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Month: December 2016

I’ve already packed my things from my office – Speaker

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Edward Doe Adjaho has asked the out-going MPs to vacate their offices in the job 600 before January 6, 2017 to facilitate the transitional arrangement to usher in the MP-elect for the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

He said he as the Speaker has already packed all things from the office he is occupying waiting for January 6, 2017 to handover peacefully to the Clerk of Parliament.

This, he believes will ensure the smooth takeover by the new Speaker of the Seventh Parliament.

“To those who are not coming back to this House, let me reassure you by saying that the God of the mountain is the God of the valley. You may find solace in the saying that there is life beyond Parliament.”

“In this regard, I urge all of you non-returning Members to leave this Parliamentary precinct with more enthusiasm and hope and demonstrate same by parking out and vacating your respective offices by January 6, 2017, in order to facilitate a smooth transition for the in-coming MPs elected to replace you.”

“To serve as an example, I myself as the Speaker, has already parked and only awaiting the conclusion of the final proceedings so as to vacate the Speaker’s office to enable the in-coming Speaker to takeover,” he noted.

The Speaker of Parliament made this observation in his welcome address to Members in the Chamber of the House, Tuesday, December 20, 2016.

He also urged the House to ensure the speedy passage of the RTI Bill looking at the enormous work the lawmakers did before going on recess.

‘Kufuor also made major last minute decisions’ – Mahama Ayariga

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

Environment, Science and Technology Minister Mahama Ayariga has rejected criticisms from the incoming NPP administration that the existing NDC government is making politically expedient decisions that could tie the hands of the new government.

Mahama Ayariga who’s also Member of Parliament for Bawku Central stressed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government despite losing the 2016 general elections still has a mandate of the people to govern until the midnight of January 6, 2017.

He said it is therefore not wrong in law for the President to appoint a new heads for National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) or the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) with a left-over mandate of 18 days to hand-over.

Both appointees have security of tenure, meaning the incoming NPP government will not be able to review the decisions.

The NPP transition team, which has received handing-over notes from the NDC transition team, has raised alarm about recruitments into the security services, the dishing out of contracts to favourites and the sale of public assets.

The NPP has urged the government to consult before going ahead to make crucial decisions in line with best practices. It has also warned, it could be compelled to review decisions taken by the NDC after it is sworn in on January 7,2017.

Speaking to some of these concerns, Mahama Ayariga who is also Bawku Central MP said the NPP’s complains may sound politically expedient but nonetheless not supported in law.

“The constitution says the President shall appoint….so up to the day he becomes ex-president he can do that. If you have an issue with that…your concerns might be legitimate in terms of politics but in law your concerns are clearly illegitimate. For me that is the key issue” he said on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show Tuesday.

Mahama Ayariga said the NPP government after it lost the 2008 general elections went ahead to make major decisions.

“Ex-president Kufuor major appointments a few days before he handed over. We lived with those appointments”.

He pointed to a major economic decision President Kufuor took when he okayed a Single Spine Salary Scheme with just a day to leave office.

“Increasing the salaries of workers to levels that even the workers said it is okay”, he laughed and told the NPP ‘let’s not behave as if we haven’t seen major decisions after transitions.

President John Agyekum  Kufuor announced 16-32 per cent increases in salaries for workers in the public and civil service.  The increases formed part of the implementation of the single spine salary structure which has been deliberated  for the past two years.

President Kufuor was criticised by his former Finance minister Yaw Osafo Marfo for taking that decision.

“There should have been a silent memorandum to the NDC detailing what has been discussed and agreed, for them to have a look at it and incorporate it in the budget.”

Incidentally, more than six years later, Yaw Osafo Marfo is head of the NPP transition team who is also leading the charge that the exiting NDC government should not make major decisions without consulting the new administration.

PHOTOS: MPs-elect undergoing registration exercise

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

Members of Parliament-elect to the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic are currently undergoing registration exercise at the Job 600.

The event which commenced today [Monday] December 19 will end on Friday, December 23, 2016.

Both online and manual registration are ongoing simultaneously.

After they are registered, they (MPs-elect) will be issued with Identification Cards that will enable them access the Chamber and attend the First Sitting of the Seventh Parliament.

Acting Director of Public Affairs, Kate Addo, told Ghanamps.com that the exercise is to collate the data for all the MPs-elect for the Parliamentary register.

Mark Woyongo must be ignored – NDC

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs
A deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), George Lawson, has berated the defeated Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central, Mark Owen Woyongo for attributing his failed reelection bid to what he described as the Mahama-led administration’s incompetence.

“There were some of the policies, national in character that cost me the election. Increased in electricity tariffs and the general economic hardship aside the fact my party executives did not work well to seal the victory,” he told Lantam Papanko of Ultimate FM after his defeat.

He polled 17,203 votes representing 43.89% against Joseph Kofi Addah’s 20,667 votes representing 52.72%.

But reacting to the former Interior minister’s comments in an interview with Accra FM, Mr. Lawson said he [Woyongo] lacks the moral right to question the outgoing administration’s competence when he was part of it and that “the least said about him the better.”

“We all know the policies emanated from cabinet, so was he sleeping at cabinet? He should allow ordinary people to make those comments,” said Mr. Lawson.

He added that “Every policy that the government introduced was discussed at cabinet, and he sat in cabinet while those policies were being discussed. And so he should stop what he is saying and not incite our members as they look forward into the future.”

I’ve never blamed Prez Mahama for NDC’s defeat – Armah Kofi Buah

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

The Petroleum Minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah has dismissed claims that he’s blamed President John Mahama and leading members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the party’s defeat in the December elections. According to him, he’s not made any commentary on factors that might have contributed to the NDC’s defeat, urging the public to disregard any such information.

A story attributed to West End Radio located in Ellembelle in the Western Region quotes the Minister as saying President Mahama must be blamed for his own defeat. Part of the story said: “The massive failure of our NDC party under President John Mahama is as a result of arrogance and complacency. The President somehow turned into a dictator whenever we attended meetings. He trust Parliamentarians who are Northerners than other tribe.” It added: “Most of we the ministers have to pay monies before appointment or secure your position from reshuffle.

I opted for Vice President position and that was the initial promise he made to me. He told the three Nzema constituency and Western Region that in his bid for second term in office, I will be his Vice. That was the more reason why I was made Petroleum Minister.

I was one of the financiers in this election. I pray we reorganize ourselves and come again in 2016.” But Hon. Armah Kofi Buah who’s also a Member of Parliament for Ellembele, in a statement described the said article as a vicious fabrication against his person intended to create disaffection for him. “It is a complete lie and must be treated as such.

I have not granted any interview with West End radio as has been circulated. I am proud of the achievements of the NDC led by president Mahama and firmly believe that President Mahama will forever be remembered not only for the great works but his hallmarks of bringing people together, humility, integrity and dedication.

Ghanaians will shortly call for his return and I believe it will be shortly 2020.” The statement added: “I wish to categorically state under no uncertainty terms that West End Radio Morning Show has NOT granted any interview to Hon Buah.

The show is yet to interview the Hon Minister, Mr Armah Kofi Buah , MP of Ellembelle.The Hon MP known as a decent gentleman will not even make such ridiculous and outrageous comments. The said article should be treated with contempt.”

Ignore reports…I’ve not retired from politics – Sissala West

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

The Upper West Regional Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) for Sissala West, Alhaji Amin Amidu Sulemani has rubbished media reports that he’s retired from politics after he lost his seat in the December 7, election.

The Chronicle Newspaper reported that the Minister had announced his decison to hang his political boots after suffering a humiliating defeat.

The Newspaper claimed it had an interview with the former Minister of Roads and Highways who said he was initially not interested in contesting the Sissala West seat again, but the party prevailed upon him to rescind his decision and contest, only for the same party members to turn round to ditch him.

“I did not want to contest the seat in the first place this year, but there was pressure on me from the party. That is how come I contested, but as fate will have it, I lost”, he said.

According to the Chronicle, the Minister said he was leaving the scene, proud of his achievements, which will better the lives of the residents of Sissala West, after constructing boreholes, roads and a number of schools.

“I feel proud about my achievements but it is not for me to rate myself but the people I represented, who benefitted from the various projects I embarked on”, he emphasized.

The Minister polled 9,762, as against his closest contender Mr. Patrick Al-Hassan Adamah who garnered 13,130.

But the Minister has dismissed the said publication saying he’s not granted an interview to the Newpaper after the elections.

He noted that he’s not spoken to any journalist about his political career and social life, adding that the story must be treated with the contempt that it deserved.

Parliament resumes sitting on Dec. 20th

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

Sittings of the Sixth Parliament of Ghana is expected to resume on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, after the House went on a short break to enable its Members to participate in the just ended Parliamentary poll.

The House will sit for only three days and break for the Christmas and New Year festivities.

That means, the legislature will again go on break on December 22, 2016.

The Sixth Parliament will be dissolved at midnight on Friday, January 6, 2017, to pave way for the commencement of the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic on the morning of Saturday, January 7, 2016.

The Sixth Parliament of the Fourth Republic was inaugurated on January 7, 2013.

Political parties represented are:

National Democratic Congress (NDC) – 147

New Patriotic Party (NPP) —————- 123

People’s National Convention (PNC) —- 1

Convention People’s Party —————– 1

Independent ———————————– 3

There are currently 30 female Members of Parliament

I have not taken my beds…I have re-assigned them – Bissiw

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Tano South, Dr Louisa Hannah Bissiw has denied reports suggesting that she had taken back some hospital beds she donated to the Techimantia Polyclinic in Brong Ahafo after losing the election.

The reports, she said were misleading explaining that she sent her agents to go for those beds donated to the Techimantia Polyclinic in Brong Ahafo because it was not in use and had been locked up in a container at the health facility for years.

This, according to her prompted her to send them to other clinics in her constituency, like Derma Polyclinic that needed beds.

The Techimantia Polyclinic according her, has been provided with enough resources by government, hence there was the need to re-assign her own to other clinics which were in dire need of such facilities in the constituency.

In this regard, she said Derma and Asuboi clinics were considered for those assistance so she sent her agents to go for the beds at the weekend for distribution to the other clinics.

Speaking in an interview with Kasapa 102.5 FM Monday, Hanna Bissiw said the hospital beds were acquired from her German partners who supported her to bring them into the country.

“When I took delivery of the beds from Germany, I locked them up in a container which belonged to one of my agents, Kofi Adu in the yard of the polyclinic since the polyclinic no longer needed them.

“I was supposed to to send the beds to Asuboi, Kosu and ‘Ma Wani Nso’ but I couldn’t do so because of my tight schedules during the campaign.

“But just after the elections, the midwife at Derma started calling me thinking that I’ll no longer get them the beds. But beyond politics I’m a citizen of the area and must help in the development of the place.

“So as a matter of fact I had to quickly arrange for the beds to get to the various facilities “

List of MPs-elect

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

Regions:

CENTRAL

Efutu Constituency

NPP Candidate: Alexander Afenyo Markin has retained his seat

Cape Coast North Constituency

NPP Candidate: Barbara Asher Ayisi has unseated Kobby Acheampong

Awutu Senya West Constituency

NPP Candidate: George Andah has won one of the hotly contested constituencies seats beating Foreign Affairs Minister Hannah Tetteh

Gomoa Central Constituency

Assin Central Constituency

Assin North Constituency

NPP Candidate: Abena Dorowah Mensah

Ekumfi  Constituency

NPP Candidate:  Francis Kingsley Ato Codjoe will be in the next parliament

Heman Lower Denkyira Constituency

NPP Candidate: Bright Wireko-Brobby will be heading to Ghana’s legislature as a legislator.

Agona East Constituency

NDC Candidate: Queenstar Pokua Sawyerr is representing her constituency in Ghana’s legislature.

Upper Denkyira West Constituency

NPP Candidate: Samuel Nsowah-Djan is the legislator from 2017

Ajumako/Enyan/Essiam Constituency

NDC Candidate: Cassiel Ato Forson, Deputy Finance Minister has retained his seat


GREATER ACCRA

Adentan Constituency

NPP Candidate: Buabeng Asamoah is reported to have won a keenly contested race against NDC’s Mohammed Ramadan

Odododiodio Constituency

NDC Candidate: Nii Lantey Vanderpuije, the incumbent MP has won by 36,600 votes to retain his seat

Madina Constituency

NPP Candidate: Former Works and Housing Minister, Boniface Saddique is reported to have ended Amadu Sorogho’s long reign

Boniface Saddique with NPP leader, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

Ayawaso North Constituency

Shai Osu-Doku Constituency

NDC Candidate: Linda Ocloo’s late husband would be so proud of her for winning the seat.

Ningo-Prampram Constituency

NDC Candidate: Government communicator Sam George will be one of the new faces in Parliament from 2017 – 2021

Ayawaso West Wuguon Constituency

NPP Candidate: Former Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) boss, Emmanuel Agyarko has retained his seat.

Okaikoi Central Constituency

Trobu Constituency

NPP Candidate: Incumbent MP Moses Anim won the race which included singer Diamond Appiah

Ablekuma West Constituency

Tema Central Constituency

Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfrom Constituency

Anyaa Sowutuom Constituency

Ledzokuku Constituency

NPP Candidate: Bernard Okoe Boye

Klottey Korle Constituency

NDC Candidate: Dr Zanetor is reported to have won her ticket to Parliament. She polled 5,070 to beat NPP challenger Phillip Addison who obtained 3,694

BRONG AHAFO REGION

Techiman North Constituency

NPP Candidate: Martin Oti Gyarko has won the race to represent his people in the parliament

Techiman South Constituency

NPP Candidate: Henry Yiadom Boakye is beside himself with joy as he has also won the race to parliament

NORTHERN REGION

Damango Constituency

Kparibeto Constituency

Zabzugu Constituency

Sagnarigu North/East Constituency

NDC Candidate: A.B.A FUSEINI won the seat

Yunyoo Constituency

Yapei Kusawgu Constituency

NDC Candidate: Minister Power Minister John Jinapor has won one of the newly created seats.

UPPER EAST REGION

Bolga Central Constituency

Bolga East Constituency

NDC Candidate: Dr Dominic Ayine, Deputy Attorney-General (A-G) wins to represent his people in parliament

Garu Constituency

Tanlensi Constituency

NDC Candidate: Benson Tongo Baba wins the seat to represent his people

Zebilla Constituency

NPP Candidate: Frank Fuseini Adongo won to be in parliament from 2017

UPPER WEST REGION

Daffiama/Bussie Constituency

Nadowli Kaleo Constituency

NDC Candidate: Major leader in parliament, Alban Sumani Bagbin has retained his seat

ASHANTI REGION

Asawase Constituency

NDC Candidate: Deputy Chief Whip in Parliament, Muntaka Mubarak has won a hotly contested race.

Bantama Constituency

NPP Candidate: Daniel Aboagye won to represent his people as a legislator

Manhyia South Constituency

Antwima Kwanwoma Constituency

NPP Candidate: Kojo Appiah-Kubi won to be the next parliamentarian for his constituency

Ashanti East Constituency

Ejura Sekyedumase Constituency

NDC Candidate: Muhammed Bawah Braimah is the next legislator

Manso Edubia Constituency
Adanse Asokwa Constituency

New Edubiase Constituency

NPP Candidate: George Oduro

Atwima Nwabiagya North Constituency
Juaben Constituency

Bantama Constituency

NPP Candidate: Daniel Okyem Aboagye is on his way to parliament in 2017

Asante Akyem North Constituency

Asante Akim Central Constituency
Sekyere Afram Plains Constituency
Ahafo Ano South-East Constituency

BRONG AHAFO REGION

Berekum East / West Constituency

Atebubu/Amanting Constituency

NPP Candidate: Kofi Amoakohene will be representing his constituents in Parliament

Techiman South Constituency

NPP Candidate:

Dorma Municipal Constituency

Banda Ahenkro Constituency

Pru West Constituency

Sene West Constituency

Wenchi Constituency:

NPP Candidate: Prof George Gyan-Baffour will be the next parliamentarian from 2017-2021

VOLTA REGION

Akatsi North Constituency

NDC Candidate: Peter Notsu Kotoe

Adaklu Constituency

South Dayi Constituency

Central Tongu Constituency

North Tongu Constituency

NDC Candidate: Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Education Minister has retained his seat.

Krachi Nchumuru Constituency

Ketu South Constituency

NDC Candidate: Fiavi Fifi Kwertey, the Transport Minister has retained his seat

EASTERN REGION

Ofoase Ayirebi Constituency

NPP Candidate: Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah is reported to have won his first ticket to parliament with a wide margin

Aburi Constituency

Okere Constituency: Daniel Botwe has won to represent his people again.

Abuakwa North Constituency

NPP Candidate:

Asene/Akroso/Manso Constituency

Achiase Constituency

NPP Candidate: Robert Kofi Amoah will be in parliament from 2017 to represent his constituents

Akim Oda Constituency:

NPP Candidate: Quaittoo William Agyapong has won to be the MP

Atiwa East Constituency

Akim Swedru Constituency

NPP Candidate: Kennedy Osei Nyarko will be the next MP

Fanteakwa South Constituency

Upper Manya Krobo Constituency

NPP Candidate: Joseph Tetteh

WESTERN REGION

Kwesimintsim Constituency

Mpohor Constituency

Boti Constituency

Bia East Constituency

NDC Candidate: Richard Acheampong will represent his people in parliament

Sekondi Constituency

NPP Candidates: Andrew Kofi Mercer will represent his constituents as their legislator from 2017.

Tarkwa-Nsuem Constituency

NPP Candidate: George Mireku Duker won to represent his constituency

I expect to be made a Minister in Akufo Addo’s government

Posted on by Fred GhanaMPs

The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu Ekuful says she’ll be surprised if she’s not appointed a minister in an Akufo Addo government.

She’s convinced that being one of the leading women in the party and having worked tirelessly to see an Akufo Addo victory in the December 7 elections, it wouldn’t be out of place for her to be made a minister of state.

The popular Gender Activist and Lawyer, Ursula Owusu Ekuful who retained her Parliamentary seat, told Starr FM, Friday that a lot of discussions have gone on, in this regard for a while.

“When people predict which Ministry I will be sent to in the event of an NPP victory, what I’ve said is that it is important to win the elections first, all other conversations we can have later. There are a few women in politics in this country, I think in the NPP, I’m one of them and so I won’t be surprised if I get an appointment in an Akufo Addo administration.”

Two day’s after the December 7 elections, the Leader of the main opposition New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been projected to be the winner of the 2016 Presidential election.

Currently, Presidential results based on 217 Constituencies out of 275, indicate Nana Akufo-Addo of the N.P.P has 53.00% (4,526,046 Votes) while President John Dramani Mahama, of the N.D.C has 45.15%  (3,856,129 Votes).

Nana Addo’s total votes garnered nationwide gives him a statistical advantage ahead of main rival and incumbent President John Mahama. Mr. Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party are also likely to get a Parliamentary majority.

Ghanamps.com