The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced the timelines for the re-run of the parliamentary primary in the Walewale constituency, following a High Court ruling in Tamale that annulled the initial election, which was won by Dr. Mahama Tia Kabiru.
The court’s decision, issued on September 2, 2024, has cleared the way for fresh nominations.
Justin Frimpong Kodua,NPP GS
A statement signed by the Party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Monday, September 2, confirmed that nominations will be open from Tuesday, September 3 to September 5, 2024.
The election is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 8.
Aspiring candidates are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of GHC 3,000 and a filing fee of GHC 35,000.
However, women, youth, and persons with disabilities will receive a 50% discount on the filing fee.
Additionally, candidates who participated in the initial primary are exempt from paying these fees.
The Party has also established an Election Committee, chaired by Alhaji Haruna Mohammed, to oversee the re-run of the election.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has rejected allegations that it is manipulating the voter register to benefit a particular political party.
This follows the National Democratic Congress (NDC) alleging that the EC has bloated the provisional voter’s register of the Ho Central Constituency in the Volta Region with over 4,000 names.
The Ho Central NDC IT and Election Director, Dr Collins Nunyonameh, explained that the alleged illegal act was committed under the guise of transferring votes.
The Deputy Chairman of EC in charge of Corporate Services, Dr Bossman Asare, addressed these claims, stating that they are baseless and should be disregarded by the public.
“The EC has no intention of bloating the register to give any political party an advantage over the other,” he stated.
In a press briefing held on Monday, September 2, he clarified that “the inclusion of cumulative transfer data from 2020, 2023, and 2024 in the registers provided to political parties was an inadvertent mistake.”
He assured that the issue has been corrected, and a revised register will be made available to the political parties once all necessary adjustments are completed.
According to him, Ghana’s electoral process is one of the most transparent and inclusive on the continent, with all procedures—from voter registration to the declaration of results—being open to scrutiny by political parties and citizens alike.
Dr. Asare dismissed suggestions that the success and peace of the upcoming 2024 elections rest solely on the EC Chairperson, urging the public to ignore such statements, even if made by prominent individuals.
Security Specialist and Consultant, Prof Kwesi Aning, has stated that illegal mining, known as “galamsey,” in Ghana, has gone beyond ordinary citizens to now become a transnational organized crime.
He highlighted the significant involvement of foreigners in these activities, which are causing severe environmental damage and social disruption.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, Prof Aning explained that galamsey operations are severely damaging the country’s water bodies, including rivers.
Prof Kwesi Aning
Speaking in response to JoyNews’ latest documentary, ‘Poisoned Rivers’, he emphasized the risk of losing these vital resources if immediate action is not taken.
In an interview with Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, he added, “This has moved beyond ordinary citizen, we are talking about levels of collusion, standing every single factor from the state and organised trans-national criminality of citizens from different countries whose activities are posing an existential threat to Ghana.”
Prof Aning noted that the problem has escalated beyond the control of ordinary citizens. “We are talking about collusion involving various factors from the state and organized transnational crime networks,” he stated.
He also highlighted that galamsey is creating tensions between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. “Even more disturbing is that the money accrued from these activities is placing our international reputation at risk. It contributes to illicit financial flows and the funding of violence,” he added.
The security expert raised concerns about the effectiveness of the country’s risk assessments. “This situation raises fundamental questions about the quality of risk assessments we undertake in this country,” he said.
Prof Aning criticised Ghanaian leaders for their failure to address the issue. “Leaders are either colluding, incapable, or unwilling to use the power entrusted to them for future generations. Instead, they deliberately allow foreign actors to exploit our resources, which is not only shameful but a disgrace,” he said.
He specifically addressed the involvement of Chinese nationals in illegal mining, noting that they use harmful methods to extract gold and leave without regard for the damage caused.
“Someone is granting them visas to come here,” he said. He also referenced the Aisha Huang case as evidence of state incompetence and collusion.
Mr Aning emphasised that Ghana’s situation is unique having to voluntarily destroy its water bodies without being at war. “In wartime, you destroy water bodies to prevent the enemy from accessing water. But we are doing it to ourselves without any such threat,” he remarked.
He concluded by noting that the Ghanaian share in galamsey investments is relatively small compared to foreign involvement. “Galamsey poses, and will continue to pose, an existential threat both directly and indirectly,” he warned.Source: Mavis Sekyibea Addo
The MTN Ghana Foundation has announced that it will launch Season 7 of its flagship MTN Heroes of Change programme on 4th September 2024 at the MTN House in Accra.
MTN Heroes of Change program identifies and recognizes selfless people who continue to sacrifice their time and resources to improve their communities and brighten lives. Individuals and institutions who make significant impact in the three focus areas of the MTN Ghana Foundation, that is, Health, Education and Economic Empowerment are rewarded through the MTN Heroes of Change programme for their contributions to the community and national development.
We are happy to announce that from 4th September, members of the public will be invited to nominate people from their communities who through selfless acts of kindness show love and support to humanity in varying forms.
Since its establishment in 2007, the MTN Ghana Foundation has invested 106 million cedis in over 166 major projects in the areas of education, health and economic empowerment which has directly impacted approximately 4.5 million people and several others indirectly.
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Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe
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In less than three months, Ghana goes to the polls to elect the next leader, who will manage the country’s affairs in 2025 and beyond. Currently, parliamentary candidates across the country are on various campaign platforms to convince voters why it is necessary to give them their votes.
Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah)COKA) speaking at the event.
In Offinso South Constituency on Sunday, September 1, 2024,the former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party(NPP),Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, together with his team joined the Parliamentary candidate for the area, Dr.Yaw Opoku Isaac on his campaign. Briefing the constituents on the need to maintain the NPP candidate, COKA, as he is affectionately called said the party will remain in power on condition that all supporters remain united.
“We can be sure to remain the ruling Party on condition that we will remain united, and by doing so the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will forever stay in opposition”. He charged the members to adopt the door –to-door campaign in order not to miss anything. “Campaigns do not end on the platforms, from here I encourage all of us to visit the constituents in their homes. Make them understand why it is important to retain the NPP.Make them understand that the NDC has nothing to offer them. And by doing so,be sure that this election is won”.
COKA,Dr.Dr.Yaw Opoku Isaac among other dignitaries
COKA further charged the supporters to desist from voting “skirt and blouse”.This fight in our Parliament today is a result of the outcome of our votes in 2020.While you are voting for the candidate, don’t forget to vote for the Flagbearer too. This is for purposes of productivity and smooth running of our next government”.
The candidate and current Member of Parliament (MP),Dr.Yaw Opoku Isaac appealed to the supporters to vote him a second time to finish ongoing projects and bring development to Offinso South.”I am yet to complete 4-year term in office but when you look around, you realized that a lot has changed in terms of development,Yes. it may not be enough, and this is why I am appealing to you to vote for me and Dr.Bawumia for enable my government to do more for our beloved constituency. Hon.Collins Adomako Mensah,Deputy Energy Minister and MP,Afigya Kwabre North,Kingsley Owusu Appiah,MCE,Offinso South and the Regional Organizer,Francis Adomako were among the dignitaries present at the campaign.
Offinso South constituency is one of the voting powerhouse of the ruling NPP.The Constituency contributed over 36,000 votes to the NPP in the 2020 Presidential election in the country.While the NDC is working hard to take the seat,the NPP is convinced that they will win with a wider vote margin come December 7.Source:Nana Yaa,Contributor
The Tamale High Court in the Northern Region presided over by Justice Richard Kogyapwah, has ordered for a re-run of the Walewale New Patriotic Party primary.
The Judge, who gave the ruling today, Monday, September 2, said the full judgement will be read on September 12, 2024.
Dr. Tiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama was the elected candidate before he was injuncted.
This ruling comes barely a week for parliamentary and presidential aspirants to file their nominations for the December 7 election in line with the Electoral Commission’s timelines.
Background
On June 2024, the Tamale High Court placed an injunction on Dr Mahama Tia Kabiru restraining him from holding himself as the elected parliamentary candidate of the New Patriotic Party for the Walewale constituency in the North East Region.
The ruling by Justice Richard Kugyapaw, followed a challenge to the election results by the incumbent Member of Parliament, Hajia Lariba Zuweratu.
In January this year, Dr Kabiru, a 35-year-old PhD holder and Vice Presidential special advisor, narrowly defeated Hajia Lariba in a tightly contested primary.
Read Also: NPP MP for Suhum declares intention to go independent after losing primary
The election, conducted under heavy security with the presence of regional and constituency executives, saw Dr Kabiru winning with 345 votes to Hajia Lariba’s 338 votes.
Hajia Lariba quickly rejected the election outcome and filed an ex parte motion at the Tamale High Court, alleging electoral irregularities and malpractice by the party, Dr Kabiru, and the Electoral Commission.
She sought an injunction to prevent Dr Kabiru from holding himself as the winner, which was eventually granted.
Two other candidates in the primary, Tahiru Sham-Una and Jangdoo Mahama, garnered 145 and 1 votes, respectively.
Initially, the NPP, as a third defendant, attempted to dismiss the case, accusing Hajia Lariba of violating the party’s constitution by not exhausting internal conflict resolution mechanisms before approaching the court.
Before the injunction, supporters of the NPP in the Walewale constituency at a news conference called for the intervention of the party’s Presidential Candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to resolve the dispute.
They warned that if the issue was not addressed promptly, it could jeopardise the party’s chances in the upcoming general elections.
Walewale is the home constituency of the Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.Source: Myjoyonline.com
After nine years of meritorious service at Boss 93.7 fm, I have officially parted ways with the station. Many thanks to the CEO, the General Manager and the entire staff of the company for their support for all these years. It’s now time to take up a new challenge.
Watch this space!
K or L?
Alan Kyerematen, founder and leader of the Movement for Change, has pledged to introduce comprehensive interventions to improve the lives of all Zongo community residents if elected.
Key among these initiatives is the integration of Arabic school teachers into the Ghana Education Service, ensuring they receive a regular salary for their vital work.
Alan Kyeremanten
Kyerematen also promised to enrol teachers at Arabic schools (Makaranta) in a government salary scheme if he becomes president.
“It’s unfortunate, Makranta teachers are not considered as part of the Ghana Education Service, because teachers are teachers all over the world. I have also committed that when I become President, we will, make sure to integrate Makranta teachers into the GES.”
Speaking at the launch of Zumunta, the Zongo wing of his party, Kyerematen criticized both the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for neglecting Zongo communities despite receiving significant support from them during elections.
In Darkuman, Ablekuma North Constituency, Kyerematen was greeted by a large crowd of supporters, with whom he met local leaders, including Chiefs and Imams, to garner support for his presidential bid.
The electorate expressed strong backing for Kyerematen’s candidacy, citing fatigue with the dominance of the NPP and NDC.
Leaders of allied parties and movements also urged voters to support Kyerematen, emphasizing the need for change and his vision for a better Ghana.
Andrew Augustus Nana Kwasi, Ashanti regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC),has sent word of caution to Chairman Wontumi, Ashanti Regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to stop harassing and undressing NDC members on the street, else there will be gunshots.
Chairman Nana Akwasi
According to him, Chairman Wontumi,has been seen on viral videos harassing NDC members, chasing them with money to change their NDC branded dressess and dressing them in NPP branded t-shirts.
Some scenes from the walk
This, he said, is unprofessional coupled with insolence and mediocrity.
Nana Kwasi said Wontumi should desist from the act, or else he will not take it easy with him.
The NDC Chairman issued the warning,while addressing hundreds of NDC supporters and residents of Tafo-Pankrono in Kumasi, who besieged the streets in a vibrant display of unity and strength during a walk organized as part of the party’s ongoing campaign activities ahead of election 2024.
The event, which drew participants from various communities within the Old Tafo-Pankrono Municipality, served as a powerful demonstration of the NDC’s deep-rooted presence and influence in the area, particularly as the 2024 general election approach.
The walk was graced by the several high-profile NDC leaders, including the Ashanti regional chairman,Nana Akwasi , who was greeted with overwhelming enthusiasm.
His arrival sparked a wave of excitement among the crowd.
This reception underscored his popularity and the strong connection he has with the grassroots-base of the NDC.
As he joins the walk, Chairman Nana Akwasi, was surrounded by throngs of supporters eager to catch a glimpse of him and exchange pleasantries.
A screenshot of chairman Wontumi and Lawyer Boateng, Ejisu NPP PC, after the winning of NDC women’s organizer to NPP at within Ejisu constituency.
The atmosphere was charged with energy, as participants expressed their commitment to the NDC’s cause. Many wore party paraphernalia, waving flags, and banners that bore the images of NDC leaders, including former President John Dramani Mahama and her running mate,Prof.Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang among others.
He, therefore, made a passionate appeal to the electorate, urging them to vote for John Dramani Mahama and Lawyer S.M Kamil (Yababa),the NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Old Tafo-Pankrono.
He stressed that,the NDC has a track record of delivering on its promises and that, the party remains committed to addressing the pressing needs of Ghanaians.
