Accra, December 23, 2024 (GJA) – THE Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), with mandate from the Ministry of Information, invites applications from media houses, including foreign media, for accreditation for their staff to cover the swearing-in of President-elect John Dramani Mahama at the Independence Square in Accra on January 7, 2025.
Interested media houses are hereby requested to submit personal details of their staff, including name, media house and standard passport picture to the GJA Secretariat via WhatsApp Number 020 836 6615.
The deadline for submission of applications is 5pm on Thursday, December 26, 2024.
Media houses are respectfully requested to strictly use the following template to submit the details of their staff:
NO.
NAME
MEDIA HOUSE
CONTACT
PASSPORT PICTURE
The template for submission of applications should be in Microsoft Word document, Times New Roman format and Font Size 12.
Kindly contact the GJA National Organizing Secretary, Dominic Hlordzi, who is the Coordinator of this exercise, on 059 882 5581 / 020 836 6615 for assistance, if required.
END.
As the dust settles from the intense 2024 election season, it’s time to reflect on the individuals who made significant contributions to our party. Among these individuals is Jerry James Sukah, the Communication Officer for the Oforikrom Constituency, who stands out as an exceptional person for the position of Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Oforikrom. His vigorous communication efforts before and during the elections not only showcased his leadership potential but also illustrated his deep commitment to the people of Oforikrom indicates why he deserves for MCE position.
Jerry James Sukah
Mr James Sukah, throughout the campaign, demonstrated remarkable communication skills that resonated with a diverse range of constituents. Through town hall meetings, social media interactions, workshops for communicators, one-on-one conversations, ensuring that he listen to the concerns of the Constituency. His ability to convey complex ideas in a relatable manner ensured that everyone felt informed and included in the electoral process. This skill is vital for an MCE, who must continue to engage with residents and stakeholders effectively.
That notwithstanding, we are in an era where transparency is paramount, however, Mr. James Sukah’s approach has set a benchmark for accountability in political discourse. He maintained open lines of communication about his campaign goals and the challenges facing Oforikrom Constituency. His commitment to honesty during the election not only carved out a trustworthy image but also fostered trust among the electorate.
When Sukah is considered to becomes the MCE, this level of transparency would be essential for building strong community relations and promoting civic engagement.
It’s of evidence that, Mr Sukah’s efforts went beyond traditional campaigning. He organized community forums where citizens could voice their concerns and ask questions. This proactive engagement allowed him to gather valuable insights directly from the community, shaping his platform around the real issues affecting the constituency.
Mr. Jerry James Sukah exhibited a clear vision for the future of Oforikrom Constituency, addressing key issues such as youth employment, infrastructure development, and education. His communication strategy included detailed plans that highlighted not only the problems but also practical solutions.
This forward-thinking approach it will be in the interest of Oforikrom Constituency for the top hierarchy of the NDC to settle on Mr. Jerry James Sukah as the Chief Executive Officer of Oforikrom Municipal Assembly.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kofi Job Construction Company, Mr Kofi Gyebi, popularly known as Kofi Job, has expressed his profound gratitude to the Almighty God for seeing to the peaceful general election held on December 7, 2024.
Mr & Mrs Gyebi making presentation to one of the widows
According to him, in the build-up to the elections, many Ghanaians were in a state of fear and premonition due to the high political temperature in the country, but God, being so good, has protected the country through peaceful elections.
“We give many thanks to God for His protection and goodness,” he added.
Engineer Kofi Job also thanked all stakeholders for their support in ensuring a peaceful general election.
The renowned contractor, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Esther Gyebi, among other members of Kofi Job Foundation, made the remarks during the donation of items to over 1,000 widows in Ashanti Region on Monday, 23rd December 2024, on the premises of Otec 102.9 radio station in Kumasi.
Mr.Kofi Gyebi aka Kofi Job speaking at the event
Each of the beneficiaries went home with a bag of rice, chicken, cooking items and an undisclosed amount of money from Kofi Job Foundation.
Mr Kofi Job & his wife pledged that the donation would not be a nine-day wonder, for they would continue to do it until their Maker calls them from this earth.
He said even though many people are wealthy, they are not willing to support the needy but God has laid it upon him and his wife to help the needy, hence the setting up of Kofi Job Foundation to support the needy, especially widows.
According to him, by the grace of God, he has made it in life and he has realised that, without Christ, everything is vanity. He said it is appointed for every man to die once and after that there is judgment. He, therefore, used the opportunity to appeal to all Ghanaians, especially those who are not believers, to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour before they die.
“Those who have already accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord should exhibit life worthy of emulation,” he added.
“All that my wife and I need from you is your prayers,” he urged the beneficiaries.
On her part, Dr. Esther Gyebi heaped praises on his husband for his commitment to the activities of the Foundation.
Some of the widows who spoke to the media after receiving their packages couldn’t hide their joy and appreciation to Mr & Mrs Gyebi and Kofi Job Foundation for the kind gesture.
They prayed for long life with strength for the couple in all their endeavours.
Also, Kofi Job Foundation donated to patients at Manhyia, Tafo and Atonsu hospitals as part of its activities to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has firmly rejected the seven re-collated parliamentary results declared by the Electoral Commission (EC).
Following a High Court ruling concerning the seven disputed constituencies, the EC proceeded with the re-collation and subsequent declaration of the results.
The constituencies in question include Ahafo Ano North, Techiman South, Ahafo Ano South West, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, and Tema Central – all of which were declared for the NPP after the re-collation exercise.
In a statement released shortly after the re-collation, the NDC’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, characterized the process as both unlawful and manipulated.
He alleged that the EC’s actions undermined transparency and fairness, accusing the Commission of acting in favour of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
John Dramani Mahama
“These results, declared under questionable and illegal circumstances, represent a blatant assault on Ghana’s democratic principles and a betrayal of the sovereign will of the Ghanaian people.”
“It is abundantly clear that the Electoral Commission, under the leadership of Jean Mensah. has consistently chosen a path of illegality and impunity. By engaging in actions that deliberately undermine the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process, the EC has compromised its mandate and deepened public mistrust in the institution.
“The NDC strongly condemns these undemocratic practices and reminds all involved that electoral crimes have no expiry date and that the date of reckoning would come.”
The NDC commended its rank and file for maintaining peace and avoiding confrontation with security forces.
“We commend our rank and file for heeding our call to maintain peace and avoid confrontation with security forces deployed to intimidate and oppress innocent citizens.”
So far, the EC has successfully declared results in seven constituencies, all in favour of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). These include:
The 2024 General election saw a meticulous approach to electoral security operations in the Ashanti Region, with Samuel Yaw Adusei playing a pivotal role.
The former Deputy Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, and former Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, combined his decades of political experience with strategic planning to ensure a credible process in the region often described as the battleground of Ghanaian politics.
Samuel Yaw Adusei
Hon. Adusei, a seasoned politician with over 30 years of experience, has long advocated that elections are won at the polling stations.
Guided by this principle, he took a hands-on approach to safeguard the integrity of the polls. As a member of the Ashanti Regional Security Committee, his contributions to the success of the elections were not only visible but also commendable.
Strategic Coordination from Kumasi Command Center
Operating from a prime office in Kumasi, Hon. Adusei established a comprehensive Operations (OPS) Room that served as the nerve center for the electoral security taskforce. From this base, he coordinated efforts to prevent electoral malpractices, particularly in protecting the ballots and ensuring fair representation at polling stations.
In his own words, the 2024 elections were his “personal project,” a sentiment driven by his determination to end the opposition party’s prolonged absence from governance.
“Keeping NDC in opposition for the third time would render my three decades of political efforts futile,” he said.
His passion for the cause saw him sacrifice personal health and resources, channeling significant funding into operations aimed at securing a win for H.E. John Dramani Mahama.
Ground-Level Engagement and Tactical Tours
Hon. Adusei embarked on rigorous tours across the Ashanti Region, covering the length and breadth of the area three times.
Often traveling solo, his tours were aimed at familiarizing constituency executives with key stakeholders, including Electoral Commission (EC) district officers and police commands.
This direct engagement emboldened party executives and solidified their understanding of the electoral process, creating a united front to tackle irregularities.
During these meetings, Adusei emphasized three critical issues:
1. Command Structure at Polling Stations: He clarified that Presiding Officers (POs) do not wield absolute authority, a common misconception that could be exploited to eject party agents unfairly.
2. Positioning of Party Agents: Proper agent positioning was highlighted as a preventive measure against ballot manipulation.
3. Voting Screen Positioning: Adjusting screen placement ensured transparency and minimized opportunities for tampering.
A Tactical Leader in a Battleground Region
Hon. Adusei’s deep understanding of electoral laws and his charismatic leadership resonated with stakeholders. “He presented the issues with authority and a profound grasp of electoral security,” a police commander noted.
An electoral officer praised his instructive voice and exceptional presentation skills, while a member of the Ashanti Regional Council of Elders described his coordination as “perfect.”
His efforts bore fruit, with Hon. Adusei confidently predicting after his final tour on December 5, 2024, that the NDC would exceed 30% in Ashanti Region—a feat that had significant implications for the overall electoral outcome.
Behind-the-Scenes Efforts and Legacy
While much of Hon. Adusei’s work remains confidential, he revealed that over 80% of the security operations were not for public consumption.
These covert efforts, many funded from his personal resources, played a crucial role in mitigating electoral malpractice and fostering transparency.
Hon. Adusei’s commitment to electoral integrity and his strategic foresight were instrumental in achieving the desired results for the NDC in the Ashanti Region.
His work during the 2024 elections underscores the importance of proactive, localized approaches to electoral security and serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in Ghanaian politics.
Celebrating a Champion of Electoral Integrity
As the dust settles on the 2024 General Elections, Hon. Samuel Yaw Adusei’s contributions to the NDC’s success in the Ashanti Region stand out. His unwavering dedication, strategic acumen, and selflessness in safeguarding the democratic process make him a figure worth celebrating in Ghana’s political landscape
The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has pledged to “strongly resist” any partisan appointments in the Civil Service and Local Government Service.
The Association said that the incoming government, upon assuming office on January 7, 2025, must uphold the principle of neutrality within these services and avoid interfering with the roles of civil servants.
Mr Isaac Bampoe Addo,
Speaking to a journalist at CLOGSAG’s Thanksgiving Service in Accra, Mr Isaac Bampoe Addo, Executive Secretary, warned that the association would use “workers’ power” to oppose any actions that compromise the positions of civil servants.
“There is a Supreme Court decision that says that no civil servant must owe his appointment to partisan activities.
“We want to believe that the incoming Government will adhere to the Supreme Court ruling and ensure that politicians are not appointed to encumber civil service institutions,” he said.
The CLOGSAG also expressed concern about the “winner takes all” principle that allowed the President unfettered powers in the appointment of all public officers.
“Indeed, it is time for us to evaluate the democracy that has characterized the governance under the Fourth Republic to ascertain whether this type of governance is helping us to develop as a country,” Mr Addo said.
Mr. Addo stated that the country’s failure to effectively address the illegal mining problem highlights the weakness of Ghana’s decentralization structures.
He said that the battle against illegal mining should not be centralized, urging that District Assemblies take the lead in tackling the issue.
According to him, local authorities are better equipped to understand the challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
Delivering his New Year Message to members of CLOGSAG, Mr Addo said the year had been commendable despite the Association’s inability to achieve its goal of getting a Unique Salary
Structure and other conditions of service.
He said negotiations for a new salary structure were ongoing and assured members that their request “will see the light of day.”
Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, the candidate representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for Ahafo Ano South West, has been officially announced as the winner of the parliamentary election after a recount of votes mandated by the court.
The recount, which was overseen by the Electoral Commission (EC), validated Dapaah’s victory with a total of 16,680 votes.
His nearest rival, Sedik Abubakar from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), garnered 16,540 votes, resulting in one of the most closely contested elections in the history of the constituency.
Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah
Background
The recount was initiated after the NDC raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the initial collation process.
These grievances led to heightened tensions in the constituency, with both parties demanding transparency and fairness in the handling of election Source: Leticia Osei
Frank Annoh-Dompreh has successfully retained his Nsawam Adoagyiri parliamentary seat following a recount of the election results.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate secured 29,640 votes, narrowly defeating the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Amenorpe Philbert Fummey, who garnered 29,433 votes.
Court Order for Re-collation
The recount follows a High Court order issued on December 20, which instructed the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate and announce the results for the Nsawam Adoagyiri and Ablekuma North constituencies, nullifying earlier announcements.
This directive was prompted by a judicial review initiated by six dissatisfied NPP parliamentary candidates who sought a mandamus order for the EC to re-collate the election results.
The candidates, who contested in constituencies including Tema Central, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Okaikwei Central, Techiman South, Ablekuma North, and Ahafo Ano North, raised concerns about irregularities in the initial collation process and the subsequent announcement of winners.
They also requested that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) provide adequate security at the collation centres to ensure a smooth process.
Background of Tensions
The EC had previously reported that on election day, the Nsawam Adoagyiri collation centre was besieged, halting the collation process. Attempts to resume the collation on December 13 were unsuccessful.
Similar disruptions occurred in other constituencies, including Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central, where violence and unrest marred the collation process. The relocation of collation activities to the Police Training School also sparked disputes over the aggregation and delegation of results.
The NDC has contested the re-collation process, arguing that the results declared at polling stations should stand as final. The EC’s nullification of the initial results has added to the growing tension surrounding the parliamentary elections in these contentious constituencies.
With Annoh-Dompreh’s victory confirmed, attention now shifts to the next steps in resolving the election disputes in other constituencies.
The re-collation of parliamentary election results for the Obuasi East constituency has confirmed Patrick Boakye Yiadom of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the winner by a 19-vote margin.The process, conducted at the Greater Accra Electoral Commission (EC) Office, forms part of nine constituencies undergoing re-collation today.
The EC official this morning indicated that Mr Boakye Yiadom garnered 18,558 votes to retain his seat, edging out his closest contender, Samuel Aboagye of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who secured 18,539 votes.
An independent candidate, Adjei Owusu Afriyie, trailed with 424 votes.
Read also: Heavy security at EC G/A Regional office ahead of re-collation
The re-collation was ordered following disputes over procedural irregularities during the initial tally.
The EC stressed the importance of transparency and accuracy in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
With tensions high and political stakeholders closely monitoring the proceedings, the EC assured the public of its commitment to resolving outstanding issues in the affected constituencies.
Results from the remaining eight constituencies are expected to be announced later today.
There is heavy security at the EC G/A Regional office.
