Author: Kwaku GhanaMPs

The Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, Kobina Tahir Hammond has issued a stern demand for a public apology and retraction from popular radio presenter Captain Smart, following allegations of tribal remarks attributed to him in a viral video circulating on social media.

The controversy stems from a video in which KT Hammond is seen in an agitated state, surrounded by a group of people outside his residence. According to Hammond’s lawyer, Kweku Y. Paintsil, the footage itself contains no offensive remarks.

However, the accompanying commentary from Captain Smart reportedly accuses Hammond of making derogatory comments about an “Ewe person” contesting him for a parliamentary seat in the Ashanti Region.

K. T. Hammond has strongly refuted the allegations, calling them “false and defamatory.” In a formal statement through his lawyer, he expressed that the claims have caused him significant emotional distress and public embarrassment.

He is also seeking substantial compensation for the reputational damage and legal expenses he has incurred as a result of the incident.

In a letter dated December 16, 2024, Hammond’s legal team has given Captain Smart an ultimatum to issue a public apology and retract the allegations by December 18, 2024, or face legal action.
According to his lawyers, they will proceed to issue a writ if a satisfactory response is not received by December 18, 2024, which has already passed.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Minority Leader Dr. Ato Forson has said the incoming government led by former President John Dramani Mahama will not behave like the Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia led government but would be sensitive to the needs of Ghanaians.

He thanked Ghanaians for the confidence reposed in the opposition National Democratic Congress.

“They have shown that they can rise to the occasion when it is needed most, and I congratulate the NDC MPs for their dedication which has resulted in the unprecedented number of MPs”.

“We were able to snatch over fifty parliamentary seats from the ruling party; we have shown that it is possible to reduce the NPP Majority to ‘nkoko nkete nkete’; indeed ‘nkoko nkete nkete’ is possible”.

Again, our Majority would be a contest of ideas between the NDC supper majority and the mini micro NPP Minority. It was the people’s revolution against the government that is obsolete and insensitive.

Ghanaians have shown that they cannot be taken for granted and when it matters most they will boot out those in office. NPP has been booted out for its poor governance and mismanagement of the economy, arrogance of power and impunity.

It shows the political class should not take the people for granted and calls for reflection on the part of the political parties, he added.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has expressed confidence in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) ability to stage a comeback in the 2028 general elections.

According to him NPP will rebuild and strengthen its position as a credible opposition. In his open remarks when parliament reconvened on Monday, December 16, 2024, he said the people of Ghana have spoken and given the NDC the mandate. “Our role in opposition is clear: to hold them accountable. “This victory is not eternal, and we expect them to govern with humility while we prepare for the next election.”

Mr. Afenyo-Markin highlighted the party’s determination to learn from its shortcomings, unite its ranks, and regain public trust. “We are optimistic that by 2028, Ghanaians will see the NPP as the better alternative. We’ll evaluate our errors, make necessary corrections, and come back stronger.”

He also pledged responsible opposition, emphasizing constructive engagement over chaos. “As a principled minority, we’ll focus on issue-based debates and demonstrate our credibility as a government-in-waiting,” he added.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The Deputy Interior Minister and Gomoa Central (MP), Naana Eyiah Quansah, has dismissed social media rumours claiming she collapsed and was hospitalised after losing her seat in the recently concluded elections.

Speaking at a press conference, Naana Eyiah Quansah urged the public and the people of Gomoa Central to disregard the false information being circulated online.

The outgoing MP, who lost her seat to an independent candidate, expressed gratitude to the people of Gomoa Central for allowing her to serve in Parliament for two terms.

She also called on Ghanaians to maintain confidence in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), emphasising that it remains the only political party with policies designed to benefit the ordinary Ghanaian.

Ghanamps.com

Member of Parliament for Dome/Kwabenya Sarah Adwoa Safo said she gave the NPP Parliamentary candidate in the 2024 election Mike Oquaye Jr. the opportunity to lead hence her absence during the campaign period in Dome/Kwabenya.

The lawmaker was seen most of the time with the NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia during his tour.

In an interview following the resumption of Parliament on December 16, 2024 Adwoa Safo, the former Minister for Gender, Women and Social Protection, emphasized that her decision was to allow the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Mike Ocquaye Junior the space to run his campaign.

Reflecting on her loss in the NPP primaries on January 27, Adwoa Safo clarified that she had already committed to supporting the national campaign of NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

“After losing the primaries, I made it clear that I would focus on the national campaign. My influence and support remain strong, but I wanted to give my opponent the freedom to campaign without interference,” she stated.

Despite Oquaye Junior’s confidence in taking over the Dome-Kwabenya seat, the NPP lost the seat to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Faustina Elikplim Akurugu of the NDC won with 51,634 votes, narrowly defeating Ocquaye Junior, who secured 50,477 votes. However, Ocquaye has disputed the results, claiming the declaration was invalid.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has given indications the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will follow due process to retrieve all of their seats worn in the December 7, 2024 elections but forcefully taken by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to him with due process, Fanteakwa North and Akwatia has been declared in the favour of the NPP.

And believe Suhum, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Ablekumah North, Tema Central and Okainkoie Central are theirs as they will wait patiently for the re-run of collation process to be completed, he said in an interview.

“We know we are Minority come 2025. This is not the first time NPP is going into Minority; in 1997 we only had 61 seats NDC had 100 but we still discharged our duties to the people of Ghana and our people gave us the mandate in the 2000 elections so we are going to win 2028”.

Ghanaians will know that despite we lost the presidential bid and in Minority we will not allow our colleagues to forcefully take our seats from us. We call on President Mahama and all the NDC senior Executives to call their men to order, let us allow the peaceful process to continue, he stated.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com