Even before the Prof Mike Ocquaye fact finding committee begins its work to unravel what might have occasioned the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the 2024 general elections, high profile elements at the national headquarters as well as the regions have begun brainstorming about the additional steps that should be taken to enable the party to commence its reorganisation efforts.
Michael Ofosu-Afriyie
While some of the party high ranking as well as lower ranking members are calling for a complete overhaul of the processes the party has been using to select executives at the polling station to the national levels, others have called for sobriety in seeking solutions to the issue.
Many believe that the delegates systm should be scrapped to make way for a bigger and larger group to make crucial decisions of the party at the grassroots level.
Some argue that limiting polling station executives to five where the mass of the people especially party members are found makes it easy for the select few to think of themselves or their personal interests in decison making endeavours.
However, some believe that a comprehensive top to bottom approach should be used in the restructuring process.
This means leaders of the party should be chosen from the national to the polling station level so that a controlled mechanism can be in place to streamline party activities including the other elections.
Interestingly, those who have this school of thought also believe that when such is carried through, rather than the known bottom up approach, there could be less or minimal levels of manipulation in the regional, constituency and polling station level elections to favour some privileged few.
They further argue that when the full structure is set in place, the party would be in good shape to select or elect its next flag-bearer on time to complete the process of regrouping, re-strategizing and reorganisation to recapture power in 2028.
Massive Exodus:
This writer is reliably informed that some current national executives do not want to continue their work in office again.
Currently, we can count about eight(8) or Nine (9) who intend to resist the temptation to contest for the positions they hold again with other planning to resign soon.
Vacuum:
With the attendant vacuum to be created it would be suicidal for the party to slack or stay without taking urgent steps to begin its restructuring processes from now.
The party, this writer believes would do well by beginning its national elections early so as to put up new faces as well as old persons whose work may have been exceptional in positions on time.
This, undoubtedly, would set the wheel of administration to continue its grind towards a full restructuring at the constituency, regional and polling station levels.
Timelines:
While the party waits on the Prof Ocquaye committee to finish its work, some hold the view that early timelines should be set in sight to begin the restructuring process.
With 2025 in view, it would not be prudent for the party to waste the whole year without recourse to beginning the process of regrouping.
And since the early bird catches the worm, the earlier the party sets its machine in motion right after April, where the findings of the Prof Ocquaye committee would be available, the better for the party in its attempt to perform the all important restructuring process including its reorganisation from the national to the polling station levels.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has issued a stern warning to those linking him to a recent market burning incident in the Ashanti Region.
Chairman Wontumi has vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged burn market contract and has threatened to take legal action against anyone who mentions his name in connection with the incident.
According to reports, a suspect connected to the market burning scheme is a close associate of Chairman Wontumi, prompting speculation about his involvement.
However, Chairman Wontumi has dismissed the allegations as “palpable false” and warned that he will sue anyone who continues to spread the rumor.
“I know nothing about this,” Chairman Wontumi stated.
“Whoever mentions my name shall be sued in court”, he stressed.
By Ing. Francis Addai-Nimoh, Former MP for Asante Mampong and Presidential Aspirant, NPP
The NPP’s loss in the December 2024 polls was a profound disappointment. As a party in government we had faced some difficult challenges, yet, we made very worthy and significant contributions to push the country’s development agenda forward. Thus, my expectation was not this disappointing loss. Definitely, sentiments were not very good, but nobody can deny that amid all the challenges there were some bright spots worthy of commendation.
Hon.Francis Addai Nimoh
However, we cannot afford to linger in the shadow of our electoral loss. It is inspiring to note that our MPs are already up and running and showing promising signs that they will keep the NDC government on it toes. We may be down but our spirit is unbroken.
Post-election analysis
The party has formed a committee to examine the factors that led to such a disappointing result in the elections Yet, it is crucial that we approach this with caution. We must avoid hasty conclusions that could obscure the underlying issues and lead us deeper into electoral troubles in the future.
At this juncture it is prudent to implore the Committee to be very meticulous, objective and selfless in their assessments. There may be the temptation to conduct this process for personal and selfish gains, but such a path will jeopardize our party’s future. We cannot continue to sweep critical issues under the carpet trusting that we can always talk our way out of crisis or dissent. Ghanaians have become more enlightened and discerning; they expect transparency and accountability. The lessons from the 2016 and 2024 elections are invaluable, and we must heed them.
Resilience and unity
For the NPP, we have to rise above this defeat and show resilience. We have to demonstrate that we still have much to offer to the development of our country, despite the challenges we faced as a government and the missteps that may have occurred. To be able to project such an image, our actions must speak louder than our words.
We have to demonstrate a true sense of unity. As a party of dynamic personalities who are inspired by our motto, ‘Development in Freedom’, we are bound to express our views in the most passionate manner. Yet, we should be wary infighting, especially, now that we are in Opposition and face a period of readjustment.
As a party, we have been vulnerable to our adversaries because we have been unable to unite. There are some who feel more important than others and tend to look down on their peers. That is not healthy for our party. We must remain vigilant against the allure of sycophants who lead us into complacency. If we cannot unite and respect each other, we cannot build a strong party that can demonstrate the resilience we need in these trying moments.
Loyalty to party
It is heartwarming to note that the National Executives of the party have managed to keep their composure so far. They must be prepared for rising criticism from those who less than a month ago were their strongest supporters. They may face the harsh realities of political treachery. But they should be able to demonstrate the calmness and tact required to guide the party in this difficult moment. More importantly, they should be selfless, strong and independent. Their actions should be guided by loyalty to the party’s principles and constitution, and not loyalty to any individual.
To the teeming supporters of the party who may be downcast, it is time to shake off the disappointment of the 2024 elections, and rally together to re-energise our great party for the future, mindful, that our loyalty should be to the party, and not to any individual or groups of individuals.
Congratulations to John Mahama and the NDC
As I conclude, let me extend heartfelt congratulations to the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Mahama and the NDC. Certainly, although we stand on different political grounds, we all share in the vision of building a developed and prosperous Ghana. I, therefore, call on the President to act decisively to stop the thugs who are invading homes and offices.
I wish the NDC government well, and pray that the almighty God will grant them wisdom to lead this country until the NPP emerges, God willing, in 2028 to lead our great nation again.
God bless our homeland Ghana, and make our nation great and strong.
Livelihood Environment Ghana(LEG), a Sunyani-based environmentally inclined Non-governmental Organisation, which is currently operating in over 46 communities in Seven regions,
has held its 20th anniversary celebration and Annual General Meeting(AGM) in Kumasi.
The event was held on Monday,30th December,2024 at Charleva hotel at Adoato-Adumanu in Kumasi,was on the theme “Reimagining nature, Livelihood and Community Rights”.
The vision of LEG is to see a diverse environment where there is equity, inclusiveness and decentralised decision-making,free from all forms of impunity and human rights abuses and offer equal opportunity for all class of people to enhance sustainable development”.
With the mission of empowering women,youth and the marginalized for active citizenship and engagement with policy-makers and duty-bearers to promote sustainable livelihood , environmental justice, community rights and improve minerals governance and policies through, policy proposals and Advocacy to enhance sustainable development”.
In his welcome statement,Mr Richard Adjei-Poku,the Executive director of LEG, recounted that,prior to the formation of LEG, an organization known as Guards of the Earth and the Vulnerable (GEV) was formed in 2001 by (Richard Adjei-Poku) and a group of farmers such as Thomas Oppong, Simobrass, Atta Nsiah, Seth Appiah Agyemang, Thomas Addai, Ataa Brini, Eric Addai the former District Chief Executive of Asutifi North District Assembly and others.
He explained that the cardinal reason for the formation of these organisations was to ensure fair and adequate payment of compensation for crops and other properties which were destroyed by the activities of the mining. GEV was initially known as the Ahafo Concerned Communities Affected by Mining (ACCAM).
The full statement delivered by the Executive director of LEG,Mr.Richard Adjei-Poku at the 20th Anniversary Celebration is reproduced below;
Brief history of LEG
To God be the Glory, Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG) is Twenty Years Old. The two decades journey has not been easy; full of experiences and learnings, interesting and monotonous, ups and downs. Thanks, and Glory be to God for how far He has brought.
As many of you may be aware, Ahafo is rich in mineral resources particularly gold as the region lies within the economically viable trending volcanic belts on which many of the largest gold mining companies in Ghana operate. As a result, the area became a destination for transnational mining companies between 1995 and 2001. Many mining companies came to do exploration for gold including BRGM, Centenary, Bonsu Gold Belt, La-Source Mining, Rank Mining, Normandy Ghana Gold among others and finally Newmont came to settle in 2001.
Preceding to the arrival of Newmont, as a staff of Normandy Ghana Gold, I have had a terrible experience from Tarkwa through a sensitization workshop organized by TWN Africa in Kenyasi which I happened to organize the grounds. The experienced workshop changed my perception and interest to work for the company rather than seeking the interest and the welfare of my people particularly the welfare of the farmers whom the workshop revealed as high risk victims because of the nature of the operation as surface gold mining.
Prior to the formation of LEG, an organization known as Guards of the Earth and the Vulnerable (GEV) was formed in 2001 by me (Richard Adjei-Poku) and a group of farmers such as Thomas Oppong, Simobrass, Atta Nsiah, Seth Appiah Agyemang, Thomas Addai, Ataa Brini, Eric Addai the former District Chief Executive of Asutifi North District Assembly and others.
The cardinal reason for the formation of these organisations was to ensure fair and adequate payment of compensation for crops and other properties which were destroyed by the activities of the mining. GEV was initially known as the Ahafo Concerned Communities Affected by Mining (ACCAM). Towards the end of the year 2001, ACCAM was changed to GEV following a revision of their objectives from the narrow compensation issue to include a border advocacy role, environmental sustainability and the protection of the rights and interest of the vulnerable. In 2004, Newmont made an offer to GEV to serve as the community liaison tool.
This offer appeared to undermine the stated objectives and autonomy of GEV. Failure on the part of Mr. Eric Addai, the then Executive Director of GEV and majority of Board members of GEV to recognize the potential risks of the offer led to their acceptance of it from Newmont Ghana Gold Limited. As a result, after the meeting in Accra between Eric Addai, Richard Adjei-Poku and TWN-Africa proved futile, Adjei-Poku decided to break away from GEV and founded LEG in July 2004 with together with Atta Nsiah.
Mr.Richard Adjei-Poku Executive director of LEG
The moral and technical support in the formation of LEG came from Dr. Abdulai Darimani, then Environmental Program’s Officer and employee of the Third Word Network-Africa (TWN-Africa) who later became the Chairman of Board of Directors of LEG between the period of 2017 – 2021.
LEG was formed to deal with the issues left behind by GEV after they had become fragmented with Newmont and to response to other growing social, environmental, livelihood and human rights threats from the company, a US multinational mining corporation.
LEG began with only one community, Kenyasi No.2 without office space. Meetings were held in Asutifi Educational Complex classroom.
The organization with support from Third Word Network-Africa (TWN-Africa) in 2005 conducted what we called “community film shows” using the Prestea and Tarkwa examples. The purpose of the film show was to educate the communities on both the positive and the negative effects of surface gold mining because the then Newmont and the government were preaching solely the good things about mining without the negative aspects.
Mining was a new thing to the people of Ahafo therefore the film show provided them with sufficient and useful information on surface gold mining which helped the communities in most of their decisions with the company.
During the film show, some community members willingly offered themselves to work with the organization as community volunteer. The communities in where the film show took place include Kenyasi No.1, Kenyasi No.2, Ntotroso, Gyedu and Wamahinso all in the Ahafo South project of Newmont in the Asutifi North District. The other communities were Yamfo, Susanso, Tanoso, Afrisipa, Techire, Adrobaa, Bisi, Kromfrom, Subriso and Mosikrom in the Ahafo North project area of Newmont in the Tano North Municipality.
In 2006, the organization with support from TWN-Africa rented office accommodation, conducted election to appoint Board members and other officials including the Executive Director for the first time and acquired a legal status as an NGO through registration with the Registrar General’s Department, Accra on March 23rd, 2007. In that same year that we received our first time Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) grant support which helped furnished the office with the necessary office equipment.
The Board of Directors of the organization with the late Adu Yaw Saliu as the chairman worked till December 2012 before new board members with Dr. Abdulai Darimani as chairman took over in January 2013 – December, 2017, followed by the third Board of Directors with Dr. John Adu Kumi who is now an Associate professor took over from January, 2018 to December, 2021 and succeeded by the current Board with Professor (Mrs.) Mercy Afua Adutwumwaa Derkyi as chair and Dr. Erica MacGranaham as vice chair, the first time two women occupying the positions of Chair and the Vice Chair.
LEG has worked tirelessly through its community advocacy and sensitization programs, capacity building and training sessions, women economic empowerment, afforestation, community rights and litigation, engagement with corporate bodies, duty bearers and policymakers, networking and strengthened media engagements to enhance the living conditions of the poor and the marginalized in its 46 operational communities better and the mother earth a safe place to live.
2.0 The Struggle of LEG
The unsustainable practices of mining over the years have strained the country’s natural ecosystems. Ghana has had to bear the brunt of environmental degradation, from deforestation and pollution to the effects of mining and climate change. The Ahafo, Eastern, Ashanti and Western regions, for instance, have seen significant ecological damage due to large-scale gold mining operations, leading to the destruction of forests, water bodies, and biodiversity.
It is against this background that LEG for the past years has exploited different strategies and tactics for addressing, environmental, mineral governance, livelihood and community rights problems and has learnt to offer solidarity to victims.
As Livelihood & Environment Ghana (LEG) celebrates 20 years of advocacy and achievements, we reflect on our theme for this special milestone: “Reimagining Nature, Livelihood, and Community Rights.” This theme captures the journey we have undertaken and the vision that guides us, a vision for a future where nature flourishes, livelihoods are sustainable, and communities are empowered to actively engage and claim their rights.
Environmental Sustainability
Nature is the foundation of our existence and the bedrock of sustainable development. To achieving environmental sustainability is critical and it is one of goals of the SDGs particularly Goal 6 which aim at getting clean water and sanitation, Goal 11 which envisage sustainable cities and communities, Goal 13 reducing impact of climate change and 14 and 15 wishing good life on water and land.
On environmental sustainability so many strategies have been adopted over the year to achieving sustainable environment for present and generations yet unborn.
Forest – Ghana’s forest cover was approximately 8.4 million hectares around 1909 has depleted little over 7.1 million.
Campaigns, Sensitization forum, radio education, floats etc. E.g. A nation-wide education on “Sustainable use of Ghana’s forest resources” in collaboration with Forestry Services Division with funding support from Womadix Foundation through GGF.
Another example is the 2 afforestation projects (LEG’s Tana Restoration Project and LEG’s Akantansu Restoration Project).
LEG’s Tano Restoration project at Ntotroso I the Ahafo region (LEG, 2009)
The district forest officer handing over the safety boots and cutlass to CFPG member
We establish what we called “Community Forest Protection Guards in every forest fringe communities after the training and give them the fire fighting materials. So the picture you see is one of the training sessions at Konkontreso in the Asutifi South in the Ahafo region.
2.2 Sustainable Livelihood
When asked: “what is a livelihood”, some people would struggle to answer. “Making a living”, “supporting a family”, or “my job” all describe a livelihood. The term is well recognized as humans inherently develop and implement strategies to ensure their survival. The hidden complexity behind the term comes to light when governments, civil society, and external organizations attempt to assist people whose means of making a living is threatened, damaged, or destroyed. From extensive learning and practice, various definitions have emerged that attempt to represent the complex nature of a livelihood.
According to (Stewart Carloni and Crowley, 2005) Livelihoods can be defined as the different types of assets, abilities, and activities that enable a person or household to survive.
For many in Ghana, especially in mining-affected regions, livelihoods have been disrupted by environmental degradation and displacement. Agriculture, which forms the backbone of rural economies, has been significantly affected by the destruction of arable land and water sources.
Reimagining livelihoods involves thinking beyond traditional economic activities. It means diversifying income sources, promoting innovation, and creating opportunities that are both inclusive and environmentally conscious. It also calls for addressing systemic barriers, such as gender inequality and youth unemployment, to ensure that no one is left behind. At its core, reimagining livelihoods is about restoring dignity and hope. It is about ensuring that every individual has the tools and resources to lead a meaningful and productive life, while safeguarding the environment that sustains us all.
Over the past two decades, LEG has championed initiatives that empower marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Through skills training, seed funding, and support for alternative income-generating activities and soft loans we have provided opportunities for communities to rebuild and thrive.
In the past nine year we have trained 3,753 people in five mining affected communities (Yamfo, Susuanso, Afrisipakrom, Terchire and Adrobaa) and two non-mining communities (Bogyampa and Sunyani) on different sustainable skills and offered them basic business and financial management principles.
We have supported 2,017 women and 13 men (youth) within Yamfo, Susuanso, Afrisipakrom, Terchire and Sunyani with an amount Ghs 10,200,000.00 as soft loan through our program called “women economic empowerment”. Most of the beneficiaries have either set up of new businesses or expanded their existing businesses. Also, under this module, access to clean water has been made possible in some communities through the provision of mechanized boreholes and we have a good number of testimonies and recommendation from the communities we operate.
See one of the testimonies below from one of the beneficiaries. And note that with the women economic empowerment prpgram with did it in collaboration with TWEDA (Tano Women Empowerment and Development Association).
Vida Karikari, Yamfo – TWEDA and LEG have made tremendous impacts on my life over the years. For instance, the two institutions have financially supported me to see one of my children through the Yamfo College of Health while one of my children has been able to complete senior high school and has recently been recruited into the Ghana Prison Service. Without the financial support by these two organisations, I have my doubts if my children could have come this far. In Yamfo here, this financial support has enabled many parents to cater for their children’s education and there are many of them who can testify to this.
2.3 Community Right Promotion
Community rights are fundamental to social justice and equity. They ensure that communities have the power to participate in decisions affecting their lives, access resources equitably, and live free from harm and exploitation.
Community Rights include Rights of Nature, such as the right of ecosystems to flourish and evolve; environmental rights, such as the right to clean air, pure water, and healthy soil, worker rights, such as the right to living wages and equal pay for equal work and democratic rights, such as the right of local community self-government, and the right to free and fair elections.
However, these rights are often overlooked, particularly in regions affected by industrial activities like mining. Community rights are frequently enshrined in national constitutions or international treaties but rarely upheld in real life. As a result, when development schemes arrive, communities have few means to defend themselves against exploitative projects.
Over the years, LEG has worked tirelessly to champion the rights of our project communities. Through LEG’s interventions, most of these communities have won key legal tussles which appeared unsurmountable hurdles prior to their encounter with LEG.
Example:
Campaigns and education a nation-wide campaign was embarked with the theme: “End Violence against women in mining communities in Ghana with support from Weber Foundation through Global Greengrants Fund (GGF). See Graphic publication and some pictures:
The following persons have been supported:
Sara Matu Ibrahim – we supported her to win a case in court against Pergah transport and Newmont, See the publication of the Sara’s case:
Picture with Richard and Sara Matu from Sunyani High Court room.
Gyan Kudjo – we supported Gyan Kudjo to received good severance package.
Gyan Cudjoe, a former worker of Vision Quarry – located in Buoku near Wenchi in the Bono region, who was laid off some years ago. My employer was reluctant to pay my severance package in accordance with law. I petitioned the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to intercede on my behalf but to no avail. I heard about LEG when it came to an outreach programme in Buoku, and I took advantage to approach its officials to inform them of my plight. LEG took up the issue and began the process of recovering my money. After a series of engagements between LEG and the company, half of my money was paid to me while the remaining half was advanced to me two weeks later.
What was even more exciting was that the amount of compensation paid to me was more than twice the amount paid to other workers who were also laid off but dealt directly with the company without any assistance by any NGO such as LEG.
4. Chirano, New Obrayeko Saga – we supported New Obreyeko community to receive a good deal in terms of corporate social responsibility from Chirano Gold Mining through dialogue and lobby meetings. See the picture below at one of the dialogue meetings.
Agartha Gyamfua and many more, which time will not permit me to capture all. See the picture and the testimony of Agartha Gyamfuaa.
Agartha Gyamfua, Kenyasi No.2 – About two years ago, my husband ejected my children and I from our matrimonial house and took over all other properties we had acquired together over time. Through LEG, I was able to pursue the case in court and secure victory. The court ruled that one of our two cocoa farms be given to me while our house is to be sold, and the money be shared among us. Additionally, the court awarded Ghs 83,000.00 as compensation and cost of my court expenses.
Conclusion:
In the next ten years ahead, we want to re-strategize and reimagine nature, livelihood and community rights through community level education and empowerment, research and policy advocacy so as to improve nature, promote community rights and enhance sustainable livelihood.
We also want to thank our partners and funders and acknowledgement for their immense support:
TWN – Africa
Oxfam Novib
STAR Ghana Foundation
Global Greengrants Fund (Weber Foundation and Womadix)
ISODEC
We also want to acknowledge and thank individuals and organizations whose names are not mentioned but has contributed one way or others to the success of LEG.
NOTICE: DUES & DEVELOPMENT LEVY FOR MMDCE NOMINATIONS
All applicants for the MMDCE positions are required to pay the following Development Levy as part of the nomination process:
1. GHC 1,500 – Applicable to Current Constituency Executives and 2024 Parliamentary Candidates.
2. GHC 3,000 – Applicable to All Other Categories of Applicants.
In addition, all applicants must be in Good Standing with the Party and should have paid their dues for the last 24 months at a rate of GHC 2 per month.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the disqualification of the application.
Accra, January 9, 2025 – Mothers who gave birth during the festive season expressed surprise and gratitude as the MTN Ghana Foundation distributed 600 hampers to mothers in 30 hospitals across the 16 regions of Ghana.
The hampers, containing essential items such as newborn clothing, detergents, toys, blankets, and personal care products, were presented to mothers at the various hospitals, including Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in the Greater Accra Region, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in the Ashanti Region, the Tamale Teaching Hospital in the Northern Region, Wiawso Government Hospital in the Western North Region, and the Dambai Hospital in the Oti Region.
The recipients expressed their gratitude to the MTN Ghana Foundation for the kind gesture. One of them, Madam Sylvia Essuman said the hamper will help ease the financial burden of the mothers. Another beneficiary, Madam Gifty Amoah described the donation as a pleasant surprise. “We were not expecting this, but we are very happy, thank you MTN”, she said.
Madam Victoria Jamoo, Senior Midwife at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, observed that the donation would go a long way in supporting new mothers who often struggle to afford essential baby items.
Speaking during the presentation in Accra, Mr. Samuel Bartels, representing the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer for MTN Ghana said, “This initiative is our way of sharing in the joy of new mothers and congratulating them on the arrival of their babies. We believe that these little ones will grow up to achieve greatness, and we are excited to be a part of their journey.”
MTN staff volunteers in Western, Western-North, Central, Eastern, Oti and Volta regions were led by Prince Owusu-Nyarko, Senior Manager, Regional Sales while Kwami Aseye Akude, Manager – Retail Experience led the volunteers in Northern, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Ashanti, Northeast, Savanna, Upper East, and Upper West Regions.
Since the inception of the Baby Hamper Project in 2011, the MTN Ghana Foundation has distributed over 3,500 hampers to new mothers across Ghana. The initiative is a testament to the foundation’s commitment to supporting the vulnerable and making a positive impact in the lives of Ghanaians.
Media Contacts:
Samuel Bartels
Senior Manager Regulatory & Government Affairs
Mr. Patrick Kwame Frimpong, the Ashanti Regional Dean of Presiding Members (PMs), who doubles as the National First Vice-Chairman of NALAG, has emphatically condemned a series of attacks on staff members of various metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) across the country, as well as attacks on state properties by some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said these attacks on innocent MMDAs personnel without any provocation must be condemned by all stakeholders.
President John Mahama
Speaking to “The New Trust” newspaper on Friday, 10th January 2024, Mr. Frimpong, who is also the elected Assembly member for the Krofrom Electoral Area within the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and Presiding Member (PM) of the same Assembly, was not happy about the reccurrence of such needless attacks on staff members of MMDAs and state properties every time there is a change of government in the Fourth Republic.
It would be recalled that soon after the immediate past vice-president and NPP 2024 Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, publicly conceded defeat and congratulated the winner, Mr. John Mahama, there has been a series of attacks on various state properties and personnel of such institutions/agencies, especially MMDAs.
Unfortunately, both government and security agencies have failed to address the incidents.
Mr. Frimpong is, therefore, calling on the Inspector General of Police and his men to rise up to the occasion and deal mercilessly with the culprits to serve as a deterrent to others to prevent reccurrence.
He stressed the need for all NDC members suspected to be leading the attacks to stop. It is highly expected that the NDC leadership should also rise up and call their supporters to order.
“We can’t continue to sit down unconcerned to allow innocent MMDAs staff members and other state agencies to suffer at the hands of these criminal elements in Ghanaian politics.
After the peaceful elections, let’s all stay united and rally behind the President to move the nation forward for the good of all Ghanaians, without compounding the challenges of the nation,” he added.
Information reaching this portal indicates that confusion and tension have rocked Newmont Ahafo South mine site area at Kenyasi in the Asutifi North Constituency of the Ahafo Region, as three boys have been confirmed dead following alleged shooting by police personnel guarding the mine.
According to a LEG community volunteer at Ntotroso, all the three boys were natives of Ntotroso, and they were suspected to have trespassed on the Newmont Ahafo South mine area on Thursday night (9th January 2025). The police officers guarding the area allegedly fired guns, killing the three boys.
Screenshot
Mr. Adjei-Poku, an environmental and human rights activist and Executive Director of LEG, has described the incident as barbaric and inhumane. He has also condemned the act and warned Newmont to prevent further incidents going forward.
Mr. Adjei-Poku further described the staff of Newmont as hypocrites, saying “they love and respect animals even more than their fellow human beings, because they don’t kill animals.”
Short video attached below;
“If you’re their staff and they find you killing even a snack, they will sack you,” he alleged.
The human rights activists has also revealed that from 2006 to date, 20 reported death cases have been recorded.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has released a brief report on the incident, claiming that calm has been restored, but many residents are locked up in their homes because of the high tension in the area as a result of the killings.
What has also fuelled the tension is the assertion by the police that the victims were thieves.
Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, the Inspector General of Police, has resolved to dispatch a special investigation team to ascertain the facts about the incident.
These actions must stop – Ashanti NPP Organiser urges NDC members destroying state properties
The Ashanti Regional Organiser for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Francis Adomako, popularly known as Francois, has called on nananom, pastors, imams, zongo chiefs, the media and leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to rise up and speak against the attack on some people and the destruction of state properties by some members of the NDC.
According to him, Ghanaians have spoken and President John Mahama has won the 2024 presidential election, with the NDC having an overwhelming majority in Parliament.
“l believe it should end there. Today you see NDC youths entering organisations and sacking all workers and destroying properties but no one is talking about it. Unfortunately, even NDC leaders have kept quiet and these youths have taken the law into their own hands and doing what pleases them,” he pointed out.
Francois, who doubles as the Dean of all Regional Organisers, expressed worry that the NDC youth are destroying public properties, destroying NPP properties and threatening public officials in their various workplaces.
The Ashanti NPP Organiser added, “I don’t think this is right. The NDC government has promised a 24-hour economy and we are all waiting for the government to create employment for its teeming youths and not to go about it this way.”
Dr. Adomako, therefore, called on the NDC leadership to speak to their youths, else the NPP would retaliate.
He questioned the whereabouts of the security agencies, the Peace Council, chiefs, civil society organisations, the media and development partners.
“Let’s start talking and let’s put a stop to it. What is going on doesn’t help anyone. Even national service personnel are being chased out of offices and everyone is quiet; this is not helpful,” he added.
