Category: Key Issues

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Bono NPP Chairman describes 2023 as year of economic prosperity

Sunyani – Mr Kwame Baffoe, the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has described 2023 as a year of prosperity for the nation despite the global economic challenges.

“2022 has been difficult throughout the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other global factors, which affected millions of lives including Ghanaians, but the country is marching forward with renewed energy to turn around the economic fortunes,” he said in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani.

That notwithstanding, the statement urged Ghanaians to support the government and work harder to improve productivity, saying 2023 provided an opportunity “for us to make a fresh beginning and work harder to enhance our economic prospects.”

“Challenges arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war and other global situations require us to strengthen the nation’s determination to move forward in unity,” it added.

“It is time for our collective revival to shape our future, one step at a time as we march towards shared prosperity.

“As a nation, we now have a good reason to cease looking backward and instead look ahead and pull forward into the direction of inclusive progress and prosperity,” the statement said.

It urged the supporters of NPP to avoid complacency and strengthen their resilience and work hard, saying “it is only hard work that would enable us to break the eight in Election 2024.”

The statement advised the chiefs and people of the region to endeavour to bury their differences, forge ahead in unity towards building and strengthening peace, stability, harmonious and prosperous region.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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CPP must unite ahead of election 2024 -Abdul Malik

Accra, Jan. 3, GNA – Mr Abdul Malik Jeleel, Deputy National Communications Director, Convention People’s Party (CPP) has rallied the rank and file of the party to work together to re-organise the CPP ahead of election 2024.

He said the seeming lack of unity among the leadership of the Party could undermine efforts to solidify the base of the CPP and build a strong force towards the next election.

In a New Year Message shared with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Jeleel, who is also the CPP Chairman for Adentan Constituency, urged members of the CPP to remain committed to the ideals and principles of the Party.

“I call on the Party’s national leadership, regional and working committee chairpersons to put an end to all internal wrangling and help build a solid and united party towards 2024 elections.

“Let’s remember Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s quote: “Organisation decides everything” and act now to organize from the grass-root starting from the polling station,” he said.

The CPP has since last year been embroiled in raging confusion and disagreement over the legitimacy of its chairperson –which had occasioned legal tussle and public outbursts.

Last year, the Party failed to organize its internal elections to elect officers to steer the affairs of the CPP at various levels.

With 2024 fast beckoning, pressure is mounting on political parties that are yet to elect their national officers to do so to ensure their inclusion in the 2024 general election.

Mr Jeleel said the current economic hardship was as a result of bad governance, adding that the CPP had a track record of delivering value for the people and building a nation that guaranteed prosperity for all.

He appealed to former officers of the Party, including Dr Abu Sakara, Samia Nkrumah, Ernesto Yeboah, and Nii Armah Akomfrah to “set aside their differences” and support efforts to reorganise the CPP.

Mr Jeleel called on all the major “Nkrumahist” parties including, the People’s National Convention, Progressive People’s Party, and the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) to come together to build a formidable force and win elections.

“If we are able to unite within CPP and bring our sister Nkrumahist parties together we will pull a surprise at the 2024 election and bring joy to the good people of Ghana,” he said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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NPP to prosecute formidable campaign to Break the Eight

The Central Regional Branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is poised to implement a formidable campaign to “break the eight” in the upcoming election in 2024.

It revealed that it had laid down well-structured measures and policies at all levels to maintain power to change the fortunes of the country.

Mr Richard Takyi-Mensah, the Regional Secretary of the NPP who made the remarks said the party had the desire to create a good environment for citizens and businesses to thrive to stabilize the economy for the benefits of all.

He was addressing journalists at a press soirée, organised by the party to appreciate the work of the media.

Mr Takyi-Mensah said the NPP had initiated a lot of credible policies in favour of the media including the repeal of criminal libel and the Media Capacity Building and Enhancement Programme.

The Government, he said, under the NPP party is working tirelessly to make the systems work.

Mr Takyi-Mensah therefore called on all journalists to be circumspect in their reportage and highlight the good works of the government

He urged the media to ensure fairness and be neutral in their reports to avoid misunderstanding in the minds of the populace.

Mr Takyi-Mensah appealed to morning show hosts to be careful with some comments which tend to tarnish the image and reputation of prominent personalities in the country.

Mr Michael Arthur-Dadzie, Former Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, highlighting some cases of defamation, urged journalists to cross check their facts before publication to avoid prosecution.

He urged the show hosts to exhibit absolute neutrality on their shows and write ups and regulate programmess that could cause chaos and confusion in the country.

Mr Robert Kutin Jnr, the Regional Chairman of the NPP, praised journalists in the Region for supporting the developmental agenda of the Region and urged them to continue to propagate the good works of the government. 

He was hopeful that the cordial relations between the party and the media wouldl be further strengthened.

For his part, Mr David Yarboi Tetteh, the Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA) called for a strengthened collaboration between the Party and the Media.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Key political events in 2022 as NPP and NDC elect their leaders

Accra – Ghana’s political space has been characterized by a cocktail of issues, events, and activities in 2022 as political parties commenced preparations towards the 2024 general election.

2022 was a busy calendar year for Political Parties, who by constitutional demand, elected officers at the branch, constituency, regional, and national levels to steer the affairs of their Parties in various offices for the next four years.

Although, the Electoral Commission did not organise any national election this year, it elicited debate and discussions over its proposal to use the Ghana Card as the sole identity document for the continuous registration exercise.

In this article, we highlight some key events that occurred within the year to jog your memory and outline some expectations for next year.

NPP elects new leaders

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) crowned its internal elections with a National Delegates Conference at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, July 16, 2022.

One of the contest’s key surprises was the ousting of the then incumbent General Secretary of the Party, Mr John Boadu by Mr Justin Kodua Frimpong.

Mr Stephen Ayesu Ntim, who was also contesting the Chairmanship position for the fifth time, clinched the position.

The other national officers were: Henry Nana Boakye, National Organiser; Kate Gyamfua, National Women Organiser; Abdul Aziz Haruna Futah, National Nasara Coordinator; Salam Mohammed Mustafa, National Youth Organiser.

On October 13, 2022, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the then General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) publicly declared his intention to contest the National Chairmanship position of the Party during a radio interview.

This announcement shook the pillars of the Party given that the then Chairman of the NDC, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo was completing his first term in Office and had expressed the desire to serve the Party again in the second term.

Asiedu Nketia leads NDC

After weeks of heated campaigns, it appeared that it would be a tight race between the two giants of the Party.

But Mr Nketia stole the show at the Party’s National Delegates Congress held at the Accra Sports Stadium on December 17, 2022, securing a landslide victory.

Other officers elected at the Congress were Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary; Joseph Yammin, National Organiser; and Mamah Cole Younger, National Zongo Caucus Coordinator.

EC proposes use of Ghana Card as the sole identity document

A new Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) on voter registration was laid before Parliament by the EC, seeking to make the Ghana Card the only source document for continuous voter registration.

The EC explained that the move would help phase out the guarantor system often exploited by non-eligible persons to get onto the electoral register.

But some political commentators and stakeholders kicked against the move, fearing that it would disenfranchise Ghanaians who do not have the Ghana Card.

Togbe Afede returns ex-gratia

The Paramount Chief of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV in June this year announced that he had rejected an amount of GHS365,000 that was paid into his account as ex-gratia for being a member of the Council of State.

The former President of the National House of Chiefs said he returned the money to the State because he “was very uncomfortable” with the payment and deemed it “inappropriate for a short, effectively part-time work.”

The move sent tongues wagging with many questioning the relevance of the Council of State in the country’s democratic architecture.

Former President Kufour advocates Second Chamber

At a seminar held at his residence in Peduase in November this year, Former President John Agyekum Kufuor proposed the creation of a Second Chamber to replace the Council of State to enhance effective democratic governance.

He said the proposed Chamber should not solely be constituted based on democratic line, but on proven experience, public spiritedness, prudence, maturity, and care for national inclusiveness.

80 Majority MPs call for dismissal of Ofori-Atta

Some 80 NPP Members of Parliament on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to dismiss the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta with immediate effect.

At a press conference at Parliament House, the MPs also asked the President to sack Mr Charles Adu Boahen, a Minister of State at the Finance Ministry.

They said that had become necessary to restore hope in the financial sector and reverse the downward trend of the economy.

The MPs later accepted to let the Finance Minister finished the ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout for the country after they had met President Akufo-Addo over the matter.

Minority’s Vote of Censure against Ofori-Atta

On October 25, 2022, the Minority in Parliament filed a motion for a vote of censure on Mr Ofori-Atta, citing mismanagement of the economy and ethical concerns, among other issues.

An Ad-hoc Committee was subsequently constituted to probe the allegations against the Finance Minister.

The Committee on November 25, 2022 laid its Report before the House.

On December 8, 2022, the House voted on the motion, during which the Majority side staged a walk-out, making the Minority’s move unsuccessful.

DCE for Krachi East found dead in a hotel room

In September this year, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Krachi East in the Oti Region, Francis Kofi Okesu was found dead in a hotel room in Kumasi.

The cause of his death is yet to be established.

Expectations for 2023

The Year 2023 would be a busy period for all political parties particularly for “smaller” parties who are yet to conduct their internal elections.

The NPP and the NDC would elect their flagbearers to lead them in the 2024 elections and parliamentary candidates.

The Parties are yet to publish their activities for the year. But by convention, it is expected that the Parties would first conduct parliamentary primaries in orphan constituencies – where they do not have MPs.

The EC is also expected to conduct its continuous voter registration exercise for new eligible voters. But one critical issue would be whether Parliament would approve the new C.I. for the registration that would make the Ghana Card the sole document to prove one’s identity.

The EC will also conduct Local Level Elections to elect assembly and unit committee members. 

Another key issue to look out for in 2023 would be whether President Akufo-Addo would heed to calls to reshuffle his ministers and restore confidence in the Government ahead of 2024.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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President Akufo-Addo inducts two new Supreme Court judges into office

Accra, Dec. 28, GNA – President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday swore into office two newly appointed Supreme Court Judges, charging the duo to help strengthen the development of the nation’s constitutional and other jurisprudence in the apex Court.

The Judges, both promoted from the Appeals Court, are Justice Barbara Frances Ackah-Ayensu and Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu. They succeeded the late Justice Samuel Kofi Marful-Sau who died on August 10, 2021, and Justice Yaw Appau who retired on August 2, 2021.

The two underwent a rigorous nomination and confirmation process initiated by the Judicial Council, undertaken in consultation with the Council of State, with the approval of Parliament.

At a brief ceremony at the Jubilee House, Accra, President Akufo-Addo congratulated the judges on their “well-deserved and merited” appointments.

He noted that they had met the stringent requirements of Article 128 clause (4) of the Constitution, and had demonstrated the independence of spirit, proven integrity, high moral character, and impartiality of mind to hold the high office.

The President said the post-1966 Supreme Court had developed a positive reputation for the quality of its constitutional jurisprudence, and was hopeful that the judges, “who have already given good accounts of yourselves at the Court of Appeal will help strengthen the development of our nation’s constitutional and other jurisprudence in the Supreme Court.”

He told the judges that it was imperative that they ensured the strict application of the laws of the land without fear or favour, affection or ill-will, and without recourse to the political, religious, or ethnic affiliations of any citizen of the land.

They must ensure that when anyone breached the law, the law enforcement agencies, including the Judiciary, must ensure the person was dealt with in accordance with the law.

Pointing out that the Supreme Court was central to the execution of all the functions of the Judiciary, President Akufo-Addo noted that the perspective of the judges of the apex court was critical for national development, especially “in these challenging times.”

“The Judiciary has onerous responsibilities to protect the individual liberties and fundamental human rights of citizens, to act as the arbiter in disputes between the State and the citizen, to act as the arbiter in disputes between citizens and all persons, and to serve as the bulwark for the defence and promotion of the liberties and rights of the people.

“Central to the execution of all these functions is the Supreme Court. With all other courts bound to follow the decisions of the Supreme Court on questions of law, it is obviously critical that Justices of the Supreme Court possess a sound knowledge of the law, and of precedent, the principle of stare decisis.

“Article 129 positions the Supreme Court as the policy court where the far-reaching decisions on our socio-economic development are fashioned in response to the exigencies of the time, the perspective of its judges is thus critical for our national development, especially in these challenging times,” he said.

The President said the situation where judges proffered judgements based on decisions from lower courts and cite them as law, was not acceptable.

“Justices, more so Justices of the Supreme Court, must be learned, know their case law, and ensure their decisions and judgements are properly motivated. It is in this manner that judges contribute to the orderly development of the nation,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo reminded the two judges that the growth of the nation demanded a Judiciary that commanded the respect of the people in their delivery of justice as well as by the comportment of judges.

He was confident that the judges would uphold the concept of equality before the law and distinguish themselves in the work of the Court.

The President noted that all Ghanaians, with their different views and perspectives, must work together to realise the Ghana project.

“All of us, from the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, public sector, security agencies, private sector, political parties, civil society, professional and trade associations, religious bodies, traditional authorities, honorary citizens have a collective responsibility to work together with their different views and different perspective, for the realization of the Ghana project- a united Ghana, driven by considerations of social justice and solidarity, and governed according to the rule of law, respect for individual liberties, human rights and the principles of democratic accountability.”

Justice Ackah-Ayensu thanked the President for the honour done to her and her colleague, saying, “it is both a privilege and humbling opportunity to serve on the highest court of our land.”

“The enormity of the task ahead is not lost on us… and we are grateful for the trust reposed in us. We assure the people that we shall keep the faith and keep the fidelity to the Constitution and shall remain committed to our judicial oaths, God being our helper.”

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Take safety precautions during celebrations – DCE charges residents

Akrofuom (Ash), Dec. 28, GNA – Mr Maurice Jonas Woode, Chief Executive of Adansi Akrofuom District Assembly, has asked residents in the area to take safety precautions during the celebration of the Christmas and the New Year festivities.

He said some people took advantage of the festivities to commit crimes and it was important for the residents to open their eyes wide and provide information on people suspected to be criminals to the security agencies for prompt action.

They should also be cautions of the existence of the Covid-19 pandemic and observe all the safety protocols to help them stay safe.

Mr Woode made the call at a get-together organized for the staff of the district assembly at Akrofuom.

He advised drivers in the area to be extra careful and conduct themselves very well to prevent road accidents in the area during the period.

Mr Woode said the assembly despite some financial challenges, was able to commence and complete some developmental projects during the year.

Among them were the completion of three separate classroom blocks in the communities while many others were at various stages of completion.

“Currently, we are building a CHPS compound at Mpirekyire, which is at an advanced stage and successfully furnished another one at Adumaso”, he stated.

He said the inability of the assembly to access the external funds earmarked for some development projects including roads in the area, was the biggest challenge for the year.

Mr Woode, however, said 2023 would be a good year for the district since most of the projects would be completed and handed over to the people to help improve their living conditions.

He called for unity of purpose among the people in the area, saying that was the only way to achieve much for the district.

Meanwhile, the Assembly as part of activities to mark this year’s International Day of Persons Living With Disabilities, trained 40 of such people in the district in fresh yoghurt making, mouth wash production, fruit juice making, banana ice cream and brown sugar making.

The aim was to provide them with skills that would make them self-employable and live independent economic lives.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Duffuor asks NDC to close ranks after national executives election

Former Finance Minister and Flagbearer aspirant of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Kwabena Duffuor has called on the party to close its ranks after a successful conclusion of its national executives elections.

In a post from his certified social media handles, Dr. Duffuor advised that the election was a family contest and that the real work towards the 2024 elections must begin.

“Congratulations to all newly elected national executives from our National Delegates Congress on Saturday. This was merely an internal contest – the main battle lies ahead. It is time to come together and work towards our common goal of victory in 2024!”

The call has since been retweeted several times on Twitter and garnered thousands positive responses on Facebook.Many of the responders who are NDC members have also been promising their support for Dr. Duffuor’s bid to lead the party in 2024.

The former Governor of the Bank of Ghana recently declared his intention to contest for the 2024 presidential ticket of the NDC when nominations open.

“Today, I officially announce my intention to contest for the Flagbearership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) anytime the party opens nominations. I will offer myself once again to serve the land of my birth with humility and sacrifice when given the chance to do so.”

This was on the 3rd of November, 2022.The announcement has since received endorsement from millions of NDC supporters and thousands of party members. By this announcement, it means Dr. Duffuor will very likely contest former President John Mahama for the 2024 presidential ticket.

Many feel Mahama is a political spent force while Duffuor would inject new energy into the leadership of the NDC.

Again, many level-headed NDC members see John Mahama as gamble if the NDC makes him flagbearer again because of the former President’s baggages from his previous presidency which led to the NDC losing the 2016 and 2020 elections.With Duffuor’s background as an Ashanti and an astute economist, many see him as the ideal candidate to sell to Ghanaians at a time that the economy is in mess.

Also, his tribal background is seen as opportune for the NDC to make serious inroads into the Ashanti region where Duffuor comes from.

Source: Ghana Web

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Kennedy Agyapong visits NPP HQ, pledges to raise funds to support party primaries

The New Patriotic Party’s policy of Party-Government Engagement has gained prominence with one government official after the other interacting with the national leadership and staff of the party headquarters, almost on a weekly basis.

On Tuesday, December 20, 2022, Kennedy Agyapong, the Board Chairman of the Ghana Gas Company Limited and Member of Parliament for the Assin Central constituency, took his turn on these engagements with his visit to the Party headquarters.

He was hosted by National Executives of the Party led by Mr. Stephen Ayesu Ntim, National Chairman, and Lawyer Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary of the Party.

Other national officers in attendance were Mr. Danquah Smith Buttey, National First Vice Chairman; Madam Rita Asobayire, National Second Vice Chairperson; Alhaji Masawudu Osman, National Third Vice Chairperson; Dr. Charles Dwamena, National Treasurer; Mr. Henry Nana Boakye, National Organiser; Alhaji Aziz Haruna Futa, Nasara Coordinator; Mr. William Yamoah, Director for Finance and Administration; and Mr. Richard Ahiagbah, Director for Communications.

As he warmly welcomed him, the National Chairman extended the party’s appreciation to the Member of Parliament for the latter’s endorsement of the initiative that is aimed at unifying the front of the party for victory in the 2024 general elections.

He also commended him for his diverse contributions to the Party over the years.

The Chairman’s remarks could not be concluded without recounting the government officials and appointees who had, following the introduction of the policy, made a similar move.

Making his remarks, the General Secretary of the NPP spoke favourably of the Assin Central Member of Parliament’s visit, and indicated, it was the first first time a Member of Parliament without a ministerial position had visited the Party headquarters since the implementation of the Party-Government Engagements initiative.

In his brief address, the General Secretary had great hopes that other Members of Parliament would emulate the move by Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. He also seized the opportunity to urge Hon. Kennedy Agyapong and all other party stakeholders to be moderate in their public pronouncements to guarantee the unity of the Party before, during, and after the parliamentary and presidential primaries.

Accompanied by a group of his supporters and fans, Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, as he is affectionately called, noted that he was paying a courtesy call on the leadership of the NPP to pledge his readiness to help them and the entire Party to accomplish the enormous responsibility of retaining power in 2024. He extolled the leadership of the Party for the policy that is bridging the gap between party functionaries and government appointees.

His address also featured his contributions to the party since its formation in 1992. This, some National Officers of the party testified to, and confirmed his continuous financial and logistical support to the party in general, and specifically to the Youth, Women and Nasara Wings of the party.

Hon. Kennedy Agyapong announced that as part of his individual contributions to the Party, he had started the distribution of footballs, jerseys, sewing machines, and other useful items to some Constituency Women Organisers and the Chairpersons of some constituencies. In addition, he had commenced the distribution of rice and other items to all poling station executives of the Party as a form of support for the Christmas festivities.

Briefing the national executives on his role as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Ghana Gas Company Limited, Hon. Kennedy Agyapong disclosed, amongst others, his contributions towards the expeditious completion of some projects of the company that had delayed.

The national leadership of the party welcomed Hon. Kennedy Agyapong’s pledge to raise funds to support the party in the conduct of the impending parliamentary and presidential primaries.

In his concluding remarks, the National Chairman, on behalf of the party leadership, was, again, thankful to Hon. Kennedy Agyapong for his visit and continuous generosity to the party.

Hon. Agyapong was accompanied by Rev. Alex Acheampong, Mr. Adusei, Mr. Charles Forson, Mr. Appiah Mensah, Mr. Dacosta Asare and several others.

Source: Ghana Web