Category: Politics

Former President John Dramani Mahama has won the African Advancement Award for Exemplary Leadership at the Africa Heritage Awards 2024 held in Lagos, Nigeria.

Organised by the Heritage Times of Nigeria, the African Heritage Awards is a platform that unites influential African innovators, entrepreneurs, and organisations, all of whom are instrumental in propelling the continent towards greatness.

The 2024 ceremony was chaired by former Botswana President Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama and was the second edition of the awards. The first edition took place in Kigali, Rwanda in 2023.

A release copied to the Ghana News Agency on Monday quoted former President Mahama as saying: ‘I want to thank the team that supported me tirelessly during my presidency. This award inspires me to strive to be an even better leader.’

‘Thank you to the Heritage Times for this recognition. It will have a pride of place in my Office, when I am re-elected as President.’

‘Thank you all for your continued support. Together, we can achieve
great things for Ghana.’

In a citation accompanying his award, Mr Mahama, leading the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to Ghana’s 2024 elections, was recognised for implementing strategic initiatives and infrastructure projects across various critical sectors to address economic challenges and improve livelihoods.

These include efforts to alleviate power shortages and boost job creation through agricultural expansion.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has refuted claims by the Minister for Works and Housing, Mr Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, that the Minority was responsible for the delay in operationalising the Komenda Sugar Factory in the Central Region.

This was contained in a statement signed by Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader in Parliament, and copied to Ghana News Agency in Takoradi.

According to the statement, Mr Oppong-Nkrumah was reported to have blamed the Minority in Parliament for the failure of the government to operationalise the Komenda Sugar Factory.

‘In his attempt to justify his government’s I competences, the Minister claims the Minority’s opposition to certain tax waivers before Parliament is to be blamed for abandoning the Komenda Sugar Factory by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government,’ the statement said.

The statement described the claim as false, saying there was currently no such request for tax waiver before Parliament in respect of the Komenda Sugar Factory.

It said: ‘For the record, the ov
er GHS5.5 billion worth of unconscionable tax waivers to crony businesses of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government currently pending before the Finance Committee of Parliament, do not include any such request as claimed by Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.’

The Minority could therefore not be blamed for stalling the Komenda Sugar Factory.

‘On the contrary, such blame must laid squarely at the doorstep of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP administration, which inherited a revamped Komenda Sugar Factory when power was handed over to them in 2017,’ the statement noted.

The statement, said the factory was revamped in 2016 by the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, with a $35 million Indian Export-Import (EXIM) Bank facility, with an additional $24 million equally secured to support sugar cane out-growers to feed the factory

The statement said the factory was expected to create over 7000 jobs and substantially reduce Ghana’s sugar importation.

It said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo after a tour of the
facility in 2021, promised the chiefs and people of Komenda that his government was going to open the factory by March 2022.

It said: ‘Following a similar working visit to the factory in 2022, then Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyeremanteng also promised to ensure that the factory becomes operational but that again did not see the light of day.

Source: Ghana News Agency

All nine aspirants seeking to replace the late Dr John Ampontuah Kumah as the next Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu Constituency have been cleared to contest by a vetting committee put together by the New Patrotic Party (NPP).

The committee chaired by the Regional Chairman, Mr Bernard Antwi Boasiako, said it would soon come out with guidelines for the primary scheduled for Saturday, April 13 following the successful vetting of the aspirants.

The nine aspirants battling for the single slot are Mr Kwabena Boateng, Dr Evans Duah, Mr Klinsman Karikari Mensah, Ms Helena Mensah, Ms Jacqueline Abena Pokua Amoah-Boaitey, Ms Portia Baffoe Abronye, Mr Kwesi Nyantekyi, Mr Aaron Prince Duah, and Ms Yaa Akyawmaa Aboagye.

Mr Evans Nimako, Director of Elections of the NPP, told the media after the vetting that all the aspirants were cleared to provide ample opportunities for party members interested in the race.

He disclosed that the national executives would meet the candidates on Tuesday.

He implored them to candi
dates to conduct their campaigns devoid of character assassinations and intemperate languages.

Mr Nimako thew more light on steps taken so far towards the primary and said: ‘The Committee has recommended that all of them be allowed to participate in this contest.

‘Also, we’ve taken them through the ballot and so balloting has also been done. We’ve informed them that the national executives of the party will meet them on Tuesday,’ he threw more light

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Agona West branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has inaugurated 13 working campaign committees to help prosecute ‘agenda recapture the Parliamentary seat’ in the upcoming December 7, general elections.

The 13 committees made up a total of 261 members with various professional expertise, would facilitate the efforts of the Parliamentary Candidate (PC) to map effective strategies that will push the party to win both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

It will also help identify various groups and other relevant organisations to create enabling environment for the NDC to mobilise more supporters including floating voters.

Speaking to the media after the inauguration, Mrs Ernestina Ofori Dangbey, PC for Agona West, congratulated the committee members and reminded them of the huge task ahead.

She said it was the greatest honour to be selected to be part of the forthcoming election and expressed optimism that members would live up to expectations to assist the party achieve its objecti
ve.

The PC said the campaign committees will do everything possible for them to win the hearts of the public, especially those in Swedru township, adding that the people were yearning for change of government, but the party must first explain its true message to them.

Mrs Dangbey said as PC, she was ever ready to respond to calls from the committees anytime and charged members to explore essential avenues for the Constituency executives and PC to work as a team to help emerge victorious.

Mr Alex Asiedu Sekormy, Agona West Constituency Chairman of the party expressed joy over the inauguration of campaign committees and was optimistic that members will work assiduously to win the election.

He assured that the constituency executives will give the members maximum cooperation and support to help prosecute its agenda to derive maximum benefits for all supporters of the party.

Source:Ghana News Agency

Mrs Elisabeth K. T. Sackey, the Mayor of Accra, on Thursday accompanied the Kenyan President, Dr William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto, to tour the iconic Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and pay homage to Nkrumah’s indelible legacy.

The Kenyan president, who was on a three-day State visit to Ghana, was accompanied by a high-powered delegation of ministers and businessmen.

The visit, imbued with historical significance, commenced with a solemn moment of reflection at Freedom Hall, where a State vehicle used by the former President, a vintage Cadillac, made in the United States and secured with bulletproof features in Bulgaria, had been parked.

The Kenyan President later laid a wreath in front of the giant statue of Dr Nkrumah, after which he toured the Mausoleum housing the remains of Dr Nkrumah and his wife Fathia, the museum containing his personal effects, and the audio-visual gallery having publications and pictures showing his life history.

President Ruto also visited the Freedom Wall and the VVIP Lounge to si
gn the Visitor’s Book.

Speaking after the tour, the Mayor of Accra said the visit provided another opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of Kwame Nkrumah and his pivotal role in shaping the course of African history.

‘As we walked through the hallowed halls of this historic site, I couldn’t help but reflect on the enduring legacy of Kwame Nkrumah and his pivotal role in shaping the course of African history. His vision of pan-African unity and liberation continues to inspire us all, serving as a guiding light as we navigate the complexities of our modern world,’ Mrs Sackey said.

She emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing shared challenges and was hopeful the visit would pave the way for enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

She reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Kenya, adding that, it was an honour to welcome President Ruto and extend Accra’s hospitality to him and his delegation.

‘Together, we can build a
brighter future for all Africans, guided by the principles of unity, solidarity, and shared prosperity,’ Mrs Sackey added.

Source:Ghana News Agency

Pastor Joseph K. Ofori Agyemang, Madina Area Group Pastor, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has called on political parties and their leadership to demonstrate a high level of tolerance to ensure peace in Ghana.

‘In the spirit of peace, politicians should understand that there is only one Ghana, and that elections are meant to choose leaders,’ he said.

‘It must not become an avenue for conflict and bloodshed, rather, comportment and civility must be the guiding principles in our campaign.’

Pastor Ofori Agyemang was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Monday at the end of the Ministry’s five-day Easter Retreat at Madina, on the theme: ‘All Sufficient Jesus.’

He stressed the need for Ghanaians to reflect on the extreme partisanship that had resulted in the polarization of the country and contribute to eschewing such tendencies in order not to compromise the peace.

‘As the country approaches the general election in December, all must resolve to eschew tendencies that could compromise the peace of t
he country before, during and after the elections.’

Pastor Ofori Agyeman urged stakeholders in the election process to remain fair and neutral.

‘The Electoral Commission must be manifestly seen to be a fair and neutral umpire in all the processes leading to, during and after the elections,’ he said.

He charged the security agencies to be professional and impartial to engender trust before, during and after the process.

He urged political parties and their followers to avoid intemperate and abusive languages in their electioneering since such may jeopardize the peace the nation yearns for.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Godwin Edudzi Tamaklo, Director, Legal Affairs, National Democratic Congress (NDC), says it is important for polling agents to be educated on the nation’s electoral laws to ensure credible elections in the country.

He said polling agents must be educated particularly on the Constitutional Instrument (CI) 126 which governed voter registration and CI 127 which centred on the election process.

He said by equipping polling agents with the proper understanding of the electoral laws, they would become empowered to ensure compliance with the laws during voting at the polling stations.

‘An agent is not just an observer or a glorified spectator. The polling agent is there to play a certain critical role, including certifying that what has happened on the election day accords with the requirements of the law.’ Mr Tamaklo said.

He made these statements on Tuesday during a seminar held at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) as part of activities to mark the GIMPA Law Students’ Assoc
iation’s Week celebration.

The Seminar was on the topic: ‘Enhancing the Integrity of Elections 2024 – A Review of the Electoral Laws of Ghana’.

Mr Tamaklo noted that the right to vote was a fundamental human right that should be preserved at all times.

He advocated the acceptance of the birth certificate as one of the documents for voter registration, as it contained the needed evidence, including a person’s age, parentage, and citizenship.

Mr Yaw Appau, a former Justice of the Supreme Court, called on political party leaders to be truthful to their supporters on matters concerning elections.

He noted that when party leaders intentionally spread falsehood, it could incite the electorate to cause mayhem and consequently ruin the nation’s electoral process.

Mr Appau said the electorate should also be discerning and probe the utterances of their party leaders to avoid being deceived.

‘As supporters, we must not hastily act on everything that the politicians say. We must let them provide the basis for the
things they tell us. We should be able to put the party leaders on their toes so that we can safeguard the peace in the country.’

Mr Appau advised the Electoral Commission to listen to the views and concerns of all stakeholders in the electoral process to build consensus and undertake options for the best interest of the country.

Mr Ebenezer Sefa-Kissi, President of the GIMPA Law Students’ Association, said the electoral system alone would not safeguard peace in the country, adding that, the electoral laws must also be applied to guarantee a peaceful election.

He encouraged citizens to use the law courts to address their grievances on electoral matters instead of resorting to violence.

He urged his fellow Law students to study Ghana’s Electoral Laws so that they could be good advocates for the nation’s peace and stability.

Source: Ghana News Agency

As part of drumming home messages on the NDC’s proposed 24- hour economy policy, Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang, under the banner of ‘Yes, Let’s Win Together 2024,’ took to the streets of Tema focusing on women and children.

Focusing on the benefits of the policy, the campaign extended to retail outreach in Tema West and East, where Prof. Naana engaged directly with residents, explaining the intricacies of the 24-hour economic policy proposal.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said through door-to-door campaigns, particularly targeting youth and women groups, she aimed to address the challenges hindering their development.

In a spontaneous encounter along the Sakumono beach road, the statement said Prof. Naana crossed paths with NDC campaigners rallying support for James Enu, parliamentary candidate for Tema West.

‘Joining forces with them, Prof. Naana expressed gratitude for their dedication to the NDC cause, highlighting the importance of grassroots activism in driving meaningful chan
ge. Prof.

Naana’s visit to Tema not only showcased her commitment to inclusive governance but also demonstrated her ability to connect with communities at a grassroots level’.

It said as the 2024 elections approached, her advocacy for progressive policies and collaborative leadership resonated with the people of Tema and beyond.

Hon. Abu Kansangbata, former Deputy Minister of State has praised Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang for addressing various youth and women groups.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is working to ensure peace and unity among party members and supporters at Ejisu in the Ashanti Region ahead of the by-election in the constituency.

The party is contemplating discussions with some of the interested parliamentary aspirants to persuade them to rescind their decision and withdraw from the race to foster unity.

As of Tuesday, April 2, when the nominations were opened, seven people had picked forms to contest the primary.

They are Dr Evans Duah, Madam Abenaa Amoah, Madam Helena Mensah, Lawyer Kwabena Boateng, Mr Kwasi Nyantakyi, Mr Kingsley Karikari Mensah, and Mrs Portia Acheampong Abronye.

Mr Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, told journalists at Ejisu that efforts were underway to persuade some of the contestants to back down.

He indicated that in a big party like the NPP, a lot of people would want to serve.

When Dr John Kuma, then Member of Parliament, passed on, many in the constituency thought it would b
e appropriate to step in, to continue with the good works of the late MP.

‘At the moment, we are united. We have talked to the constituency chairman to rescind his decision to contest after showing interest and advised him to rather help in the organisation of the elections and the 2024 general election,’ Chairman Boasiako stated.

He said the party was working to ensure absolute peace and unity in Ejisu during the by-elections to enable it to participate in the December elections in peace and unity.

The Ejisu constituency seat became vacant following the death of the MP, Dr John Apontua Kuma, on March 7, 2024, who was also a Deputy Minister of Finance.

The party opened nominations for the vacant position on Tuesday, April 2, and it is expected to close on Thursday April 4.

Source: Ghana News Agency