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Author: Kwaku GhanaMPs

NDC is exploiting the goodwill by orchestrating chaos—NPP Youth Organizer

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The National Youth organizer of the New Parotic Party (NPP) Salam Mustapha has taken a swipe at the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and their supporters for exploiting the goodwill shown by the flagbearer of their party Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia considering defeat even before the Electoral Commission announced the result.

Supporters of the NDC, he said are orchestrating chaos and igniting mayhem across the nation.

“We are disappointed to hear that the NDC has issued a press statement attributing acts of vandalism and looting of state properties to supporters of the NPP. We urge the Police to act swiftly in protecting and arresting the perpetuators of the ongoing acts”.

At a press conference on Monday, December 9, 2024, addressed by Salam Mustapha he noted that the alarming escalation of violence being carried out by NDC supporters against EC officials, NPP parliamentary candidates and security personnel is unprecedented with videos all over in the media and not a single NPP supporter has been seen carrying out such dastardly act.

There is no doubt now that the NDC trained and primed their supporters to cause mayhem and that they are doing what was drummed into them. They have a quest to challenge the security forces.

If the state security should react, despite the peaceful way in which the elections have taken place on 7th December and how NPP supporters have carried themselves in a peaceful manner, the NDC will then resort to accusations.

The NDC is forcefully trying to take over election declarations in the Regional EC offices. The obvious intention is mass provocation which will only result in violence, disruption of activities and a disruption of the key peace processes which we have fought so hard to protect.

We the NPP are calling for Action:

The NPP will not allow the NDC to undermine Ghana’s hard-won democracy. It is our responsibility to protect every citizen of this dear nation.

We call on the Ghana Police Service to maintain law and order at all collation centres and protect the sanctity of the electoral process.

We urge the Electoral Commission to ensure the swift execution of its constitutional mandate without interference or intimidation. Please get the needed documents needed to make you effectively carry out your mandate.

The NPP demands that John Mahama immediately instruct his supporters to stand down and allow the EC to do its work.

We caution you to note that continued provocations and aggression by NDC supporters may lead to uncontrollable reactions, which could jeopardize national stability.

NPP supporters have stood firm in the interest of peace and democracy, but our patience is being tested. We will firmly defend ourselves against any attack on us or our members.

We appeal to all Ghanaians to remember that we are one nation with a shared destiny. Elections are not a justification for violence or division. Let us all work together to maintain the peace and stability that have been the hallmark of our democracy.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Speaker Bagbin congratulates President elect John Mahama

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The Rt. Hon Speaker, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin has extended his heartfelt congratulations to President elect, John Dramani Mahama oh his victory in the Saturday, December 7, 2024 Presidential elections.

According to him the declaration made by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission Mrs. Jean Mensah who is also the returning officer for the Presidential Elections is heartwarming.

Speaker Bagbin in a statement expressed his admiration for the confidence reposed in Mr. Mahama which he described as a show of courage.

“Today, we celebrate not just a victory, but a reaffirmation of our democratic principles,” Bagbin stated. “John Mahama’s win is an affirmation of the will of the people, and I am confident that he will lead Ghana towards greater prosperity and inclusivity.”

He called on Ghanaians to rally behind the newly elected president, saying “it is now our collective responsibility to support him in the task of nation-building”.

“Together, we can work towards addressing the challenges that lie ahead and ensure that every citizen feels the impact of good governance,” he added.

Ghanamps.com

Snowe Jr. praises Ghana’s democratic credentials after a peaceful general election

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Leader of the ECOWAS Parliamentary delegation observing Ghana’s Presidential and Parliamentary election held on December 7, 2024 Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr. has praised Ghana for its shining democratic credentials in the just ended polls.

According to him since 1992 Ghana has earned that enviable position with always peaceful transition and election, as in any election there will be contestation and disagreement.

“The will of Ghanaians have always been respected. If there is the need to challenge things through the legal system, it is done and all parties have respected the outcome of the legal system. We are not surprised that the elections have gone on so peacefully”.

In an interview he pointed out that election started on time, on Saturday, December 7, 2024, when he visited some polling stations at the 37 Military Hospital, Osu, and reports that reach their situation room indicates that across the length and breadth of the Country everything went on well.

And further noted that there were some challenges in the Northern part of the Country but in general it was a peaceful election, and the issue of limiting media access to the collation center, was also addressed.

Additionally, he noted that the ECOWAS observer mission does not interfere in the electoral process of any member states when there are issues with the process of the election, but as preventive diplomacy, they can make suggestions to the Electoral Commission.

And he believes the directive to limit media access to the collation centers should be reversed.

Senator Snowe Jr. was impressed with the two major political parties; the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and National Democratic Congress (NDC) having their seals on the ballot box and well represented by their agents on the voting day.

And provision was made for the visual impaired person to cast their ballot as well as person with disabilities, and hoped that Ghana will leave up to expectation with its democratic credential she has won for itself over the years.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

More NPP incumbent MPs lost their seats in the 2024 Parliamentary elections

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A number of incumbent New Patriotic Members of Parliament have lost their seats in the just ended December 7, 2024 Parliamentary elections and will not be returning to the ninth Parliament.

The major wave of change was visited upon these personalities Darkoa Newman of Okaikwei South, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful of Ablekuma West, Henry Quartey of Ayawaso Central, Sylvester Tetteh of Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer of Sekondi.

The others are Ophelia Mensah H. of Mfantseman, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Ayawaso West Wuogon; Dr. Prince Armah, MP for Kwesimintsim; Andy Appiah Kubi, Asante Akyem North; Farouk Mahama, Yendi; Mireku Duker, Tarkwa-Nsuaem; John Peter Amewu, Hohoe; Twum Barima, Dormaa East.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

IGP can’t be trusted ahead of 2024 general elections — Akando

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Member of Parliament for Juaboso Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has taken a swipe at the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Akufo Dampare for his double standard having a double face, preaching peace but doing the opposite ahead of Ghana’s Saturday, December 7, 2024, general elections.

According to him it is unbelievable that less than eight days to the general elections, the IGP will transfer the Juaboso District Police Commander knowing how difficult their terrain is. How will the commander be able to liaise with all the people and personnel within the short time left?

“I am disappointed in the IGP; he portrays himself unbiased and you take him serious at your own risk. He is bowing to the pressure of the NPP. “How can you move a District Police Commander to quarter master store? Mr. Boyaalo Ntorso I pray that this has not happen to this man because he bears Ewe name”, he lamented.

At a media engagement in his constituency, he noted that the ruling NPP is using state institutions to rig the 2024 general elections as if that is not enough, he notices that NPP party polling executives were enlisted as electoral officers; “we provided evidence that cannot be challenged”.

“The NPP as part of its plan, they have plans to attack some polling stations in the constituency where they know is the NDC strong hold. In some cases they are planning to use the security to intimidate the electorate to ensure there is not massive voter turnout”.

Currently, about thirty immigration officers and about ten military officers have been added to the already existing officers at Africa borders and nkensikokor in the Juabaso constituency to prevent and intimidate registered Ghanaians who are leaving across the border; the law is clear, he stated.

Ones you are a Ghanaian and a registered voter absolutely nothing prevent you from casting your vote. The plan is to beef up security and prevent electorates across the borders who are Ghanaians from exercising their Franchise.

“We are for peace but take note that we will resist any attempt by anybody or any group of people to intimidate us in the name of rigging the elections. I pray that the good God touches the heart of the NPP people to stop their plan of violently rigging the elections in Juaboso or the district or the country may not be able to contain all of us”.

We will resist the oppressors rule at all times; the NPP’s desperation is clear and their defeat is inevitable, no amount of abuse of power and manipulation will save them, the people of Ghana are ready to reject this government and all its underhand dealing tricks. The NDC stands firm and vigilant; we will do everything within the law to protect the integrity of this election and ensure the will of the people prevail.

Again, we are watching and monitoring them closely, I pray they do not try. I am disappointed that they are using the state agencies that are supposed to work independently that are supposed to be impartial as part of the rigging machinery.

“I have come to a clear conclusion that anyone who believes the IGP, you do that at your own risk. He looks like an angle in the social media space for people to see him as white but these are some of the things he is doing in the country with regards to what he has done in Juaboso district the message came that the transfer should take place the same day”.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Chairman Snowe Jr. leads delegation to Ghana

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Chairman of the Community Parliament Committee on Political Affairs, Peace, Security and African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), Senator Edwon Melvin Snowe Jr. is leading the Parliament’s delegation to observe Ghana’s December 7, 2024, Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

Other law makers among the delegation are Hon. Senou SOKLINGBE, Hon. Koné GNANGADJOMON, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie ABIANTE, Hon. Rosa Lopes ROCHA, Hon. Veronica Kadie SESAY and Hon. Bio Sika Abdel Kamel OUASSAGAR.

Staff members on the delegation are Dr. Adesina SOTUMINU, Mr. Edwin D. MILLER Jr. and Mr. Caesar Winimi AYAMBA.

The delegation will be arriving in Ghana on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, ahead of Saturday, December 7, 2024, general elections.

The Community Court of Justice will also send representatives to observe the election.

In an earlier interview, the Head of the Electoral Assistance Division of ECOWAS, Serigne Mamadou Ka noted that over one hundred (100) election observers would be deployed on December 7, 2024.

And added that an initial team of 16 long-term observers arrived on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, while a group of 90 short-term observers would arrive on December 2 or 3.

This, he said, would bring the total number of observers to over 100, adding that a team of five core members would be based in Accra, with 16 long-term observers being deployed across the 16 regions.

Mr. Ka, who is also the Permanent Secretary of ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONE), disclosed this in an interview in Accra last Thursday shortly after ECOWAS had given a grant totaling $210,000 to support two state institutions and two civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana to promote free, fair, peaceful, credible and transparent elections and help deepen the country’s democracy.

Mr. Ka said the ECOWAS observer team would be led by a former Nigerian Vice-President, Nnamadi Sambo, who would arrive with the short-term observers between December 2 and 3.

“ECOWAS has a history of deploying observers to member states to ensure peaceful and credible elections. This mission is part of the organisation’s efforts to promote democracy and stability in the region,” he said.

“We want peaceful elections,” Mr. Ka emphasised, adding that, “Election is an event that is constitutionally mandated. When it comes, everyone wants to win. But at the end of the day, there is only one winner, and the others will have to follow.”

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

“I can’t recall Parliament due to upcoming elections” – Bagbin to Majority

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Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has rejected a request from the Majority Caucus to reconvene Parliament ahead of the December 7, 2024 elections, stating that the timing is incompatible with the current electoral season.

The Majority Caucus, in a letter dated November 22, 2024, and signed by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, proposed holding an emergency session on November 28 and 29 to address urgent government business.

However, Speaker Bagbin, in a memo issued on Tuesday, November 26, firmly declined the request, emphasizing the need to respect the parliamentary calendar and the demands of the election period.

“The House will resume sitting after the elections to complete all essential matters before a seamless transition to the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana,” Bagbin stated in his response.

The Speaker also urged members of Parliament to prioritize the national interest and approach their duties with dignity and respect during this crucial period.

“The national interest would better be served if members exhibit conduct of honour, empathy, and humility in the performance of their duties. In the circumstances, I am neither inclined nor disposed to exercise my discretion in favour of your request. The request is accordingly declined,” he wrote.

Bagbin further reminded Afenyo-Markin and the Majority Caucus of the importance of the election season for Ghana’s democratic process. He noted that this period is dedicated to government officials, political parties, and candidates presenting their manifestos and justifying their four-year mandates to the electorate.

“This season is for the government, parties, and both presidential and parliamentary candidates to present their manifestoes to the people and to account and justify the mandate given them by the voters for the four-year term of office has been applied to the benefit of the people,” he explained.

The Speaker’s decision has underscored the focus on the upcoming general elections, with parliamentary activities set to resume afterward to address outstanding matters and prepare for the transition to a new Parliament.

Ghanamps.com

ODA: MP shares vision with constituents at NCCE PCs’ dialogue

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Mr. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, the Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda has participated in the parliamentary candidate dialogue organized by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Emmanuel Congregation in Akyem Oda.

During the dialogue, the MP shared his vision and that of the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, with the constituents in attendance.

He addressed five key areas raised by the NCCE, including: Education, Infrastructure, Health, Sanitation and Economy.

The MP also took questions from the constituents, including students, and provided insightful responses.

The NCCE Director for the Birim Central Municipality, Mrs. Rejoice expressed gratitude to Mr. Akwasi Acquah for honoring the invitation and participating in the dialogue.

This event demonstrates Mr. Acquah’s commitment to engaging with his constituents and sharing his vision for the development of the Akyem Oda constituency.

As the MP, he has been working tirelessly to address the needs of his constituents, and this dialogue is a testament to his dedication to public service.

Ghanamps.com

Karaga MP unveils digital water system in constituency

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A significant milestone was achieved for the residents of Karaga as Ghana’s Finance Minister and Member of Parliament, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, officially commissioned a state-of-the-art Digital Water System aimed at alleviating the chronic water scarcity in the Karaga District.

Dr. Amin Adam reflected on his commitment to improving water access in the Karaga District, revealing that he has overseen the drilling of 150 boreholes since taking office.

Despite previous efforts by past administrations to provide water solutions, many had fallen short. He candidly shared the challenges he faced, noting that his initial eight boreholes in Karaga Township yielded no water.
This setback prompted him to consult with experts, leading to the development of the innovative water system that promises to serve the community for the next 20 to 50 years.

The project, initially estimated at Ghc 10 million, required an additional Ghc 8 million due to the considerable distance between the water source in Zeyeli and the treatment plant located three miles away in Kunduli. The initiative includes the installation of 48 digital water taps and 25 traditional standpipes, bringing the total to 67 distribution points across the district.

Dr. Amin Adam expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in his constituency and prayed for continued support to further enhance the lives of his constituents.

In addition to his efforts in improving water access, Dr. Amin Adam has also made significant contributions to education. He has provided financial assistance to 1,000 tertiary students during his tenure and supported 687 junior high school graduates with Ghc 500 each to facilitate their transition to secondary education. He emphasized the importance of nurturing the youth as future leaders of the nation.

Northern Regional Minister Shani Alhassan Shaibu commended the project, highlighting its incorporation of smart tap and solar technologies—cutting-edge advancements in the water sector. He urged the people of Karaga to recognize the transformative development projects initiated by voting for the MP and Vice President in the upcoming elections.

Ghanamps.com

ECOWAS FINANCIAL CRISIS: Where is the Authority of Heads of States and Government

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Is the current state of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) any concern to the Authority of Heads of States and Government, where the Community Parliament is unable to organize its Second Ordinary Session due to what is believed to be financial constraints?.

How can it be said that a sub-regional bloc of 15 countries with programs and policies to better the lives of its citizens have such magnitude of financial crisis that it cannot meet over its budget, a session critical to the smooth running of the bloc for the ensuing year, as it is at that session that the draft 2025 Consolidated Budget of the Community  would be examined.

What signal would the leaders be sending to the citizens who look forward to improved living conditions if the creation to spearhead their welfare is financially deficient to the extent that its own deliberations cannot be financed?

Remittances from the two giants of the bloc, Nigeria and Ghana should be enough to provide face-saving moments for the bloc at least in ensuring there is enough to prepare for the ensuing year.

It should be known that any failure to ensure the holding of this Second Ordinary Session would be a global embarrassment.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria, the big brother to all the member states currently occupies an enviable position as President H. E.  Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Chairman of ECOWAS. The transfer from Nigeria alone which is about 40% is worth relying on for giving the bloc some financial breathing space. With Ghana proving about 17.4 percent, these two countries offer more than 50% of levy. So,  does it mean these two giants are also reneging on their remittances?

It is common knowledge that most countries delay in transferring their remittances to the bloc. But how endemic is this phenomenon that the bloc is this broke?

As a journalist following and reporting on the activities of ECOWAS, the frustrations expressed by Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Community parliament over the lackadaisical approach by member states towards their remittances to the bloc is disheartening and does not augur well for accelerated development.

One is not oblivious of the economic challenges faced by member states, but there are specific key areas that are levied for the purposes of financing the bloc.

It is, therefore, unpardonable for ECCOWAS to be facing this level of financial crisis.

Perish the thought, but with this unfolding situation does it mean when the three Shale member states Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali break away from the sub-regional bloc without the concern of their citizens, the bloc will face dire financial challenges.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso and Dominic Dela Shirimori/Ghanamps.com