TIG Post

Tag: Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

  • Aisha Huang lived in Ghana, Togo over 3 years prior to acquiring her Ghana Card in February 2022 – Okudzeto Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has refuted reports that galamsey kingpin Aisha Huang returned to Ghana on February 27, 2022, despite her repatriation in 2018.

    Mr. Ablakwa asserts that the Chinese national has been residing between Ghana and Togo for more than three years prior to 2022, in violation of the Comptroller-General’s requirements for her repatriation from that country on December 19, 2018.

    “We can confirm that Aisha Huang has footprints of her physical presence in Ghana from as far back as February 27, 2019 – yes, more than 3 years ago, and much longer than originally portrayed,” the North Tongu legislator wrote in a Facebook post.

    “Our unimpeachable investigations reveal that even before Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Maafo justified Aisha Huang’s doubtful deportation in April 2019 and long before President Akufo-Addo’s statement on the dubious deportation in September 2019, Aisha Huang was in Ghana travelling on multiple occasions between Ghana and Togo,” he added.

    The Minority MP disclosed that Aisha Huang, whose real name is Ruixia Huang and not En Huang, was able to travel back and forth because she had two or more Chinese passports with her.

    “One passport bears the name Huang En with passport number: G39575625. It was issued on January 14, 2010. Her other passport has the name Huang Ruixia. Its number is: EE9994609. This particular Chinese passport was issued on January 14, 2019,” he revealed.

    According to him, strangely, “both passports have different dates of birth. In her En Huang passport (G39575625) she claims to have been born July 7, 1986 while in the Ruixia Huang passport (EE9994609) she claims to be much older, having been born on November 7, 1975.”

    Since it has been rectified that Aisha Huang travelled through approved routes but with a forged document, as stated by government spokesperson on security and governance, Palgrave Boakye- Danquah, Mr Ablakwa firmly believes that her multiple trips to Togo and back to Ghana since February 2019 were not on the blind side of Ghanaian authorities.

    “We come to the firm conclusion that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government ought to have known about her multiple travels between Ghana and Togo at a time we were told she had been deported to China because expert forensic analysis we have conducted on Ghana Immigration Embarkation and Disembarkation Stamps in her Chinese passport using the latest version of the globally acclaimed Video Spectral Comparator (VSC 8000/HS) confirms that all the Ghana Immigration Embarkation/ Disembarkation Stamps in her passport are genuine,” he explained.

    He also alleged that Aisha Huang physically presented herself to Ghana Immigration officials at the Aflao border on February 27, 2019 and on April 28, 2019.

    Mr Ablakwa argues that it is most bizarre that Aisha Huang’s biometrics didn’t raise alarm at the Aflao border immigration post considering that her biometrics had previously been captured at numerous locations, including at the Kotoka International Airport and the National Identification Authority (NIA).

    He is of the assertion that the “galamseyer” had “collaborators within our security institutions” as “her well-stored details as contained in Ghana’s PISCES (Personal Identification Secured Certified Evaluation System)” failed to raise an alarm.

    Meanwhile, Mr Ablakwa says investigations carried out by sources close to him have confirmed that Aisha Huang was indeed born on November 7, 1975.

    “Her Ghana Non Citizen Identity Card has different information from her China Identity Card – she clearly told NIA officials she was born on July 7, 1986. Curiously, her En Huang passport had not expired on its scheduled expiry date of January 13, 2020 when she secured her Ruixia Huang passport on January 14, 2019,” he further claimed.

    For the North Tongu MP, “it’s quite striking how she makes sure her Chinese passports are always issued on January 14.”

    He has, therefore, called on the Chinese government to clarify the genuineness of both passports, and if they are genuine, “why Aisha Huang was issued a second passport when her earlier passport hadn’t expired.”

    On the other hand, Mr. Ablakwa has questioned the government about why it didn’t “share intelligence on the notorious Aisha Huang with governments of neighbouring countries as is standard practice, which could have limited Aisha’s sinister movements in the sub-region.”

    He is also upset that the many Ghanaian officials involved in this “cruel and embarrassing conspiracy against our republic” have not been fired and charged along with Aisha Huang in the current prosecution.

    “It remains a mockery of humongous proportions that all of Ghana’s security ministers are still keeping their jobs. When nobody in authority is punished for this international disgrace and for this grand scheme which has left our environment and water bodies destroyed, the only logical interpretation is that national leadership, right from the Presidency, is complicit,” he added.

    Aisha Huang, who was arrested on September 2, 2022, in Kumasi, has been arrested for undertaking mining without a licence, facilitating the participation of persons engaged in a mining operation contrary to law, illegal employment of foreign nationals and entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry.

    The Attorney-General is responsible for the aforementioned charges against the Chinese national who is expected to reappear before the Accra Circuit Court 9, together with; Jong Li Hua Huang Jei and Huiad Hiahu on September 27, 2022, for reportedly engaging in the sale and purchase of minerals without a licence and mining without a licence.

    On the charges against Aisha Huang, Mr Ablakwa claims that they are “deliberately scanty, narrow, and superficial with the obvious intention of protecting guilty accomplices in high places.”

    According to him, the government “cannot be trusted on this and many matters,”, therefore, is calling for a full independent Article 278 Commission of Enquiry which must be broadcast live to all Ghanaians.

    Following Aisha Huang’s return, it has been confirmed that the Chinese national was not deported in 2018 as stated by former Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Maafo, but was repatriated.

    Unsettled matters

    In 2018, Aisha Huang was being prosecuted with four other Chinese accomplices; Gao Jin Chen, Lu Qi Jun, Haibin Gao and Zhang Zhipeng for undertaking small-scale mining operations contrary to Section 99 (1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), among other charges.

    Although it has been clarified that Aisha Huang was repatriated, nothing has been said about her four original accomplices.

    Mr Ablakwa has called on the government to inform Ghanaians whether the four were also repatriated or not.

    “The fundamental question that arises therefore is: what really happened to Gao Jin Chen, Lu Qi Jun, Haibin Gao and Zhang Zhipeng? Like Aisha Huang – were they deported or repatriated? Did they flee or did they sneak out? Were they allowed to stay in Ghana all these years, and do we know exactly what they are doing in our country? If they ever left, have they also been allowed to sneak back in?” he quizzed.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Surprisingly, Aisha Huang has not been sacked or indicted with any Ghanaian officials – Ablakwa

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the ranking member of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, thinks it is absurd that Ghana’s security ministers are still in their positions following the recent Aisha Huang issue.

    The recent arrest of the galamsey (illegal mining) kingpin who was expelled from Ghana in 2018 was the subject of Mr. Ablakwa’s private investigations, which he detailed. He noted that the continued tenure of some government officials in office in spite of the evidence associated with the case suggests government complicity.

    “From our extensive work, there is still no credible evidence that Aisha Huang was deported to China as the President and his Senior Minister originally claimed. Based on what we now know, it is most inexplicable that many Ghanaian officials involved in this cruel and embarrassing conspiracy against our republic have not been fired and charged along with Aisha Huang in the current prosecution.

    “It remains a mockery of humongous proportions that all of Ghana’s security ministers are still keeping their jobs. When nobody in authority is punished for this international disgrace and for this grand scheme which has left our environment and water bodies destroyed, the only logical interpretation is that national leadership, right from the Presidency is complicit,” the MP said in a Facebook statement sighted by GhanaWeb.

    Aisha Huang was arrested in 2017 and charged with various offences, including illegal mining.

    However, the state filed to discontinue her trial and subsequently deported her from the country in 2018.

    The Senior Minister at the time, Nana Yaw Osafo Maafo, justified her deportation by saying it was rather in the country’s interest.

    However, President Akufo-Addo took a different position by describing her deportation as a “mistake.”

    But according to Mr Ablakwa, there is evidence to suggest that Aisha Huang was not deported in the first place as had earlier been indicated by government actors.

    He mentioned that Aisha Huang had actually been trekking between Ghana and Togo since 2019 and had actually been doing so using approved immigration routes with the aid of two different Chinese passports.

    “We can confirm that Aisha Huang has footprints of her physical presence in Ghana from as far back as February 27, 2019 — yes, more than 3 years ago, and much longer than originally portrayed.

    “We now know that Aisha Huang has been living in Ghana and Togo for more than 3 years before obtaining her Ghana Card on February 27, 2022,” he said.

    Aisha Huang, whose recent arrest is in connection with similar galamsey offences as her 2017 arrest, has been remanded into custody with various charges pressed against her in a magistrate and a high court.

    But according to Mr Ablakwa, there is an obvious intent by the government to ensure that the Chinese national walks free from crimes as a measure to protect her accomplices.

    “It is also clear to us from concrete facts we have discovered that Aisha Huang’s charges are deliberately scanty, narrow and superficial with the obvious intention of protecting guilty accomplices in high places,” he said.

    He has thus reaffirmed his call for a bipartisan parliamentary probe into the Aisha Huang case.

    “We are stronger in our conviction that this astonishing Aisha Huang scandal requires a full independent Article 278 Commission of Enquiry which must be broadcast live to all Ghanaians,” the Member of Parliament for North Tongu declared.

    Read below full details of Mr Ablakwa’s statement on Aisha Huang:

    Diligent, assiduous and industrious parliamentary oversight on the Aisha Huang scandal has produced more bombshell findings:

    1. We can confirm that Aisha Huang has footprints of her physical presence in Ghana from as far back as February 27, 2019 — yes, more than 3 years ago, and much longer than originally portrayed;

    2. We now know that Aisha Huang has been living in Ghana and Togo more than 3 years before obtaining her Ghana Card on February 27, 2022;

    3. Our unimpeachable investigations reveal that even before Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Maafo justified Aisha Huang’s doubtful deportation in April 2019 and long before President Akufo-Addo’s statement on the dubious deportation in September 2019, Aisha Huang was in Ghana traveling on multiple occasions between Ghana and Togo;

    4. We can state authoritatively that Aisha Huang uses at least 2 Chinese Passports for her travels (see evidence attached);

    5. One passport bears the name Huang En with passport number: G39575625. It was issued on January 14, 2010.

    6. Her other passport has the name Huang Ruixia. It’s number is: EE9994609. This particular Chinese passport was issued on January 14, 2019;

    7. Strangely, both passports have different dates of birth. In her En Huang passport (G39575625) she claims to have been born July 7, 1986 while in the Ruixia Huang passport (EE9994609) she claims to be much older having been born on November 7, 1975.

    8. We have also secured her China Identity Card which indicates she was born on November 7, 1975;

    9. Her Ghana Non-Citizen Identity Card has different information from her China Identity Card – she clearly told NIA officials she was born on July 7, 1986;

    10. Curiously, her En Huang passport had not expired on its scheduled expiry date of January 13, 2020 when she secured her Ruixia Huang passport on January 14, 2019.

    11. It’s quite striking how she makes sure her Chinese passports are always issued on a January 14;

    12. Even though Aisha Huang deliberately damaged the electronic component of her Ruixia Huang passport before her latest arrest (see evidence attached), the Chinese government owes Ghana some urgent clarifications on the genuineness of both passports, and if they are genuine why Aisha Huang was issued a second passport when her earlier passport hadn’t expired;

    13. We now have it on authority that her multiple trips to Togo and back to Ghana since February 2019 were not on the blind side of Ghanaian authorities. In other words, she didn’t sneak in and out through unapproved routes as the Ghanaian government’s jumbled narrative suggests;

    14. We come to the firm conclusion that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government ought to have known about her multiple travels between Ghana and Togo at a time we were told she had been deported to China because expert forensic analysis we have conducted on Ghana Immigration Embarkation and Disembarkation Stamps in her Chinese passport using the latest version of the globally acclaimed Video Spectral Comparator (VSC 8000/HS) confirms that all the Ghana Immigration Embarkation/Disembarkation Stamps in her passport are genuine;

    15. Our irrefutable investigations reveal that Aisha Huang physically presented herself to Ghana Immigration officials at the Aflao border on February 27, 2019 and on April 28, 2019;

    16. Despite her changing names and different dates of birth, it is most bizarre that Aisha Huang’s biometrics didn’t raise alarm at the Aflao border immigration post considering that her biometrics had previously been captured at numerous locations including at the Kotoka International Airport and the NIA;

    17. Her well-stored details as contained in Ghana’s PISCES (Personal Identification Secured Certified Evaluation System) should equally have raised alarm if she didn’t have top collaborators within our security institutions;

    18. It is also intriguing that the Ghanaian government didn’t appear to share intelligence on the notorious Aisha Huang with governments of neighboring countries as is standard practice, and which could have limited Aisha’s sinister movements in the sub-region;

    19. From our extensive work, there is still no credible evidence that Aisha Huang was deported to China as the President and his Senior Minister originally claimed;

    20. Based on what we now know, it is most inexplicable that many Ghanaian officials involved in this cruel and embarrassing conspiracy against our republic have not been fired and charged along with Aisha Huang in the current prosecution;

    21. It remains a mockery of humongous proportions that all of Ghana’s security ministers are still keeping their jobs;

    22. When nobody in authority is punished for this international disgrace and for this grand scheme which has left our environment and water bodies destroyed, the only logical interpretation is that national leadership, right from the Presidency is complicit;

    23. It is also clear to us from concrete facts we have discovered that Aisha Huang’s charges are deliberately scanty, narrow and superficial with the obvious intention of protecting guilty accomplices in high places;

    24. We believe as a responsible and patriotic opposition, we are now adequately armed to keep an eagle eye on a government that cannot be trusted on this and many matters;

    25. We are stronger in our conviction that this astonishing Aisha Huang scandal requires a full independent Article 278 Commission of Enquiry which must be broadcast live to all Ghanaians.

  • Huang should be held accountable for misleading Immigration with a “false” Ghanaian husband – Ablakwa

     

    Member of Parliament(MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has alleged the notorious galamsey queen, Aisha Huang illegally obtained a dubious male Ghanaian Passport which she used to mislead immigration officials to entrench her stay in Ghana.

    According to Ablakwa, the fiction about Aisha Huang being married to a Ghanaian is not the first time, as she’d made similar claims a decade ago when she deceived Ghanaian immigration authorities that she married a Ghanaian called Anthony Fabian at a 2007 wedding in China.

    The North Tongu lawmaker said he’s extremely disappointed in the prosecution that Huang has therefore not been charged with offences relating to her estranged husband, Anthony Fabian, describing it as a grand criminal enterprise.

    She used that alleged scheme to secure an indefinite permit from the Ghana Immigration Service, the MP said.

    ” It remains a mystery how she managed to obtain a Ghanaian male passport in the name of a ghostly Anthony Fabian with Passport Number: H2554456,” the lawmaker said in a Facebook post.

    He noted that court documents in his possession from her 2017 and 2018 aborted prosecution and other intercepted official records reveal that the Passport Office and the Foreign Ministry had absolutely no information about any application by the said Anthony Fabian for a Ghanaian passport. There was also no manual or biometric trace.

    Ghana’s Birth and Death Registry also has no record of anyone called Anthony Fabian

    Mr. Ablakwa claimed that when detectives insisted that she provide Anthony Fabian, Aisha claimed that her husband was a New York resident.
    PISCES (Personal Identification Secured Certified Evaluation System) system checks, however, produced a negative result.
    She gave security personnel a New York phone number, but it was never answered.
    She was also unable to give a legitimate New York address.

    The congressman further revealed that immigration records show that no Anthony Fabian has ever entered the country through the Kotoka International Airport or any other entry gateway that has been authorized by us.

    Pictures of Aisha’s Anthony Fabian (not the British film producer, writer, and director Anthony Fabian) don’t seem to exist, not even photos from their wedding.
    Since 2007, Anthony Fabian has remained a shrouded husband, according to the Facebook post.

     

  • 8-year-old winner of reading competition receives GH¢3k, new tablet from Ablakwa

    North Tongu legislator, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has given GHc3,000 to the eight-year-old winner of the Volta Regional Reading Competition.

    Samelia Mekporsigbe, a class 3 pupil of Battor DA Primary School from North Tongu Constituency, defeated 17 other district champions to win the day.

    The lawmaker presented the cash amount to support her preparations for the national reading competition in Accra.

    Samelia, 8, also received a Samsung Tablet with free internet connectivity and a wide array of e-reading collections from the MP.

    She has also been placed on the MP’s scholarship programme for additional academic assistance until she graduates from the university.

    Sharing the images with the child prodigy on his official Facebook page, the MP wrote:

    ”It was a delight to receive a victorious delegation led by North Tongu Director of Education, Mrs. Isabella Regina Ayimey as they presented to me the phenomenal Samelia Mekporsigbe, a class 3 pupil of Battor DA Primary School in my beloved constituency, and winner of the Volta Regional Reading Competition sponsored by the USAID Learning initiative.”

    Members of the cyber community moved in droves to congratulate the child and appreciate the MP.

    ClassPee Della Russel said:

    ”Impressive. Best wishes to her.”

    Kojo Kiel commented:

    ”One day when I am old and she becomes a judge, I’ll just say I know her from some place and remember it was here.”

    Nana Kweku Arhin said:

    ”Congratulations to Samelia and great work done Honourable. You’re a Leader worth emulating!”

    Hadzide Midzim commented:

    ”Wow! What a splendid performance! Hearty congratulations to her. Honourable MP, kudos to you! May God Almighty continue to bless you.”

    Mawuna Kwabena said:

    ”Congratulations to this girl. May God help her to fulfill God’s purpose for her life. God bless you honorable this nation will one day honor you with the highest seat of the land.”

    Christian M. Kwesi commented:

    ”Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Whenever I see or read your posts, I’m always FIRED UP! Thank you for setting the pace and raising the bar so high! God bless you, Sir.”

    Prince Agbewu commented:

    ”That is great! And thank you very much Honorable God bless you to do more!”

    Abdul Mumin Mohammed Awal said:

    ”The leadership of service indeed. You always make leadership easy to emulate and all departments within your constituency easily access you for such great interactions. Congratulations to the lady and may Allah grant her the dreams she aspires.”

     

    Source: Yen.com

  • National Cathedral brouhaha: We can’t grow and sustain our transformation without spirituality – Ofori-Atta

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has underscored the need for the country to pay critical attention to its spiritual development amidst the seemingly rage over the construction of the National Cathedral project using taxpayers’ money.

    In an interview with the state broadcaster, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Mr. Ofori-Atta explained that the country had done well in striving for political independence and economic development however was lacking in the area of spirituality.

    He stated that the country cannot grow and sustain its transformation without a holistic approach which should include focusing on spiritual development as well.

    “The issue of National Cathedral seems to generate in modern times this type of discourse but the questions being asked are one you are a secular state, why are you getting into this and really; is that the question because the Supreme Court answer is that if the nature of the people are religious, then it is incumbent of government to have the infrastructure to do that.

    “I think that there are three pillars of nation-building with regards to political independence which our first president did and led to Africa getting independent.

    “The second one is being one of investment and trade and to get into economic emancipation which through Nana Akufo-Addo we now have free trade agreement headquartered here.

    “So, we are getting these two pillars. The third clearly has to be that spirituality and so with that third leg, we cannot grow and sustain our transformation without a holistic view and I think we need to understand that,” Ken Ofori-Atta said.

    The National Cathedral project has in recent weeks come under intense public scrutiny over its funding.

    The government reportedly provided seed money for the project despite earlier assurances that it was going to be financed by the Church.

    North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa alleged that the Akufo-Addo-led administration has so far dolled out over GH₵190 million in funding for the construction of the National Cathedral.

    His comment came after a recent report that the government has released an amount of GH₵25 million for the project.

    In a post on his social media handle, Mr. Ablakwa said the government had earlier released an amount of over GH₵142 million bringing the cumulative funding for the project to GH₵199,832,603.00.

    He detailed that this latest amount was concealed from Parliament and was additionally hidden from the Auditor-General in his 2020 audit.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Salaries of presidential staffers shot up from ¢136m to ¢823m in one year Okudzeto Ablakwa

    MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the salaries of presidential staffers shot up from GH¢136.2m in 2020 to GH¢823.8m in 2021.

    He attributed the increase to the creation of “amorphous positions” at the Office of Government Machinery.

    In a post on Facebook, he claimed that, “It is significant to observe from the 2021 Budget Statement — the year most of these amorphous positions were created at the Office of Government Machinery, that their Wages and Salaries shot up astronomically to GH¢823.8million from just GH¢136.2million in 2020 (an increment by a staggering 508.4%).

    Salaries of presidential staffers shot up from ¢136m to ¢823m in one year Okudzeto Ablakwa

    “Compared with that of the entire Parliamentary Service (including non-parliamentarians), GH¢201.1million was budgeted in 2021 from GH¢140.4million in 2020 (representing an increase of 43.2%). Placed in perspective, the OGM salary increase by an additional GH¢687.6million in one year (508.4%) is more than the GH¢672million needed to pay NABCo workers for an entire year (see page 241 of 2021 Budget),” he said.

    Mr. Ablakwa said this notwithstanding, NABCo workers remain unpaid for 7 months.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Keep the same sensitivity levels before and after elections – Okudzeto Ablakwa to fellow politicians

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu has urged members of the ruling government to remain sensitive to issues affecting citizens.

    He suggested that, with the existing economic difficulties Ghanaians are facing, it is unacceptable that the government’s posture appears to be that of one that only listens to Ghanaians during election periods, and then turns a deaf ear afterwards.

    The North Tongu MP believes that the “sensitivity levels of Ghanaian political leaders must remain the same before and after elections.”

    Spelling his concerns out in a Facebook post on Monday, May 9, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa cited the “unbridled price hikes, excruciating cost of fuel, 20% increase in transport fares, proposals by ECG for a 100% tariff adjustment, historic unemployment at 13.4% and a draconian E-Levy” as some evidence of suffocating polices Ghanaians are enduring.

    He noted how these existing policies would not have been tolerated were they implemented in an election year and expressed disappointment with how the current government responded to citizens’ concerns, and this he believes shows that the sensitivity levels of political leaders has dwindled over time.

    Due to this observation, Mr Ablakwa suggested that Ghana should hold national elections every year.

    Mr Ablakwa noted that unlike the Akufo-Addo-led government, Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, continues to cushion Hungarians from the hikes in fuel and food prices by placing a cap on the items, despite winning the April election.

    On May 7, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union Transport (GPRTU) directed that transport fares be increased by 20 per cent, and since its implementation, Ghanaians have lamented the hardship they are going through.

    Before transport fares were increased, public transport operators called on government to remove some petroleum taxes, but President Akufo-Addo said his government will not remove taxes on petroleum products.

    According to the President, the removal of these taxes is not prudent as it would lead to the government missing out on some 4billion cedis in revenue.

    “At this time, when we are determined to expand Government revenues in order to increase our capacity to finance our own development, can we afford to reduce tax revenues by four billion cedis?” he quizzed.

    He made this known in his May Day speech.

    While contention on increased transport fares lingers, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is demanding a 148% increase in tariff.

    The proposal by ECG, submitted to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), wants the adjustment to cover the period 2019 and 2022.

    Source: backend.theindependentghana.com 

     

  • Ablakwa ‘abolishes’ charges on police medical forms for victims of sexual offences in North Tongu

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has introduced a new policy that effectively abolishes the charges levied on victims of sexual offences when they submit police medical forms for a doctor’s report in his constituency.

    Under current laws, victims of sexual offences such as defilement, rape and other forms of sexual assault are charged between GHS150 and GHS400 to have their police medical forms filled by doctors.

    However, in a Facebook post, Samuel Ablakwa said his office, together with various stakeholders in North Tongu, is implementing a policy where victims will have their police medical forms endorsed by doctors for free.

    “We have with immediate effect abolished all charges victims of sexual offences are required to pay when they submit police medical forms for a doctor’s report.

    “The North Tongu District Health Director and the Medical Superintendents of the Battor Catholic Hospital and the Tagadzi Polyclinic are fully on board to implement this latest MP’s initiative.

    “All victims of defilement, rape and other forms of sexual assault will now be attended to free of charge,” he wrote.

    According to the MP, there is a need to ensure that victims of sexual offences are given public support in receiving justice.

    He noted that the medical facilities in his constituency under the new policy would submit quarterly reports to the District Health Directorate for his office to effect payment for police medical forms endorsed by doctors over the period.

    “These vulnerable and traumatized victims need our collective support and the removal of all barriers towards securing justice by successfully prosecuting those demonic perpetrators.

    “Hitherto, victims of sexual offences are asked to pay between GHS150 and GHS400 to have their police medical forms filled by doctors. Under this new dispensation, the medical facilities in my constituency will submit a quarterly report to the District Health Directorate for prompt payment by the North Tongu MP’s office,” he explained.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • What is Akufo-Addo hiding? Ablakwa demands list of 2021 presidential staffers

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has lamented the continuous failure of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to furnish Parliament with the list of presidential staffers as required by law.

    This is the second time this month that the Ranking Member on Foreign Affairs is raising the issue of the President’s non-compliance with the Presidential Office Act.

    In early April, Ablakwa raised the matter on the floor of Parliament accusing Akufo-Addo of “violating the laws of our country in such a violent manner.”

    His most recent demand was via his social media handles when he asked whether the President was hiding anything from the public.

    “Prez Akufo-Addo refuses to comply with the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463) by defiantly not submitting his 2021 list of presidential staffers to Parliament despite the March legal deadline.

    “What is he hiding?” the MP quizzed rhetorically before adding: “Elsewhere, PM Boris Johnson paid a fine for breaking the law.”

    What Ablakwa said in Parliament in early April

    “Section 11 of Act 463 of the Presidential Office Act states relates to an annual report and it provides … the President shall within 3 months after the end of each financial year submit to Parliament an annual report containing the following information; the number of presidential staff employed at the Office, the rank or grade of such staff; and employees in the other public services assigned to the Office.

    “Mr speaker today is the 1st of April, the president is in clear breach of the Presidential Office Act … we cannot accept this as a House. If this delay continues, it undermines the authority of this institution.

    “I recall that virtually every year the president is in breach of this provision and I have to be screaming and crying and yelling before the presidency will comply.

    He added that it is baffling that it takes a lot of effort to get “the President who likes to project himself as a paragon of the rule of law to be violating the laws of our country in such a violent manner.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addo’s wife will deal with moral aspect of Serwaa Broni saga Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongo, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has defended the decision by the Minority in Parliament to push for a probe into some security-related allegations in the Serwaa Broni saga.

    According to him, the Haruna Iddrisu-led caucus was particularly worried about the specific allegation by Evelyn Aidoo, alias Serwaa Broni, made that National Security officials had staged a robbery on her with the view to retrieve some compromising materials she has on the President who she claims she once had a relationship with.

    Speaking on the April 20, 2022 edition of Starr Chat programme, Ablakwa said the Minority was careful about the issue it was pursuing because of the widely spoken about amorous relationship Serwaa Broni alleged she had with Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was a personal issue.

    He stressed that such an issue could be addressed by the wife of the president, Rebecca Akufo-Addo and other family elders.

    “Let us be clear, we are not going into the morality, as for who is whose sidechick, who is sleeping with who, I mean, those are [his] personal family issues and I am sure Mama Rebecca will handle it with their family elders, that is none of our business,” he lawmaker stressed.

    The Minority in Parliament through leader Haruna Iddrissu said they were looking into the allegations the woman made in a recent interview with US-based journalist Kevin Taylor, in which she made allegations against National Security operatives and some politicians.

    “It is the allegations about National Security, and remember that the President as the Commander-In-Chief is the Chairman of the National Security Council per the Constitution of Ghana.

    “And so if the National Security is staging robberies, we are all not safe; journalists, CSO, MPs, whistleblowers … who want to expose wrongdoing, they will just come and stage robberies and who knows, you may be the next Ahmed Hussein Suale,” he added.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ablakwa calls for ‘Ghana Rescue Plan’ amid economic downturn



    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has decried the excessive partisanship that has become part of the national conversation.

    According to him, the prevailing economic situation makes it imperative for a policy devoid of party colorization to be implemented for the benefit of the country.

    He said the challenging times call for nationalism, consensus, partnership, mutual respect and sincere consultations amongst politicians to find a panacea.

    He however wondered if the current crop of politicians will come together to formulate a “Ghana Rescue Plan”.

    “How I wish we could come together in this time of economic crisis and collectively formulate a GHANA RESCUE PLAN. 

    “Not an NPP/Akufo-Addo agenda or NDC/Mahama agenda. Not the numbers game in Parliament either nor if Deputy Speakers should be voting, and definitely not relying on the judiciary to reduce the number of MPs on the side of our opponents so one party can gain an advantage to force down narrow partisan policies.

    “If ever nationalism, consensus, partnership, mutual respect and sincere consultations were needed to move our dear country forward, it is now. 

    “The question, however is: can we as current crop of Ghanaian leaders find the humility, maturity, selflessness, trust for each other and genuine love for country to urgently put together that GHANA RESCUE PLAN?,” Mr. Ablakwa posted on his Facebook timeline.

    The economy in recent times has witnessed a downward spiral.

    Many economists have cited the depreciating Cedi, increase in fuel prices and general cost of living as pointers to this claim.

    Some analysts have asked the government to seek an IMF bailout. However, government has shot down the proposal whiles banking its hopes on the E-levy.

    The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, over the weekend held a crunch meeting with key members of his government to find a way out of the current crisis.

    Whiles government is yet to announce the outcome, Information Minister Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has hinted that all government flagship programmes are up for review.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Russia-Ukraine conflict: Ablakwa meets Ghanaian students in Romania

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, is currently in Bucharest, Romania to visit Ghanaian students who escaped from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

    According to him, the visit will allow him to closely assess the conditions of the students and understand better their unique perspective of how Ghana can be more helpful to them.

    Sharing pictures with the students on his Facebook timeline on Wednesday evening, Ablakwa wrote:

    “This morning I arrived in Bucharest, Romania which shares a southern border with Ukraine to visit our Ghanaian students who escaped from the conflict in Ukraine.

    “The visit affords me the opportunity to closely assess their conditions and to better understand from their unique perspective how our nation can be more helpful to them as I engage them directly.”

    The North Tongu MP explained further, “I do this not merely because it is a constitutional imperative of oversight imposed on parliamentarians; there is a higher obligation of our common humanity and nationhood.

    “Romania now hosts the largest number of Ghanaian students — an estimated 200, expected to be evacuated to Ghana,” he said. “I have been greatly inspired by the amazing stories of survival and resilience as narrated by our heroic compatriots.”

    He lauded Ahmed Tijani Abubakr of Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Prague “for his impressive consular services which have been praised by the students.”

    The NDC MP continued: “the Romanians have been awesome with their exceptional kindness. Our nation owes them a debt of gratitude.

    “It gave me great pleasure to host our courageous compatriots to lunch, convey messages of hope for a brighter future, and to make a modest donation into the NUGS-Ukraine welfare account.

    “I assured our much-cherished compatriots that the entire nation led by the government is with them in prayers and solidarity. Evacuations shall continue and we would also never forget their colleagues who remain trapped in Ukraine, particularly those in the city of Sumy.

    “Together, as one nation with a common humanity, we shall ensure the complete protection and rehabilitation of our beloved citizens,” Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s post concluded.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • ‘Captain Smart will emerge a hero’: Okudzeto Ablakwa shades Akufo-Addo

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has shared his opinion on issues surrounding Captains Smart’s detention and subsequent bail, by the National Security.

    In a Facebook post, Hon Ablakwa condemned the brazen media intolerance in the Akufo-Addo administration and subtly called out  the President for distorting his professed human rights activist ideals.

    According to the lawmaker, the true nature of a democrat is evident in how they respond to criticism, a trait he believes is lacking in the current NPP administration.

    This comment follows the detention and charge of well-known journalist and government critic, Captain Smart, who in recent times has used his platform, Media General’s Onua Morning Show, to heavily criticise government on their handling on the state coffers.

    Hon Ablakwa, a member of the opposition NDC, describing Captain Smart as a ‘critical voice’, noted how the current treatment meted out to him by the national Security was uncalled fo and inappropriate.

    “The true measure of any democrat or self-styled human rights activist is not how he unethically rewards his favourite praise singers masquerading as neutral journalists with juicy positions, it is how critical voices are treated under his watch. Captain Smart would emerge a hero,” Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa posted on his Facebook wall on Thursday, February 3, 2022.



    A statement from Onua TV, employers of Captain Smart detailing what had transpired said National Security officers took custody of the host of Onua Maakye and detained him together with his DJ, Eric Daniels Copperfield (DJ GH Bwoy) on Wednesday in spite of the duo being granted bail by the Accra Circuit Court.
    The statement continued that Captain Smart was taken to the Ministries police station from where National Security officers came for him in what they said was “order from above”.

    The company said it returned to the National Security office on Thursday only to be told he was not in their custody.

    Management of Onua TV/Fm said they later went back to the Ministries police station where they were also told Captain Smart was not in their custody.

    It said they later got wind that their employee was at the Teshie GREDA Estates Police Station where both Captain Smart and his DJ were subsequently sent to the Circuit Court and later released.

  • Akufo-Addo must listen to Ghanaians and ditch e-levy Ablakwa

    North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo to ditch the e-levy his government is seeking to implement.

    He said the Akufo-Addo should be a listening president and hear the voice of the majority of Ghanaians who are against the levy.

    “President Akufo-Addo must listen to the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians including experts, civil society organizations, religious bodies and political parties who are all legitimately demanding that he jettisons the obnoxious and highly inflammable E-Levy,” he said.

    The MP (Member of Parliament) said this in a statement he shared on his Facebook page, on his expectation for 2022 on January 4; adding that the president should rather focus on cutting the governments expenditure. 

    “Government should in place of the insensitive E-Levy pursue vigorous expenditure cuts. For instance: slash the GHS3.1billion allocation to the Office of Government Machinery (OGM), drastically reduce the near GHS1billion set aside as Contingency Vote (a scary 431.5% increase in just one year).

    “Suspend projects such as the new Accra International Conference Centre estimated at €116million, put on ice the proposed 5 STEM universities, drop the Abuakwa Standard Stadium, Regional Art Theatres, New Embassies, Boankra Green Technology City and Tourism Village, and so on and so forth,” he said.

    Okudzeto Ablakwa further stated that the president should also cut his expensive travels on private jets since it will save the country a lot of money.

    “President Akufo-Addo must desist from the obstinate charter of ultra-luxury US14,000 an hour executive jets and make good use of our Presidential Jet which remains in pristine condition. He should return the LX-DIO to its operators – Global Jet Luxembourg,” he said.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ablakwa blows alarm on government’s GH¢241 million e-levy services payment

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has hinted that the Minority Caucus will be demanding full disclosure of the electronic transaction levy, as the government of Ghana has allocated GH¢241,933,000 as its payment.

    According to him, it is unconscionable for the government to tax the poor to make the rich richer.

    Ablakwa in a post on his official Twitter timeline shared Appendix 4B on page 242 of the 2022 budget, where it reveals GH¢241,933,000 has been allocated to e-levy.

    He believes when the Minority Caucus gets the e-levy scrapped, it will affect some “shadowy” business interest.

    The North Tongu MP in a Tweet said, “It does appear our agitations against the E-Levy is going to really affect some shadowy business interests if we succeed in having it scrapped or substantially reduced.

    “Appendix 4B at page 242 of the 2022 budget reveals that a colossal GH¢241,933,000 has already been set aside to pay for so-called e-Transaction Levy Services.

    “We shall be demanding full disclosure in Parliament on this apparent sweetheart deal. Taxing the poor to make the rich richer. This is most unconscionable!” Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa concluded.

    1.75% levy on electronic transactions

    Ken Ofori-Atta introduced a new 1.75% levy on all electronic transactions such as Mobile money transactions, remittances and other electronic transactions.

    Fees and charges of government services have also been increased by 15%.

    The Finance Minister explained, “It is becoming clear there exists an enormous potential to increase tax revenues by bringing into the tax bracket, transactions that could be best defined as being undertaken in the informal economy.

    “As such government is charging an applicable rate of 1.75% on all electronic transactions covering mobile money payments, bank transfers, merchant payments, and inward remittances, which shall be borne by the sender except inward remittances, which will be borne by the recipient.

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has hinted that the Minority Caucus will be demanding full disclosure of the electronic transaction levy, as the government of Ghana has allocated GH¢241,933,000 as its payment.

    According to him, it is unconscionable for the government to tax the poor to make the rich richer.

    Ablakwa in a post on his official Twitter timeline shared Appendix 4B on page 242 of the 2022 budget, where it reveals GH¢241,933,000 has been allocated to e-levy.

    He believes when the Minority Caucus gets the e-levy scrapped, it will affect some “shadowy” business interest.

    The North Tongu MP in a Tweet said, “It does appear our agitations against the E-Levy is going to really affect some shadowy business interests if we succeed in having it scrapped or substantially reduced.

    “Appendix 4B at page 242 of the 2022 budget reveals that a colossal GH¢241,933,000 has already been set aside to pay for so-called e-Transaction Levy Services.

    “We shall be demanding full disclosure in Parliament on this apparent sweetheart deal. Taxing the poor to make the rich richer. This is most unconscionable!” Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa concluded.

    1.75% levy on electronic transactions

    Ken Ofori-Atta introduced a new 1.75% levy on all electronic transactions such as Mobile money transactions, remittances and other electronic transactions.

    Fees and charges of government services have also been increased by 15%.

    The Finance Minister explained, “It is becoming clear there exists an enormous potential to increase tax revenues by bringing into the tax bracket, transactions that could be best defined as being undertaken in the informal economy.

    “As such government is charging an applicable rate of 1.75% on all electronic transactions covering mobile money payments, bank transfers, merchant payments, and inward remittances, which shall be borne by the sender except inward remittances, which will be borne by the recipient.

    “To safeguard efforts being made to enhance financial inclusion and protect the vulnerable, all transactions that add up to GH¢100 or less per day, which is approximately GH¢3000 per month, will be exempt from this levy,” Ofori-Atta revealed.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Domeabra residents demonstrate over the sale of cemetery land

    Residents of Domeabra in the Ga South Municipality on Thursday, November 25, 2021, staged a protest against the alleged sale of cemetery land.

    Taking to the streets on Thursday, the protesters including some traditional leaders and youth of the area, accused the Atufutse of the community, Nii Kwabina Akomea of being behind the sale of the land.

    Asafotse Nii Kojo Kwao III, who led the protest said the sale of the land which has over the years served as a resting place for their ancestors is an abominable act that must not be tolerated.

    “The place is a cemetery specifically designated for burial. It has been here for over ninety (90) years and has been inherited by our generation. It is for no other purpose than a cemetery.

    “All the traditional leaders met and we demanded answers. We were told that the land has been given out by our Atufutse but everyone in the community including we the traditional leaders and even the children are against it. We want the cemetery maintained here. And if anyone is interested in having a land here, we have a lot to allocate to the person but not the cemetery where we will all be buried when we die someday,” the sub-chief stated.

    Residents of Domeabra in the Ga South Municipality on Thursday, November 25, 2021, staged a protest against the alleged sale of cemetery land.

    Taking to the streets on Thursday, the protesters including some traditional leaders and youth of the area, accused the Atufutse of the community, Nii Kwabina Akomea of being behind the sale of the land.

    Asafotse Nii Kojo Kwao III, who led the protest said the sale of the land which has over the years served as a resting place for their ancestors is an abominable act that must not be tolerated.

    “The place is a cemetery specifically designated for burial. It has been here for over ninety (90) years and has been inherited by our generation. It is for no other purpose than a cemetery.

    “All the traditional leaders met and we demanded answers. We were told that the land has been given out by our Atufutse but everyone in the community including we the traditional leaders and even the children are against it. We want the cemetery maintained here. And if anyone is interested in having a land here, we have a lot to allocate to the person but not the cemetery where we will all be buried when we die someday,” the sub-chief stated.

    The demonstrators thus demanded the immediate reversal of the alleged sale of the land saying the consequences may be catastrophic if it is not averted.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ablakwas resignation a vote-of-no confidence in Harunas leadership Mubarak

    The resignation of Noth Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, from the Appointments Committee is vote-of-no confidence in the leadership of Haruna Iddrisu, former MP for Kumbungu Ras Mubarak has said.

    Okudzeto Ablakwa resigned from the appointments committee on Tuesday with immediate effect. In a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ablakwa said his decision was taken on a matter of principle.

    He also added that based on his decision, he will be unavailable for the vetting of deputy ministers yet-to-be nominated by President Akufo-Addo.

    “May I extend to you leadership of the House, the Committee of Selection and the leadership of the great National Democratic Congress (NDC), my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a member of the 6th, 7th and 8th Parliaments of the Republic of Ghana.”

    Speaking in an interview with Starrfm.com.gh, the former MP said the decision by Ablakwa is a clear indication that some minority members have lost the trust and confidence in their leadership in the House.

    He added that some unhappy minority MPs are likely to follow the decision by the North Tongu MP.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Okudzeto Ablakwa surprises healthcare workers with free lunch, chocolates

    National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for the North Tongu constituency in the Volta Region, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Sunday visited the Juapong Health Centre and St. Anne’s Polyclinic in Tagadzi and surprised the healthcare workers on duty with free lunch and bars of chocolate.

    The surprise visit according to the MP, was to show some love for the health workers using the occasion of Valentine’s Day.

    He said “COVID-19 has revealed their great love for us” and that they ought to be showed some love too.

    Mr. Ablakwa presented to them bars of chocolate and hot meals (lunch) from the Royal Senchi Resort, a popular hotel in Akosombo.

    The MP used the opportunity to encourage the staff to give out their best especially in this era of coronavirus and assured his readiness to provide them with logistics to aid them in their duties.

    The healthcare workers thanked Hon. Ablakwa for his kind gesture and the surprise visit. They promised not to relent on their efforts in saving the lives of people in the constituency.

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Ablakwa catalogues serious developments hes executed in only 23 days as MP in 8th parliament

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has listed the various activities he has undertaken to positively impact his constituents in the month of January.

    As one of the Members of Parliament admired by many especially on social media for the various interventions put in place to support his constituents he indicated that in the month of January he has granted 75 scholarships to tertiary students in his constituency.

    Also, he indicated that he had completed all medical obligations towards victims of the Fodzoku/Torgome road accident and has also connected potable water and provided a giant poly tank for the village of Salaga.

    To add to this, he is assisting the youth of Aveyime construct a new volleyball court, donated hundreds of life jackets to all river crossing points.

    The Member of Parliament said he has decided to keep his promise to his people and will never let them down in his drive to serve them.

    In our first month for this new term as MP of my beloved North Tongu: we have granted 75 scholarships to tertiary students, completed all medical obligations towards victims of the Fodzoku/Torgome road accident, connected potable water and provided a giant poly tank for the village of Salaga, we are assisting the youth of Aveyime to construct a new volleyball court, donated hundreds of life jackets to all river crossing points, distributed free wheelchairs to all PWDs, constructed a new transport station at Dorfor-Kpomkpo, ordered more laptops for tertiary students and organized a musical talent discovery and support programme which has secured quite some lucrative agreements for our young talents. February promises to be even more exciting we are just warming up. I shall keep the promise and not let you down. Blessings.

  • We should not be worried about current configuration of parliament Okudzeto Ablakwa

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has called for a positive approach in the face of the nearly hung parliament that resulted from the 2020 general elections.

    The equal membership of MPs from both the NPP and NDC sides of parliament which has had a direct effect on the membership of the Appointments Committee of the House has caused some people to express worry over what they say could bring about a lack of consensus and unnecessary delays in dealing with matters.

    But speaking in an interview with Joynews monitored by GhanaWeb, the NDC MP expressed optimism about the situation saying, “I would like to stress that we need to be positive about the outcome of the 2020 election. What the Ghanaian people have done in virtually giving us a hung parliament is to invite us to work together and to request of us to build for ourselves a legislative organ which is not subservient, which is not a lame duck, which is not a rubber stamp. Which will be efficient in the pursuit of the principles of checks and balances, and the need for independence so far as the three arms of government is concerned.”

    Speaking on the concerns raised, the MP said the opposition side of the House, holds a mindset of not being saboteurs but to be constructive pursuant to the supreme interest of the nation.

    “People are scared, people are worried that Armageddon is upon us. I disagree and we must also emphasize that we in the NDC we are conscious of the fact that Ghanaians are watching, we do not have to be obstructionists, we do not have to be saboteurs or spoilers if you like. Our mindset is to be constructive; is to pursue the supreme national interest and I must emphasize this point,” he added.

    According to Mr Okudzeto, NDC MPs are not oblivious of the consequences of being overly obstructive and will thus employ rationality in their dealings and engagements in the house.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Election 2020: Youll account for every bullet fired Ablakwa to IGP

    North Tongu lawmaker, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said he has officially petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to invite the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to explain the causes of shootings and killings that occurred during the recently-held presidential and parliamentary elections.

    Mr Ablakwa said in a statement that these alleged killings must be investigated thoroughly and the culprits punished severely.

    He said “I formally requested that the IGP be summoned to appear before the House as the head of the 2020 Elections Security Task Force responsible for the numerous security infractions and excesses that have led to the brutal killings of at 6 young Ghanaians and left cores fighting for their lives in hospitals across the country.

    “Every death would be thoroughly probed and every bullet fired shall be pursued to a logical conclusion. Hopefully, justice would be manifestly done. Violence and reckless killings must have no place during elections or any other period under this democracy. Condolences to all bereaved families and get well swishes go out to the injured.”

    The Ghana Police Service had announced in a statement on Wednesday, December 9 that a total of 61 electoral and post-electoral incidents were recorded nationwide.

    The statement further noted that there were several fake news about supposed electoral violence.

    The statement said 21 of the incidents are true cases of electoral violence, six of which involved gunshots, resulting in the death of five.

    “The National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF) has policed the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary elections professionally and lauds the public for their cooperation with pre-election security measures put in place and executed through the electioneering period.

    “However, between 0700 hours of 7th December, 2020 and 1000 hours of 9th December, 2020; the Joint Operation Centre of the NESTF has recorded a total of sixty-one (61) electoral and post electoral incidents nationwide. Twenty-one of the incidents are true cases of electoral violence, six of which involve gunshots resulting in the death of five.

    “The cases involving gunshots occurred as follows: Central region, Awutu Senya East constituency: 2 injured from a shooting incident by civilian(s) in the community during election period on 07-12-20.

    “Greater Accra region, Odododiodio constituency: 2 dead and 6 injured from a shooting incident by civilian(s) in the community during post-election period on 07-12-20. iii. Greater Accra region, Ablekuma Central: 4 injured including a policeman from a shooting incident at the collation centre during postelection period on 08-12-20.

    “Bono East region, Techiman South constituency: 2 dead and 4 injured from shooting by security personnel at the collation centre during post-election period on 08-12-20. Northern region, Savelugu Constituency: a shooting incident by civilian(s) at the Police Station, when people besieged the station during post-election period on 08-12-20. In case of reply the Number and date of this letter should be quoted.

    “Northern region, Savelugu Constituency: 1 dead and 3 injured from a shooting incident by civilian(s) in the community during post-election period on 08-12-20. The NESTF deems the incidents recorded to be incidents that could have been avoided and therefore condemns their occurrence and promises to investigate each one of them.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Election 2020: Allow NDC to protest on streets, well go to court when we have to Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has justified the street protests by supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against the results of the December 7 elections as announced by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

    He said demonstrations are not illegal therefore, the party cannot be criticised for resorting to that modus operandi to make its concerns known.

    The former Deputy Minister of Education said the NDC will go to the Supreme Court to challenge the outcome of the elections if it has to do so.

    His comments come on the heels of the main opposition party receiving flak from a cross section of the Ghanaian public for calling on its members to hit the streets to reject the poll results rather than resorting to the courts to address those grievances.

    The Presidential Candidate of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama said the party will not accept the results of the polls because in their view, the elections management body manipulated the figures in favour of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Monday December 14, Mr Ablakwa said “These are not unconstitutional. I hear a lot of commentaries on why NDC will not go to court.

    “We will go to court when we have to but it is also peoples legitimate right to protest, to picket, to engage in civil disobedience.”

    He said “As our flagbearer announced, there is a forensic audit team that is looking at all the pink sheets putting our case together for a possible change challenge at the Supreme Court if we have to go there.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Ablakwa pays for North Tongu WASSCE candidates to access results for free

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that he has footed the bills of all 1,624 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) candidates in his constituency, to enable them access their examination results online.

    This follows the release of the 2020 WASSCE results.

    The North Tongu MP, in a Facebook post on Saturday, 14 November 2020, wrote: “Glad to announce that all 1,624 WASSCE candidates in my beloved North Tongu can now access their 2020 results just released by WAEC for free.”

    Mr Ablakwa added: “I have arranged with vendors to present their total bills to me for payment.

    Wishing all candidates the very best”

    Meanwhile, the West African Examination Council (WAEC) has cancelled the subject results of 2,383 candidates who sat the 2020 West African School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    The candidates had their results cancelled for “engaging in collusion, bringing foreign material to the examination hall and tearing part of their question papers to solicit assistance.”

    This was revealed in a statement issued by WAEC to on Friday, 13 November 2020 to announce the release of the provisional examination results.

    The Council further disclosed that it cancelled the entire results of 480 candidates for “bringing mobile phones to the examination hall.”

    Also, “the entire results of 384 candidates have been withheld pending the conclusion of investigations into various cases of examination malpractice detected during and after the conduct of the examination”.

    “In the meantime, scripts of candidates from 122 schools in certain subjects are undergoing scrutiny,” the statement noted.

    It added that “the withheld results of candidates may be cancelled or released based on the outcome of the investigations.”

    A total of 375,763 candidates sat the examination from 976 schools.

    It represents an 8.6 percentage rise in comparison to the 2019 population of 346,098.

    The Council noted that the release of the results follows “the completion of all post-examination processes.”

    WAEC also indicated that the “results of the candidates will be dispatched to their schools.”

    It, therefore, advised the candidates to go to “their heads of school for their results.”

    WAEC further disclosed that the Council has posted the “results online and candidates who so desire, may access their results” on its website.

    It also cautioned all “stakeholders, especially the candidates, to be wary of fake results websites and the activities of fraudsters who promise to upgrade results for free”.

    “Candidates are to note that all WAEC results are secured and can be authenticated.”

    Source: Class FM

  • NDC wouldve created Oti Region – Okudzeto Ablakwa

    The Member of Parliament (MP) of the North Tongu constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would have created Oti region if they had won the 2016 general elections.

    According to him, the Oti region is no achievement of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) because NDC has promised the creation of the new regions in the 2016 manifesto.

    Speaking during a community engagement held in Abotoase within the Biakoye constituency of the Oti region, where the running mate Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman was officially introduced to the constituents, Mr. Ablakwa said the creation of new regions is “no news” but developing it is necessary.

    He said the government should have priorities development of the newly created Oti region but not to create the region only to leave it without developing the area. The MP said, the NPP government should have considered creating of avenues that will give jobs to the youth in the region, bring infrastructure development including water and sanitation.

    He, however, noted that the Oti region have benefited from the NDC government over the past years under infrastructure development such as the E-Block, roads, schools and health infrastructures.

    Mr. Ablakwa, therefore, called on the people to vote for the NDC in the come December 7 elections if they want completion of abandoned projects in the area. He said Mr. John Dramani Mahama is a visionary leader hence they should make history by bringing him back to power in 2021 to enable the next John and Jane government to develop the area and give job opportunities to the people.

    On her part, Prof. Jane Naana urged the constituents not to consider “skirt and blouse” but vote for John Mahama and the NDC Parliamentary Candidate, Kwadzo Aboagye, this to enable the NDC to have majority in parliament to enable smoothness in the course of developing the region.

    She is expected to tour Karachi East, West, Nchumuru, Nkwanta South and North as part of her two-day tour of the Oti region started on Friday, 29 October 2020.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Secessionists attacks ‘very well coordinated’ – Okudzeto reveals

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says he is reliably informed the secessionists who launched attacks on security installations over the weekend were largely from Togo and not Volta Region.

    According to him, his fact-finding after the incidence has pointed to the fact that the language of the large majority of the attackers who besieged the two police stations at Mepe and Avehime in his constituency did not sound Ghanaian as there was variation in the Ewe language.

    Ghanaians woke up to the news of some secessionist group blocking roads leading to the Volta Region while clamouring for independence from Ghana.

    On Friday, September 25, 2020, some of the members of the group blocked some major roads and burnt lorry tyres on the ECOWAS road at Tademe, some kilometres away from the Sogakope Bridge in the South Tongu District impeding vehicular movement and leaving passengers traveling to areas in the Region stranded.

    The group also attacked Police stations at Aveyime and Mepe in the North Tongu District, amidst demands for the Volta Region to be an autonomous country known as “Western Togoland”.

    However, in a swift response, a joint team from the Military and the Ghana Police Service nipped it in the bud with 31 people being arrested in connection with the uprising.

    Surprisingly, on Tuesday dawn, the the secessionist group carried out an arson attack at the State Transport Corporation (STC) yard in Ho.

    Commenting on Okay FM’s Ade Akye Abia Morning Show about the secessionists attack, the NDC MP said his assertions are based on briefings he received from security agencies.

    “If you listen to those who are at the forefront, they are saying that the large majority of the attackers, the kind of language, even the war songs they were chanting did not sound Ghanaian; the variation of the Ewe language, at this point the suspicion is that they were from Togo and that is what many of the briefs I have received from the police chiefs are pointing to, that they were largely not from my constituency or from the Volta Region. At this point, the suspicion is that they came from Togo”, he asserted.

    Hon Ablakwa, who is a former Deputy Education Minister, further revealed that the attacks appeared well coordinated as the secessionists simultaneously besieged the Mepe and Avehime police stations, and the offices of the District Assembly and even managed to over-power a reinforcement team from Sogakope.

    “First of all, the attackers distracted the police and created the impression by a few of them that approached the police station that they were to lodge a complaint and so as the police were taking down the complaint, the others swarmed the police station and broke into the police armory at Avehime and made away 14 AK-47 rifles and 2 pump-action guns.

    “A similar event occured at Mepe police station and the secessionists took from the armory 2 AK-47 rifles….So, it was welcome coordinated; those people who carried out the attack were well trained….

    “The Sogakope Divisional Police Commander who rushed to the scene with reinforcement detachment was also overpowered and their weapons were also retrieved by the secessionists. And looking at the narrative from the eye-witness, clearly, the attackers were as many as 50 people at the Mepe police station and at the Avehime police station, they were about 70 people and those who laid ambush to overpower the approaching reinforcement detachment, led by the Sogakope Divisional Police Commander, we are also hearing high numbers there”.

    “And those who blocked the Juapong entry into the Volta Region were not less than 100 people and so it was quite a high number. What happened at the dawn of Friday was no joke; the secessionists were in possession of sophisticated weapons and they had superior firepower, quite clearly and if you listen to the police, the attackers are trained and they had weapons”, he narrated.

    Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa, therefore, called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who is also the Commander-In-Chief and the entire security apparatus to exercise their constitutional responsibility by protecting and preserving the territorial integrity of the country.

    “We have to acknowledge that the entire national security apparatus and the head of national security council, H.E the President who is the Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces are the relevant authorities in charge of the protection and safety of the citizens which the Constitution mandates them to protect and preserve our territorial integrity”, he charged.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Charge foreigners more, Ghanaians less for coronavirus test – Ablakwa

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa has admonished the government to consider a “significant reduction” in the $150 testing cost for travellers.

    The legislator is of the view that most of the returning compatriots have encountered difficult challenges following the outbreak of the coronavirus hence the need for the government to reduce the cost.

    He believes another option that could have been adopted is for us to have what he described as a graduated arrangement where foreigners coming to conduct big business are made to pay a little more to subsidize stressed Ghanaians.

    His post dated September 2, 2020 read, “I have always advocated for some special dispensation for our fellow Ghanaians particularly in difficult circumstances such as these. Our Government would seriously have to consider a significant reduction in the advertised US$150.00 for a COVID-19 test.”

    “Most of our returning compatriots have been under a lot of stress and deserve our continuous empathy.”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Height of indiscipline, insubordination and disrespect by SHS students must be condemned by all – Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has condemned the rude behaviour and vulgar language by some Senior High School (SHS) students towards President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo after writing their first final examination paper.

    Lots of videos went viral on social media days ago showing some students in various SHSs insulting the President because they relied on leaked examination questions which didn’t appear in their actual exams.

    The students, who are beneficiaries of the President’s free SHS programme, were disappointed that they couldn’t write their exams satisfactorily.

    With some of them demonstrating and vandalizing school properties, others also blamed the President for not helping them amidst fears they will fail the exams and so used unpalatable words on the First Gentleman of the land.

    Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa, addressing the issue, has cautioned his fellow legislators, politicians and the entire nation not to condone the student’s insubordination.

    “Vandalizing school property & insulting the President because you are not pleased with your exams must be the height of indiscipline, insubordination & disrespect which must be condemned by all. Education is not just about passing exams, it is more about shaping good character,” he tweeted.

     

    Source: Peace FM

  • NPP is generating more anger by their schemes to suppress votes – Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has opined that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) fears of the defeat they will face in the upcoming 2020 polls hence their agenda to have a new register compiled.

    The legislator in a post said the NPP has realised Ghanaians are angry and want them out of office and because of that they are afraid.

    He was also happy civil society groups, chiefs, health professionals and other individuals supported the call to have the EC rescind the decision to compile a new register.

    In a post he shared on his Facebook wall the MP said: “So what the NPP really fears is the anger and deep disappointment of the Ghanaian people and not a so-called discredited voters register.

    By scheming to suppress votes and to disenfranchise many more, the NPP is rather generating more anger and incurring the wrath of an already disenchanted people.

    To the forces seeking change, instead of feeling down by the setback at the Supreme Court yesterday, we should rather be motivated by the morbid fear of the NPP for the people who have been at the receiving end of their inimical policies.”

    Read his full post below:

    Never in the entire history of the world has a political party been so scared to death of the very voters register that brought it to power.

    One would have expected that the NPP will act as the apostles of the credibility of the current register so as to uphold their own legitimacy but clearly they are haunted by a far bigger existential threat.

    That existential threat emanates from the bad governance, broken promises, unbridled nepotism and massive corruption that has defined this regime.

    So what the NPP really fears is the anger and deep disappointment of the Ghanaian people and not a so-called discredited voters register.

    By scheming to suppress votes and to disenfranchise many more, the NPP is rather generating more anger and incurring the wrath of an already disenchanted people.

    To the forces seeking change, instead of feeling down by the setback at the Supreme Court yesterday, we should rather be motivated by the morbid fear of the NPP for the people who have been at the receiving end of their inimical policies.

    We should also be motivated by the impressive number of Ghanaians and groups including chiefs, university lecturers, doctors and other health workers, organized labour, the clergy, CSOs and a host of others who publicly supported and aligned with the compelling case the NDC made.

    We should also not be oblivious that there is always a political price to pay for intransigence and treating the masses with contempt.

    That price will be in the minds of all those who spoke out and the many appalled silent observers when they risk their lives to register from Tuesday as our Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama has pointed out.

    President Akufo-Addo can deploy the full compliment of the Ghana Armed Forces in the Volta Region beyond the current shameful deployment but all that cannot stop a determined people. Perhaps, President Akufo-Addo needs lessons on the fate of Torgbui Agorkoli when the latter attempted to oppress the Ewe people.

    The NPP underestimates what it is asking for when it continuously annoys the masses, risks their lives during a pandemic and uses intimidation tactics on voters. Ghanaians love it when you dare them and just when you think your machinations have succeeded. As the Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah succinctly put it: “Ghanaians are not timid people as has been suggested in the foreign press. Far from it. They may be slow to anger & may take time to organise & act. But once they are ready, they strike and strike hard. It pays no one to tamper with Ghanaian freedom & dignity”.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • No politician should agitate for ex-gratia at this coronavirus period Ablakwa

    “No politician should be agitating for ex-gratia arrears at this traumatic time” Member of Parliament for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said.

    According to the lawmaker, “The ex-gratia agenda should be immediately aborted and priority given to the masses who are losing jobs and livelihoods to COVID-19.”

    Mr Ablakwa said these in a Facebook post and commended and commended Auditor General Daniel Domelevo describing his as “God sent and a true patriot.”

    This is because Mr Domelevo rejected a request by Chief of Staff Frema Osei Opare for an audit verification of some 200 former MPs as part of processes to pay them some GHS29.7 million in salary arrears.

    A group of ex-MPs calling themselves Forum for Former Members of Parliament had petitioned the Presidency to that end.

    However, the A-G, in his response to the Chief of Staff, said, among other things that: “Apart from the fact that the claim from the FFMP is invalid because the CHC report for 2005 to 2009 was rejected, it may also amount to an abuse of power or conflict of interest to make additional payment (20% salary increase per annum for four years) to former Members of Parliament (covering a period of 10 to 14 years ago) especially when some of them are now the executive”.

    Source: Class FM

  • Akufo-Addo’s elephant-size government list continue to spiral Okudzeto Ablakwa

    The North Tongu Member of Parliament has joined calls for President Akufo-Addo to downsize his size of government owing to the state of the Ghanaian economy.

    “It is deeply worrying to observe that President Akufo-Addo cannot seem to help himself. Despite widespread public outrage over his penchant for an elephantine-sized government; the number of Presidential Staffers has increased from 28 in 2018 to 36 in 2019. Also, the list of junior political appointees has shot up from 254 in 2018 to 270 in 2019,” Ablakwa wrote in a Facebook post hours ago.

    His concern comes after the President submitted to Parliament, albeit belatedly the Annual Report on Presidential Office Staff for January to December 2019 as required by the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463).

    Commenting on the list, the North Tongu lawmaker contended that the advocacy to amend Act 463 to place a cap on the number of political appointees that should be appointed (311 out of a total staffing of 934) has become even more relevant now than ever.

    “Perhaps we should be asking President Akufo-Addo to help us better understand exactly what he meant by protecting the public purse,” he questioned

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Coronavirus: MP offers to drop reading materials for kids at homes

    With schools closed and people isolated at home amid the coronavirus outbreak, Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is offering to drop reading materials at the doorstep of school children.

    The MP has launched a free house-to-house book delivery initiative to distribute thousands of books directly to the homes of all children in his constituency.

    Okudzeto Ablakwa explains that, the free books delivery is meant to help educate kids at home as schools are grappling with how to provide students with education due to the closures triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

    “The children will keep and own all books they receive,” he noted.

    Also, he called on parents to reach out to his outfit if their wards do not receive their share of the books.

    “Due to the closure of schools forced by the coronavirus pandemic, we have mobilized enough books for all pupils/students. Parents in North Tongu can call 024 650 7817 if books have not been delivered to their homes by 1pm on Wednesday”.

    The North Tongu MP expressed optimism that, this initiative will improve the home learning experience of children in his constituency.

    “Hope this initiative helps to improve the home learning experience of our wonderful kids; particularly for rural kids who do not have access to the fancy technological options available to their more urban counterparts”.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com