Ghana Votes

Monday, July 30, 2012

Court stops EC from holding by-elections

The Human Rights Court in Accra on Friday upheld an interlocutory injunction brought against the Electoral Commission from going ahead with the Wulensi and Kwabre West by-elections.

 The injunction follows a joint suit filed by four political parties including the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Convention People's Party (CPP) and People's National Convention (PNC).

 Mr Justice Kofi Essel-Mensah, the trial judge in his ruling, said the CI 72 which gave birth to the biometric register until it was completed and approved the Electoral Commission (EC) could not hold the Wulensi and Kwabre West by-elections since CI 12 that empowered the old register to be used had been repealed.

He charged the EC to finalize the register for it to be approved before they could use it to organize any election.

He said the EC should suspend Wulensi and Kwabre West by-elections and make sure that biometric register was ready.

Mr. Justice Essel-Mensah said the General Secretaries of the four political parties, which filed the joint suit against the EC owed it a constitutional duty to challenge the EC from going ahead with their illegitimate action.

He said if the EC was claiming that the old register was valid on what legal basis would they justify the old register for the two by-elections.

Alhaji Sani Iddi and Mr. Emmanuel Owusu Ansah, MPs for Wulensi and Kwabre West respectively died within a space of one month.
The EC had scheduled July 31, 2012 for the Wulensi by-elections and August 14 for the Kwabre West and had begun receiving nominations for the Wulensi by election.

 

GNA

President Mahama mourns with Atta-Mills family at Nkanfoa

President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday paid a glowing tribute amidst tears to his predecessor, the late President Professor John Evans Atta-Mills describing him as a man of faith who was "firm, humble and tolerant."

 He said the late President brought a new dimension to Ghana's politics, which was humility and peace, and that a tragedy has befallen the family of Professor Atta-Mills and the entire nation.

 President Mahama made the remarks when he visited the residence of the late president's elder sister's residence at Nkanfoa, a suburb of Cape Coast, to express his condolence to the family and mourn with them.

President Mahama could not hold back his tears as he narrated how President Atta-Mills mentored him until his death.

He was accompanied by a large number of government officials and party functionaries, including the Chief of Staff, Mr. Henry Marty Newman, Ms Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Members of the Council of State and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives as well as Members of Parliament.

 A large crowd of mourners, including members of the various Asafo companies (warriors) from Cape Coast, clad in red and black, thronged the frontage of the house and along the streets, giving security personnel a hectic time controlling them, as they drummed and danced to Asafo songs with some wailing uncontrollably.

 Also present were the siblings of the late Prof Atta-Mills as well as family members from Ekumfi Otuam, Nanaben, Denkyira and Cape Coast.

 President Mahama solemnly recounted how the late Prof Atta-Mills entrusted a lot of responsibilities to his care, giving him a lot of space to operate and assuring him of his trust.

He said the faith of Professor Atta-Mills strengthened him and all those who worked with him, adding that, he had not only lost a father but a mentor.

He asked the family to accept him as a son and offer him the support and prayers he needs and expressed gratitude to God for granting him the opportunity to serve under Professor Atta-Mills.

 Mr. Newman said, he had known Professor Atta-Mills since 1966, describing him as a teacher, friend, mentor and a deep thinking scholar.

The Head of Family, Mr Ato Kakraba expressed gratitude to the President and his entourage for the visit.  

 

 

GNA

 

Late President Mills to be buried August 10, 2012

The State funeral of the late President John Evans Atta Mills will take place in Accra from Wednesday August 8 to Friday August 10, 2012, a statement from the office of the President said.

The statement, signed by the Chief of Staff, John Henry Martey Newman on Friday said the funeral service and burial would be held on Friday August 10, indicating that further details would be communicated in due course.

The statement also said that the period of mourning and lowering of the Ghana flags have been extended until after the funeral.

 It directed that all public buildings should be draped in red and black colours as well as the national flag to symbolize the state of national mourning.

     

GNA

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Unlimited freedoms of media must be checked – Lawyer

A legal practitioner and journalism lecturer at the African University College of Communications (AUCC) here in Accra, Ogochukwu Nweke, is strongly advocating an amendment of Article 12 of the 1992 Constitution which guarantees media freedoms.

He says the Article guarantees journalists unlimited freedoms without adequate provisions to hold them accountable; a situation he says is dangerous for the country's democracy and a peaceful conduct of the December polls.

He was speaking at a workshop dubbed; Connecting Media and Civil Society for credible elections 2012, organised by the International Institute for ICT Journalism.

Mr Nweke said the dangerous, reckless, irresponsible journalism going on in a massive scale was generally because the constitution virtually gives journalists a carte blanche to do what pleases them.

He said it was understandable that the constitution guaranteed journalists wide-ranging powers and freedoms given the country's political history and the consistent attempts to emasculate the media.

The circumstances that necessitated the creation of Article 12, according to him, no longer exist and the provision must be amended.

He said the National Media Commission must be given powers to revoke the licenses of media organizations as well as sanction journalists, who misbehave, insisting that was the only way to sanitise the media terrain.

Mr Nweke believes asking people who have been defamed to go to court is not enough.

A Project Director at Penplusbytes, organizers of the workshop, said the workshop formed part of the organisation's African Elections Project funded by STAR-Ghana.

The AEP launched in 2008, has the overall objective of "enhancing the ability of journalists, citizen journalists and the news media to provide more timely and relevant elections information and knowledge while undertaking monitoring of specific and important aspects of governance."

Recognizing the potency of social media in fostering social and political inclusion, the AEP, he said, uses "social media tools and platforms to develop the capacity and to monitor the governance process prior to, during and after the elections process. This monitoring involves citizens in the use of social media tools and platforms to inform the electorate on the implementation and impact of campaign promises, manifestos through the different tiers of government at both the local and state level."

 

http://edition.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201207/91216.php

Friday, July 27, 2012

Democracy in Ghana-In rude health

 
The demise of a president reveals the soundness of the state he leaves behind
 
AFRICAN leaders dying in office is often a sign of rottenness: years of misrule capped only by a hushed-up death. But on July 24th, within hours of the sudden end from cancer of Ghana's president, John Atta Mills, his deputy, John Mahama, was sworn in with impressive constitutional calmness to replace him.
 
 

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Asantehene sends message of condolence

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has described the death of President John Evans Atta Mills as a huge and painful loss to the country.

In his message of condolence to the government, wife and family of the late President, a copy of which was made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, he said, "Ghana has indeed lost a great son and leader."

The Asantehene noted that the late President as an academician, sportsman and political leader always sought to achieve the best for the people of Ghana.

"His rise to the highest political office was phenomenal and his leadership was full of modesty, humility and sincerity. May his soul rest in peace", the message added.

GNA

House in a state of mourning, adjourns proceedings

Parliament on Wednesday adjourned proceedings only a short while after sitting began.

This is because the nation is in a state of mourning at the demise of President John Evans Atta Mills, and members are not in the mood to do government business.

Mr Cletus Apul Avoka, Majority Leader proposed that the house be adjourned because every member was not in the mood. It was seconded by Mr Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, Minority Leader after which Mrs Joycelyn Bamford Addo, Speaker, ruled for the house to adjourn and reconvene on Thursday July 26, 2012.      

Meanwhile, there were six questions on the Order paper for the Minister of Education and some papers were also to be laid as well as motions to be taken and the National Health Insurance Bill, 2012 which is at the consideration stage.

All the MPs were clad in mourning clothes and the usual daily noisy atmosphere in the chamber was quiet as members were in a sombre mood.

President John Dramani Mahama, was sworn in as Ghana's new President on the night of Tuesday, July 24, 2012, following the sudden demise of President John Evans Atta Mills at the 37 Military hospital in Accra on Tuesday afternoon.  

GNA

Tarkwa and Bogoso mourns President Mills

Tarkwa and Bogoso Townships in the Western Region have been gripped with grief, and traders and commuters could be seen discussing the death of President John Evan Atta Mills.

 Some radio stations in Tarkwa, Bogoso and Wiawso suspended their programmes and resorted to playing of dirge.

Music centers within the Tarkwa Township have also joined the radio stations to show their respect for the late President.

Some individuals who spoke to the Ghana News Agency expressed shock at the sudden death of President Mills.

 

GNA

Most government offices inactive following Presidents Mills'' death

Work at some Government offices in Accra  has come to a standstill, following the demise of President John Evans Atta Mills on July 24 at the 37th Military Hospital.

A visit to some Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the capital city  on Wednesday morning by Ghana News Agency (GNA), indicated  that the usual busy environment at the offices was absent with some of the workers dressed in black or red to show that they were in mourning mode.

Most of the ministers of state were not at post as GNA enquires revealed that they were engaged in emergency meetings at the Osu Castle, seat of government, and headquarters of the National Democratic Congress.

Ms Roberta Arkins, official at the Ministry of Communications, told the GNA that: "our Minister is devastated; following the news of the death of President Mills...we are still shock and cannot concentrate on work.

"Both men and women here are beyond themselves...it's an unfortunate event and we all as a nation need to join hands and move forward in the interest of Ghana".

Ms Pamela Offeibea Amoateng, a Banker, expressed surprise at the sudden death of the President, and said: "though the president's health has been in the public domain for some time now, the news was unexpected".   

 He called for total support for the new President and other state machinery, to ensure that the act of government is not unduly interrupted.

 An official statement signed by the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Mr John Henry Martey Newman, said: "it is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that we announce the sudden untimely death of the President of the Republic of Ghana - His Excellency, John Evans Atta Mills.

"The death occurred at the 37th Military Hospital this afternoon while receiving medical attention after being taken ill a few hours ago."

    

    GNA

 

 

 

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

First Lady urges youth to desist from violence

The First Lady, Dr Ernestina Naadu-Mills, has advised young people in the country to desist from acts that could breed chaos with the approach of presidential elections.

 "All over the world, especially in Africa, the youth have been used to engineer hostilities, typically during election periods and Ghana is not different at all".

The First Lady said this in a speech on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 2012 International Youth Fellowship (IYF), World Youth Camp, at Tema.

She said conflict was a natural occurrence among humans adding that it was thus only wise to be tolerant and appreciate conflict resolution, "especially among the youth".

Dr Naadu Mills said whilst it was important for the youth to completely avoid those who were bent on influencing them towards violence, it was also the duty of every citizen to compliment the efforts of government in preserving "the peace, democracy and harmony we enjoy".

She said with peace being pivotal to any country's stability, it was highly commendable that the IYF had brought youth together from several countries and places to discuss issues, of which peace was a key topic.

Pastor Park Ock Soo, founder of IYF, urged young people to avoid pride and arrogance, no matter how high their achievements might be saying "whatever your achievement, please be humble. This keeps you from becoming arrogant and makes you a better achiever."

He said "whenever you believe too much in yourself, such an attitude prevents you from listening to others and in the end, you might end up falling because you probably missed out on some key truths."

Pastor Soo said he had observed that the youth of Ghana had a humble attitude, "keep that humility, and you would become great leaders of your nation in future".

 The IYF World Youth Camp, is a collaboration between the IYF and the National Youth Authority, and is scheduled for July 20th to 26th.

The event seeks to promote unity and development of the youth through bible seminars and lectures by notable speakers.

 

GNA

Monday, July 23, 2012

Veep to launch a book on Governance and Electoral Agency

Vice President John Dramani Mahama would on Monday launch a 270-page book on Governance and Electoral Agency, 2012 written by Mr Kosi Kedem, former Member of Parliament for Hohoe South now known as North Dayi.

The book, which is a sequel to his earlier publication "The chance of a lifetime", is the memoirs of Mr Kedem as a Parliamentarian from 1983- 2004 captured under the title: "In pursuit of my destiny: Memoirs of a Parliamentarian."   

 It includes his life as a member of the Consultative Assembly that wrote the Fourth Republican Constitution and as an MP of the first Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

 Mr Kodem, a Librarian by profession is a product of St Augustine's College, Cape Coast and the University of Ghana.

The book, which costs GH₵15.00 and available at Legon Bookshop talks about parliamentary proceedings among other issues and the personal experience of the author.

GNA

Friday, July 20, 2012

Media are critical actors in Election 2012 – Former GNA Chief Editor

Mr Alex Lamte Lawson, former Head of Home Desk of the Ghana News Agency (GNA), on Friday said the media had a critical role to play in shaping opinions of voters in decision making leading to the choice of candidates.

    

 He said the media also had the responsibility to provide accurate, balanced and adequate information about political parties, policies, rules and regulations, candidates and the election process.

     

Mr Lawson was addressing journalists and stringers of GNA at a workshop organized by the Agency to upgrade its human capital for in-depth coverage of election 2012.

     

It is sponsored by STAR-Ghana, a multi-donor pooled funding mechanism funded by UKAID, USAID, European Union and DANIDA 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 Ghana's government, traditional authorities and the private sector.

    

 Mr Lawson said elements of electoral reporting were accuracy, balance, knowledge of electoral process, impartiality and fairness and observed that some media houses in the 2008 General Election were reporting perceptions as facts while some allegations on the field were generalized.

 

Mr Lawson also noted that some reportage during the 2008 election created tension. Lives of Electoral Commission (EC) officers were put at risk and some EC offices were vandalized, staff attacked and electoral materials destroyed.

    

He said it was a must for journalists to be knowledgeable about laws and regulations that governed elections.

   

 Mr Lawson noted that journalists who did not report facts as they occurred were not trusted and would find it difficult to get information.

    

 He said the media competed to get stories, but it was an ethical responsibility not only to be the first but to be accurate and impartial.

    

 "The media must endeavor to give equal space and air time to all competitors in the game."

    

Mr Edward Ameyibor, former Supervising Chief Editor of GNA, said journalists must report impartially, be fair, balanced, objective and address concerns of all political parties.

 

He said the GNA had covered Ghana and its neighboring countries for 55 years extensively and had supported other media houses with accurate and objective news.

Mr Ameyibor said it was not appropriate for journalists to take money from politicians and other people. He also cautioned journalists not to skew stories or write stories to destroy other people.

 

GNA

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Ghana Elections 2012 Daily News Review - 18th July, 2012

News making the headlines in the dailies includes a courtesy call by the IEA debate committee on the PNC. The Heritage reports that as part of the activities in preparation towards the 2012 presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) intends to hold presidential and vice presidential debates for the four political parties who have parliamentarian representations. The Ghanaian Observer also adds that in fostering a working collaboration with the Political parties, the IEA Presidential Debate Committee chaired by Pastor Mensa Otabil paid a courtesy call on the leadership of the PNC at the party's National Headquarters.

Still on the PNC and the IEA the Daily Graphic informs us that the flag bearer of the People's National Convention (PNC), Mr. Hassan Ayariga has promised to be fair to all manner of Ghanaians irrespective of their political affiliations, if he is elected into power. Presenting the PNC's programmes, policies and strategies at the second Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Evening Encounter in Accra yesterday, he said his administration would avoid the past mistakes of partisanship in the country's political system and eschews bias in the award of government contracts and appointments. The paper, in a related issue states that the General Secretary of the People's National Convention (PNC), Bernard Monarh, has rubbished threats from a group within the party demanding the resignation of its flag bearer, Hassan Ayariga. The paper captures this in the headline PNC Executives Dismiss Calls on Flag Bearer to Resign.

Another news item that flood the newspapers is a report by the Chronicle that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2012 New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice -Presidential Candidate has disclosed to Ghanaians in the Diaspora plans of the next NPP administration under Nana Akufo-Addo to support the desired massive technology acquisition through, among others, the abolition of import duties on equipment into the country. Both the New Statesman and the Heritage under the headline 'NPP will abolish import duties on equipment' add that Dr. Bawumia was speaking on Friday in New York to the Ghanaian community in the state as part of his working visit to the United States and Canada.

The Ghanaian Observer in another report states that NPP brawls over new constituencies. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member Of Parliament for Manhyia, Dr Mathew Opoku- Prempeh, has questioned the mandate of the electoral commission (EC) for making a sharp u-turn to lay a Constitutional Instrument (CI) without identification number on the floor of parliament for the creation of 45 new constituencies at a time the EC is seeking constitutional interpretation at the supreme court. According to the Daily Guide also, Kwame Osei-Prempeh, who is also Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsuta-Kwamang –Beposo and Chairman of the Subsidiary legislation of parliament, said Ghanaians should hold Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, Chairman of Electoral Commission (EC) responsible if any trouble results from his defiant attempt to create the intended 45 new constituencies.

Finally on the NPP, we are told by the Ghanaian Times that 125 NPP supporters defect to NDC in Wa East. About 125 supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Wa East constituency of the Upper West Region have defected to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). They are from four communities in the constituency, and have said they could pull more members of the NPP to the NDC, to ensure that it wins the upcoming elections.

Away from the NPP, the Daily Graphic's headline Journalists Discuss Women in Decision Making informs us that The Hunger Project – Ghana (THP- Ghana) has organized a one- day seminar for media personnel in the Ashanti Region to discuss the responsibility of the media towards promoting the participation of women in decision making. The participants also discussed the responsibility of the media in supporting women to contest the 2012 elections, highlighting the role of the media in maintaining peace before, during g and after elections.

More on journalists as the acting General Manager of Ghana News Agency, Mr. Mawusi Afele, has underscored the need for journalist to use the media at their disposal to address the essential issues of development that will bring peace during and after this year's election. That, he said could be achieved if journalist foster responsible accurate reporting based on facts and fair treatment of all parties involved in the election. . According to the Ghanaian Times, he urged journalists to Use media to address essential issues of development

We learn from the Daily Dispatch that police commander warns political parties ahead of December polls. In their bid to record accident free during and after December general elections, the Central Regional Police Commander, DCOP Steven Andoh Kwofie, has sent a strong warning to all the political parties in the ruling party to avoid motor traffic offences, especially over speeding as they engage in their political activities.

Likewise from the Ghanaian Times, Chief Naa Alhassan Issahaku Amadu,Northern Regional population officer, has called on the youth to take bold initiatives to secure their future instead of looking up to the authorities for direction. He said: "you must do something to your own benefit rather than always banging on the doors of politicians to ask for stipends or jobs because your party is in power". He is quoted as saying don't rely on politicians.

The Convention People's Party (CPP) has chosen a Parliamentary Candidate, Agartha Ampoma, a teacher.  The Daily Guide further reports that Madam Ampoma who contested Professor Ameyaw  Akumfi and the current Techiman, MCE, Alex Kyeremeh in 2008 for the seat was once again given the nod at a delegates ' congress held at Tuobodom on Sunday .she stood unopposed.

To end our news review for the day, we look at the Daily Dispatch's story that says that NDC is ready to name and shame foul speaking members. The Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah says the NDC government as part of its commitment to ensuring peace for election 2012 has resolved to name and shame any member of the party whose conduct and pronouncement has the tendency to create trouble for the country.


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

Follows us on twitter @Ghanaelections

 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Ghana Elections 2012 Daily News Review - 17th July, 2012

Review of the dailies today begins with a word of caution from the police. This, the Daily Graphic reports with its headline police caution trouble makers during polls and adds that the Central Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner Of Police (DCOP) Stephen Andoh- Kwofie, has sounded a word of caution to those who plan to cause mayhem at the 20212 December election to think twice. This is because the police would deal ruthlessly with anyone who falls foul of the law, no matter his political colour.

Similarly on page 17, the paper informs us that politicians have been advised to maintain peace during this year's election by shunning violence and anger that would arise among them. A former Ghana Football Association (GFA) administrator, Nana Sam Brew- Butler, made the call at a book launch and said the county should not only concentrate on maintaining peace but also deal with violence and anger that had the tendency to arise among political groups during this year's election.

Still on the caution against violence and from the Daily Graphic, two aspiring parliamentary candidates for the Abetifi Constituency in the Eastern Region have promised to sanction any of their supporters who will try to cause trouble during the 2012 elections. With its 2 aspiring candidates caution supporters headline, the paper further states that the two, Messrs Peter Wiafi Pepera of the New Patriotic Party, who is the sitting MP, and Samuel Asamoah, the District Chief Executive of Kwahu East and National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate, made the pledge at a student's 'forum at Nkwatia.

Meanwhile the District Chief Executive for Nanumba South, Alhaji Amidu Seidu has advised all the political parties contesting in the upcoming July 31, 2012 bye- election in the wulensi to maintain the peace that is currently prevailing in the area to ensure an accident free contest. The Daily Dispatch reports this under its banner 'Nanumba South DCE calls for peace ahead of Wulensi bye- election', adding that he gave the advice in an address read on his behalf by the district coordinating director Mr.Nat dzadey during the general assembly sitting at Wulensi, the district capital.

With barely a month to the Kwabre West bye-election, the Daily Guide records that 5 Vie Kwabre West Seat. About 36,291 eligible voters of the Kwabre West constituency are expected to go to the polls on Tuesday, August 14, to elect a new parliamentarian for the constituency in a by- election occasioned by the dead of Emmanuel Owusu –Ansah. The impending parliamentary by- election sets the tone for the two dominant political Parties in the country, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic party  (NPP) to stage another battle to test their strength and popularity ahead of the December general election.

More on bye-elections as Mr James Sohimwinye, the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) Parliamentary aspirant for the Wa Central Constituency, has said he is determined to unseat the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), Alhaji Abdul- Rashid Pelpuo, in the forthcoming December polls. According to the Daily Graphic, the 39-year-old bank manager said this at the maiden interaction with the media in Wa, adding that 'PPP will unseat Wa Central MP'

Still at Wa and from the same paper, the Wa East Constituency secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Issahque Munawaru, has observed that the wind of change blowing across the constituency has made the party more attractive than before. He said a number of New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters hitherto did not want to hear the name of the NDC were joining the party every day from all parts of the constituency due to the unprecedented development President J.E.A. Mills, through the District Chief Executive, Mr Ameen Salifu, had brought to the people. The paper captures this with the headline NDC more attractive to win polls- Munawaru.

The Daily Dispatch brings us more news from NDC as it reports that the National Democratic Congress parliamentary aspirant for Assin South Constituency in the central region , Ms Sabina Appiah Kubi, has said  that she would surely unseat the four time member of Parliament for the area, Professor Dominic Fobih. With title Assin South NDC aspirant optimistic, the paper records that she said the ground was fertile for her to take the seat considering the fact that Prof. Fobih had over his 16 years as a Member of Parliament brought little development to the area.

Finally on the NDC the Daily Guide brings to our notice that NDC Closes Bridges for Nana. An allege diabolical plans batched by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ellembelle constituency of the Western Region to purported foil a visit by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the flag bearer of New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the area, has been exposed. Nana Akufo-Addo is billed to visit the Western Region on Thursday, July 19, 2012 for a week's listening tour and will visit the Ellembelle constituency on Sunday, July 22 but access to the area is going to be hindered with closure of two major roads.

The Heritage in its page 6 headline 'NDC and NPP have made Ghana a kleptocracy' reports that the Progressive People's Party(PPP) has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party(NPP) of turning Ghana into a kleptocracy, following   revelations that functionaries  of the two parties are responsible for the country's judgment debt scandals. The PPP believes there is enough evidence to confirm that both NDC and NPP administrations have deliberately contributed to the creation of  judgment debts and used their share of the proceeds to augment  their campaign finances ,to enable them to recycle themselves back into power any time they were rejected by the electorate at the polls.

The Daily Graphic informs readers that 'Akufo Addo promises to address joblessness, restore hope. The presidential candidate of the new patriotic party (npp), Nana Akufo Addo, is continuing his 'restore hope tour' in the central region. He has promised to rollout policies to address youth unemployment if voted into power.

Still on the NPP, the Daily Guide states that NPP Launches North Carolina Chapter. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) vice presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamdu Bawumia, has together with other party executives launched the party's Charlotte North Carolina Chapter in the US. The Ceremony that also served as a fund raiser attracted a good number of Ghanaians from the existing chapters of Raleigh, Atlanta, Ohio, Minnesota and Tennessee as Atta Akyea Tours Krobo. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa South Constituency, Atta Akyea, has visited Krobo Communities in the Eastern region as part of a three- day tour. The report by the Daily Guide goes on to say that he visited Bomponso I, Bomponso II, Ntabea, Abesim Yeboah and Adortowa, all in the Abuakwa South constituency.

We bring today's review to an end with the Daily Guide's news with headline Promote Gender Issue more effectively. Women in the country have been advised to participate in politics to help balance the gender disparity and effective promote gender issues. The call was made by organizers of a project dubbed: Women's Agenda for Election 2012, which was launched in Accra on Friday.

 

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

Follows us on twitter @Ghanaelections

 

 

Support to women to contest for elective positions - Agyeman-Mensah

Dr Naana Agyemang-Mensah, Country Director of The Hunger Project (THP)-Ghana, an NGO, has called for concerted effort to tackle the continued under-representation of women in political decision-making processes.

She said women need to be given every necessary support and encouragement to fight for elective positions.

She described as completely unacceptable the present situation where their representation in the district assemblies and parliament stood at less than 10 per cent.

There are only 19 women among the 230 parliamentarians.  

Dr Agyemang-Mensah asked stakeholders, particularly the media, to work hard to assist change things by giving prominence to women development issues.   

She was speaking at a day's workshop organized for some selected journalists at the Noda Hotel at Fumesua near Kumasi.  

 It formed part of the NGO's "We know politics project" designed to promote women's participation in local and national politics.  

The project is being sponsored by the Department for International Development (DFID), Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA), the European Union (EU), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), WiLDAF, Womankind Worldwide, Gender Centre and The Hunger Project-Ghana. 

 Dr Agyemang-Mensah said women if aided to play important roles in politics would have brighter chances of getting elected into powerful positions to influence policies to protect their interests and that of children.       

She appealed to the media to rally the nation to fight socio-economic, cultural and religious practices and beliefs that tended to marginalize women.

GNA

Monday, July 16, 2012

AG's Dept too poorly resourced to deal with electoral violence, says AG

If the security agencies assert their authority and fend off unwarranted interference from politicians, the 2012 general elections will pass off peacefully, a legal practitioner, Mr Kwesi Afriyie Badu has said.

He said the paralysis shown by especially the police in previous electoral issues should concern all Ghanaians.

"The inability of the state to prosecute electoral offenders has contributed to the impudence with which some people commit electoral offenses," he said at a forum.

Expatiating on this on the maiden edition of Joy FM's pre-elections analysis, Elections Headquarters for elections 2012, Mr Badu said, at a forum at Akosombo on how to ensure peaceful elections 2012, the political parties themselves identified security as a key factor in ensuring the elections are peaceful because "we had witnessed a situation where people who had breached electoral laws had been allowed to go scot-free largely because of interference by powerful politicians."

Giving anecdotal evidence to support his argument, KAB Governance Consult Chief Executive Officer said "We've had a sad situation where a commission member of the Electoral Commission, finding that a staff had done something wrong; dismisses that temporary staff; walks to the police station; to District Police Commander, to lodge a formal complaint; he makes a follow up; and the police have done nothing, they tell him they don't know the law under which to charge him; he follows up and gives them a copy of the law under which to charge him; and at the end of the day, there is still no show."

Explaining the reasons for delays in disposing of cases of electoral offenses, Attorney-General Dr Benjamin Kunbuor said there were human resource and logistical constraints which negatively affected the ability of the AG's department to expedite action on such cases.

He said discussions were underway to improve service conditions at the department to attract lawyers to the AG's department.
 

Friday, July 13, 2012

Political Parties urged to comply with laws during political campaigns

The Central Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Stephen Andoh Kuofie, has appealed to political parties to comply with all laws, rules and regulations during their campaigns to ensure incident free polls in December.

 He said being in an election year did not  mean that laws such as the Criminal Offence Act, Public Order Act, Representation of peoples Act and Motor Offences Act have been repealed  and urged all political parties to  comply with these laws  before, during and after the  December  polls  to ensure peace and order in the country.

DCOP Koufie made the call at a press conference in Cape Coast on Thursday to brief the media on current happenings in the region in relation to security and plans ahead of the election.

 He expressed regret that  during political  campaigns  all types of  means of conveyance  were used  such as  trucks , motor bikes and bicycle , coupled with  the tooting of horns, over speeding and all kinds of displays which normally  resulted  in casualties.

 He said there was an emerging trend where communities had started threatening not to vote if they were not provided with facilities like potable water, good roads and electricity and warned that those who did not want to vote because their demands were not met should not prevent other people who would want to vote even without the provision of those facilities.

 On chieftaincy disputes, the Regional Commander expressed  concern about the numerous chieftaincy disputes  in the region  which has resulted in the installation of rival chiefs, making it impossible  for such  chiefs  to  exercise full governance , such organizing communal labour as well  as  celebrating  festivals.

 He said in recent times there had been  attempted destolments of chiefs  at  Brenu-Akyinu ,  Abrem-Agona and Hemang  and advised  "destoolment contractors " to fully  comply  with the   Chieftaincy Act  758, Public Order Act 491 and Communal  Offences  Act 29.

         Touching on the crime situation in the region, DCOP Kuofie said  non controllable crimes such  rape  recorded 28 cases in the first half of the  year whiles defilement shot up from  59 cases  in the  first half of  last year to 150  cases  this year with murder cases recording 20 as against 29 last year.

 He said controllable crimes like robberies recorded 102 cases in the first half of the year as against 34 within the same period this year, with narcotics recording 26 against six this year.

He mentioned Kasoa  and Dunkwa-On-Offin as the flash points in the region and said  his outfit had put in place strategies like "tent city swoops"  which had helped to reduce crime rates  from two to five  cases in  any other week in the two areas.

On road accidents  the Regional Commander said   in 2011  a total of 621 cases  were recorded against  611 this year  with  780 deaths this year as against 440 last year,  with 89 fatal cases  this year as compared to 54 in 2011.

DCOP Koufie said 513 commercial vehicles were involved this year as against 377 last year whiles 302 private vehicles were involved against 223 last year with motor bikes recording 69 this year against 52 last year.

He attributed most of the accidents to attitudinal behaviour such as wrong overtaking, sometimes on a hill, or in a curve, non concentration, for instance using a mobile phone, an inhaler, changing of CDs as well as tiredness.

He said he was looking for the day that passengers would boycott a vehicle with no license, roadworthiness certificate and fire extinguisher and urged all station officers to enforce pre departure inspection on vehicles that load at their stations.

DCOP Kuofie said the police in the region were saddled with challenges such as people turning FM stations   into police stations where they make such Fm stations as their first point of call when there was an incident instead reporting to the police.

       He said he was not happy with politicians and political party leaders identifying themselves with suspects and pleaded on their behalf, thereby frustrating the work of the police and called on politicians to desist from the practice.

The Regional Commander said another major challenge facing the police was institutional frustration especially from the judiciary and hospitals and suggested that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should cover cases like defilement, rape and post mortem results.

According to him  because defilement, rape and post mortem results were not covered by the NHIS,  most victims  who  were  issued with medical forms to attend hospital failed  to return such forms because they could not pay the fees charged, thereby affecting police investigations  as well  delay  the prosecution of  cases.

He also mentioned illegal mining as another major problem facing the police and said illegal miners sometimes carried more sophisticated weapons than the police which make it difficult for them to arrest such culprits.

 

GNA

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Police in Tema promise to ensure peaceful elections

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Marian Osei-Adu, District Commander of the Tema Community Two Police, has assured electorate in the Metropolis that the security agencies were determined to ensure peaceful elections come December.
To this end, she said, the agencies would map-out strategies to contain any challenge that might arise.
DSP Osei-Adu gave the assurance when she represented the Tema Regional Police Command at an anniversary lecture organised by the Prince of Peace congregation of the Presbyterian Church at Communities Two and Five in Tema.
The lecture on the topic, "Ensuring Peaceful Elections: The Role of the Church," formed part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the Church.
DSP Osei-Adu pledged the Regional Police Command's preparedness to ensure peace in the Metropolis, before, during and after the polls.
She said measures were being put in place to ensure that no political party or individual violates the law, especially during the pre-election period, which would be characterized by party campaigns.
DSP Osei-Adu said on the voting day, the security agencies would provide adequate security at all collation centres.
Two other speakers at the lecture from the Regional branches of the National Commission for Civic Education and the Electoral Commission, pledged to give the electorate continuous education on the elections.
They reiterated the call on Ghanaians not to engage in any negative act that would mar the beauty of the voting process.

Reverend Dr Solomon Sule-Saa, Director in charge of the Ecumenical and Social Relations of the Presby Church, who chaired the function, reminded Christians of their role as peace-makers, to ensure free, transparent and peaceful polls.

GNA

Ark Foundation organizes peace forum

The Ark Foundation, Ghana, a gender based human rights NGO, on Wednesday organized a peace forum to solicit the views of various stakeholders in pursuance of peace during the coming elections.

 The inter-generational women's forum dubbed "Women unite to Speak Peace to Power" is part of the Foundation's Nuisance Project under which 30 young women have been trained to lead the process of promoting peace within three communities in Greater Accra, Ashanti and Eastern regions.

 These communities including Nima, Old Fadama and Jamestown in Accra; Koforidua in the Eastern Region as well as Kumasi in the Ashanti region, which believed to be "hotspots of political tension" during elections and were targeted for various peace programmes.

Mrs Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director, Ark Foundation, said the project aims at providing a platform for young women to employ advocacy and public actions to increase accountability and responsiveness of key stakeholders for maintaining peace in the country.

She said Star Ghana, a multi-donor pool institution, is funding the project as part of its contribution towards peaceful elections"

She said with a project like that "many young women were being trained by the foundation to fill various leadership positions in future" so there will be no more excuse that there are not enough women to occupy such positions in the country.

 Ms Angela Darko, Coordinator, Young Women for Peace Project, said participants attending the forum including representatives from political parties would discuss their thoughts and concerns and issue a communiqué that would be distributed to relevant actors in the country.

"These women would demonstrate their desire to influence the electioneering processes and stakeholders who are directly responsible for organising and coordinating the elections in order to prevent electoral violence, thereby contributing to peace."

She said at the selected communities, activities like Azonto dance competition, collection of 1,000 signatures from political, traditional and religious leaders as well as other celebrities and quiet peace vigils, banner line hangings and photo exhibition on war would be organized.

Professor Mercy Amba Oduyoye of the Institute of Women in Religion and Culture, Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon, said on the need for all to pray, seek and work towards peace which would help ensure security and integrity of the country.

 "We should give others the respect, tolerate each other and watch our language, especially in public. Peace will come when both men and women are educated to recognize each other's strength" Prof Oduyoye added.

Ms Susan Adu Amankwa, of the CPP and Ms Janet Nabilla of the PNC all expressed  their parties commitment towards peace in Ghana saying without peace elected leaders could not govern the country.

 
GNA

NDC members urged not to fret over the formation of new party

 Mr Theo Djanie Magoah, Chairman of Intimate Club, a branch of the National Demoractic Congress based at North Swalaba in Accra, has advised party members not to fret over the formation of a new party but must work to boost the membership of the party and ensure it wins the 2012 general elections.

    

In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday, Mr Magoah advised members of the party, especially the executives, to desist from engaging in any media debates on the issue but rather work together for victory in the 2012 elections.

    

He praised President Mills for the Better Ghana Agenda which had seen the construction of numerous schools, universities and donation of tractors to farmers, among other things.

   

"The supply of outboard motors to fishermen, ships to the Navy and aircrafts to the Ghana Air force all attest to the Better Ghana Agenda".

    

Mr Magoah advised Ghanaians to vote massively for the party to win massively in the 2012 general elections.

GNA


PPP Parliamentary candidate poised to unseat Wa Central MP

 Mr James Sohimwinye, the Progressive People's Party (PPP) Parliamentary candidate for Wa Central Constituency, on Wednesday said he was determined to unseat the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), Alhaji Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo in the forthcoming December polls.

The 39-year-old Bank Manager said this, in his maiden interaction with the media in Wa.

He said the pragmatic development ideas being trumpeted by the flag-bearer of his party Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom would help him "do the trick."    

He also believed his hard work at the bank had endeared him to the hearts of the constituents, who according to him were very much ready to reward him with their thumbs.   

 Mr Sohimwinye said even with his current position, he had been able to create some number of jobs for the teeming youth in the constituency and helped some business men and women to grow their businesses. 

 He said the Wa Central Constituency was a business community and needed a business minded person to lead and direct them to these business opportunities.

 He said the PPP's flag-bearer, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom and all his Parliamentary candidates were business minded people, capable of managing the country's economy to achieve the needed growth and development.

Mr Sohimwinye said the people of Wa Central Constituency were therefore waiting patiently to go for the PPP, as their only alternative, come December 2012.

Mr Sohimwinye said the PPP's campaign would be based on ideas and not on personalities as had often being the case with the two leading political parties; the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He advised all politicians to be tolerant and civil in their pronouncements in order to make this year's election more peaceful than the previous ones.

Mr. Sohimwinye, until his defection to the PPP was the Upper West Regional representative in the National Executive Committee of the Convention People's Party (CPP) and also the Regional Campaign Coordinator for Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, who was then the CPP Presidential candidate for the 2008 elections.

He is currently the Assembly Member for the Zingu Electoral Area in the Wa Municipality and also the PPP Regional Chairman.

GNA

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Political party executives sensitized on peaceful polls

The Asante-Akim South District branch of the Coalition of Women in Governance (COWIG) has held a day's seminar for political party executives in the area as part of  efforts to help to make this year's general election a peaceful one.  

 It brought together the leadership of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Progressive People's Party (PPP) at the constituency and polling station levels.  

The seminar which sought to increase women's participation in governance, was under the theme, "We know Politics II Project", and  was funded jointly by the European Union (EU) and Department for International Development (DFID) .

Mr William Ansah Kwakye, the District Chairman of Coalition, called for political tolerance and accommodation, saying, that was the path to grow the country's multi-party democracy.

Politicians should accept to play by the rules of the game, avoid intemperate language and actions likely to create tension and confusion.      

He said it was important for the leadership of the parties to have the courage to rein in their followers who engaged in acts of misconduct. 

Mr Kwakye said Ghana's democracy had won international admiration and it was therefore incumbent on all stakeholders to act responsibly, to build on the achievements made over the last two decades.         

Miss Khadija Musah, a member of COWIG, called on the parties to do more to encourage women to volunteer to take up elective positions.

GNA

 

Monday, July 9, 2012

Political parties and the security in joint peace walk

The leadership and supporters of four political parties in the Ashanti Region at the weekend joined the security services in a peace march in Kumasi to signal their readiness to work together to make the December general polls smooth and violent-free.

The parties are the National Democratic Congress (NDC), New Patriotic Party (NPP), People's National Convention (PNC) and the United Front Party (UFP).       

The well-patronized march started from the Regional Police Headquarters and ended at the Heroes Park where the people were addressed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Augustine Gyening, the Ashanti Regional Commander.

 He spoke about the need for political tolerance and said it was important for all to accept to live in peace and harmony regardless of differences in opinion.

He said political activists should be mindful of their pronouncements and refrain from acts that could trigger security challenges.

 DCOP Gyening reaffirmed that the police would remain politically neutral and would maintain high standards of professionalism in the performance of their duties.       

Mr Fredrick Fredua Antoh, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, appealed to his colleague politicians to engage in healthy political discourse devoid of insults, innuendoes and vilification of their opponents.

He urged them to play by the rules of decency and integrity, as they seek to win the mandate of the people to govern.

His NDC counterpart, Mr Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, said the parties should unite in their efforts to protect the peace, security and cohesion of the nation and called for adherence to the political parties' code of conduct to help prevent needless tension.

 

GNA

EC rejects NDP colours

The Electoral Commission (EC) has rejected the black, red, white and green colours presented for registration by the yet to be certified National Democratic Party (NDP), saying it violates the Political Parties Act 574.


The Party has been accordingly advised to work on its colours to conform with section 10 of the Act, which states that  "…No prospective political party shall submit to the Commission for the purpose of registration under this Act any identifying symbol, slogan, colour or name which is the same as the symbol, slogan, colour or name of any other registered political party; or of the Republic; or which so closely resembles the symbol, slogan, colour or name of a registered political party or the Republic as to be likely to deceive or confuse members of the public." 


The official colours of the ruling National Democratic Congress are black, red, white and green.
Mr Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, EC Deputy Chairman in Charge of Operations who made these known in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra at the weekend, said the Commission had set in motion a mechanism to scrutinize the documents presented for registration as a political party by the NDP.   


He said: "In accordance with the Political Parties Act (574) EC is mandated to issue not later than seven days after receipt of the application to the political party, a provisional certificate of registration.

 

The Commission would then cause a notice of the application to be published in the Gazette inviting objections from any person, concerning the name, aim, objects, constitution, rules, symbols, slogans and colours of the party". 


Mr Kantanka said according to the Political Parties law, the Commission may in addition to inviting objections to the application cause independent inquiries to be made so as to ascertain the truth or correctness of the particulars submitted with the application for registration.


On expiration of the 30 days after the date of the publication of the Gazette notice, the Commission shall, if satisfied that the relevant provisions on registration have been complied with register the political party, the Deputy Chairman said. 


"Where within the 30-day period an objection has been brought to the notice of the Commission, it shall not register the political party until the objection has been disposed of to the satisfaction of the Commission.

 

"Where the Commission upholds the objection or if enquiries made disclose that any of the particulars submitted with the application for registration are false, the Commission may refuse to register the party and cancel the provisional certificate issued to that party," he said. 


He explained that issues to consider include ethnic, gender, religious, regional, professional or other sectional divisions, and said the EC would also examine whether NDP's slogans or symbols could arouse ethnic, gender, religious, regional, professional or other sectional divisions. 


On the qualification of founding and executive members as the law, the EC Deputy Chairman said: "A political party shall not have as a founding member, a leader or a member of its executive, a person who is not qualified to be elected as a member of Parliament ... Or is not qualified to hold any public office".  


He further explained that an application to register a political party shall be made to the Commission and shall be accompanied with a copy of the constitution and the rules or regulations, if any, of the political party duly signed by the interim national chairman or leader and by the interim national or general secretary of the party.

He said the party should have on its national executive committee one member from each region; should  have branches in all the regions and should, in addition, be organised in not less than two-thirds of the districts in each region. 


" There should be in each district at least one founding member of the party who is ordinarily resident in the district or is a registered voter in the district;" he said, adding that the party's name, emblem, colour, motto or any other symbol should have no ethnic, gender, regional, religious or other sectional connotation or give the appearance that its activities are confined only to a part of the country.


"The Commission shall not register a political party under this Act unless the internal organisation of the party conforms with democratic principles and its actions and purposes are not contrary to or inconsistent with the Constitution", the EC official declared.

GNA

Friday, July 6, 2012

“No war during and after Polls”-Okyenhene

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Oforipanin, has stated that there would be "no war" before, during and after the December polls.
He said the country would continue to enjoy a peaceful environment and Ghanaians would go about their daily chores without any fear. 


Osagyefo Amoatia said this when the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Victor Smith, paid a courtesy call on him at his palace at Kyebi on Friday, as part of his familiarization tour to of the East Akyem Municipality.

 

He observed that the upcoming election was not the first the country had ever held and Ghana would continue to enjoy the relative peace it enjoyed after all those past elections.


Osagyefo Amoatia advised the electorate to leave polling stations after casting their ballot to avoid any misunderstanding.


Mr Smith on his part expressed worry over "galamsey' operations in the area, which he said were destroying water bodies and natural resources.


He said those activities posed a threat to future generations, not only in that area, but the country as a whole.

 Mr Smith indicated that under the Minerals Law, all minerals under the soil belonged to government and therefore anyone involved in illegal mining was stealing state property.


He warned galamsey operators to desist from their illegal operations to avoid falling foul of the law.


Mr Smith also advised chiefs, who were giving out concessions to "galamsey" operators to desist from those acts else the law will catch up with them.


He assured Ghanaians that the government would make sure the country remained peaceful before, during and after the December general elections.

GNA

Political Education Access NPP will address disparity in access to education - Nana Akufo-Addo

 

 Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said his administration would help address the wide disparity between the rich and the poor in accessing tertiary education in the country.

 He said his government would embark on massive expansion of educational infrastructure at the basic school through to the tertiary level across a 10-year period as well as establish a school to serve each community across the country.

Nana Akufo-Addo was responding to a question by a participant at an interaction with some members of professional bodies in Sunyani as part of his campaign tour in the Brong–Ahafo Region. The tour is dubbed "RESTORING HOPE".

The NPP flagbearer's team is also scheduled to hold meetings with the electorate in parts of the region.

 The tour to the Region, which started on July 3, has taken the NPP Presidential candidate to Mehame, Dadiesoaba, Nkaseim, Fienkyemu and Hwidiem. It is expected to end on July 8, 2012.

 The meeting with members of the professional bodies was aimed at tapping their inputs and sharing ideas on how to move the nation forward.

 Nana Akufo-Addo reiterated the need to find lasting solution to the "age old tradition and practice" of polytechnic teachers embarking on strikes to back their demands for better conditions of service.

 

  "It is important to ensure a systemic overhaul of the whole structure, an important challenge that requires the NPP replacing the NDC in government to effect the right and necessary changes on the way things are done", he said.

Nana Akufo-Addo indicated there was a critical need to address the longstanding impasse between teachers, especially those in polytechnics and the government as their roles and contributions were very significant and paramount to the industrial transformation of Ghana's economy.

 He said upon assumption of power, the NPP government would transform the polytechnics into colleges of technology and put special emphasis and premium on such institutions by bringing new changes and improvement in areas such as budget control and syllabus.

 The NPP flagbearer called for a discussion to enable the people to build consensus and find new perspectives to help address pertinent issues and concerns bordering on polytechnic education in the country.

 He said it was also his objective to nip in the bud the phenomenon where access to quality education was restricted to a selected few who could afford, have the contacts and connections with some individuals and institutions.

  He noted that these practices only helped to manage and enforce the class nature in the educational sector thereby denying the poor good quality education.

  Nana Akufo-Addo emphasized his administration would ensure education was made accessible to every child in Ghana, irrespective of economic and financial standing.

 "Free Senior High School is important for the future of Ghana. We are fully committed to broadening access to education at first and second cycle institutions and how to motivate the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and other professional teachers including their terms and conditions of service so children can have the requisite training in education", he said.

 Nana Akufo-Addo added it was part of the NPP's manifesto and gave the promise that teachers would be assisted by the central government to buy personal houses for use during retirement as part of their meritorious contributions and service to the nation.

 He stated that the NPP when voted into power would do all it could to resource farmers with credit to enable them to improve their businesses and channel funds to where they were needed to avoid wastage in the system.

 Nana Akufo-Addo said the current happenings at the Ministry of Justice and Attorney's General Department where a sector Minister and his deputy have different stances on the payment of judgment debt in the Woyome saga, was an "aberration" in President Mills' administration.

He emphasized the need to strengthen state legal system to help entrench the rule of law, adding "there is the urgent need to adequately expand, resource and recruit the scope of the people there".

Replying to a question on the increasing cost of production and its adverse effects in the poultry industry, Mr. Akobour Debrah, MP for Tano North, said there was the need to modernize the industry in order to reduce cost of production.

"This is vital because the world has become a global village and if that is not done one cannot compete effectively on the international market", he said, stressing the need to add value to the production of broilers to make up for the high protein consumption, which stood at 20 to 35 per cent.

 Mr. Kwadwo Adjei Darko, former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, asked Ghanaians to disabuse their minds about furthering their education at the university level after pursuing polytechnic education.
  "Such attitude turns to make the universities superior to polytechnics and defeats the purpose for which the polytechnics were set up and the law establishing them, since they (polytechnics) are practical-oriented institutions designed to run at par with the Universities.

"All that we want to do is to try as much as possible to enable people who want to attain as high as obtaining a PhD degree at the polytechnic to do so and not necessarily switch over to a public university", he added.

 Nana Akufo-Addo is to continue his tour to Goaso and Mim in Ahafo part of Brong–Ahafo Region.

 

GNA