Raphael Patrick Sarfo ( Raph), Ashanti Regional Youth Organiser and Dep. MASLOC CEO Kwabena Asamoah (Obidombie), launched effort to get 2 million Free SHS Beneficiaries to the polls for Dr Mahamadu Bawumia.
Hon.Kwabena Asamoah Nkansah
By:Isaac Amoah/tntnewspapergh.com
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Masloc, Mr Kwabena Asamoah Nkansah, yesterday joined the Coalition of Free SHS Graduates, first-time voters and Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Patriotic (NPP) Youth Organiaer Mr. Raphael Patrick Sarfo to embark on a massive walk through the principal streets of Kumasi to create more awareness on the ongoing limited voter registration exercise.
As part of the sensitisation activity, several placards were displayed; passengers and pedestrians were also equally engaged.
The purpose of street campaign under the guidance of the regional youth wing was to appeal to free SHS beneficiaries, first-time voters and parents to involve themselves and pay active interest in the ongoing voter registration exercise being conducted by the electoral commission.
Mr Asamoah, who was the special guest and a patron to the Coalition of Free SHS Graduates and first-time voters, joined the street campaign and sensitisation activity.
He called on Ghanaians to vote for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming elections in order to protect the Free SHS policy.
He reminded all the eligible voters and all Ghanaians, who have attained 18 years and above to take advantage of the exercise and get their names in the register.
Besides, he reminded them that their votes is their voice, come the 2024 general election.
Hon.Kwabena Asamoah Nkansah
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
13th May, 2024.
NDC RESPONDS TO ARREST OF THE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR ASUTIFI SOUTH, HON. COLLINS DAUDA IN CONNECTION WITH ONGOING VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), has taken note of a statement by the Ghana Police Service, that it has arrested the Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, Hon. Collins Dauda for his alleged involvement in some disturbances at a Voter Registration Center at Kukuom in the Asunafo South constituency in the Ahafo Region.
Having had the benefit of the facts surrounding the said incident, the party wishes to respond as follows;
Wearing face masks and dressed in what looked like military apparel, these NPP thugs unleashed violence on the registration center. They attacked and chased away perceived first-time NDC voters numbering about 150, who were in a queue waiting to be registered.
These hooded NPP thugs who were led by one “Anointing”, threatened the accredited NDC agent, Police Officers and other observers, insisting that they will not allow the first-time voters to be registered. The attacks persisted from 10:00am until 3:00pm on that fateful day.
At about 3:00pm, the Police at Kukuom called for reinforcement from the Regional Police Command at Goaso. This did not however deter the NPP bandits, who continued to engage in heated verbal exchanges with the Police at the scene, insisting that they will not allow the perceived supporters of the NDC to register.
In the midst of the pandemonium, one Daniel Arthur, a known NDC member and the Assembly Member for the Denyase Electoral Area: Abu, the NDC Coordinator for Asarekrom Electoral Area as well as the NDC’s registration agent at the center, were severely brutalized by the NPP thugs.
Upon hearing about the ongoing chaos, some NDC supporters, rushed to the scene to ascertain the situation for themselves and offer some support to the NDC supporters who were under attack. Upon seeing the NDC supporters, some of the NPP thugs bolted. Calm was restored at the center for sometime, allowing some of the harassed supporters of the NDC to register.
In a sudden turn of events, one of the NPP thugs drove across and blocked the road when the Asutifi South NDC supporters were leaving the center. He then pulled a gun and began to shoot indiscriminately at the NDC supporters in their vehicle. At this point, the NDC supporters in exercise of their right to self-defence, shot back to deter the thugs. No one sustained gunshot injuries.
This fact was corroborated by the Police in their investigative report read to Hon. Collins Dauda, MP for Asutifi South, in the presence of Hon. Eric Opoku, MP for Asunafo South, at a meeting on the morning of Sunday, 12th May, 2024.
We wish to place on record that, at no point was the Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, Hon. Collins Dauda present at the Kukuom registration center on Saturday, 11th May, 2024. Contrary to the claim by the Ghana Police Service, Hon. Collins Dauda was busily monitoring the ongoing registration exercise in his Constituency, Asutifi South and was nowhere near the incident at Kukuom which is located in the Asunafo South constituency.
Several NDC supporters who were hospitalised after being brutalized by the NPP thugs, have since lodged official complaints with the Kukuom Police.
The NDC condemns in no uncertain terms the unprofessional haste of the Ghana Police Service to publish the so-called arrest of the Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, and create the impression all over the media as though he has committed a crime. For emphasis, Hon. Collins Dauda has committed no crime. The allegation by the Police that he was involved in some disturbances at the ongoing voter registration in Kukuom is palpably false and must be treated with the contempt it deserves.
The National Democratic Congress reiterates our commitment to peace in the ongoing limited voter registration exercise. We are a law-abiding political party committed to respecting the laws of the country. Our Parliamentary Candidates, agents and supporters throughout the country have so far comported themselves in the ongoing exercise, even in the face of extreme provocation and in some cases, violent attacks.
We are however concerned by the widespread violent incidents across the country in which NDC supporters have been at the receiving end of unprovoked brutalities, intimidation and harassments from the ruling New Patriotic Party, as happened in Adugyama in the Ahafo-ano South East Constituency in the Ashanti region, few days ago.
We wish to remind the Ghana Police Service of their responsibility to protect all stakeholders in the ongoing voter registration exercise. The Ghana Police must display professionalism and impartiality in maintaining law and order, and be fair to all actors in the political space.
We cannot accept a situation where the Police choose to watch on and take little action against NPP thugs who unleash unprovoked violence on NDC supporters in broad daylight.
Even though we in the NDC will never initiate any such attacks, let it be known, that our supporters reserve the right to defend themselves against any violence or attacks.
SIGNED.
SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ.
National Communications Officer
Source: tntnewspapergh.com
Accusations of Arrest and Involvement in Violent Incidents during Voter Registration Exercise Deemed False and Malicious
Asutifi South, Ahafo Region, Ghana – May 12, 2024 – In response to recent false allegations circulating in the media, Hon. Collins Dauda, Member of Parliament for Asutifi South in the Ahafo Region of Ghana, vehemently denies any involvement in or connection to the reported violent incidents during the voter registration exercise.
Contrary to the misinformation being spread, Hon. Collins Dauda asserts that he is not the Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, the constituency in which the alleged incidents occurred. He confirms that he has not visited that constituency during the period in question, thus making any claims of his involvement baseless and untrue.
These unfounded allegations, purportedly propagated by certain elements within the NPP party in the Asutifi South constituency and the Ahafo Region, are viewed by Hon. Collins Dauda as a deliberate smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation and credibility.
In response to these malicious acts, Hon. Collins Dauda is taking decisive steps to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions. He is actively engaging legal measures to address the dissemination of false information and defamation of character. Additionally, he urges the Ghana Police Service in the Ahafo Region to swiftly investigate and apprehend those responsible for spreading fake news about him.
Hon. Collins Dauda reaffirms his unwavering commitment to peace, democracy, and the rule of law in Ghana. He emphasizes that such deliberate attempts to undermine the democratic process and sow discord will not be tolerated. As a dedicated public servant, he remains steadfast in his duty to uphold the democratic principles and integrity of the nation.
Hon. Collins Dauda is the elected Member of Parliament for Asutifi South in the Ahafo Region of Ghana. With a steadfast dedication to public service, he is committed to promoting peace, development, and the welfare of his constituents. Hon. Collins Dauda has a proven track record of advocating for the interests of the people and upholding democratic values.
Signed
Isaac Yaw Mensah
Deputy Constituency Secrectary
Asutifi south
End of Release
Source: Isaac Kafui Nyanyovor
Former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dan Botwe has urged Ghanaians to elect a capable leader in the forthcoming elections.
Mr Botwe highlighted the biblical precedent in Exodus 18, where Moses is advised by his father-in-law, Jethro, to delegate responsibilities to competent individuals.
Hon.Dan Botwe
Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia
Speaking to an assembly at the Presbyterian Church in Techiman, he alluded to the narrative involving Moses and Jethro.
“Listen to my advice. Look for abled men. Men who fear God, men who hate covetousness, and put them over the people in the fifties, hundreds, and thousands so as to let them counsel the people, and when they are tired, they give it to you. If this is not democratic practice, what is democratic practice? This is representative governance, able governance. Men who fear God. Men who hate covetousness. When we say we are voting, is that not it?”.
He urged Ghanaians to carefully evaluate the candidates in the election and select those who demonstrate competence, drawing parallels to the biblical account in the book of Acts.
Mr Botwe emphasised that when the disciples needed to replace Judas, they sought a leader aligned with God’s will, urging Ghanaians to do the same devoid of religious sentiments.
“In politics, so many issues can come up. People will say what they don’t know, and whip up tribal and religious sentiments just to get votes. I am not here to tell anyone to vote for NPP, but advise your followers to pray for discernment in order not to bring about trouble.”
According to him, “in both Exodus and the prayer of the Apostles, they asked God who knows the heart of men to elect capable men, men who fear God to be in charge.”
“God knows the heart of men, and if we are doing politics here, he knows it, and we believe when it comes to the choice of capable, able men, men who can do it, and that is why we are here so we can come together so the people God has placed under our care as pastors, so we should look for able men who fear God and put the country in their hands so we can work for the flocks of God and make them comfortable”.
Source: Kenneth Awotwe Darko
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is yet to let go of its suspicions regarding the missing Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits at the Electoral Commission (EC).
Chairman of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, says that until the Electoral Commission (EC) provides them with the serial numbers of the devices to ensure transparency, the Commission’s motives will remain tainted in their eyes.
He made these remarks at a press conference on Thursday, May 9, in Accra.
According to the EC’s Director of Public Affairs, the release of such information could trigger a security risk.
In a statement released on May 9, 2024, the EC emphasized the critical role of BVR Kits in the electoral process, highlighting their unique serial numbers essential for generating activation codes and tracking their location and movement.
Hence, divulging these serial numbers to external parties, including political entities like the NDC, poses a significant risk to the security and integrity of registration processes.
But Asiedu Nketia believes the reluctance of the EC to give in to their call further entrenches their belief of an ulterior motive ahead of the 2024 election.
“The NDC has always been suspicious that the stolen kits could be used to illegally register some people in order to add them to the voters register to enable them to vote on December 7, 2024. That remains our suspicion,” he said.
“That underlines all the precautionary measures we are trying to take to forestall that one and give everybody peace of mind including the Electoral Commission and the New Patriotic Party that is in power.”
Mr Nketiah further expressed surprise by what he sees as the Commission’s lackadaisical posture towards the NDC’s efforts at safeguarding the registration process.
“Why is the EC resisting and stopping NDC registration agents from recording the serial numbers of BVR kits. The question is what does the EC have to hide.. what is their fear over the recording knowing very well that some have been stolen under their watch. We are saying let us track and protect those that are stolen and you are resisting, are you not part of thieves?” he quizzed.
The 21-day limited voters registration exercise is expected to end on May 27, 2024.
Meanwhile, the EC has hinted at the possibility of extending the limited voters’ registration period if deemed necessary to accommodate all eligible citizens.
By: Isaac Amoah/tntnewspapergh.com
The New Patriotic Patriotic (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate (PC) for the Ahafo Ano South West Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, who is popularly called Okumkom, has made a passionate appeal to all Ghanaians who have attained 18 years and above, especially those in the constituency, to turn out and register in their numbers.
According to him, the need for every eligible applicant or potential voter to get their names in the voters’ register in the ongoing limited registration exercise under the auspices of the Electoral Commission (EC) across the country cannot be overemphasised.
Okumkom, however, cautioned those who have not yet attained 18 years not to allow themselves to be registered because even if they are not caught now it will have negative effects on them one day.
“As I’m encouraging all potential eligible voters to go out and register within the 21-day limited registration exercise to enable them to vote in the upcoming general election, I’m equally cautioning minors not to attempt to register but wait until they attain the required age under the 1992 Constitution,” he advised.
Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah at the registration centre at Mankraso
The NPP PC gave the advice in an interview with “The New Trust” newspaper on Thursday, 9th May 2024, at Mankraso, the district and constituency capital.
Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, who has been embarking on awareness creation through information centres, radio and television stations, one-on-one and social media platforms, said every Ghanaian who has attained the required age should take advantage of the ongoing exercise to secure his or her voter’s card since, apart from election purposes, the Voter ID is relevant for many transactions.
He observed that the turnout has been encouraging after the initial network challenges encountered by the EC officials. “Since the EC directed that the exercise should go offline due to network challenges, the process is moving on fast and as of 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, about 90 persons had registered and issued with their voters ID,” he said.
“I want to once again encourage Ghanaians, especially those who have attained 18 years and above, to take advantage of the exercise to get their names in the voters’ register to enable them to exercise their franchise in the 7th December 2024 general election,” he added.
It would be recalled that the Electoral Commission of Ghana officially began voter’s registration exercise ahead of the 2024 elections on Tuesday, 7th May 2024, and after countering network challenges for the first two days of the exercise, it directed its officials to go offline and register the applicants.
The exercise is expected to end on 27th May 2024 across all the district offices of the Commission.
Okumkom advised the constituents and all Ghanaians, saying “let’s all take the exercise very seriously to make it a success. Let’s also guard against confusion in order to maintain the relative peace we’re enjoying.”
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has assured Ghanaian electorates that he is prepared and ready to serve.
He has therefore expressed his commitment to engage with the electorate, address their concerns and present a compelling vision for the future of the country.
Speaking in an interview with the Africa Watch magazine, Vice-President Bawumia expressed confidence in the democratic process of the country and said “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our nation.”
He was hopeful that with hard work and dedication, “it is possible for the NPP to achieve success and break the eight.”
Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia
“I want to assure the Ghanaian electorate that I have prepared well for the job. As I have reiterated, I have never been President of Ghana before. I am ready to serve well and as the main driver. I am ready to lead,” he stressed.
Currently, Dr Bawumia said the manifesto committees of the party were busily at work putting together a compelling document to kick off his campaign which he indicated would entail active engagement with voters through rallies, town hall meetings and door-to-door, to communicate its achievements and vision for the future.
He added that the NPP also strengthened its organisational structure by recruiting volunteers and training party agents to ensure effective voter turnout and monitoring on election day.
“The party is also fine-tuning its messaging and leveraging digital tools and social media platforms to reach a wider audience and mobilise support,” he stated saying “We are preparing for the general election by focusing on grass-roots mobilisation, policy articulation as well as campaign strategy refinement.”
While acknowledging that the response to his message had been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic, the NPP flagbearer said “We have been heartened by the warm reception and support from people from all walks of life who are eager to help us win the election.”
“From bustling cities to remote villages, we have encountered a sense of optimism and hope for the future, as people recognise our commitment to addressing their needs and aspirations. They appreciate our track record of delivering tangible results and our vision for a continuously improving Ghana,” he said.
Explaining further, the NPP flagbearer said the party had engaged with citizens from diverse backgrounds, listened to their concerns and shared its plans for inclusive growth, job creation and social development in diverse ways.
He said even as the actual campaign was yet to hit the ground running, the energy and momentum behind the preliminary engagements were inspiring.
He, therefore, expressed confidence that together “we can build a brighter future for all Ghanaians.”
Dr Bawumia said even though Ghanaian political culture could be intensely partisan with robust debates and disagreements between parties, it was also essential to recognise that despite the political differences, “we all share a common goal of progress and prosperity of Ghana and its people.”
He said while there may be areas of disagreement between the political parties on economic policies, governance approaches or social issues, it was important to approach those differences with respect and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.
“Finding common ground is crucial for effective governance and national development. There are many areas where parties can collaborate and work together for the greater good such as infrastructure, good governance, fighting corruption, education and health.
“By focusing on areas of common ground and fostering a spirit of cooperation, parties can overcome political differences and work together to address the challenges facing Ghana,” the Vice-President emphasized and said “Ultimately our shared commitment to the well-being of the nation should transcend partisan divides.”
He said the focus of the NPP on education, including the provision of free education up to the secondary level and investments in vocational and technical training, has also resonated with voters.
Furthermore, he said, the commitment of the government to infrastructure development, including road construction and rural electrification projects had addressed longstanding deficits and improved the quality of life for many Ghanaians.
He called on all Ghanaians to strive towards a peaceful election and said “Let us build a progressive society of possibilities, enterprise, compassion, open opportunities and shared prosperity for every Ghanaian, knowing that our collective efforts will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.”
Source: Peacefmonline.com
