Kwabena Kwabena calls for open and transparent investigation into Woyome saga

High life music icon, George Kwabena Adu, says the government should undertake an objective investigation into the recent judgment debt saga involving a business tycoon and stalwart NDC Financier, Alfred Woyome.

George Kwabena Adu, popularly known in Showbiz as Kwabena Kwabena, called on the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to conduct a transparent inquiry in the best interest of Ghanaians to ensure the culpable persons are prosecuted in the court of law.

He admonished the investigative body not to toy with the debt case since the amount in question is astronomical and called for an account of the said Stadium contract to Alfred Woyome by the previous government.

According to him, a case of this sort would culminate in financial misappropriation; a more reason why a thorough investigation would be necessary to bring a closure to the infamous Woyome judgment debt chronicle.

“As far as this issue is concerned, it has become an issue of public interest and every Ghanaian [if you are a discerning Ghanaian] would want to know what really happened. We wouldn’t want to be pointing accusing fingers now, you see. So, I’d wish that the authorities would be able to do whatever they can as far as investigation is concerned. Anybody who has to sit aside to allow investigation to go on must sit aside so that the truth actually will come out.”

Kwabena Kwabena spoke on Xfm’s morning show Big Bite.

Touching on the defiance of some NPP gurus to appear before EOCO, Ghana’s award winning high life artiste, Kwabena Kwabena, said the right of the opposition party officials should be revered and the inquiry made public to the full glare of the entire citizenry.

To him, setting up a public committee of inquiry as proposed by the New Patriotic Party will enhance the credibility of the investigations and also make sure all Ghanaians become abreast of the facts in the Woyome saga.

He passionately stressed that “…as a Ghanaian; as somebody who is so interested to know everything day to day. I want to be glued to my set watching a day to day event about this whole saga…So; I just feel that at this point, this thing is so public that any indoor investigation is not necessary.”

He premised his support on the idea that the Economic and Organized Crime Office would be disillusioned from the prejudice that it is a subsidiary of the Attorney General’s Department and would not conduct independent investigations into the wild vexed saga.

He also expressed doubts about President Mills’ denial of cognizance about the incidents that led to the state delivering a whooping amount of 58 million to 92 million cedis to Alfred Woyome at the behest of the former Attorney General, Betty Mould Iddrisu.

“Why is it that somebody has offered a certain option which I think every Ghanaian would be interested, I feel so? On [TV] national TV, if GTV, TV3, Metro TV, all of them is right there and then we all watch the proceedings and then we can all judge in our homes [in the comfort of our homes] who did wrong. And then the culprits can be dealt with accordingly. It has nothing to do with who joins that party or who is what.”, Kwabena Kwabena rhetorically said.

He implored government, EOCO and the opposition parties to detach politics from the debt incurred from the financial purse of the nation and called for total cooperation to expose the culprits.

He also commended Mr. Martin Amidu, former Attorney General, for his courage to unearth the perpetrators committing gargantuan crimes against the economy but added Mr. Amidu, in pursuit of justice, should not renege on his quest but “investigate on his own personal capacity” to exonerate himself.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

We Will Sue NPA for Contempt-Kwaku Kwarteng

The Executive Director of Development Data, Kwaku Kwarteng, says the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is being political with its recent announcement to increase fuel prices in February this year.

He called on the NPA to render an account of their operations to the people of Ghana.

He said the NPA should give a breakdown of the monies it has accumulated and comply with the ruling of an Accra High Court on January, 24. He explained that the ruling by the high court to reduce the fuel prices should overrule the NPA’s decision.

He added that the fuel price increment in February would be in defiance with the court ruling.
“I think the NPA is being too political in this matter. They should account for the money they have collected and they should reduce fuel prices; that’s what the court ordered.”, he stated.

Mr. Kwarteng, speaking on Big Bite on Xfm 95.1, said the ex-refinery differential margin stipulated by the petroleum regulatory body is “illegal” and accused the NPA of misappropriating the monies accrued from petroleum products.

According to him, the National Petroleum Authority is “putting the money somewhere other than the consolidated fund. And I can tell you that there is information and concerns even among the staff of NPA that the money in that account is being used for all kinds of bizarre purposes, entering people’s private pockets.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Alex Mould, said in a press conference yesterday that petroleum product prices will see an increase of 46% to 151% in February.

He explained that the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), kerosene and premix fuel will have a high differential margin in prices starting off this February.

Mr. Alex Mould further stated that the fuel subsidy removal from the previous price accumulation of $92 to the current price buildup of $110 per barrel of oil has called for the increase and according to him, the “price increase is the best alternative.”

However, Kwaku Kwarteng says the NPA should be called to order in accordance with the court ruling and should they defy the order, the Development Data will file a lawsuit against the staff of the institution for contempt.

“The regulator has decided to do the wrong thing, the court has exposed them. The court has ordered that they should do the right thing. As a country, we must decide how we want to respond to them.”

“We will do our best. If they do not comply with the court order, we are going to cite them for contempt. We will cite individuals not NPA as an institution [we will cite individuals] for contempt.”

He said the management of the National Petroleum Authority should be held accountable for their actions and inactions, and so called for a restoration of the fuel subsidies. He disputed claims by the NPA boss in support of the fuel price increase and said such attempt is an indication that the NPA is engaging in double standards.

He questioned the logic behind the petroleum authority’s imposition of the ex-refinery differential margin asking “what kind of mathematical logic is that? That you impose a margin and you claim that you will use the margin to reduce the fuel prices. My understanding of a subsidy is that you go and get money from somewhere else and you use it to reduce the price of a particular commodity or service…”

“Now, this idea that you put a margin on the price of something and you use that margin to reduce the price of that same thing so that if you are asked to abolish the margin; you say then the price must come up. What kind of logic is that?”

He said that he will present a petition to Parliament for approval to compel the National Petroleum Authority to reduce the fuel price increase.


Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Employment creation is my aim- Moses Asaga

Minister-designate for Employment and Social Welfare, Moses Asaga, says he aims at creating employment opportunities for the people of Ghana. He says when vetted in as the Minister for Employment and Social Welfare, his focus would be to resolve the unemployment problems stagnating the nation.

He explained that the unemployment rate is overwhelmingly festering not only in Ghana but globally and with his expertise, he hopes to stifle the upsurge of the situation.

He said his appointment will bring relief to Ghanaians as he adopts a new approach to curb the unemployment menace collapsing the economy.

“I think these problems are global. We know that unemployment is a big issue in the US, unemployment is a very big issue in Western Europe and it is the same unemployment in North Africa that created the Arab spring. So, it means that unemployment and employment are very challenging issues and then, I will try to see how we can grow the economy.”

He stated that his experiences with the Trade and Finance Ministries would up his work at the Ministry and continued that he will negotiate with the various agencies in the country to devise proper means to end this menace, both in the private and public sectors.

Hon. Asaga was the chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy, Oil and Gas since the inception of the ruling party in 2009 and doubles as a Member of Parliament for Nabdam.

In 2009, he became the Minister-designate for Works and Housing but couldn’t get the nod to head the Ministry.

Though admitting that his ministerial appointment is a huge duty on him, Hon. Moses Asaga is however not worried saying he will “keep faith and continue to work very hard” as the Head of the Ministry.

He believes his dream has materialized after the termination of his appointment as Works and Housing Minister-designate in 2009.

He thanked President John Mills for his ministerial position adding that “the President has recognized my hardworking and then also he has reposed confidence in me after the shaky start in 2009 February when I was made Minister for Works and Housing-designate.”

“I think that I always expected it because I know hard work would always bring people into the government and I know that the President always respected me. So, he just needed to give me time to have some space around me and at the right opportunity he will bring me back.”

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/ Xfm 95.1/ Accra/ Ghana

Komla Dumor; Ghana's Pride on BBC

Ghana's ace BBC news anchor, Komla Dumor, makes another jump not only to the top but a platform that uplifts the pride of Ghana. Komla Dumor, the only West African presenter on BBC World News, keeps soaring as he makes an intriguing breakthrough in broadcast journalism.

He commenced his journalism career at Joy Fm as a traffic watch reporter revealing the challenges people encounter on the road. His firm control over the foreign dialect, English, and perfect description of the traffic situations confronting the nation pulled to his side many admirers.

Komla Dumor made his mark after the departure of Tommy Annan-Forson who was then the host of the Super Morning Show on Joy Fm. After Tommy’s departure,he assumed the role of the Super Morning Show host, re-branded it and became a suitable replacement. In a later time, he had become the focus of many Ghanaians as during his reign on radio in Ghana, he was unmatchable.

He became the mouthpiece for the voiceless in the country and trumpeted the interest of the masses for prompt response. Vendors, Taxi drivers, hawkers and several Ghanaians took their turns to make their voices heard. Komla did what many could not do by attacking the controversies of life and ensuring the underprivileged are well catered for.

His diligence and determination won him the Best Journalist of the Year award in 2003, conferred on him by the Ghana Journalist Association.

His achievements within the media fraternity could not have been more honorable without projecting his dream beyond the shores of Ghana. The climax of his hard work saw him become the only West African presenter with the African Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

In September 1, 2008, he was promoted from the African Service to the World Service of the corporation. With this promotion, he was on his way to reaching millions of people in the world. He has today made himself and the nation proud as the first Ghanaian and African to hop to such stage on BBC.

He has interviewed legendary personalities on the world map and Wednesday, January 25, 2012 is no exception as he hosted one of Microsoft’s giants, Bill Gates, on various BBC screens across the world.

The 56 billion dollar face of Microsoft, Bill Gates, not only a powerful personality but also the second richest man in the world, was interviewed by Ghana’s pride Komla Dumor today. The interview centered on a variety of issues basically a reaction to earlier speech by US President Barak Obama who called for an imposition of higher taxes on the wealthy.

The world-class interview today can go into the history of Ghana as the first Ghanaian journalist to host the most wanted Microsoft giant in the world. Komla Dumor has indeed lifted the flag of Ghana high and indeed, Ghana is the gateway to Africa.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Group Calls for the Arrest of Nana Addo, Jake and others...

A group calling itself the concerned NDC members has petitioned the government to arrest the National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, for supporting the defiance by some officials of his party who have been instructed to appear before the Economic and Organized Crime Office.

The group is accusing the NPP National Chairman of abetment of crime and therefore calling for his head. According to them, Mr. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey has proven that he endorses criminal activities and so anybody who abets the crimes committed by other people is himself a “criminal”.

“[That] Mr. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey must be arrested immediately for ordering alleged criminals in the NPP not to cooperate with on-going investigations by the EOCO. We find the actions of Obetsebi Lamptey to be criminal. Anybody who acts to protect criminals or stand in the way of lawful investigations is himself a criminal who must be prosecuted.” the group demanded.

They explained that the NPP functionaries are hiding behind the media to perpetrate their crimes and therefore asked the government to prosecute them.

According to them, “the attempts by the guilty and corrupt NPP functionaries, who want to use the media to cover up their crimes by attacking the courts for doing their job is shameful. In our view, this is a deliberate attempt to bastardize the real facts, especially when they [the NPP] are privy to the administrative negligence and professional ineptitude of the erstwhile NPP government in this matter [Woyome judgment debt].”

The concerned NDC members today embarked on a demonstration to call on the government to compel the members of the opposition NPP who have been implicated in the Woyome judgment debt chronicle to comply with EOCO’s directives.

A statement released by the group today pressed their demands before government to haul the NPP top officials before the Economic and Organized Crime Office to render an account of all judgment debts issued under their watch.

The group also stated that the defiance by the opposition NPP to undergo EOCO’s investigations is undemocratic and defiles the rule of law in the country. The aggrieved group called on civil society groups like the Ghana Bar Association and National Media Commission to intervene and impel the NPP gurus to ensure all judgment debts are accounted for.

They also made other demands for the 2012 Presidential candidate of the opposition NPP, Nana Akufo Addo, to resign from his post as the flagbearer of the party because according to them the investigative body ‘wants him (Nana Addo) for his role in the government cabinet of 2005/2006 that abrogated a legitimate contract, which has been approved by the Central Tender Review Board through the procurement process.”

They accused the NPP of crippling the government of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, first President of Ghana, and therefore appealed to the government not to allow these “nation wreckers” to go scot free.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/ X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Leave EOCO alone to do its job- Chris Ackumey

Chris Ackumey, a legal practitioner and member of the National Democratic Congress, says politics should be detached from the operations of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).

He says particularly with the ongoing revelations in the Alfred Woyome supposed deal with the state for which a whooping amount of GHC 58 million was awarded him as a judgment debt, EOCO’s credibility should not be undermined for any political gains.

Chris Ackumey in an interview with Xfm 95.1 said that though the Economic and Organized Crime Office operates under the Attorney General’s department, it does not take directives from the Attorney General in conducting its investigations.

According to the Economic and Organized Crime Act 84 (2010), he said the law has given EOCO the mandate to conduct independent investigations into criminal cases without interference from the Attorney General.

To him, President John Mills has not faulted in appointing EOCO to begin investigations into the Woyome saga since the investigative body is constitutionally bound to look into criminal cases.

He said the political twist from various parties is drifting away the focus of the issue and so, the onus should be on the judgment debt but not EOCO. He asked political parties to stop dragging the image of EOCO in the mud but rather heed its directives to ensure the culprits are found and prosecuted.

Alfred Woyome, an acclaimed NDC financier and business tycoon, is said to have been paid a sum of money worth GHC 58 million over a purported contract he had with the previous government under the leadership of the former President Kufour during the CAN 2008. But certain political pundits and the opposition NPP have questioned the justification of the amount paid to him by the then Attorney General, Betty Mould Iddrisu.

The case has swiftly turned into a fierce heat among political parties with two Ministers of State resigning from their ministerial post.

But speaking to Xfm, Chris Ackumey believes the EOCO can put an end to the incessant Woyome brouhaha with their findings stressing that the investigative body should be freed from all political attacks.

Reacting to the defiance by some opposition NPP members to appear before the Economic and Organized Crime Office, the NDC legal practitioner says such defiance is unlawful and therefore the members should be required to undergo EOCO’s investigations.

He criticized the former President Kufour for supporting his party members’ refusal to comply with the EOCO’s order saying President Kufour is “just parroting on what the others are saying”. He said the NPP top officials who have been implicated and asked to appear before the investigative body are only “trying to take refuge under the court using the court system as a refuge.”

He also descended heavily on the Alliance For Accountable Governance doubting their aim for their demonstration against the government. According to him, AFAG should rather condemn the NPP’s misconduct towards the Economic and Organized Crime Office than resorting to such demonstration under no “known principle”.

Touching on Betty Bould Iddrisu’s resignation, Chris Ackumey said it was expected, saying, “from the development, one way or the other, the inevitable will be happening so I am not surprised”.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Ministers aspiring to be MPs want protection- Kofi Adams

Kofi Adams, a Deputy Chairman of the NDC and Spokesperson for the former President Rawlings, is calling for an amendment of the constitutional requirement that mandates the President to appoint majority of his ministers from parliament.

Article 78 (1) of the 1992 Constitution states that “Ministers of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament from among members of Parliament or persons qualified to be elected as members of Parliament, except that the majority of Ministers of State shall be appointed from among members of Parliament”.

However, this constitutional requirement is what Mr Adams cites as having compelled most Ministers of State to run as Parliamentary aspirants in the ongoing NDC primaries currently underway across the country; except the Greater Accra Region and some other selected Constituencies.

He explains that government officials with ministerial appointment should dissociate themselves from the parliamentary primaries and rather focus on their duties as Ministers.

He made this call in an interview on Joy FM’s News File this Saturday.

“I have a worry where in holding constituencies, we have ministers trying to take it away from where even sitting MPs are very good materials. I would have expected ministers to go where we are not holding”, he said.

According to him, he supports new party members running for parliamentary positions in order to ease the hefty load of duty on Ministers in the country.

“I would have loved the situation where if I come from a particular community and I have a Minister of State from my constituency and he’s not an MP. I would remain, even though your appointment as a Minister is related to whether the President wants you to be there or not; I would leave it for another person to be the MP, then, I can possibly continue to do what I am doing.”, he emphatically stated.

Even so, sitting Ministers and Members of Parliament have begun their campaigns to contest the parliamentary primaries but the NDC Deputy Chairman, Kofi Adams, says a bunch of them are doing so for political asylum to retain their positions in government.

“I can agree that [yes] people are rushing in there for protection because also the constitution plays an injunction on the President that more than fifty percent of your Ministers should come from parliament. So, people think that it’s a license to be appointed a Minister.”, he told the host.

He continued that the primaries will intensify in the constituencies, particularly parts of Northern Region and Eastern, adding that there is a possibility for Alhaji Abdulai Inusah Fuseini, MP for Tamale Central and Deputy Minister of Energy, to be re-elected in the Tamale Central parliamentary race.

In the Eastern Region, he said Mr Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, running for Lower Manya constituency in the primaries would have a hard nut to crack with his competitor, Michael Teye- Nyaunu.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/ Xfm 95.1/ Accra/Ghana

AMA demolishes structures close to railway lines at Odawna-Circle

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Police Service have begun a demolition exercise at Circle along the railway line today. The demolition commenced early in the morning when AMA taskforce together with some police personnel raided the railway area.

Over 1000 structures were razed down with more to be demolished by the close of the day.

Several containers and kiosks along the railway were gutted by fire last Sunday. The inferno which occurred is said to have also interrupted with the high tension power supply at the area.

As a result of the fire outbreak, the AMA cautioned the squatters to resettle to prevent further threatening conditions. At early hours of today, several structures were demolished to avert future interruptions with the high voltage mast.

The demolition which continued for hours was halted when some squatters set fire to the structures in protest against the exercise. The protest turned fierce as the squatters hurled stones at the police personnel who also fire warning shots to disperse them.

The Accra Regional Police Commander of Operations, Supt. Sylvester Boyuo explained that the exercise was undertaken to ease the pressure exerted on the high tension power cables. He said activities at the railway could have harmful effects on the residents and therefore called for maximum cooperation.

The Mayor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Alfred Vanderpuije, speaking to the media, said the exercise is necessitated to save the lives of the people but not deprive them of their livelihood.

He further stated that AMA is resolutely committed to protecting the lives and properties, and so the demolition exercise at the railway will ensure the dwellers are not endangered.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

P. C Appiah Ofori calls for two different campaign teams for the NPP

NPP Member of Parliament for Asikuma Odoben-Brakwa in the Central Region, Paul Collins Appiah Ofori, has revealed that he will propose the establishment of a campaign team led by Chief Lepowura M. N. D Jawula in the Northern Region to canvass votes for the party during the general elections this year.

P.C Appiah Ofori had opted for the candidature of Chief Lepowura Jawula as the Vice Presidential Aspirant on the ticket of NPP and opined that his choice stands a greater chance in ensuring victory for the party.

He says the NPP lost massively in the Northern Region during the 2008 elections which resulted in the party’s defeat adding that the 2008 Presidential candidate, Dr. Bawumia, has proven to be ineffective to garner votes from the Northern part of the country.

P.C Appiah Ofori who has been a staunch critic of Dr. Bawumia as the running mate for Nana Addo in this electioneering year explains that the campaign team should be the central focus for soliciting votes from the people of the Northern sector and its environs.

He continued in an interview with Xfm 95.1 on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 that the campaign team chaired by Chief Jawula would gain much support from the people of the Northern Region for the New Patriotic Party in the impending December elections, considering his status as a chief, adding that, “in the North, chiefs are adored by their subjects”.

“I’m going to propose to National Council that they should set up a campaign team for the North and the Muslim communities and that campaign team for the North should be led by Chief Jawula for him to tour the whole Northern Region. For him to meet all the chiefs in the Northern Region, Upper East, Upper West [to] solicit their support for Nana Akuffo Addo and for the party.”

The NPP Presidential candidate, Nana Addo Akufo Addo, had a meeting with the party’s national executive council on Tuesday, 17th January, where his choice of a running mate was expected to be announced.

Even though the running mate spotlight is drifted towards Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, P. C Appiah Ofori has vehemently denounced Dr. Bawumia as the running mate to the NPP flagbearer on the premise that he (Bawumia) would spell doom for the party in the 2012 elections.

“…he will not be able to get us anything. He has no record…”, he asserted.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/ Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

TUC kicks against early payment of January salaries

The Ghana Trade Union Congress has kicked against the government’s effort to mitigate the impact brought on Ghanaians as a result of the fuel price increase.

Vice President, John Dramani Mahama, has hinted of some efforts to be put in place to alleviate the impact of the fuel price increase on civil servants.

First the government has directed the Accountant General’s Department to pay all workers by the close of this week.

He also revealed that the government intends to increase the fleet of Metro Mass Transit buses to reduce pressure on transport unions especially in major cities and towns.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting between government's economic management team and stakeholders including the Association of Ghana Industries, Ghana Employers Association, Ghana Bankers Association, Chamber of Commerce and the Trades Union Congress.

However, the TUC has kicked against these measures; calling on government to reintroduce the fuel subsidies that were removed, leading to the increment.

Speaking to Xfm 95.1 on Tuesday January 17, 2012, the General Secretary of the Ghana Trade Union Congress, Kofi Asamoah, stressed the fuel subsidies would help alleviate the economic hardships in the country.

He said the removal of the fuel subsidies by government to cushion Ghanaians against the inadequate infrastructural facilities is untimely and called on the government to review her decision.

“…the TUC issued a statement expressing our concern and condemning those increases because we thought that the increases were steep. The timing was wrong. Some public sector workers had then not been paid and we drew government’s attention that it was going to create undue hardships for Ghanaians generally including working people.”

To him, the TUC in principle disagrees with “the removal of the subsidy which has been an issue from IMF. IMF has been the proponent of removal of subsidy over the period.”

In a statement released yesterday and signed by Mr Asamoah, the TUC stated that the measures to mitigate the impact “were inadequate in addressing the hardships the fuel price increase has imposed on Ghanaians”.

It further stated, “we find it unfair and insensitive on the part of government when it asks Ghanaians to continue to bear the harsh economic realities brought about by these steep increases as it prepares to import “more buses”. Why didn’t government bring in the buses before announcing the increases? As for the directive for the early payment of salaries for January the least said about it the better. How would early payment of the already low salary in the public sector mitigate the economy-wide effects of fuel price increase?”

Mr Asamoah said the TUC will do “everything it takes to ensure that we achieve our objective”, starting with series of meetings with workers across the country on the way forward.

The outcome of these meetings, he said, will determine the next line of action.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

A-G should be treated as a whistle blower- YWCP

Alhaji Naziru, Coordinator for the NDC Youth With Conviction and Principle (YWCP) has called on President Mills to begin investigations into the allegations made by the Attorney General, Martin Amidu, about what he says are malicious libels by a section of the National Democratic Congress against his competence and reputation.

The Coordinator for the NDC YWCP says the government should not condone the Attorney General’s claims but rather set up a Committee of Inquiry to ensure the culprits are sanctioned and appropriate punishment meted out to them.

He explained that what the Attorney General sought to do is to unearth the corruptible practices within the party and so called on President Mills to “salvage” the party. He continued that the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Martin Amidu, has shown courage in exposing such practices and should be seen as a “whistle-blower”.

“Martin Amidu…all that he has done is to be a whistle-blower. Maybe the President and leadership of the party might not be aware of certain happenings. He has exposed them; he should be treated as a whistle-blower.”

Alhaji Naziru in an interview on Xfm’s Big bite morning show on Monday January 16, 2012, said the Attorney General’s report which alleged that a Minister of State and some media houses have devised dubious means to taint his reputation should be a wake-up call to the government.

A section of the Attorney General’s report on January 12, 2012 read “I wish core members and supporters of the NDC who cherish the principles and ideas upon which the party was founded to know that the attacks against me which started in the Daily Post publications of the 3rd January 2012 were planned by a colleague Minister of State, who perceived that my integrity and professionalism as a lawyer was a threat to the concealment of gargantuan crimes against the people of Ghana in which they might be implicated. An alibi was consequently created on 30th December 2012 to unleash the gullible section of the NDC press on me by the leakage of official documents from my ministry through the perverse section of a rented NDC press to the pubic beginning the 3rd of January 2012.

That has back fired because the leaked official documents by the Daily Post; the Informer; the National Democrat; the Ghanaian Lens; etc have rather inadvertently supported my honesty and integrity in public office and my call for the prosecution of criminals regardless of their political party colorations or their social status.”

The Attorney General’s release has since caught the public eye as a number of people, and some pro-NDC newspapers and party officials have descended heavily on him and others calling for his resignation.

Though the government has not yet revealed her stance, Alhaji Naziru says the calls for Hon. Martin Amidu to resign from the Attorney General’s department do not uphold the party’s bedrock of Probity, Accountability and Social Justice.

He described those firing salvos at the Attorney General as “wolves” who do not have the interest of Ghana at heart.

“…anyone who thinks or calls for the head of Martin Amidu on the basis of his courage and revealing such alarming situation in government and in party is a wolf…”

He further stated that government should step up her game and make sure the miscreants face the rigors of the law.

Touching on the infamous Woyome judgment debt controversy, the YWCP coordinator said the youth do not expect “anything to be swept under the carpet” and therefore, in pursuit of justice, appealed to President Mills to ensure punitive measures are taken against culpable entities.

“What we quickly seek to achieve by the press statement we released is to call on the President, His Excellency John Evans Atta Mills to rise to the occasion and salvage our great and dear party, the NDC, before matters get out of hand on this Woyome issue."

“President Mills must show leadership now; this is the time for NDC leadership to practically demonstrate its commitment to the party’s core principles and values. We therefore do not expect anything to be swept under the carpet at the expense of transparency in the supreme interest of Ghanaian people.” he said.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Create the opportunity to resolve conflict with Rawlings; Yammin tellls Mills

The Ashanti Regional General Secretary of the ruling NDC, Joseph Yammin, has called on President Mills to "create an opportunity" to resolve the conflict between him and Ex-President Rawlings since his contributions are paramount to the party.

"I believe very well that we can create an opportunity for ourselves if indeed the party understands and whoever is wishing victory for the party understands that we need the two most influential persons not only in our party but in Ghana today, that is, His Excellency the former President J.J Rawlings and the current President John Mills in our party to make victory a reality for us. I think that we all have to come together and create an opportunity for ourselves to meet and to make sure that we patch up our differences."

Mr. Yammin was commenting on President Mills’ response to a question on how he intends to patch up the differences between himself and former President Rawlings during his recent meeting with editors.

During the media encounter, President Mills expressed his desire to iron out any differences he has with former President Rawlings.

"I’m waiting for an opportunity, if it should come, the two of us will sit down and plan together. This is not strange, it happens with a number of parties… However, we are working hard to bring all our parties together. It is not easy, but we have to make an effort. I want to appeal to all of us in the NDC to be able to sit down with one another to resolve all our differences. All of us should be able to realize that without a united front, things will not come easy for us, …", President Mills told the media.

But Mr Yammin believes the time is now.

Speaking to XFM he said President Mills and the NDC executives should swiftly solicit the assistance of the former President Rawlings stressing that he plays a pivotal role in ensuring victory for the party.

"If I should have the chance to speak to the president, then I would tell the president that Mr. President, please and please and please again, let us make time. We shouldn't wait for the opportunity; let us create the opportunity because we have just limited time ahead of us", he said.

He added that as the country nears the electioneering time, it behooves on the party executives to mobilize all members "…no matter how devilish that person is. If that person's contributions to the party will bring victory for us, I think that it is incumbent upon us as national executives, as regional executives, as constituency executives, as a government to come together and make sure that we bring everybody on board so that each and everybody plays his or her part to make victory a reality for us."

"I'm so happy that the president is admitting that indeed something needs to be done but I am expecting that we need to do that thing very fast at least by February..."

Joseph Yammin said the members of the party are deceived by the perception that former President Rawlings would return to the party anytime soon.

"One serious thing that we are all not looking at is that we are lying to the people. We are telling the people that the man is coming. You can't go and tell the grassroots that the man is not coming because it is either you are going to be stoned, it is either you are going to be sacked from the meeting or whatever. You can't go down there and speak evil against the former president and that happens to be the problem. So, you are forced to lie to the grassroots and so we have a serious, serious problem ahead of us," he disclosed.

According to him, the divisions in the NDC spell doom for the party and as a result, maintaining a unified body is the surest way to retain the party in power.

He said the disparity within the governing NDC poses a threat to the party's stability and called on the rank and file of the party to resolve their differences.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/ X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Ken Kuranchie: President Mills does not care for me

The Editor in Chief of the Searchlight newspaper, Ken Kuranchie, has said recent comments by the Communications Director at the Presidency points to the vindictiveness of the governing NDC, which according to him, defiles the essence of democracy.

Ken Kuranchi of the Searchlight newspaper said in an interview with Xfm 95.1 that the president’s neglect of the people of Ghana is distasteful and portrays the Mills-led government as hypocrites.

Ken Kuranchi was reacting to an earlier comment by the Director of Communications at the presidency, Koku Anyidoho.

Koku Anyidoho is reported to have stated that "anybody who displays gross disrespect to the presidency and hurls insults at President John Evans Atta Mills will never get the opportunity to be invited to the Castle."

Koku Anyidoho further stated "someone like Ken Kuranchi has never been invited and I don't ever regret not inviting Ken Kuranchi because he shows open disrespect, open insults so why should such a person be invited to the Castle under the name of democracy and father of all."

But Ken Kuranchie has refuted these claims demanding that the government treats him equally among other journalists. He revealed on Wednesday morning on Xfm that since the inception of President Mills' administration, there has not been any invitation to him during all of the media encounters with the President.

"It's an official position of this government that so far as they remain in power; they are not going to work with some journalists and I happen to be included..."

He further added that "...once I am in Ghana and I am under the father for all and democracy, I ought to be allowed to participate in any legitimate exercise..."

He continued that he has shown no such disrespect to the presidency but only implores the government to alleviate the socioeconomic hardship confronting the country.

"If you are supposed to do something in a particular manner and you choose to do it in another manner; if you pretend to be a father for all, okay, when every single action that you take shows clearly that in fact you are not interested in being the father for all; I think that when we say these types of things, then it is not disrespect. It is stating facts as they are."

Alluding to the killings of four Ghanaians at Abobloshie in Accra some years back, he said that President Mills' posture on such worrisome situations is an indication that he has not care about the entire citizenry.

To him, the selective politics by the government does not enhance the nation's democracy and insists the action by Koku Anyidoho is a "reflection of their nature" adding that the restriction from the presidency does not reflect the "father for all" mantra in the Mills-led government.

"If you go out there to say that you represent the interest of every single Ghanaian including Ken Kuranchi and then you act in a manner that undermines my interest, it shows [you] the nature of yourself as a human being. And for me, that is where I'm prepared to dwell. The fact of the matter is that President Mills claims to be somebody who loves everybody, who is father for everybody, who cares for everybody but clearly he does not care for me.", he said.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

I will nominate some people to be examined by doctors-Prez Mills

As the 2012 elections inch closer, one issue that will not die anytime soon is the health status of President John Mills.

Issues concerning the President’s health have lingered on for years with many of his critics raising eyebrows about his fitness. Recently, reports were rife that President Mills went to Cuba to seek medical attention; a claim the president stridently denied.

But it appears previous explanations and denials about his health condition have not really gone down well with a section of the Ghanaian society as day in and day out the President wakes up to "face" those who doubt his condition.

"…thank you very much for asking about my health. This is Atta Mills facing you; you can draw your own conclusions,” President John Mills chided a reporter who had inquired about his health status during his encounter with some journalists yesterday at the Castle, Osu.

He was quick to express his willingness to undergo any test to prove otherwise speculations about his health.

President John Mills took time off to amuse the journalists by saying that after his examination, he will also "nominate" some people to be examined by doctors probably to stress his previous assertion that sickness is naturally normal.

“I want to invite doctors to come and examine Atta Mills and then they will tell you what is wrong. And then after that I will also nominate some people to be examined by the doctors,” wondering if his “continues existence is an impediment to some people.”

According to the President he has an "excellent physician”, stressing that, “so long as my physician is alive- and will always be, I am in his hands”.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

I am waiting for an opportunity to meet former President Rawlings- President John Mills

Though many Ghanaians have expressed their resentment over the seemingly good relationship between President Mills and former President Rawlings, it appears Ghanaians have no cause to worry because there is no acrimony between the President and the Rawlings' family.

Addressing the media today, President Mills has debunked any assertion that he and former President Rawlings are not on good speaking terms, hence, are at war with each other.

It is an incontrovertible fact that Rawlings' role in the 2008 run-off contributed immensely to the victory claimed by the ruling NDC government but after proceeding to the castle on full authority, what seemed to be trust turned into a battle as the former President has consistently accused the Mills' administration of appointing "Greedy Bustards" to lead the nation.

In President Mills' three years of reign as the Head of State, several arsenals have been fired at him from various quarters of the NDC party with the massive ones coming from former President Jerry John Rawlings.

The infighting between the Rawlings' loyalists and Mills' fanatics in government has been lingering around but all seems to come to a halt today after answering a question from the Editor of the Alhaji Newspaper, Alhaji Bature, President Mills discounts any misgivings between him and the former President.

Alhaji Bature had sought to find out from the number one citizen of the land, “given the strained relationship between you and the founder Rawlings do you think we (NDC) stand a chance of winning the 2012 elections?

Though he would not rule out their differences, President Mills says he is on amicable terms with Ex-President Rawlings and that nothing has changed. According to him, what the party needs is unity and so called on party functionaries to mend and dump their differences to ensure a united front.

Speaking to the Editors at the castle, President Mills said "in unity lies strength; a house divided cannot stand. It is our prayer that we come together as a party to be able to prosecute our agenda. My relationship with President Rawlings has not changed."
"I’m waiting for an opportunity, if it should come, the two of us will sit down and plan together. This is not strange, it happens with a number of parties”.

“However, we are working hard to bring all our parties together. It is not easy, but we have to make an effort. I want to appeal to all of us in the NDC to be able to sit down with one another to resolve all our differences. All of us should be able to realize that without a united front, things will not come easy for us, …"

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Anyone who cannot pay GHC20,000 is unworthy of leading the CPP- Bright Akwetey

A leading member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Bright Akwetey, says it is for a better course that the party has stipulated an amount of GHC 20000 for its flagbearership race.

Bright Akwetey who has expressed interest in picking forms to contest the party’s flagbearership slot asserts that any member of the party, who is in contention with the stipulated amount, is unworthy of leading the CPP.

According to him, the party is “handicapped” and it is about time funds were raised to espouse the activities and the entire objective of the party. He expressed that the party should be the pivotal focus of each member and would not support any form of insurgence.

“…if you want to be a flagbearer, you have to go and gather funds to the tune of GHC 20000 and pay to the party. And happily we are paying it to the party and not any individual so that the party can organize itself. And if you want to be a flagbearer, you must be able to stand in good and formidable structures to win election. The money is part of the contribution to help improve the structures on the ground to assist the flagbearer to win the elections; so it might be on the high side but it’s for a good course”, he told Xfm on the Big bite morning show.

He added that the money requested by the party would be channeled into the financial purse of the party towards their national congress and the general elections all in this year.

He passionately averred that “if you want to be a flagbearer, then, be prepared to assist the party to organize itself for you to come and stand on its shoulders. If you are not ready to be a flagbearer, then go and stand for some other position.”

Touching on the same issue of whether or not the stipulated amount is exorbitant, the CPP Communications Director, Nii Armah Akomfrah, insists the amount is a form of raising funds to restructure the party.

Speaking to Xfm, Nii Armah Akomfrah said the action taken by the party executives is a timely intervention to revive and unify the party. He believes when this is achieved, CPP can wangle its way into the Presidential seat on January 7, 2013.

He further explained that the Convention People’s Party needs to be resourced and therefore implored the entire party membership to see the move as a step ahead for victory.
“We hope that our members will understand and our fans will understand the need for us to raise finances to be able to have a successful congress. And that is the overriding factor.” he appealed.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

We Presented Petition To Security Man At CHRAJ- Generational Youth Movement

The Spokesperson for the Generational Youth Movement, a pressure group seeking to bring a closure to the judgment debt paid to Alfred Woyome, a business tycoon and an acclaimed NDC Financier, has reinforced reports that it has filed a formal complaint to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).

Kingsley Kofi Karikari, Spokesperson for the group, today insisted that the group has petitioned CHRAJ for a thorough investigation into the Woyome judgment debt saga and ensure justice takes its course.

According to him, the Generational Youth Movement smells a rat in the government dealings with Alfred Woyome for the payment of a whooping GHC 58million to him as judgment debt over claims that the erstwhile government under the auspices of former President Kufour short-changed the CAN 2008 Stadium contract it signed with the NDC Financier.

Kingsley Kofi Karikari in an interview with Xfm 95.1 confirmed that the group petitioned the human right investigative body yesterday in what he said was done in the form of handing over a letter to a Security officer present at the CHRAJ premises due to constructional works which were going on at the place.

He was reacting to a report by Daily Post dated January 4, 2012 that “CHRAJ has not received any formal complaint from the so-called Generational Youth Movement.”
The report went further to state that “…it is a palpable lie that the Generational Youth Movement, which to all intents and purposes is a pro-NPP group, has made a complaint to CHRAJ on the matter of the judgment debts.”

But the Spokesperson for the Generational Youth Movement, Kingsley Kofi Karikari, finds the Daily Post’s report outrageous since according to him, it is very vivid the group has appealed to CHRAJ for possible query to be held into the case.

“When we went there yesterday, there were construction works going on there. There was a security man right at the gate and we gave our petition to him; and other people gave theirs to him as well. We will not sit here in Ghana and lie to the people, what do we hope to gain?” Kingsley Karikari explained.

He highlighted that Alfred Woyome including President Mills, the Chief of Staff and then Attorney General Betty Mould Iddrisu have been hauled before CHRAJ for a debrief.

He also revealed that the group petitioned the International Court of Arbitration and Netherlands Justice System for retrieval of an amount of 25 million Euros from Waterville, a company Alfred Woyome worked with.

“We have dedicated lawyers who volunteered to help us. We also petitioned the Netherlands Justice System to help us retrieve this amount”.

The Generational Youth Movement is asking the investigative body to find out what due diligence was done by the President and his cabinet before the ¢58 million was disbursed.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/ Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Willingness To Concede Defeat Is Essential In 2012- ISODEC

A leading member of the International Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Dr. Steve Manteaw, has lambasted Nana Addo, NPP Presidential candidate, for his seditious slogan "All die be die" as he stressed that the infamous "All die be die" 'shows a very uncompromising stand in terms of willingness to accept election result' and as a result he 'will find it really difficult to appreciate or think that Nana Akufo Addo will readily accept defeat.

According to him, Nana Addo's comment is in distasteful manner and an indication of his quest to arrogate power to himself by fair or foul means.

Notwithstanding this, he strongly believes the advocacy of peace is almost impossible without full cooperation from the political parties in the country and therefore any attempt to cause violence would imperil the image of the country.

Dr. Steve Manteaw said this during an interview on the Big bite morning show on X fm 95.1.

Speaking to the host Abena Asiedua Tekorang, he also urged all political parties and activists to ensure peace during the general elections this year. He implored political leaders, religious leaders and the entire nation to maintain a political climate devoid of seditious remarks, insults and innuendos which according to him is a panacea for a peaceful election.

Dr. Steve Manteaw anticipates a non-violent but smooth dispensation of power to the emerging victor in the 2012 general elections. Explaining further, he said the impending election is not a "do and die" affair and warned against any form of incitement that could cause mayhem in the December election this year.

To him, free and fair elections are not the only recipe for peace if the political characters repudiate the results on their selfish gains. He keenly expressed that, even if the country records a free and transparent election, the onus lies on the political parties, specifically the two pivotal parties -New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC)-

"In a situation like this, it is not really peaceful and fair elections that determine whether there will be violence or not but rather the willingness of the losing side to accept defeat. You can have a peaceful and fair election but if any of the losing parties refuses to accept the result, then that could be recipe for the kinds of violence and the kind of political crisis..." he cautioned.

He fervently advocated the need for all parties to sift their expressions and also charged the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) to enhance awareness and educate electorates on the importance of a peaceful election.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana