Isaac Amoah
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NPP Decides: We’ve been fair to all aspirants so we have free, fair and credible election- Justin Kodua
Source: Ernest K. Arhinful
The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong says the party’s national leadership has ensured all processes leading to Saturday’s parliamentary primaries have been fair to all aspirants.
He said the party, informed by lessons from previous general elections, decided not to impose any candidate on delegates.
Mr. Kodua Frimpong made the assertion during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme on Thursday, January 25, and stated that all has been done to guarantee free, fair and credible elections and consequently ensure that elected candidates will be marketable.
Read also: NPP clears 326 candidates to contest January 27 parliamentary primaries
While acknowledging that the upcoming polls on Saturday, January 27, would be highly contested, he noted that with the exception of 33 candidates who are unopposed, many sitting Members of Parliament within the party are also vying for another term.
We have been very transparent in the processes so far. We the National leadership took very painful decisions but important decisions in the interest of the party. We didn’t protect any sitting MP. We opened nominations for all. Even though, there are some MPs that due to the work they are doing in Parliament, we should protect them but we didn’t protect anyone, he said.
The party has cleared 326 parliamentary aspirants for the January 27 primaries to elect its parliamentary candidates in constituencies where the party has sitting Members of Parliament (MPs).
Out of the total number of 373 aspirants, who filed to contest the primaries, after vetting, 33 are going unopposed while 11 were disqualified, with two others referred to the National Executive Committee (NEC). Two who were cleared to contest have since stepped down, one submitted incomplete forms and two did not show up for vetting.
Looted Asante Gold Artefacts On Their Way Back To Kumasi From UK, USA
The UK is sending some of Ghana’s “crown jewels” back home, 150 years after looting them from the court of the Asante king.
A gold peace pipe is among 32 items returning under long-term loan deals, the BBC can reveal.
The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) is lending 17 pieces and 15 are from the British Museum.
Ghana’s chief negotiator said he hoped for “a new sense of cultural co-operation” after generations of anger.
Some national museums in the UK – including the V&A and the British Museum – are banned by law from permanently giving back contested items in their collections, and loan deals such as this are seen as a way to allow objects to return to their countries of origin.
But some countries laying claim to disputed artefacts fear that loans may be used to imply they accept the UK’s ownership.
Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, told the BBC that the gold items of court regalia are the equivalent of “our Crown Jewels”.
The items to be loaned, most of which were taken during 19th-Century wars between the British and the Asante, include a sword of state and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.
Mr Hunt said when museums hold “objects with origins in war and looting in military campaigns, we have a responsibility to the countries of origin to think about how we can share those more fairly today
“It doesn’t seem to me that all of our museums will fall down if we build up these kind of partnerships and exchanges.”
However, Mr Hunt insisted the new cultural partnership “is not restitution by the back door” – meaning it is not a way to return permanent ownership back to Ghana.
The three-year loan agreements, with an option to extend for a further three years, are not with the Ghanaian government but with Otumfo Osei Tutu II – the current Asante king known as the Asantehene – who attended the Coronation of King Charles last year.
The Asantehene still holds an influential ceremonial role, although his kingdom is now part of Ghana’s modern democracy.
The items will go on display at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Asante region, to celebrate the Asantehene’s silver jubilee.
The Asante gold artefacts are the ultimate symbol of the Asante royal government and are believed to be invested with the spirits of former Asante kings.
They have an importance to Ghana comparable to the Benin Bronzes – thousands of sculptures and plaques looted by Britain from the palace of the Kingdom of Benin, in modern-day southern Nigeria. Nigeria has been calling for their return for decades.
Nana Oforiatta Ayim, special adviser to Ghana’s culture minister, told the BBC: “They’re not just objects, they have spiritual importance as well. They are part of the soul of the nation. It’s pieces of ourselves returning.”
She said the loan was “a good starting point” on the anniversary of the looting and “a sign of some kind of healing and commemoration for the violence that happened”.
UK museums hold many more items taken from Ghana, including a gold trophy head that is among the most famous pieces of Asante regalia.
The Asante built what was once one of the most powerful and formidable states in west Africa, trading in, among others, gold, textiles and enslaved people.
The kingdom was famed for its military might and wealth. Even now, when the Asantehene shakes hands on official occasions, he can be so weighed down with heavy gold bracelets that he sometimes has an aide whose job is to support his arm.
Europeans were attracted to what they later named the Gold Coast by the stories of African wealth and Britain fought repeated battles with the Asante in the 19th Century.
In 1874 after an Asante attack, British troops launched a “punitive expedition”, in the colonial language of the time, ransacking Kumasi and taking many of the palace treasures.
Source: BBC
STATEMENT:Asantehene Has Never Directed Kumasi Traditional Council To Discontinue Wontumi’s Case-CYA
“Our attention has been drawn to some false publications on Ghananweb ,adomfmonline , among other online portals alleging that,the Overlord of Asante Kingdom,Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has asked the Kumasi Traditional Council to discontinue with the proceedings of NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Bosiako’s case pending before the Council.
We members of Concerned Youth Of Asante are of strong conviction that Our King, has never issued such directives to the Council.
We are therefore sending strong warning to those hired online portals to stop circulating such false information before is too late.
We are also appealing to Asante Youth who felt insulted and disrespected about the comment meted out to our King by Chairman Wontumi to stay focused and exercise restrains because the King has never spoken on the matter.
Dr Nana Agyenim B Boateng (Gyataba)
According to the report, the Asantehene explicitly said he had not instructed anyone to summon Chairman Wontumi for allegedly disrespecting him and the Golden Stool.
Otumfuo is said to have expressed dissatisfaction with the Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, for the unnecessary tension caused by their actions in the lead-up to the 150th anniversary celebration of the Sagrenti War and the 25th anniversary of his coronation.
This information, as per the report, indicates that, the Asantehene does not want Manhyia to be involved in minor partisan political matters.
But,CYA is saying that all reports are fake and must be disregarded.
Signed…….
Dr Nana Agyenim B Boateng (Gyataba)
President, Concerned Youth Of Asante
Contact:0244151558
Alhaji Amadu Owusu Calls For Issues-Based Campaign Devoid Of Tribalism And Insults
By Charles Ampong
The deputy Asante Nkramohene (Sariki Tuba), Alhaji Amadu Owusu, has urged all Muslims to desist from politicising issues that have to do with their welfare and transformation.
He said although every Muslim is affiliated to a particular political party, they should all support an agenda by the government, or by an opposition leader seeking to become president, that could transform their lives and the progress of Muslim communities.
The comments by Alhaji Amadu Owusu, who doubles as Kaase Asante Nkramohene, have come in the wake of the recent promise made by former President John Dramani Mahama that he will introduce one additional holiday for Muslims if he wins this year’s presidential election.
Alhaji caterpillar
Alhaji Amadu Owusu, popularly known as Alhaji Carterpillar, expressed concerns about the inability of Muslims to fully enjoy their holidays due to the sighting of the moon.
“Currently, some of our Muslim brothers and sisters do not enjoy the public holiday at the end of Ramadan feast due to the 29 or 30-day rule based on the sighting of the moon,” he said.
He entreated all Muslims to embrace this laudable idea, since it is one of the issues that have been affecting Muslims over the years.
According to him, the one-day Islamic holiday being enjoyed by all Muslims is not enough, as there are so many activities they have to engage in, such as visiting relatives, the needy and others on that holiday and return to work the following day.
Alhaji Amadu Owusu used the opportunity to advise political party leaders to conduct clean and policies-centred campaigns devoid of tribalism and insults.
He also cautioned the Muslim youth to desist from allowing themselves to be used by selfish politicians to foment troubles before, during and after elections.
He said it always pains him whenever Muslim names dominate election-related violence.
Let’s All Join Hands To Make 2024 Polls Historic – Apostle Ackah Braimah To SDA Members
By Charles Ampong
The petition by the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, Ghana to the Electoral Commission (EC) to reconsider the date scheduled for this year’s general election has been met with mixed reactions.
It would be recalled that, about two weeks ago, the SDA Church sent a petition to the EC to set a new date for the conduct of the 2024 general election, since the date falls on a Saturday which is their Sabbath day.
In view of this, the Leader and Founder of the Caravan of Prayer Outreach Ministry at Gyinyase in Kumasi, Apostle Johnson Ackah Braimah, has also added his voice to the issue.
According to him, the petition by the SDA Church is a step in the right direction, as it can pave the way for all its members to fully exercise their franchise in this year’s general election.
Aps.Johnson Ackah Braimah
According to him, inasmuch as he is in full support of their move, the SDA Church should also bear in mind that any new date set would also affect individuals or a group of individuals.
He said if the date was shifted to either Sunday or Friday, it would also automatically affect Christians or Muslims.
Apostle Johnson Ackah Braimah, therefore, pleaded that the government should consider the petition if it can reschedule this year’s general election day as well as the subsequent ones falling on any day from Monday to Thursday and declare it as a public holiday.
Apostle Braimah recounted that in 2008 the general election fell on a Sunday and all Christians went out to exercise their franchise in the interest of love, patriotism, progress and development.
He, therefore, entreated all members of the SDA Church to exercise their franchise even if their petition is not accepted.
Apostle Braimah noted that this year’s general election is a unique one and everyone ought to get involved to make it historic.
Pru East NPP PC Donates To Inmates Of Yeji Central Prisons To Mark His 58th Birthday
By Kofi Owusu
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Pru East in the Bono East Region, Hon. Yusif Appeh Apetorgbor, has extended a helping hand by organising a free health screening exercise to the inmates of Yeji Central Prisons to mark his 58th birthday.
He also presented items, such as drinks, bottled water, food, toiletries, etc., at a cost of GH¢13,000.
He told this paper that, after the screening, he had already bought the drugs prescribed by the health experts for GH¢1,700.
Hon. Yusif Appeh Apetorgbor making presentation to the inmates
The NPP parliamentary candidate, who is tipped to snatch the seat from the NDC, decided to visit the Yeji Central Prison inmates to show an appreciation to God for saving him from a series of accidents that happened to him some years ago.
Hon. Yusif Appeh Apetorgbor
“I have been involved in a series of serious accidents both on road and on river. I neither got hurt nor died and for these reasons, I have to be grateful to God with this gesture,” he added.
He said what baffled him was when he was trapped in a river for almost nine hours after the boat with which he was travelling capsized during one of his campaign tours. He used the occasion to appeal to affluent individuals to extend their hands to the needy at all times in order to receive God’s blessings.
The Yeji Central Prison officials were grateful to him for the gesture and urged others to emulate his shinning examples.
They said for the past nine years, they had not seen that benevolence and were totally convinced that the health screening exercise would go a long way to improve the health status of the inmates.
Newly installed Offinsomanhene to tackle illegal sand winning to protect lands, promote agric and trading
Tntnewspapergh.com with additional information sourced from Ghanaweb
Nana Dwamena Akenten II, the newly installed Paramount Chief for the Offinso Traditional Area in the Ashanti Region, has hit the ground running by setting up a committee to probe illegal sand winning activities which are destroying their lands.
The chief expressed concerns about illegal and unregulated sand winning in the area which is destroying their lands.
He has also rallied the support of his elders, residents and all stakeholders to ensure promotion of agriculture in the area.
To ensure a ready market for their farm produce, Nana Dwamena Akenten has proposed that one of the leading markets in the area, Abofour Market, which comes off on Thursdays, be extended to two days to promote trading.
The respected chief made the call during his first meeting and subsequent tours to some areas.
The one-time best farmer in the Offinso district, who was declared the Municipal Best Farmer at the 36th National Farmer’s Day celebration in Offinso in the Ashanti Region in 2020 by the Offinso District Assembly, promised to prioritise agriculture, youth employment, education and trading.
Nana Dwamana Akenten II, Offinsohene
He emphasised the need for the people to stay united since unity is strength and key to development in every developed society.
The Offinsohene,seized the opportunity to thank nananom, especially Nana Owusu Kwateng II,Dumanafohene for their support when the journey became tough.
He also thanked residents and
all stakeholders for their support throughout the processes leading to his selection and installation.
It would be recalled that the announcement of a new paramount chief for the people of Offinso occurred at the final Asanteman Council meeting in 2023, which was presided over by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The Offinso Traditional Area settled on 68-year-old Nana Amoako Poku to take over traditional leadership, resolving a long-standing dispute that saw Otumfuo reject the preferred candidate of the ‘queen mother’ three times.
The stool name of Nana Amoako Poku has been revealed as Nana Dwamena Akenten II after he swore the oath of allegiance to the chiefs and people of Offinso on Friday, 5th January 2024. He subsequently swore to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Asanteman on 11th January 2024.
The ‘queen mother’, who had failed to nominate a qualified royal for the vacant stool, was absent, hence it was the Kwakwaboa Abusuapanyin, Opanyin Yaw Nkrumah Adusah, who introduced the new Offinsohene to his people.
Nana Dwamena Akenten II succeeds Nana Wiafe Akenten who held the role from 1946 to 2021.
On three occasions, the Asantehene offered the ‘queen mother’ the opportunity to nominate a candidate and each time she put forward Dr. Kofi Kodua Sarpong, a former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), her nomination was challenged because Dr. Sarpong is not from the royal family.
In line with Asante tradition, the responsibility fell on the Abusuapanyin to nominate a candidate, leading to the introduction of Nana Amoako Poku.
Here are five key facts about the Offinsohene-elect:
- Royal heritage:Nana Amoako Poku, according to Ghanaweb, hails from the Offinso Ahyirem Royal Family, cementing his connection to the historical lineage of the Offinso Traditional Area.
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Agricultural excellence:He boasts of being a one-time best farmer in the Offinso district.
Nana was declared Municipal Best Farmer at the 36th National Farmer’s Day celebration in Offinso in the Ashanti Region in 2020 by the Offinso District Assembly.
He has engaged in active farming for about 20 years and owns 56 acres of cashew plantation, 47 acres of cocoa, 30 acres of teak, 11 acres of citrus, five acres of oil palm, 13 acres of cocoyam, six acres of plantain, including livestock.
He also has several awards to his credit, notable ones being the District Best Swine Farmer and Municipal Most Promising Farmer in 2005 and 2018 respectively.
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Curator of Asante heritage: Nana Amoako Poku is renowned for his role as a curator of Asante heritage according to a Graphic online report.
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Timber merchant: Beyond his royal and cultural roles, Nana Amoako Poku is engaged in timber trading as cited in a report by ‘Opemsuo Radio’.
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Otumfuo Kekabuosohene: Nana Poku, until his elevation, was also a servant at Manhyia Palace, where he was Otumfuo’s Kekabuosohene as cited in a report by ofma.gov.gh.
NDC has the best interests of all Ghanaians at heart-John Mahama writes
The incoming president of Ghana H E John mahama writes ✍️
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the good people of Kumasi and the Ashanti Region.
I am overwhelmed by your support and participation in the 24-hour economy sensitisation walk that took place today. It was a massive turnout, and the enthusiasm from everyone – shop owners, traders, motorists, passers-by, and residents – has warmed my heart.
I am humbled by your unwavering support, and I want to reassure everyone that the National Democratic Congress has the best interests of all Ghanaians at heart.
We are committed to implementing policies like the 24-hour economy to promote inclusive economic growth and provide a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
John Mahama addressing NDC supporters in Kumasi
Thank you, Ashanti Region. Together, we will build the Ghana we want and ensure a better future for all.
#Mahama24hourEconomy
#LetsBuildGhanaTogether
#TheGhanaWeWant
#Mahama4President2024
Group Secures Court Injunction Against Saturday’s Parliamentary Primary In Asante Mampong
The parliamentary primary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Asante Mampong Constituency has been suspended after some 35 disgruntled party members obtained a court injunction against the election.
The NPP in Mampong has been embroiled in a legal tussle since February 2022 after some party members challenged the validity of polling station elections.
The court case, which lasted over a year, was dismissed by the High Court in Mampong, paving the way for the party to hold elections for electoral area coordinators and constituency executives.
The plaintiffs, who were unhappy with the High Court ruling, obtained a separate injunction seeking to prevent polling station executives from participating in the presidential primaries of the party in 2023.
However, the polling station executives were able to take part in that election, as the plaintiffs failed to serve the party on time.
The plaintiffs, led by one Kofi Sarpong, have obtained a fresh injunction at the Court of Appeal against the 27th January 2024 parliamentary primary in Mampong.
This was after they had filed an appeal on the previous case that was dismissed by the High Court.
The Asante Mampong Constituency Secretary of the NPP, Alhaji Malik Agyei, confirmed that the party had suspended the election after being served with the injunction.
“We received a letter yesterday and the understanding is that some 25 people took the party to court on February 25, 2022, and the reason was that polling station elections that were conducted were unclean because they say people were denied forms, others’ forms were torn, and others were made to contest positions that they did not intend to contest, and it was dismissed.
“Little did we know they have gone again to injunct the primary. I was there yesterday, and they brought an interlocutory injunction from the High Court and so as we speak, we have been duly served and it is to be moved on February 14, 2024, and so we await the court to sit on the injunction to pave the way for the primary,” he said.
Source: MyGhanaMedia.com
