Today marks exactly 120 days since John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as President once again, promising drastic reforms and a new beginning for Ghanaians. Sadly, these 120 days have only brought hardship, chaos, and broken promises. As a concerned citizen and Deputy Protocol Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), I find it necessary to highlight the troubling reality facing our country under this administration.
Cocaine Government: In just four months, over $500 million worth of cocaine has gone missing under suspicious circumstances. The infamous Grand Canalia cocaine scandal remains unresolved, with government spokespersons telling conflicting tales. Ghanaians deserve better than these “Ananse stories.”
Galamsey Destruction: Illegal mining is back with full force, devastating our water bodies, lands, and forests. Disturbingly, members of the ruling government are deeply involved in this environmental catastrophe.
ECG Containers Vanished: The mysterious disappearance of 1,350 ECG containers from Tema port, after public assurance from the Minister, is a clear indication of incompetence and deception at the highest levels.
Bawku in Flames: Under Mahama’s watch, Bawku has turned into a war zone. Despite campaign promises of a new region for the Kusasi people, nothing has been done—only bloodshed and instability.
Mass Terminations in the Public Sector: Public servants are being sacked in droves, with termination letters issued directly from the Presidency. This witch hunt is unprecedented in Ghana’s history.
Return of Dumsor: Mahama’s second coming has revived the dreaded power crisis. Businesses, homes, and even markets are in darkness, with fires destroying livelihoods.
Electricity Tariffs Up: Tariffs have been hiked beyond what the average Ghanaian can afford, worsening the cost-of-living crisis.
National Security Misused: Instead of tackling the conflict in Bawku, National Security is busy terrorizing ordinary citizens. Priorities are clearly misplaced.
Chief Justice Under Fire: Corruption allegations leveled by an MP against the Chief Justice raise serious concerns about the integrity of our judiciary under this administration.
Soaring Building Costs: Cement and other construction materials are now beyond the reach of most Ghanaians.
Food Prices Uncontrolled: Basic food items have seen dramatic price hikes, putting enormous pressure on households.
Global Travel Advisory: The U.S. government has warned its citizens about rising crime, sexual assault, and weak law enforcement in Ghana—an international embarrassment.
Judicial Manipulation: The suspension of the Chief Justice is seen as a political move to pave the way for Mahama’s illegal third-term ambitions.
Broken Free Tertiary Education Promise: The promise of free fees for first-year university students has been dishonorably turned into a student loan scheme.
U-turn on Cocoa Prices: Mahama has reversed the increase in cocoa prices initiated by the Akufo-Addo government, betraying the Ghanaian farmer.
Unpaid Footballers: After promising salaries to local footballers, not a single cedi has been paid in 120 days—a slap in the face of sports development.
Borrowed GHC 56.9 Billion—For What?: In just three months, the Mahama government has borrowed a staggering GHC 56.9 billion, yet there is absolutely nothing to show for it.
E-Levy Deceit: After promising to abolish the E-Levy, deductions are still being made from bank-to-MoMo transactions. Another betrayal of trust.
In just 120 days, President Mahama has proven that he is not the leader Ghana needs. His administration is characterized by broken promises, incompetence, and a total disregard for the welfare of the people. Ghana cannot afford four more years of this deception.
The race to find a replacement for Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South has begun, following his confirmation as the running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the 2024 general election.
The National Council (NC) of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), on Thursday, July 4, officially endorsed Dr. Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, as the running mate.
President Akufo-Addo, after the announcement, expressed his excitement about the ticket, describing Dr. Bawumia and Dr. Opoku Prempeh as an “excellent pairing”.
Moments after Napo’s confirmation, posters of Nana Owusu Afriyie Prempeh, the Manhyia South Constituency Treasurer, among few others, have emerged, indicating their interests in contesting the seat.
The constituency treasurer is said to be already enjoying massive support from majority of the delegates.
Reliable information indicates that other potential candidates have started meeting with delegates behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the NPP, Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua, has announced that nomination for the primary opens on Monday, 8th July, and closes on the next day, 9th July 2024, for all interested party members.
The primary is slated for Sunday,14th July 2024.
Source: Hafiz Tijani with additional information from tntnewspapergh.com
By: Awuni Akyereba,a Forensic Chartered accountant & social commentator
Election is like a dating game. The go-to – market strategy of your party should be one that adds value and inspires hope in the future of the electorates. Certainly not an over baggage carrying persons that douse the chances of your party. You can read the article “Drop your your tools an allegory for organizational learning” by Karl E. Weick.
Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr.Osei Yaw Adutwum
The recently warped report cooked from the induced section of national security about who leads in preference for a pick for Bawumia running mate is disgraceful. National security minister’s younger brother is the deputy minister of Energy and I hope you get the epithet? The framing and priming designed to project one candidate over the other is leading the party to abyss.
The Asanteman lodestar is the most preferable with much good will to heighten your chances. He is the enigma in politics whose achievements in his ministry will nudge and enhance the chances of your break the 8 attempt.
Above all he has natural compatibility with Bawumia and makes the best pair. He is a smart hunter with a sharp bazooka. For the results, choose Dr. Adutwum ; for a results, choose anybody.
A private legal practitioner, Nana Yaw Osei, has described the allegations leveled by an accused person against the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, as “dangerous” in the ongoing ambulance procurement trial.
The allegations aim to incriminate the Minority Leader, prompting calls for broader investigations.
According to Osei, it is “dangerous and surprising” for a police officer to instruct an arrested person to lie against someone in order to get that person into trouble.
Osei further explained that it is inappropriate for a plaintiff to communicate with an accused person or witness and suggest that they incriminate someone, whether in criminal proceedings or not.
Lawyer Nana Yaw Osei
Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the trial, claimed that the Attorney-General had previously approached him to help build a case against the Minority Leader and former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
During cross-examination by the Minority Leader’s counsel, Jakpa was cautioned by the trial judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, to be direct in his responses and avoid wasting the court’s time.
Lawyer’s Perspective
Nana Yaw Osei, speaking in an interview with Millicent Safo-Adu on Bresosem at ABUSUA965FM, explained that the Attorney-General is the lawyer for the state and represents all lawyers in Ghana. Therefore, it is not appropriate for the plaintiff to meet the accused behind closed doors, as this would mean the Attorney-General has “disgraced himself and the profession as a whole” if the allegations are true.
Nana Yaw Osei further stated that given the weighty nature of the allegations and how it affects the country’s criminal justice system, “if the third accused, Jakpa, is able to provide concrete evidence to prove his case, it would mean that the Attorney-General has been telling lies in the courtroom”.
He encouraged Richard Jakpa(third accused) to provide all the relevant evidence at the next sitting of the case, warning that if he fails to do so, it would mean he has not helped himself.
Allegations and Responses
Responding to the Attorney-General’s allegations that he has video of the first accused, Ato Forson, coming to meet him and pleading for the prosecution to be discontinued, Osei said it is not surprising if a police officer arrests someone and the person apologizes.
He explained that the intentions of people apologizing when they are in trouble are varied, and the person may do so to avoid the “name-calling, the stress, the cost” rather than admitting fault.
Again, Osei also stressed that if the Attorney General thinks he is under enormous pressure all manner of persons for him to discontinue the prosecution of the first accused, Cassiel Ato Forson, ‘he should name those mounting pressure on him’.
Meanwhile, both the Attorney General, first and third accused have threatened to release further evidence to fortify their cases.
Background:
Dr. Forson, a former Deputy Finance Minister, and two others are on trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the state through the importation of 30 ambulances. This forms part of a 2012 contract between the Ministry of Health and Dubai-based firm,
Big Sea Limited, for the purchase of the ambulances.
The prosecution claims Dr. Forson issued letters of credit without authorization from his then-boss, Finance Minister Seth Terkper. However, Mr. Terkper testified in court that he did indeed authorize Dr. Forson to establish the letters of credit. Despite this testimony, the case continues, with the third accused, Richard Jakpa, currently being cross-examined.
Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, Ghana’s current Education Minister, has made a profound impact on the country’s education sector since assuming office.
The Elder of the Church of Pentecost, one of the largest Christian denominations in Ghana, he has brought a sense of compassion, innovative thinking, and effective leadership to the role.
Dr.Osei Yaw Adutwum and President Akufo-Addo
His exceptional public speaking skills have enabled him to inspire and motivate stakeholders, from students to educators, to work towards a common goal of transforming Ghana’s education landscape.
Under Dr. Adutwum’s visionary leadership, Ghana’s education sector has witnessed significant reforms aimed at tackling the country’s poverty narrative from the base by ensuring there’s significant improvement in teaching and learning skills to tackle unemployment from schools.
His policies focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and quality education, ensuring that every Ghanaian child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
A key player in the Government he and others introduced initiatives such as the Free Senior High School program, which has increased access to secondary education for thousands of students.
Dr. Adutwum’s commitment to innovation has led to the introduction of cutting-edge technologies in education, enhancing the learning experience and preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.
His collaborative approach has brought together educators, policymakers, and industry experts to develop curricula that address the needs of a rapidly changing world.
As a member of Parliament for Bosomtwe constituency, Dr. Adutwum has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of the needs of his constituents by sponsoring several students to tertiary institutions to study engineering with objective making his constituency a hub for engineers for Ghanaian production sector few years to come.
His intelligence, compassion, and innovative thinking make him an ideal candidate to be considered as the running mate for the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Dr. Adutwum’s dedication to public service and his ability to inspire and motivate others have earned him recognition as a leader who can drive meaningful change in Ghana by all professionals groups.
In conclusion, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum’s impact on Ghana’s education sector has been transformative.
His commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and quality education has positioned Ghana for significant growth and development.
As a leader, he embodies the qualities of compassion, intelligence, and vision, making him an exceptional candidate for higher office.
Source:Isaac Justice Bediako,a Broadcast journalist with EIB Network
Alleged Bribery of Electoral Commission Officers during the By-election at Ejisu
It has come to my attention that there is a video in circulation in which I was seen picking a white envelope from my back pocket and dropping it on a table in front of two electoral commission officers.
I would like to state that, on the 30th of April, 2024, when the Ejisu by-election was being held, I was selected by my political party—the New Patriotic Party to supervise 5 polling stations in Fumesua.
During my numerous rounds, and upon reaching the Pentecost church polling station, I interacted with the officers to find out if the election process at the polling station was coming up well and the numbers that had registered at that time.
The officers indicated that the process was smooth but at that time their food had not been delivered. I then asked them if they woukd be okay if I offered them lunch. They accepted it and I put an envelope on the table in the full glare of all.
I then left, granted an interview with Adom TV and continued to the other polling stations.
I must state unequivocally, and in all honesty that, the gesture shown by me to the electoral officers was with good intent, and not to bribe nor influence them to act contrary to their conscience, conviction and character.
The electoral commission, over the years has built an image of credibility, integrity, honesty and discipline, and I will not do anything untoward to erode such virtues.
I have endeavored, over the years, to build an image of integrity, credibility, honesty, kindness and discipline and I will not do anything deliberately to diminish it. In fact, those who know me will attest to that.
Although, I acted in good faith, it seems my good intention and action have been misconstrued to mean I have bribed or influenced the electoral officers. That was not the case. I did not bribe anybody.
As unfortunate as the incident is, I would like to apologize to the commission and the citizenry, and assure all and sundry that such an act will never happen again.
I will also gladly submit myself to any process to establish the truth of what transpired at the polling station on that day.
The campaign promise of using 100 days or less to fix challenges facing the Country has become noise in the ears of Ghanaians due to the lack of honesty and commitment on the part of Politicians over the years.
A lot of things have gone wrong with the governance of this Country especially under the 4th Republic but sadly many people out of cowardice or due to their selfish interest have decided to remain mute or silence over national issues.
The NPP and NDC only embrace the Truth when it favours their political agenda but completely Reject and Fight same when it undermines their respective chances of winning and maintaining political power. In opposition, Politicians embrace the Truth but in power reject and fight it, and this dishonest attitude is one of the weaknesses of Ghana’s democracy.
The collective focus should rather be on Ghana First regardless of which party or President is in power. That’s why H. E. Nana Akufo-Addo told us to be Citizens not Spectators. However, those who decided to be Citizens (including NPP members and Non-members) by way of Speaking Truth to Power such as calling for major changes and reshuffle of Appointees are unfortunately ignored by the President.
Razak Kojo Opoku
Now, who is in charge of running the economic affairs of the Country, is it IMF/World Bank, Ken Ofori-Atta or the Economic Management Team led by the Vice?
It could even be possible that, the Vice-President and 2024 Presidential Candidate of the NPP might not have been actively involved or consulted on most of the decisions undertaken by the Akufo-Addo-led Government.
Again, it is possible the Vice may not be happy with certain decisions made by Akufo-Addo’s Government, and definitely such decisions would require a Honeymoon Period to either cancel or review such policies/decisions when elected on 7th December 2024.
In fact, anyone within the NPP who will challenge this assumption is emphasizing to Ghanaians that, the Vice-President and 2024 Flagbearer of the NPP fully approved all the decisions of Akufo-Addo’s Government, which I don’t think and believe to be true.
In short, John Mahama is being honest with his request for a Honeymoon Period should he win the 2024 Presidential election.
However, majority of Ghanaians will only agree to the honeymoon request by any President after 7th January 2025 largely based on the Conduct of that particular government within the first 60 Days in Office.
The size, budget, policy direction and expenditure of the next government will be the key déterminants as to whether Ghanaians will support the requested Honeymoon Period or not.
We have been told by President Akufo-Addo, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, IMF and World Bank that, “Ghana has turned the Corner” but I honestly don’t know the particular Corner that Ghana has turned.
Is it a left Corner or right Corner because the prevailing economic reality on the ground is NOT supporting the arguments being put forward by IMF, World Bank, President Akufo-Addo and Ken Ofori-Atta that “Ghana has turned the Corner”.
I just want them to know and understand that we are still in the process of turning the corner. We can only confidently state that, “Ghana has turned the Corner” when the current state of the economy corresponds to the pockets and purchasing power of the majority of Ghanaians.
The best we can say to Ghanaians ahead of 2024 general election is that, “the economy and its indicators are normalizing, getting better and with time everything will be fine therefore Ghanaians should be patient with the NPP”.
We can only defeat the opponents of NPP in the 2024 general election if we stay honest, humble and truthful with the economic Facts and Data.
I personally doubt the credibility of the inflation figures put forward by the Ghana Statistical Services (GSS) especially from September – December 2023.
Within the period of September – December 2023, prices of goods and services were rising coupled with the implementation of some taxes yet we are told by Ghana Statistical Services that inflation rates are coming down. I don’t know how they came up with such vodoo inflation figures.
Majority of NPP members are happy because it is favoring the government but in sincerity NPP would have easily questioned the credibility of the recent inflation figures (September – December 2023) if they were in opposition.
With Ken Ofori-Atta and IMF still in charge of running the economy of Ghana, the chances of NPP in 2024 is at greater risk.
As far as I am concerned, any government after H. E. Nana Akufo-Addo deserves a Honeymoon Period of at least 12 months to right the ‘wrongs’ of the current government and put things in proper order.
The following issues highlighted below deserve a Honeymoon Period by the next President and his vice preferably a Bawumia-led government in 2025 or a future Presidency of Kennedy Agyapong to address them:
Debt Exchange Programme and IMF Conditionalities for the $3 Billion Loan Facility.
The Domestic Debt Exchange Programme(DDEP) affecting Pensioners, Bondholders from Individuals to Corporate Entities, and the Suspension of Payments on Selected External Debts of Ghana’s Government is a very, very, very serious issues that the next President of the Republic of Ghana has to deal with. Even the next President under NPP Government WILL face this pending HEAT in 2025,2026 and beyond.
Recently, Ghana has won a moratorium with official creditors on debt payments until May 2026. The payments owed on $5.4 billion of bilateral obligations would be repaid by Ghana in 16 and 17 years’ time. Ghana is also expected in March 2023 to reach a deal with Eurobond Investors to revamp the $13 billion debt.
Would Ken Ofori-Atta who is negotiating these arrangements still be in office in May 2026 through to 16 and 17 years?
Ghana Government owes Power Producers Billions of Cedis.
If this issue is not properly negotiated, Dumsor will definitely come back to further hurt the economy under the next government.
The Ghana Road Fund owes Contractors Billions of Cedis
General Audit of All Contracts and Procurement Breaches by Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies(MDAs/MMDAs).
One of the most disturbing trends in our body politics and governance under the 4th Republican Constitution is how some CEOs, Ministers, MMDCEs and other Government Appointees allegedly hijack contracts/procurement procedures and resources under their respective outfits to their benefits using:
(a). their own existing companies
(b). new companies established
(c). Companies belonging to close associates
This bad attitude is seriously undermining governance, transparency, and limiting general opportunities for all.
Review and Suspension of Non-performing Policies under Akufo-Addo’s Government and other previous Government.
Review and Suspension of Nuisance Taxes and E-levy imposed by Ken Ofori-Atta and the Finance Ministry/Ghana Revenue Authority(GRA) especially the recent senseless VAT on domestic consumption of Electricity.
Review of the Galamsey Policy of Akufo-Addo’s Government.
Review, Maintain and further Improve the Free SHS Policy introduced by Akufo-Addo’s Government.
Critically Assess, Investigate and Review the Performance of the Officials of Bank of Ghana including the Board, Governor and his Deputies especially the Printing of monies without Parliamentary Approval.
Significantly pay equal attention and supervision to the Development of every Constituency and Region as a whole regardless of whether they voted for NPP, NDC or an Independent Candidate in accordance with the Presidential Oath of Ghana.
It is important to conclude that, the next government and President of the Republic of Ghana After 7th January 2025 would need a Honeymoon Period of at least one year to put things in order first before Citizens can fully start holding the President and government accountable to their campaign promises.
Dear aspirants,
In politics, there will always be a day of judgment. Because of that, we must love, live in peace, and help others when we get the chance. Aspirant, how many delegates can look at your face and say,
‘Wherever you go, l will go, wherever you live, l will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God?
‘ It takes a strong relationship, not use and dump. The above statement has always been my dream, and l pray to God to help me serve mankind and God while l live on this earth.
Those that you don’t respect, don’t pick up their calls, are now going to decide your fate. There will always be tomorrow, so let’s keep our relationship with the people.
Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA)
Delegates will follow you, sing praise, and worship you when you have changed their lives. let your people feel proud of you. When God helps you and you win, please don’t turn your back on your people. Coka, l care .
As the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) heads to its Saturday January 27, 2024 parliamentary primaries, Prof. Peter Twumasi stands tall among the aspirants in the Ahafo Ano South West constituency in the Ashanti region of Ghana.
Prof. Twumasi brings a wealth of experience in politics, academia and industry that, when given the nod, will help propel the holistic development in the constituency for the general good of Ghanaians.
The indomitable Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) in the Nana Akufo-Addo led administration has been through thick and thin in the party as Organising Secretary of the then Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology KNUST Chapter (now TESCON) of the party, a Constituency Research Officer, a Constituency Director of Communication, a Regional Research Officer and a member of the National Research Committee.
The prolific biotechnologist has been very instrumental in quality assurance for farm produce over the years through bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Prof. Twumasi envisions facilitating Agriculture to become a big business venture and good roads in the constituency which is one of Ghana’s bread baskets.
On Education, he intends to champion the establishment of the first tertiary institution in the constituency, University of Science and Agriculture, and a nursing college which construction is about to take off.
Prof. Twumasi’s rise through economic hardships to excel in his foundational education in the constituency, notably Abodease Primary School, Pewodie Middle School and Anyinasuso JHS, to senior high level in Kumasi Academy, to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and outside the country (Wageningen University, The Netherlands) to become a professor inspires his promotion of quality basic and further education in the constituency.
Promotion of domestic tourism through the mountainous parts of the constituency is also on the radar of Prof. Twumasi.
Delegates and the constituents in general cannot wait to have Prof. Twumasi represent them in parliament. The good people of Ahafo Ano South West see the rallying behind him for victory in the January 27 primary as a big agenda for their entire good.
First off, I hope this letter finds you in high spirits and excellent health. I am writing to extend my warmest congratulations on the remarkable effort and effective strategy employed by the Ghana Police Service under your leadership during the just-ended Christmas holidays.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
As a journalist who closely observes societal issues impacting community wellbeing and safety, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for citizens to feel safe within their own neighbourhoods and while attending various events during Christmas holidays, particularly on the 31st of December, when many Christians attend vigil nights.
Kwame Adinkrah
It is an undeniable fact that Ghanaians have long been victims of numerous crimes, including robberies, petty thefts, and other unfortunate incidents during such festive holidays.
However, the just-ended festive season seemed different. Our homes and streets were noticeably safer, and it was quite evident that your well-thought-out approach had a significant impact on protecting our lives and property across the nation.
Your strategic approach to deploying police personnel across key locations did not go unnoticed.
The timely deployment of additional resources, such as increased patrols, checkpoints at critical locations, and improved coordination between police officers, undeniably played a crucial role in maintaining law and order across the country. The enhanced visibility of police personnel on the streets was particularly impressive.
The disguised police officers posing as civilians that mingled with audiences at various musical shows and other public gatherings was highly impressive, safe it was a privilege knowledge.
It is, therefore, at this point that I would like to acknowledge the dedication displayed by every police officer under your leadership during the season. Their commitment to duty deserves immense appreciation, as they worked tirelessly day and night to ensure our safety.
The reduction in road accidents is also particularly noteworthy since it is usually one of the major concerns during holiday seasons, when reckless driving tends to prevail. By enforcing traffic regulations more strictly, I believe many lives have been saved from unnecessary tragedies.
Dr. Dampare, it is through effective strategies like yours that we can make significant progress towards building a safer society for all Ghanaians.
Your efforts have not only saved lives but have also helped restore faith in the police among citizens, who often fear for their security during these festive periods.
On behalf of all concerned citizens who enjoyed a peaceful Christmas season due to your extraordinary efforts, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations!
May you continue with such outstanding initiatives aimed at safeguarding our beloved country throughout each passing year. Together,
we can build a safer nation where every citizen can celebrate joyous occasions without fear or apprehension.
I salute!
