Author: Kwaku GhanaMPs

Majority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has taken a swipe at the Minority side of the House blaming their lawlessness that frustrated government business in the House leading to early adjournment of the House.

Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Bagbin on Friday, December 20, 2024 adjourned the House to January 2, 2025 when the Finance Minister failed to present the Mini-Budget Statement for the first quarter of 2025 until the new government prepares its own budget.

According to him the usual practice of the House is that when a matter is introduced, papers are laid and referrals made to committees, and same work is presented to the House for debate and decision taken.

At a press conference addressed by the Majority Leader, he noted that the NDC Minority’s strategy has been not to allow papers to be laid; neither will they allow reports to be presented to Committees.

And this also includes reports on the Supreme Court nominees whose vetting parliament has concluded; “we are to table that report for a motion to be taken, but they say they will not allow it”.

“Again, the all-important free SHS bill they again say they will not allow that to be laid for the bill to be considered; the environmental protection bill we know how they frustrated it as well”.

In addition two hundred and fifty million dollar facility from the World Bank to support the financial sector, we had 1D1F they themselves brought proposal to us which government side accepted which proposal led to the raw material component being taken out resulting in huge savings as a result the committee completed its work. Again the NDC lawless Minority will not allow the report to be taken.

They have threatened chaos should we lay any of the reports. Unfortunately, “Mr. Speaker who we all rely on to protect us could not assure the Majority of controlling the NDC lawlessness. He directed that the NDC cannot obstruct government business on the floor neither could the leadership obstruct government business on the floor of the House; today we had engagement with them all they want to do is bring chaos”.

“We want to tell the people of Ghana that, we as democrats are ever ready to proceed to do this expenditure of account. There is no way we will ambush our own fortunes; it is rather the lawless NDC Minority who have done all they can to obstruct government business”.

Furthermore, they do not care about our inability to undertake this constitutional obligation. “We want to assure the nation that should the Speaker reconvene the parliament any time before 31 of December 2024, the Majority led by the Finance Minister will proceed to do this expenditure account to enable the Ghanaian public servants to benefit from this expenditure.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Mr. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsawam-Adoagyiri and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, has been declared the winner following the re-collation exercise at the Greater Accra Regional Electoral Commission office at Ridge.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh secured 29,640 votes, while Fummey Philibert of the National Democratic Congress garnered 29,433 votes.

Expressing his joy after being declared the winner, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh described the victory as “sweet” and emphasized that the true will of the people of Nsawam-Adoagyiri has prevailed.

The Accra High Court directed the EC to complete the collation process and declare the winners in accordance with electoral laws. It also instructed the Inspector-General of Police to ensure adequate security at the collation centres.

The re-collation exercise is ongoing at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the EC under tight police and military security.

Ghanamps.com

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