool called Scanbox, checking their profile, device and web pages visited.
“Scanbox essentially is a web reconnaissance and exploitation framework,” Ms DeGrippo said.
“When we think about that, in conjunction with the actor who is a China-based espionage group, it makes sense.”
‘Sensitive role’
The attack seemed to focus on people involved in energy production, such as offshore energy exploration in the South China Sea, wind-turbine manufacture, and alternative energy but also defence contractors and individuals involved in healthcare and financial services.
“Consumers generally are not on the radar of Chinese espionage services,” Ms DeGrippo said.
“However, anyone who has a sensitive role within their professional employment, even if they’re dealing with things such as engineering, things that might not seem like state secrets… the reality is China sees them as secrets and as important espionage information.”
People should ensure their browsers were updated and firewall and antivirus software turned on, Ms DeGrippo said.
But she added: “Organisations professionally must think about the kinds of data that their employees have access to and if they have the correct technological means in place to protect their employees from these kinds of attacks.
“By the time it gets to a human, it’s really too late.”
Joseph Tapena, a human rights activist, has advised the youth to be mindful of politicians who might want to use them to foment trouble before and during the December 7, 2020 elections.
“As a youth, you must not allow politicians to use you as tools to cause misunderstanding that could easily trigger violence in the electioneering,†he said.
Rather channel your youthful exuberances into activities that would promote peace and social cohesion and remain as campaigners of societal peace, he said.
“Always be conscious of what you say wherever you find yourselfâ€, Mr Tapena stated during a zoom concert organized by the Initiative Black and White Ghana-Germany (IBWG), a human rights-centred non-governmental organisation in collaboration with the Sunyani Youth Development Association (SYDA) held at the weekend.
The ‘George Floyd’ concert was aimed at raising awareness on the need for peace, as Ghana prepares for the Election 2020.
Describing political violence as uncivilized and unacceptable, Mr Tapena, who is the Country Director of the IBWG, said it was the worst form of human rights abuse inimical to human growth and development.
Political violence threatens multi-party democracy, he added and advised the youth to remain resolute, ignore and help name and shame perpetrators of political violence.
Mr Atta Akoto Senior, the President of the SYDA, urged the unemployed youth to engage in skill training to better their lives.
“Don’t sell your conscience to politicians because if you allow that they will use you to achieve their political ends and later dump youâ€, he advised.
Mr Akoto called on the youth to take advantage of the internet to search for opportunities to further their education and learn new entrepreneurial skills as well.
He said with the support of the Australian government the SYDA was currently assisting school dropouts, teenage and single mothers to engage in employable skills training to improve on their socio-economic livelihoods, and appealed for support so that many of the vulnerable youth would benefit from the training.
Prempeh College is one of the best secondary schools we have in Ghana. The all boys school based in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region, is well-known for producing top class students for the corporate world.
Prempeh College has won Ghana’s prestigious National Science and Maths Quiz four times, making them the second school with most wins.
The school which was setup in 1949, can proudly boast of many highly successful alumni doing so well in different sectors of the economy here in Ghana and other parts of the world.
There are some notable politicians in Ghana who had their high school education at Prempeh College, 12 of them have been profiled in this article.
1. John Agyekum Kufuor -Â Ex President of Ghana
He is a distinguished politician who served as the President of Ghana from 2001 to 2009. He was also Chairperson of African Union from 2007 to 2008.
His started his political career early, from 1969 to 1972 he was the MP for Atwima Nwabiagya Constituency and he got elected again as MP in 1979 and served till 1981.
2. Kwabena Duffour -Â Former Finance Minister
He was the Finance Minister of Ghana from 2009 to 2013 under John Atta Mills who was then President of Ghana.
Ex President Jerry John Rawlings appointed him as Governor of Bank of Ghana from 1997 to 2001.
He is a Chartered Banker by profession and was named as one of the four best Central Bank Governors in the world at an IMF/World Bank meeting in 1999.
3. Matthew Opoku Prempeh -Â Education Minister
He is the current Minister of Education in Ghana and also a Member of Parliament for Manhyia South Constituency in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
He is a trained Medical Doctor from the School of Medical Sciences – Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
4. Kwadwo Baah Wiredu -Â Former Finance Minister
He was a Chartered Accountant by profession and a notable Ghanaian politician.
He is well remembered in Ghana as the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning from 2005 to 2008. He was also elected MP for Asante Akim North from 1997 to 2008.
Unfortunately, he died on 24 September 2008 in Pretoria, South Africa where he had been receiving treatment for a short illness.
5. Badu Akosa -Â Leading Member of CPP
He is a leading member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), the 3rd most popular political party in Ghana after NPP and NDC.
He is a trained Pathologist and has served as the Director General of Ghana Health Service. He is also a recipient of the 2nd highest award in Ghana, Companion of the Order of the Volta for Public and Medical Services.
6. Kwadwo Mpiani -Â Former Chief of Staff
He worked as Minister for Presidential Affairs under President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration. He later became Chief of Staff at the Presidency.
7. Maxwell Kofi Jumah -Â Former Mayor of Kumasi
He is a notable politician and worked as Mayor of Kumasi under President John Kufuor’s presidency. He also served as MP for Asokwa Constituency in the Ashanti Region.
He is currently the CEO of state-owned company, GIHOC Distilleries and has been praised for his excellent leadership skills that has transformed the fortunes of the company.
8. OB Amoah -Â Former Deputy Sports Minister
He is the current MP for Akuapem South Constituency in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
During President Kufuor’s administration he served as a Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports from 2005 to 2008.
9. Kwesi Ahwoi -Â Former Minister for Food and Agriculture
He is a renowned Ghanaian politician who was appointed Minister for Food and Agriculture by President John Atta Mills from 2009 to 2013 and Minister for Interior from 2013 to 2014 under President John Dramani Mahama.
10. Ato Ahwoi -Â Leading Member of NDC
He is currently a leading member of the Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the largest opposition political party in Ghana.
During President John Atta Mills administration he was appointed Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
He is the blood brother of Kwesi Ahwoi.
11. Joseph Yamin -Â Deputy Minister for Sports
He served as Deputy Minister for Sports and Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
12. Fritz Baffour -Â Former Minister for Information
He was appointed Minister for Information by President John Atta Mills in 2012.
He was also elected as MP for Ablekuma South Constituency in Greater Accra Region of Ghana and served from 2009 to 2016.
He is a trained journalist and works as a communications and media consultant.
Politics is believed to be a game of chance and others think it’s a dirty game because the players disguise themselves with lofty promises while milking the masses to enrich themselves.
Ace broadcaster and actor, Mikki Osei Berko, who has 26 years of experience in showbiz and is one of Ghana’s seasoned actors, is nursing political ambitions but does not want to be called a politician.
His reason is he strongly believes in the school of thought that there is no politician with credibility.
Although Mikki Osei Berko would want to enter the political space, he wants to serve the people with a clean conscience and clean hands.
He says he doesn’t want a political tag on him but desires to be known by his character when he finally makes up his mind to contest a political seat in the nation.
”I don’t want to be [called] a politician…I don’t find a person who’s described as politician credible enough”, he said in an interview with Nkonkonsa.com.
