Ghana Votes

Friday, June 29, 2012

Ghanaelections 2012 Daily News Review

News about the Electoral Commission flood the newspapers as we are told by the Chronicle that the Electoral commission( EC) Director of Public Affairs Christian Owusu Parry has explained  that EC would not use the new biometric  voters' registration  for the upcoming Wulensi  bye-elections scheduled  for  July  31,2012,because it has not finished  with the  compilation of the register. Speaking  at a one day capacity  building workshop for political parties  in Central Region, on Wednesday ,Owusu Parry disclosed that EC has to correct all multiple registration, which  he said  a committee has been set up  for that purpose. He added that the register would then be certified by some legal personnel before exhibition of the register. This the paper captures with the headline EC: Why we won't use new register for Wulensi Bye-election.

From the Ghanaian Times, we are informed by the EC that, the voters register will be credible. The Director of Public Affairs of the Electoral Commission Christian Owusu Parry has stated the Commission resolve to present a thorough and credible voter register to be used in this year's presidential and parliamentary. The EC, he explained was cross –checking the compilation of the biometric register to remove all double entry.

The paper further reports in another development that EC schools political parties on peaceful electioneering process. The Western Regional Office of the Electoral Commission (EC) has called on political party executives to ensure  that this  year's  elections is conducted in a peace  atmosphere to prove  Ghana's  political  stability to the  outside world. Mr. Steve Opoku –Mensah, who made the call at a day's workshop on the impending election, said "Ghana has been a beacon of peace, therefore the 2012 presidential and parliamentary elections is a test of time, which must be peaceful and successful as in previous ones.

Meanwhile, EC holds capacity building workshop for political parties in Upper East. The  Upper  East  branch of the Electoral Commission in a bid to ensure  active and quality participation transparency  bolster confidence  and consolidate integrity of the electoral process towards election  2012, has held  a capacity building  workshop for all political parties  in the  region. The Ghanaian Times adds that the theme for the one-day workshop was 'the in-built integrity of the electoral process.'

News from the Daily Graphic indicates that EC committed to transparency'. The  Electoral Commission (EC) has once  reiterated its  commitment to open  up  its strong  room  for the various political parties before the election in a bid  to clear  misconception about the  strong  room. A  Commissioner of the EC, Ms. Paulina Adobea Dadzawa who made this known  said there were  still many  misconception about  the  EC strong room  and what  happened in the strong  room  especially , during  general  elections  noting  that these misconceptions  often  created a negative  perception for EC  activities and the  electoral  process in general.

The Chronicle informs readers that Police will crack the whip during elections. The Ashanti Regional Police  Commander, DCOP Augustine  Gyenning, has reiterated  the commitment  of the security  services  in ensuring  peaceful and incident free elections come December 7.DCOP Gyenning said his outfit  would crack  the whip  on anyone  who decides  to disrupt  the peace  and tranquillity  the region  is currently  enjoying ,irrespective  of one's  political affiliations.

 The Daily Graphic reveals that 3 Pick nomination forms for Wulensi by-election-Two political  parties  and an independent  candidate  have so far  picked nomination forms  to contest  to the Wulensi by-elections slated for July 31,2012.Officials of the Electoral  Commission (EC) in the  Northern  Region  mentioned the Progressive People's Party(PPP)  and the Democratic  People's Party  (DPP)  as the  only parties that picked the  nomination forms  to contest  the elections , while one,  Mr.  Mohammed Adam, an Independent candidate, had also picked the form as at June 26, when the Ghana News Agency (GNA) contacted the Electoral Commission.

News from the Daily Guide reveals that Confusion Rocks New Districts. It was confusion galore across the country yesterday, as boycotts greeted the inaugurated most of the newly-created district assemblies. From  the Volta  Region through  Greater Accra and Central  regions  to Brong Ahafo , youth groups  and opinion leaders protested, mostly  against  the sitting of the district  capitals.

In other developments, the Daily Dispatch brings to our notice that Asawase MP gives Deep Freezers to 30 women. Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, MP for Asawase constituency in the Kumasi metropolis, has donated 30 deep –freezers to 30 outstanding women in the constituency. The main purpose is to equip the women in the party to be financially empowered to enable them to continue to campaign hard for the party in the upcoming 2012 polls.

Away from that, the Chronicle reports that NAFOP, NASARA charged on Bekwai NPP executives…don't impose candidate on us. The Ofoase-kokoben branch of the Nana President 2012 movement (NAFOP) has charged on the Bekwai constituency executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of encouraging a rift in the party. In petition  to the constituency  executives through  the chairman ,the group  cautioned  the executives against  attempts to  impose a candidate  on the electorate  by the delegates at  the proposed primary.

The paper further adopts the headline Ghana needs dynamic visionary prez-Nana Addo .Nana Addo Dankwa-Akufo Addo, the flag bearer of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has assured Ghanaians of a dynamic and visionary leadership to replace the 'slow but sure' leadership style of president mills. Interacting  with  members  of the Wa  spare parts dealers association on Wednesday ,as part of  his five-day tour  of the Upper West Region, the NPP flag bearer  assured  them  that a Nana Addo led  government  would  introduce  the  German Manufacturing  model ,together  with their  apprenticeship and skills  training  systems which was exposed  to him during  his recent visit to Germany.

The paper continues in another report that NDC should stop the blame game and fix the economy Over the past week ,all kinds of  NDC propagandists and apologists  led by the NDC General Secretary have shouted  themselves  hoarse  blaming  the NPP, as usual ,for fomenting  the rumours  about  the death  of President  Mills. The Presidential  candidate  of the  NPP,especially ,came in  for attacks  against  his sincerity  and integrity  for  the ''crime'' of wishing  President  Mills well. The National chairman of the NPP was directly attacked of originating text messages.

New Weekend Crusading Guide also reveals under the banner NPP calls gov't to order. The opposition  New Patriotic  Party (NPP)has charged  the National Democratic  Congress (NDC) (NDC)government to sit up  and deal with the 'cancerous monster' that  is slowly  but surely  eating up  the economy ,'rather  than the  propagandist style of governance  where they constantly  blame  the opposition  for  every wind  that blows  and every  twig  that falls  in the face   of the fast sinking  economy. In a statement  signed and released  yesterday by  Nana Akomea,Director of communications from the NPP ,it said  in a typical style  of the NDC  propagandists and  apologists led by  their General  Secretary ,Mr.Asiedu Nketia, they  shouted  themselves  horse blaming the  NPP for  fomenting the  recent rumours  about the  death of P[resident  Mills only for their party chairman  ,Dr.Kwabena Adjei,to  confirm  the source  as ''coming from within  our own ranks and from  the highest echelons our  ranks.''

More news from the paper indicate that One of the prodigal sons of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bede Ziedeng, has given the assurance that the ruling party will present a united front before the December election is due. Speaking to Citi  News after he was co- opted into the National Executive Committee ,Mr.Ziedeng ,said the unity  of the 20-year-old party  will be a key on his  agenda  as he returns  to the  party ,he once led as  General Secretary.

Daily Graphic similarly reports under the headline Bede Ziedeng, others co-opted into NDC NEC-The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has co-opted defunct Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) members unto its national and regional executives committee. Consequently Mr. Bede A. Ziedeng , the  former  General  Secretary of the  DFP and Mr. Osei  Piesi –Anto , the former  national  organizer of the party have been co-opted unto  the National Executive Committee of the NDC.

The Ghanaian Times reports under the quote I deepen democracy by welcoming Mils-PNC flag bearer, that the presidential candidate of the Peoples National Convention is relishing his presence at the Kotoka International Airport to welcome President John Mills despite heavy criticisms from a section of his party. Hassan Ayariga was part of an army of National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters and government officials who thronged the airport to welcome President John Mills from the US after a routine medical check-up.

A senior Research Fellow at the centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Kojo Asante says though Dr.  Abu Sakara came  across as generally  capable  and  knowledgeable  during  the IEA  debate on Tuesday , he failed to make  concrete commitments  as to  how  he intended to  solve  the problems he  said  were confronting the nation. The flag-bearer of the  Convention People's party (CPP) selling the vision of his party last night , stressed among  other  things  the need for the  state to be  committed to solving  the challenges of unemployment, poor healthcare insufficient food, poor quality of education and lack  of clean water confronting the nation.

From the Daily Dispatch we are told that Ashanti NPP chairman cautions against complacency. The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr.  Fredrick  Fredua –Antoh  has cautioned  the  rank  and file  of his  party  to do way  with any form  of complacency  to enable  NPP win one touch. He said  as the 2012 general elections  draws closer , all party  activists in  the Ashanti region as well as party supporters and sympathizers across the  country  should  get involved in the campaigning  to explain to the electorate the achievements of former President Kufuor and the best  policies of the party's  presidential candidate, Nana Akufo –Addo.

Daily Graphic  brings to our notice that the parliamentary  Aspirant  of the Convention People's Party (CPP) for  the Okaikoi  south, Ms Harriet Anita Abidoo, has cautioned the National Democratic  Congress  (NDC)  and the  New  Patriotic  Party (NPP)  not  to  underestimate the capacity of the CPP to win  the December 2012  general  election. "when  I hear people  say the CPP is  not capable  of winning  election 2012, let alone  manage  the affairs  of the state, I  begin  to ask  myself  whether or not  they  have indeed studied the history  of the  party.  CPP has the needed administration put in place to redeem the country from these economic woes exhibited by the NPP and NDC,'' she said

The paper quotes in another development that President change fortunes of Ghanaians- NPP-The Central Regional Secretary  of the  New  Patriotic  Party (NPP), Mr. Kwamina Duncan  has asked the people  of the region to choose the  person  who  can  change  the lives  of  Ghanaians  and not  vote  on the basis of where the person comes  from in the December general  election. It is important for the region to consider who best can be a President of the Country and positively affect the lives of the people,'' he stated.

 We conclude today's review with the Daily Guide's news that states that SADA should be for Dev-Bawumia. 2012 NPP Vice-Presidential   Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has bemoaned NDC'S lack of serious commitment to SADA, According to Bawumia SADA should be a development tool of the NDC.Speaking at Lawra on the restoration of hope tour with Nana Akufo- Addo, Dr. Bawumia likened the NDC'S approach to the SADA programme to amason who wanted to build a house without knowing the plan. He told  the teeming  crowd that, the NDC  after copying  Nana  Akufo –Addo's  original idea  of the Northern  Development  Authority  renamed SADA without  recourse to the original  conception and vision and as  result botched an opportunity to bridge  the gap  between  the North and the South.

 

 News about the Electoral Commission flood the newspapers as we are told by the Chronicle that the Electoral commission( EC) Director of Public Affairs Christian Owusu Parry has explained  that EC would not use the new biometric  voters' registration  for the upcoming Wulensi  bye-elections scheduled  for  July  31,2012,because it has not finished  with the  compilation of the register. Speaking  at a one day capacity  building workshop for political parties  in Central Region, on Wednesday ,Owusu Parry disclosed that EC has to correct all multiple registration, which  he said  a committee has been set up  for that purpose. He added that the register would then be certified by some legal personnel before exhibition of the register. This the paper captures with the headline EC: Why we won't use new register for Wulensi Bye-election.

From the Ghanaian Times, we are informed by the EC that, the voters register will be credible. The Director of Public Affairs of the Electoral Commission Christian Owusu Parry has stated the Commission resolve to present a thorough and credible voter register to be used in this year's presidential and parliamentary. The EC, he explained was cross –checking the compilation of the biometric register to remove all double entry.

The paper further reports in another development that EC schools political parties on peaceful electioneering process. The Western Regional Office of the Electoral Commission (EC) has called on political party executives to ensure  that this  year's  elections is conducted in a peace  atmosphere to prove  Ghana's  political  stability to the  outside world. Mr. Steve Opoku –Mensah, who made the call at a day's workshop on the impending election, said "Ghana has been a beacon of peace, therefore the 2012 presidential and parliamentary elections is a test of time, which must be peaceful and successful as in previous ones.

Meanwhile, EC holds capacity building workshop for political parties in Upper East. The  Upper  East  branch of the Electoral Commission in a bid to ensure  active and quality participation transparency  bolster confidence  and consolidate integrity of the electoral process towards election  2012, has held  a capacity building  workshop for all political parties  in the  region. The Ghanaian Times adds that the theme for the one-day workshop was 'the in-built integrity of the electoral process.'

News from the Daily Graphic indicates that EC committed to transparency'. The  Electoral Commission (EC) has once  reiterated its  commitment to open  up  its strong  room  for the various political parties before the election in a bid  to clear  misconception about the  strong  room. A  Commissioner of the EC, Ms. Paulina Adobea Dadzawa who made this known  said there were  still many  misconception about  the  EC strong room  and what  happened in the strong  room  especially , during  general  elections  noting  that these misconceptions  often  created a negative  perception for EC  activities and the  electoral  process in general.

The Chronicle informs readers that Police will crack the whip during elections. The Ashanti Regional Police  Commander, DCOP Augustine  Gyenning, has reiterated  the commitment  of the security  services  in ensuring  peaceful and incident free elections come December 7.DCOP Gyenning said his outfit  would crack  the whip  on anyone  who decides  to disrupt  the peace  and tranquillity  the region  is currently  enjoying ,irrespective  of one's  political affiliations.

 The Daily Graphic reveals that 3 Pick nomination forms for Wulensi by-election-Two political  parties  and an independent  candidate  have so far  picked nomination forms  to contest  to the Wulensi by-elections slated for July 31,2012.Officials of the Electoral  Commission (EC) in the  Northern  Region  mentioned the Progressive People's Party(PPP)  and the Democratic  People's Party  (DPP)  as the  only parties that picked the  nomination forms  to contest  the elections , while one,  Mr.  Mohammed Adam, an Independent candidate, had also picked the form as at June 26, when the Ghana News Agency (GNA) contacted the Electoral Commission.

News from the Daily Guide reveals that Confusion Rocks New Districts. It was confusion galore across the country yesterday, as boycotts greeted the inaugurated most of the newly-created district assemblies. From  the Volta  Region through  Greater Accra and Central  regions  to Brong Ahafo , youth groups  and opinion leaders protested, mostly  against  the sitting of the district  capitals.

In other developments, the Daily Dispatch brings to our notice that Asawase MP gives Deep Freezers to 30 women. Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, MP for Asawase constituency in the Kumasi metropolis, has donated 30 deep –freezers to 30 outstanding women in the constituency. The main purpose is to equip the women in the party to be financially empowered to enable them to continue to campaign hard for the party in the upcoming 2012 polls.

Away from that, the Chronicle reports that NAFOP, NASARA charged on Bekwai NPP executives…don't impose candidate on us. The Ofoase-kokoben branch of the Nana President 2012 movement (NAFOP) has charged on the Bekwai constituency executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of encouraging a rift in the party. In petition  to the constituency  executives through  the chairman ,the group  cautioned  the executives against  attempts to  impose a candidate  on the electorate  by the delegates at  the proposed primary.

The paper further adopts the headline Ghana needs dynamic visionary prez-Nana Addo .Nana Addo Dankwa-Akufo Addo, the flag bearer of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has assured Ghanaians of a dynamic and visionary leadership to replace the 'slow but sure' leadership style of president mills. Interacting  with  members  of the Wa  spare parts dealers association on Wednesday ,as part of  his five-day tour  of the Upper West Region, the NPP flag bearer  assured  them  that a Nana Addo led  government  would  introduce  the  German Manufacturing  model ,together  with their  apprenticeship and skills  training  systems which was exposed  to him during  his recent visit to Germany.

The paper continues in another report that NDC should stop the blame game and fix the economy Over the past week ,all kinds of  NDC propagandists and apologists  led by the NDC General Secretary have shouted  themselves  hoarse  blaming  the NPP, as usual ,for fomenting  the rumours  about  the death  of President  Mills. The Presidential  candidate  of the  NPP,especially ,came in  for attacks  against  his sincerity  and integrity  for  the ''crime'' of wishing  President  Mills well. The National chairman of the NPP was directly attacked of originating text messages.

New Weekend Crusading Guide also reveals under the banner NPP calls gov't to order. The opposition  New Patriotic  Party (NPP)has charged  the National Democratic  Congress (NDC) (NDC)government to sit up  and deal with the 'cancerous monster' that  is slowly  but surely  eating up  the economy ,'rather  than the  propagandist style of governance  where they constantly  blame  the opposition  for  every wind  that blows  and every  twig  that falls  in the face   of the fast sinking  economy. In a statement  signed and released  yesterday by  Nana Akomea,Director of communications from the NPP ,it said  in a typical style  of the NDC  propagandists and  apologists led by  their General  Secretary ,Mr.Asiedu Nketia, they  shouted  themselves  horse blaming the  NPP for  fomenting the  recent rumours  about the  death of P[resident  Mills only for their party chairman  ,Dr.Kwabena Adjei,to  confirm  the source  as ''coming from within  our own ranks and from  the highest echelons our  ranks.''

More news from the paper indicate that One of the prodigal sons of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bede Ziedeng, has given the assurance that the ruling party will present a united front before the December election is due. Speaking to Citi  News after he was co- opted into the National Executive Committee ,Mr.Ziedeng ,said the unity  of the 20-year-old party  will be a key on his  agenda  as he returns  to the  party ,he once led as  General Secretary.

Daily Graphic similarly reports under the headline Bede Ziedeng, others co-opted into NDC NEC-The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has co-opted defunct Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) members unto its national and regional executives committee. Consequently Mr. Bede A. Ziedeng , the  former  General  Secretary of the  DFP and Mr. Osei  Piesi –Anto , the former  national  organizer of the party have been co-opted unto  the National Executive Committee of the NDC.

The Ghanaian Times reports under the quote I deepen democracy by welcoming Mils-PNC flag bearer, that the presidential candidate of the Peoples National Convention is relishing his presence at the Kotoka International Airport to welcome President John Mills despite heavy criticisms from a section of his party. Hassan Ayariga was part of an army of National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters and government officials who thronged the airport to welcome President John Mills from the US after a routine medical check-up.

A senior Research Fellow at the centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Kojo Asante says though Dr.  Abu Sakara came  across as generally  capable  and  knowledgeable  during  the IEA  debate on Tuesday , he failed to make  concrete commitments  as to  how  he intended to  solve  the problems he  said  were confronting the nation. The flag-bearer of the  Convention People's party (CPP) selling the vision of his party last night , stressed among  other  things  the need for the  state to be  committed to solving  the challenges of unemployment, poor healthcare insufficient food, poor quality of education and lack  of clean water confronting the nation.

From the Daily Dispatch we are told that Ashanti NPP chairman cautions against complacency. The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr.  Fredrick  Fredua –Antoh  has cautioned  the  rank  and file  of his  party  to do way  with any form  of complacency  to enable  NPP win one touch. He said  as the 2012 general elections  draws closer , all party  activists in  the Ashanti region as well as party supporters and sympathizers across the  country  should  get involved in the campaigning  to explain to the electorate the achievements of former President Kufuor and the best  policies of the party's  presidential candidate, Nana Akufo –Addo.

Daily Graphic  brings to our notice that the parliamentary  Aspirant  of the Convention People's Party (CPP) for  the Okaikoi  south, Ms Harriet Anita Abidoo, has cautioned the National Democratic  Congress  (NDC)  and the  New  Patriotic  Party (NPP)  not  to  underestimate the capacity of the CPP to win  the December 2012  general  election. "when  I hear people  say the CPP is  not capable  of winning  election 2012, let alone  manage  the affairs  of the state, I  begin  to ask  myself  whether or not  they  have indeed studied the history  of the  party.  CPP has the needed administration put in place to redeem the country from these economic woes exhibited by the NPP and NDC,'' she said

The paper quotes in another development that President change fortunes of Ghanaians- NPP-The Central Regional Secretary  of the  New  Patriotic  Party (NPP), Mr. Kwamina Duncan  has asked the people  of the region to choose the  person  who  can  change  the lives  of  Ghanaians  and not  vote  on the basis of where the person comes  from in the December general  election. It is important for the region to consider who best can be a President of the Country and positively affect the lives of the people,'' he stated.

 We conclude today's review with the Daily Guide's news that states that SADA should be for Dev-Bawumia. 2012 NPP Vice-Presidential   Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has bemoaned NDC'S lack of serious commitment to SADA, According to Bawumia SADA should be a development tool of the NDC.Speaking at Lawra on the restoration of hope tour with Nana Akufo- Addo, Dr. Bawumia likened the NDC'S approach to the SADA programme to amason who wanted to build a house without knowing the plan. He told  the teeming  crowd that, the NDC  after copying  Nana  Akufo –Addo's  original idea  of the Northern  Development  Authority  renamed SADA without  recourse to the original  conception and vision and as  result botched an opportunity to bridge  the gap  between  the North and the South.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, June 25, 2012

Ghana Elections Daily News Review - 25th June, 2012

We begin the day's review with news from both the Daily Graphic  and the New statesman that indicate that EC will demystify "strong Room"- Afari Gyan-The Electoral  Commission (EC) is taking steps  to demystify  its "Operations  Room" also  known  as the "Strong  Room", Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan, Chairman of the  Commission, has said. This he said was to correct wrong impressions about what goes on in the room and deepen the understanding and strength of the country's electoral system.

In a related development  we are told EC officials  assured of allowances-A member  of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mr. Ebenezer Aggrey-Fynn, has  given  the  assurance  that those  who were  engaged to undertake  the recent  biometric  voters' registration exercise would  soon  receive their allowances. He described the delay  in the  payment  of the allowances as very  unfortunate, saying  however that, it  had  been  difficult getting  funds from  the  Ministry of Finance but said , everything  was now  ready  for them  to be paid.

News from the Chronicle indicates that Wulensi bye-election in limbo. The electoral commission is in fix. Last week, the  commission officially announced that  it would organise a bye-election in the  Wulensi constituency  in the Northern Region on Tuesday ,July 31 2012,to fill the vacancy  created by the death of  the  Member of Parliament (MP)Alhaji Saani Iddi ,who died at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra on June 4,2012.a statement by Mr.Kwadwo Sarfo Kantanka ,Deputy Chairman of the  commission ,in charge of operations ,said EC would accept  nominations  from all political parties and independent  candidates  wishing  to contest  the seat on Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday July 4,2012.

More news from the same paper reveals that NRSC sets road safety code for political parties. The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) has put together a road safety code for political parties, ahead of the 2012 elections, to forestall avoidable accidents during electioneering campaigns and other activities. Available statistics show that 11,500 road traffic crashes occur annually in Ghana, resulting in 14,500 injuries, of which 5,600 are serious and 1,900fatalities (lives lost).

 Daily Dispatch similarly reports that the Executive Director of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), Mr. Nobel Appiah has admonished the Public not to blame  accidents on spiritual  powers  but rather  make efforts to prevent them.' 'The vehicles –irrespective of whether they belong to individuals, parties –must be roadworthy and bear roadworthy certificate '' he added.  Ensure A Peaceful And Crash Free Election –NRSC.

From the political parties, Daily Guide reveals that Akufo-Addo Mourns Wulensi MP. The 2012 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo Addo, has resumed his nationwide 'tour to restore hope' after a successful working trip outside the country. On Sunday, the NPP flag bearer joined hundreds of mourners and sympathizers for the final funeral rites of the late Alhaji Saani Iddi former Member of Parliament for Wulensi.

Bawumia causes stampede at Madina Mosque .There was near stampede at the Madina Zongo Central Mosque, where the Vice Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) observed his Friday prayers. The unannounced visit got men, women and children jostling to catch a glimpse of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Still from the Daily Guide, readers are informed that NDC holds workshop for MPs. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Has Intensified Efforts Aimed at Retaining Power In the 2012 General Elections slated for December 7. On Saturday the party organized a workshop at the Institute of Local Government   for its members of Parliament, parliamentary candidates, constituency chairmen and secretaries from the southern belt of Ghana. Also in attendance were chief Executives from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.

NPP Suspends Chairman. The Upper East Regional  Executives of the New Patriotic Party  have suspended the Pusiga  constituency  chairman of the party ,Seidu  Mahamadu,for  his alleged  involvement  in a grand scheme to get some NPP members and functionaries to  covertly  campaign for the Parliamentary  candidate  of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) for Pusiga ,Hajia  Laadi Ayii Ayamba.

In other developments from the same paper, it indicates that Aflao Residents Angry with Gov't. The youth and people of ketu South District, particularly Aflao, have advised the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) that they would 'rebel' against the party should they be excluded from the current re-demarcation exercise in the country. Ina statement issued last Friday and signed by some  concerned citizens ,the  youth and  people  of Ketu  South expressed  dissatisfaction  with the exclusion  of Ketu South District in the creation of the four new constituencies, including Nchumuru ,Adaklu,kpando and another  in the Akatsi District.

Daily Graphic brings to our notice that the flag bearer of the People's National Convention (PNC), Mr.  Hassan Ayariga has taken a swipe at some members of the party's executive for fronting for other political parties. Under the caption Stop fronting for other parties .Such posturing he said, was responsible for their lackadaisical attitude to the growth of the party, a situation which had undermined any effort by the PNC to make an impact on the political scene over the years.

The paper further reveals that PPP eyes  Wulensi seat-The Progressive People's Party(PPP)will launch its Northen Regional  sector campaign for elections  2012  at Wulensi  on July 2, 2012.The party  will also  use the launch  to introduce  its  parliamentary candidate for the Wulensi Constituency, in  the person of Mr. Damba Issah.

The New Statesman reveals that NDC doles out $18m.In what  may come  to  many  Ghanaian as a shocking  revelation, the Mills-Mahama led National  Democratic  Congress administration has disregard the terms of a contract  to dole out  a whopping $18m  to one  Dr. Deraz Said, an Egyptian investor, in return for only four  ambulances for the nation. The Government  of Ghana entered into a  contract with  Dr. Deraz's  investment company , Euro Get De Investment SA , for the  construction of two  Regional  Hospitals in Wa  and  Kumasi  and additional six District Hospitals at  Twifo –Praso  in the Central Region; in the Central Region ; Konongo-Odumasi and Tepa Ashanti; Nsawkaw, Brong Ahafo ; Salaga, Northern  and Adenta –Madina in the Greater Accra Region.

Further report indicates that the next New Patriotic Party  government , under the presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa  Akufo-Addo, plans  to  review  the condition  of service  of the military, including possible  upward review  of the retirement  age  which  currently  stands at 50.The  NPP Government   will  also put  in place  a unit  to engage them , especially  those  nearing  retirement" in appropriate pre-retirement planning to enable  them avoid  some  of the  difficulties often associated with post-retirement live.

Meanwhile, we are informed by the paper that  Akufo –Addo resumes Hope Tour-The 2012  Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic  Party, Nana Akufo –Addo  has resumed his  nationwide  'tour to restore hope'  after a successful working trip  outside the country. On Sunday, the NPP leader joined hundreds of mourners and sympathizers for the final funeral rite of the late Alhaji Saani Iddi, former MP for Wulensi.

NPP rubbishes claim of preparation for Akufo-Addo's inauguration. The New  Patriotic Party has rubbished a publication by the Herald  Newspaper claiming  that  the party  has begun sending  out invitations, via  Face book, to  people  to attend  "The  Swearing in the  Ceremony of H.E  Nana  Addo  Danquah (sic )Akufo –Addo.''A release signed by Perry  Okudzeto, a deputy communication director of the NPP, described the publication as a clear "concoction intended to create  disaffection for the  party and its Presidential Candidate, Nana  Akufo-Addo, by  a newspaper, which  over the years has  been remarkable for its  absolute  creativity  and total  disregard for the truth.''

Still from the new Statesman, readers  are informed that Kwabre West  NPP shocked  by MP's death-The executives of the Kwabre  West Constituency   of the New Patriotic  Party have  expressed deep  shock  and consternation over the sudden  death  of the  Member of Parliament  for the  area, Emmanuel  Asamoah  Owusu Ansah.A statement  signed by Odeneho Kwaku  Appiah  the Constituency  Chairman said  the entire  party  had  received the news  with  much pain and disbelief.

The Chronicle and the New statesman both report under the headline ''Zongo'' Fund will address basic needs of Zongos .The  2012 vice presidential  candidate of the New Patriotic Party ,Dr.Mahamadu Bawumia ,has  said that the proposed  inner city development fund ,under Nana Akufo Addo  administration ,is purposely aimed at addressing  the basic needs  of the various zongo communities ,as well as other inner  city communities across  the country. Dr.Bawumia said the Madina Mosque when he joined fellow Muslims for Jummah   Prayers last Friday.

The Daily Graphic similarly adds that 'Zongo 'Fund to address needs of Zongo  Communities-Dr. Bawumia-The 2012  Vice Presidential Candidate of the  New Patriotic  Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has said  that the  proposed Inner City Development Fund  under a Nana Akufo –Addo administration, is aimed at addressing the basic  needs  of various  zongo communities as well as other inner city communities across the country. Dr. Bawumia said this at the Madina mosque when he joined fellow   Muslims for Friday Jummah Prayers, a statement from the press office of the running mate stated.

Zongo Caucus of NDC roots for Mills-The Zongo Caucus of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Central Region has declared their unflinching support for President John Evans Atta Mills in his second term bid. They assured  the President  that they  would  do everything  within  means  to make him  win  the upcoming  elections.

Away from that, we move onto peace talk ahead of the December polls and the Chronicle reports that Abu Sakara preaches peace in Hohoe. The flag bearer of the Convention People's Party (CPP)Dr.Abu Sakara  has appealed  to Feuding  factions  in the Hohoe  communal crises ,which claimed three lives recently to bury their differences  and give peace  a chance  to ensure  speedy development  of the area. According to him ,peace is a prerequisite for all developments, and that is  only when there is peace  that members  of the community  would be able  to go about  their normal  duties  without fear or intimidations which can ultimately translate into gains for them.

The New  Statesman also indicates that Bawumia  calls  for peaceful elections-The Vice-Presidential  Candidate  of the New  Patriotic  Party, Mahamudu Bawumia, has  asked Ghanaians to  continuously pray and work toward unity and peace before , during and after  this year's elections.Dr. Bawumia made this call when he joined fellow Muslim in Madina, Accra for Friday Jummah prayers.

From the Daily Dispatch, Ghanaians, especially the youth have been urged to resist inducement by Politicians and political parties to engage in violence and other negative acts to advance the cause of the parties at the expense of their own lives and social peace. The Kumasi Catholic Archdiocesan Youth  Coordinator ,Reverend Father  Louis  Cecilia Adu poku made the call in an interview during a peace walk organized  by the Archdiocesan Youth Council in Kumasi.

Use polls to prove Ghana is peaceful –Addai –Poku-The Daily Graphic brings to our notice that the President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Mr.  Christian Addai –Poku, has called on Ghanaian to use this year's elections to prove to the rest of the world that the country is the most peaceful destination for investment in Africa.

We bring the review to an end with Daily Graphic and it indicates under the banner headline Northern youth appeals to NPC. The Northern  Youth  for Peace  and Development  (NYUPED) has appealed to the National  Peace Council  to let go  any selfish and partisan interest  and give  approval to the NYUPED  and Queen mother's  Foundation to  implement  their planned peace project; an intervention for sustainable peace in the  three northern regions. The project when  implemented would  provide  an effective  intervention to achieve sustainable peace in the volatile  flash  points  of conflict  in the volcanic areas for serious  conflict and violence during  and after the 2012  December elections.


This daily news review is compiled by African Elections Project (AEP) Media Monitoring Centre, Accra, Ghana.

Follows us on twitter @Ghanaelections 

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Ghana Elections 2012 Daily News Review - 21st June, 2012

In today's review the Daily Dispatch informs readers under the caption IPYC Advocates for peace in upcoming elections. The inter-party youth committee (IPYC) a political organization involving the youth wings of the four main political parties and the Friedrich –Egbert Stiftung (FES) is organizing a peace project to sustain peace during and after the December polls. The youth Committee which involves the National Democratic Congress (NDC), New Patriotic Party (NPP0, Convention Peoples Party (CPP) and the People's National Convention (PNC) is committed towards peaceful and violent –free elections.

Daily Guide further adds that IPYC cautions Politicians. The National Chairman of the inter-party youth committee (IPYC), Ludwig Akpene Hlodze has cautioned politicians to shun politics of insult and the use of intemperate language during their campaign. According to him, IPYC would name and shame politicians who use hate speeches or words to incite violence during their campaign irrespective of their parties.

The Ghanaian Times concludes in a similar report that Inter-Party Youth Committee work s towards peaceful elections. The Chairman for the inter-party Youth committee (IPYC), Ludwig Hlodze, has urged the public to allow the 2012 elections to pass by like any public event without the loss of any life or property in the name of partisan politics. He said this at a news conference organised by the IPYC and Friedrich Egbert Stiftung yesterday.

News from the political arena was indicated by the Daily Graphic and it reveals that CPP, PNC merger talks on the rocks. There are  strong indications that the merger  talks between the two Nkrumaist  parties the Convention People's Party (CPP) and the People's Convention (PNC),hang in the balance ,following the decision by the CPP to launch  its manifesto for the year's elections. Expressing surprise and feeling betrayed by the recent development, the flag bearer of the PNC, Mr. Hassan Ayariga, told the Daily Graphic that the move by the CPP, smacked of a stab in the back of the PNC and an infringement on the gentleman's agreement between the two to work towards a common political party.

From the same paper, CPP moves to recover seized assets. The leadership of the Convention People's Party (CPP), together with the Central Committee, have made a move to retrieve all its assets seized illegally after the 1996 coup. A statement signed by Nii Armah Akomfrah, Communication Director of the party, recalled that the Ministry of Information was currently occupying the seized National headquarters building of the CPP, with seized regional offices of the party occupied by various state bodies and institutions across the country.

The Central Regional Minister, Mrs Ama Benyiwa-Doe, has appealed to the electorate of Cape Coast to vote massively for the ruling National democratic Congress in power. She asked them to consider the numerous development projects being executed by the Mills –led government and give the party another four –year mandate to enable the government to complete the projects it had initiated. The paper quotes under the headline Retain NDC in Power-Benyiwa –Doe.

Meanwhile, the founder and flag bearer of the Progressive People's Party (PPP) ,Dr.Paa Kwesi Nduom ,has described  the squabbles over national property ,accusations and counter accusations engaged  in by  the National Democratic  Congress (NDC)and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as ''worrisome''.He said  the blame game  between the two parties  that had  been fortunate to win political  power had been most unproductive and quotes that Unending squabbles over national property worrisome-Dr. Nduom.

Three People's National Convention (PNC) parliamentary candidates in the Tamale North, South and Central constituencies  have assured the electorate of the working together to promote peace and unity  in the Tamale metropolis  if they become  Members of Parliament9MP'S).The aspirants ,Seidu Napodoo,27,a teacher ;Mohammed Nasirdeen,30,a rural development specialist and Salifu Iddrisu,29,teacher ,gave the assurance  at a meeting in Tamale organized by the PNC to introduce the candidates to the electorates.

In other developments, we are informed that NPP not committed to Voltarians –NDC aspirant. If the people of Ho Central make a mistake by voting the New Patriotic Party (NPP) back to power in the December elections, the substantial gains made by the Mills administration will be eroded. The track record of the NPP is clear because they are not committed to the development of the Volta Region, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the Ho Central constituency, Mr. Benjamin Kpodo, has noted.

Still from the Daily Graphic, I'll eradicate poverty in Mfantsiman East-NPP candidate. The New Patriotic Party (NPP)Parliamentary candidate  for the Mfantsiman  East constituency ,Mr. Francis  Ato Cudjoe ,has said he will work towards eradicating poverty  in the area if given  the mandate  in the December  2012 polls. According  to him ,the area is one of the most impoverished  in the Central  Region even  though it has produced  some key leaders of the country, including  the sitting President.

NDC look up to women to win 2012 elections. Hajia Salamatu Cecilia  Hamza ,the Upper West Regional Organiser of the National Democratic  Congress(NDC)says the party is looking up to women to vote massively for it to win  the  December 2012 polls .She said the pro-poor interventions that the NDC government  had implemented  favoured women  more  than men and called on them to reciprocate  the gesture  by voting  for the NDC to continue  to enjoy  more of such policies and programmes.

From the Chronicle we are informed that Mills is a visionary leader-Oguaa Mayor. The Mayor of Cape Coast, Anthony Egyir Aikins, has stated categorically that President John Evans Atta Mills is a visionary leader who was laying a solid foundation for formal education in Ghana ,which ,he noted was the bedrock of the socio-economic development of every country. Speaking in an executive interview with the Chronicle on Wednesday, after he had joined officials of the Ghana Education Trust Fund ((GETFUND) on their inspection of ongoing projects at the Mfantipim last Thursday.

The Ghanaian Times brings to our notice that Volta Chiefs Pledge support for Mills .The Chiefs and opinion leader of some communities in the Ho Central constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have pledged their support for President Mills and Benjamin Kpodo ,the parliamentary candidate ,saying they will vote massively for them in the December polls. They made the pledge when some of the constituency executives officially introduced Mr.Kpodo as the parliamentary candidate and sought their blessings for him.

More news from the political scene reveals that Bawumia 'Magnet' Pulls NDC gurus .NPP running mate ,Dr.Mahamadu Bawumia, is on a nine-day tour in his native Mamprugu area; and indications are that his tour has been a success as notable bigwig of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have defected to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in droves. Prominent among them are Mahama Asibi,fprmer NDC Zonal executive in Sakogu Town in the Nalerigu  Gambaga constituency; Abdul Rahman,NDC Chairman for Dibisi in the Walewale constituency ;Mallam Dendere ,the party's chairman at Bimbini ,a settler community in the walewale  constituency; and Seidu Yakubu,chair Bulba. The New Crusading Guide Reports.

News from the Ghanaian Times indicates that Agona West NDC Holds anniversary clean-up. Members of the Agona West constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) last Saturday, undertook a four-hour clean-up exercise at Agona Swedru, as part of the activities marking the 20th Anniversary of the party. They weeded the Municipal Assembly compound and the Agona Swedru Government hospital, and desilted gutters.

We move on to peace talk ahead of the December polls and we are informed that the National Media Commission (NMC) has cautioned all media practitioners to desist from coordinating the press corps for a political party since it's against the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) code of ethics. 'If a media person coordinate the press corps for a particular political party that Journalist becomes bias towards other parties and may not provide fair and equitable coverage for other political parties''.

The New Crusading Guide brings to our notice under the banner headline Politics is not a tool for violence-Mr. Hassan Ayariga Flag bearer of People's Convention (PNC) on Wednesday said it was important for politicians to ensure the sustainability of peace to help in the development for the nation and achieve desired motives. He said politics was not a tool for violence but for learning, understanding and agreement and that nothing could be achieved if there was no peace in the country and urged Ghanaians to unite to uphold and defend the prevailing peace in the country.

The Ghanaian Times also added that 'Don't use media to forment trouble' The director of Ghana Television, Mr.Mike Amon –Kwafo, has admonished media practitioners and film makers to desist from using their works and the media to either forment trouble or destabilise the peace in the country. ''You should rather strongly emphasise the values, such as friendship and good neighbourliness, which unite us,' he advised.

As part of measures to ensure peaceful elections in the country, the Ghana Evangelism Committee has come out with ''The Pulpits Peace Project'' to encourage pastors and church leaders to desist from using the Pulpit to inflame passions. As part of their recommendations, church leaders and pastors should not wear Tee shirts or use paraphernalia of political parties and should prevail upon their members to be tolerant in order to avoid any trouble before, during and after the election.

Don't create violence in 2012 elections Mr.Samuel Oppong, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Agona West, has called on Muslim leaders to counsel their youth not to indulge in political violence before, during and after the 2012 elections. He said the situation where Zongos' and indigenes of Agona Swedru –Nyakrom and Agona Duakwa –clashed some years ago did not promote peace and development.

We close the curtains on today's review from the Daily Graphic's caption Politicians urged to be decorous. The general overseer of the Macedonia Prayer Ministry International, Bishop Philip Ackam Newman, has added his voice to the call on politicians to be decorous in the use of language when they mount political platforms or engage in radio discussions. He said the use inflammatory or indecent language only went to inflame passions, resulting in chaos and disturbances.

 

This daily news review is compiled by African Elections Project (AEP) Media Monitoring Centre, Accra, Ghana.

Follows us on twitter @Ghanaelections gh

Friday, June 15, 2012

EC to create new constituencies

The Electoral Commission (EC) is in the process of reviewing the country's constituencies to create new ones, following the recent release of the final figures of the 2010 population census.

Speculation had been rife since last year that the EC would create new constituencies following the government's announcement of the creation of 42 new districts.

But the EC had insisted that the creation of new constituencies for the December 2012 would not be automatic.

There have also been concerns, particularly from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), over the essence of creating new constituencies in a period very close to the 2012 general election.

However, speaking at a forum organised by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Accra Thursday, Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, Chairman of the EC, stated that the creation of new constituencies was a constitutional responsibility of the EC, especially when new census figures had been released.

The forum, on the theme, "Using the Media to Enhance the Transparency and Credibility of the 2012 Elections", sought to provide a platform for the EC to inform the public about its strategies and programmes towards the attainment of free, fair and peaceful elections in December.

The forum was the second in the series that the GJA had held with three principal state institutions concerning their election-related mandates and preparations towards the 2012 general election.

Article 47(5) of the 1992 Constitution mandates the EC to "review the division of Ghana into constituencies at intervals of not less than seven years, or within 12 months after the publication of the enumeration figures after holding of a census of the population of Ghana, whichever is earlier, as may, as a result, alter constituencies".

The EC, in 2004, increased the number of constituencies from 200 to the current 230.
 
Daily Graphic  


According to the EC, it might create 45 more constituencies to make the current figure proportional to the newly created districts.

The EC boss, who spoke on the topic, "The EC's strategies for addressing key challenges of the 2012 Elections", said unlike during the biometric voters registration exercise when one registration kit serviced four polling stations, on election day each polling station would have its own verification machine.

He, however, said in the event of the failure of a verification machine to function, the alternate procedure to be used in identifying the voter would be determined in consultation with the political parties.

Dr Afari-Gyan said based on experiences from the biometric registration, the EC was keenly mindful that training some 23,000 officials to handle the verification machine properly posed a real challenge but was optimistic that the it would ensure hands-on training for those who would operate the machines.

He bemoaned the increasing monetisation of the electoral process in Ghana and observed that, among other things, the development had the tendency to create a situation where, with money, politicians could buy not only the votes of the poor but also unprincipled election officials to corrupt electoral outcomes.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

NPP member cautions party against complacency

A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)in Brong-Ahafo,, Mr. Frank Adjapong on Thursday cautioned the party against complacency and called for an intensive campaign for an overwhelming victory in the upcoming December polls. 


He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Sunyani that from all indications; the NPP would win the general lection but was quick to add, "this shouldn't make us over
complacent".   


Mr. Adjapong, who once contested for the regional chairmanship of the party but was defeated, emphasized that internal wrangling, backbiting and petty squabbles that existed within the rank and file of the party should be avoided. 


These problems, he noted, caused the party dearly in the 2008 general election and advised members of the party to demonstrate unity of purpose and tackle those challenges for
total victory.  


Mr. Adjapong said victory for Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo, presidential candidate was victory for all and that "under no circumstance should any member of the party harbour anything against the choice of Dr. Mahamudu

Bawumia, an economist as the running mate in the election".He reiterated that the government had lost focus, saying now that many of the citizenry had realized the mistake they made and voted for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2008, the NPP should sell their ideologies and philosophies upon which the party was formed to the electorate.


 Mr. Adjapong noted with concern that for the past three and half years, the NDC had no realistic legacy to base their campaigns on for the votes of the Ghanaian electorate."If we refuse to tell the public about what we did, the NDC would capitalize on that and take credit for some of our policies such as the National Health Insurance Scheme, School feeding programme, free maternal delivery, National Youth

Employment Programme, among others", he stated.Mr. Adjapong said the only way the NPP could capture power was for members, sympathizers and activists to campaign with dynamism and vigour to be able to reach the electorate, especially those at the grassroots.  


In a related development, Mr. Joseph Kumah, NPP aspiring parliamentary candidate for Sene West constituency, appealed to supporters of the party to guard against statements that could mar the elections.  

He told the GNA that the NPP was poised to win the elections and this could be so if the general election was held in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.   


Mr. Kumah who is the International Manager of Media Savvy Training Solutions in the United Kingdom, emphasized that all members and supporters of the NPP should endeavour to be tolerant even at the extreme provocation from opposing parties.  


He said supporters of the NPP should be wary that because he NDC knew it would lose the election, the party had adopted strategies to provoke the NPP so that confusion would erupt and mar the elections.


If this happened, the government could capitalize on that to use the state machinery to rig the election, Mr. Kumah observed.


He appealed to the electorate, especially those in the Sene West constituency to vote for he and Nana Akuffo-Addo as the area was still underdeveloped and lacked basic amenities because of the poor leadership of Mr. Twumasi

Appiah, the incumbent Member of Parliament for the constituency. Mr. Kumah advised the various political parties to embrace and jealously preserve the prevailing peace as the international community regarded the 2012 general election as a test  of Ghana's democratic maturity.


GNA

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Media personnel sensitized to promote peace

A one day seminar aimed at consulting with and sensitizing the media on the need to promote peace before, during and after the
December elections has been held in Sunyani for media personnel in the Brong–Ahafo Region.
    

It was organised by the West Africa Network for Peace building, Ghana (WANEP Ghana) for journalists, editors and radio programme directors under the theme: "The Role of the Media in Preventing Violence in the 2012 Elections".
    

Mr. Justin Bayor, National Network Coordinator, WANEP, Ghana, said as the 2012 elections approached amidst various security concerns and challenges, it was vital that adequate measures were put in place to minimize election-related violence in the country.
    

He urged the media to play their gate-keeping role effectively to ensure peaceful elections and appealed to politicians to tone down their utterances to ensure they did not inflame passions to create violent situations.
        

Mr. Bayor asked the National Media Commission (NMC) and National Communications Authority (NCA) to set up a mechanism that would check and control local radio stations that broadcast stories from affiliate stations in Accra.
    

He urged radio stations to operate within their communities and avoid sourcing news from other stations elsewhere.

   

Some of the participants appealed to media house owners to ensure the proper training of reporters whilst others asked media personnel and editors not to allow their political interests to override their professional ethics.

   

GNA

Monkey sanctuary communities threaten to boycott elections

Residents of nine fringe communities of the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey

Sanctuary in the District  have threatened not to participate in the December general election, claiming they had been neglected by successive governments.


The people also cautioned the leadership of political parties not to venture to campaign in the communities because they were fed up with vague promises in terms of development.   


Mr. Emmanuel Amofa Asafo-Adjei, Assembly member for Boabeng-Fiema Electoral Area, said this at a meeting of the chiefs and elders of the communities, as well as the Management Committee of the Monkey Sanctuary at Boabeng.


The communities include Busunya, Senya, Bonte, Bomini, Konkronpe, Akrudwa Numbers One and 2, as well as Boabeng and Fiema.  


Mr Asafo-Adjei said it was unfortunate that successive governments had made several promises towards the development of the Sanctuary, yet none of such promises had been honoured, leaving the people to face challenges. 

He cited the deplorable state of the road from Nkoranza to the Sanctuary Centre, saying "vehicles of visitors to the sanctuary sometimes get stuck on the road after rainfall".  

Mr. Asafo-Adjei said the NPP government initiated an Information and Communication Technology Centre (ICT) and clinic to serve visitors to the Sanctuary Centre "but the two projects have become white elephants as they have remained uncompleted". 

"The communities therefore feel they are not being treated fairly considering the benefits that accrue from the sanctuary", Mr. Asafo-Adjei added.Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary has for years gained international recognition yet the communities cannot boast of the needed benefits from government, he stressed.

Mr. Kwadwo Boahen, Chairman of the Management Committee of the Sanctuary Centre, said the Committee planned to send a delegation to President John Evans Atta Mills to air their grievances
for redress.
 

But for the poor roads more visitors would be visiting the centre to promote the development of the Sanctuary and the catchment communities, he added.
    

Mr Boahen called on the MP for Nkoranza North, Major Derek Oduro (rtd) and the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr. Kwadwo Agyei-Dwomor, to collaborate and   liaise with the central government to initiate plans to promote the development of the Sanctuary.  

Mr. Robert Kwateng, treasurer of the Committee, complained the attendance of visitors to the Sanctuary had decreased due to the poor nature of the roads in the area. 


He said in 009, a total number of 18,158 visitors comprising 14,734 Ghanaians and 3,421 non-Ghanaians visited the Sanctuary Centre. 


In 2010 the centre received 15,572 visitors, with 12,693 being Ghanaians and 2,879 foreigners, he added.  


The meeting was also attended by traditional rulers including Nana Kobea Asante Sarpong, Bontehene, Nana Atta Panin of Akrudwa Number Two and Nana Sarfo Kantanka of Fiema.Also present were Nana Amoa-Awua Ampong and Nana Amponsah Boateng, both fetish priests of Boabeng Daworo and Fiema Abadwo shrines, respectively.    


There is the traditional belief that the monkeys are the offsprings of two gods of Boabeng and Fiema.

 


GNA

PPP sets up seven-member committee at Nkoranza

The Progressive People's Party (PPP) has set up a seven-member committee at Nkoranza to see to the organisation and mobilization of more supporters for the party in the Nkoranza South Constituency.   

The Committee has Mr. Kwadwo Asare as Chairman, Mr. Kwadwo Asante, Vice-Chairman, Mr. Charles Adongo, Secretary and Mr. Yaw Boakye, Treasurer.

The others are Mr. Yahaya Seidu, Youth Organiser, Miss Lydia Abena Fabea, Women's Organiser and Mr. Kru Gaison, Porter. 

Mr Adongo told the Ghana News Agency in an interview at Nkoranza that about 300 people in Nkoranza had registered with the party and the executive members had started a membership drive in the communities.

He said those who supported the flagbearer of the Party, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, during the 2008 general elections had remained loyal to him and the PPP "because they have seen some good things in him".   

Mr. Adongo complained about lack of means of transport as a major challenge facing the executives and this problem had compelled the executives to always hire vehicles to go round the constituency.

He said the poor state of the roads and the distance between the communities call for a means of transport to enable the executives to conveniently visit all communities in the constituency.

Mr. Adongo appealed to the leadership of the Party to visit Nkoranza and interact with the executives to know their challenges and support them to move the Party forward.

GNA

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Ghana Elections Daily News Review - 12th June, 2012

The newspaper review today begins with news from the political parties as Ghanaian Times reports that Mr. Kofi Portuphy, a leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has said Professor John Evans Atta Mills is a winnable candidate for 2012 elections and that all should support him to do so. With the caption Kofi Portuphy: Mills will win, the paper adds that he said the leadership style of the Professor is humility and hard work and that had earned him admiration from many Ghanaians and therefore no NDC member should lose confidence in because of certain unfounded and baseless reasons.

From the same paper we are informed that PPP begins another tour. The Progressive People's Party (PPP) has begun another round of tour of the Western, Brong Ahafo, Ashanti and Northern regions According to a statement signed by a member of party's communication team, Richmond Keelson, the tour is led by Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, the party's flag bearer.

More news from the camp of PPP, as the Daily Graphic indicates that PPP elects aspirants for Weija Okaikoi North. The Progressive People's Party on Saturday elected parliamentary aspirants for the Okaikoi   North and Weija constituencies. At Weija where it was an all female affair, Mrs. Jessica Adwoa Simpson, also known as Adwoa Ghana, was elected with 396 votes. She beat Mrs. Ruth Quaye, a Project Consultant, and Umaru Nuhu, who had 278.

Still on the PPP,  the New Crusading Guide reports that the Progressive People's Party (PPP) has  assured  Ghanaians  that it will  build a jute  factory  when  entrusted with  the  governance  of this  country. The paper states this under the headline PPP will build a jute factory –Nduom Assures, adding that the party's flag bearer, Dr.  Papa  Kwesi  Nduom , gave  this assurance  during  the party 's tour  of cocoa  growing  communities  in the Western  Region .

Still from the same paper, we are informed that Youth for Mills (YAM) a group  of young  political activists sympathetic  to the NDC has called on the  Ghanaian  electorate, particularly the youth, to re-new the mandate of  the Mills-led administration for a  second  term in governance. According to the spokesperson of the group, Mr. Fortunate Anuga, President Mills had treated the youth of Ghana with utmost regard, recognition, respect and dignity and has also demonstrated his commitment to working with the youth. The paper quotes the group with the headline "Give President second term" –Youth for Atta Mills.

NPP cruising to victory  in 2012 is how the Daily Graphic reports that Mr. George Ayisi- Boateng, one of the New  Patriotic  Party's (NPP) founding members in the  Ashanti Region, has said whether the Rawlingses campaigned for the National  Democratic  Congress (NDC) or not  in the  2012  elections, would  make  no difference in the  forthcoming polls. In the view of Mr. Ayisi-Boateng, the NPP was cruising to victory in the December general elections in views of the failed promises of the President Atta Mills led NDC administration.

News from the Daily Guide indicates that registration officer pleased with biometric turn up. A total of 42 people registered on the first day of the two day biometric voter registration mop-up exercise at the K-Poly Polling Station in the Subin constituency of the Ashanti region. The Registration Officer (RO) at K-Poly Polling station, Asamoah Koduah Charles, who made the disclosure, expressed satisfaction with the high patronage of the exercise.

From there we are informed by the Daily Graphic that Sheikh Sharubutu lauds parties for peaceful coexistence. The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has lauded the peaceful coexistence among the political parties urging party followers to protect the peace as Ghana heads to the polls in December. He  asked Ghanaians to  be thankful to God   for the  National  Democratic  Congress (NDC), led by a Deputy National Organizer, Alhaji Baba Sheriff, joined hands with Muslims at  the Abosey  Okai  hands  with  Muslims  at the  Abbosey Okai Mosque  to say  special prayer as part  of activities  marking  the 20th Anniversary of the NDC.

Still on peace and from the same paper, Politicians are urged to put nation first .The Asante  Akyem  Presbytery  Chairman of Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Reverend Kwaku  Twum-Barimah has  advised political to put aside  their  parochial interests  and put  the nation first  as  they  embark on the  general  election in December. He said  Ghana  had  become the light of Africa  because  of the prevailing  peace and unity   among  Ghanaians, so nothing  should  be done to tarnish  this huge  this  huge  reputation  in the name of elections.

The youth in Ablekuma  South Constituency , in collaboration with  the leadership  of the Camara and Korle Gonno  Youth  Association, has launched  a campaign to preach  peace  and unity  in the  area  before, during  and after  the 2012  elections. The  campaign dubbed "Coalition  for Peace (CFP)" is aimed  at promoting  harmony  the political  parties  in the  Country  , particularly  their supporters  and sympathizers.  The Daily Graphic reports this with the caption Coalition for Peace to intensify campaign.

Finally on peace talk and in the same paper, Political parties  have been  advised  to refrain  conveying their  support  to rally grounds  in buckets of pickup because such passengers would  not benefit  form  of compensation in the event   of accidents. Under the quote Don't convey supporters to rally grounds in open pickups', the paper states reports that the Volta Regional Manager of the National Road Commission , Mr.  Sebastian   Achempong gave the advice during a meeting with representatives of Political parties at Ho last Thursday.

Closing the chapter on today's review is news from the New Crusading Guide that vice president calls for unity among Ghanaians at all times. Vice President  John  Dramani  Mahama  on Sunday  advised Ghanaians  not  to be  swayed  by political differences to  disintegrate the unity   they  had acquired from  the  past  .He said it was  unhealthy  for Ghanaians  to demonstrate  their   unity and love  for  one  another  only at social  gatherings  such  as funerals , wedding and out –dooring, but  demonstrated hatred and insults   in respect of their  political  considerations.

This daily news review is compiled by African Elections Project (AEP) Media Monitoring Centre, Accra, Ghana.

Follows us on twitter @Ghanaelections

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nduom completes Western Region tour

Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, the presidential candidate of the Progressive People's Party (PPP) has undertaken a three-day tour of the northern part of the Western Region.


The tour took him to Enchi, Dadieso, Juabeso, Ankontombra and  Sefwi Wiawso  where he opened offices of the party.


According to Mr. Isaac Mensah, Regional Secretary of the party, Dr. Nduom used the tour to prepare the ground for sustained campaign in those areas to enable the party to win seats.


Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, he said the region was one of the areas the party was looking forward to winning many seats in the parliamentary election.


Mr. Mensah said the party would spearhead the development of the region that contributes greatly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country but is sidelined in the allocation of development projects.


He said many policies of successive governments had failed to produce the desired results due to parochial and selfish interests of politicians, adding Dr. Nduom had the nation at heart and would work towards the holistic development of the country.

 

GNA

EC bears a heavy responsibility in Election 2012 – Sheikh Basha

Sheikh Dr Ibrahim Basha, an Islamic Scholar in Tamale, has observed that the Electoral Commission (EC) bears a heavy responsibility in the maintenance of peace and stability in the December Presidential and Parliamentary polls.


He said the disorder that was associated with the recent Biometric Voter Registration Exercise in relation with broken down biometric registration gadgets, made it imperative for the EC to set its house in order to avert a repetition during the December 7, General Election.


Sheikh Basha who made the observation at the launch of the 13-member Monday Civic Campaign Report Council, by Northern Ghana Aid (NOGAID), a non-governmental organisation in Tamale, said the commission should provide backup equipment to all the polling stations, to stall any potential violence.


The report being sponsored by Star Ghana is part of NOGAID's Northern Region 2012 Multi-party Democratic Governance Support Project.

The Project aims at streamlining the activities of political parties in the region, which had been a flash point of political violence to ensure incidence free elections.


Star- Ghana is a multi-donor polled funding mechanism being supported by DFID, DANIDA, USAID and EU to increase the influence of civil society and parliament in the governance of public goods and service delivery with the ultimate goal of improving the accountability and responsiveness of government, traditional authorities and private sector.


Sheikh Basha said if the breakdown of equipment during the registration exercise, which lasted for weeks could spark trouble then what about the casting of votes, which is supposed to be done in less than a day.


"If this should happen on Election Day in some of the strong holds of some political parties, it will create a big confusion in the country," he warned.


Sheikh Basha noted that the breakdown of the biometric registration machines in some registration centres should be a case study for the EC.


He asked stakeholders in Election 2012 to play their roles effectively and efficiently and according to the laid down rules and regulations, since the successful conduct of elections had always being a collective responsibility.


Sheikh Basha called on the political parties especially the ruling National Democratic Congress and the ruling New Patriotic Party to cooperate with EC for peaceful and stable elections.


He also cautioned the youth not to allow themselves to be used by self-seeking politicians to foment trouble, before, during and after the polls.

 

GNA

Monday, June 11, 2012

Ghana Elections Daily News Review - 11th June, 2012

We begin today's review with updates on the just ended biometric mop up exercise and Daily Guide reports that Biometric register mop-up ends. The two-day mop-up exercise of the biometric voters' registration has ended in some three districts in the Upper East Region and other parts of the country on the quiet. The mop-up exercise, which started on Saturday, June 9, 2012, was to allow people who could not register in the main exercise to do so.

Similarly the Daily Graphic also brings to our notice that Mop-up registration useful-EC. The Electoral Commission (EC) has described the two-day limited biometric voters registrations mop up as generally successful and peaceful. The exercise, which took place in eight out of the 10 regions last Saturday and Sunday, was meant to enable eligible voters who could not participate in the main exercise for various legitimate reasons to do so.

News from the Chronicle reveals that the Director General of Administration, Commissioner of Police (COP) Rose Bio-Atinga, has assured the general public that the Ghana Police was ready to provide them with maximum security to ensure violence-free society, irrespective of anyone's political affiliations. According to her, "providing security in the country, especially during election, is a special task and needs a lot of sacrifice, hard work, neutrality and dedication by the police to maintain law and order, so as to ensure that all activities are carried out in a serene atmosphere for a successful election.

Away from that we are informed by the Ghanaian Times that NDC supporters have been told to uphold the peace .The Information Minister, Mr. Fritz Baffour, has advised supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to desist from acts likely to jeopardize the peace the country is enjoying. He was addressing a rally organized by the Greater Accra Regional branch of the NDC in Accra at the weekend to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the party.

The Ghanaian Observer informs readers that Bawumia Nails NDC over SADA Debacle. The vice  presidential  candidate of the main  opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr.Mahama Bawumia, has  pledge the NPP's  commitment  to the  development of the  three Northern regions  to bridge  the development  gap  between  the south and the north when Nana Akufo-Addo wins the December elections. Speaking  at the 48th Annual  Delegates Congress of the Northern  Students  Union in Bolgatanga on Saturday , Dr. Bawumia  stated that North had been neglected for  a long  time  and chronicled the origins of the  underdevelopment of the North.

The Daily Graphic informs us that PNC  to set up bodies  to hire  and fire-Ayariga The  flag  bearer of the People's National Convention (PNC), Mr. Mahama Ayariga, has stated that  stated Ghanaian technocrats and experts  .from various fields will be  in charge of the hiring and firing  of board members and heads  of state institutions. further reports that this innovation which will be one of the means  through  which the  PNC  will offer transparent leadership if it  gets the nod in this  year's  elections is to  insulate  such state agencies from unnecessary governmental control and ensure that they  undertake  their  functions without  fear or favour to engender the necessary development.

We end today's review the New Crusading Guide's report that the New Patriotic Party vice presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is warning Ghanaians to be careful of what he describes as deceptive promises made by politicians in the run to the December elections. Nana Addo's running mate who was heavily lashed over his recent lecture on the state of the economy said instead of solving problems, those promises were only for electoral advantage and that they are usually not achievable.


This daily news review is compiled by African Elections Project (AEP) Media Monitoring Centre, Accra, Ghana.

Follows us on twitter @Ghanaelections

 

 

 

 

Sunday, June 10, 2012

A.M.E Zion Church pledges to lead the crusade for peaceful election

Reverend Peter E.T Sefogah, Presiding Pastor of Aggrey Memorial A.M.E Zion Church, has pledged the church's commitment to ensure Ghana continues to enjoy peace before, during and after the elections.

He said peace and development of the nation had always been the priority of the church and would therefore work effectively towards sustainability for national development.

To be agents of peace, he said, the church had charged all its members to live at peace with others, seek only the truth and be truthful to God.

"Our members have been well educated on the importance of peace and the need to take active part in the up-coming general elections in December", he said.

Rev Sefogah said this when speaking at the closing ceremony of the 113th Session of the East Ghana Annual Conference in Accra on Sunday.

The conference on theme "Look into your Hands-Our God is Able" was aimed to access the performance of the church and to plan towards the future.

The occasion was also used to assign Pastors to lead the churches in the various localities of the eastern Ghana district.

Rev Sefogah said it would be suicidal for Ghanaians to think that the country was matured enough not to slip into troubled situations saying "we all need to act as agents of peace."

He said it was critical for Christians to uphold the principles and values of the Bible and should be bold to advice political leaders and their supporters to see themselves "as one people championing the same cause".

"We must let the political players know that there are rules and regulations in the game which needed to be respected to ensure peace and development", he said.

He called on Christian have to play a vital role to unite the nation no matter one's political or ethnic affiliation for socio-economic prosperity.

GNA