Day: February 13, 2023

The national chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party Mr Stephen Ntim has assured the Greater Accra Regional Council of Elders of the NPP and the entire party that the leadership of the NPP will ensure a free and fair elections of the upcoming flagbearer race to lead the party into election 2024.

Speaking at a brainstorming session by the council of elders of the Greater Accra Region at Peduase in Aburi, the Chairman stated that even though the party is yet to set a date for the congress and election of its flagbearer and parliamentary candidates, national executives are in vigorous preparation to ensure a free, fair, clean and successful primaries.

Responding to concerns by some members of the council on those who are flouting the code of conduct in the campaigning, the chairman was emphatic that the code of ethics is still in force and thus cautioned prospective aspirants to abide by them.

Here is the statement by the Chairman, Mr Stephen Ntim

STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF THE NPP, MR. STEPHEN AYESU NTIM AT A RETREAT ORGANIZED BY THE GREATER ACCRA REGIONAL COUNCIL OF ELDERS ON FEBRUARY 11, 2023.

Chairman and members of the Greater Accra Regional Council of Elders, I stand on existing protocols to, first of all, bring you greetings from the National leadership of the Party, and to commend you for putting together this important Retreat. I do not recall a retreat of this nature organized by any of our regional council of elders and so, I commend you for setting this pace and hope that other organs of the party particularly at the regional levels would emulate this enviable example.

The choice of the theme for this occasion: “Effective Party Organization To Break The Eight” is spot on and worthy of commendation. Indeed, I dare say, there couldn’t have been a better theme looking at the times we find ourselves as a Party. We are seeking to do something no political party in the history of this country has been able to do. We are seeking to win a third consecutive general election. We are seeking to break the eight that has so far eluded the two major political parties in the fourth republic.

Obviously, to achieve this extraordinary and unprecedented feat, we need to do the extraordinary. We cannot do the same things we’ve been doing from 1992 and expect to achieve a different result, more so, when the result in question, is one that no political party in Ghana has been able to achieve. This consciousness is what I expect to drive our 2024 project. We must all be conscious of the enormity of the task ahead of us to be able to work our hearts out towards its realization.

Consistent with our mandate, we, as national officers, following our election in July 2022, set for ourselves, a target of working assiduously to retain power in 2024 to justify the confidence that had been reposed in us by the party’s delegates. This particular commitment to delivering nothing but victory to the party come 2024, has, at all times, been our primary focus in everything we do.

We began by appointing hardworking party members to serve as deputy national officers, directors at the national secretariat and as members of the various committees of the Party to help us effectively deliver on our mandate. Of course, we can only be successful on this mandate if we get the support and cooperation of the members of our Party. More importantly, we can only succeed on our mandate when we continue to receive wise counsel from the members of our council of elders from the constituency to regional and national levels to put us on track at all times.

As members of the council of elders, the wisdom and advice you offer us is so crucial to help us effectively organize and manage the party. This is crucial in winning the 2024 general elections.

With your continuous support thus far, I am happy to report that the NPP is the most organized political party in Ghana. In respect of the current state of the NPP as evidence of our level of preparedness for the 2024 general elections, I can say confidently that, building on the hard work started by the previous administration, we continue to be the most vibrant and the leading political party in Ghana.

Indeed, despite the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on political activities, we were the first party in Ghana that was able to organize conferences and elected polling station executives in all the over 38,000 polling stations in the country; elected constituency executives in all the 275 constituencies; elected regional executives in all the 16 regions of the country and ultimately elected national executive officers.

We have equally successfully undertaken a nationwide membership registration, and have also begun rolling out a new biometric membership ID card with the launch of a new biometric membership identification system to issue new party cards to our members and for the management of membership data. We have successfully organized orientation and training workshops for the national and regional party executives to prepare ourselves for the task ahead.

We have initiated the “Party-Government Engagements series”, which is an initiative that is aimed at bridging the gap between the party and government by strengthening the relationship between government appointees and party executives at all levels through regular face to face interactions. Following the introduction of the initiative, some senior government officials and CEOs of government agencies have visited the Party headquarters and held fruitful interactions with party officials.

Without a doubt, all these feats, can certainly, only be achieved by a well-organized political party that is well prepared to go into the 2024 general elections and win by the grace of God.

Mr. Chairman, having come this far, another crucial activity that is ahead of the Party going into election 2024 is the organization of parliamentary and presidential primaries to select our respective candidates. This exercise is so crucial that our victory in 2024 is largely hinged on how we conduct ourselves before, during and after these primaries.

On account of this, I wish to make a passionate appeal to all prospective aspirants, their supporters, party members and all stakeholders of the Party to respect the rules of engagement. We should always be guided by the supreme interest of the party and eschew all acts that have the tendency of dividing our ranks. We cannot have an effective and well organized party to break the eight if we do not prioritize the party’s interest. Our victory in 2024 will largely depend on how we conduct ourselves in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary primaries.

It is in view of the importance of these primaries on our electoral fortunes that the National Council of the Party formulated a Code of Conduct to regulate our conduct during the period preceding the opening of nominations for these primaries. It is also worth reminding all party members that the Code of Conduct is still in force, and as national officers, we will continue to monitor its implementation to ensure maximum conformity. This is crucial to help us close our ranks going into the 2024 general elections, and to be able to break the eight.

As members of Council of Elders of our Party you have an important role to play in promoting the Code of Conduct and generally, in ensuring party discipline, which again is absolutely necessary for our victory in 2024. I therefore appeal to every member of the party to support us in this endeavor. This is needed for the party to break the eight.

Distinguished Elders, I also wish to report to you that the party is currently engaging stakeholders and would very soon come out with a timetable for the conduct of the Party’s parliamentary and presidential primaries. For your information at the last Steering Committee, National Executive Committee and National Council meetings held on 2nd February, 2023, it was resolved that due to the importance of this exercise on the party’s electoral fortunes in 2024, there was the need for the party to build consensus among all relevant stakeholders before deciding on timelines for the conduct of the primaries.

At the right time when a broader stakeholder consultation is done and this decision is eventually taken, the Party would issue appropriate rules and regulations to govern the conduct of these primaries. I once again plead to all party members to abide by these rules and regulations in the interest of the party. I wish to reiterate the point that as national officers of the Party, not only are we going to be impartial, but will also ensure a level playing field for all prospective aspirants in the conduct of both the parliamentary and presidential primaries.

We admonish supporters of would be aspirants and members of the party to refrain from the use of provocative language in the lead up to the party’s primaries. We should all remember that we remain the sons and daughters from the womb of one giant elephant. This is the only party we have. We should remind ourselves of the very reason for our existence as a political party which finds expression in Article 2(3) of the Party’s Constitution. i.e. “to win political power through democratic means in order to pursue the party’s agenda as provided for in the party’s manifesto for a general election”.

Source: Modern Ghana

Boga Ali Hashim, a popular Ghanaian blogger and entertainment pundit has reacted to the shooting of South African rapper AKA.

According to reports, police sources in Durban stated that AKA was shot dead in a drive-by shooting. A person believed to be AKA’s bodyguard, per IOL, was also wounded. Another unidentified individual, who the outlet says is understood to be AKA’s close friend, has also been reported to be fatally shot. The Times also reported that AKA was standing outside a popular restaurant when he was gunned down.

The Rapper AKA, born Kiernan Forbes, was shot and killed on Friday in Durban, South Africa, the Times (South Africa) reported.

He was 35.

After his death was confirmed, tributes have been pouring in for the rapper.

The parents of AKA, Tony and Lynn Forbes, confirmed his death in a statement.

“It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son, and confirm his untimely and tragic passing on the evening of February 10, 2023. We are awaiting further details from Durban police,” read the statement.

“To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo,” his parents wrote. “To many, he was AKA, Supa Mega, Bhova, and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him by. Our son was loved and gave love in return.”

Speaking to TimesLIVE, ALS paramedic Garrith Jamieson said that they responded to a shooting incident after 10:15 pm on Friday.

“On arrival, paramedics met chaos and a scene where two men, believed to be in their late 30s, sustained multiple gunshot wounds,” said Jamieson. “Paramedics assisted the men and unfortunately the first male had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and showed no signs of life and was declared deceased at the scene.” The motive for the shooting is unknown.

The rapper posted to Instagram earlier Friday about his upcoming album, Mass Country, set for release later this month.

In a tweet, Boga Ali Hashim who is known as a connoisseur of rap music wrote “Jealousy is an incurable disease. Another young and gifted artiste gone too soon. When you get to the top you need to be mindful of your circles. As the saying goes, when there is no enemy within the enemy outside can never harm us.

“Rip AKA. He didn’t deserve this. Black killing a fellow black man is insane. This shit has to stop. Too many young lives with so much potential are being taken away. My heart breaks for AKA and his family. From Allah, we come, to Him we return. Africa is mourning. #NoToHomicide.”

ans flooded his comments upon hearing the news of his death. He also tweeted about his new album earlier that day.

Source: Modern Ghana

DAASEBRE KWAKU BOATENG III, the Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area and the President of New Juaben Traditional Council, has predicted victory for Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen in his bid to become the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 elections.

He told the NPP presidential hopeful during a call on him and members of the Juaben Traditional Council in Koforidua, last Friday, that his ‘knowledge and humility’ will guarantee him victory in the party’s presidential primaries later in the year.

Daasebre Boateng III said Ghanaians appreciated the good works and productive results of the former Minister for Trade and Industry spanning former President Kufuor’s administration to the current era of President Akufo-Addo.

As a result, the paramount chief said he was convinced “Your (Alan) competence and humility will give you victory.”

The New Juaben Omanhene further assured Mr. Kyerematen and his campaign team that

he would, with the support of the Traditional Council, personally fully campaign for him when he becomes the NPP presidential candidate.

“I bless you, Alan, and I will never forget you in my prayers,” he assured.

The Omanhene thanked the former Minister of Trade and Industry for the visit.

“I am happy to see you, Alan Kyerematen. He is my own, and I thank him for coming home,” said

Nana Twumasi Dankwa, New Juaben Dwaasehene.

He noted that the former Trade and Industry Minister was a man of substance who had remained loyal to the cause of the party over the years.

The Dwasehene said Ghanaians know who can best lead the NPP to bail Ghana out of its current difficulties.

He called for the support and prayers of the New Juaben Traditional Area for his presidential bid, expressing the hope that God would glorify Alan Kyerematen and crown him with success.

Also at the meeting were Kyeamee Amoh Boakye, Nana Osei Owusu Agyare II, Akwadumuhene, Nana Obiri Sempa III, Nana Baah Acheamfour Ampeh, and others.

Source: Modern Ghana

Ghanaian reggae and dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy, has been captured in a studio with American singer, Jordin Sparks following their recent meeting in Los Angeles.

The Bhim Nation President who was in the United States of America to promote his music was a guest on the Breakfast Club show where he discussed a number of issues including the power of afrobeats and more.

Few days ago, a video shared on social media captured Stonebwoy and Jordin having a chat at a private event in Los Angeles.

Netizens speculated that Stonebwoy and the American singer will collaborate on a project just like he did with Keri Hilson on ‘Nominate’.

Well, a new video has surfaced on the internet with both singers spotted in the studio working on a song.

Kicking off the New Year with a banger, Stonebwoy recently released his new single titled ‘More Of You’.

The track was produced by American/Jamaican producer Supa Dups and is the third single since Stonebwoy’s historic global signing with Universal Music Group (UMG) label divisions, Def Jam Recordings in the US, 0207 Def Jam in the UK and Def Jam Africa in early 2022.

Source: Modern Ghana

Hearts of Oak have closed the gap on Aduana Stars at the top of the Ghana Premier League standings.

This is after the Phobians hammered Berekum Chelsea 3-1 on Saturday afternoon to climb to second on the league table.

Hearts of Oak today welcomed the Blues to the Accra Sports Stadium for a Week 17 contest of the 2022/23 Ghanaian top-flight league campaign.

In a game that produced four goals, neither side managed to find the back of the net in the first 45 minutes.

A dramatic end to the encounter saw Hearts of Oka scoring three in the final 10 minutes of the match as Berekum Chelsea’s defense broke down.

First, an own goal from Zakaria Fuseini in the 83rd minute handed the Phobians the lead before Benjamin Yorke equalised in the 89th minute to double the lead for the hosts.

Although Berekum Chelsea will pull one back through Kusi Pandrous in the 90th minute, Victor Aidoo put the game to bed for Hearts of Oak with a fine strike in injury time.

Courtesy of the delightful 3-1 win today, Hearts of Oak are now second on the Ghana Premier League table and just four points behind Aduana Stars.

Source: Modern Ghana

Ghana talisman, Thomas Partey was in action for Arsenal on Saturday afternoon when the team drew 1-1 with Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in the English Premier League.

The midfielder started for the Gunners in the Round 23 encounter and lasted the entire duration of the contest.

Not only did he impress in his defensive midfield role, but Thomas Partey also added to the attacking prowess of Arsenal when the team moved forward.

In a game that produced just two goals, the Black Stars midfielder finished with a high rating of 7.8, establishing himself as one of the best players to have featured for both Arsenal and Brentford today.

In the game today, Arsenal took the lead in the 66th minute through new signing Leandro Trossard after he was assisted by Bukayo Saka.

Unfortunately, for Arsenal, the team could not see off the game. An equaliser from Brentford star man Ivan Toney forced the match to end in a 1-1 draw at the end of the match.

With his appearance today, Thomas Partey now has made 18 league appearances for his club this season.

He has two goals but is yet to provide an assist for the London-based club.

Meanwhile, Arsenal remains top of the English Premier League standings with 51 points, six more than the team in second, Manchester City.

Source: Modern Ghana

Bayern Munich secured a 3-0 win over Bochum to reinforce their position at the top of the Bundesliga.

After a run of three successive draws following the winter break, Bayern invited pressure at the top of the table.

They snapped the run of draws in the league with a 4-2 win at Wolfsburg last weekend and followed it up with victory over struggling Bochum at the Allianz Arena.

Thomas Muller is in the veteran stage of his career but is still a key cog for Bayern and he set them on their way with the opening goal on 41 minutes.

Muller was rewarded for his never-say-die attitude, as he looked to be chasing a lost cause until Saidy Janko under-hit a backpass – allowing the forward to collect the ball and slot home.

A slick passing move on 64 minutes saw Jamal Musiala tee up Kingsley Coman to double Bayern’s lead.

The defending champions made the game safe when Serge Gnabry scored from the penalty spot on 73 minutes.

Bayern can now shift their focus to the Champions League, with the Germans travelling to France for a clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

Borussia Dortmund kept the gap to Bayern to three points after winning 2-0 on the road at Werder Bremen.

Jamie Bynoe Gittens proved to be a super-sub for Dortmund, as he smashed home on 67 minutes – which was moments after he was introduced from the bench.

Julian Brandt made the game safe on 85 minutes when beating the offside trap, cutting inside on his right foot and curling the ball home.

Source: Modern Ghana

Substitute Leandro Trossard scored his first goal for Arsenal but the Premier League leaders missed the chance to move eight points clear at the top as Ivan Toney earned resilient Brentford a deserved point.

After a goalless first half in which the Bees hit the woodwork through Toney, the Gunners took the lead when Trossard struck at the back post four minutes after coming off the bench.

But Brentford got the reward their excellent away performance at Emirates Stadium deserved when Toney nodded in Christian Norgaard’s cross from close range.

There was a lengthy check by the video assistant referee for a possible offside in the build-up but the goal was eventually confirmed.

Arsenal raised the tempo in the closing stages – including seven minutes of added time – as they searched for a winner but Brentford completed an excellent defensive display by holding firm for a point.

Arsenal face Manchester City – six points behind before their game on Sunday afternoon against Aston Villa – in a top-of-the-table showdown on 15 February.

Brentford, meanwhile, are eighth and just five points off fifth place.

Source: Modern Ghana