Category: Politics

A solemn memorial service to bid farewell and honour the life and legacy of Dr Hage Gottfried Geingob, the late Namibian President was held at the weekend.

The solemn service, hosted by the Namibia High Commission in Ghana at the Accra International Conference Centre, had dignitaries, including the Diplomatic Corps, politicians, clergy, chiefs, Namibian community in Ghana, friends of Namibia, gather en masse to reflect on the enduring legacy of ‘a champion of African unity and liberation’.

Interspersed with soothing dirges like ‘When peace like a river’ from the Envoy Choir, the service was filled with encouraging reminders of life’s storms, resonating with the late President’s steadfast faith and unwavering commitment to justice and equality, but especially to the liberation struggle of Namibia.

As the mournful notes echoed through the air, heads bowed in reverence – a poignant reminder of the profound impact President Geingob had on the lives of those he served.

Heartfelt tributes poured in from speaker
s, many of whom described Dr Geingob as ‘a Pan-Africanist’ and each offering their own reflections on the late President’s remarkable achievements and tireless efforts in promoting unity and solidarity among African Nations.

While the diplomats and officials from the public and private sector took turns to share their memories on Dr Geingob’s commitment to democracy and human rights, others alternated to write in a book of condolence in his honour.

Dr Hage G. Geingob died at the age of 82 on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the Lady Pohamba Hospital in the capital Windhoek with his wife and his children at his side, the acting President Nangolo Mbumba, said in a statement.

Dr Geingob served as the third president of Namibia from 2015 until his death.

Born on August 3, 1941, in the district of Grootfontein, he began his schooling in Otavi in 1948 and attended the Augustineum College where his first political seeds were planted in 1958.

Dr Geingob was Namibia’s first Prime Minister from 1990 to 2002 and served
as Prime Minister again from 2012 to 2015.

Namibia High Commissioner to Ghana

Madam Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, flanked by staff of the High Commission, in a tribute said the late President had a remarkable presence with an outstanding ability to connect with everyone he encountered.

She said the late President was humble to a fault, with a big heart and always ready to share and always ready to give what he had.

The High Commissioner extolled him for his immense contributions to Namibia, dedicating his entire life to building the country and leaving a solid legacy.

According to her, the late President’s life was one filled with optimism, and that Namibia had lost a statesman and global leader who was a symbol of unity and resilience as he firmly believed that ‘Inclusivity spells harmony, exclusivity spells conflict’.

Madam Ashipala-Musavyi said Dr Geingob spoke against hate speech as he believed it was a catalyst for exclusivity and a direct threat to shared values of solidarity and compassion.

For him, t
he various ethnic and racial groups of Namibia are mere bricks and mortar for building a solid Namibian house.

She described him as a promoter of gender equality, advocate for youth development across Namibia and Africa, and said the late President promoted education, championed clean energy, promoted sustainable development, and sustained economic growth for the prosperity of Namibians.

Transformative force

Mr Ramses Joseph Cleland, Chief Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, who represented the Minister and the Government, recognized President Geingob’s impact on Namibian politics, as it transcended mere governance.

‘He was a transformative force whose vision reshaped the very fabric of Namibia’s democratic landscape,’ he said in an emotive tribute.

The Chief Director said from his earliest days as a freedom fighter, he selflessly dedicated himself to the cause of liberation, enduring hardship, and danger in the pursuit of a brighter future for his fellow Namibians.

His coura
ge in the face of adversity and his unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and equality inspired a generation and laid the foundation for the democratic Namibia we know today, he said.

Mr Cleland said he dedicated his life to the service of his country, making his journey from a young activist to the highest office in the land – a true embodiment of the resilience and determination of the Namibian people.

That nature, he said, had sustained the strong bond and fruitful relations that had existed between Ghana and Namibia since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1990.

He assured that with the strong foundations left behind by President Geingob’s sacrifice and service to his country, Ghana would continue to honour his name by affirming solidarity with the Government and People of Namibia.

Ghana is committed to the values shared in strengthening the political, economic and trade, cultural and social cooperation between Ghana and Namibia, the Chief Director added.

‘…Let us hono
ur his memory by continuing the work he began, by rededicating ourselves to the principles he stood for – justice, equality, and solidarity. Let us all draw inspiration from his life as global citizens,’ Mr Cleland urged.

Champion of democracy

Mr Charles Abani, United Nations Resident Coordinator, described Dr Geingob as a man who has left an indelible footprint on the African continent characterized by his remarkable ability to connect with everyone he met.

‘This is a sad moment. A great loss to not just the people of Namibia, but to the people of Africa and the people of the world,’ he said.

The Late Dr Hage Geingob, Mr Abani said, was a champion of democracy, inclusive human development, a freedom fighter, and a selfless personality who prioritized the well-being, safety, and unity of Namibia and Africa.

He acknowledged the late President Geingob as a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the liberation and prosperity of his country in a life-long public life dedicated to service.

The UN Residen
t Coordinator said Dr Geingob was a strong advocate for peace, democracy, human rights, and regional integration – cardinal pillars of the work of the United Nations.

‘He was also a valued partner of the United Nations in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and addressing the many challenges facing the continent,’ he said.

Towering and visionary leader

Madam Samia Nkrumah, daughter of Ghana’s first President Dr Kwame Nkrumah, in an interview with the Ghana news Agency described Dr Geingob as a visionary who, like her father, projected the African agenda of unity, bilateral trade, and sustainable development.

‘He stands tall among many African leaders. He wasn’t only a free fighter and an activist, he helped write the constitution of the Republic of Namibia,’ she said.

Madam Nkrumah, also a former lawmaker said, ‘he was a pan-Africanist, but above all he had special qualities like humility, hard work and sacrifice which we need to be imbibe in our nation-building’.

Influenced by Dr Kwame Nkrumah,
she said Dr Geingob was charismatic and selfless leader, and that it behoved on Namibians and African leaders generally to honour his values and ensure that his legacy lives on.

Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli, in a tribute said the late President Geingob’s leadership was exemplary and lessons from that should be a consolation to all especially Namibians.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Justin Kodua Frimpong, the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has advised journalists and media practitioners to make the prevailing peace of the country a priority, ahead of election 2024.

Mr Frimpong emphasised that the media could unmake the nation, and therefore asked practitioners to always sieve their stories and media content in order not to cause tensions, trigger violence and disturb national peace and stability.

He said the NPP cherished media freedom and was ever ready to ensure a violent-free general election, hence the need for the media to remain circumspect in their reportage in order not to create unnecessary tensions in the country.

Mr Frimpong gave the advice when he addressed the Ahafo Media Conference held at Goaso in the Ahafo Region.

A group of media practitioners came together to organise the conference on the theme: ‘Development of the Ahafo Region: The Role of Media’ and attended by 45 journalists and media practitioners in the region.

Mr Frimpong indicated th
at the NPP was not in any position to do anything that would destabilize the country to derail the government’s achievements.

He said the Party strongly believed that its flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, could lead the Party to political victory in the next general election because of the exceptional performance and achievements of President Nana Addo Dankwa

Akufo-Addo’s government.

‘In fact, whatever the majority of the Ghanaian voting population would say or decide, we are ready to accept, when they go to the ballot,’ he stressed.

Touching on the theme for the conference, Mr Frimpong, said it was the responsibility of the media to work hard to deepen national peace and social cohesion, saying without peace there was no way the country could develop as anticipated.

He said the NPP valued and had a proven track record of enhancing and safeguarding the rights of the media, saying the repealing of the criminal libel law by the former President, John Agyekum Kufuor’s government attested to t
he Party’s trait of promoting media freedom.

Mr Kodua said the repeal of the criminal libel law had in one way or the other, contributed immensely towards the growth and development of the media, saying ‘if you have any appreciation to show, then give it to the former President Kufuor and the successive NPP

administrations.’

Mr George Yaw Boakye, the Ahafo Regional Minister, highlighted some achievements of the Government, saying majority of the road networks in the region had been reshaped while physical infrastructure development especially in health and education had also been improved.

He commended the media in the region for propagating the numerous social and poverty intervention policies and programmes to the masses, and entreated them to use their space to project the economic potentials of the region.

Mr Boakye said the region had numerous economic prospects that could attract both foreign and local investors, and reminded the media it was their collective responsibility to showcase such potenti
als locally and internationally.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Damongo Constituency, says the Constituency is geared up to secure ‘every vote’ for the Party to propel it to victory in the December 7 Election.

Mr Jinapor, also the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, said he was battle ready to retain the seat for the NPP and contribute significantly towards the Party’s Flagbearer, Dr Bawumia’s victory in the presidential race.

Speaking at his acclamation ceremony in Damongo in the Savannah Region on Saturday, Mr Jinapor, said: ‘The Savannah region will be a true battleground for the NPP. Every vote and every seat will be contested for, and with the help of the Almighty, all the seats will be secured for the Party’.

Mr Solomon Barnes Essuman, the West Gonja Municipal Director of the Electoral Commission, lifted the hands of Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor to officially announce his candidature.

The acclamation ceremony also saw the launch of the Damongo constituency and the Savannah Region camp
aigns of the Party for 2024 Election.

Over the past four years, Mr Jinapor has impacted his constituents with a number of infrastructure projects and social interventions to alleviate poverty among his people.

The Member of Parliament facilitated the construction of a modern astroturf, community centre, 15-kilometre asphalt road, 15 community boreholes and provided educational materials to pupils in the Constituency.

He also paid the tuition fees of 300 students from the Constituency enrolled in some tertiary education institutions across the country as well as providing financial and technical support to women groups engaged in small and medium-scale enterprises to expand their businesses.

He called for unity among the rank and file of the Party, noting that with unity and tenacity of purpose, they could retain the seat for the Party with a bigger margin on December 7.

‘Just like the Elephant of La Cote d’lvoire triumphed over the Eagles during the 2023 AFCON so, the elephant Party in Ghana will defeat
the eagle on the December 7 Election,’ Mr Jinapor said, amid cheers from the enthusiastic NPP supporters and sympathizers.

Mr Jinapor noted that the NPP Flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia had vision for the nation, which aligned with the fourth industrial revolution- ICT and digitisation, which the world’s economy was gearing towards.

He took a swipe at the NDC Flagbearer and former President John Mahama for failing to resolve prolonged power outages during his presidency and asked on how his (Mahama) much touted ’24-hour economy’ policy could support Ghanaians.

‘Even within the day, former President Mahama under his presidency, could not supply power to the people of Ghana and many small-scale businesses collapsed, and so, how can he supply power to you during the night,’ Mr Jinapor asked, amid cheers from the audience.

Alhaj Adam Briamah, the Constituency Chairman, in his welcome remarks, said the Party would work very hard to win in all the 86 polling centres across the Constituency on December 7.

He pled
ged his total support for the Parliamentary Candidate and the Party’s Flagbearer to secure victory come December 7.

Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu, the Regional Chairman of the Party, gave the assurance that the NPP would increase the margin of votes on December 7 in the Damongo constituency from 2,300 vote difference recorded in the 2020 General Election to 7,000 or more in this year’s polls.

The event was attended by Mr Justin Koduah Frimpong, the General-Secretary of the Party, Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Francis Asenso Boakye, the Minister-designate for Roads and Highways, Madam Fatimatu Abubakar, the Minister designate for Information and Mr Saeed Muhazu Jibril, the Savannah Regional Minister.

There were regional chairmen from other regions, constituency executives, members of council of elders, party patrons, area coordinators and polling station executives of the Party.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The 54-member Kadjebi District Assembly in the Oti Region will reconvene on Monday, February 19, to elect a presiding member (PM).

The Assembly’s attempt on February 12 to elect a PM failed as none of the two contenders, Mr Charles Nyame Kormisah, a Government Appointee and Headmaster of Ntruboman SHS, and Mr Anthony Ahiable, an Assemblyman for Wawaso Electoral Area and a Teacher, failed to get the required two-thirds majority votes.

A letter written on February 14, signed by Mr Cletus Chevure, Secretary to the Assembly, asked the Assembly to be present at 1000 hours on Monday, February 19 for the election of the presiding member.

The letter, signted by the Ghana News Agency, stated the formation of committees/sub-committees, and adoption of official Language (s) to be used during the Assembly proceedings, among other things on the same day.

The previous elections on February 12 saw Mr Kormisah getting 31 votes while Mr Ahiable had 20 during the first round of voting with two rejected ballots and one abse
ntee.

That of second round saw Mr Kormisah securing 33 votes, with Mr Ahiable getting 20.

In line with section 17(3) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), ‘The Presiding Member shall be elected by at least a two-thirds majority of all the members of the District Assembly’.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, will outdoor his campaign team next week, all things being equal.

The Party’s General-Secretary, Mr Justin Koduah Frimpong, Saturday said the Flagbearer had clear vision for the nation, hence, he wasted no time to announce his policy direction just a few months after being elected as the presidential candidate.

‘Just look at the NDC Flagbearer former President John Mahama…has he come out with his policy direction after a year of being elected flagbearer?,’ he asked.

Mr Koduah Frimpong announced this during the acclamation of Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor as the parliamentary candidate of Damongo in the Savannah Region on Saturday.

The party learnt bitter lessons in the 2020 primary, therefore, it did not entertain imposition of parliamentary candidates on constituencies in the recent primary.

He was, therefore, hopeful that the free and fair internal party elections would yield fruitful results in the December 7 polls.

Mr Koduah Frimpong called for
unity among the rank and file of the party to ensure resounding victory in December, saying; ‘A divided front can never win an election’.

The acclamation ceremony also saw the launch of the Damongo Constituency and the Savannah Region campaigns of the Party for the 2024 Election.

Mr Jinapor, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, over the past four years, had impacted his constituents with infrastructure projects and social interventions to alleviate poverty among his people.

For instance, he facilitated the construction of an astroturf, a community centre, 15-kilometre asphalt road, 15 community boreholes and provided educational materials to the pupils.

The MP also paid the tuition fees of 300 students from the constituency enrolled in some tertiary institutions across the country, while providing financial and technical support to women groups engaged in small and medium-scale enterprises to expand their businesses.

The parliamentary candidate of the NPP called for unity among the party’s rank a
nd file and said with unity and tenacity of purpose, they could retain the seat with a bigger margin on December 7.

Mr Jinapor, in his acceptance speech, said Dr Bawumia had vision for the nation that aligned with the fourth Industrial Revolution – ICT and digitisation – which the world’s economy was gearing towards.

He criticized the NDC Flagbearer for failure to resolve the power outages during his presidency and asked how far the much touted ’24-hour economy’ policy could go in support of Ghanaians.

Alhaji Adam Briamah, the Constituency Chairman, said the party would work very hard to win in all the 86 polling centres across the constituency.

He pledged his total support for the parliamentary candidate and the Party’s flagbearer to secure victory come December.

Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu, the Regional Chairman of the Party, gave the assurance that the NPP would increase the margin of votes in the constituency from 2,300 recorded in 2020 to 7,000 or more in this year’s polls.

Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng,
Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Francis Asenso Boakye, the Minister-designate for Roads and Highways, Madam Fatimatu Abubakar, the Minister designate for Information and Mr Saeed Muhazu Jibril, the Savannah Regional Minister were among the dignitaries at the event.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flag bearer, is expected to present a list of his campaign team to the Party’s National Executive Committee for approval on Monday.

According to news reports, the Vice President conducted extensive consultations to put together a campaign team comprised of experienced persons who had played key roles in previous NPP elections.

Among the people predicted to make the team are Dan Botwe, the immediate former Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development. Justin Frimpong Kodua, NPP General Secretary; Frederick Opare-Ansah, former NPP Member of Parliament for Suhum and former parliamentary Chief Whip; Kwabena

Agyepong, former General Secretary; Nana Akomea, Dennis Miracles Aboagye; Anthony Karbo; and Krobea Asante.

Dr Bawumia addressed Ghanaians last Wednesday, outlining the policies he plans to implement if elected President.

The Vice President, who has emphasized digitisation, said that he intends to use technology an
d the private sector to create long-term jobs, generate revenue, and build systems that would propel Ghana into the modern world economy.

He promised to repeal the e-levy, which levied a 1.5 per cent charge on all electronic and mobile money transactions exceeding GHS100 per day.

He also promised to align Ghana’s port charges with that of Togo to check smuggling of goods.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Franklin Cudjoe, President IMANI-Africa, says President Akufo Addo’s recent ministerial reshuffle adds ‘zero value’ to the economy considering the limited time the new appointees have to serve in the government.

He said the President would have left a legacy if he had reduced the numbers in his government instead of appointing new officials.

Like other social commentators, Mr Cudjoe believed time would have elapsed by the time Parliament was done vetting the new ministers and deputies for them to settle on the job.

‘Even if they [the ministers] are competent to do what they have to do, they will rather be distracted because some of these persons are going to run for the next elections so they are already thinking of how they will retain their seats…It would have been wiser to leave the old guards [ministers] to run their thing,’ he stated on Saturday in a media discussion.

President Akufo Addo on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, made his first ministerial reshuffle since assuming office in 2017.

A total
of 13 ministers were replaced while 10 deputies were appointed.

Mr Cudjoe, in his submission, agreed that the President should have restructured his government years ago when there was public demand.

‘At this critical juncture what the President should have done is to reduce the number and not necessarily replace them…He should have actually reduced the numbers and probably merge a few ministries as well. That would have been indicative that we are serious and we mean business,’ he said.

Speaking about the future endeavours of Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori Atta who was replaced, Mr Cudjoe said Mr Ofori Atta was going to assume ‘a more sumptuous role’ than being Minister of Finance.

Mr Cudjoe also asked Presidential candidates to provide further details on the number of ministers they intended to appoint when they assumed office.

He said it was not enough for Dr Bawumia, Mr Mahama and Mr Kyeremateng to put out figures but indicate ‘what exactly will constitute’ the total appointees in their government.

Ahead of election 2024, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said he would appoint 50 ministers when elected.

Former President Mahama also said he would appoint 60 ministers, while Mr Alan Kyeremateng said he would work with 40 ministers.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Promise Kofi Baccah, the Assembly member of Abutiakope Electoral Area has withdrawn from the Presiding Member (PM) race of the Keta Municipal Assembly in the Volta Region.

He was one of the contenders for the position alongside Mr Wisdom Seade, the Assembly member of Anyako Electoral Area when they both failed to garner two-thirds of the total votes as stipulated by session 17 (3) of the Local Governance Act 936 (2016).

He announced his withdrawal in an official press statement released on Wednesday night saying his decision to step down and allow Mr Seade to go unopposed was in the best interest for local governance.

‘Listening to chiefs, colleague Assembly members, opinion leaders, friends, family, religious leaders and the good people of Abutiakope Electoral Area and Keta Municipal, upon deep reflection and several consultations, I have decided to step down for my brother; Mr Wisdom Seade for the position of the PM of the Keta Municipal Assembly,’ he said.

Mr Baccah pledged his support for his conte
nder so that together they can build Keta.

After two consecutive elections held on Monday, February 12, following their inauguration, Mr Baccah got 13 votes as 20 for Mr Seade out of the 33-member assembly. The Assembly was made up of 22 elected members, 10 government appointees and the Municipal Chief Executive.

He confirmed his withdrawal to the Ghana News Agency in an interview adding that he had the progress of the Municipal Assembly in mind.

‘I think it’s the right thing to do now. What matters most is the progress of Keta and I think that is what we are all fighting for…’ Mr Baccah said.

‘I urge the public to forget any form of disputation that transpired since Monday and focus on the way forward for a better Keta and entire Anlo.’

I will inform the Electoral Commission appropriately when we reconvene the next time.’

In accordance with the Local Governance Act 936, the Assembly will reconvene within 10 days to re-elect a Presiding Member, which now has Mr Seade as the only candidate.

He would req
uire at least 23 of all members votes to confirm his affirmation.

Source: Ghana News Agency