The governing New Patriotic Party(NPP) has officially acknowledged the decision by Hon.Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen to pull out from the November,4,2023 Presidential Primaries.The letter dated September 6,2023 signed by Justin Kodua Frimpong,General Secretary,NPP was entitled” RE:WITHDRAWAL FROM THE NOVEMBER 4,2023 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES”.
The letter reads “
The leadership of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) hereby acknowledges the receipt of a letter dated September,5,2023,signed by Hon.John Alan Kyerematen and the contents therein are duly noted.
We note with regret Hon.Kyerematen’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming Presidential Primaries.
It is worthy to note that both the Elections Committee and the Disciplinary Committee have initiated comprehensive investigations into all reported incidents of violations and infractions that are alleged to have occurred at various voting centres during the super delegates election which was held on Saturday,August 26,2023.
We wish to reassure all stakeholders and the general public that the reports of the aforementioned committees will be made readily available and persons who may be found culpable of any wrongdoing will be held accountable.Thank You.Signed Justin Kodua Frimpong,General Secretary,NPP.
Sammi Awuku, a prominent member of the ‘Bawumia for President Campaign team’ has issued a unifying call to members of the Alan Kyerematen Campaign Team, urging them to unite behind Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s vision to ‘Break the 8’ in the upcoming 2024 General Elections.
In a statement released on Wednesday, September 6, following the withdrawal of NPP flagbearer hopeful Alan Kyerematen, Mr Awuku emphasized that this is not the time for division within the party or for passing negative remarks that could further exacerbate internal wounds.
Awuku stated, “Instead, this is a time to reach out to each and everyone to make the 2024 campaign and election victory a possibility.”
Acknowledging the diverse support within the party, Awuku called on supporters of all candidates, including those who didn’t make it to the top 5, to come together.
He echoed Dr. Bawumia’s call for a harmonious approach, emphasizing that the campaign should not be characterized by internal strife but should focus on the broader goal of securing victory for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“To all the supporters of the candidates who couldn’t make it to the top 5 and supporters of aspirants who made it to the top 5, please let’s come together. Let’s solve our problems together and once again position the NPP still as the party of choice ahead of the 2024 General Elections to deliver economic prosperity for our nation, Ghana.
“The challenges we face today as a party and country may be fearsome, but so are our strengths. Dr Bawumia and his team will work hand in hand with each and everyone within the NPP and outside the party to once again deliver victory in 2024.”
UTAG-UG President, Professor Ransford Gyampo is predicting that more candidates will soon withdraw from the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s presidential primaries.
According to the political scientist, the processes for the exercise have not been managed well in the interest of the party.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, September 5, Prof Gyampo advised the party to urgently address the issues surrounding the elections.
He indicated that this, if not done, can affect the party’s unity ahead of the 2024 general elections.
“I warned that if things aren’t done fairly, there could be a breakup. I also warned about the public comments of those expected to be seen as neutral arbiters. There will be more pull-outs. This isn’t the NPP BJ da Rocha and others led.”
Alan Kyerematen on Tuesday evening announced his withdrawal from the NPP’s flagbearer race citing several reasons.
Professor Ransford Gyampo
He mentioned intimidation, and violence against a member of his campaign team and claimed that the party strategically organised the super delegates conference to favour one candidate over the others as some of the reasons for his decision.
Mr Kyerematen stated that pronouncements made by some leading members of the party before and after the elections lend weight to his observations.
“After having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular aspirant.”
“The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly, unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our Party,” parts of the statement read.
Subsequently, the UTAG-UG President has advised the party to immediately address his concerns to curb any unforeseen issues of disunity.
The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama has advised the party faithful to ensure they take full participation in the 2023 limited voter registration exercise.
Mr Mahama said it is imperative every NDC member takes the exercise seriously as it is one of the steps to ensure the party returns to power in 2024.
According to him, Ghanaians are looking to the party to come and save the country from the current difficulties imposed by the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a Facebook live session on Wednesday, September 6, the former President the party and its membership cannot fail Ghanaians in this regard.
At this point, let me encourage my comrades in the NDC to put aside every other thing or
activity and let’s give our maximum attention and focus to the upcoming exercise.
“Let me urge all my fellow citizens, especially the youth, to take this exercise seriously. It is your opportunity to hold your leaders accountable. It is about your rights; it is about your future! It is about our dear nation, Ghana.”
“Let us join hands and work together towards Building the Ghana We Want. Thank you, and may God bless us all.”
The Electoral Commission has announced that it will commence the 2023 voters’ registration exercise on Tuesday, September 12, and end on Monday, October 2.
In the said announcement, the Commission added that the exercise will take place at its district offices across the country.
Jean Mensa, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, made this known on Thursday, August 17, at a press briefing in Accra dubbed, ‘Let the Citizen Know.’
She disclosed that a GH¢10 charge for the replacement of a lost or misplaced voter’s ID card.
“The voter’s registration exercise will afford Ghanaians who have attained the age of 18 years, since the last registration of 2020 and others who are more than 18 years, but for various reasons couldn’t register during the 2020 registration exercise.”
“The EC will embark on voters’ registration in all 268 district offices of the Commission. The exercise will be held from September 12 to October 2,” she disclosed.
Following this, some seven political parties in the country on Monday, August 21 expressed their displeasure about the decision.
They insisted that any decision to restrict the upcoming voter registration exercise to its district offices would not achieve its intended purpose(s).
But in the meantime, Mr Mahama has asked NDC members and sympathisers to partake fully in the exercise.
In recent developments within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyeremang’s withdrawal letter has raised significant concerns regarding the party’s special delegates election held across the country.
As a broadcast journalist, I believe it is crucial for the party’s top hierarchy to address and discuss these issues in detail. At the grassroots level, there is a palpable sense of anger, highlighting the need for urgent action to maintain party unity and promote a clean campaign.
This article delves into the implications of Alan’s withdrawal and calls for respect and understanding from Bawumia’s supporters, as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) navigate the road ahead towards the Flagbearer election on November 4th, 2023.
Alan’s Influence within the NPP’s Electoral College
One of the most striking aspects of this election is Alan Kwadwo Kyeremang’s significant control over at least 10% of the NPP’s Electoral College. This demonstrates his influential position within the party. With this support behind him, it is crucial for the NPP to acknowledge his concerns and address them adequately. Neglecting the voices of such a significant portion of the Electoral College would risk alienating a substantial base within the party.
Urgency for Party Unity and a Clean Campaign:
Echoing the sentiments shared by many party members, the call for unity and a clean campaign becomes more vital than ever.
The party’s top hierarchy must recognize the anger and resentment brewing at the grassroots level and respond with prompt and effective actions. Encouraging a united front and emphasizing the importance of a fair and transparent electoral process will enhance the NPP’s credibility and strengthen the foundation of democracy within the party.
Respecting Alan’s Decision:
With Alan’s withdrawal, it is crucial for the Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia’s supporters to respect his decision and accord him the respect he deserves.
Navigating the political landscape necessitates understanding and empathy, even among rival factions. By demonstrating respect towards Alan’s choice, Bawumia’s camp can foster an atmosphere of reconciliation and maintain mutual respect among party members.
Strategic Obstacles and the Role of Andy Owusu special aide to Wontumi:
Within the Ashanti region, Andy Owusu, a strategist for Bawumia’s campaign, has effectively made it a no-go area for Alan.
This strategic move has limited Alan’s progress in the region, further complicating an already challenging landscape for him. While political strategies are essential, it is crucial to strike a balance between gaining an advantage and maintaining fairness. The party must ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to present their visions and platforms to the electorate.
The Road Ahead: Unforeseen Events and Best Wishes
Hon.Alan John Kwadwo Kyeremanten
As we look forward to the Flagbearer election on November 4th, 2023, it is impossible to overlook the unpredictability that lies ahead.
Tomorrow holds uncharted territory, and there will likely be unforeseen events and circumstances that shape the outcome. Regardless, I sincerely wish the New Patriotic Party (NPP) the best before, during, and after the election. May this process strengthen the party and serve as a testament to the vibrant democracy within the NPP.
The withdrawal of Alan Kyeremang has shed light on pressing concerns within the NPP’s special delegates’ election. This critical moment calls on the party’s top hierarchy to engage in thorough discussions to address these issues. Party unity, a clean campaign, and respect for Alan’s decision are essential for a healthy political environment.
Moreover, campaign strategists, such as Andy Owusu, Chairman Wontumi, Danis Kwakwa,Lwayer Kwame Adom Appiah, Majority group in Parliament Leader Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu among others should adopt fair tactics to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates.
As we move forward, let us embrace the unforeseen events with optimism, wishing the NPP success throughout and beyond the November 4th, 2023 Flagbearer election.
Source:Isaac Justice Bediako ,a broadcast Journalist with EIB Network
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OS) has complied with the ruling and order of the High Court, Accra dated 31 August 2023 by unfreezing the frozen bank accounts and investments of Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
The OSP has also returned the seized cash sums of Ms. Dapaah in the presence and assent of Ms. Dapaah and her lawyers.
The satisfaction by the OSP of the order of the High Court terminates the proceedings of the seizure of the cash amounts from Ms. Dapaah commenced on 24th July 2023 and the freezing of her bank accounts and investments effected from 26th July 2023.
However, the investigation by the OSP in respect of Ms. Dapaah for suspected corruption and corruption-related offences involving the ownership and source(s) of large amounts of money associated with Ms. Dapaah has been and is still ongoing.
Subsequent to the indicated ruling and order of the High Court and the compliance by the OSP with said ruling and order, the ongoing investigation by the OSP of Ms. Dapaah has uncovered varying and sometimes conflicting accounts of the ownership and source(s) of the large amounts of money reportedly stolen from her residence, the cash amounts seized from her by the OSP, and the nature and volume of transactions in her bank accounts and investments.
Consequently, subsequent to the indicated ruling and order of the High Court and the compliance by the OSP with said ruling and order, the Special Prosecutor considers that freezing the bank accounts and investments of Ms. Dapaah is necessary to facilitate the ongoing investigation. Therefore, the Special Prosecutor has invoked his statutory power under section 38(1) of Act 959 and regulation 19(1) of L.I. 2374 by directing the freezing of the bank accounts and investments of Ms. Dapaah effective 5th September 2023.
Further, subsequent to the indicated ruling and order of the High Court and the compliance by the OSP with said ruling and order, the Special Prosecutor considers that he has reasonable grounds to suspect that the cash amounts seized from and returned to Ms. Dapaah is tainted property and it is necessary to exercise the power of seizure to prevent the concealment or loss of said cash amounts. Therefore, the Special Prosecutor has again invoked his statutory power under section 32(1)(a) of Act 959 by directing the seizure from Ms. Dapaah of the cash amounts previously seized from her. Authorized officers of the OSP have seized said cash amounts from Ms. Dapaah.
The 1st Vice Chairman for NPP in Asokwa Constituency, Hon. Edmund Kyei has resigned to join the NPP Asokwa Parliamentary race for the 2024 general elections.
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The New Trust Newspaper online can authoritatively report that Hon.Alan Kyeremanten,one of the leading contenders in the NPP Flagbearer Elections has officially withdrawn from November 4 delegates conference.
Alan Cash he is affectionately called in the political space announced this decision in a statement dated September 5, 2023, in which he catalogued a number of incidents he said occasioned the party’s Super Delegates Conference.
He had early on cancelled a scheduled press conference to address the nation on his political future.
PRESS STATEMENT BY HON. ALAN KYEREMATEN
On Sunday, the 27th of August 2023, I issued a public statement which made reference to the selection and shortlisting of Presidential Aspirants by the Special Electoral College convened by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the 26th of August 2023.
After having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant.
The pronouncements made by some leading Members of our Party both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations.
The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our Party. In addition, the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eye sight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party. This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other Voting Centers, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable.
I am committed to, and value the safety of those who work with me and for me, and I will always fight for their interest.
The question I keep asking myself is, “How did we get here as a Party in the first place, and how far are we prepared to tread on this dangerous path to self-destruction?”
Regrettably, I am not convinced that the circumstances I have referred to earlier, will not persist or even be escalated in the next round of elections, for which balloting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6th of September 2023.
In light of the foregoing, I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023. In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well- wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups.
I wish all the other Aspirants well as they continue on their journey. I also wish to use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude once again to my family, the Alan 4 President (A4P) Campaign Team, and all my teeming supporters in Ghana and from around the world, who have supported me in diverse ways over the years. Please be assured that the battle is still the Lord’s, and that those who wait upon the Lord shall have their strength renewed.
God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong!
…… Signed………
HON. ALAN KYEREMATEN
Source: tntnewspapergh.com with additional file by myjoyonline.com
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has underscored the positive outcomes of the ban on illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions.
He made these remarks during his address at the 2023 Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
During his speech, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the prohibition of galamsey, which has been responsible for the degradation of water bodies and forest reserves, has played a pivotal role in diminishing carbon emissions in Ghana.
He highlighted that various flagship policy initiatives, including “Planting for Food and Jobs,” “One Village, One Dam,” and the ban on illegal mining, have collectively contributed to lowering carbon emissions while bolstering the nation’s resilience to the adverse effects of climate change.
President Nana Akufo-Addo
“We placed a ban on illegal mining, the phenomenon we call galamsey, which was destroying our water bodies, vegetation, and our forests. Some 20,000 young people have been engaged to plant more than 30 million trees in two years to create jobs and restore degraded lands,” Citinewsroom quoted President Akufo-Addo.
He went on to emphasize that these policy initiatives have already yielded positive outcomes in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the pursuit of reducing carbon emissions.
President Akufo-Addo used the platform to urge other African nations to take similar measures aimed at curtailing carbon emissions and strengthening their capacity to confront the challenges posed by climate change.Source: ghanaweb.com
