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Even if Jesus speaks good about Ghana, NPP won’t hear – Fifi Kwetey

Government has said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is desperate to come back to power in 2016, therefore, it has resorted to manipulating the minds of Ghanaians to achieve their political goals.

The government also claimed that the nation’s largest opposition party has deliberately shut its eyes to the tremendous work the Mahama government is doing and rather focusing on the recent challenges the country is facing.

“…clearly, even if Jesus came down and spoke about the positives and the future of Ghana, obviously, they will close their minds to it,” said the Minister of Agric, Fifi Kwetey.

This was in reaction to a press briefing organized by the Minority in Parliament on Monday to present their version of what they say is the “true state of the nation” two weeks after the President presented his state of the nation address to Parliament.

The Minister, on Eyewitness News said: “…they are what you call eternal cynics.

They see nothing positive; everything they see is gloomy, gloomy, gloomy so obviously, when you hear such a statement, that should certainly tell you that they are only seeing one side of the coin and that is the only way they believe that can possibly manipulate the minds of the people so that they will be able to come to power.”

He indicated that it is not surprising for a Minority which has been in opposition for nearly eight years to “see anything bright. All they see is darkness…”

The one-time propaganda secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) admitted that the country is facing some challenges…“but the truth is that there will always be challenges and the issue is not about the challenges – it is about rising to the occasion to and dealing with the challenge.”

He argued that the eight-year administration of the NPP was also fraught with “many, many challenges and of course, they did what they will consider to be the best,” but according to him, their efforts were not deemed adequate enough which got them to be booted out of power in 2008.

Fifi Kwetey observed that investors are trooping into the country because Ghana “clearly continues to hold a promise for the future and obviously, business people are far more discerning and far more thorough than Minority leader and his friends.”

The Ketu South Member of Parliament further admitted that in 2014, business confidence dipped in some quarters but increased in other areas, therefore it is only people who are “obviously cynical who will focus on quarters where business confidence seemed to go down and then paint a picture of Armageddon.”

Commenting on the Minority’s claims that Ghana performed abysmally in the West African monetary zone, the Minister challenged the NPP MPs to cross check with investors worldwide who are looking for real places to invest their monies and businesses and “see whether those countries he [Minority leader] is trying to say are performing better than Ghana will choose any of those countries ahead of Ghana.”

Citifmonline.com

Freda Prempeh presents footwear to school children

Mrs Freda Prempeh, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano North in Brong-Ahafo has presented 10,000 pieces of footwear worth GH¢10,000 to be distributed among school children in the constituency.
The MP also donated a number of mono and dual desks, several computers, footballs, jerseys and other teaching and learning materials to some deprived schools in the district.

Making the presentation at the Independence anniversary parade at Duayaw-Nkwanta last Friday, Mrs Prempeh explained that the items were in line with a pledge she made to the school children when she visited the various schools last year.

She expressed worry that some school children in the constituency attended classes under trees, while others also learn under dilapidated structures.

Mrs Prempeh gave the assurance that she would do all things possible to ensure that school dropout rates, especially among girls, were reduced.

Mr Nene Odame, the Tano North District Director of Education, who received the items on behalf of the students, thanked the MP for her continual support for the growth and development of education in the area.

GNA

Adwoa Safo jabs Prez Mahama, NDC over dumsor

The Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sara Adwoa Safo, has observed that Ghana cannot continue to suffer under President John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after attaining 58 years, urging the citizenry to kick them out of office in 2016.

She said since 1957 – when Ghana attained independence – the economy has never been as terrible as it is presently, citing the frequent power cuts as a major setback for the country.

“Do we really have independence? If people have toiled and brought this country this far and others are destroying it, is it worth celebrating our independence?” she quizzed.

She added “Our independence is meaningless with ‘dumsor dumsor’ and unless we vote the NDC out of office, Ghana’s total independence cannot be celebrated”.

She said it has now become crucial for Ghanaians to vote the New Patriotic Party (NPP) back to power if they wish to experience progress and real positive change in their lives.

The Dome-Kwabenya lawmaker made these remarks last Friday while interacting with her constituents after embarking on a health walk dubbed “A walk into victory 2016” to mark this year’s Independence Day Celebrations.

She said a vote for the NPP in the 2016 general elections was critical because the country could no longer thrive under the moribund administration of the NDC.

According to her, that the incompetence administration of the NDC has sent the country into the abyss, hence, the immediate move to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout.

She notes that what is more pathetic under the economy characterized by frequent power cuts is the continuous folding up of businesses, especially, small and medium enterprises with big firms cutting down jobs massively to stay in business.

“Ghana is already in the abyss. National Health Insurance Scheme is not working, free maternal care has collapsed, businesses are dying, NYEP has been turned into an avenue for chop chop, development projects in the districts have stalled. If we continue to retain the NDC in power, we are doomed”, she stressed.

She told her constituents that the ruling NDC has decided make opposition MPs unpopular by not releasing their share of the Common Fund, so that its aspiring MPs can win their seats.

She said the ruling NDC has also been selective in undertaking developmental projects in certain communities in the country, especially, communities that have been voting massively for the NPP.

Such a strategy, she noted, “will not work in Dome-Kwabenya”.
She urged her constituents to remain resolute since nothing would deter her from embarking on projects that would impact positively on their lives.

She promised to build a modern library, a community senior high school, and a health facility to serve her constituents.

She also promised to donate an ambulance to the community before the year ends.

Already, Ms Sara Adwoa Safo, has constructed ten mechanized boreholes to some schools and communities in the constituency, distributed educational materials to some schools, awarded scholarship schemes to brilliant but needy students, assisted victims of the Dome Market fire disaster with a cash donation of GH₵10,000 to enable them stay in business, and distributed 150 street lights to beef up security in the area among others.

Myjoyonline.com

Nabdam residents undergo hernia treatment

Mr Boniface Gambila, the Member of Parliament for the Nabdam, has sponsored surgery performed on 100 persons suffering from hernia, hydrocele and goiter in the Nabdam District.

The surgery christened “Operation zero hernia, zero goiter and zero elephantiasis cases in Nabdam” seeks to among other objectives treat majority of males, young and old including women who suffer the debilitating effects of hernia in the Nabdam District.

Despite the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme, many residents of predominantly farming communities in the districts are unable to seek early medical treated of the condition.

The causes for the rise in hernia cases in the Nabdam District are unknown and Mr Gambila said a research would soon start in the district to ascertain the possible causes of the widespread hernia cases in the district.

He expressed worry about the situation and said most patients diagnosed with the condition were unable to attend social gatherings due to the stigma attached to the condition.

Mr Gambila said efforts were being made to have many more undergo surgery this year to reduce the number of cases in the district.

Prof Francis Abantanga, Head of the Surgery Unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital who led a team of surgeons to the district, advised patients to report early to the hospitals to avoid further complications.

He said the condition was mostly predominant in farming communities where people are engaged in physical activities on daily bases.

He commended the MP and called on others to coordinate efforts to help eliminate the condition that is killing many hard working people.

GNA

NPP made mistakes in award of oil contracts – KT Hammond

Former Deputy Minister of Energy Kobina Tahir Hammond has admitted that mistakes were made in 2007 not only in the award of contracts but also in heightening public expectation on the benefits of the natural resource.

“I plead absolutely guilty because I was part of the group which went out and told the whole country that there will be milk and all that on the streets.”

Mr Hammond, who is also Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa Constituency, however, stated that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government put in place appropriate measures to get oil revenues evenly dispersed.

He was contributing to discussions on TV3’s The Platform on Wednesday, March 4.

The current affairs programme was held in Accra on the theme: “Ghana’s Economy: Four Years after Oil Production”.

Speakers were Mohammed Amin Anta, the Executive Director of the African Center for Energy Policy (ACEP), Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of think tank IMANI-Ghana, Dr Thomas Kojo Stephens, a lawyer and petroleum expert, and Ishmael Agyekumhene of KITE.

Contributing to the discussion, Mr Hammond said there may have been lapses in the management of the oil revenues under the NPP.

“I am not suggesting per any account that there haven’t been any mistakes,” he indicated. “…there have been mistakes along the line.”

He, however, asked that matters on the oil revenues be put into proper perspective, suggesting that the NPP cannot be faulted over the current management of the revenues, which speakers agreed have been handled clandestinely.

“Anybody that takes NPP on this, I will fight and fight and fight.”

Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Moses Asaga dismissed accusations that government has been negligent in award of oil rigs to companies whose local partners appear elusive.

“All petroleum agreements are brought to Parliament and sometimes they very detailed.”

The Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, as well as Deputy Finance Minister Mona Quartey failed to turn up for the programme, though the two were officially billed to be part of the speakers.

Ghana National Petroleum Corporation’s representative also failed to turn up.

Among dignitaries present were the National President of the National House of Chiefs, Naa Professor John Nabila, Former Trades and Industries Minister Alan Kyerematen, Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) Dr Emmanuel Akwetey and NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong.

Source: tv3network.com

Prez Mahama must call his people to order – Ursula

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu Ekuful has asked President John Mahama to ‘call his people to order’.

The NPP MP was speaking to the recently held ‘One Ghana’ demonstration organized by the Coalition for the Defence of Equal Citizenship (CODEC) in Accra on Wednesday.

Although the march was meant to protest against the rising ethnocentric tendencies creeping into partisan politics in the country, some elements of the NPP who joined the march were allegedly prevented from taking part.

According to reports, some of the demonstrators who were allegedly wearing NDC T’shirts went further to destroy the placards being held by the NPP activists.

Reports indicate that the NDC group did not understand why the NPP will join the march when one of their own; Osafo Marfo has contributed to the ethnocentric comments in the country.

Giving her side of the story, Ursula Owusu said she ‘thought’ the march “was for all well-meaning Ghanaians: “I didn’t know it was an NDC tagged demonstration that will be aimed at attacking the NPP”.

Ursula who was carrying a placard with the inscription “Don’t Repeat What Happened in Odododiodio” asked President Mahama to stop the NDC members from politicizing tribal comments because it can break the foundation of the country.

“President Mahama, we voted for you to leave a legacy of a united country behind, your campaign (tribal) will bring division to the country. Ghana does not need this; Ghana does not deserve this,” she said.

Dr Opoku Prempeh puts smile on the faces of Manhyia Sch. Kids

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South has indicated profoundly his desire to bridge the gap between privileged kids and brilliant but needy pupils and students within his constituency.

To this end, the MP has presented 100 pieces of electronic tablets as well as various books worth over five thousand cedis to fifteen schools in his constituency.

The schools included K.O Methodist JHS A & B, St. Louis Demo JHS, Afia Kobi M/A JHS, New Tafo Dichemso M/A JHS among several others.

The Member of `parliament who is known for putting smiles on the faces of his constituents promised to donate more of the tablets and other educational materials to promote education in the area.

Also present at the donation ceremony to demonstrate the appropriate use of the devices were executives of TAP2educate, the Ghanaian company that produces the tablets.

Communications Head of the Company, Ms. Precious Bonsu expressed the vision of the company to provide every child in Ghana the best of technological education and called on stakeholders in education to ensure that education keeps up with modern technology.

“We should not be afraid to take a leap into the future”, she said.

The company has partnered several local publishing companies to provide electronic versions of textbooks, Past questions and supplementary reading materials which are pre-loaded and available for download to aid pupils in their studies.

Afari Gyan’s meeting with Parliament postponed to Tuesday

The Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Kwadwo Afari Gyan’s scheduled meeting with Parliament has been postponed to Tuesday 10th March 2015.

Parliament on Tuesday 3rd March summoned the EC and the Ministers of Local Government and Finance respectively to brief the House on Thursday 5th March on the future of the botched district assembly elections and the measures being taken by government to ensure the Assemblies activities are not disrupted after March 15.

However went Parliament convened on Wednesday it was resolved that the institutions be allow adequate time to prepare themselves before appearing in the august House of Parliament.

The Supreme Court ruled on Friday, directing the EC to cancel all preparations and programmes towards the elections which was slated for Tuesday 3rd March 2015.

This was because the EC failed to allow the Legislative Instrument (LI) 85 which regulates the district assembly elections to mature before running adverts on the elections.

The term of the current assembly members runs out on March 15, 2015 and a vacuum is likely to be created afterwards as the EC is certainly is not able organize the assembly elections today, March 3, 2015.

The MPs who are worried over what the future of the assemblies’ post March 15 in expressing his concerns on the floor of Parliament called for the EC and the other institutions to engage Parliament on the way forward.

Ghanamps.gov.gh

Blame Asiedu Nketiah for NDC chaos – Collins Owusu Amankwah

Hon. Collins Owusu Amankwah, the Member of Parliament for the Manhyia North in the Ashanti Region has blamed the disturbances in the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the region, on the party’s Chief Scribe.

According to him, Johnson Asideu Nketia is the cause of the endless violence that has characterized the NDC and it is because of the way and manner he incited the youth of the party to violence before the declaration of the 2008 elections.

“…we must blame Asiedu Nketia for the disturbances in the NDC. It is due to how he instigated the youth of the party to violence in the past that is the reason for which they take to violence anytime they feel discontent.

“It is worrying that they go about these wielding cutlasses and guns. If you can remember, in 2008, Asiedu Nketia called out all NDC youth to come out with anything weapon they could get their hands on and match the Electoral Commission (EC). He (Asiedu Nketia) wore a traditional war gear (batakari) to lead them that time and ever since he made that declaration, violence has not seized in the NDC,” The Mahyia Law Maker said in an interview with Peacefmonline.com.

This assertion comes on the heels of a siege at the NDC regional Headquarters in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi.

An NDC youth group calling itself the Coalition of NDC Foot-Soldiers stormed the Regional office of the party to forcefully lock up the premises as a way of registering their displeasure with some actions of the Chairman, Yaw Owusu Obimpeh.

To them, Mr. Obimpeh is running a one-man-show which would go a long way to affect the party’s electoral fortunes and must therefore be forced to resign from his post.

The men, numbering about fifty (50) then took it upon themselves to lock out the Ashanti Regional Chairman which resulted in a fracas with supporters of Mr. Obimpeh.

These disturbances have lead to the sacking of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Sarpong and his Deputy, Joseph Yamin who are believed to be using the youth to fight a proxy against each other.

Nonetheless, Hon. Collins Owusu Amankwah believes is the creation of the General Secretary of the NDC because of the bad precedence he set in 2008.

Peacefmonline.com

Agona West MP assists 5 schools with toilet facilities

Construction of sanitary facilities, including toilet, and urinals in five selected basic schools in the Agona
West constituency in the Central Region are at various stages of completion.

Beneficiary schools are Agona Abodom Catholic Basic and JHS, Anglican Basic and JHS, Lower Bosikumah Anglican Basic, Agona Kwaman Methodist B and JHS, and Agona Nkum Presbyterian Basic JHS.

The Member of Parliament for Agona West, Charles obeng-Inkoom who is carry out these projects from his share of the MP’s common fund said the projects are just part of a broader programme consisting of about 19 basic schools earmarked for assistance in this regard.

According to him, some of the schools have serious problems with their places of convenience that has to be addressed to avoid any outbreaks of diseases.

He also added that the national sanitation drive must include students to help change their attitudes towards waste management.

Dominic Shirimori/Ghanamps.gov.gh