The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially made a statement on the passing of the former First Lady of Ghana, Theresa Kufuor.
In the statement signed by the General Secretary of the party, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC extended their condolences to the former president, John Agyekum Kufuor, stating that they hold fond memories of her.
“Our hearts go out to the entire family of the former First Lady, particularly the children and former President John Agyekum Kufuor on the demise of his beloved wife.
“We hold fond memories of Madam Theresa’s service to the nation as First Lady during the period when HE John Agyekum Kufuor served as President of the Republic of Ghana from 2001 to 2009.
“We in the NDC extend our deepest condolences to the Kufuor family and to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at large for this great loss,” the statement said in part.
Theresa Kufuor died in the afternoon of Sunday, October 1, 2023, a spokesperson of the former president, John Kufuor, confirmed.
She was 87.
The family is yet to decide on any funeral or burial arrangements but a book of condolence has been open in her memory for the general public.
Andy Owusu, Chairman Wontumi’s Special Aide Writes
The man who has the party at heart is going to speak. The man who doesn’t dare but only takes action is going to speak. The bulldozer of NPP is going to speak. The nemesis of the NDC is going to speak. The shaker of the foundation of the NDC is going to speak.
So let’s all with our fingers crossed, wait patiently for him. HIS NAME IS WONTUMI.
Source: Andy Owusu, Special Side to Chairman Wontumi
Fixing the Country Movement has notified the Ghana Police Service of their intention to exercise their constitutional rights under Article 21(1)(d) and (f) of the 1992 Constitution to picket at the office of former President John Mahama.
“We write with reference to Section 1 of the Public Order Act (Act 491), which provides that any person who desires to hold any special event within the meaning of that Act in any public place shall notify the police of his intention not less than 5 days before the date of the special event.”
“In this regards, kindly note that FIXING THE COUNTRY MOVEMENT will hold a public assembly on Thursday, 12th October, 2023 in front of the office of former President John Mahama,” a letter signed by its Convenor, Ernest Owusu Bempah said.
Airbus Saga
The movement highlights that it has been over three years since Airbus SE, a global aircraft provider based in France, agreed to pay hefty fines totaling more than $3.9 billion to resolve foreign bribery charges. The charges were brought forth by authorities in the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, stemming from the company’s scheme to bribe government officials and non-governmental airline executives worldwide.
As part of the global resolution, Airbus also entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the United Kingdom’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) over bribes paid in several countries, including Ghana.
The investigation revealed that Airbus engaged in a scheme from 2008 to 2015, offering and paying bribes to decision-makers and influencers to gain improper business advantages.
Of particular concern to the movement is the revelation that Airbus employed intermediaries, including renowned British actor Philip Middlemiss and John Mahama’s brother Samuel Adam Mahama, to facilitate the sale of military transport aircraft to Ghana.
The British and American authorities’ court records indicate that Airbus sought to obtain an “undue favor” from a member of the Ghanaian government, identified as “Government Official 1.”
The movement asserts that the Ghanaian justice system should conduct a thorough inquiry into the Airbus corruption, as the former President Mahama may have significant questions to answer. Despite a year passing since the Special Prosecutor announced the new phase of investigations, there has been little progress on the matter.Source: Peacefmonline.com
Scores of protesters have gathered at Obra Spot in Accra for the #OccupyBoG demonstration, organized by the NDC minority group in Parliament, pressure group Arise Ghana, and other groups to demand the resignation of the governor of the Bank of Ghana and his deputies.
The protesters are accusing the governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, of mismanaging the central bank and plunging it into bankruptcy.
They also accuse him of overseeing reckless expenditure, including the construction of the new $250 million Bank of Ghana headquarters.
The protesters are expected to march from Obra Spot through Adabraka, Ridge roundabout, the National Theatre traffic light, the High Court complex traffic light, and the Atta Mills High Street.
They will then make a U-turn at the National Lottery traffic light and end the protest at Independence Square.
Some of the members of parliament who have so far arrived at the protest include Madina MP Francis Xavier Sosu, North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Lawra MP Bede Ziedeng.Source:Citinewsroom.com
The limited voter registration exercise by the Electoral Commission (EC) has ended effective , Monday, October 2, across all the 268 district offices of the commission.
The exercise, which was meant for eligible Ghanaian voters, forms part of the EC’s preparations towards the conduct of the 2024 general elections.
Addressing the media during its launch, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs Jean Mensa, on August 17, 2023, indicated that the registration exercise would “afford Ghanaians who have attained the age of 18 years, since the last registration in 2020 and others who are more than 18 years, but for various reasons couldn’t register during the 2020 registration exercise an opportunity to do so”.
Again, the EC had initially targeted 1.35 million registrants but this was revised downwards to 800,000.
But on Thursday, September 28, the Electoral Commission announced that it has registered some 673,276 new voters within 16 days from the beginning of the exercise, and was optimistic about meeting the new target.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra to give an update on the exercise, Dr Eric Bossman Asare, a Deputy Chairman in-charge of Corporate Services at the EC said, “The Commission is within a striking distance of the targeted 800,000 persons to be registered in this exercise”.
Dr. Asare stated that the Ashanti Region had the highest figure of 111,593, representing 16.6 percent, while the Savannah Region had the lowest count of 16, 045, representing 2.4 percent.
Other regional figures are; Western– 42,269 (6.3 per cent); Western North – 22,386 (3.3 per cent); Central 63,228 (9.4 per cent); Greater Accra – 90,099 (13.4 per cent); Volta 43,099 (6.4 percent and Oti – 18,468 (2.7 per cent); Eastern – 69,597 (10.3 per cent) and Bono – 23,365 (3.5 per cent).
The rest are; Ahafo 17,210 (2.6 per cent); Bono East – 28, 687 (4.3 per cent); Northern – 52,410 (7.8 per cent); North – East 17,692 (2.6 per cent); Upper East – 33,778 (5 percent and Upper West – 23,350 (3.5 per cent).
He was however quick to add that the Commission will conduct a continuous registration exercise across all its district offices in 2024 to allow people who were unable to register this year to do so.
“We will roll out another round of limited continuous registration in 2024 in our district offices and register people in the difficult-to-reach communities and selected electoral areas.
“We reiterate that it is not our intention to disenfranchise anyone,” he said.
Meanwhile, some political parties are calling on the Electoral Commission to extend the exercise.
President Akufo-Addo has directed that the nation’s flag across the country and at diplomatic missions should fly at half-mast in honour of the late former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor.
This directive is expected to start on Monday, October 2 to Sunday, October 8, 2023.
The late Theresa Kufuor passed away on Sunday, October 1 at her home after battling a prolonged illness. She was aged 88.
A statement issued by the Information Minister, Oppong Nkrumah noted “This is in tribute to former First Lady Mrs. Theresa Kufuor, who passed away on the of October 2023.”
Mrs.Theresa Kufour
According to the statement, Mrs. Kufuor lived a life of compassion, unwavering dedication, and selfless service to the people of Ghana.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to President J.A. Kufuor and the family as we collectively mourn the loss of a remarkable woman who touched the hearts of many,” it added.
Profile of Theresa Kufuor
Mrs Kufuor was Ghana’s First Lady from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2009, after her husband, John Agyekum Kufuor, assumed the presidency, succeeding Jerry John Rawlings.
During her time as First Lady, she established the Mother to Child Community Development Foundation, which aimed to promote the healthy development of children and prevent the transmission of diseases from mothers to their offspring.
Theresa married John Kufuor when he was at age 23 after they met at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in London in 1961.
They got married in 1962. She has five children with John Kufuor.
Theresa Kufuor, born on October 25, 1935, in Kumasi, Ghana, led a life marked by unwavering dedication to her country and its citizens.
She was not only the First Lady of Ghana from 2001 to 2009 but also a respected figure in her own right. Throughout her years in public service, she championed various social causes, particularly in the fields of healthcare, women’s empowerment, and education.
One of the most enduring legacies of Mrs. Kufuor’s life was her commitment to improving healthcare in Ghana. She played a pivotal role in initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare services, particularly in the areas of maternal and child health. Her efforts led to significant advancements in access to healthcare and a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates in the country.
Mrs. Theresa Kufuor was a staunch advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. She championed programs and policies aimed at advancing the status of women in Ghanaian society. Her work inspired countless women to pursue education, career opportunities, and leadership roles, fostering gender equality and women’s participation in the nation’s development.
Education held a special place in her heart, and she worked tirelessly to promote educational opportunities for all Ghanaians, regardless of their background. Her efforts included promoting girl-child education and advocating for initiatives that expanded access to quality education across the country.
As news of Mrs Kufuor’s passing spread across Ghana, the nation came together to mourn the loss of a remarkable woman who had touched the lives of many. Condolences and tributes poured in from political leaders, public figures, and ordinary citizens, all acknowledging the profound impact she had on Ghanaian society.
Theresa Kufuor will be remembered not only for her contributions to healthcare, women’s empowerment, and education but also for her grace, compassion, and dedication to improving the lives of the people of Ghana. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come as they work towards building a better, more equitable, and prosperous nation.
The passing of Mrs. Theresa Kufuor is a poignant moment in Ghana’s history, marking the end of an era. Her tireless efforts to improve the lives of her fellow citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, serve as a testament to the enduring power of service and compassion. As Ghana mourns the loss of a beloved figure, it also celebrates the indomitable spirit of a woman whose legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts and minds of the Ghanaian people.
RE: KYEI-MENSAH-BONSU IS “ENGAGED IN TRIBAL AND RELIGIOUS
POLITICS”.
The attention of the office of the MP for Suame and the Majority Leader has
been drawn to a spirited attack on the person of Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu,
the Leader of Government Business and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs,
mounted by Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the Honourable MP for Assin North
and who is one of the remaining four Presidential hopefuls for the NPP. Mr
Ohene Agyapong at his rally at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi asserted that the
Majority Leader, whilst playing a lead role in the campaign to elect the Vice
President, H.E. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumiah is resorting to “tribal and religious
politics”.
The office of the Majority Leader responds as follows:
1) That nothing can be farther away from the truth as the statement made
by the MP for Assin North relating to the conduct of Hon Osei KyeiMensah-Bonsu indicated.
2) The character trait of Hon Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu is truthfulness,
pragmatism and realism and these have always guided and guarded his
statements, discussions and conversations. His discourses are wellreasoned; not philippic, in other words, not statements that bitterly
attack other persons; or petulant, that is, ill-tempered or peevish; or
populist.
Hon.Osei Kyei-Mensah- Bonsu
3) Also, the Majority Leader has not condoned or connived with anybody to
“hijack the party”. On the other hand, he, together with others at the
National Executive Committee and National Council, stood firmly and
thwarted attempts by some of the presidential hopefuls to set aside
clearly stated, unambiguous provisions of the NPP Constitution. If that
amounts to “hijacking” or “intimidation” or “collapsing the party”, in the
opinion of Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, then it can only be described
as unfortunate.
4) Dr Mahamudu Bawumiah, the Vice President, is not known for
bellicosity, belligerence or hot-headedness. He does not spew vitriol.
He is well focused. On his rounds he has never attacked any of the
contestants. He speaks to his own track-record in the party, his
experience and his vision to reposition the party and the economy.
He
does not issue and has not issued any threats to anybody, including, in particular, any officer of the party at any level. Dr Mahamudu Bawumiah
is a lamb who has exhibited long-suffering and preaches peace. It is for
these traits that people like Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu as well as the
over 130 Members of Parliament have aligned with him.
Notwithstanding, if Mr Ken Ohene Agyapong, the Honourable Member
for Assin North, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence
and Interior and a Presidential hopeful for the NPP has any mustardseed evidence of “intimidation or coercion”, or “party-collapsing
adventures” on the part of Dr Mahamudu Bawumiah, or “any tribal or
religious politics” on the part of Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the
Honourable Majority Leader, let him (Mr Ohene Agyapong) bring the
pieces out for redress in the supreme interest of the party.
5) The Majority Leader is very much aware of the fragility of the NPP
Majority Caucus in Parliament and that is why he is very circumspect in
his response to naked and blatant attacks.
In this regard, the Leader has always been mindful of his language and,
accordingly, he entreats all in the NPP family to recognise that the endeavour
to select a Presidential Candidate (not merely a Flagbearer) is a family contest
and not a do-or-die battle. Pursuant to that, the Majority Leader strongly
insists nothing should be done or encouraged that has the potential to impede
or forestall unity within the rank and file of the party, after November 4, 2023.
Thank you.
NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY MOURNS THE DEATH OF HER EXCELLENCY MRS THERESA KUFUOR; DIRECTS PARTY FLAGS TO FLY AT HALF-MAST
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) deeply mourns the passing of Her Excellency Mrs. Theresa Kufuor, the beloved wife of former President John Agyekum Kufuor and former First Lady of the Republic which sad event occurred on October 1, 2023.
Mrs. Theresa Kufuor, who served as Ghana’s First Lady from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2009, dedicated her life to supporting her husband throughout his political career and to the service of humanity.
Inspired by her profession as a nurse, Mrs Kufour championed the cause of improved healthcare in our country. Notably, she established the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF) that supports the prevention of mother to child transmission of diseases, including HIV/ AIDS.
Mrs. Kufuor was also a beacon for female advancement, fostering initiatives to inspire and empower both young and adult females in various facets of life.
The members of the ruling New Patriotic Party, together with all Ghanaians whose lives were positively touched by her, extend our deepest condolences to former President John Agyekum Kufuor, their children, and the entire family. We stand united with you in this time of sorrow, praying that the Almighty God grants all of us the fortitude to bear this great loss.
In tribute to the memory of the late Mrs Kufuor, the NPP directs that all Party flags across the country be flown at half-mast for the next seven days. May her gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace until we meet again on the resurrection morning.
