The National Democratic Congress (NDC) extends heartfelt congratulations to President-elect of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump on his resounding victory in yesterday’s election.
This decisive victory marks the return of the former President of the United States to the White House after just four years of exiting office.
The development is a good omen for us in the NDC, and a sign of great things to come given the stark parallels it presents as Ghanaians head to the polls to elect a new President on December 7th.
Just as Americans have chosen to reset their future with experienced leadership, we believe that Ghanaians will reject the current government’s eight years of insensitivity, corruption, and economic mismanagement. The NDC stands ready to bring stability, integrity, and renewed hope to Ghana.
H.E. Chairperson of the African Union Commission
African Union Headquarters
P.O. Box 3243
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Dear H.E. Chairperson,
URGENT CALL FOR AFRICAN UNION INTERVENTION IN MOZAMBIQUE’S POST-ELECTION CRISIS.
I am writing on behalf of the African Electoral Institute (AEI) to bring to your attention the grave situation unfolding in Mozambique following the recent general elections held on October 9, 2024. The disputed election results have led to mass mobilization and protest by the opposition and civil unrest throughout the country. The tense environment has deteriorated to the point where law and order are at risk of collapsing, with the potential to push Mozambique toward renewed armed conflict.
The African Electoral Institute (AEI) through secondary sources from international observers, including the European Union (EU), have noted several irregularities in the electoral process. Observers noted a lack of transparency and alleged manipulations in vote tallying,raising credible concerns over the legitimacy of the results and the electoral process.
Reports also indicate that
Mozambican security forces have responded with excessive force, resulting in multiple injuries among protestors and, alarmingly, alleged targeted killings of prominent opposition figures.
In view of these critical issues, African Electoral Institute (AEI) respectfully calls upon the African Union to take immediate diplomatic action to prevent further escalation and restore peace and trust in Mozambique.
We urge the AU to impress upon the Mozambican government the need to ensure accountability and consider a rerun of the presidential election if the investigation confirms substantial irregularities.
AEI respectfully recommends the following steps be considered by the AU in its engagement with Mozambique:
1.Independent Investigation: We urge the Mozambican Electoral Commission to establish an independent investigative committee to thoroughly examine all allegations of irregularities, and to act swiftly on its findings.
2.Commitment to Rule of Law: Both the incumbent government and opposition parties should be urged to uphold the rule of law by respecting the findings of this investigative body, thereby working toward a swift and peaceful resolution.
3.De-escalation by Opposition Leaders: AEI calls on opposition leaders to encourage their supporters to remain calm while legal avenues are pursued to seek justice.
4. Professionalism by Security Forces: Mozambican security agencies should be encouraged to exercise restraint, avoiding excessive force when managing public protests to protect citizens and maintain peace.
5.
5.International Oversight: The African Union (AU),along with the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), and Southern African Development Community
(SADC) should actively mediate and monitor the situation in Mozambique to ensure that a peaceful and fair resolution is reached.
AEI firmly believes that these actions can mitigate the current crisis and protect the democratic rights of the Mozambican people. We respectfully urge the AU to act swiftly, as its leadership is essential in upholding peace,stability, and democracy within the region.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
We are on africanelectoralinstitute.com
Thank you for your cooperation.
Cc:
1.THE EUROPEAN UNION, Through- Its office in Accra-Ghana.
2. SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC)
3. UNITED NATION(UN)
4.ALL MEDIA HOUSES.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has clarified that determining the seating arrangement for Members of Parliament (MPs) does not fall within his mandate, addressing the current dispute over which party holds the majority in Parliament.
This contention follows Speaker Bagbin’s recent declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant, leading the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus to claim they now hold the majority position.
Alban Bagbin
The declaration has sparked debate among MPs over who should be officially recognized as the majority or minority, with each party interpreting the implications of the vacant seats differently.
In remarks on November 6, Bagbin explained that while Ghana’s Parliament is influenced by the Westminster system, which traditionally dictates that the majority party occupies certain seating arrangements, it is not a binding rule.
He emphasized that seating arrangements are typically guided by parliamentary conventions and the prevailing balance of power rather than by direct intervention from the Speaker.
Bagbin urged MPs to focus on upholding parliamentary order and functionality, noting that the critical issues should be resolved by dialogue among the leadership rather than seating disputes.
“It is not part of the duties of a speaker to decide where an MP should be in parliament. That determination in Ghana’s constitution doesn’t exist. In various parliaments, these things we are talking about; majority and minority don’t exist any longer. That is why in my ruling, I used the term old school, which is the British model; the government and opposition.
“…You can sit anywhere, but the numbers determine who is the majority and who is the minority. In our parliament, the practice is for those who constitute the majority to sit on the right side of the speaker and those who constitute the minority to sit on the left side of the speaker.
“That is because, after independence in 1957, we adopted the Westminster system, which is practised in the United Kingdom. But we changed that even to the extent that the arrangement on the floor of the house is in a horseshoe. So, it is not always the case that the people to the left side are all members of a minority, that is not the case now and there is good reason,” he stated.
The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed strong optimism that they will secure victory in the upcoming December 7 general elections.
According to the party, just as voters in the United States have elected the Republican Party in the just-ended US Elections, Ghanaian voters will reflect similar support in their favour in the upcoming December 7 polls.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 6, the NPP highlighted its longstanding close relationship with the Republican Party, noting shared values such as the elephant symbol, political orientation, and ideological alignment.
“To this extent, we are excited to learn that increasingly, centre-right philosophies are receiving overwhelming support across the globe. It is our fervent hope that just like the United States, Ghana’s “elephant party,” will also emerge victorious in the December polls, by the grace of God,” part of the statement read.
The party further noted that this connection is reinforced by both U.S. President Trump and Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who share a commitment to implementing “bold solutions” for their respective countries.
“We wish the Trump administration the very best in their tenure of office as the incoming Bawumia administration, by God’s grace, hopes to build on the already fruitful relationship between the two political parties and nations for mutual benefits,” the part said.
The NPP extended its congratulations to the Republican Party, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, and Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance on their victory in the 2024 U.S. elections.
They described the win as an “emphatic endorsement of the vision and ideals of the Republican Party by the good people of the United States.”
The NPP also extended its congratulations to the United States for achieving yet another significant milestone in its democratic journey, demonstrated by the peaceful conduct of the recent elections.
“America has, once again, shown the way, and we, in Ghana, have some useful lessons to learn from this American example, particularly as we prepare to go to the polls on December 7, 2024,” the statement added.Source: Prince Adu-Owusu
The attention of the national leadership of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) has been drawn to a disturbing report doing rounds on social media that the party has submitted a certain person as replacement for its demised founder and presidential candidate, Mad. Akua Donkor.
We wish to state unequivocally that the party has not endorsed, neither has it submitted any name to the Electoral Commission as a flagbearer and presidential candidate.
Any individual parading him or herself as a presidential candidate is an imposter and is not recognized by the leadership of the party.
It is instructive to note that the National Executive Committee of the party never met to take any decision to present a candidate and therefore anyone claiming so must present evidence of same or desist from engaging in act of false identity.
Though we are fully aware that whilst alive, our late Presidential Candidate handpicked one individual popularly known as Roman Fada as her running mate, such decision was never received overwhelming endorsement from the 16 regional executives and therefore has no bearing following the demise of our flagbearer.
We further wish to bring to the notice of the public that the decision to withdraw from the contest still holds valid and any decision to the contrary shall be communicated to both the EC and the
public accordingly.
The party is meanwhile taking steps to initiative criminal actions against the said individual usurping the identity of our party and parading himself as the flagbearer of the party.
Signed
National Organizer
All Regional Executives
Richard Botchway,National Organizer0243478155
Seth Tawiah
Vice Chairman0244033458
Sam Kakra
Treasurer
0242650190
Harry Opoku
Communication Director0244287299
Jerry Offei Addo
Deputy General Secretary0245909095
The Vice-President and Presidential Candidate for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was on Monday, 4th November 2024, accorded a rousing welcome by the chiefs and elders of the Atwima Mponua Constituency, as he commences a 15-day tour of the Ashanti Region.
The campaign, which starts from Monday, 4th November, is expected to afford Dr. Bawumia the opportunity to meet and greet stakeholders, share his vision and appeal for their votes.
The tour began officially at Atwima Mponua, specifically at Ntroboso, with his programme dubbed: “Meet & greet stakeholders”, which was followed by a mini rally at Nyinahin.
The second constituency visited was Atwima Nwabiagya South with similar activities. Dr. Bawumia met and greeted stakeholders inside the Church of Pentecost, Toase, near the municipal capital Nkawie. Besides, a mini rally was held at Abuakwa R/C School Park.
Dr. Bawumia was accorded overwhelming endorsement by the chiefs, the clergy, imams, Zongo chiefs, as well as small-scale miners, in all the constituencies visited.
Nana Atakora Mensah II, the Chief of Ntroboso, joined the clergy and imams to also endorse Dr. Bawumia and the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the Atwima Mponua Constituency, Mr. Seth Osei Akoto.
The chief appealed for the continued improvement of the road network in the area. He, however, pushed for the establishment of a nursing training college in the area to ensure enrolment in a nursing training college by the youth in the area.
On his part, Mr. Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako aka Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, enumerated the significance of Free SHS education, which he said had bridged the gap between the poor and the rich as far as the enrolment of students to second cycle institutions was concerned.
Chairnan Wontumi, therefore, urged voters to go out and vote massively for Dr. Bawumia and the Parliamentary Candidate for the various constituencies, who are both number one on the ballot paper.
The vice-president, who is also the NPP Presidential Candidate, Dr. Bawumi, appealed for the support of all eligible voters.
Dr. Bawumia revealed that his government’s number one priority would be agriculture because about 60% of the Ghanaian population are farmers.
He said more investment would be put into irrigation, processing, provision of agricultural inputs to farmers, among other interventions.
Aside from that, to address the high electricity bills, his government intends to implement solar power energy to ensure low tariffs .
This, he said, is expected to reduce electricity tariff by 50%. He also intends to implement women’s trade empowerment funds to support women traders.
“Ghanaian women will only need Ghana card to access the facility. The small scale-miners will also be assisted to secure the necessary licence to mine responsibly. That Minerals Development Bank will also be introduced to support responsible mining,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia said his government would amend Section 63 of Chieftaincy Act to give more power to our chiefs.
That his government will extend the payment of allowance to paramount chiefs, divisional chiefs and queens.
Another policy his government intends to implement to support churches and Islamic institutions is to classify the faith institutions as development partners to enable them to continue to support development.
The Presidential candidate of NDC, John Mahama, has asked NPP’s Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia five questions on the economy. The five questions are very interesting. However, let me use this opportunity to respectfully provide answers to John Mahama’s questions as follows:
Question 1:
Why the exchange rate had skyrocketed to GHS 17 to a dollar? Answer to Question 1
First and foremost, we need to recognize that the unethical buying and hijacking of dollars by the “mafia-bad-people” across the political divide, especially NDC and NPP could also be a major contributing factor to the Cedi depreciation.
Razak Kojo Opoku
The other reasons which have contributed significantly to the skyrocketing of the exchange rate from GHS 17 to a dollar include:
The bad choices and decision-making of Ken Ofori-Atta, former Minister of Finance, and Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of Bank of Ghana since 2017 up to date.
Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta and Dr. Ernest Addison were expected to prudently manage the Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy respectively to sustain the appreciation of the exchange rate as well as other indicators of the economy but admittedly these two gentlemen couldn’t get all their decisions and policy choices right contributing to the current situation of the Cedi against major trading currencies including the US dollar.
President Akufo-Addo inability to quickly remove Ken Ofori-Atta from office equally created high levels of anger among the business community, and unfriendly investors’ climate thereby affecting the performance of the Cedi against the dollar.
Dr. Bawumia is NOT responsible for the appointment of Ken Ofori-Atta and Dr. Ernest Addison into the government of Nana Akufo-Addo.
Unnecessary ‘family and friends’ interferences in the decision-making of Akufo-Addo’s government is to be blamed as well.
Abuse of power and authority by “family & friends” is a very SERIOUS ERROR that future Presidents of this country should try as much as possible to minimize or eliminate completely from our governance processes.
I sincerely do believe that Dr. Bawumia would NOT dominate his Government with ‘family and friends’ system.
Partisan speculative activity, and sometimes dishonourable conduct of Members of Parliament largely affecting the trust and confidence of business & investors’ community.
Unnecessary delays in the External Debt Restructuring, and Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) have contributed to the depreciation of the Cedi.
Lower current account surplus largely caused by a sharp decline in cocoa exports, and increased import demands is a significant contributing factor to the skyrocketing of the Cedi.
Payments of Energy Sector debts left behind by John Mahama’s administration.
It is important to state that, the US dollar itself is NOT performing any better against the British Pound (GBP) and the Euro.
If in an unlikely event
John Mahama elected, can he confidently confirm to the Ghanaian people that he would drastically reduce the exchange rate from $1 to GHS 1 as inherited from former President Kufuor’s administration or from $1 to GHS 2 as John Mahama inherited from former President Prof. Mills administration or from $1 to GHS 4 as he Mahama left behind in 2017? How and when would Mahama be able to achieve the exchange rate of a single digit to a dollar?
Question 2:
Why has Ghana’s debt risen from GHS 120 billion to GHS 767 billion in eight years? Answer to Question 2:
Ghana’s debt has risen from GHS 120 billion to GHS 767 billion in eight years due to the following reasons:
Interest payments on loans, and servicing of bad debts left behind 8 years ago by Mahama’s government largely due to poor contract terms and conditions that Mahama’s administration entered into.
Some reckless borrowing and misuse of loans by Ken Ofori-Atta, former Minister of Finance without much consideration to the expert opinion and advice offered by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Massive developmental projects undertaken by Akufo-Addo’s Government in almost all sectors of the economy within the last 8 years which were non-existent during the era of John Mahama’s Government.
From 2009 to 2016 (8years), Mills and Mahama led governments completed 4,636Km of roads and five(5) Interchanges and overpasses.
However, within the last 8 years (since January 2017 to date), Akufo-Addo’s government has successfully completed a total of 12,830Km of roads and added six(6) more major Interchanges. Currently, the government of Akufo-Addo is working on ten (10) new Interchanges across the Country.
Also, the implementation of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), construction of hospitals, renovation of government facilities, construction of new universities, construction of modern classrooms at the level of JHS, SHS, TVET, STEM educational model, and Tertiary institutions, and etc.
Sustainable payments of ex-gratia and salaries to John Mahama and some of his staff members respectively within the last 8 years.
The “stupid economy” as being described by H. E. John Mahama has been able to consistently pay the monthly salaries, official traveling expenses and other entitlements of John Mahama and some of his Office Staff members within the eight years without a default.
The “stupid economy” has been able to put light on for John Mahama for the past eight years.
The “stupid economy” has been able to guaranteed free SHS to over 5 million Ghanaians.
Sustainable payments of salaries and entitlements to Speaker of Parliament, Members of Parliament, Government Appointees, Public Sector employees and others within the eight years.
The banking and financial sector clean up exercise at an estimated cost of over GHS 25 billion, leading to job losses, as well as, affecting consumer and investors’ trust & confidence.
The collapsed of the banking and financial institutions should be partly blamed on the poor approach of John Mahama’s government.
NOTE: Personally, l think that, a much more better approach with EMPATHY and turnaround solutions should have been adopted and implemented to save the banking and financial sector instead of the methodology adopted and implemented by the Akufo-Addo’s Government.
Sustainable financing of the Free SHS Policy and TVET, aimed at securing the future of several MILLIONS of Ghanaian children and youth across the Country has tremendously contributed to the risen Ghana’s debt to GHS 767 billion in eight years.
With the greatest of respect and in all humility, H. E. John Mahama and majority of our finest Northern Politicians wouldn’t have become who they are today without implementation of Free education in the North as championed by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the greatest President Ghana has ever had so far.
Sustainable payments of Restored Allowances for nursing and teacher’s trainees within the 8 years.
The cost of massive Industrialization projects through the laudable One District One Factory initiative across Ghana aimed at deepening Private Sector growth and participation in the economy as enshrined in Article 36(Economic Objectives) of the 1992 Constitution.
Long-term effects of Corruption, Procurement Breaches, and abuse of office by some appointees of Rawlings, Kufuor, Mills, Mahama and Akufo-Addo governments.
Long-term effects of the payment of useless judgement debts under Create-Loot-Share Scheme of some officials of Rawlings, Kufuor, Mills, Mahama and Akufo-Addo’s governments.
Finally, Black Swan and Structural Breaks are contributing factors to the rising of Ghana’s debt to GHS 767 in eight years.
Black Swan is a consequential occurrence that is almost practically impossible to predict or anticipate. Also, Structural Break is an unexpected change over time which can lead to huge forecasting errors and unreliability in economic data.
Black swans and structural breaks are unpredictable events that affect decisions, management, and policy directions of Economists, Investors, Governments, Policymakers, International Organizations, Multi-laterals etc.
Global COVID-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine War, Middle East Geopolitical Tensions, Global Financial Crisis in 2008, H5N1, and even domestically, Flooding, Akosombo Dam Spillage, etc are some examples of Black swans and structural breaks that most of us could not anticipate or even predict the occurrence of such events, let alone thinking or considering their devastating impacts on the national debts, and economy of Ghana, leading to greater indebtedness.
Absolutely, no economic policy or initiatives would be able to work sustainably and stay same or enhance if “All Factors do not remain constant”.
Question 3:
Why did inflation rise to 54% Answer to Question 3
1. The reasons for the rising of the Inflation rate to 54% could be the same as the reasons why Inflation rates were 122.87% in 1983 and 59.46% in 1995 under Rawlings government of which John Mahama was part of that government.
As I mentioned earlier, Black swans and structural breaks such as COVID-19 pandemic and Geopolitical War between Russia and Ukraine are partly contributing factors to the recorded 54% Inflation.
COVID-19 was a highly unsystematic and uncharacteristic fusion of a deadly disease with a worldwide economic catastrophe leading to economic and human distress in many forms such as severe global recession, contraction in economic activities, brutal financial distress etc.
The Russia-Ukraine War definitely affected global supply chain and demand sides leading to an unparalleled global macroeconomic shocks of uncertain duration and magnitude.
The decision of Bank of Ghana to print money to support the sustainable running of the economy by Akufo-Addo’s Government partly contributed to the 54%.
I was quite surprised when I heard H. E. John Mahama was attacking Akufo-Addo’s government over the 54% Inflation rate because sincerely speaking, facts and data analysis are NOT in favour of John Mahama’s argument.
Under the 4th Republican Constitution since 1992, Akufo-Addo’s Government is the ONLY in history to have successfully achieved a SINGLE DIGIT Inflation rates for a consistent 4years as shown below:
2018—-7.81%
2019—-7.14%
2020—-9.89%
2021—-9.99%
The other three Governments which achieved a SINGLE DIGIT for only 1year are as follows:
Rawlings Government
1999—-4.87%
Kufuor’s Government
2002—-9.36%
Mills Government
2011—-8.73%
It is important to state that, John Mahama is the ONLY President since 1992 who could NOT achieved a SINGLE DIGIT Inflation rate throughout his 4years as a President of the Republic of Ghana.
The 4years Inflation rates of John Mahama’s Government are shown below coupled with 4years of Dumsor:
2013—-11.67%
2014—-15.49%
2015—-17.15%
2016—-17.45%
So, clearly, inflation rate of Akufo-Addo’s government averagely is FAR BETTER than the inflation rate of John Mahama’s government. Besides, John Mahama’s government NEVER experienced or encountered Black Swans and structural breaks such as COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine War.
Question 4:
Why did you borrow GHS 42 billion from the Bank of Ghana? Answer to Question 4
1. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as an individual has NOT borrowed GHS 42 billion from the Bank of Ghana for a personal use.
2. According to the Bank of Ghana’s Report, the central bank supported Akufo-Addo’s government with GHS 42 billion so that the government would be able to sustain the running and management of the economy including statutory payments of salaries and entitlements to Public Sector Employees, honouring payment of Procurement contracts etc. Perhaps, H. E. John Mahama monthly salary as a former President was paid out of the GHS 42 billion.
NOTE: I sincerely think that, the decision of Bank of Ghana to support Akufo-Addo’s
government was inappropriate. If Ken Ofori-Atta was prudent enough and efficient with the management of the Fiscal Policy of Ghana we wouldn’t have gotten to the point that the Bank of Ghana has to support government with GHS 42 billion.
However, I think that per the experience of John Mahama, he should have directed question 4 to President Akufo-Addo, Ken Ofori-Atta, and Bank of Ghana because Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has no power & authority under the 1992 Constitution as far as the decision-making and management of the Country’s Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy are concerned.
Question 5:
Why has he run away from the economy to digitalization?, he should come and talk about the economy. Answer to Question 5
This particular question is below the belt and quiet strange without any merit because
Economy has several dimensions including digitalization. If Dr. Bawumia talks about digitalization it is the same as talking about the economy, with extensive focus on one dimensions of economy.
Modern economy doesn’t revolves strictly around macroeconomics and microeconomics.
Respectfully, I would like to humbly bring it to the attention of H. E. John Mahama that, there are several dimensions of an economy in the 21st century such as:
Technology Economics, Industrial Economics, Agricultural Economics,
Economics of Infrastructure, Health Economics, Education Economics,
Financial Economics,
Energy Economics, Digital Economy, Blue Economy, Red Economy, Green Economy, etc.
Does it mean that, H. E. John Mahama would NOT consider or factor any of the aforementioned dimensions of Economy in the implementation of his proposed 24-Hour Economy if in an unlikely event that he get elected again? A floating voter would be highly interested in Mahama’s answers for decision making.
Political leaders around the world are utilizing the various dimensions of Economy to see how best they would be able to transform their respective Countries into advanced economies with superior competitive edge.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is still talking about the economy with an extensive focus on Technology Economics(Digitalization) and Digital Economy(Digitization).
Economic powerful Nations in the world are driven by Technology Economics and Digital Economy.
PRESS RELEASE
TO: ALL MEDIA HOUSES
DATE: 4TH NOVEMBER, 2024.
African Electoral Institute is calling on the good people of Mozambique to stay calm after the general election held on the 9th October 2024 leading to chaos and mass mobilization of people and supporters by the main opposition Renamo Party and others unto the streets to protest against the results or the outcome of the polls.
The mass protest in Mozambique has led to the near breakdown of law and order, which threatens to plunge the country back into another armed conflict as was witnessed some years ago.
It is in this light that the African Electoral Institute is calling on the citizens to remain calm and to allow their leadership to use all due process (s) under their Constitution or electoral laws to seek redress.
The African Electoral Institute is worried about the unfolding chaos especially when some of the foreign election observers, including European Union (EU) observers has clearly stated that the election was fraught with so much irregularities and opaqueness including unjustified alterations of electoral results in favor of the governing Frelimo Party.
The African Electoral Institute equally condemns the Security Agencies in Mozambique for the numerous number of protesters who have been injured and the alleged target killings of two opposition leading members namely Elvino Dias who was a lawyer and advisor to the opposition presidential candidate Mondiane and Paulo Guambo , the spokesperson of the opposition party .
The African Electoral Institute wish to urge the security agencies in Mozambique to be circumspect in the performance of their duties , to disperse the demonstrators by giving it a human face and eschew high handedness since that only goes to infuriate the citizens to come all out to vent their anger and frustration which may overwhelm the SecurityAgencies, leading to complete breakdown of law and order.
In view of this, the African Electoral Institute wishes to advise as follows:
1.The Mozambican Electoral Body should do the needful by constituting an independent investigation committee or commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the complaints of the opposition, to come out with their findings and recommendations for implementation as quickly as possible.
2.That, both the incumbent and opposition parties should commit to the rule of law by accepting the findings of the investigation body for speedy implementation or resolution.
3.The leadership of the opposition should call their supporters to exercise restraint whilst they use all possible and legal means to fight for the right thing to be done.
4.That, the security forces should do everything possible under their power professionally to avoid a complete breakdown of law and order and also prevent further injuries or harm to protesters.
5.That the international community, such as the European Union , African Union, and even the United Nations, should take interest in this impasse in finding a lasting and acceptable resolution to the problem to prevent it from escalating.
It is the humble view of the African Electoral Institute that if the above suggestions are put to work, the people of Mozambique will see light at the end of the tunnel.
African Electoral Institute equally want to admonish all Electoral Bodies or authorities in the world over especially those in Africa that it is incumbent on them to always strive to organize elections, having in mind that, the elections must be seen to be free, fair, transparent, accountable and acceptable by all to be called a successful elections and that is what democracy is about hence our motto; integrity of choice.
oshua Adjin-Tettey
*Director of Communications and External Relations
0540904550
Engr. Judge Hasford Quartey
Deputy Director of Communications and External Relations.
0547510174
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: @AFRICAN ELECTORA
Lindedin: African_Electoral_ Institute
The Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, says the concerns and aspirations of the youth are his top priorities.
He said he would, therefore, work tirelessly to create decent and sustainable jobs for them, under his presidency.
“When I say to you that your concerns and aspirations are my top priorities, I mean it from every sinew in my body,” Dr Bawumia assured.
Speaking during a Youth Connect programme at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra, on Sunday, Dr Bawumia unveiled a comprehensive vision for job creation to transform the Ghanaian economy.
Dr.Bawumia
He entreated the youth to trust him to protect the public purse and serve them selflessly under his presidency.
“Let’s have the mindset of possibilities rather than the impossibilities”-Dr Bawumia stated.
In a passionate address, Dr Bawumia emphasised commitment to making the youth his top priority, promising to introduce bold, and business-friendly policies designed to create close to four million jobs.
The NPP Flagbearer reflected on the economic challenges Ghanaians had faced in recent years, particularly the prolonged power outages that plagued the nation, during the erstwhile Mahama-led administration.
He recalled how those outages severely impacted productivity across various sectors, thus, leading to widespread job losses.
Dr Bawumia, therefore, urged the youth to consider the two choices in voting on December 7 – a return to “past failures” or the opportunity for “renewed leadership” focused on progress and recovery.
“The youth of this country on December 7 will either choose a leader who is futuristic or stark in the past.
“We cannot have a leader who doesn’t appreciate the linkage between digitisation and the economy,” Dr Bawumia said.
He reiterated that the voices and ideas of the youth would be integral to shaping his government’s policies.
The Vice President expressed commitment to fostering a political environment where young people would actively be involved in decision-making processes, empowering them to become a driving force for change in society.
Central to his job creation strategy was the expansion of educational opportunities, increased student accommodation in public universities via private sector participation, introduction of scholarships for persons with disabilities at the universities, and implementation of a centralised application system for tertiary institutions.
He highlighted the importance of “protecting” and enhancing the Free Senior High School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives, which had led to significant increases in student enrolment and gender parity in education.
Dr Bawumia emphasised the need to leverage public policy to stimulate economic growth, noting that three per cent of his government’s expenditure annually, about GHS 30 billion, would be borne by the private sector to create fiscal space for government.
His vision includes completing the Agenda 111 hospitals, which would employ between 70,000 and 72,000 health personnel and ensuring that every district has access to healthcare services.
He also intended to support businesses through a “Buy Ghana First” policy, establish a Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Bank, and create Special Economic Zones in border towns to enhance economic activity and job creation.
Dr Bawumia also addressed issues in the agricultural sector, with plans to set up agriculture mechanisation centres in every district, and irrigation solutions for large-scale farming.
He proposed the establishment of agrarian enclaves based on regional advantages alongside investments in research and development to modernise the industry.
The housing sector was another focal point of his address, with commitments to create social and affordable housing initiatives to support low-income workers.
The NPP Flagbearer highlighted his plans to maximise the benefits of Ghana’s natural resources through environmentally sustainable practices and local ownership.
To harness the digital economy potential, Dr Bawumia announced plans to collaborate with educational institutions and tech firms to create a National Robotics, Engineering, and AI Laboratory.
His government would establish a $100 million Fintech Fund to support Ghanaian start-ups, eliminate import duties on mobile devices, and abolish the controversial e-Levy to encourage technological adoption and growth.
Dr Bawumia reaffirmed his commitment to creating an enabling environment where young people could thrive, emphasising the transformative power of technology, inclusivity, and robust policies.
“My bold plan for job creation is not just an economic agenda; it is a call to action for the youth of Ghana to take charge of their future and contribute to the nation’s progress,” Dr Bawumia stated.
Young people from across the 16 regions of the country participated in the programme virtually.
PRESS RELEASE
TO: ALL MEDIA HOUSES
DATE: 3rd November, 2024
The African Electoral Institute congratulates Botswana opposition leader Lawyer Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change ( UDC) Party for winning the 30th October 2024 elections and equally congratulates the former President, Mokgweetsi Masisi of the Botswana Democratic Party( BDP) for conceding defeat.
President- elect Mr. Duma Boko, the leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Party, made history by winning the Botswana presidential election on October 30, 2024. This marked a significant shift in power, as the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) had held office for nearly six decades.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s concession of defeat and peaceful transfer of power demonstrated Botswana’s commitment to democratic principles.
Boko’s victory was a testament to the UDC’s resilience, having faced challenges such as the departure of key coalition partners, the Botswana Congress Party, and Botswana Patriotic Front.
As the new president, Duma Boko brings a wealth of experience, having served as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly from 2014 to 2019. His background as a lawyer and professor has equipped him to tackle the complex issues facing Botswana.
The African Electoral Institute congratulates President elect- Mr. Duma Boko and former President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who conceded defeat as an acknowledgement of the significance of this peaceful transfer of power which sets a precedent for democratic transitions in the region and reinforces the importance of fair elections.
-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: @AFRICAN ELECTORA
Lindedin: African_Electoral_ Institute
