The National Democratic Congress (NDC) wishes to inform its supporters and general public, that it will be concluding its 2024 election campaign with a mammoth Final Rally in the city of Accra.
The epoch-making event is scheduled for Thursday, 5th December, 2024 at 12 noon. The program will be held at the “Zurak Park” in Madina, Accra under the theme; RESETTING GHANA- LET’S FINISH STRONG!.
All supporters of the NDC, the media and general public are cordially invited to this event.
Media stations may contact the Communications Bureau of the party for accreditation.
SIGNED.
SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ.
NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
The African Electoral Institute(AEI) has pocked information that the Electoral Commission (EC) has not yet provided political parties with the names of presiding officers and polling assistants, contrary to C.I 127 regulation 19 sub-regulations (6)(7)(8)(9) and (10). This regulation provides a framework for addressing concerns about officers appointed by the EC.
According to the EC, the reason for this delay is that they are still training their officers. However, this explanation raises concerns about the EC’s ability to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.
Regulation 19(6)(7)(8)(9)&(10) stipulates that;
(6) The Commission shall
(a) publish at the district office of the Commission the names
and pictures of persons the Commission proposes to appoint
as presiding officers and polling assistants not later than ten
days before an election; and
(b) furnish a copy of the published names and pictures of the
presiding officers to a political party and any candidate
contesting the election.
(7) A registered political party or a person qualified to vote in an
election may object to the appointment under subregulation (4) within
seven days after the names of the proposed officials have been published.
(8) The objection shall be
(a) in writing to the Commission; and
(b) based on factual and verifiable evidence.
(9) An objection raised against the appointment of an election
official shall not be entertained if the objection is made within seven days
to an election.
(10) The Commission shall communicate its decision to the parties
involved within four days after receipt of the objection.
The African Electoral Institute is particularly concerned that this delay may hinder the ability of registered persons or political parties to object to the appointment of presiding officers or polling assistants within the stipulated 7-day period, as required by C.I 127.
We urge the EC to take immediate action to address this issue and provide the necessary information to political parties and stakeholders. This is essential to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
We call on the EC to:
i.- Provide the names of presiding officers and polling assistants to political parties and stakeholders without further delay.
ii.Allow for a reasonable period for registered persons or political parties to object to the appointment of presiding officers or polling assistants.
The African Electoral Institute will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
END.
SIGNED
Engr. Judge Hasford Quartey
Deputy Director of Communications and External Relations.
0547510174
Ex. WO1 Alhaji Yussif Mahamah
Electoral Security Department
0243311965
About Us:
African Electoral Institute ( AEI) is a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) founded to deliver sustainable electoral solutions to Emerging and Developed Democracies to strengthen, augment, and build electoral stakeholders capacity and participation on electoral issues through electoral education on voter’s rights and freedom, electoral research, election monitoring, election observation, election results collation, election security awareness and training of polling agents and elections directors underscoring the fact that “elections are won at the polling stations’’ and the participation of all identifiable electoral stakeholders in an electoral process such as Political Parties, Governmental Institutions, underpinning transparency and accountability for a free, fair, and credible elections in Africa and the wider world.
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Lindedin: African_Electoral_ Institute
In just about a week to the December 7 general election, the Ashanti Regional Organiser for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Francis Adomako, has made a passionate appeal to all eligible voters, especially those in the Ashanti Region, to go out in their numbers and vote massively for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP Presidential Candidate.
Francois
According to him, the
Nana Addo/Bawumia administration has done so well in terms of development in the Ashanti Region, especially in the areas of roads, health and education.
He said these achievements were unprecedented despite the challenges the country and the entire world went through. “All workers have been paid; the economy is recovering fast; social interventions such as the Free Senior High School policy, restoration of teacher and nursing trainees allowance, etc, are still being implemented,” he noted.
Speaking to “The New Trust” newspaper on Friday, 29th November 2024, Dr. Francis Adomako aka Francois, who doubles as the Dean of all Regional Organisers, stressed that the Ashanti Region, like other regions, had received its fair share of the national cake under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration.
“Let’s all, therefore, go out in our numbers to vote massively for Bawumia to show our appreciation and also ensure Dr. Bawumia continues the ongoing projects such as Agenda 111 hospital projects, road projects, Free SHS policy, among other interventions, for the betterment of all.”
He cautioned the electorate, especially first-time voters, not to allow themselves to be deceived by former President John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Mr. Mahama, he said, has nothing new to offer Ghanaians, thereby hiding behind his babies with sharp teeth to insult the elders in the Ashanti Region, including the highly revered Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
It would be recalled that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a few days go, commissioned four 40-bed district hospitals in the Ashanti Region.
The hospitals are located at Drobonso in the Sekyere Afram Plains district, Sabronum in Ahafo Ano South East, Twedie in Atwima Mponua and Suame. They are part of twelve 40-bed district hospitals constructed on a ‘turnkey’ basis in four regions.
The 71.5 million euro projects form part of government’s commitment to achieving the universal health coverage by extending primary healthcare services to the doorstep of communities.
The recent announcement by the Electoral Commission (EC) regarding a shortfall of ballot papers, has raised several questions. It is unclear whether the EC is up to the task and dutiful enough to deliver the accountability that every well-meaning Ghanaian wants. And whether the EC is not negligently causing financial loss to the state.
Also, party agents, are expected to be present at the printing houses 24/7 to assist and ensure that the EC prints and distributes the correct quantities and qualities of ballot papers including the additional 2% for contingency purposes.
It is ALSO THE RESPONSIBILITY of these party agents to verify that the ballot papers are accurate before they are transported to the various regions.
Furthermore, party agents should be present at the REGIONS to take delivery and inspect the ballot papers.
This raises questions about how this shortfall occurred without notice and the transportation of the ballot papers was allowed to proceed, and so at what point of the delivery process were these shortfalls detected?
The African Electoral Institute is concerned that things like this should not happen barely a week to the elections.
We therefore urge all stakeholders to exercise high vigilance and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
We call on the EC to provide clarity on the following:
Detection of the Shortfall: How was the shortfall detected?
Party Agent Involvement: Were party agents present during the printing, transportation, and delivery of the ballot papers as well as this detection?
Contingency Measures: What measures are in place to prevent such occurrences, and how will they ensure the integrity of the electoral process?
The African Electoral Institute remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process.
END.
SIGNED
Joshua Adjin-Tettey
Director of Communications and External Relations
0540904550
About Us:
African Electoral Institute ( AEI) is a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) founded to deliver sustainable electoral solutions to Emerging and Developed Democracies to strengthen, augment, and build electoral stakeholders capacity and participation on electoral issues through electoral education on voter’s rights and freedom, electoral research, election monitoring, election observation, election results collation, election security awareness and training of polling agents and elections directors underscoring the fact that “elections are won at the polling stations’’ and the participation of all identifiable electoral stakeholders in an electoral process such as Political Parties, Governmental Institutions, underpinning transparency and accountability for a free, fair, and credible elections in Africa and the wider world.
We are on: africanelectoralinstitute.com
X: @AFRICANELECTORA
Lindedin: African_Electoral_ Institute
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has commended the policies of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, emphasizing their potential to advance Ghana’s development.
Speaking at a mini rally in Abuakwa South on Wednesday, the former President urged voters to back Dr. Bawumia, describing his vision as vital for the nation’s progress.
“I have been paying attention. Bawumia’s policies, particularly his focus on training the youth in entrepreneurial and digital skills, are good. If you don’t want this, what do you want? So I plead with you, he is not just coming for the NPP but for the whole country,” Kufuor said.
Former President J.A.Kufuor and Dr.Bawumia
He further highlighted the inclusive nature of Dr. Bawumia’s plans, adding, “He is coming for an inclusive government. His policies will alleviate the suffering of Ghanaians. I have listened to all those talking about their policies, but I haven’t seen anyone with policies as good as Bawumia’s.”Kufuor’s endorsement has, however, sparked criticism, with some opponents, including Movement for Change flagbearer Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, calling on him to avoid public endorsements due to his role as a statesman.
Addressing these concerns during a campaign event at the Ofori Panin Palace on November 27, alongside NPP running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Kufuor stood by his decision to publicly support Dr. Bawumia. He dismissed claims that his comments were inappropriate, asserting that his experience and wisdom as a former president give him the authority to share his views.“I am facing criticism for voicing my opinions on national matters due to my position as a statesman. Experience and wisdom are often associated with age.
“The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is my political affiliation, and it was through this party that I attained the presidency. Additionally, my child, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has been elected through the party.
“During my administration, he was a member of the Bank of Ghana team and demonstrated remarkable performance during a challenging period when Ghana was in financial distress. Their efforts were instrumental in revitalizing the economy at that time,” Kufuor stated.
Kufuor reaffirmed his belief in Dr. Bawumia’s leadership and urged Ghanaians to support the NPP in the upcoming 2024 general elections.Source:dailymailgh.com
H.E. JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA TO EMBARK ON A CAMPAIGN TOUR OF THE ASHANTI REGION
The Ashanti Region NDC is pleased to announce that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, incoming President of the Republic of Ghana, will embark on a campaign tour of the Ashanti Region from Saturday, 30th November 2024, to Thursday, 5th December 2024.
This campaign tour is part of his ongoing engagements with Ghanaians to share his vision and policies aimed at addressing the challenges facing the nation and positioning Ghana for sustainable development.
As part of his itinerary, H.E. John Dramani Mahama will interact with chiefs, opinion leaders, professional groups, and the hardworking people of the Ashanti Region. These engagements will provide an opportunity for the people to hear firsthand his plans for the Ashanti Region and Ghana at large and to share their concerns and aspirations.
The highlight of the campaign will be on Sunday, 1st December 2024, when H.E. John Mahama will lead a “Walk for Victory” through the principal streets of Kumasi. The walk will begin at Aboabo Post Office at 6:00 am and will pass through key areas including Pelele, Manhyia, Dr. Mensah, Kejetia Roundabout, Central Market, Asafo Interchange Underpass, and Labour Roundabout, culminating at the Hero’s Park for a grand rally.
We invite the media, party faithful, and the good people of the Ashanti Region to join us in welcoming H.E. John Dramani Mahama and participating in these events. This is a significant moment to rally together as we work towards victory in the upcoming elections.
Dr Frank Amoakohene
Regional Secretary/Campaign Coordinator
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TO:ALL MEDIA HOUSES
DATE; 28TH NOVEMBER 2024.
The AEI agrees that the beautiful aspirations of the peace pact are what every democratic and patriotic Ghanaian wants but will remain as aspirations unless practical steps are enforced .
The African Electoral Institute acknowledges that the signing of peace pacts is a commendable initiative aimed at promoting peaceful elections. However, as almost all the candidates and candidate’s reps reiterated, we can not ignore the fact that such agreements do not guarantee peace without committed practical steps to realize it.
Past experiences, such as the negative incidents that transpired during the 2020 General elections despite the existence of a peace pact, have shown that peace pacts are not foolproof. The 2020 elections witnessed the killing of electorates in Techiman, which even the remedies prescribed by the high court has still not been executed. Furthermore, the enforcement of these pacts has been lacking, rendering them ineffective.
In light of these, we question the necessity of signing such pacts if they won’t bear real fruits. Instead, we emphasize the importance of constructive dialogue, transparency, and accountability, which was a common theme among all stakeholders at the signing ceremony, i.e., the Electoral Commission, political parties, independent candidates, security agencies, and the judiciary. AEI agrees all the statements at the singing but highlights the ones that point to the fact that these agencies bear greater responsibility that one can’t overlook.
At this point, the institute commends the election security task force for it’s proactiveness in recent times and for a concise security “blueprint” for the 2024 general elections and beyond. Since the IGP said this blueprint has been tested, using the recent bye-elections and even internal party elections (to the admiration of the political parties), we are urging them to make sure it works at this largest scale without any spirit of complacency.
These stakeholders must work together to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. Once again, we say to electoral stakeholders that Relying solely on peace pacts, which are often “ceremonial and don’t bite,” is insufficient.
We urge all stakeholders to prioritize these commitments:
Constructive Dialogue: Engage in open and honest discussions to address concerns and build trust.
Transparency: Ensure that all electoral processes are transparent, including the counting and announcement of results deviod of errors and multiple election results.
Accountability: Hold all stakeholders accountable for their actions and ensure that any irregularities and security breaches addressed promptly.
By prioritizing these key commitments, we can ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process that reflects the will of the people.
-End-
SIGNED Joshua Adjin-Tettey Director of Communications and External Relations
0540904550
Engr. Judge Hasford Quartey Deputy Director of Communications and External Relations.
0547510174
Ex. WO1 Alhaji Yussif Mahamah Electoral Security Department
0243311965
About Us:
African Electoral Institute ( AEI) is a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) founded to deliver sustainable electoral solutions to Emerging and Developed Democracies to strengthen, augment, and build electoral stakeholders capacity and participation on electoral issues through electoral education on voter’s rights and freedom, electoral research, election monitoring, election observation, election results collation, election security awareness and training of polling agents and elections directors underscoring the fact that “elections are won at the polling stations’’ and the participation of all identifiable electoral stakeholders in an electoral process such as Political Parties, Governmental Institutions, underpinning transparency and accountability for a free, fair, and credible elections in Africa and the wider world.
We are on: africanelectoralinstitute.com
X: @AFRICANELECTORA
Lindedin: African_Electoral_ Institute
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has appealed to all eligible voters, especially voters at Suame Magazine, to go out in their numbers and vote massively for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Flagbearer of the NPP.
Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo
According to him, the vision and policies of Dr. Bawumia are what is needed in the digital world to transform Ghana.
He, therefore, cautioned Ghanaians against making a mistake to vote back the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to power.
He stressed that should voters make a mistake to vote for the NDC and Mr. John Mahama, they would abandon projects initiated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, especially the Free Senior High School policy, Agenda 111 hospital projects, among other social intervention programmes.
He was addressing the leadership of Suame Magazine Garages on Thursday, 28th November 2024, at Suame Methodist Church, prior to his door-to-door campaign in the area.
The former Member of Parliament for Manhyia South and former Education and Energy Minister was convinced that Dr. Bawumia’s digital intervention had made life far better and that Ghanaians no more stress themselves in areas like monetary transaction, trade, payment of bills, transport, etc.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh said in the wake of the technological age, Ghana needs Dr. Bawumia for the Presidency to align the country with the digital era. “We don’t need somebody who will drag the country backwards,” he added.
Napo described Dr. Bawumia as somebody who is innovative with a digital mindset.
The Vice Presidential Candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has assured the leadership and members of Suame Magazine that the NPP government is highly committed to equipping auto mechanics with skills ahead of auto revolution.
Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh speaking at the event
He said the training of artisans and auto mechanics had already begun and Suame Magazine workers would not be left out.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh, who is well known in the political space as Napo, on Thursday, 28th November 2024, engaged the leadership of garages at Suame Methodist church to address their concerns, solicit their views and also explain details of NPP manifesto on electric vehicles, flat rate on import duties, flat income tax, gold for oil policy and other policies geared towards reducing the burden on importers and artisans.
A section of participants
He noted that the costs of fuel and transport are the two of the main drivers of inflation in Ghana, hence their increase has implications on other variables such as exchange rate, cost of food and utilities, etc.
He said “there are two elements that dominate the pricing formula for transport: fuel and spare parts. Now, with what we are doing with electric vehicles, generally, I mean the fuel cost really becomes very minimal.”
He, therefore, called on Suame Magazine Garages and all mechanics to take advantage of electric vehicles since their use is cost effective. He added that by 2030, petrol vehicles would have phased out, hence the need for all to embrace electric vehicles.
According to him, Bawumia’s government is committed to seeing that public transport is completely moved from dependence on petrol and diesel to fully electric vehicles.
He, therefore, appealed to the electorate not to make any mistake to vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Mr John Mahama, the Flagbearer of the party.
“Ghana is moving forward and we don’t want to go back. Bawumia’s government is committed to digitalisation and that’s why I’m asking you to vote for number one for Dr. Bawumia,” he appealed.
The leadership of garages, led by Luqman Nuhu Mohammed Appiadu, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of Garages, endorsed the electric vehicles policy.
Besides, he emphasised the training of all members of Suame Magazine Garages and auto mechanics.
He appealed to the government to help garages to secure an Executive Instrument for 2000 land acres. He also asked the government to set up assembly plants.
It would be recalled that Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia inaugurated Ghana’s first fleet of electric buses (EVs) on Wednesday, November 27, marking a step towards modernising the country’s public transportation system.
The buses will undergo test operations beginning this week. This initiative stems from Dr. Bawumia’s vision of adopting electric vehicles as a cost-saving measure for the transportation sector.
During the inauguration, the Managing Director of the Metro Mass Transit Limited (MTTL), Albert Adu Boahen, stated that measures had been put in place to ensure effective use of the electric buses.
This initiative is expected to reduce the cost of public transport by 40%.
The African Electoral Institute has taken note of a statement by the Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), urging political parties to refrain from wasting resources to monitor electoral material transport.
African Electoral Institute strongly disagrees with this statement, as it undermines the principles of transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
It is not within the EC’s mandate to advise political parties on how to allocate their resources or monitor the electoral process.
The EC’s primary responsibility is to ensure the integrity and credibility of the elections, not to dictate how political parties should spend their resources in an electoral process such as monitoring.
Monitoring electoral material transport is a crucial aspect of ensuring the legitimacy of the electoral process. Political parties have the right to verify the integrity of electoral materials and ensure that they are handled and transported securely.
We urge the EC to focus on its core duties and allow political parties to exercise their rights to monitor the electoral process. Elections are a process that requires vigilance and credibility, and any attempts to restrict or undermine the participation of political parties in this process are unacceptable.
The African Electoral Institute will continue to advocate for the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, and we call on all stakeholders to respect the rights of political parties to participate fully in the electoral process.
END.
SIGNED Joshua Adjin-Tettey Director of Communications and External Relations
0540904550
Engr. Judge Hasford Quartey Deputy Director of Communications and External Relations.
0547510174
Ex. WO1 Alhaji Yussif Mahamah Electoral Security Department
0243311965
About Us:
African Electoral Institute ( AEI) is a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) founded to deliver sustainable electoral solutions to Emerging and Developed Democracies to strengthen, augment, and build electoral stakeholders capacity and participation on electoral issues through electoral education on voter’s rights and freedom, electoral research, election monitoring, election observation, election results collation, election security awareness and training of polling agents and elections directors underscoring the fact that “elections are won at the polling stations’’ and the participation of all identifiable electoral stakeholders in an electoral process such as Political Parties, Governmental Institutions, underpinning transparency and accountability for a free, fair, and credible elections in Africa and the wider world.
We are on: africanelectoralinstitute.com
X: @AFRICANELECTORA
Lindedin: African_Electoral_ Institute
