The Member of Parliament for Walewale, Lariba Abudu, has withdrawn from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries in the constituency.
This comes after the primary contest between herself and Dr. Kabiru Mahama was annulled by the Electoral Commission (EC) after some ballot papers were snatched, affecting the sorting and counting process.
Lariba Abudu,
Read also: NPP Walewale primary nullified after ballot snatching incident
The NPP had convened a National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for September 11, 2024, to address the situation.
The party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong had assured that the meeting would result in a decision aimed at unifying the party in the constituency, resolving issues, and ensuring that the NPP retains its seat in Walewale.
In a press release, Mrs Abudu said her decision to pull out is “in the interest of the greater good of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).”
In an interview on Joy FM’s Newsnite after her announcement, the MP said “Why should I hold my party ransom because someone has decided to be a candidate.”
During the primaries’ re-run yesterday, a man, identified by police as Kamara Bawah, allegedly grabbed several ballot papers and attempted to flee.
He reportedly destroyed some of the ballots before being apprehended by the police, who fired warning shots to restore order.
The ballot papers were subsequently taken to the police station, where party officials and the EC considered whether to continue counting.
After reviewing the damaged ballots, the EC decided to nullify the election results.
The police have since detained Kamara Bawah for causing damage to the ballot papers, and security has been reinforced within Walewale and surrounding areas to maintain order.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who has been widely commended for his immense contribution to the fight against illegal mining, has taken his advocacy a notch higher, rallying the collective efforts of all stakeholders and professional groups to take action against the destruction caused by the menace.
The Asantehene, who was a guest at the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) Conference held in Kumasi on Monday, September 9, 2024, called on the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), and the various professional groupings to stand firm in their resistance to illegal mining activities, as they threaten water bodies and forest reserves.
Already, the GBA, UTAG and the Ghana Medical Association as well as other health associations have collectively spoken against the canker and demanded urgent action against it.
For instance, all health associations have called for a halt in all forms of small-scale mining to allow a streamlining of the sector.
While commending the GBA President for taking a bold stance against Galamsey, he called on all others to join in the advocacy, stressing the threat posed by Galamsey to the environment and the failure of the legal system to respond accordingly.
“Galamsey is an environmental enemy for the nation. What could be more serious for any people than to have the entire water supply system at risk? So, I think as lawyers you should find space during this conference to set up a panel to undertake a quick tour of the communities where this call is most prevalent to see the extent of the crisis we face and hopefully deliberate on how the laws should respond.
“As I see it, if an individual poisoned the water supply of a community, he will be liable for severe consequences under the law. What does the law do when one pours mercury into the same water supply knowing fully well it can kill? This issue now requires the collective effort of all sections of society. To do nothing is no longer an option. The Bar Association, the medical association and the university should get together to deal with this emergency.”
The Asantehene said he was embarrassed by the pollution of the River Pra after he recently came into direct contact with it during his trip to Cape Coast.
“While I was going to Cape Coast, I stopped over the River Pra and what I saw was so embarrassing and then if as a nation we live for this to happen to us, we have to fight this no matter what.” Source: Myjoyonline.com
The Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, on Monday filed his nomination to contest the 2024 Parliamentary election as the candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the Electoral Commission office at Kuntanase.
Mr Aikens Addai Poku, Bosomtwe Constituency Chairman handing over the nomination forms to the Returning office at Bosomtwe office of EC, Mr Lawrence Essien during the ceremony at Kuntanase, on behalf of Dr Adutwum
Accompanying the MP who is also the Minister for Education to file the nomination were the Executives of the NPP in the Bosomtwe Constituency, supporters of the party and other family relations.
Notable among those who accompanied the MP were the District Chief Executive for Bosomtwe, Mr Joseph Kwasi Asumin, the Constituency Chairman for Bosomtwe, Mr Aikens Addai-Poku and a host of other dignitaries.
The submission of the nomination forms gives him the opportunity to contest as the party’s parliamentary candidate for the third time during the upcoming general election.
After inspecting his nomination forms, the Returning Officer of the EC at the Bosomtwe Constituency, Mr Lawrence Essien received his completed forms and all the necessary documents and the bank draft.
Speaking to the Media, after submitting the nomination forms, Dr Adutwum thanked the leadership of the party in the constituency for their support and the trust they have in him.
He pledged to work very hard to retain the seat and also increase the votes for the Presidential Candidate for the party, Dr Mahamoud Bawumia for the party to “break the eight”.
Dr Adutwum urged supporters of the party to remain united and focus on putting in place the right measures and strategies that would help them defeat the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the election.
Francis Adomako, the Ashanti Regional Organiser for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called on the rank and file of all political parties, especially the presidential candidate hopefuls and their spokespersons, to talk about issues devoid of insults and violence.
With barely three months to this year’s general election slated for December 7, Mr. Adomako, who is popularly known as Francois, said the need for all politicians, especially contesting candidates, to tell voters what they are capable of doing should they be given the mandate cannot be overemphasised.
Francis Adomako aka Francois
The Ashanti Regional NPP organiser recently
challenged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer, Mr. John Mahama, to tell Ghanaians what he did as vice-president when the late Prof. John Evans Atta Mills was president.
Speaking to “The New Trust” newspaper on Tuesday, 10th September 2024, the regional organiser said Ghanaian voters had become highly sophisticated and no amount of propaganda could deceive them any longer.
He added that there was, therefore, the need for presidential candidate hopefuls, political parties’ leaders and their followers to devote their time and resources to talk about issues.
“I’m humbly calling on all flagbearers, parliamentary candidates of both the NPP and the NDC to desist from insults and violence, but rather tell the electorate what they can do to develop the country should they be given the nod, come the December 7 polls. We all need to do away with insults and focus on issues-based campaigns,” he stressed.
Francois emphasised the need for all party members and executives to intensify their campaigns without complacency and insults.
He called on Ghanaians to renew the mandate of the NPP to continue the good foundation laid by the Akufo-Addo administration.
According to him, from 2017 to 2024 that Dr. Bawumia has been vice-president, we have seen so many of his contributions.
He said through Dr. Bawumia’s digitalisation agenda and innovation initiatives, he has helped to introduce the e-smart driver’s licence, mobile money interoperability system, paperless port system, electronic renewal of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Ghana Post GPS, e-immigration system, among others, under the current administration.
Besides, he mentioned the drone medical delivery service, the Gold for Oil policy, etc.
By virtue of the aforementioned valuable initiatives, Francois urged the electorate, especially the youth, who are the future leaders of the country, to vote massively for Dr. Bawumia to continue the good works of the Akufo-Addo administration.
He cautioned Ghanaians, especially first-time voters, not to allow themselves to be deceived by former President Mahama because he has nothing new to offer Ghanaians.
On September 5th,2024, the University Students Association in Ghana held its 23rd Annual Delegate Congress at KNUST-Obuasi.
The congress brought together student leaders from various universities across Ghana to discuss pressing issues.
Hon.Kwabena Asamoah speaking at the congress
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MASLOC,Hon. Kwabena Asamoah,who is popularly known as OBIDOMBIE, was invited as the guest speaker for the program.
He emphasized the importance of taking their learning seriously and encouraged the students to support the NPP government’s efforts to develop the education sector.
He, therefore, highlighted Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s vision to ‘break the eight’ and continue implementing good interventions and policies to enhance the education system and create job opportunities for the youth.
A section of the participants
Hon. OBIDOMBIE, also shared his life experiences with the student leaders, motivating them to take their leadership roles seriously.
He stressed that success comes with selfless service, integrity, humility and honesty, inspiring the students to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in their communities and the country at large.
The students,were inspired by his words and left the congress feeling motivated and empowered.
Source:
Political Abeika
Aamusted-M TESCON Secretary
Dr Gideon Boako, the Spokesperson for Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed confidence that the Vice President is set to make history by leading the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to victory in the 2024 general election, breaking the traditional eight-year power rotation between Ghana’s two major political parties.
Addressing supporters in Duayaw-Nkwanta during the submission of his nomination forms to the Electoral Commission, Dr Boako emphasised that the NPP’s vision of “breaking the eight” will be realised through the combined effort of hard work and divine intervention, adding that, Dr Bawumia’s leadership will solidify the NPP’s continued governance beyond the usual two-term cycle.
He explained that the NPP has proven itself as the best party with a track record of delivering on its promises and Dr Bawumia’s leadership has been exceptional, and even the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) recognises his achievements and hence the consistently unnecessary attacks on his integrity.
Dr Boako compared the leadership of Dr Bawumia with that of NDC’s flagbearer, former President John Mahama, arguing that Mahama’s tenure as Vice President was marked by failure, whereas Dr Bawumia has shown outstanding leadership, noting that, this contrast positions Dr Bawumia as the leader capable of making history for the NPP.
He further highlighted that the 2024 elections will be a decisive choice between progress and regression, stressing Dr Bawumia’s role as a visionary leader who embodies progress.
Dr Boako also pointed to the newfound unity within the NPP as a critical factor in the party’s preparations for the 2024 elections.
He cited the collaboration between key figures, including Kennedy Agyapong, who have rallied behind Dr Bawumia following one of the most fiercely contested flagbearer races in the party’s history.
This unity, he said, is a testament to the work of the party’s leadership and grassroots members and is a significant advantage as the NPP seeks to retain power.
“The party’s unity is a beacon of hope, and with the support of all members, we are confident that we will break the eight-year cycle,” Dr Boako said.
Confusion marred the re-run of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Walewale constituency parliamentary primary on Monday, prompting the Electoral Commission (EC) to declare the election null and void.
The disruption occurred when an individual snatched ballot papers during sorting, resulting in some ballots being destroyed.
The EC has referred the matter back to the NPP to decide on the next steps, as the primary was an internal party event to select a nominee for the December parliamentary election.
The party is now tasked with fixing a new date for the election before the deadline for filing nominations at the end of the week.
A scene from the incident
Earlier, voting had proceeded smoothly following a change of venue in the morning.
However, the process took a chaotic turn during the sorting of ballots, which commenced around 4 p.m.
A man, identified by police as Kamara Bawah, allegedly grabbed several ballot papers and attempted to flee.
He reportedly destroyed some of the ballots before being apprehended by the police, who fired warning shots to restore order.
The ballot papers were subsequently taken to the police station, where party officials and the EC considered whether to continue counting.
After reviewing the damaged ballots, the EC decided to nullify the election results.
The police have since detained Kamara Bawah for causing damage to the ballot papers, and security has been reinforced within Walewale and surrounding areas to maintain order.
This re-run followed a ruling by the Tamale High Court, which annulled the results of the initial primary held in January due to irregularities, including impersonation and over-voting.
The court ordered a fresh election, which was originally scheduled for September 8 but postponed to Monday.Source: Myjoyonline.com
Members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), numbering hundreds at the Adwengo Adwosuo have defected to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in the Ashanti Region.
The staunch NDC members openly declared their intention to vote for the ruling party during a grassroots campaign visit by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of NPP, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
According to them, their intention to vote for the NPP Presidential Candidate, HE Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is stemmed from the fact that he has good and superior policies for the country. They explained further that, his religious background has no bearing on their decision to vote for him.
Screenshot
“We are NDC members but we’re voting for Dr. Bawumia in the coming General Election. His policies are good and we are therefore voting for him”, they declared.
They explained further that, they have benefited immensely from the Free SHS, and for that matter, find it right to vote for the NPP in order for more of such progressive policies to be implemented.
Video attached below;
“Let us confess. We’ve benefited from the Free SHS. Through that we were able to enroll our kids at St. Louis and Yaa Asantewaa without committing resources. Ghanaians have really benefited from the Free SHS policy, that’s why we’ve resolved to vote for the NPP for more of such initiatives to be implemented”, they added.
Subsequently, the NDC members were given T-shirts that have the embossement of the party’s Presidential Candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to wear and declare to join the NPP henceforth.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP is currently touring the region on a grassroots campaign for the party’s Presidential Candidate. Several defections from the opposition NDC to the NPP have been reported in the course of the tour. Chairman Wontumi has vowed to record an unprecedented huge margin in the December 7 Elections, that will the ruling party widening the gap in the party’s stronghold.
As Ghana gears up for the December 2024 general elections, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has unequivocally dispelled any claims that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will resort to rigging to secure victory.
Speaking at the Ghana Bar Association’s Annual Conference in Kumasi, the President reiterated his party’s firm commitment to upholding democratic principles, highlighting that free, fair, and transparent elections are the cornerstone of any healthy democracy.
Akufo-Addo noted that democracy in Ghana has flourished over the years, allowing for greater political participation and representation. “The voices of women, youth, and marginalized groups, which were often silenced during the years of military rule, are now heard loud and clear,” he said. This vibrant and inclusive political landscape, he argued, is a testament to Ghana’s democratic evolution, with Parliament becoming more representative and civil society more engaged than ever before.
As the election season approaches, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of peaceful, fair, and transparent elections. “Elections are not merely a democratic ritual; they are the very lifeblood of our political system. They are the mechanism through which the people exercise their sovereign will, choose their leaders, and hold them accountable,” he added.
Addressing the allegations that the NPP could only win the 2024 elections through electoral manipulation, President Akufo-Addo categorically dismissed such claims. He stated that the NPP’s track record of governance, combined with the compelling vision of its flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, will be enough to secure victory. “The NPP’s path to victory is through a robust defense of its exceptional, proven track record in office and the continuing modernization of Ghana’s future, championed by our excellent presidential candidate and his dynamic running mate,” Akufo-Addo remarked.
He emphasized that rigging is not part of the NPP’s DNA, describing the party as long-standing champions of multiparty democracy. He further dismissed accusations of electoral malpractice, saying that these were preemptive excuses by those who fear an NPP victory.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that maintaining electoral integrity requires a collective commitment from all stakeholders involved in the electoral process. He urged political parties, the Electoral Commission (EC), security agencies, civil society, and the media to uphold the highest standards of transparency and fairness. “The integrity of the electoral process is the foundation upon which the legitimacy of government rests,” he said. The President further emphasized that when elections are free and transparent, the results are accepted by all parties, including those who lose.
In this regard, he placed a special responsibility on the Electoral Commission, calling on the body to act impartially and independently in overseeing the elections. He encouraged the EC to ensure that all logistical arrangements are in place and that any electoral disputes are resolved swiftly and transparently.
Akufo-Addo also stressed the importance of the EC remaining the sole authority responsible for declaring election results. He warned against political parties declaring results before the EC does so, noting that such actions could lead to confusion and misinformation. “The EC’s role as an impartial and independent body ensures that its results reflect the true will of the people, free from partisan influence,” the President noted.
Reflecting on the broader context of African elections, President Akufo-Addo cautioned against the dangers of elections marred by violence, irregularities, and lack of transparency. Such situations, he warned, can lead to disputed results and political instability. “We should learn from these experiences and ensure that Ghana does not ever fall into the same trap,” he said. The President reaffirmed that his government is committed to doing everything within its power to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted peacefully, fairly, and transparently.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by some opposition voices about potential electoral misconduct, President Akufo-Addo reminded the audience that successive Electoral Commissioners, including Kwadwo Afari Gyan, Charlotte Osei, and the current commissioner, Jean Mensa, have all emphasized that rigging elections in Ghana is nearly impossible due to the robust systems in place. The President pointed out that those alleging NPP’s intent to rig the 2024 elections are likely preparing excuses in anticipation of a potential NPP victory.
President Akufo-Addo concluded by reaffirming the NPP’s unwavering commitment to democracy. He underscored the importance of democratic values such as the rule of law, accountability, and respect for differing opinions. “Our democracy is healthier than ever before, and we intend to protect and nurture it for future generations,” he stated.
With the 2024 elections on the horizon, President Akufo-Addo’s message is clear: the NPP will not resort to underhanded tactics to win. Instead, it will rely on its achievements in office and its vision for the future to convince the Ghanaian electorate. As the President put it, “The will of the people is paramount, and it is this will that will decide the outcome of the elections.”
Amid the growing anger over the devastation of the country’s water bodies and forest reserves, Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has stated that 76 individuals have been convicted of illegal mining offences since August 2021.
The Minister said this at the Ghana Bar Association Conference in Kumasi on Monday, September 9, to highlight the government’s efforts to clamp down on the Galamsey menace.
Despite legal and procedural challenges, he noted that significant progress has been made in prosecuting illegal miners.
“From August 2021 to date, at least 76 individuals, including 18 foreigners, have been convicted. Among them is the notorious Chinese Galamsey queen, Aisha Huang, who was convicted on December 4, 2023, for offences committed between 2014 and 2016 during the previous government’s tenure,” Mr Dame disclosed.
Godfred Yeboah Dame
He added that most of these convicts were sentenced under the new law, Act 995, which imposes a minimum sentence of 15 years and heavy fines for non-Ghanaian offenders. Foreigners found guilty now face a minimum of 50 years in prison, while Ghanaians involved in illegal mining face a minimum of 20 years behind bars.
Mr Dame further disclosed that over 140 cases of illegal mining, involving more than 850 accused persons, are currently being prosecuted in courts across the Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Upper East regions.
He assured that several of these cases are close to conclusion.
Reflecting on the broader legal framework, Mr Dame praised the often-overlooked work of the Legislative Drafting Division within the Attorney-General’s Office. “They are the unsung heroes—a disciplined and meticulous team of lawyers who are crucial to the smooth functioning of our government. Without their efforts, the legislative arm could not operate effectively,” he said.
He lauded their efforts in advancing law reforms, particularly in both civil and criminal law. Since 2021, the division has drafted approximately 60 Acts of Parliament and countless subsidiary laws, ensuring that Ghana’s legal system remains robust and responsive.
Addressing concerns about the working conditions of state attorneys, Mr Dame shared that his inspections of various offices under the Ministry of Justice revealed significant challenges, including poor infrastructure and a lack of basic tools necessary for effective service delivery.
“In February 2022, following directives from the President and the Minister of Finance, funds were allocated to improve the ministry’s operations,” he explained. “As part of these efforts, I facilitated the purchase of 91 vehicles, representing the largest fleet ever acquired for the ministry.”
