Editor’s note: Unedited Statement by Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA)
The NPP seems to be at crossroads…
NPP has selected Dr. Mahammudu Bawumia (DMB) as our party flagbearer for 2024 elections. We have selected our Parliamentary candidates, constituted our campaign team and manifesto committees. The only Puzzle left is the selection of the running mate to partner our candidate and the party will be all ready for the 2024 elections.
It is a known fact that various interest groups within the party have started lobbying for their preferred candidate to be chosen as vice Presidential candidate.
To make the ticket of the paring more stronger many have urge NPP to choose it’s running mate from Ashanti region, the “World bank” of the party. So the lobbying is intense in Ashanti region and therefore seems to have created “tension and deep division” in Ashanti region.
NPP cannot afford to take Ashanti region for granted that is the hard core fact.
The NDC , our main opponent has made Ashanti region (NPP’s base ) their target to get more votes going into 2024 elections; not even their considered world bank, Volta region. It is therefore IMPORTANT we ( NPP) do not allow the selection of a running mate to divide Ashanti region the more.
Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA)
Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia
Fact, if Ashanti region fails NPP, the NPP party will be in BIG TROUBLE. The region need everybody to help break the 8. Let us not pressurize DMB, let’s allow him to make his best choice .
Furthermore, l also want to appeal to Dr. Bawumia , our candidate for 2024 to also save NPP from further division by naming his running mate sooner than later .
This will further help the party especially Ashanti region NPP from further deteriorating. By naming the running mate NOW, any fallouts could be managed and handled by the on-going reconciliation team in Ashanti region led by Mr. Edward Boateng.
Indeed, per our revised NPP constitution in article 13 section 3 (1) and (2) our candidate ought to have selected our running mate by close of December last year, 2023, however, per his request for extension it was granted by National Council. Recent events especially in Ashanti region are not encouraging.
As a concern Patriot my concern and that of many is that when the process is delayed the cracks becomes dipper and more disturbing which wouldn’t help the party’s course for our quest to break the 8.
Ghana and NPP need DMB to save the country from going back in development.
We need a running mate who will rejuvenate the base of our party in the region.
I contested for the regional chairmanship position.It was a fierce contest and unfortunately, l lost but I can’t turn my back to the party I love so much.
I am fully on board the Party’s campaign to help break the 8 and expect all others including parliamentary candidates who lost primaries to also join the campaign.
We have only one NPP. 2024 is the ultimate, let’s unite behind the big elephant.
We can do it Kukrudu Kukrudu Kukrudu!!! Coka, l care .
Joshua Hamidu Akamba, a former National Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC),has proclaimed that the return of former President John Dramani Mahama to power in 2025 is imminent and heavenly.
According to him, Mahama’s return is inevitable and divine to rescuing Ghana from the inept governing New Patriotic Party NPP which has birthed Ghana with untold hardship.
He said, Mahama is coming back to break the shackles and rescue the country from its current state of economic woes.
In an interview with Kwame Minkah on TV XYZ morning show Dwabose Mr Akamba disclosed that, God has ordained John mahama’s second coming to rescue Ghana from abyss, suffering and economic distress.
“Mahama is coming back to finish all projects he started including all the unfinished projects of the NPP. Even though the Npp always chatised mahama about the completed projects in the much tauted and celebrated NDC Greenbook but it is highly comical no know that absolutely no NPP communicator has been able to point out a single project in the book which was not completed by Mahama. They always make noise and ran propaganda about it without any justification to buttress their claims” he stressed
Responding to questions on how the next NDC government would address the increasingly unemployment rate in the country, Mr Akamba disclosed that Mahama’s 24hour economy policy is a well thoughts through policy to tackle youth unemployment which is still a menace under President Akufo Addo and Bawumia led administration.
Mr Akamba added that, Mahama’s 24-hour economy plan stands as the centrepiece of John Mahama’s re-election campaign, aiming to stimulate economic growth and effective job creation.
Meanwhile,Former President John Mahama has expressed his unwavering determination to implement the policy, driven by the increasingly dire situation arising from the lack of employment opportunities for Ghana’s vibrant youth.
Mr Akamba explained that 24-hour economy extends beyond a mere night economy, adding that it envisions an economy where all business sectors operate a three-shift system around the clock, all days of the week, within a secure and safe environment.
Perusing the 24hour economy policy,Mr Akamba Said that, its core objective is to create innumerable sustainable, reliable and permanent jobs for the youth. It is sounding and welcoming policy.
He urged the rank and file of the party to prioritize the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) interests in the upcoming 2024 elections and remain vigilant against any attempts to thwart the divine will through electoral manipulation.
He also appealed to Ghanaians especially party members to be alert, committed, and resilient in all efforts to ensure mahama secure a resounding victory.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has strongly criticized the Majority for alleging that they, along with Speaker Alban Bagbin, are obstructing government operations.
Bagbin halted the approval process for the government’s latest ministerial nominees, citing an interlocutory injunction from South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor, which bars Parliament from confirming new ministerial appointments.
This move came after a presidential letter advised against forwarding the anti-gay bill to the president for assent.
The Majority has expressed shock at his decision, arguing that the decision by the presidency does not undermine the authority of parliament
In a statement, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin insisted that the President is entitled to respect the legal injunctions pending before the Supreme Court.
Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson and his colleagues
Responding to the Majority, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in a statement dated March 21, 2024, claimed that the Majority had been ensnared by its own strategies.
The Minority accused the Majority of orchestrating a calculated propaganda campaign to manipulate public opinion.
“After falling on its own dagger in Parliament on Wednesday, our attention has been drawn to a mischievous statement issued by the Majority Caucus blaming the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament and the Minority Caucus for the development in Parliament.
“It is bizarre and unfortunate that the Majority Caucus accuses Mr. Speaker of arbitrariness and falsely claims that the Speaker and the Minority are sabotaging so-called government business.
“The Majority Caucus is engaged in deliberate distortions and grand propaganda to whip up public sentiments against the Rt. Hon. Speaker and the Minority Caucus with these false claims.”
The Minority commended Speaker Bagbin for his exemplary leadership in steering Parliament’s proceedings.
“Finally, we salute the Rt. Hon Speaker for his distinguished leadership and the very competent manner in which he continues to guide Parliament.”
In recent years, corruption has been a key issue in Ghanaian politics, with many citizens calling for greater accountability and transparency from their leaders. In this context, the comparison between former Ghanaian president John Mahama and current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has been an important topic of discussion. Many have argued that Bawumia has proven to be incorruptible, unlike Mahama, who has been accused of various corruption scandals during his time in office.
One of the main reasons why Bawumia is seen as incorruptible is his background as an economist. Bawumia holds a PhD in economics from Simon Fraser University in Canada and has worked as a lecturer at various universities both in Ghana and abroad.
This academic background has given Bawumia a deep understanding of economic principles and the importance of good governance in ensuring transparency and accountability in government.
This has made him a trusted figure among many Ghanaians who see him as a technocrat who puts the country’s interests first.
Sir John,Dr.Bawumia and John Mahama
Furthermore, Bawumia’s actions in office have also reinforced his reputation as someone who is committed to fighting corruption.
As the head of the Economic Management Team in Ghana, Bawumia has been at the forefront of implementing various policies aimed at reducing corruption and improving accountability in government.
This includes initiatives such as the digitization of government services, which has helped to streamline processes and reduce opportunities for corruption. Bawumia has also been vocal in calling out corrupt practices and has shown a willingness to take action against individuals implicated in corrupt activities.
On the other hand, John Mahama’s time in office was marred by various corruption scandals. One of the most notable cases was the infamous GYEEDA scandal, in which millions of dollars were misappropriated from a government youth employment program.
Mahama’s government was also accused of overspending on projects and awarding contracts to cronies, leading to concerns about the misuse of public funds. These scandals tarnished Mahama’s reputation and eroded public trust in his administration.
Additionally, Mahama’s track record on transparency and accountability has been called into question. During his time in office, Mahama was accused of not doing enough to tackle corruption and failing to hold corrupt officials accountable.
This perceived lack of action further fueled suspicions that Mahama was either complicit in corrupt activities or turning a blind eye to them. This contrasted sharply with Bawumia’s proactive approach to combating corruption, which has earned him praise from many quarters.
It is also worth noting that Bawumia’s personal integrity and honesty have played a significant role in shaping his image as an incorruptible leader.
Unlike some politicians who have been accused of using their positions for personal gain, Bawumia is known for his modesty and humble lifestyle.
He has consistently stated that he is in politics to serve the people and improve the lives of Ghanaians, rather than to enrich himself. This has resonated with many Ghanaians who are tired of corrupt practices and see Bawumia as a refreshing change from the norm.
In contrast, Mahama’s lavish lifestyle and close ties to wealthy individuals have raised suspicions about his true motivations. Many have questioned how someone who claims to be a man of the people can afford such a luxurious lifestyle and maintain expensive properties and cars. This disconnect between Mahama’s public image and his personal wealth has fueled speculation about his involvement in corrupt activities and has undermined his credibility as a leader.
Overall, the comparison between Bawumia and Mahama highlights the importance of integrity and accountability in governance. While Bawumia has proven to be incorruptible through his actions and statements, Mahama’s track record on corruption is less than stellar. The contrast between the two leaders underscores the need for politicians to be transparent, honest, and accountable to the people they serve. In the fight against corruption, leaders like Bawumia who prioritize good governance and moral integrity can set a positive example for others to follow. It is only through such commitment to ethical leadership that Ghana can build a more transparent and accountable political system for the benefit of all its
Hon. John Kwame Duodu,the New Patriotic Party (NPP) First Vice Chairman for Atwima Nwabiagya Constituency
The General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has urged Ghanaians to choose the next president for the nation wisely ahead of the December 7 presidential polls.
Justin Kodua Frimpong in an interview with Citi News and monitored by Peacefmonline.com said voting for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, Mr John Dramani Mahama again to be president will be harmful to the state.
“You have one person who has the chance to be president for eight years, who can come to you again for four years for you to evaluate what he has done, and one person who has nothing to lose. After four years, whether he performs or does not perform, he is going. So it is a choice that Ghanaians will have to make,” he advised.
Justin Frimpong Kodua Mr.John Dramani Mahama
According to him, his party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has proven with his policies that he can transform the country if elected as president.
“That’s the message that we are driving home. When it comes to in terms of policies and ideas, we are waiting for the time that there will be that public discussion or debate between our flagbearer and the flagbearer of the opposition party and then we will be able to know the real and clear difference between the two of them,” he said.
Thirty-four (34) out of the Forty-seven (47) Ashanti Regional chairmen have shown massive love to their colleague chairman who has been invited to appear before the regional Disciplinary Committee (DC) over allegations of misconduct.
The Manhyia South Constituency Chairman, Mr Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta popularly known as Tom Tom will appear before the regional disciplinary committee after a media banter with his regional chairman Mr Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi.
The Regional Constituency chairmen caucus in a statement of solidarity cautioned party leadership to ensure that the outcome of the meeting must promote unity rather than division.
“We detest any matter that will disturb tnhe peace of the party and break the front of the party in our stronghold of Ashanti Region ahead of the December 7 elections, which we have sworn to work very hard to ensure that our flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia wins heavily while our parliamentary candidates grab all the seats.” A portion of their statement read.
Read below the full statement.
STATEMENT BY ASHANTI REGIONAL CONSTITUENCY CHAIRMEN OF THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY IN SOLIDARITY WITH MANHYIA SOUTH CHAIRMAN
The Ashanti Regional Caucus of Constituency Chairmen of the NPP, at its last meeting held at the Lancaster Kumasi City Hotel on Sunday, 17th March 2024 and attended by Thirty-Four (34) of the Forty-Seven (47) members of the caucus, deliberated on a letter inviting the Manhyia South Constituency Chairman, Mr Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta popularly known as Tom Tom to appear before the Regional Disciplinary Committee over allegations of misconduct.
The letter of invitation said to have come from the Regional Executive Committee and signed by the Regional Secretary of the party, Mr Kwame Adom Appiah, was premised on a petition the Regional Communications Director, Paul Kwabena Yandoh made against the Manhyia South Constituency Chairman in a matter involving the Regional Chairman, Mr Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi.
Having taken time to thoroughly discuss the contents of the allegations contained in the petition of the Regional Communications Director and the subsequent letter of invitation extended to the Manhyia South Constituency Chairman by the Regional Executive Committee, the Caucus wish to state the following in solidarity with our colleague Tom Tom.
That the party believes in due process and the same must be followed even if our member is to be summoned.
That we detest any matter that will disturb the peace of the party and break the front of the party in our stronghold of Ashanti Region ahead of the December 7 elections, which we have sworn to work very hard to ensure that our flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia wins heavily while our parliamentary candidates grab all the seats.
That there has not been a Regional Executive Council meeting at which any issue involving the Manhyia South Constituency chairman was discussed.
That we don’t know the existence of a Disciplinary Committee and who constitutes the membership.
Fiifi Mensah
That we are concerned that a matter that has not been discussed at the Regional Executive Committee, could be referred to a non-existent Disciplinary Committee.
That we fully back our colleague Manhyia South Constituency Chairman in any move to defend his position in the matter at stake.
We emphasize that the process used in inviting our colleague is not proper, for which reason we urge that the right channel be followed if he is to be invited.
Our statement is a proactive measure because if those behind the fake letter or invitation succeed in their move, all constituency chairmen in the region are at risk of facing similar circumstances.
We strongly believe that our regional party chairman is not aware of the letter of invitation because this is not how he does his work. We know that our regional party chairman knows the law and will not in any way disobey the established laws of our party.
We hereby call on our regional party chairman to call to order, all those persons trying to soil his reputation and that of the party in the region.
Fiifi Mensah
Chairman, Ashanti Regional Constituency Chairmen Association – NPP
0208472526
Francis Adomako
The Ashanti Regional Organiser of ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Francis Adomako, has lamented that the regional branch of the party is being run by one person.
He was not happy that majority of the elected executives of the party are left in the dark with regard to decisions taken and implemented in the Region.
Francis Adomako aka François
Speaking on Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9fm in Kumasi with Aduanaba Kofi Asante Ennin, Francis Adomako indicated that, if immediate actions are not taken to streamline activities of the NPP in the Region, the consequences will be dire.
According to him, he is not aware of any Disciplinary Committee, Fund Raising Committee, Operations Committee and others after the Regional Executives were elected over two years ago.
The Regional Organiser stated that his Deputy Organiser was appointed without being consultated.
“My Deputy doesn’t give me the needed respect and does things on his own. He claims he doesn’t report to me the Regional Organiser,” Mr. Adomako noted.
He expressed disquiet with what he claims to be unhealthy jostling for power and one-man show or control of the party in the Region. This, he said, is hurting party unity and creating needless tension in the party.
“I do not see anything wrong with that and do not begrudge anybody for striving to live their political dreams. What I, however, disapprove of is the resort to crude tactics, running down people, one-man show, telling painful lies about others to gain political advantage. That certainly is not a noble thing for anybody to do”, he stated.
Mr Adomako promised to resist any moves to cause unnecessary distraction, cracks and confusion in the party.Source:3News
Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, has called upon the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to allow Lilian Kumah, the widow of the late Member of Parliament for Ejisu, John Kumah, to contest her husband’s seat in the Ashanti Region.
Ampaw emphasised the importance of honouring John Kumah’s legacy by facilitating a transition for his spouse into politics.
He drew parallels with previous instances within the party where widows were supported in their bid for parliamentary seats following the demise of their husbands.
He cited the example of Ophelia Hayford, who stepped into her husband’s shoes in Mfantseman.
Ampaw stressed that replicating this gesture for Lilian Kumah would not only pay homage to her husband’s memory but also demonstrate the party’s commitment to supporting the family.
Lilian Kumah and her late husband,Hon.John Kumah
He urged the NPP leadership to consider allowing Lilian Kumah to contest the Ejisu Constituency unopposed, asserting that such a move would respect John Kumah’s legacy and put his soul to rest.
“It is time for us to come together; let us honour John Kumah. He stood for breaking the eight; John Kumah stood for breaking the eight. John Kumah was NPP, and NPP was John Kumah; let us honour him.
Lawyer Maurice Ampaw
“I propose that nobody should go and contest the Ejisu Constituency; nobody should go and contest John Kumah’s spirit. Let us train John Kumah’s wife to take over as the sole parliamentary candidate. The same way we did for Mfantsiman Constituency; when Quansah died, his widow, Ophelia Hayford, a police officer, took over.
“John Kumah’s wife is a pastor, and she is very bold. John Kumah’s spirit has entered her, so let John Kumah’s wife go unopposed and win the seat,” Maurice Ampaw said on his Mmra Ne Abrabo Mu Nsem show on Wontumi TV on March 9, 2024.Source: ghanaweb.com
The selection of running mates in Ghana’s political landscape holds immense significance, akin to the election of flagbearers. While achieving a proper balance on the ticket is crucial for the electoral success of the party, it is noteworthy that, traditionally, this role has been predominantly filled by men in major political parties in Ghana.
Decision often revolve around satisfying regional, ethnic, and religious considerations, with the gender factor grossly underestimated and disregarded. However, this year, the call for gender balance on the New Patriotic Party’s presidential and running mate ticket has gained unprecedented momentum and resonance.
Stressing the importance of gender representation, a crucial question arises: “Are there qualified women capable of taking on the role of a running mate within the New Patriotic Party (NPP)?
Indeed, the Party showcases exceptional women whose expertise and accomplishments position them as highly suitable and qualified beyond measure with international appeal for the esteemed running mate’s slot:
Principal among them include but not limited to:
Hon. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare
Hon. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare brings onboard an impressive background in academia, international diplomacy, and public service.
Hailed from Wiamoase in the Ashanti Region and adhering to Christianity, she is a seasoned development consultant and expert in labour and employment, with a career spanning over four decades.
A Guelph University and University of Ghana graduate, she served as a Home Science lecturer from 1976 to 1982 at the University of Ghana, Legon, her alma mater. Over time, she rose to become the Head of Department at the University. Additionally, she contributed her expertise to the Yambio Institute of Agriculture in Western Equatorial State.
In the realm of politics, Hon. Frema Opare achieved a two-term stint as the Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West-Wuogon Constituency in the Greater Accra Region. Her parliamentary tenure ranged from 2005 to 2009 and from 2009 to 2013. During Mr. John Agyekum Kuffuor’s presidency, she held the position of Deputy Minister for Manpower, Youth, and Employment.
Beyond her national roles, she served as a consultant for the United Nations’ Women in Fisheries Programme, overseeing projects in Ethiopia, Congo, Namibia, and Kenya.
Since 2017, Hon. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare has distinguished herself as the Chief of Staff at the presidency, making history as the first female occupant of this esteemed office, demonstrating excellence and exceptional professionalism in both in her leadership. She has been one of the architects of the success of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration. She brings onboard massive political capital and uncontested professional and political experience required to garner the highest votes from the Party’s “political world bank” and the Christian fraternity to break the 8.
Rev. Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee
Rev. Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee is the Executive Director of Salt and Light Ministries. Boasting Ga and Fante heritage from her father and mother respectively. She is a seasoned Management and Communication Consultant and a Counsellor. With over four decades experience, she currently spearheads the operations at the Joyce Aryee Consult.
Dr. Joyce Aryee, as she is commonly known, is an alumna of the University of Ghana, legon.
Breaking barriers, she made history as the first female in Ghana and Africa to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer at the Ghana Chamber of Mines from 2001 to 2011.
Her professional journey includes roles at the Ghana Museums and Monument Board, and subsequent positions as Public Relations Officer at what was known as the Environmental Protection Council, and the Ghana Standards Authority, formerly known as the Ghana Standards Board.
In the political arena, Dr. Joyce Aryee has held the following significant roles :
Secretary of information for the PNDC (1982 to 1985)
Minister of Education (1985 to 1987)
Minister of Local Government (1987–88)
Minister of Democracy (1988 to 2001)
Member of the National Defence Council
Her remarkable achievements have earned her numerous accolades, both locally and internationally.
Selecting her as a running mate not only addresses gender balance but also leverages her considerable expertise to enhance governance capabilities.
Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful
Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, a native of Akim Oda in the Eastern Region, is a renowned lawyer and advocate for women’s rights.
Her professional journey commenced at the University of Ghana, Legon, and the Ghana School Of Law, Makola, where she earned her qualifications, leading to her admission to the Ghana Bar in 1990.
She has specialised and demonstrated competence in various fields of endeavours including Conflict, Peace, and Security, with a Master’s Degree from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, and Project Management and Planning, for which she holds a Certificate from GIMPA. Additionally, she is certified in Government Integrity from the International Law Institute.
Since 2013, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful
has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ablekuma West Constituency, holding the distinction of being the first Member of Parliament for the Constituency. In 2017, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed her as the Minister for Communications, and she currently serves as the Minister for Communications and Digitalization.
Her telecommunications expertise is evident through her leadership of a reputable telecom technology company. Over the years, she has held various key roles in politics and the corperate world.
Selecting Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful as a running mate combines political experience and business acumen, enhancing transformative leadership.
Hon. Irene Naa Torshie Addo
Hon. Irene Naa Torshie Addo presently holds the role of Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), appointed by H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. A devoted Christian, she is a Ga from Osu, Accra.
Hon. Irene Naa Torshie Addo is a distinguished lawyer, having been called to the Ghana Bar in 1996 after successfully completing a law programme at the University of Ghana, Legon. Subsequently, from 1998 to 1999, she pursued a Master’s degree in Law and development (LLM) at the University of Warwick, United Kingdom.
In 2006, she was appointed Ghana’s Deputy Ambassador to Washington DC by President John Agyekum Kuffuor, and was elected Member of Parliament conservatively from 2009 to 2012 and from 2013 to 2017, representing the Tema West Constituency. During her parliamentary tenure, she assumed the role of 1st Deputy Minority whip during the opposition period of her party, the New Patriotic Party.
Notably, Irene has also served as a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Irene’s diplomatic experiences and her notable connection with the Christian community in Ghana would be advantageous for the NPP if she becomes the running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Given their distinctive qualities, extensive experiences, and deep connections within the Ghanaian and international community, any of these women could become a historic running mate and, consequently, the vice president of the Republic. Opting for a female running mate would not only intensify competition for the opposition party but also boost women’s enthusiasm and active involvement in the campaign.
In line with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s election as a flagbearer to transform NPP leadership dynamics, there is a call for him to change the tradition of exclusively male candidates occupying the role of a running mate in the party.
Dr Kweku Adams is an Associate Professor in International Business & Management at the University of Bradford School of Management. His scholarly works on gender diversity have been published in several world-leading Journals and presented at several academic and practitioner conferences. Dr Adams is currently on the Editorial Review Boards of the Thunderbird International Business Review and the Africa Journal of Management. He is the President of the Ghana School Society, Europe.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has expressed concern over a leaked strategy by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Greater Accra region to deploy drones during the upcoming general election.
The EC emphasised that such a move would constitute an invasion of voters’ electoral privacy and a breach of security protocols, and thus, it will not be allowed.
The EC’s comment comes after the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NDC, Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore clarified that the deployment of drones is part of efforts to secure two million votes for the party in this year’s elections.
Mr Moore said the aim is to strengthen the NDC’s monitoring systems to prevent potential rigging, adding that preparations were well underway to commence the training of constituency executives on how to use the drones to monitor ground activities.
However, speaking to JoyNews, the Director of Electoral Services at the EC, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe stated that the EC has not received official notification from the NDC regarding the deployment of drones.
According to him, allowing such actions would violate security protocols and compromise the privacy of voters.
“Polling stations are security zones, so they will have to apply to the security people for permission to be granted. They will have to apply to the Electoral Commission for permission to be granted.
“But my point is that how comfortable will you feel that you are going to vote at the polling station and there’s a drone hovering around you? How sure are you with respect to the secrecy of the ballot,” Dr Quaicoe questioned.
He maintained that it would be challenging for the EC or the Police to approve the use of drones at polling stations, emphasising that polling stations are considered security zones.
“The fact remains that polling stations are security zones. We want to ensure the secrecy of the ballot. So at the polling station where I am going to make my choice, I want to vote in that secrecy,” he stated.
Source: Prince Adu-Owusu
