Friday, November 30, 2012
Konadu loses case; her presidential ambitions for 2012 dead!
The Human Rights Court has dismissed an application brought by the flagbearer of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, seeking an order to compel the Electoral Commission (EC) to add her name to the ballot paper for the December polls.
"It is demonstrably clear that the applicants have failed to put forward a strong case to obtain a favourable verdict. I cannot do otherwise than to dismiss their application. The application is accordingly dismissed," presiding judge, Justice Kofi Essel Mensah said.
After the EC rejected the NDP's nomination forms on the grounds of an incomplete endorsement, the party filed an application at the Human Rights Court of the High Court, arguing that its flag-bearer's rights had been breached and requesting that the court order the Commission to reverse its decision to disqualify Nana Konadu from contesting the elections.
But the court today dismissed the application, saying that the NDP had not convincingly made its case. NDP to concentrate on Parliamentary elections Hilarious Abiew, Deputy Communications Director of the NDP, has said although the party is disappointed in the Human Rights Court for dismissing their application against the EC, it is still unperturbed and will now concentrate on the parliamentary elections.
Speaking on Election Headquarters on Joy News (radio and TV), he said that the party hopes to grab about 50 parliamentary seats in the upcoming elections.
He said that while the NDP believed they had a good case, party flagbearer Nana Konadu Rawlings had indicated she is no longer interested in contesting the presidency even before the verdict was announced.
He noted that, among other things, the “Electoral Commissioner could have given us the opportunity to make some corrections or amendments with our nomination forms as they were presented on the day of nomination,” adding that, “the process through which the Electoral Commission went in disqualify our candidate was unlawful.”
The party is currently campaigning vigorously in constituencies, especially the Volta region, where they are confident of winning several seats, including those being contested by NDC bigwigs - Fiifi Kwetey (Ketu South), Okudjeto Ablakwah (North Tongu) and Juliana Azumah (Agotime-Ziope). Asked about the future of Nana Konadu, he said that until the party holds another congress, she will remain the flagbearer and was confident that party delegates will maintain her as flagbearer.
Source:Myjoyonline.com
"It is demonstrably clear that the applicants have failed to put forward a strong case to obtain a favourable verdict. I cannot do otherwise than to dismiss their application. The application is accordingly dismissed," presiding judge, Justice Kofi Essel Mensah said.
After the EC rejected the NDP's nomination forms on the grounds of an incomplete endorsement, the party filed an application at the Human Rights Court of the High Court, arguing that its flag-bearer's rights had been breached and requesting that the court order the Commission to reverse its decision to disqualify Nana Konadu from contesting the elections.
But the court today dismissed the application, saying that the NDP had not convincingly made its case. NDP to concentrate on Parliamentary elections Hilarious Abiew, Deputy Communications Director of the NDP, has said although the party is disappointed in the Human Rights Court for dismissing their application against the EC, it is still unperturbed and will now concentrate on the parliamentary elections.
Speaking on Election Headquarters on Joy News (radio and TV), he said that the party hopes to grab about 50 parliamentary seats in the upcoming elections.
He said that while the NDP believed they had a good case, party flagbearer Nana Konadu Rawlings had indicated she is no longer interested in contesting the presidency even before the verdict was announced.
He noted that, among other things, the “Electoral Commissioner could have given us the opportunity to make some corrections or amendments with our nomination forms as they were presented on the day of nomination,” adding that, “the process through which the Electoral Commission went in disqualify our candidate was unlawful.”
The party is currently campaigning vigorously in constituencies, especially the Volta region, where they are confident of winning several seats, including those being contested by NDC bigwigs - Fiifi Kwetey (Ketu South), Okudjeto Ablakwah (North Tongu) and Juliana Azumah (Agotime-Ziope). Asked about the future of Nana Konadu, he said that until the party holds another congress, she will remain the flagbearer and was confident that party delegates will maintain her as flagbearer.
Source:Myjoyonline.com
NDC man invokes Antoa deity on Akufo-Addo, others; wants them dead if...
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress has invoked the Antoa deity on leading members of the opposition New Patriotic Party.
Mr Yaw Owusu Obimpeh is asking the powerful deity in the Ashanti Region to kill the flagbearer of the NPP Nana Akufo-Addo, the Manhyia MP, Mathew Opoku Prempeh and Assin North MP, Kennedy Agyapong if they have stock piled arms to cause mayhem in next week’s election.
The invocation follows allegations and counter allegations between the two leading political parties over who is piling up weapons to create chaos in the December elections.
The NDC chair had called a press conference early Friday to contribute to the worrying reports of violence in Ashtown, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region. In a shocking departure from the main agenda for the press conference, Luv News’ Erastus Asare Donkor reported that Mr Obimpeh took out a bottle of schnapps and in an incantation, mentioned the names of the three leading members of the NPP.
He is reported to have asked the deity to strike them dead if they have supplied arms to their supporters to cause mayhem in the December elections. On the other hand, Obimpeh said if any NDC leader has committed the same offence, the powerful deity should equally strike them dead.
Source; Myjoyonline.com
Mr Yaw Owusu Obimpeh is asking the powerful deity in the Ashanti Region to kill the flagbearer of the NPP Nana Akufo-Addo, the Manhyia MP, Mathew Opoku Prempeh and Assin North MP, Kennedy Agyapong if they have stock piled arms to cause mayhem in next week’s election.
The invocation follows allegations and counter allegations between the two leading political parties over who is piling up weapons to create chaos in the December elections.
The NDC chair had called a press conference early Friday to contribute to the worrying reports of violence in Ashtown, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region. In a shocking departure from the main agenda for the press conference, Luv News’ Erastus Asare Donkor reported that Mr Obimpeh took out a bottle of schnapps and in an incantation, mentioned the names of the three leading members of the NPP.
He is reported to have asked the deity to strike them dead if they have supplied arms to their supporters to cause mayhem in the December elections. On the other hand, Obimpeh said if any NDC leader has committed the same offence, the powerful deity should equally strike them dead.
Source; Myjoyonline.com
Ashtown violence is purely criminal - DCOP Gyening
The Ashanti Regional Command has urged residents at Ashtown, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, to depoliticize the shooting incident that occurred yesterday in their vicinity.
“Ashanti Region has been very calm during this electioneering campaign and I congratulate everybody in Ashanti for that... I will plead with all of you and all those who are putting political strands on it to stop.”
The Regional Commander DCOP Augustine Gyening, addressing the media today in Kumasi, asserted that the case is a criminal one and therefore the residents should restrain from politicizing it.
Chaos broke out at Ashtown Thursday evening when an outraged resident allegedly had a violent confrontation with the campaign team of Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Member of Parliament for Manhyia.
A man named Maphus reportedly sustained some gun wounds and was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for medical attention. The victim is alleged to have made attempts to open fire at the Manhyia MP but his (Matthew Opoku Prempeh) supporters in retaliation shot at him and inflicted several injuries on him.
The incident occurred at 4: oo pm during Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s door-to-door campaign tour at Mbrom in the vicinity.
DCOP Gyening however disclosed that based on an eyewitness account, a member of Opoku Prempeh’s team, named Gausu, shot at Maphus with a locally manufactured pistol after the two entered into a heated argument.
He narrated that Gausu exchanged words with Maphus when supporters and members of Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s campaign team trooped into Maphus’ residence as part of their door-to-door campaign.
DCOP Gyening therefore implored Mr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to volunteer his side of the story in order to assist in the investigations.
“We have tried since morning to get Dr. Opoku Prempeh to at least come and tell us his version but we are yet to get him. I was forced to delay you because we wanted all of them to tell us what happened. We did not want to come out with just one version of the incident.” he said.
He advised the residents with relevant information to also assist the Police.
DCOP Gyening further admonished the public to desist from any violent acts and warned that the Police will not treat any persons whose actions disrupt the elections on December 7 with kid gloves.
“The stand of the police is that we will not allow anybody to do anything untoward, meaning that we will deal ruthlessly with anybody who tries to misbehave on elections day,” he warned.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
“Ashanti Region has been very calm during this electioneering campaign and I congratulate everybody in Ashanti for that... I will plead with all of you and all those who are putting political strands on it to stop.”
The Regional Commander DCOP Augustine Gyening, addressing the media today in Kumasi, asserted that the case is a criminal one and therefore the residents should restrain from politicizing it.
Chaos broke out at Ashtown Thursday evening when an outraged resident allegedly had a violent confrontation with the campaign team of Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Member of Parliament for Manhyia.
A man named Maphus reportedly sustained some gun wounds and was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for medical attention. The victim is alleged to have made attempts to open fire at the Manhyia MP but his (Matthew Opoku Prempeh) supporters in retaliation shot at him and inflicted several injuries on him.
The incident occurred at 4: oo pm during Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s door-to-door campaign tour at Mbrom in the vicinity.
DCOP Gyening however disclosed that based on an eyewitness account, a member of Opoku Prempeh’s team, named Gausu, shot at Maphus with a locally manufactured pistol after the two entered into a heated argument.
He narrated that Gausu exchanged words with Maphus when supporters and members of Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s campaign team trooped into Maphus’ residence as part of their door-to-door campaign.
DCOP Gyening therefore implored Mr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to volunteer his side of the story in order to assist in the investigations.
“We have tried since morning to get Dr. Opoku Prempeh to at least come and tell us his version but we are yet to get him. I was forced to delay you because we wanted all of them to tell us what happened. We did not want to come out with just one version of the incident.” he said.
He advised the residents with relevant information to also assist the Police.
DCOP Gyening further admonished the public to desist from any violent acts and warned that the Police will not treat any persons whose actions disrupt the elections on December 7 with kid gloves.
“The stand of the police is that we will not allow anybody to do anything untoward, meaning that we will deal ruthlessly with anybody who tries to misbehave on elections day,” he warned.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
VIP and Kwaw Kesse fight?
What seemed to be a night of excitement turned into an arena full of confusion when music fanatics spewed out violence at one another during the just ended Night with the Stars.
A blissful night with the Stars at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre last weekend was met by very bizarre occurrences.
Patrons saw entertainment metamorphose into a conflict zone among factions loyal to hip life trio Vision In Progress (VIP) and the King of the Streets, Kwaw Kesse whose signature tune is “Abodam”.
“Night of Stars” is a brainchild of Joy FM and it brings together entertainment celebrities and music icons that are bent on thrilling their fans under one roof.
This year’s Night with Stars though was another glorious occasion; the turn of events became much chaotic after some misunderstanding ensued among fans that trooped into the Dome to strut their stuff.
On the night, hip life trio VIP and Kwaw Kesse were pitched together to perform in what seemed as a competition dubbed “Accra vrs Tema”.
The concept was to point out where the best music act is and intended to trigger excitement among the numerous patrons of the show. Kwaw Kesse who represented Tema mounted stage before VIP, and came in in a symbolic way holding two flags inscribed “Accra” and “VIP”.
In Kwaw Kesse’s performance, the two flags were put on the floor purportedly to signify defeat over Accra.
The King of the Streets then allegedly proceeded to stamp his feet on the flag and this inflamed passions as fanatics of VIP took offence at his actions.
In what seemed as retaliation, GMA Award-winning trio VIP took to the stage uttering unpleasant words as a sign of disgust at the performance by Kwaw Kesse.
This resulted in a passionate fracas backstage and unconfirmed reports say incensed fans of VIP angrily sought the whereabouts of Kwaw Kesse in a bid to confront him.
Though Kwaw Kesse and his management had left the premises of the Dome, the angry fans chaotically destroyed some properties at the Dome.
Due to this sudden explosion, the invincible rapperholic and BET Award winner, Sarkodie, and the dynamic duo, R2Bees, refused to perform for fear of their lives.
A statement released by the management of Sarkodie indicated reasons why Sarkodie declined to perform at the Night with the Stars.
Portion of the statement read: “A group of armed individuals broke into the changing room of Sarkodie and R2bees threatening to get violent if we did not reveal the whereabouts of Kwaw Kesse. We noticed a movement of several armed groups into the main auditorium and backstage for reasons we are yet to know.
That became a huge concern for me and members of my team, fearing what could happen when Sarkodie mounts the stage. Fearing the escalation of the situation as there wasn’t enough security personnel to bring the situation under control, we indicated to members of the Joy FM team our concern.”
VIP’s management also in an official statement implored their fans to keep calm and restrain themselves from any violent acts.
VIP also distanced themselves from the perpetrators of the violence at the Dome.
The statement stressed that “The management of Ghana’s award winning group, Vision in Progress, popularly known as VIP is calling on its fans across the country and beyond who are outraged by some unfortunate developments that occurred at the Night with the Stars show organized over the weekend by Joy FM to calm down and exercise maximum restraint no matter the level of provocation they may encounter.”
It further emphasized that “VIP has received reports of an alleged attack on some persons. Though without any evidence whatsoever, some persons have accused fans of VIP of being responsible for the attacks. If indeed it was true that VIP fans were behind the attacks, VIP categorically condemns such incidents and is calling on its fans not to engage in such behaviour. VIP does not subscribe to using violence in any form for any reason. The group believes in dialogue as the best means of addressing challenges.”
“We would not do anything to compromise the respect the brand has earned over the years.”
The management of Kwaw Kesse also released a statement to the effect of last weekend’s clashes and therefore called for peace.
The management explained the purport of Kwaw Kesse’s performance at the Night with the Stars.
“In the spirit of creative ‘competition’ of the show which was dubbed ‘Accra vs. Tema’ and which pitted Kwaw Kese against VIP, Kwaw brought on stage a banner with VIP written on it. Kwaw stood on this banner to depict that in Ghana’s entertainment industry, he was a true VIP too.
“For some unfortunate reason, VIP took this creative expression out of context and resorted to violence, with members of their entourage violently demanding that Kwaw go on stage to apologize for his act. In order not to interrupt the event and also to ensure that sanity prevailed, Kwaw and his entourage left the premises of the Accra International Conference Centre Dome.”
The statement further entreated VIP to condemn the actions by their fans and also resort to a peaceful arbitration.
“We at MAD TIME are calling on VIP to condemn these acts perpetrated by thugs affiliated to them. We are calling on VIP to affirm their belief in creative competition without the need to resort to barbaric violence.
“…Violence begets violence and retaliation and in the run-up to our national elections, we urge musicians and every other sector of society to denounce and eschew violence and rather seek peaceful dialogue to resolve any differences they might have.
“We urge Ghanaians who were not in the shoes of Sarkodie and R2Bees not to insult or denigrate them for their refusal to perform in midst of intimidation. We also urge event organizers to ensure adequate security at all events to ensure that no unruly thug can threaten the life of a musician just for his or her creative expression.
We must learn to appreciate showbiz and entertainment as an area that has no space for violence in this day and age.”
Event organizers are therefore urged to beef up security whenever they organize entertainment events to ward off any unforeseen situations. It is also hoped that the unexpected confusion between the two cherished music superstars is resolved with no traces in the future.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
A blissful night with the Stars at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre last weekend was met by very bizarre occurrences.
Patrons saw entertainment metamorphose into a conflict zone among factions loyal to hip life trio Vision In Progress (VIP) and the King of the Streets, Kwaw Kesse whose signature tune is “Abodam”.
This year’s Night with Stars though was another glorious occasion; the turn of events became much chaotic after some misunderstanding ensued among fans that trooped into the Dome to strut their stuff.
On the night, hip life trio VIP and Kwaw Kesse were pitched together to perform in what seemed as a competition dubbed “Accra vrs Tema”.
The concept was to point out where the best music act is and intended to trigger excitement among the numerous patrons of the show. Kwaw Kesse who represented Tema mounted stage before VIP, and came in in a symbolic way holding two flags inscribed “Accra” and “VIP”.
In Kwaw Kesse’s performance, the two flags were put on the floor purportedly to signify defeat over Accra.
The King of the Streets then allegedly proceeded to stamp his feet on the flag and this inflamed passions as fanatics of VIP took offence at his actions.
In what seemed as retaliation, GMA Award-winning trio VIP took to the stage uttering unpleasant words as a sign of disgust at the performance by Kwaw Kesse.
This resulted in a passionate fracas backstage and unconfirmed reports say incensed fans of VIP angrily sought the whereabouts of Kwaw Kesse in a bid to confront him.
Though Kwaw Kesse and his management had left the premises of the Dome, the angry fans chaotically destroyed some properties at the Dome.
Due to this sudden explosion, the invincible rapperholic and BET Award winner, Sarkodie, and the dynamic duo, R2Bees, refused to perform for fear of their lives.
A statement released by the management of Sarkodie indicated reasons why Sarkodie declined to perform at the Night with the Stars.
Portion of the statement read: “A group of armed individuals broke into the changing room of Sarkodie and R2bees threatening to get violent if we did not reveal the whereabouts of Kwaw Kesse. We noticed a movement of several armed groups into the main auditorium and backstage for reasons we are yet to know.
That became a huge concern for me and members of my team, fearing what could happen when Sarkodie mounts the stage. Fearing the escalation of the situation as there wasn’t enough security personnel to bring the situation under control, we indicated to members of the Joy FM team our concern.”
VIP’s management also in an official statement implored their fans to keep calm and restrain themselves from any violent acts.
VIP also distanced themselves from the perpetrators of the violence at the Dome.
The statement stressed that “The management of Ghana’s award winning group, Vision in Progress, popularly known as VIP is calling on its fans across the country and beyond who are outraged by some unfortunate developments that occurred at the Night with the Stars show organized over the weekend by Joy FM to calm down and exercise maximum restraint no matter the level of provocation they may encounter.”
It further emphasized that “VIP has received reports of an alleged attack on some persons. Though without any evidence whatsoever, some persons have accused fans of VIP of being responsible for the attacks. If indeed it was true that VIP fans were behind the attacks, VIP categorically condemns such incidents and is calling on its fans not to engage in such behaviour. VIP does not subscribe to using violence in any form for any reason. The group believes in dialogue as the best means of addressing challenges.”
“We would not do anything to compromise the respect the brand has earned over the years.”
The management of Kwaw Kesse also released a statement to the effect of last weekend’s clashes and therefore called for peace.
The management explained the purport of Kwaw Kesse’s performance at the Night with the Stars.
“In the spirit of creative ‘competition’ of the show which was dubbed ‘Accra vs. Tema’ and which pitted Kwaw Kese against VIP, Kwaw brought on stage a banner with VIP written on it. Kwaw stood on this banner to depict that in Ghana’s entertainment industry, he was a true VIP too.
“For some unfortunate reason, VIP took this creative expression out of context and resorted to violence, with members of their entourage violently demanding that Kwaw go on stage to apologize for his act. In order not to interrupt the event and also to ensure that sanity prevailed, Kwaw and his entourage left the premises of the Accra International Conference Centre Dome.”
The statement further entreated VIP to condemn the actions by their fans and also resort to a peaceful arbitration.
“We at MAD TIME are calling on VIP to condemn these acts perpetrated by thugs affiliated to them. We are calling on VIP to affirm their belief in creative competition without the need to resort to barbaric violence.
“…Violence begets violence and retaliation and in the run-up to our national elections, we urge musicians and every other sector of society to denounce and eschew violence and rather seek peaceful dialogue to resolve any differences they might have.
“We urge Ghanaians who were not in the shoes of Sarkodie and R2Bees not to insult or denigrate them for their refusal to perform in midst of intimidation. We also urge event organizers to ensure adequate security at all events to ensure that no unruly thug can threaten the life of a musician just for his or her creative expression.
We must learn to appreciate showbiz and entertainment as an area that has no space for violence in this day and age.”
Event organizers are therefore urged to beef up security whenever they organize entertainment events to ward off any unforeseen situations. It is also hoped that the unexpected confusion between the two cherished music superstars is resolved with no traces in the future.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Vigilance is the motto for December 7; Danquah Institute declares
Next week Ghanaians will go to the polls to choose who they want to lead them for the next four years.
The patriotic call to all communities across the country is simply this: Take it upon yourself, peacefully and legitimately, to protect your ballot, to protect your mandate, to protect your democracy, and to protect your nation.
We of the Danquah Institute would be remiss if we claimed not to share the same concern about the politics in Ghana becoming as divisive as they have been over the last several months.
However, the Danquah Institute stands together with those tirelessly working to maintain peace and ensure that Ghana remains a free and fair democracy. No matter the outcome, calm must prevail and we must return to living our lives in peace with each other. NDC, under Jerry John Rawlings, with the late John Evans Atta-Mills as its Presidential Candidate, did well to the admiration of all to accept defeat and hand over peacefully in 2000.
The NPP also has an admirable history of not just committing to peace with words, but also with actions, even when their opponent win with a razor thin margin as occurred in December 2008. So, in Akufo-Addo and the NPP, Ghanaians have a track record from which to draw considerable comfort.
Can we say the same would happen if John Mahama or the NDC were to lose next week?
Their record speaks for itself and all Ghanaians must not tolerate any kind of impropriety, unfairness, or cheating in this election. We are a democracy and the people must be allowed to speak without threat of violence or danger.
Should any of these issues arise on Election Day, whoever is in power must prosecute the offenders with equal application of the law, no matter what party they support. Violence and unequal application of the law cannot be tolerated in a free society. Ghana has built a reputation as an example for peace on the African continent, thanks in large part to the hard work the NPP has done.
This not only enhancing the quality of life for Ghanaians but it enhances our security and our economy. Even the mere suspicion of impropriety in our election next week would undo all of this progress we have made as a nation.
Nana Akufo-Addo addressed all of these things in his address at Institute of Democratic Governance event in Kumasi this week. Criticism immediately followed, suggesting that Nana’s mention of the President’s record in the by-elections was out-of-place at what was intended to be a national peace rally and coming together in a positive spirit.
But the stakes are too high to remain silent, and Nana did right by his own supporters, and in fact by all Ghanaians by challenging President Mahama to back his rhetoric with real action. We have come very far as a nation and are regarded as a jewel on the African continent for the sustained progress we have made over the past 2 decades.
The election of 2008 proved this, when Nana Akufo-Addo, the Presidential Candidate of the NPP, conceded immediately after losing by the slimmest of margins. For him, and for his party, protecting the peace and the sanctity of our democratic institutions was important than gaining access to power.
Unfortunately, we cannot say the same about the ruling party today, in 2012. President Mahama specifically has not matched his sweet words on the topic of peaceful elections with real and tangible deeds. The ruling NDC faction instead has given Ghanaians plenty of reasons to question their attitude towards the fundamental building block of our nation: peace.
There have been several incidents wherein the NDC government, during elections in three constituencies since they have been in power, refused to investigate, condemn, acknowledge, or even express sympathy for acts of violence by NDC activists upon NPP supporters.
These incidents, needless to repeat the details of, were witnessed by police and caught on video, but yet even today there is no substantial action from the NDC government, let alone the President himself. Simply put, the rule of law has not been allowed to work in these instances.
While we may naturally have a difference of opinion on issues as members of rival political parties, we are still all Ghanaians and we should treat each other with dignity and respect, without regard to political affiliation. Partisanship and justice are not ideals that belong together, but the NDC seems to believe they do.
While servicing as Vice President, John Mahama was Chairman of the National Police Council, where he did nothing to condemn or even show disapproval of these incidents. It is blatantly unacceptable for an elected official holding high office to tacitly endorse violence in the name of political ambition.
This trend of inaction continues to this day as he sits in the office of President and has continued this culture of validating political violence. As the saying goes: silence is approval.
The reality is this. Unlike Nana Akufo-Addo, John Mahama has no track record of adopting the gentlemanly course of gracefully accepting defeat after losing an election, simply because he has never tasted defeat at the highest level of political competition where the stakes are most high. Given his recent implied complicity with the aggression upon his fellow Ghanaians, how can we trust that John Mahama’s rhetoric calling for peace will match his action when the votes are tallied and he comes up short?
The record so far shows that he and his government are unable to carry out their duties as elected officials in a professional and nonpartisan manner. We cannot afford a ruling party whose key leaders stick their heads in the sand or look the other way while others are brutalized by violent supporters of his own party. In a democracy - a constitutional republic like Ghana, voters go to the polls to choose leaders who will make decisions that impact their lives.
But if those leaders have not demonstrated that they will compete fairly, and have not sufficiently demonstrated a commitment to peaceful, free and fair elections, then the rest of the discussion on the issues is moot.
What good will it do to discuss which candidate is more passionate about free SHS, which candidate will restore an NHIS on the verge of collapse, or which candidate will transform Ghana’s economy into a modern, industrialised one if the election will be marred by violence on the part of those so desperate to cling to power that they will even provoke violence to achieve their selfish goals?
I applaud Nana Akufo-Addo for holding John Mahama’s feet to the fire. Leadership is about accountability. So let us go and vote, and may the best man win. But let all Ghanaians be mindful: vigilance is the price of freedom, and vigilance is the NPP motto for December 7.
Let vigilance be the motto for all well-meaning Ghanaians on December 7. If that happens, we are guaranteed a peaceful, free and fair election because the sum total of well-meaning Ghanaians far outnumber that of the rest.
From: Danquah Institute
The patriotic call to all communities across the country is simply this: Take it upon yourself, peacefully and legitimately, to protect your ballot, to protect your mandate, to protect your democracy, and to protect your nation.
We of the Danquah Institute would be remiss if we claimed not to share the same concern about the politics in Ghana becoming as divisive as they have been over the last several months.
However, the Danquah Institute stands together with those tirelessly working to maintain peace and ensure that Ghana remains a free and fair democracy. No matter the outcome, calm must prevail and we must return to living our lives in peace with each other. NDC, under Jerry John Rawlings, with the late John Evans Atta-Mills as its Presidential Candidate, did well to the admiration of all to accept defeat and hand over peacefully in 2000.
The NPP also has an admirable history of not just committing to peace with words, but also with actions, even when their opponent win with a razor thin margin as occurred in December 2008. So, in Akufo-Addo and the NPP, Ghanaians have a track record from which to draw considerable comfort.
Can we say the same would happen if John Mahama or the NDC were to lose next week?
Their record speaks for itself and all Ghanaians must not tolerate any kind of impropriety, unfairness, or cheating in this election. We are a democracy and the people must be allowed to speak without threat of violence or danger.
Should any of these issues arise on Election Day, whoever is in power must prosecute the offenders with equal application of the law, no matter what party they support. Violence and unequal application of the law cannot be tolerated in a free society. Ghana has built a reputation as an example for peace on the African continent, thanks in large part to the hard work the NPP has done.
This not only enhancing the quality of life for Ghanaians but it enhances our security and our economy. Even the mere suspicion of impropriety in our election next week would undo all of this progress we have made as a nation.
Nana Akufo-Addo addressed all of these things in his address at Institute of Democratic Governance event in Kumasi this week. Criticism immediately followed, suggesting that Nana’s mention of the President’s record in the by-elections was out-of-place at what was intended to be a national peace rally and coming together in a positive spirit.
But the stakes are too high to remain silent, and Nana did right by his own supporters, and in fact by all Ghanaians by challenging President Mahama to back his rhetoric with real action. We have come very far as a nation and are regarded as a jewel on the African continent for the sustained progress we have made over the past 2 decades.
The election of 2008 proved this, when Nana Akufo-Addo, the Presidential Candidate of the NPP, conceded immediately after losing by the slimmest of margins. For him, and for his party, protecting the peace and the sanctity of our democratic institutions was important than gaining access to power.
Unfortunately, we cannot say the same about the ruling party today, in 2012. President Mahama specifically has not matched his sweet words on the topic of peaceful elections with real and tangible deeds. The ruling NDC faction instead has given Ghanaians plenty of reasons to question their attitude towards the fundamental building block of our nation: peace.
There have been several incidents wherein the NDC government, during elections in three constituencies since they have been in power, refused to investigate, condemn, acknowledge, or even express sympathy for acts of violence by NDC activists upon NPP supporters.
These incidents, needless to repeat the details of, were witnessed by police and caught on video, but yet even today there is no substantial action from the NDC government, let alone the President himself. Simply put, the rule of law has not been allowed to work in these instances.
While we may naturally have a difference of opinion on issues as members of rival political parties, we are still all Ghanaians and we should treat each other with dignity and respect, without regard to political affiliation. Partisanship and justice are not ideals that belong together, but the NDC seems to believe they do.
While servicing as Vice President, John Mahama was Chairman of the National Police Council, where he did nothing to condemn or even show disapproval of these incidents. It is blatantly unacceptable for an elected official holding high office to tacitly endorse violence in the name of political ambition.
This trend of inaction continues to this day as he sits in the office of President and has continued this culture of validating political violence. As the saying goes: silence is approval.
The reality is this. Unlike Nana Akufo-Addo, John Mahama has no track record of adopting the gentlemanly course of gracefully accepting defeat after losing an election, simply because he has never tasted defeat at the highest level of political competition where the stakes are most high. Given his recent implied complicity with the aggression upon his fellow Ghanaians, how can we trust that John Mahama’s rhetoric calling for peace will match his action when the votes are tallied and he comes up short?
The record so far shows that he and his government are unable to carry out their duties as elected officials in a professional and nonpartisan manner. We cannot afford a ruling party whose key leaders stick their heads in the sand or look the other way while others are brutalized by violent supporters of his own party. In a democracy - a constitutional republic like Ghana, voters go to the polls to choose leaders who will make decisions that impact their lives.
But if those leaders have not demonstrated that they will compete fairly, and have not sufficiently demonstrated a commitment to peaceful, free and fair elections, then the rest of the discussion on the issues is moot.
What good will it do to discuss which candidate is more passionate about free SHS, which candidate will restore an NHIS on the verge of collapse, or which candidate will transform Ghana’s economy into a modern, industrialised one if the election will be marred by violence on the part of those so desperate to cling to power that they will even provoke violence to achieve their selfish goals?
I applaud Nana Akufo-Addo for holding John Mahama’s feet to the fire. Leadership is about accountability. So let us go and vote, and may the best man win. But let all Ghanaians be mindful: vigilance is the price of freedom, and vigilance is the NPP motto for December 7.
Let vigilance be the motto for all well-meaning Ghanaians on December 7. If that happens, we are guaranteed a peaceful, free and fair election because the sum total of well-meaning Ghanaians far outnumber that of the rest.
From: Danquah Institute
Ashanti Regional Police opens search for suspects in Ashtown clashes
Ashanti Regional Police Service has opened intensified investigations into a shooting incident at Ashtown in the Ashanti Region.
Some clashes broke out at Ashtown, suburb of Kumasi, Thursday evening, after a resident reportedly confronted a Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who was embarking on a door-to-door campaign tour in the vicinity.
According to an eyewitness, the incensed resident opened fire at the campaign team of the Manhyia MP who also retaliated, therefore resulting in a bloody violence. Several people received some degrees of injury and one person was reportedly shot by unknown assailants.
ASP Mohammed Yussif Tanko, Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, recounted that the police were informed about the incident and therefore dispatched police patrols to the scene.
“We don’t have any information on what triggered the clash. Yesterday, at about 7 PM there was a programme ongoing around Ashtown when it was alleged that some NPP supporters shot a guy in the leg and also used a machete to hack him.
He was later on rushed to the Komfo Anokye teaching hospital where he is receiving treatment. There was a lady too who was hit by a stray bullet on the cheek and she is also at the Manhyia Hospital receiving treatment. A lady also came to our offices and complained that she was with the person who was shot and hacked, that was her brother, and she also received some injuries and she has also been referred to the hospital for treatment.”
“As soon as we heard that there were some disturbance going on around Ashtown, men were quickly mobilized and sent to the place to ensure that they took control of the situation and ensure calmness… we made sure that our men patrolled the area and other places where we thought troublemakers could be,” he stated.
ASP Mohammed Tanko added that calm was maintained in the area after the police dispersed the crowd.
“We were able to disperse some people who were using motorbikes around Manhyia Palace to fear in people and this morning (Friday) we have not heard anything.”
“We are continuing with the patrols and we are also trying very hard to get witnesses who saw what happened at Ashtown and then we will get along with the investigations.” he said.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Some clashes broke out at Ashtown, suburb of Kumasi, Thursday evening, after a resident reportedly confronted a Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who was embarking on a door-to-door campaign tour in the vicinity.
According to an eyewitness, the incensed resident opened fire at the campaign team of the Manhyia MP who also retaliated, therefore resulting in a bloody violence. Several people received some degrees of injury and one person was reportedly shot by unknown assailants.
ASP Mohammed Yussif Tanko, Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, recounted that the police were informed about the incident and therefore dispatched police patrols to the scene.
“We don’t have any information on what triggered the clash. Yesterday, at about 7 PM there was a programme ongoing around Ashtown when it was alleged that some NPP supporters shot a guy in the leg and also used a machete to hack him.
He was later on rushed to the Komfo Anokye teaching hospital where he is receiving treatment. There was a lady too who was hit by a stray bullet on the cheek and she is also at the Manhyia Hospital receiving treatment. A lady also came to our offices and complained that she was with the person who was shot and hacked, that was her brother, and she also received some injuries and she has also been referred to the hospital for treatment.”
“As soon as we heard that there were some disturbance going on around Ashtown, men were quickly mobilized and sent to the place to ensure that they took control of the situation and ensure calmness… we made sure that our men patrolled the area and other places where we thought troublemakers could be,” he stated.
ASP Mohammed Tanko added that calm was maintained in the area after the police dispersed the crowd.
“We were able to disperse some people who were using motorbikes around Manhyia Palace to fear in people and this morning (Friday) we have not heard anything.”
“We are continuing with the patrols and we are also trying very hard to get witnesses who saw what happened at Ashtown and then we will get along with the investigations.” he said.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
GIPC Board Chairman should resign – Lawyer Joe Aboagye Debrah
A corporate and investment lawyer, Joe Aboagye Debrah says Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr. Ishmael Yamson, should resign following a scandal that has hit his office as the Board Chairman.
Mr. Ishmael Yamson has been criticized for receiving a cheque of GHC 20000 for his 70th birthday from the management of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.
The sum is said to have been disbursed in support of Mr. Yamson’s celebration of his 70th Birthday but this has been darkened by critics who believe the gesture amounts to a financial misappropriation.
Mr. Ishmael Yamson reacting to a publication by Daily Guide which specified that an amount of 20000 cedis had been issued out to him for his 70th birthday, explained that though the said amount was indeed donated to him, he ordered for it to be returned to GIPC.
But the immediate past GIPC Chief Executive, George Aboagye has debunked the claims by the Board Chairman. According to him, only GHC 11000 out of the actual amount was refunded by the Board Chairman.
Speaking in an interview with Joy FM, Joe Aboagye Debrah advised the GIPC Board Chairman to heed calls that he should resign for his involvement in such financial misappropriation.
He alluded to the resignation of the GIPC Chief Executive, George Aboagye, who resigned on grounds that his office had been compromised.
The former GIPC Chief Executive bemoaned an attempt to fund a pro-NDC group called “Volunteers for Mahama” to support them in their campaign for the ruling National Democratic Congress.
An amount of money worth GHC 4000 was reportedly given to the group to aid them in their campaign for the President and 2012 Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama.
Though the group denied the allegations, Mr. Aboagye tendered in his resignation as a matter of principle after admitting that an attempt had been made to paid out 4000 cedis to the group.
Lawyer Joe Aboagye Debrah commended Mr. Aboagye for taking a step to resign, therefore setting precedent for other top officials in the country.
“On principle, if the CEO had to go on this matter, I think that the Board Chairman also on principle has to go…especially when there are conflicting statements coming from the two top officials involved in this”, he stressed.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Mr. Ishmael Yamson has been criticized for receiving a cheque of GHC 20000 for his 70th birthday from the management of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.
The sum is said to have been disbursed in support of Mr. Yamson’s celebration of his 70th Birthday but this has been darkened by critics who believe the gesture amounts to a financial misappropriation.
Mr. Ishmael Yamson reacting to a publication by Daily Guide which specified that an amount of 20000 cedis had been issued out to him for his 70th birthday, explained that though the said amount was indeed donated to him, he ordered for it to be returned to GIPC.
But the immediate past GIPC Chief Executive, George Aboagye has debunked the claims by the Board Chairman. According to him, only GHC 11000 out of the actual amount was refunded by the Board Chairman.
Speaking in an interview with Joy FM, Joe Aboagye Debrah advised the GIPC Board Chairman to heed calls that he should resign for his involvement in such financial misappropriation.
He alluded to the resignation of the GIPC Chief Executive, George Aboagye, who resigned on grounds that his office had been compromised.
The former GIPC Chief Executive bemoaned an attempt to fund a pro-NDC group called “Volunteers for Mahama” to support them in their campaign for the ruling National Democratic Congress.
An amount of money worth GHC 4000 was reportedly given to the group to aid them in their campaign for the President and 2012 Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama.
Though the group denied the allegations, Mr. Aboagye tendered in his resignation as a matter of principle after admitting that an attempt had been made to paid out 4000 cedis to the group.
Lawyer Joe Aboagye Debrah commended Mr. Aboagye for taking a step to resign, therefore setting precedent for other top officials in the country.
“On principle, if the CEO had to go on this matter, I think that the Board Chairman also on principle has to go…especially when there are conflicting statements coming from the two top officials involved in this”, he stressed.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Jailed Bawku MP granted Presidential pardon
Imprisoned Member of Parliament of the New Patriotic Party for Bawku, Adamu Dramani Sakande, has been granted a Presidential pardon.
The MP was apprehended and sentenced to two years imprisonment.
He was found guilty on two counts of perjury, deceiving a public officer and a false declaration of office.
He became an MP for Bawku Central after denouncing his UK citizenship but later arrested for deceit and convicted in July, 2012.
Mr. Adamu Sakande is reported to have taken ill and admitted at the Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
The MP was apprehended and sentenced to two years imprisonment.
He was found guilty on two counts of perjury, deceiving a public officer and a false declaration of office.
He became an MP for Bawku Central after denouncing his UK citizenship but later arrested for deceit and convicted in July, 2012.
Mr. Adamu Sakande is reported to have taken ill and admitted at the Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Thursday, November 29, 2012
President John Mahama urges Ghanaians to be peaceful
President John Dramani Mahama has urged all Ghanaians to ensure peace in the general elections next week Friday.
President Mahama made this remark during his campaign tour at the University of Cape Coast in the Central Region where he promised to continue the Better Ghana Agenda started by the late President John Evans Atta Mills.
Today marks the birthday of President John Mahama and he turns 54 years. In an address to the students in the University of Cape Coast, the President dedicated his birthday to Ghanaians and advised that the elections come December must be viod of violence.
“Exactly today I was born in the small town of Damongo and I thank God for how far he has brought me. I believe that he has guided my steps this far and I believe that he will guide my steps going forward.”
“I want to dedicate this birthday to all the people of Ghana and to the elections that we are about to have, it is my prayer that and hope that this elections will go peacefully and successfully and that Ghana would come out once again very proud.”
He expressed his gratitude to all Ghanaians for their support and prayers over his life.
In a related development, President John Mahama has downplayed the free S.H.S policy propounded by the New Patriotic Party’s Presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo.
According to President Mahama, an implementation of the policy now will have a negative toll on the nation’s education system.
In his speech, President Mahama made reference to certain countries such as Botswana and Kenya where their secondary education system nearly collapsed as a result of free education.
He explained that but for the introduction of a fee paying system which was integrated in the education system of these countries, their educational pillars would have been ruined.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
President Mahama made this remark during his campaign tour at the University of Cape Coast in the Central Region where he promised to continue the Better Ghana Agenda started by the late President John Evans Atta Mills.
Today marks the birthday of President John Mahama and he turns 54 years. In an address to the students in the University of Cape Coast, the President dedicated his birthday to Ghanaians and advised that the elections come December must be viod of violence.
“Exactly today I was born in the small town of Damongo and I thank God for how far he has brought me. I believe that he has guided my steps this far and I believe that he will guide my steps going forward.”
“I want to dedicate this birthday to all the people of Ghana and to the elections that we are about to have, it is my prayer that and hope that this elections will go peacefully and successfully and that Ghana would come out once again very proud.”
He expressed his gratitude to all Ghanaians for their support and prayers over his life.
In a related development, President John Mahama has downplayed the free S.H.S policy propounded by the New Patriotic Party’s Presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo.
According to President Mahama, an implementation of the policy now will have a negative toll on the nation’s education system.
In his speech, President Mahama made reference to certain countries such as Botswana and Kenya where their secondary education system nearly collapsed as a result of free education.
He explained that but for the introduction of a fee paying system which was integrated in the education system of these countries, their educational pillars would have been ruined.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Former MCEs and DCEs go gaga
Some former Municipal and District Chief Executives of the previous Kufour regime have expressed disgust over actions by the governing National Democratic Congress.
The former MCEs and DCEs are angry with the government for claiming ownership of projects executed by the New Patriotic Party under former President Kufour’s administration.
According to them, the NDC is taking credit for projects commissioned during the NPP era.
They explained that several projects, in Ashanti Region, incorporated in the documentaries and brochures of the NDC were executed before the exit of the New Patriotic Party in 2008.
The incensed former MCEs and DCEs are therefore calling on the government to withdraw such documentaries.
Erstwhile DCE for Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region, Asamoah Boateng, describes the actions by the ruling NDC as an affront to the residents.
The aggrieved former MCEs and DCEs are also calling for an apology from the governing party.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
The former MCEs and DCEs are angry with the government for claiming ownership of projects executed by the New Patriotic Party under former President Kufour’s administration.
According to them, the NDC is taking credit for projects commissioned during the NPP era.
They explained that several projects, in Ashanti Region, incorporated in the documentaries and brochures of the NDC were executed before the exit of the New Patriotic Party in 2008.
The incensed former MCEs and DCEs are therefore calling on the government to withdraw such documentaries.
Erstwhile DCE for Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region, Asamoah Boateng, describes the actions by the ruling NDC as an affront to the residents.
The aggrieved former MCEs and DCEs are also calling for an apology from the governing party.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Ghana opponents DR Congo name provisional squad for 2013 Africa Cup of Nations
Ghana’s group opponents DR Congo are the first country to name their provisional 25-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Coach Claude Leroy’s squad includes striker Tresor Mputu, who is one of six TP Mazembe players to make the provisional list.
There are few foreign-based players in the provisional list with the rest of the Europe-based players expected to be named in the team early next month.
The Leopards will begin camping in the South African city of Port Elizabeth from 10th -20th December before the squad is whittled down. DR Congo are drawn in Group B alongside Ghana, Mali and Niger will begin feverish preparations for the tournament being hosted in South Africa by pitching camp in Port Elizabeth.
The team will then shift their camping base to Oman in January where the foreign players will join in before the final squad is named days before the competition kicks off on January 19.
The Congolese hope to make a strong impact on their return to the Nations Cup after missing the three previous editions in Ghana, Angola and Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
They however face a stern test in Group B in particular against Ghana and Mali while Niger also provides a subtle threat.
The Leopards will open their campaign against the Black Stars at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on January 20.
DR Congo’s provisional squad: Robert Muteba Kidiaba (TP Mazembe), Bakala Landu (FC MK), Dibuluna Guelord (DCMP), Issama Mpeko (AS V. Club), Kasusula Kiritsho (TP Mazembe), Ebunga Simbi (VClub), Bangala Litombo Yannick (DCMP), Ilunga Mabila (CS Don Bosco), Lema Mabidi (AS V. Club), Kazadi Mutombo (AS V. Club), Kasereka Thierry (AS V. Club).
Treasury Mputu Mabi (TP Mazembe), A Deo Kanda Mukok (TP Mazembe), Ndonga Hervé (TP Mazembe), Manzia Budget (Shark XI), Mulenda wa Kalenga (Lubumbashi Sport), Mayele Vivien (AC Rangers), Mukenga Mukendi (DCMP).
Botayi Bamoto Pierre (AS V. Club), Kisombe Mankutima (DCMP), Lusiela control (AC Foyo), Kabangu Mulota (TP Mazembe), Mbala Mbuta Rusk (FC Winterthur / Switzerland), Luvumbu Nzinga (Rojulu) and Makondele Rene (BK Hachen / Sweden).
Source: Ghanasoccernet.com
There are few foreign-based players in the provisional list with the rest of the Europe-based players expected to be named in the team early next month.
The Leopards will begin camping in the South African city of Port Elizabeth from 10th -20th December before the squad is whittled down. DR Congo are drawn in Group B alongside Ghana, Mali and Niger will begin feverish preparations for the tournament being hosted in South Africa by pitching camp in Port Elizabeth.
The team will then shift their camping base to Oman in January where the foreign players will join in before the final squad is named days before the competition kicks off on January 19.
The Congolese hope to make a strong impact on their return to the Nations Cup after missing the three previous editions in Ghana, Angola and Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
They however face a stern test in Group B in particular against Ghana and Mali while Niger also provides a subtle threat.
The Leopards will open their campaign against the Black Stars at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on January 20.
DR Congo’s provisional squad: Robert Muteba Kidiaba (TP Mazembe), Bakala Landu (FC MK), Dibuluna Guelord (DCMP), Issama Mpeko (AS V. Club), Kasusula Kiritsho (TP Mazembe), Ebunga Simbi (VClub), Bangala Litombo Yannick (DCMP), Ilunga Mabila (CS Don Bosco), Lema Mabidi (AS V. Club), Kazadi Mutombo (AS V. Club), Kasereka Thierry (AS V. Club).
Treasury Mputu Mabi (TP Mazembe), A Deo Kanda Mukok (TP Mazembe), Ndonga Hervé (TP Mazembe), Manzia Budget (Shark XI), Mulenda wa Kalenga (Lubumbashi Sport), Mayele Vivien (AC Rangers), Mukenga Mukendi (DCMP).
Botayi Bamoto Pierre (AS V. Club), Kisombe Mankutima (DCMP), Lusiela control (AC Foyo), Kabangu Mulota (TP Mazembe), Mbala Mbuta Rusk (FC Winterthur / Switzerland), Luvumbu Nzinga (Rojulu) and Makondele Rene (BK Hachen / Sweden).
Source: Ghanasoccernet.com
Two people narrowly escape death in a fire outbreak
Two persons escaped death when the Konkomba market in Agbogbloshie, Accra, was gutted by fire on Wednesday.
Narrating the circumstances that caused the fire outbreak, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Fire Service, Prince Billy Anaglatey said “According to the people we interviewed, we were only told that [it was] because of the black out. They are suspecting that a woman might have left the candle in the room with her child before leaving. But the child was able to escape from the room... because of the wooden structures that’s why the fire spread so rapidly to other adjourning structures.”
“There are about 30 structures that they were using as dwelling places and that is where the fire has destroyed. There was smoke coming from one of the rooms in there. Looking at the structures there, you realize they were all wooden structures.”
The recent fire outbreak brings to four the number of markets razed as a result of fire in the past two months.
Many properties including lives have been lost in similar incidents at the Lapaz, Madina and Mallam markets in recent occurrences.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Narrating the circumstances that caused the fire outbreak, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Fire Service, Prince Billy Anaglatey said “According to the people we interviewed, we were only told that [it was] because of the black out. They are suspecting that a woman might have left the candle in the room with her child before leaving. But the child was able to escape from the room... because of the wooden structures that’s why the fire spread so rapidly to other adjourning structures.”
“There are about 30 structures that they were using as dwelling places and that is where the fire has destroyed. There was smoke coming from one of the rooms in there. Looking at the structures there, you realize they were all wooden structures.”
The recent fire outbreak brings to four the number of markets razed as a result of fire in the past two months.
Many properties including lives have been lost in similar incidents at the Lapaz, Madina and Mallam markets in recent occurrences.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Ishmael Yamson never returned any money; he spent 9000 - former GIPC Boss
The immediate past Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), George Aboagye, has debunked claims that a cheque of GHC 20000 donated to the Board Chairman, Mr. Ishmael Yamson, was returned to the Council.
According to him, only GHC 11000 out of the actual amount was refunded by the Board Chairman.
This is contrary to claims by the Board Chairman that when a cheque worth GHC 20000 was approved by management of the Council in support of his 70th birthday, he instructed that the cheque is given back.
Mr. Ishmael Yamson reacting to a publication by Daily Guide which specified that an amount of 20000 cedis had been issued out to him for the celebration of his 70th birthday, explained that though the said amount was indeed donated to him, he ordered for it to be returned to GIPC.
“It is true that the GIPC donated a cheque for GH¢20,000 but the cheque was returned on my instruction back to the GIPC so the GIPC did not give me a cheque which I accepted…” he asserted.
But Mr. George Aboagye speaking to a media organization in Accra, disclosed that 9000 out of the 20000 cedis was expended on drinks for the Board Chairman’s birthday, so, there was no way the Board Chairman could have returned the money in full.
He explained that “almost GHc11,000 was excess and he [Yamson] returned the money and we gave him a receipt. So the actual money that was spent out of the budget was less than 50 percent of the amount. Almost GHc11,000 was returned."
He however stressed that the money was not received in person by Mr. Yamson but rather disbursed to the organizers of his 70th birthday.
Mr. George Aboagye on Wednesday announced his resignation from GIPC following his involvement in an alleged fraudulent action of which some money was paid out to a pro-NDC group dubbed “Volunteers for Mahama”.
The group was said to have made request for an amount of GHC 4000 to aid them in their campaign for President Mahama.
Though the group denied the allegations, Mr. Aboagye tendered in his resignation as a matter of principle as stated in a release by GIPC Governing Board, dated November 27,2012.
Explaining his reasons for the resignation, Mr. Aboagye said he “resigned perhaps even before I went to the meeting of the board because I felt that the issue at hand is just an aspect but there is a larger picture to the whole incident. I resigned because I felt that this is a place where confidence is very important especially among the investor community and if documents could be copied and put to the public domain under my watch … then I think it is not fitting that I stay...”.
Also, touching on the alleged disbursement of money to the “Volunteers for Mahama”, he said his understanding was that the group had made the demand for the purpose of promoting peace.
“Those people came to us and they came with a letter and upon discussion with them I [thought] that they were going to do a peace walk and that was what I understood…so if at a point you realize that it wasn’t going to be that, it was going to be coloured a bit, maybe a little bit more political, then you have the option not to present the cheque to them…” he pointed out.
He insisted the cheque for the requested GHC 4000 was withheld by the Council after knowing the group’s intent was far from engaging in a peace walk.
‘…the cheque never went to a bank, the cheque is with us.”
“…at that instance we were seeing that there was a bit of political slant so there was no need to support them. We had discussed, myself and one of my directors, and said we will not support them.”
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
According to him, only GHC 11000 out of the actual amount was refunded by the Board Chairman.
This is contrary to claims by the Board Chairman that when a cheque worth GHC 20000 was approved by management of the Council in support of his 70th birthday, he instructed that the cheque is given back.
Mr. Ishmael Yamson reacting to a publication by Daily Guide which specified that an amount of 20000 cedis had been issued out to him for the celebration of his 70th birthday, explained that though the said amount was indeed donated to him, he ordered for it to be returned to GIPC.
“It is true that the GIPC donated a cheque for GH¢20,000 but the cheque was returned on my instruction back to the GIPC so the GIPC did not give me a cheque which I accepted…” he asserted.
But Mr. George Aboagye speaking to a media organization in Accra, disclosed that 9000 out of the 20000 cedis was expended on drinks for the Board Chairman’s birthday, so, there was no way the Board Chairman could have returned the money in full.
He explained that “almost GHc11,000 was excess and he [Yamson] returned the money and we gave him a receipt. So the actual money that was spent out of the budget was less than 50 percent of the amount. Almost GHc11,000 was returned."
He however stressed that the money was not received in person by Mr. Yamson but rather disbursed to the organizers of his 70th birthday.
Mr. George Aboagye on Wednesday announced his resignation from GIPC following his involvement in an alleged fraudulent action of which some money was paid out to a pro-NDC group dubbed “Volunteers for Mahama”.
The group was said to have made request for an amount of GHC 4000 to aid them in their campaign for President Mahama.
Though the group denied the allegations, Mr. Aboagye tendered in his resignation as a matter of principle as stated in a release by GIPC Governing Board, dated November 27,2012.
Explaining his reasons for the resignation, Mr. Aboagye said he “resigned perhaps even before I went to the meeting of the board because I felt that the issue at hand is just an aspect but there is a larger picture to the whole incident. I resigned because I felt that this is a place where confidence is very important especially among the investor community and if documents could be copied and put to the public domain under my watch … then I think it is not fitting that I stay...”.
Also, touching on the alleged disbursement of money to the “Volunteers for Mahama”, he said his understanding was that the group had made the demand for the purpose of promoting peace.
“Those people came to us and they came with a letter and upon discussion with them I [thought] that they were going to do a peace walk and that was what I understood…so if at a point you realize that it wasn’t going to be that, it was going to be coloured a bit, maybe a little bit more political, then you have the option not to present the cheque to them…” he pointed out.
He insisted the cheque for the requested GHC 4000 was withheld by the Council after knowing the group’s intent was far from engaging in a peace walk.
‘…the cheque never went to a bank, the cheque is with us.”
“…at that instance we were seeing that there was a bit of political slant so there was no need to support them. We had discussed, myself and one of my directors, and said we will not support them.”
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
NDC has failed; vote them out - Former President Kufour
Ex-President, John Agyekum Kufuor, has urged electorates in the Northern Region to vote out the governing National Democratic Congress(NDC) in next week Friday’s elections.
Describing the NDC functionaries as people who “know how to talk but don’t know how to work”, former President kufour implored the Northerners not to vote for a failed government as the National Democratic Congress.
He was addressing a rally at the Jubilee field in Tamale. President Kufour stated that the NDC’s four –year term has been worse though the party inherited a rich land and country after the New Patriotic Party ceded power to them in 2008.
“NDC is boasting about extending electricity everywhere. Ask them where they got the money from to do the extension. They are also boasting of the extension and renovation of the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Ask them where they got the money from! ”.
“They boast of agriculture revolution but the only revolution is the Millennium Challenge Account, which NPP brought.” “Our brothers keep saying the nation is poor and I am saying that Ghana today is two times richer than Ghana of 2008 when we [NPP] left power.” he disclosed.
He continued that though the constitution makes provision for every government to rule for four years, the NDC has failed Ghanaians and does not deserve to be given a second term.
“Ghana’s constitution says if a President comes in for four years and does good work; the people may give him another four years. The constitution does not say where the President has failed; the people should give them four more years. NDC has failed and they must go for the NPP to come."
President Kufour entreated the electorates to entrust their votes to the New Patriotic Party and ensure the NPP wins the elections on December 7.
To him, the NPP will not turn its back on Northern Region because “we trace our history to the Northern People’s Party who invited Dr Busia to join them”.
He accused the ruling NDC of short-circuiting the progressive projects and foundations that the NPP laid down under his leadership.
President Kufour further stated that the incumbent government does not “recognize the achievements of their predecessors”, therefore adding the eight-year term of the NPP under his administration served Ghanaians and the country better than the era of the PNDC/NDC.
“We challenge NDC to put NPP’s eight years on one side and bring PNDC/NDC’s 23 years on a scale and you will see that NPP’s eight years served the people of Ghana far better than their 23 years”.
“NDC must go into opposition because they have a lot to learn. Learn to respect the people of Ghana, tell the truth and have a vision. They have been there for too long without having any of these,” he emphasized.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Describing the NDC functionaries as people who “know how to talk but don’t know how to work”, former President kufour implored the Northerners not to vote for a failed government as the National Democratic Congress.
He was addressing a rally at the Jubilee field in Tamale. President Kufour stated that the NDC’s four –year term has been worse though the party inherited a rich land and country after the New Patriotic Party ceded power to them in 2008.
“NDC is boasting about extending electricity everywhere. Ask them where they got the money from to do the extension. They are also boasting of the extension and renovation of the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Ask them where they got the money from! ”.
“They boast of agriculture revolution but the only revolution is the Millennium Challenge Account, which NPP brought.” “Our brothers keep saying the nation is poor and I am saying that Ghana today is two times richer than Ghana of 2008 when we [NPP] left power.” he disclosed.
He continued that though the constitution makes provision for every government to rule for four years, the NDC has failed Ghanaians and does not deserve to be given a second term.
“Ghana’s constitution says if a President comes in for four years and does good work; the people may give him another four years. The constitution does not say where the President has failed; the people should give them four more years. NDC has failed and they must go for the NPP to come."
President Kufour entreated the electorates to entrust their votes to the New Patriotic Party and ensure the NPP wins the elections on December 7.
To him, the NPP will not turn its back on Northern Region because “we trace our history to the Northern People’s Party who invited Dr Busia to join them”.
He accused the ruling NDC of short-circuiting the progressive projects and foundations that the NPP laid down under his leadership.
President Kufour further stated that the incumbent government does not “recognize the achievements of their predecessors”, therefore adding the eight-year term of the NPP under his administration served Ghanaians and the country better than the era of the PNDC/NDC.
“We challenge NDC to put NPP’s eight years on one side and bring PNDC/NDC’s 23 years on a scale and you will see that NPP’s eight years served the people of Ghana far better than their 23 years”.
“NDC must go into opposition because they have a lot to learn. Learn to respect the people of Ghana, tell the truth and have a vision. They have been there for too long without having any of these,” he emphasized.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Sole Commissioner adjourns sitting to 17th December
The Sole Commissioner, Justice Yaw Appau, appointed by President John Dramani Mahama to open investigations into all judgment debts has adjourned sitting to December 17.
The first sitting which came off on Wednesday at the old Parliament house saw in attendance the Auditor General and the Solicitor General at the Attorney General’s office.
Chief Director of the Finance Ministry and the Controller and Accountant General who were supposed to be among the attendees did not turn up on the first day of the sitting.
Before adjournment of today’s sitting, the Auditor General, Richard Quartey failed to tender in the necessary documents requested by Justice Yaw Appau who presided over the meeting.
The Auditor General was asked to submit records since 1992 up to date before the Commission. He ascribed his inability to present all records to some constraints and as a result provided only those from year 2000.
Also, the Solicitor General who was represented by Naana Dontoh requested for more time to put the necessary documents together in order to assist in the investigations.
Sole Commissioner, Justice Yaw Appau, expressed surprise over the turn of events and the inability of the officials to present the required documents.
He bewailed the absence of the Chief Director of the Finance Ministry and the Controller and Accountant General, thereby warning to issue an arrest warrant should any person refuse to honour the invitation of the Commission.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
The first sitting which came off on Wednesday at the old Parliament house saw in attendance the Auditor General and the Solicitor General at the Attorney General’s office.
Chief Director of the Finance Ministry and the Controller and Accountant General who were supposed to be among the attendees did not turn up on the first day of the sitting.
Before adjournment of today’s sitting, the Auditor General, Richard Quartey failed to tender in the necessary documents requested by Justice Yaw Appau who presided over the meeting.
The Auditor General was asked to submit records since 1992 up to date before the Commission. He ascribed his inability to present all records to some constraints and as a result provided only those from year 2000.
Also, the Solicitor General who was represented by Naana Dontoh requested for more time to put the necessary documents together in order to assist in the investigations.
Sole Commissioner, Justice Yaw Appau, expressed surprise over the turn of events and the inability of the officials to present the required documents.
He bewailed the absence of the Chief Director of the Finance Ministry and the Controller and Accountant General, thereby warning to issue an arrest warrant should any person refuse to honour the invitation of the Commission.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Daughters of Glorious Jesus launch Back2Back Concert II
For more than 20 years of dedicated life of inspiring gospel music lovers in Ghana and across the world, the sensational group Daughters of Glorious Jesus, have bounced back with a new concept to draw souls closer to God.
With ten albums and over 100 songs to their credit, the management of Daughters of Glorious Jesus on Tuesday launched “Back2Back 2013” aims at creating a platform for gospel music fans to enjoy thrilling soul-touching performances from the three sisters and many popular gospel artistes.
“The Back2Back concept, which we started from the beginning of this year with our first show on Sunday January 1st, has come to stay. Today we are launching the Back2Back 2013, which will be staged live on January 6, 2013,” Mr. Theophilus Yartey, a management member of the group told the media at the launch.
Beginning their individual music careers in the early 1980s, Mr. Yartey said, they became Daughters of Glorious Jesus in 1989, when one Reverend Akwasi Asare, saw the great talent and potential in them and gave them all the needed support.
Through the exceptional support of the Rev Asare, Daughters of Jesus recorded their first album in Europe in 1990. “Daughters of Glorious Jesus have sung in every major church programme and major churches in Ghana you can think of.
We are proud and happy how God has used them to touch lives not only in Ghana but across the world,” Mr. Yartey said. Launching the Back2Back concert, Mr. Samuel Attah-Mensah, Managing Director of Citi FM, a private local FM station, also traced the beginning of the gospel hit makers and urged them to tell their success story of staying together all these years by publishing a book.
Other gospel popular artistes on the bill for the Back2Back concert are Pastor Joe Beechem, Helen Yawson, the Tagoe Sisters and latest hit maker, Cwesi Oteng. The concert, which will be staged a day before the swearing-in of Ghana’s next President on the January 7th, promises to thrill thousands of fans, including political party leaders and supporters.
The three daughters, Cynthia, Edna and Monica, who have promised to rock the Accra International Conference Centre once again, hinted at the launch that they would come out with another album next year.
Source: GNA
With ten albums and over 100 songs to their credit, the management of Daughters of Glorious Jesus on Tuesday launched “Back2Back 2013” aims at creating a platform for gospel music fans to enjoy thrilling soul-touching performances from the three sisters and many popular gospel artistes.
“The Back2Back concept, which we started from the beginning of this year with our first show on Sunday January 1st, has come to stay. Today we are launching the Back2Back 2013, which will be staged live on January 6, 2013,” Mr. Theophilus Yartey, a management member of the group told the media at the launch.
Beginning their individual music careers in the early 1980s, Mr. Yartey said, they became Daughters of Glorious Jesus in 1989, when one Reverend Akwasi Asare, saw the great talent and potential in them and gave them all the needed support.
Through the exceptional support of the Rev Asare, Daughters of Jesus recorded their first album in Europe in 1990. “Daughters of Glorious Jesus have sung in every major church programme and major churches in Ghana you can think of.
We are proud and happy how God has used them to touch lives not only in Ghana but across the world,” Mr. Yartey said. Launching the Back2Back concert, Mr. Samuel Attah-Mensah, Managing Director of Citi FM, a private local FM station, also traced the beginning of the gospel hit makers and urged them to tell their success story of staying together all these years by publishing a book.
Other gospel popular artistes on the bill for the Back2Back concert are Pastor Joe Beechem, Helen Yawson, the Tagoe Sisters and latest hit maker, Cwesi Oteng. The concert, which will be staged a day before the swearing-in of Ghana’s next President on the January 7th, promises to thrill thousands of fans, including political party leaders and supporters.
The three daughters, Cynthia, Edna and Monica, who have promised to rock the Accra International Conference Centre once again, hinted at the launch that they would come out with another album next year.
Source: GNA
Former President Kufuor Launches New Movie "Wrong Target"
Blue Ray Pictures last week pushed the Ghanaian movie industry’s envelop by becoming the first production company to not only launch a movie (Wrong Target) after premiering it, but to do so in a grand fashion featuring former president John Agyekum Kufuor.
The august event held at the African Regent Hotel on Monday November 19 attracted much of the industry’s who-is-who including stars of Wrong Target, John Dumelo, Christable Ekeh, and Edward Agyekum Kufuor, as well as other stars like Prince David Osei, Juliet Ibrahim, etc.
‘Wrong Target’ has been hailed as “a welcomed departure from the norm,” “the next level in Ghanaian movie story-telling,” “featuring special effects never before seen in Ghana,” “a bold first step by Blue Ray Pictures,” etc.
Furthermore, the VCD features interviews of the cast and crew as well as behind-the-scenes look at how certain scenes were captured, also a first in Ghana.
But speaking at the event, Blue Ray Pictures’ President Jermaine Nkrumah gave special recognition to the icons of the Ghanaian movie industry such as Shirley Frimpong Manson, Sallaam of Venus Films, iconic stars like Jackie Appiah, Nadia Buari, John Dumelo, Van Wicker, Majid, and all those who contributed to elevating the Ghanaian movie industry to the level where it represents an attractive investment.
Nkrumah also charged all movie producers to join the race for the first Ghanaian producer to have his or her product nominated at the Oscars and Academy Awards in the United States. President Kufuor purchased the first ceremonial copy of the VCD, after which an auction of the next ten copies was held.
In all, attendees had fun as MC Yaw Sakyi dazzled them with contemporary humor.
Several radio and television stations were on hand to cover the launching that many now are promising to sustain as the next staple of movie promotion. Wrong Target is scheduled to be released into the market by Diamond Word Films on Monday December 3, 2012.
It is certain to change your impression of Ghanaian movies.
Source: Ghanaweb
The august event held at the African Regent Hotel on Monday November 19 attracted much of the industry’s who-is-who including stars of Wrong Target, John Dumelo, Christable Ekeh, and Edward Agyekum Kufuor, as well as other stars like Prince David Osei, Juliet Ibrahim, etc.
‘Wrong Target’ has been hailed as “a welcomed departure from the norm,” “the next level in Ghanaian movie story-telling,” “featuring special effects never before seen in Ghana,” “a bold first step by Blue Ray Pictures,” etc.
Furthermore, the VCD features interviews of the cast and crew as well as behind-the-scenes look at how certain scenes were captured, also a first in Ghana.
But speaking at the event, Blue Ray Pictures’ President Jermaine Nkrumah gave special recognition to the icons of the Ghanaian movie industry such as Shirley Frimpong Manson, Sallaam of Venus Films, iconic stars like Jackie Appiah, Nadia Buari, John Dumelo, Van Wicker, Majid, and all those who contributed to elevating the Ghanaian movie industry to the level where it represents an attractive investment.
Nkrumah also charged all movie producers to join the race for the first Ghanaian producer to have his or her product nominated at the Oscars and Academy Awards in the United States. President Kufuor purchased the first ceremonial copy of the VCD, after which an auction of the next ten copies was held.
In all, attendees had fun as MC Yaw Sakyi dazzled them with contemporary humor.
Several radio and television stations were on hand to cover the launching that many now are promising to sustain as the next staple of movie promotion. Wrong Target is scheduled to be released into the market by Diamond Word Films on Monday December 3, 2012.
It is certain to change your impression of Ghanaian movies.
Source: Ghanaweb
Businessman Kills Girlfriend
Residents of Gyankama, a town along the Aburi-Peduase road, were greeted with grief early Tuesday morning when a 34-year-old businessman allegedly murdered his girlfriend in cold blood.
The suspect, Kojo Agyiry, allegedly used a hammer to inflict several wounds on the body of Ama Dade, 28, at 2.30 a.m.
After the gruesome act in the deceased's room, he is said to have taken a container suspected to contain petrol to set the house ablaze.
However, the timely intervention by some residents of the area who had been attracted by Dade's loud screams prevented him from carrying out his intention.
The suspect is also said to have drunk poison in a bid to kill himself. Agyiry had two children with his girlfriend but both have passed away.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Public Affairs Director of the Eastern Regional Police Command, ASP Yaw Nketia- Yeboah, said the Mampong District Police received a distress call from a resident of Gyankama that a businessman had allegedly murdered his girlfriend in a room in the town.
He stated that policemen were deployed from Aburi to the scene, where they met a weak-looking Agyiry in Dade's room. The police also found multiple wounds on Dade's body, which was found in a pool of blood. He stated that the police rushed the two to the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital at Mampong-Akuapem, where Dade was pronounced dead on arrival.
The suspect, who was in critical condition, was admitted at the same hospital. Mr Nketia-Yeboah told the Daily Graphic that police investigations led to the discovery of a bloodstained hammer and a bedspread in a saloon vehicle at the scene.
He said the police were yet to unravel the motive for the killing in their investigations.
Source: Daily Graphic
The suspect, Kojo Agyiry, allegedly used a hammer to inflict several wounds on the body of Ama Dade, 28, at 2.30 a.m.
After the gruesome act in the deceased's room, he is said to have taken a container suspected to contain petrol to set the house ablaze.
However, the timely intervention by some residents of the area who had been attracted by Dade's loud screams prevented him from carrying out his intention.
The suspect is also said to have drunk poison in a bid to kill himself. Agyiry had two children with his girlfriend but both have passed away.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Public Affairs Director of the Eastern Regional Police Command, ASP Yaw Nketia- Yeboah, said the Mampong District Police received a distress call from a resident of Gyankama that a businessman had allegedly murdered his girlfriend in a room in the town.
He stated that policemen were deployed from Aburi to the scene, where they met a weak-looking Agyiry in Dade's room. The police also found multiple wounds on Dade's body, which was found in a pool of blood. He stated that the police rushed the two to the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital at Mampong-Akuapem, where Dade was pronounced dead on arrival.
The suspect, who was in critical condition, was admitted at the same hospital. Mr Nketia-Yeboah told the Daily Graphic that police investigations led to the discovery of a bloodstained hammer and a bedspread in a saloon vehicle at the scene.
He said the police were yet to unravel the motive for the killing in their investigations.
Source: Daily Graphic
GIPC Boss resigns
The Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), George Aboagye has tendered in his resignation following claims that GIPC had disbursed funds to a political group in support of a campaign for President John Mahama.
President John Mahama on Tuesday, November 27, instructed the board of GIPC to open investigations into the alleged disbursement of money worth GHC 4000 to a group called Volunteers for Mahama.
The pro-NDC group “Volunteers for Mahama” has denied receiving such sum from the Centre to facilitate its campaign activities.
Mr. George Aboagye resigned on Tuesday.
Read full statement released:
At an emergency meeting of the GIPC Governing Board held on Tuesday November 27, 2012, the Board took a very serious view of a Four Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS4000) cheque made out to a group calling itself Volunteers For Mahama.
Chief Executive of the GIPC, Mr. George Aboagye, who was recalled from his leave of absence by the Board accepted responsibility and unreservedly apologised to the President of the Republic and the GIPC Board for his actions.
He has tendered in his resignation as a matter of principle although no funds were lost.
Also invited to appear before the Board were the Director Marketing and Public Relations, the Deputy Finance Director and the Internal Auditor. In accordance with due process, a Board level disciplinary committee has been constituted to further investigate this matter.
The public is hereby assured that the Board will take any appropriate actions that may become necessary.
Signed: Ishmael Yamson
Chairman of the Board
Dated 27th November 2012
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
President John Mahama on Tuesday, November 27, instructed the board of GIPC to open investigations into the alleged disbursement of money worth GHC 4000 to a group called Volunteers for Mahama.
The pro-NDC group “Volunteers for Mahama” has denied receiving such sum from the Centre to facilitate its campaign activities.
Mr. George Aboagye resigned on Tuesday.
Read full statement released:
At an emergency meeting of the GIPC Governing Board held on Tuesday November 27, 2012, the Board took a very serious view of a Four Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS4000) cheque made out to a group calling itself Volunteers For Mahama.
Chief Executive of the GIPC, Mr. George Aboagye, who was recalled from his leave of absence by the Board accepted responsibility and unreservedly apologised to the President of the Republic and the GIPC Board for his actions.
He has tendered in his resignation as a matter of principle although no funds were lost.
Also invited to appear before the Board were the Director Marketing and Public Relations, the Deputy Finance Director and the Internal Auditor. In accordance with due process, a Board level disciplinary committee has been constituted to further investigate this matter.
The public is hereby assured that the Board will take any appropriate actions that may become necessary.
Signed: Ishmael Yamson
Chairman of the Board
Dated 27th November 2012
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Nana Addo’s remarks are a threat to the nation – Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has hit hard on the posture of Nana Addo Akufo Addo, Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, at the signing of a peace pact at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Tuesday, November 27.
To him, Nana Addo remains a threat to the general elections on December 7 explaining that his position at the signing of the peace pact can endanger the nation.
The signing of the peace pact by the Ex-Presidents and Presidential candidates vying for the Presidential seat is a brainchild of the National Peace Council (NPC) and Manhyia Palace.
The initiative is to bring together all the former Presidents, Presidential candidates and other key figures to drive home the spirit of unity in order to promote peace before, during and after the general elections.
The occasion saw in attendance former Presidents J.A Kufour and J.J Rawlings, seven 2012 Presidential candidates, President of the National House of Chiefs, Chairman of the Electoral Commission, and Inspector General of Police at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi.
Okudzeto Ablakwa in an interview with Joy FM noted that Nana Addo’s remarks of maintaining peace during the 2012 elections were in a distasteful manner.
Nana Addo in his declaration alluded to some turbulent actions that were meted out to his party supporters at Asutifi South by NDC functionaries and the inadequate investigations into an audio tape containing the voice of a leading member of the National Democratic Congress, Yaw Boateng Gyan, which proved that the ruling party was recruiting party loyalists into the Bureau of National Investigation.
He believed these incidents have sapped the confidence people reposed in the elections and therefore entreated his competitors for the Presidential slot to ensure their conduct does not ignite anxieties.
But the Deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, believes that Nana Addo’s submissions were made on the wrong platform. He explained that the opportunity was given for the Presidential candidates and Ex-Presidents to deliver a peace speech but Nana Addo sought to pose danger to the nation’s peace.
He further asserted that Nana Addo “is living up to his reputation as the most dangerous person in this election” and described as “belligerent” the attitude of Nana Addo on the peace platform.
He continued that the examples used by Nana Addo to buttress his points showed he has “decided to suffer from selective amnesia”.
He also criticized the “All-die-be-die” mantra saying Nana Addo should have been invited for interrogation by the Police service for chanting such words without rendering an apology or withdrawing it.
“We are deeply concerned, we have been discussing among ourselves after Nana Addo’s posture this evening, it is clear that there are worrying days ahead, Nana Akufo-Addo clearly remains a threat to a peaceful election on December 7."
“The same tactics he used in the 2008 elections, refusing to concede and sending his lawyers to court on Sunday to attempt to prevent the Electoral Commissioner from declaring results.”
Okudzeto Ablakwa dreaded it would be dicey for the nation if the governing NDC does not win the December elections because a vote for the New Patriotic Party under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo means “there would be a trouble for us.”
He added the NDC will rout the NPP in a landslide and therefore avoid the possibility of a run-off. This he believed is the surest way that “we would be safe, because clearly Nana Akufo-Addo is not committed to the peace building”.
Meanwhile, National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, has debunked the claims by the Deputy Information Minister that the NPP Presidential candidate, Nana Addo’s peace remarks were made on the wrong platform.
Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey said there are several incidents similar to the instances cited by the party’s flagbearer, currently happening in the country which he accused NDC functionaries to be the perpetrators.
He however pledged his party’s support to combating crimes by prosecuting the perpetrators whether they are NPP loyalists or supporters of the other parties.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
To him, Nana Addo remains a threat to the general elections on December 7 explaining that his position at the signing of the peace pact can endanger the nation.
The signing of the peace pact by the Ex-Presidents and Presidential candidates vying for the Presidential seat is a brainchild of the National Peace Council (NPC) and Manhyia Palace.
The initiative is to bring together all the former Presidents, Presidential candidates and other key figures to drive home the spirit of unity in order to promote peace before, during and after the general elections.
The occasion saw in attendance former Presidents J.A Kufour and J.J Rawlings, seven 2012 Presidential candidates, President of the National House of Chiefs, Chairman of the Electoral Commission, and Inspector General of Police at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi.
Okudzeto Ablakwa in an interview with Joy FM noted that Nana Addo’s remarks of maintaining peace during the 2012 elections were in a distasteful manner.
Nana Addo in his declaration alluded to some turbulent actions that were meted out to his party supporters at Asutifi South by NDC functionaries and the inadequate investigations into an audio tape containing the voice of a leading member of the National Democratic Congress, Yaw Boateng Gyan, which proved that the ruling party was recruiting party loyalists into the Bureau of National Investigation.
He believed these incidents have sapped the confidence people reposed in the elections and therefore entreated his competitors for the Presidential slot to ensure their conduct does not ignite anxieties.
But the Deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, believes that Nana Addo’s submissions were made on the wrong platform. He explained that the opportunity was given for the Presidential candidates and Ex-Presidents to deliver a peace speech but Nana Addo sought to pose danger to the nation’s peace.
He further asserted that Nana Addo “is living up to his reputation as the most dangerous person in this election” and described as “belligerent” the attitude of Nana Addo on the peace platform.
He continued that the examples used by Nana Addo to buttress his points showed he has “decided to suffer from selective amnesia”.
He also criticized the “All-die-be-die” mantra saying Nana Addo should have been invited for interrogation by the Police service for chanting such words without rendering an apology or withdrawing it.
“We are deeply concerned, we have been discussing among ourselves after Nana Addo’s posture this evening, it is clear that there are worrying days ahead, Nana Akufo-Addo clearly remains a threat to a peaceful election on December 7."
“The same tactics he used in the 2008 elections, refusing to concede and sending his lawyers to court on Sunday to attempt to prevent the Electoral Commissioner from declaring results.”
Okudzeto Ablakwa dreaded it would be dicey for the nation if the governing NDC does not win the December elections because a vote for the New Patriotic Party under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo means “there would be a trouble for us.”
He added the NDC will rout the NPP in a landslide and therefore avoid the possibility of a run-off. This he believed is the surest way that “we would be safe, because clearly Nana Akufo-Addo is not committed to the peace building”.
Meanwhile, National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, has debunked the claims by the Deputy Information Minister that the NPP Presidential candidate, Nana Addo’s peace remarks were made on the wrong platform.
Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey said there are several incidents similar to the instances cited by the party’s flagbearer, currently happening in the country which he accused NDC functionaries to be the perpetrators.
He however pledged his party’s support to combating crimes by prosecuting the perpetrators whether they are NPP loyalists or supporters of the other parties.
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
PPP Attributes Poor Performance To Inadequate Teacher Motivation
The Progressive People’s Party, PPP is attributing the poor performance of students to inadequate teacher motivation, low remuneration and poor condition of service.
The party has therefore promised to build the capacity of teachers, introduce financial rewards and make teachers to feel proud of their profession rather than perceive it as a means to an end.
The PPP Parliamentary candidate for Wa Central, James Sohimwinye made the statement at a news conference in Wa.
Source: GBC
The party has therefore promised to build the capacity of teachers, introduce financial rewards and make teachers to feel proud of their profession rather than perceive it as a means to an end.
The PPP Parliamentary candidate for Wa Central, James Sohimwinye made the statement at a news conference in Wa.
Source: GBC
Vote out NDC – Nana Konadu
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Party, Nana
Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, has urged people in Volta Region to kick out the
ruling National Democratic Congress on December 7.
Mrs. Rawlings made the remarks during her campaign
tour in the Volta Region to canvass for votes for her party’s 2012
Parliamentary candidates.
Addressing the people, Mrs. Rawlings said the two
major parties – National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party – have
both failed the country and therefore implored the electorates to vote out the
two parties.
“In 2008, all of us said poverty was eating us up,
that the poverty was too much for us; it was giving us a bath, it was clothing
us and putting powder on us! We said we didn’t want the poverty any more, we
said the lies were too many. The fear that people were putting into the country
was too much, the harassment was too much. So we all said we wanted a change! ”
“We did change, [but] only for the new people to be
doing the same thing. The stealing, the lies, disrespect, the fear… the same
thing,” she noted.
Nana Konadu also expressed her disappointment in
the Electoral Commission for ruling her out of the Presidential slot.
“He [Afari Gyan] stood up and threw us all out that
he has disqualified us. He has gone against the laws of Ghana that is why we in
the NDP, we have sent him to court.”
“So the court case has been on/off … now the judge
says on the 30th he will give his judgement. He is going to give his judgement
when he wants! For him, it’s not important, for us in the NDP, it’s important!
”
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Former President Kufour calls on Presidential candidates to submit to electorates' choice
Ex-President John Agyekum Kufour has admonished all
2012 Presidential candidates to revere the choice of the electorates come
December 7 in order to safeguard the peace of nation.
To him, “anybody wanting to lead us must submit to
our choice; we must vote for him or her to become President just like when we
get fed up with him, we go again to vote to take him out of power to put
another person there.”
He entreated all the eight Presidential candidates
contesting in the 2012 elections to ensure that the elections are secure in
order to enhance national peace.
Addressing a gathering at the signing of a peace
pact in Kumasi on Tuesday, November 27, former President Kufour pointed out the
essence of the power invested in the electorates saying “from history, people
have done all sorts of things to secure power. Some will kill, some will lie,
some would do anything, anything, buy to get the power... but power belongs to
the people.”
The signing of the peace pact by the Ex-Presidents
and Presidential candidates vying for the Presidential seat is a brainchild of
the National Peace Council (NPC) and Manhyia Palace.
The initiative is to bring together all the former
Presidents, Presidential candidates and other key figures to drive home the
spirit of unity in order to promote peace before, during and after the general
elections.
The occasion saw in attendance former Presidents
J.A Kufour and J.J Rawlings, seven 2012 Presidential candidates, President of
the National House of Chiefs, Chairman of the Electoral Commission, and
Inspector General of Police at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology (KNUST) in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi.
President Kufour in his address also called on the
Presidential aspirants to be vigilant and ensure that the peace of the nation
is maintained through the elections.
He warned them against any misconduct emphasizing
that “If at the end of the day, the vote is not secured this way, if
substantial numbers of the people will begin to feel that they have been
cheated one way or the other, I assure you the grumbling might degenerate into
untold difficulties for the entire nation.”
Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw
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