Day: March 28, 2023

The Executive Director of Good Governance Advocacy Group Ghana (GGAGG), Listowel Nana Kusi-Poku, has described President Nana Akufo-Addo as a monumental failure the country has seen at the presidency under the Fourth Republic.

Kusi-Poku, a leading member of the pressure group, Arise Ghana, criticized Akufo-Addo for watching Ghana’s economy collapse despite promising Ghanaians otherwise.

To him, candidate Akufo-Addo promised Ghanaians a stable fiscal space while in opposition only to be voted to power to dissipate public funds through a large-sized government that is alien to the people.

He said Akufo-Addo, just like criminals, adore slogans and funny nicknames to cover their bad deeds.

For instance, he noted the Akufo-Addo government has caused a financial loss to the state through “empty policies” beautified by slogans such as one constituency, one ambulance; one district, one factory; planting for food and jobs, and the like.

The programmes, he noted, did not yield results–the reason the country’s economy is not doing well despite the huge loans the government sought from the west.

Nana Poku said then opposition leader in 2016, Nana Akufo-Addo, “swindled Ghanaians with slogans and described then President John Mahama as an incompetent leader only to be elected to power to fail Ghanaians.”

Talking about the country’s debt stock and increasing inflation and lending rate, Nana Poku described the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) as “useless.”

Mahama focused on capital investment with his loans but you, Akufo-Addo who called Mahama incompetent, are now struggling to balance the economy, ” Nana Poku stated.

He made the statement on Original TV’s Amonyesem programme hosted by Samuel Huntor.

Listowel Nana Kusi-Poku said despite touting that he had the competent men to steer the affairs of the state, Akufo-Addo’s government could not use homemade policies to reduce hardship and inflation.

He said the Ghana Statistical Service has revealed all-time youth unemployment in its 2021 Population and Housing Census.

Aside from that, he pointed to high utility tariffs and soaring fuel and food prices and compared it to the time the NDC was leaving power in 2017.

Ghana’s Debt

Ghana’s ballooned debt is pegged over 100 percent to GDP.

Rating agencies have over the past 12 months reduced the country’s ratings below junk status over the government’s inability to balance the economy.

Despite demonizing IMF supervision, the Akufo-Addo government is now at the doorsteps of the Bretton Woods Institution for a $3 billion bailout for months.

The Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been on a begging spree in China to get the Asian country to forgive Ghana its debt after he led a wanton borrowing drive into unsustainable debt levels since 2017.

After Ofori-Atta’s failed attempts to get the country’s lenders to forgive Ghana its debts, the United States government has to intervene on Ghana’s behalf to beg for debt reduction as the country struggles with inflation.

Source: Ghana Web

Dr Stephen Torkpo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary aspirant of the Akatsi North Constituency, has promised to work hard to increase votes for the party in the Elections 2024 if given the nod. Dr Torkpo was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Ave- Dakpa in the Akatsi North district of the Volta Region. Dr Torkpo, who is also a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Ghana, had filed his nomination form to contest against Mr Peter Nortsu Kotoe, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency. He said the incumbent MP had lost popularity at the grassroots of the party which had affected the performance of the NDC in the last two major elections. An observation of previous elections showed that candidate John Mahama lost 270 votes between the elections 2012 and 2016, and 286 votes between 2016 and 2020, he said. On the flip side, the NPP gained 173 votes between 2012 and 2016, and alarmingly, in 2020, gained 1,562 votes. Dr Torkpo observed that, in the parliamentary elections, the incumbent MP, who was seeking re-election for a fourth term, had his votes declining from 11,482 in 2016 to 9,770, while a new and relatively unknown NPP candidate, who is the current District Chief Executive for the area, improved significantly on the votes his predecessor obtained in 2016, which was from 1,379 to 4,575 in 2020. The aspirant is contesting the NDC primaries for the fourth time after losing narrowly to the incumbent in the last three similar elections. He said there was ‘an urgent need for the NDC to present a new and popular candidate to neutralise the gains of the NPP in Akatsi North, a candidate, who understands the issues of the grassroots people, who form the nucleus of the party.’ Dr. Torkpo, a native of Ave-Havi, promised to run a campaign devoid of insults and attacks going into the primaries, and to unite the party if officially elected as the Parliamentary candidate on May 13. ‘I intend to run an open-door policy, working with all stakeholders in the party and to bring everyone on board to ensure a resounding victory for the umbrella party in the Elections 2024,’ he said. He advised all aspirants in the upcoming primaries to avoid the use of intemperate language during their campaigns.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The first Deputy Speaker of Parliament Joseph Osei Owusu who is popularly known as Joe Wise has stated that politicians typically speak more than they act, thus the public shouldn’t be alarmed by their pronouncements.

“In politics, the talking is usually more than our actions so you shouldn’t be intimidated by what we say,” he said.

Joe Wise explained that, the more talk and less action analogy is true because the minority caucus threatened to reject the six nominees at a press conference before some of their members defied the position of the caucus to vote with the Majority.

Speaking in an interview with Onua FM on March 28, 2023, the Member of Parliament for Bekwai Constituency in the Ashanti region added that citizens should ascertain the legality of politicians’ statements before giving them credence.

He noted that despite missing two of the majority lawmakers, the Majority still they went ahead to win the approval of the ministers.

“Many of us use our mouths to clear thorns, so we are not hurt by them” meaning they speak without actions and subsequently don’t feel the heat embedded in the actual work.

Prior to the vetting of ministerial nominees by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, the NDC had issued a directive to its MPs to reject the nominees in demand for a reduction in the size of the current government.

However, when the House conducted a secret ballot on the nominees, all six got overwhelming votes despite the equal numbers on both sides of the House.

The outcome of the voting process has led to accusations of treachery being made against the minority MPs.

Some members of the caucus have since taken to social media to express their disappointment with the result while others have sought to claim their innocence.

How the said ministers were voted

KT Hammond, Minister for Trade and Industry

Kobina Tahiru Hammond (MP for Adansi Asokwa) was approved as the Minister of Trade and Industry with 154 YES votes, 116 NO votes, one rejected ballot and one abstention.

So, should all the 136 NPP MPs present have voted for him, it means that at least 18 NDC MPs voted to approve him.

Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture:

Bryan Acheampong (MP for Abetifi) was approved as the Minister of Food and Agriculture with 167 YES votes, 98 NO votes, one rejected vote and 2 abstentions.

So, should all the 136 NPP MPs present should have voted for him, it means that at least 31 NDC MPs voted for him.

Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs:

Also, Stephen Asamoah Boateng was approved to become the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs with 147 YES votes, 122 NO votes and three abstentions.

This means that at least 11 NDC parliamentarians voted to approve Asamoah Boateng’s appointment.

Mohammed Amin, Minister of State (at the Finance Ministry):

One hundred and fifty-two (152) MPs voted to approve Mohammed Amin as the Minister of State (at the Finance Ministry), with 123 voting to reject his approval and 3 others abstaining.

This implies that at least 16 NDC MPs voted to approve Mohammed Amin.

Stephen Amoah, deputy minister of Trade and Industry:

Also, 146 MPs voted to approve Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, to become the deputy minister for Trade and Industry which means that at least 10 NDC MPs voted with the majority caucus.

One hundred and twenty-three (146) rejected his nomination and 3 abstained from voting.

And finally, Osei Bonsu Amoah, Minister of Local Government.

149 MPs voted to approve OB Amoah as Minister of the Local Government.

Source: Ghana Web

Nana Kobena Nketsia V, an astute Historian and Paramount Chief of Essikado traditional area has said the dignity society gave to womanhood will be the dignity society will experience. He said, women, comparable to the mother hen held charitable deeds towards humanity in terms of values, nurturing and preserving the sanctity of the human being and must therefore be given recognition, acceptance, and full support to contribute meaningfully to the development of every society. Nana Kobena Nketsia V told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that attributes such as protecting, caring, and teaching as exemplified by the Mother Hen is same with womanhood in all its entirety, ‘It’s about time Ghana and Mother Africa rose up and recognized these facts and give women more chance to contribute to societal growth and development ‘. He narrated; ‘Hens are one of the most common birds we see every day on earth and are significant for their mother nature hence, ‘mother hen.’ The Paramount Chief said the Hen protected her chicks from external forces and taught them good survival skills and advised leaders to also pick up such traits in leadership to save the society from ‘collapse’. He explained that society stood to gain very much should women be empowered to become more assertive leaders…’of course ingrained vices in our body politics may also be minimized and winner takes all may not have a place as women were always ready and willing to give. The Revered Chief noted that women represented vessels of procreation without which humans would be extinct. To him, statutory dates to recognize women must be affirmed with right commitment of the men in giving women the strong backing and footing to operate. On marriage and development, the astute traditional ruler noted the need to build the institution on values that transcended generation adding, ‘Our desire should be on worth and values as Africans.’ He called for the strengthening of family bonds as Africans and position ourselves for real development as envisaged by gallant men and women who fought for the liberation of the continent adding, ‘We really need to avoid the going down syndrome and rise as Africans’.

Source: Ghana News Agency

John Dramani Mahama has spoken about his appearance before a vetting committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) describing it as “a very serious interview.”

The three-time NDC flagbearer added that the March 27 vetting involved him answering questions on the party, the NDC’s parliamentary caucus and matters to do with the nation at large.

“I have just come out of the vetting session required by the party for all those who have filed their nominations,” he said after the session before thanking donors and party faithful who continued to support his bid in cash and kind.

On the interview proper, he told a gathering at the party headquarters where he was interviewed: “I was asked questions about the party, how to strengthen the party. I was asked about Parliament, how to strengthen our group in Parliament.

“And most of all, I was asked about the country, my views for repairing our damaged economy and also improving governance in Ghana. It was a very serious interview and I do think that because of the experience I have, the committee must have been impressed.”

He reiterated his call for all competitors to come together after May 13 to support the winning candidate and to ensure the party secures victory come 2024.

Mahama will come up against three contenders in former finance minister Kwabena Duffour, former Mayor of Kumasi Kojo Bonsu and a businessman Ernest Kweku Krobea.

Source: Ghana Web

Dr Stephen Torkpo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary aspirant for Akatsi North, has promised to work hard to increase votes for the party in Election 2024 if given the nod. He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Ave-Dakpa in the Akatsi North District of the Volta Region that the incumbent MP had lost popularity at the grassroots, affecting the performance of the NDC in the last two major elections. Dr Torkpo, also a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Ghana, had filed his nomination to contest against Mr Peter Nortsu Kotoe, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP). Analysis of previous election results showed that candidate John Mahama lost 270 votes between 2012 and 2016, and 286 votes between 2016 and 2020, he said. ‘On the flip side, the NPP gained 173 votes between 2012 and 2016, and alarmingly, in 2020, gained 1,562 votes.’ In the parliamentary elections, the incumbent MP, who was seeking re-election for a fourth term, had his votes decline from 11,482 in 2016 to 9,770, whiles a new NPP candidate, currently the District Chief Executive for the area, Mr Peter Ofosu, who improved his votes from 1,379 in 2016 to 4,575 in 2020. The aspirant is contesting the NDC primary for the fourth time after losing narrowly to the incumbent in the last three elections. ‘There is an urgent need for the NDC to present a new and popular candidate to neutralise the gains of the NPP in Akatsi North, a candidate, who understands the issues of the grassroots, who form the nucleus of the party.’ Dr. Torkpo, a native of Ave-Havi, promised to run a campaign devoid of insults and unite the party when officially elected as the parliamentary candidate on May 13. ‘I intend to run an open-door policy, working with all stakeholders in the party and to bring everyone on board to ensure a resounding victory for the umbrella party in Election 2024,’ he said. He advised all aspirants in the upcoming primaries to avoid the use of intemperate language during their campaigns.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Popular Nigerian comedian, Bright Okpocha popularly known as ‘Basketmouth’ has eulogized Ghanaian comedian, OB Amponsah.

Basketmouth who is currently on a media tour in Ghana ahead of his ‘Unprovoked’ comedy show said, although he hasn’t encountered a lot of Ghanaian comedians, OB Amponsah is a genius in the field.

Describing him as a ‘great guy’, the Nigerian comedian said he has been an ardent follower of OB’s works, thereby citing one of his performances he witnessed in Nigeria as incredible.

The 44-year-old Nigerian described OB Amponsah as a ‘monster’ in comedy.

“I have not really worked with a lot of Ghanaian comedians but the few ones I have worked with delivered well. O B Amponsah was in Nigeria and he nailed it. He represented you guys well. He was a monster, he killed it. He is a great guy and I love his works. he will be performing at my show as well,” he stated in an interview with HitzFM’s Andy Dosty.

It can be recalled that in 2019, OB Amponsah was billed for the Basketmouth’s ‘Lord of the Ribs’ concert in Nigeria.

Describing it as one of the biggest stages he had mounted at that time, OB in an interview with Sammy Flex, said he was given one of the biggest paychecks after the event.

Source: Ghana Web

Members of the Tongo West local chapter of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region have elected five females out of nine executives to stir the affairs of the Association for the next two years. Apart from the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Youth Coordinator and Basic School Representative positions occupied by males, the rest of the five positions are occupied by female members of the Association. The elected executives are Mr Emmanuel A. A. Anafo, Chairman, Mr John Badiwomehit, Vice Chairman, Madam Jackline Angabe, Secretary, Madam Vida Akurigo, Assistant Secretary and Madam Elizabeth Okudjeto, Treasurer, The rest are Mr Raymond Anaba Ayine, Youth Coordinator, Madam Jessica Latifatu Seidu, GNAT-Ladies (GNAT-LAS) Coordinator, Madam Augustina Atiah Abeeze-Nyetime, Second Cycle Representative and Mr Dominic Atavuta, Basic School Representative. Speaking at the local conference of the Association prior to the election, Mr Charles A. Ateem, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chairman of GNAT, said the Association created two local chapters out of the then Tongo Central chapter. He said leadership of the Association observed that activities of the Association in the hitherto Tongo Central chapter adversely affected contact hours in schools within the District as members had move to the Central for such activities. He explained that with the current division, the Association now had Tongo West, Tongo Central and Tongo East chapters within the District which ensured that few members within the chapters met at a time without interference with academic work. Mr Ateem advised teachers against alcoholism, saying teachers needed to take the academic well-being of their students seriously, and urged them to stay away from alcohol during school hours. ‘Some teachers drink alcohol before they go to school, or while in school, they go to drink. That is unprofessional. Let us be mindful of our job ethics and code of conduct,’ he s On the theme of the conference, ‘The survival of the teacher in economic challenges,’ the Municipal Chair said members of the Association needed the support of leadership to survive the current economic challenges in the country. He asked them not to extend their frustrations onto the students, ‘If you absent yourself from school and you are queried, do not expect that GNAT will intervene. Please let us do our work as required of us, as teachers.’ Mr Ateem observed that some teachers dressed shabbily to school and called on GNAT members to take their dress code seriously, noting that teachers were role models and influential personalities that students looked up to, therefore the need for them to appear decent. Mr Evans Ayagikwaga Tungosiamu, a Guest Speaker at the Conference, encouraged members of the Association not to depend solely on their monthly salaries, but venture into other businesses for extra income. In his victory speech, Mr Anafo, who was re-elected for the second time as Chairman to stir the affairs of the local chapter, thanked delegates for the confidence reposed in him to continue to serve the Association. He called for unity of purpose among members of the Association in the area, and pledged to continue to work diligently in the interest of all members across the local chapter.

Source: Ghana News Agency