Category: Politics

The United Nations office in Ghana in collaboration with the National Peace Council is to roll out the ‘I Pledge for Peace Campaign’ in April ahead of the polls in December.

This is contained in a press release signed by Faith Junko Edison, the Head of Public Relations, National Peace Council, and Cynthia Prah, the National Information Officer for the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC).

The campaign, according to Mr. Charles Abani, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, would actively engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including individuals, communities, civil society organizations, government entities, religious leaders, and youth groups.

Its primary goal is to foster a culture of peace, advocate peaceful elections, and promote tolerance and peaceful co-existence before, during, and after the electoral process.

‘… Elections are not a period of combat and the unhealthy exchange of views or for divisive language. We want to use this campaign to urge stakeholders to publicly commit to peace, and b
y extension, a peaceful election. We believe that the positive actions of stakeholders, through social media and other channels, will encourage tolerance and discourage misinformation’, he noted.

The campaign, he explained, would encourage individuals and organisations to make public pledges for peace, amplifying the message via communication channels, including social media with the aim to create a collective commitment to a peaceful election.

Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the National Peace Council, also underscored the importance of individual contributions to peace through the spread of messages that encouraged such.

‘Until every life is respected, and properties protected, achieving peaceful co-existence remains a distant goal… the National Peace Council will do everything in its power to support this campaign and ensure a peaceful election come December 2024,’ he said.

Ghana’s democracy though has deficits, remains a beacon of hope for Africa.

The UN said it would continue to support the
country to foster its development agenda in a peaceful atmosphere and uphold its reputation as a regional pacesetter for democratic governance.

The ‘I Pledge for Peace Campaign’ thus reflects this collaborative effort between the UN, the National Peace Council and other various stakeholders to create a peaceful and inclusive electoral process in Ghana.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the security protocols within the Electoral Commission (EC) to safeguard vital electoral materials ahead of the 2024 polls.

The Party’s call follows the alleged theft of some critical electoral devices such as Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits and Biometric Voter Devices (BVDs) at the EC.

The Commission, has subsequently, denied those claims, explaining that the missing items were laptops.

Addressing a news conference dubbed the ‘Moment of Truth’ series, in Accra on Monday, Mr Fifi Kwetey, General Secretary of the NDC, called for swift and thorough overhaul of the Commission’s security protocols to curtail future breaches.

He said the missing devices were of great concern to the Party as they had the potential to bring electoral process into disrepute.

Mr Kwetey explained that the BVR kits and BVDs together with the laptops, formed a robust framework designed to protect the electoral process and uphold its credibility
.

As a result, Mr Kwetey said, when such devices were compromised or stolen, it posed a severe threat not only to the elections but the entire democracy of the country.

‘That is why the theft of these kits from under the watchful eyes of the EC’s surveillance cannot be taken lightly and must be addressed with the utmost seriousness and urgency,’ he stressed.

He also rejected the EC’s explanation that the missing laptops, as standalone devices, could not be used to access critical information from the Commission.

He explained that the missing laptops represented a significant breach in the security protocols of the Commission, which could be exploited during the actual elections.

‘We must ask ourselves, and demand answers from the EC about the potential for these devices to be used in crafting nefarious means to manipulate voter data or to clone voter registration. Is this not a recipe for electoral disaster that could question the very legitimacy of our governance?’

Again, he said, the incidents cast do
ubt over the credibility and trustworthiness of the EC, and questioned the Commission’s decision to withhold such vital information from its stakeholders.

He demanded that the EC explained its inaction, saying ‘the stakes are too high for such negligence.’

The General Secretary called for an immediate independent probe into the missing materials to bring finality to the situation and restore the sanctity and credibility to the country’s electoral process.

The investigation, he said, must be carried out by an independent body, supported by international observers, to ensure neutrality and thoroughness.

‘The outcome must provide a detailed report that not only comprehensively identifies those actually responsible but also outlines significant corrective measures to prevent such beaches in the future,’ he said.

He added that the Party would ‘accept nothing less than a full restoration of total security for all EC logistical equipment for the upcoming elections, a thorough investigation and complete accounta
bility,’ to ensure the free, fair and transparent elections.

Additionally, the General Secretary called for an extensive independent audit of the Commission’s inventory, including all BVR and BVD equipment to ascertain the integrity of these materials and processes.

He warned that failure by the Commission to swiftly and decisively act on the matter could lead to an electoral process fraught with mistrust and questions of legitimacy.

‘The NDC, alongside the citizens of Ghana, will accept nothing less than full transparency, immediate action, and concrete solutions to this egregious breach of electoral security,’ he said.

‘The time for action is now; the future of Ghana’s democracy is in the balance, and we will settle for nothing less than stringent safeguards that ensure every Ghanaian’s vote is counted and protected,’ Mr Kwetey added.

Mr Kwetey expressed the NDC’s commitment to secure the country’s electoral process and safeguard its democracy.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Ghana News Agency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source:Ghana News Agency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source:Ghana News Agency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Ghana News Agency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Ghana News Agency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, a Deputy Minister of Education, on Wednesday took a swipe at some political leaders who are using religious stereotyping for their political gains.

He said those religious stereotypes were dangerous and unhelpful to the maintenace of peace as God could anoint anyone, irrespective of his religion, to fulfil His will and purposes for the people.

Rev. Fordjour cited Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia as a clear example of a Muslim Vice President, whom God used to fulfil the aspirations of the Trinity Theological Seminary of aquiring a hostel facility for pastor trainees.

The Deputy Minister expressed these sentiments when Vice President Bawumia cut the sod for the construction of a 200-capacity hostel for the Trinity Theological Seminary in Accra on Wednesday.

Vice President Bawumia, as a Guest of Honour during the Seminary’s 76th graduation ceremony in 2021, promised to facilitate the construction of a hostel for the institution.

Therefore, the sod-cutting ceremony was
in fulfilment of the promise he made to the school.

‘Under the benevolence of Alhaji Bawumia, a Muslim Vice President, God has brought joy to the heart of the Christian Community. God used a Muslim Vice President to bring this dream to pass,’ Rev. Fordjour said.

‘It is a demonstration of the fact that God is not a respecter of persons and can use anyone or any citizen to bring to pass His will for his people, and bring prosperity to the country.’

Rev. Fordjour referenced Isaiah: 45, where God used King Cyrus, who was the ruler of Persia, to help the Israelites to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which it was in ruins.

He also mentioned King Hiram of Tyre, whom God used to support King David to build a palace.

‘God can use anyone to bring prosperity to His people and His shall pass. This must shut the tendencies of religious stereotypes as some are trying to tread’.

Rev. Fordjour again cited a scenario at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) when he was a student, where a Muslim SRC President fac
ilitated the construction of a decent place of worship for the students.

The four-storey hostel facility for the Trinity Theological Seminary would be completed within 14 months, with funding from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), in partnership with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the Office of the Vice President.

Dr Bawumia said the hostel would provide a conducive accommodation for the students to study.

Under his administration, he would usher in a golden age of partnership between government and private religious organisations to improve infrastructure development in the country, he said.

Source: Ghana News Agency