The Chief of the Ejura traditional area in the Ashanti region, Barimah Osei Hwedie II, has praised the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, for being a credible leader who fulfills his promises.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the NPP running mate, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, at his palace, the chief acknowledged that although, chiefs are not supposed to engage in politics, his personal experience with Dr. Bawumia has been positive.
Barimah Osei Hwedie II
Barimah Osei Hwedie II highlighted several promises fulfilled by Dr. Bawumia to the Ejura community, including the construction of an ultramodern police headquarters and a mechanized water system.
He expressed his appreciation for Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to the community’s development.
The chief further stated that Dr. Bawumia has the potential to lead Ghana, citing his track record of fulfilling promises as a testament to his leadership abilities.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s visit to the palace was seen as a strategic move to garner support for the NPP in the upcoming elections.Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has questioned the former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, on whether he is now a magician to be promising jobs.
Dr. Prempeh recalled that during the tenure of Mr. Mahama when the youth of Ghana were clamouring for jobs, the then President [John Mahama] told them that he was not a magician to create jobs for them.
However, in a surprised turn of events, the former President, who is again contesting the Presidency on the ticket of the NDC, is now promising the nation’s youth that he will create jobs for them if they vote for him in the December polls.
Some scenes from the tour
The 2024 Manifesto of the NDC is said to be hinged on job creation, among other things. This is what has compelled the NPP running mate to ask whether the NDC flagbearer has now become a magician, since he had said in the past that only magicians could create jobs for the nation’s youth.
Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh introducing Me.George Akom,NPP Parliamentary candidate for the area to voters
Dr. Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, was speaking at a mini rally at Drobonso, the capital of the Sekyere Afram Plains Constituency, during his constituency-focused campaign tour on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
Napo described the flip-flop position of Mr. Mahama as a mark of desperation, which should not be taken seriously by the Ghanaian electorate.
Napo speaking
According to him, the former president has demonstrated on several occasions that he lacks credibility, for which reason his promise of creating jobs for the youth is only a deception.
Napo appealed to the chiefs and people of Drobonso to repose their confidence in the NPP and for that matter in his boss, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the party’s parliamentary candidate, George Ackon.
Besides, he paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Drobonso in his palace.
Welcoming the NPP running mate, the chief commended the NPP government for giving them an Agenda 111 hospital, electricity, a district court, among other projects, albeit the NPP has never won the parliamentary election in the constituency.
From the Sekyere Afram Plains Constituency, the NPP running mate and his team proceeded to the Juaben Constituency, where he paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the Juaben Traditional Council, Daasebre Nana Siriboe II, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Council of State.
A durbar of chiefs, religious leaders and the people of Juaben was held at the forecourt of the palace to welcome the vice-presidential candidate.
Daasebre recounted the achievements of the NPP in Juaben, including the creation of the Juaben Municipal Assembly, asphalting of all the major roads leading to Juaben and the town’s inner roads, construction of a model STEM JHS and other educational infrastructure, especially at the Juaben SHS, streetlights, astroturfs and many others.
He also commended the party’s parliamentary candidate, Francis Owusu Akyaw, for undertaking some landmark projects, even though he is not yet a Member of Parliament.
On the basis of the foregoing, the paramount chief advised that the NPP should not campaign in Juaben because the people have already accepted the party.
Napo, on his part, thanked Nana Siriboe II and pleaded with him that while he counselled the President of the Republic and the State in general, he [Napo] only required the chief’s continuous guidance and instructions to make him succeed.
He reiterated Dr. Bawumia’s firm commitment to working closely with traditional leaders in governing the country.:
Source:Richard Obeng with additional information by tntnewspapergh.com
The government has released GH¢50 million to the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to support the conduct of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The Ministry of Education (MoE) in a statement on Thursday noted that disbursement reaffirms the government’s commitment to fulfilling its financial obligations to WAEC, ensuring that the Council’s operations continue without interruption.
“We wish to reassure all stakeholders, especially students, parents, guardians, and the general public, of our dedication to sustaining an environment that fosters seamless, efficient, and high-quality education for all Ghanaian students,” it added.
In June this year, the government paid WAEC an amount of GH¢47 million for the conduct of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Initially, WAEC had only received GH₵2.3 million of the GH₵95.83 million debt. This led the council to request at least 50% of the total amount to conduct the examination and additional funds to process and release the results.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has dismissed concerns about potential electoral misconduct in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The President, whose tenure will come to an end this year, reassured Ghanaians of government’s commitment to a transparent, fair, and peaceful election process, emphasising the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) democratic principles and historical commitment to fair play.
He said this on Thursday while delivering his speech at the Wesley Cathedral in Kumasi during the 13th Biennial/51st Annual Conference of the Methodist Church of Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo
He told the Methodist clergy and congregants, “The Akufo-Addo-led NPP government is clear about its obligation and duty to ensure that the impending elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace and security, in full transparency and respect for the electoral laws of our country.”
He highlighted that the security agencies are prepared to uphold their responsibilities to guarantee that the elections reflect the free will of the Ghanaian people, devoid of any violence or intimidation.
The President also took the opportunity to criticize those who have been raising fears of electoral malpractice, including some members of the clergy.
He expressed disappointment in those who, instead of promoting peace, have been predicting “election rigging and Kenyan-style blood-letting.”
In a direct rebuke, he stated, “They will be disappointed. The 2024 elections, like the previous ones we have held in Ghana in the 4th Republic, will be conducted peacefully and in total compliance with the laws of the country.”
Akufo-Addo underscored that the NPP, founded on the Danquah-Dombo-Busia political tradition, has always been a champion of democracy and a staunch opponent of authoritarian rule.
“Rigging is not part of our DNA,” he asserted.
“We are eternal democrats; we trust and accept the freely expressed judgement of the people.”
He cited his personal experience of accepting electoral results, referencing the outcomes of the 2008 and 2012 elections, which he accepted despite losing.
President Akufo-Addo further emphasized that the NPP’s strategy for the upcoming elections is grounded in its record of governance over the past eight years.
He expressed pride in his administration’s achievements across various sectors, including the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and digitisation.
He also praised the Vice President and the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for presenting an “exciting vision for Ghana’s future,” adding a challenge to the opposition Leader, who he claimed is afraid to debate Bawumia.
In closing, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to leaving office peacefully, just as he was elected.
“I came out of a peaceful election, and I will leave in a peaceful election,” he affirmed, reinforcing his message of maintaining Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy on the African continent.
The President’s address at the Methodist Conference was not just a call for unity and peace but also a strong statement of confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions and processes.
As the nation gears up for the December elections, President Akufo-Addo’s remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving democratic values and ensuring that the will of the people prevails.
The Widows Association in Ayawaso West Wuogon,has denounced accusations made against the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, by National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate John Dumelo.
During a community engagement event organised by TV3 on Wednesday (August 28), Dumelo alleged that Alhassan was responsible for the death of her late husband, Emmanuel Kwabena Kyeremateng Agyarko.
John Dumelo
The allegations surfaced after a section of the audience began chanting “V8,” referring to a 2017 incident in which Dumelo was accused of receiving a state-owned Toyota Land Cruiser as a gift. Responding to the chants, Dumelo remarked, “I hear their supporters mentioning V8, V8 and if that is the case, it is also fair to say it is Lydia who killed her husband to become MP.”
In a statement dated August 29, the Widows Association described Dumelo’s remarks as “not only unfounded but also deeply offensive to all widows and women across the nation.”
The association expressed deep disappointment over the comments, adding that they are an affront to the dignity of widows, who often endure significant emotional and societal challenges following the loss of their spouses.
“Lydia Seyram Alhassan has shown immense strength and resilience in the face of personal tragedy, emerging as a dedicated public servant who has served her constituents and the nation with distinction,” the association stated. It highlighted Alhassan’s contributions as a symbol of empowerment for widows, underscoring her role as Deputy Majority Chief Whip of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic and as a leading figure in Parliament.
The association condemned Dumelo’s comments as not just an attack on Alhassan but also on all widows in Ghana, noting that the remarks serve as a painful reminder of the stigmatisation and discrimination widows often face in society.
The statement further criticised Dumelo for resorting to “baseless accusations to score political points,” disregarding the potential harm his words could cause.
“Our cultural values as Ghanaians are rooted in respect, empathy, and compassion—especially towards widows, who deserve our support and understanding,” the statement continued. The association urged Ghanaians to reject such divisive rhetoric and called Dumelo’s allegations a betrayal of these values.
The Widows Association expressed solidarity with Alhassan and signaled support for any legal action she may pursue to defend her reputation. The group stated that legal recourse would be necessary to protect the dignity of all widows and to deter derogatory and unfounded attacks on women, particularly widows. Source: Dailymailgh.com
2024 School Selection Processes underway-GES
The 2024 school selection process for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates has commenced.
The exercise which started on August 28th will end on September 4th 2024.
In a statement signed by the Acting Director of the Schools and Instruction Division of Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Prince Agyemang-Duah, urged parents and guardians to be actively involved in the school selection exercise to ensure a smooth placement process this year.
Dr.Osei Yaw Adutwum , Education Minister
The statement further noted that candidates will have the opportunity to confirm their school choices by texting a short code before the final placement is conducted. Details regarding the shortcode will be provided in due course.
This announcement follows the completion of the 2024 BECE, which saw 570,461 candidates participate between July 8 and 15 across the country.
The school selection process allows candidates to choose Senior High Schools or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions for placement.
Regional Directors of Education have been instructed to inform stakeholders, including Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Directors of Education, as well as Examination Officers, about the selection process dates to ensure its smooth execution.
GES has also indicated that officers from its headquarters will oversee the selection exercise nationwide to ensure adherence to established guidelines and procedures, guaranteeing a transparent placement process.
One unique feature of this year’s school selection is that candidates have the chance to select STEM subjects such as biomedical science, engineering science, aviation and aerospace engineering, computing and robotics, and agriculture. Science as well as Manufacturing Engineering.
The statement announced two phone lines for the resolution of challenges parents, students, and other stakeholders might encounter.
Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua,NPP General Secretary
The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to maintaining Ghana’s peace and stability.
During a meeting with the National Peace Council (NPC) at the NPP headquarters in Accra, Justin Kodua assured the delegation, led by NPC board member Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salin, that the NPP would never engage in actions that could undermine the country’s peaceful environment.
“The NPP stands for peace and values the political stability we have in this country. We will never do anything to compromise the peace and stability that Ghanaians enjoy,” Frimpong emphasized.
He said the NPP’s long-standing dedication to promoting multi-party democracy and the rule of law, noting the party’s contributions to Ghana’s electoral process, such as the introduction of picture ID cards, a biometric system, and transparent ballot boxes.
The NPP’s chief administrator also expressed pride in the NPP’s role in strengthening Ghana’s democracy over the past three decades, both in government and in opposition.
He stated that the NPP is confident in its strong candidate and message for the upcoming elections and is prepared to accept the results, regardless of the outcome.
“But let no one threaten the NPP. Nobody can intimidate us with claims that the country will be ungovernable if things don’t go their way. We will go to the elections, and Ghanaians will decide. If the decision favors the NPP, all will accept it, and if not, we will also accept it,” Frimpong declared.
Maulvi Bin Salin emphasized the NPC’s commitment to facilitating open discussions with the NPP to address concerns and ensure peaceful elections.
He also voiced concerns about inflammatory rhetoric by political operatives on radio stations, which he said was raising tensions ahead of the 2024 general elections. The NPC delegation presented a manual on the code of conduct for political parties to Frimpong as part of the meeting.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is currently on a campaign tour in his region, visiting the various constituencies.
Chairman Wontumi, during his tour in the Ejisu Constituency, on Thursday, 29th August, 2024, bumped into the Akyeremade Ward Women’s Organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC), Hannah Sarpong, in Ejisu.
Ms Sarpong, who had been tasked by the National Organiser of the NDC, Joseph Yamin, to mobilize some ladies for an NDC programme had to abandon the task when Chairman Wontumi took time to explain the good works of the NPP government to her. Ms Sarpong, acknowledging the fact that she was also a beneficiary of the Free SHS programme, appreciated that NPP for the great initiative.
Video attached below:
The lady, who is seen in a viral video taking off her NDC branded paraphernalia and replacing them with those of the NPP, embraced the Ashanti Regional Chairman of NPP to demonstrate her pleasure in joining the NPP.
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has confidently declared that the 2024 Voters’ Register is both robust and credible, urging citizens to disregard claims suggesting otherwise.
In an X post on Wednesday, the Commission emphasised the integrity and reliability of the Voters’ Register, assuring the public that it is fully prepared for the upcoming 2024 Elections.
This follows claims by the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the register has discrepancies that must be corrected ahead of the elections.
Mrs.Jean Mensah,EC boss
NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama has also asked the EC to sit up and do its work properly.
Speaking at a gathering in Adjen Kotoku within the Amasaman constituency as part of his Greater Accra regional campaign on Wednesday, Mahama emphasised the need for the EC to intervene immediately to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
“A lot of people cannot find their names. Other people’s names have been transferred without their knowledge. People have registered for a proxy without using their biometric cards. People who have done multiple registrations their names are still on the register,” he stated.
However, the EC noted that “The 2024 Voters Register is robust and credible. ignore assertions that the voters Register is not fit for the 2024 Elections.”Source:Abigail Arthur
