Ghana Votes

Monday, August 27, 2012

Mind your language during campaigns - Maulvi Wahab advises politicians

    

Maulvi Wahab Adam, Head and Missionary in charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, has advised on political leaders and their supporters to engage in a clean electioneering campaign.

He said it was important for Ghanaians to demonstrate to the world once again that their country is a beacon in Africa as far as peaceful elections are concerned.

Maulvi Adam made the call when he inaugurated the Jamia Ahmadiyya International University College of Theology located at Mankessim that would start operations in the first week of September.

The University College, the first of its kind in Africa, has enrolled 19 graduates from diploma-awarding Ahmadiyya Muslim Missionary Training Colleges from both West and East Africa to pursue a seven-year degree programme called "Shahid'' an Islamic scholarly degree.

Other countries with similar University Colleges are the United Kingdom, Germany, Indonesia, Pakistan and India.

Maulvi Adam urged all Ghanaians to pray to God for His mercies so as to have free, fair, transparent and violence-free elections, and urged all political parties to accept the final results in good faith.

He said the School was established under the auspices and patronage of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, a global spiritual leader and founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission.

He said the Mission opened a diploma-awarding Ahmadiyya Muslim Missionary Training College at Saltpond, which was later moved to Ekumfi Ekrowfo in 1965, to ensure an organized and steady spread of the peaceful teachings of Islam with hundreds from 17 countries having graduated.

Maulvi Adam said he was hopeful that graduates from the University would be equipped to spread the peaceful message of Islam to Ghana and the entire continent of Africa, thus promoting peace, progress and prosperity.

Maulvi Fareed Ahmad Naveed, Principal of the University College, said the principles of the School were based on religious education for Muslim students who would want to be missionary scholars and that they would be taught different aspects of religious knowledge aside Islam, interreligious harmony and equality.

He said the project would be carried out in seven phases and the first phase, which has facilities such as mosque, lecture rooms, dormitories and libraries, began about nine months.

He said more facilities will be spread across the 52-acre land in the ensuing years.

GNA

The Church and Politics

Since religion is about the good of society, the church cannot remain silent as the country faces problems. Because of the influence of the church, its voice should be heard on issues that affect the nation.

It holds the conscience of society and therefore, can act in time to address pertinent issues including corruption, moral decadence and the emerging culture of insults among politicians.


The fact still remains that the church and the state are partners in progress, and it cannot therefore, look on unconcerned while the nation is destroyed by theses social ills.

It's in this light that the Times associates itself with the admonition by the vice-president  Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur to the clergy to use their pulpit to propagate peace and unity, as the nation gears up towards the December general election.


"We trust that we can count on the church to help us hold a successful election and to have a peaceful country in which we can bring our diverse gifts together for the benefit of all", he told the congregation at the 45th annual conference of the Methodist church, Ghana at Tema on Thursday.


He expressed concern about the service and devotion to mankind, and not insults and vilifications as we are witnessing.


That is why we implore our politicians to be civil in their utterances and refrain from acts of provocation against each other.


If our politicians consider themselves as true Christians, they would not regard those who disagree with them as enemies, trade insults in the media or incite their supporters to violence. Instead, they would consider their opponents as brothers who are also seeking the common good of the nation.


We believe that if our church leaders can devote a few minutes during church services to preach against social evils that have afflicted the nation, it would not only benefit their congregations but the larger society, including those seeking the mandate of the people to govern the nation.


The Vice President's admonition to the clergy is a food for thought.


Source: Ghanaian times.

PPP launches Awutu-Senya East campaign

The Central Regional Chairman of the Progressive People's Party (PPP), Mr. Adu Ansah, has called on Ghanaians to reject the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) because they have nothing good to offer them.

He said Ghanaians have tested the two parties and should therefore vote for the PPP under the leadership of Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, a visionary and incorruptible candidate that has the welfare of the people at heart.

Mr Ansah said this at the launching the Awutu-Senya East campaign of the party at Kasoa on Saturday.

He said the PPP will undertake a clean campaign devoid of insults personal attack and acrimony saying politics is not about insults, attacks or character assassination.

Mr Ansah advised the members of the party to eschew using insults and offensive speeches during their campaign but work hard to win more people into the party since winning elections is by numbers.

He later introduced Dr Rashid Adu Gyamfi, the parliamentary candidate of the constituency, to the people.

Dr Adu Gyamfi said previous and current parliamentarians failed to develop the area and that the people in Kasoa and its environs have for over 20 years been denied many social amenities including good drinking water and roads.

He said the lack of jobs for the youth which has contributed to the high crime wave in the area and that a government under Dr Nduom would create more job opportunities for the youth and build a strong economy for the nation.

He urged members of the party to ignore insults and other stories against the party and propagate the good works the Party.

 

GNA

 

Let's conduct a clean campaign devoid vilifications - Asamoah-Boateng

Mr. Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, former Information Minister and Parliamentary Candidate for Mfantseman West, has urged supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to conduct a clean campaign devoid of vilification and personal attacks.

He said the 2012 elections should be an issues-based and not one based propaganda and lies against opponents to win votes.

Mr Asamoah-Boateng made this known at the Youth and Women wings Campaign launch of the Mfantseman West Constituency at Saltpond.

He said "Ghanaians are ready to vote NDC out of power because it lacked ideas and policy direction to rule the country".

Mr Asamoah-Boateng asked supporters not to foment trouble and acrimony but work hard to enable the party win both Parliamentary and Presidential elections in December 7.

He said Ghanaians must demand stewardship from NDC four years in office adding that government has woefully failed to deliver the promises given to the people in 2008 elections.

The former Information Minister said the ruling NDC was joking with the economy of the country and that the government under Mr John Dramani Mahama should be able to tell Ghanaian the true picture of the nation.

He said NDC has used state resources that could be used to improve livelihood of Ghanaians to pay judgment debts to its cronies which had brought economic hardship to the people.

Mr. Asamoah-Boateng urged the people of Mfantseman West to vote for him and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to enable them enjoy the proposed free senior High School education policy.

Mr Adjei Baffoe, Central Regional Organizer of NPP, said government under Nana Akufo-Addo would resuscitate the cocoa mass spraying exercise, National Health Insurance scheme and social interventions that had hit rock as a result of bad government.

Mr. Adomako Baafi, a member of NPP National Communication Team, called on the supporters of the party in the area to intensify their campaign to enable the party to recapture the Parliamentary seat.

He urged the people at the coastal area especially fishermen, to rally behind the party adding that they have suffered too much under the administration of NDC three and half years rule.

Ms Sally Baby Gabrah, Central Regional Executive member of NPP, urged women in the region to vote massively for the party saying NPP has good policies and programes for them.

GNA

 

NPP Government will manage state resources to benefit all - Nana Akufo-Addo

Nana Akufo-Addo, Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has assured the nation of his commitment to manage well the country's resources to benefit every citizen.

He said though the country was fortunate to be gifted with natural resources that needed to be tapped to improve standard of living of the citizens, they had been mismanaged by the current government bringing much hardship to the people.

"God did not put on this rich land to be poor but the poor management of the NDC is making us poorer and poorer", Nana Akufo-Addo said.

Nana Akufo-Addo was addressing party faithful and supporters at the Mantse-Agbonaa at James Town in Accra on Saturday to officially launch the party's 2012 electioneering campaign.

Prior to that, about 6,000 NPP members flanked by former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former Vice President Aliu Mahama and Nana Akufo Addo, met at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre to launch the NPP's manifesto.

Nana Akufo-Addo said corruption was rife in this present government and that its officials lacked vision to develop and implement the right policies to help raise the standard of living of the people.

For this reason, he said, NPP was prepared to wrestle power from the hands of the NDC to take Ghanaians to the land of prosperity and progress.

He said the NPP had developed best policies to be implemented when voted into power. The policies he noted would ensure all Ghanaians have a share of the national cake.

Nana Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to provide free Senior High School education.  

The campaign launch saw the NPP Flagbearer introduced all the NPP parliamentary candidates for the 2012 general elections.

Other NPP gurus, who spoke at the event, were Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Mahamudu Bawumia, running mate to Nana Akufo-Addo, and Mr. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, the Chairman of the NPP.   

GNA

 

 

Friday, August 24, 2012

President Mahama picks nomination forms and asks for unity

President John Dramani Mahama has called on the rank and file of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to bury their differences by forging ahead to become a formidable side in this year's December general election.

This he said they could do by pooling their resources together and by patching up all disputes and disagreements that existed amongst them over the years.

President Mahama made this call when he picked nomination form to contest to become the Presidential candidate of the NDC for the December polls.

The NDC Constitution makes provision for the flag bearer of the party to be elected 12 months for the Presidential election, so the death of the late President Mills had put the NDC in an awkward position, compelling them to choose another leader for the elections.

The NDC National Executive Council, therefore, relied on Article 50 of their constitution, which confers on the NEC the power to make regulations for dealing with matters for which no provision has been made for in the party's constitution.

President Mahama paid GH¢5,000 for the nomination form to the General Secretary of the NDC at the party's headquarters and would be paying an additional GH¢20,000.00 on submission, before which a total of 1,157 people from all the 230 constituencies of the country including him would have signed the form.  

Upon completion of the form, the party would hold a congress to endorse his candidature at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, after which they would go ahead the same day to launch the NDC's campaign at the Kumasi Jubilee Park.

President Mahama commended the National Executive Council of the party for following the due process and the laws and regulations guiding the nomination of candidates for the party.

"I feel satisfied that the rules have been followed", he said.

The President thanked the NEC and all members of the NDC for the confidence reposed in him, and indicated that he would use the opportunity to bring all the party members together.

President Mahama assured party members of peaceful and successful election, and indicated that the party would then have the opportunity to kick-off the electioneering campaign after the launch of their campaign.

Mr Asiedu Nketia General Secretary of the party said since the NDC constitution provided that when the party was in power, the flag bearer must be selected 12 months before the election, the NEC was forced to consider other provisions following the demise of President Mills and the fact that it was only about five months to the election.  

He said the NEC was, therefore, empowered by Article 50 of the NDC Constitution, which empowered it to take decisions in such circumstances.

He said by the NDC constitution, the President was the leader of the party, and indicated that with the demise of President Mills, the then Vice-President Mahama, who had assumed the position of the President was the leader of the party.

Consequently, he said, the NEC was right in nominating him as the flag bearer for congress to endorse him.

 

GNA

Thursday, August 23, 2012

PREZ MAHAMA ON POLTICS OF INSULT

The politics of mud-slinging which is fast gaining grounds in the politics of Ghana to many is not new. What is worrying as the nation prepares to go to the polls on December 7, 2012 is the devastating manner it has taken shape in recent times.
Communicators of the various political parties almost on daily basis spew insults, wild allegations, innuendos and many other derogatory words against each other to gain cheap, parochial political points.
Though the leadership of these parties has in the past openly pledged to run their campaigns devoid of insults, the followers have failed to heed the wise counsel of their leaders. The leaders on the other hand have woefully failed to call their 'attack dogs' to order when found to have been engaged in insulting political opponents.
The Media Foundation For West Africa have over the past weeks dutifully played their party by exposing media organizations that promote insults, as well as individuals  who engage in verbal assaults to serve as deterrent to others. Such interventions we believe are crucial in the campaign against insults.
President John Mahama who is well known as affable ,has since assumption of office as President of Ghana  and the yet-to-be endorsed flag bearer of the ruling National Democratic Congress for the upcoming election, added his voice and pledged to run his campaign with decency and dignity.
During a visit by the leadership of the Assemblies of God Church, Ghana to the castle, Osu.  Mr. Mahama pledged that "we in government will do everything possible to conduct political activities with sense of dignity and decency to continue to consolidate and raise Ghana's enviable position in African political ladder"
President Mahama appealed to the leadership of the various political parties to step up education programs that would discourage their communicators  and supporters from trading in insults during the  political campaigns.
Subsequently ,the special aide to the New Patriotic Party flag bearer ,Nana Akufo-Addo, Mustapha Hamid, the presidential candidate of the Progressive People's Party, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom ,and the director of communications of the Convention People's Party, Nii Armah Akomfrah have all given their word to campaign on issues and not insults.
Verbal commitments we dare say are not enough. The leaders of these parties must be seen and heard constantly educating their communicators and followers to avoid insults. Offenders should be reprimanded in public to serve as deterrent to others. The media must also play their watchdog roles by not only desisting from giving their platforms to insulting politicians ,but by giving less prominence to destructive language that does not promote peace . with additional support from civil society, well-meaning Ghanaians  and the blessing of the almighty God, the country is sure to be on its way to organizing yet another peaceful election come December 7. 

Source: The Heritage newspaper

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

W/R Election Security Task Force to organize peace walk

The Western Regional Election Security Task Force is to organize a peace walk on September 8, 2012, to draw public attention to the need for peace before, during and after  2012 Election.  

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Ransford Moses Ninson, the Regional Police Commander and the Chairman of the Task Force, announced this at a meeting with representatives of political parties and the media at Takoradi on Tuesday.  

He said personnel of security services, media and other stakeholders would take part in the walk from Sekondi to Takoradi.  

 COP Ninson asked political parties and the media to protect the country's democratic credentials by acting according to democratic norms.  

 He said Ghana was widely regarded as a leading democratic country in Africa, and the December 7 polls  must consolidate this achievement.  

DCOP Ninson asked political parties to avoid insults and character assassination of their opponents, to prevent mayhem during elections. 

He also asked them to refrain from instigating the youth to disrupt rallies of their political opponents and snatching of ballot boxes.    

DCOP Ninson cautioned political parties not to declare results of elections before the Electoral Commission releases its official figures.  

He asked the media not to publish, broadcast or telecast inflammatory or defamatory statements of political parties.
  

GNA

NPP spells-out educational blue print

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday spelt-out the party's educational policy, which hinges on redefining basic education to make it compulsory from Kindergarten to Senior High School (SHS).

"To ensure that no child is denied access to secondary education, we will remove the biggest obstacles: cost and access. In addition to tuition and other costs already borne by government, admission, library, computer, science centre, feeding, boarding, examination fees, and entertainment fees, along with textbooks and utilities will all be free.

 "In order to ensure equity, day students will also be fed at school free of charge...NPP's free secondary school education will cover Technical and Vocational institutions as well," Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, NPP flag bearer for Elections 2012 stated in Accra.
Nana Akufo-Addo, who was speaking at the Institute of Economics Affairs' platform dubbed: "Evening Encounter with Presidential Candidates," emphasized that the cost of providing free secondary school education would be cheaper than the cost of the current alternative of a largely uneducated and unskilled workforce that retarded development.

The NPP Flagbearer, spotting black suit with navy blue shirt without a tie, was accompanied to the Kofi Annan International ICT Centre venue for the encounter by a large contingent of NPP leading members, including Dr Mahamudu Bawumia his running mate, some national and regional executives and some Members of Parliament.

He stressed that leadership was about choices – "I will choose to invest in the future of our youth and of our country".
Making some statistical analysis on how to fund the NPP's proposed free education policy, Nana Akufo-Addo explained that the additional cost of providing Free Senior High School will be one per cent of Ghana's GDP.

The cost of providing free secondary school education, which includes tuition, boarding, feeding and all the other charges for the 2013-2014 academic year is estimated at 0.1 per cent of GDP.

According to the NPP Flagbearer, this translated into some GH¢78 million..."We have made provision for a major increase in enrolment as a result of admitting all Junior High School students into SHS in 2014-2015.

"We expect the cost to rise to GH¢288 million (0.3 per cent of GDP) in that academic year and increase to GH¢774 million in 2015-2016 (0.7 per cent of GDP).
He explained that additional expenditure on more teachers, infrastructure for schools, including expanding and rehabilitating existing infrastructure, and establishing cluster schools in areas where there are no SHS, would bring the total cost to GH¢755 million (0.9 per cent of GDP) in 2013 and rise to GH¢1.45 billion (1.3 per cent of GDP) in 2016.
Nana Akufo-Addo said providing free secondary education would increase the total educational expenditure from the 4.1 per cent of GDP in 2012 to 5.8 per cent by 2016, a figure still below the UNESCO minimum of six per cent.

"I am prepared to go beyond that in order to improve quality at all levels – Primary, JHS, SHS, and Tertiary," he stated.
According to Nana Akufo-Addo, countries that have taken deliberate, successful steps to improve their economies had spent substantial amounts of their national income on education.

He said a number of African countries were doing better than Ghana as Kenya spends 6.7 per cent of its GDP on education, South Africa six per cent and Lesotho 13 per cent of its GDP on education.

"Let me put this into context; the NDC admits to paying out some GH¢640 million, equivalent to 1.4 per cent of Ghana's 2010 GDP, as judgment debts; Are we telling parents and their children that a Ghana that can afford to spend 1.4 per cent of its income on judgment debts cannot afford to spend an additional 1.3 per cent of its income on giving its children free secondary education?
"We know how to fund it. A percentage of the oil revenues allocated to the Ghana National Petroleum Company, and for the funding of the budget, as well as a greater percentage from GETFund, will be used to finance the programme".
The next NPP government, he said, would attract, train and retain young professionals into the teaching profession. "We will make it easier for teachers to upgrade their skills, improve their status and provide them with incentives.

"Any teacher with 10 or more years of service will be eligible for a mortgage scheme, supported by government, for a home anywhere in the country. We shall endeavour to make teaching in the rural areas, in particular, less stressful by providing accommodation and transportation.
"It is obvious that the scope of our modern lives has placed extra responsibilities on our teachers. With most families now made up of both parents going out to work, children spend much longer periods at school and teachers have to see to their moral as well as academic upbringing. Society must recognize this and accord our teachers the necessary incentives.

"That is why an Akufo-Addo presidency, God-willing, will introduce a Teacher First policy to give teachers the recognition they deserve. Free education must be achieved, hand in hand, with quality education and we shall work with the religious bodies to ensure equal weight is attached to the moral upbringing of our children.
"We also acknowledge the important work the private schools are doing, and we will work with them to improve delivery".
He said when elected as President, he would implement the 2008 Education Act, which makes provisions for apprenticeship schemes; Technical and Vocational Institutions would be increased, equipped and enhanced to help fill the critical skills gap required to industrialize Ghana. 

"At the higher level, education must produce technical, professional and managerial personnel to drive Ghana's industrialisation and transformation.
"We shall formalise collaboration between government, the private sector, teachers' associations and institutions of higher learning, including polytechnics for manpower planning and needs and, thereby, address this new, unwelcome phenomenon of rising levels of graduate unemployment.

"We will put greater emphasis on research and development, science and technology, to provide the nuts and bolts for the new economy".

Nana Akufo Addo noted that education is at the heart of the NPP programme. "We cannot transform the economy and the country without transforming the knowledge and skills of our people. Every child, rich or poor, able-bodied or disabled, deserves a good education.
"Currently, at every stage of education, our children are falling out of the system. To our eternal shame, some children born in this country never even make it to a classroom.
"The situation has become significantly worse over the last three years, with even fewer children (47% as against 62% in 2008) passing the BECE. In some villages, not a single child passes the exam. Every year, more than 150,000 young Ghanaians leave school at JHS level without any opportunities for further education or training. This is dangerous"

GNA

 

NPP Flag bearer pledges to build a prosperous society

 Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for Elections 2012, on Tuesday pledged to build a prosperous society, which will create opportunities for all citizens, rewards creativity, honesty and hard work.

 "My goal is to provide transformational leadership where there is discipline and fairness, where people go about their lives in a free and responsible manner, a society where there are safety nets for the vulnerable and decent retirement for the elderly.

"An open society protected by well-resourced and motivated security services and where the rule of law works," Nana Akufo-Addo stated at the Institute of Economics Affairs'(IEA) platform dubbed: "Evening Encounter with Presidential Candidates," in Accra.
Nana Akufo Addo spotting black suit with navy blue shirt without a tie stormed the Kofi Annan International ICT Centre venue for the encounter with troops of NPP leading members including Dr Mahamudu Bawumia his running mate, some national and regional executives and Members of Parliament. 

The NPP Flagbearer declared: "Ghana needs effective leadership, leadership, which is honest, competent and determined to deliver. A leadership of conviction, which is committed to fighting corruption, and dedicated to the welfare and wellbeing of Ghanaians.

"It is ear that corruption has become rampant in these last few years, robbing us of much needed resources for our development. I am determined to fight corruption aggressively, and I can do so, because I am not corrupt, have never been corrupt, and will demand the same of my team.

 "Accountability and transparency are the hallmarks of good governance. Ghana needs this, Ghana deserves this and I, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, pledge to deliver this to the good people of Ghana".

He assured the electorates that the party has a team, a dynamic and competent team, to implement plans designed to transform the lives of the people and develop in Ghana, a free, democratic, modern African state – one that can hold its own in a competitive world.

"I am privileged to have a deep pool of talent of men and women in the NPP to draw from, as well as from the broad spectrum of Ghanaian talent, home and abroad, to turn the dreams of freedom and prosperity of our forefathers into reality.

"We have a clear vision of where we want to take Ghana and a detailed road map of how to get there. But in order to make the journey, we humbly need you, fellow citizens and fellow Ghanaians, to make a decisive choice on December 7th and give us your mandate.

"Together, we will transform Ghana, and use all the blessings that the Almighty has bestowed on us to bring prosperity to our people and nation".
Nana Akufo-Addo stated: "I do not underestimate the challenges we face in trying to achieve these goals, especially since many of you do not trust politicians, because of the many broken promises.

"But, I want you, the Ghanaian people, to give me the opportunity to serve you differently. I want you to trust me. I am no stranger to you. I have stood with you all my adult life, fighting for our individual and collective rights.
"I am proud of what we have so far achieved in political and civil rights. The next struggle is for economic progress: transforming our economy for opportunities and prosperity for us all, regardless of the circumstances of our birth.

"I am strong in my conviction and confident that we can do it. I know we are capable. Let us be strong and courageous. God did not put us on this rich land to be poor. It is bad leadership that makes us poor".
Nana Akufo-Addo also used the platform to pay tribute to the late President John Evans Atta Mills, whose demise necessitated the postponement of the event for two weeks.
He, however, encouraged Ghanaians to be proud that together we are building a democratic state, a Ghana being governed by the rule of law.

"We have just gone through a unique period in our history, dealing with the death in office of a sitting President. When put to the test, our democratic institutions rose to the occasion.

"The transfer of the Presidency was peaceful, smooth and constitutional and we should all be encouraged by the way the system worked. It strengthens those of us who have fought all our lives for democracy to flourish in Ghana, for it shows that constitutional democracy is the best form of governance for our beloved nation," he noted.

The NPP Flagbearer admonished all to cherish and protect the precious democratic values, which form the basis for the unity and progress of Ghana.

"We may have our differences, but what joins us together is more important. We are one Ghana and I am totally committed to working to ensure peace and unity for the Ghana project. 

"I congratulate our new President, John Dramani Mahama and new Vice President, Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur on their assumption of office and wish them well in their brief, caretaker role.

"Their most important responsibility to Ghana is to ensure that we have a peaceful, free and fair election in December. Ghanaians expect nothing less.

My party and I are totally devoted to Ghana's peace and stability, as we have always been.

"We, famously, demonstrated this in 2008 when, despite the narrowest of losing margins, we did nothing to jeopardize the stability of the nation and lived up to my pledge of not allowing a single drop of Ghanaian blood to be shed.
"I pray to God that all other stakeholders, especially the Electoral Commission, the ruling party and the security agencies, also make a genuine commitment to work towards a peaceful election, one that is free from fraud, intimidation, harassment and violence".

GNA

 

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Ghanaians asked to obey electoral laws



Neenyi F.K.A. Tagoe, Principal Civic Education Officer at the Central Region Office of the National Commission for Civic Education, has appealed to Ghanaians to obey electoral laws, to ensure peaceful polls in December 7.

He reminded the people that: "No amount of exhortations can sustain peace in the country if the people decide not to obey electoral rules".

Neenyi Tagoe was addressing a camp meeting of Moree Circuit of the Cape Coast Diocese of the Methodist Church at Akatakyiwa, near Yamoransa, at the weekend.

He advised religious organisations to lead the crusade for peaceful elections by educating the people on the need to observe the electoral process.

Neenyi Tagoe, who is also  Chief of Subonpany, near Winneba in the Afutu Municipality,  said that "exercising one's franchise is not compulsory, but a responsibility  to elect a government to ensure law and order and national development."

 He appealed to political parties to ensure that members of their electoral observer teams were made up of committed and 
knowledgeable persons, who could protect the interest of the  parties.

 Mr Ben Darko, an official of Mfantseman Municipal Office of the Electoral Commission (EC), said the EC would work hard to ensure successful elections in December, and  advised Ghanaians to check the proper spelling of their names and other details on  the voters' register when it is exhibited.

 

GNA

Opt for serious, capable and incorruptible leaders, Nduom urges Ghanaians

Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Flag bearer of the Progressive People's Party (PPP) at the weekend urged Ghanaians to uphold the virtues of truth and expose corruption to engender stability, peace, unity and prosperity in the country.

He said there was the need to bring the spotlight on corruption in order for the country to have the kind of inclusiveness that it needed to develop.

We need truth to eschew the rot in politics, governance, business and society in general as a whole. There is the need to expose corruption in the society to make the country's development sustainable and inclusive.

 "It is by dealing with corruption that we would be able to effectively grow this country to the desired level", he said when he led a PPP delegation to call on the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu at his residence in Accra.

The call was to show solidarity with the Muslim community on the completion of their Eid ul Fitr.

Dr Nduom congratulated Muslims for successfully going through the Ramadan period and prayed for God's blessings for strength and good health to ensure that they get what they hoped for.

He said the period was that of sober reflection, urging the Chief Imam to pray for peace, unity and stability as the country approached the general election.

The PPP Flag bearer said the party believed in peace and god governance and would thus offer incorruptible leadership to ensure that government funds are put to judicious use to ensure that there was better education, healthcare and jobs for Ghanaians to live in true peace and prosperity.

Sheikh Sharubutu praised Ghana's peaceful environment which is an envy of other countries, and suggested the need for the country to maintain unity and stability.

"I believe in peaceful co-existence even with different beliefs and opinions… We need to live peacefully.

 "We should show gratefulness to Allah for this country's stability for Him to continue to bless us …But if we engage in violence then we are being ungrateful to Allah. Elections should be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. We should always pray for peace," he said.

Sheikh Sharubutu prayed for Allah's blessing for Dr Nduom and the PPP to achieve the task ahead of them.

The PPP presented cash and a quantity of food items to the Chief Imam.

The donation formed part of a package of about GH¢10,000 that the PPP had committed to eight Muslim communities in Accra for the celebration of the Eid ul Fitr.
The party also donated some food items and an undisclosed cash amount to the National Chief Imam

  

 

GNA

 





 

Daily Graphic Editor wins NDC parliamentary primaries

 Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini, Night Editor at Graphic Communications Group Limited has won the bid to contest the Sagnarigu North Constituency parliamentary elections on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).   

Alhaji Fuseini polled 112 votes to beat four other contestants during the primaries organized by the party at Jinsonayili, near Tamale on Monday.   

The election was supervised by officials from the Electoral Commission.  

The losers included Madam Olivia Yahaya, Northern Regional Manager of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, who polled 93 votes, Hajia Hawawu Boya Gariba, Deputy Minister of Women and Children's Affairs, who polled 10 votes, Mr Soulisu Salifu Alabila, and Mr Richard Yakubu Andani, who polled two votes and one vote respectively.   

Out of a total of 222 delegates, 219 were present to cast their votes, whiles one vote was rejected.

The Sagnarigu North Constituency is one of the 45 new constituencies that the Electoral Commission is seeking to create.  

In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Fuseini thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and promised to work hard to win the seat.  

He called on the losing contestants as well as supporters to close their ranks and work together to enable the party to win massively in the constituency. 

 

GNA


Opt for serious, capable and incorruptible leaders, Nduom urges Ghanaians

Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, flagbearer of the Progressive People's Party (PPP), has called on Ghanaians to opt for serious, capable, competent, incorruptible leaders who can bring progress, prosperity, unity and peace to the country.

He said governance was a "serious business that must be given to serious people to handle", and that Ghanaians should do away with the political class that have stood in the nation's progressive path.

Dr Nduom made the call over the weekend at the launch of the party's campaign to capture the Ayawaso West Wuogon parliamentary seat in Election 2012, at Dzorwulu in Accra.

The event held on the theme:  "Change Is Coming … Get Involved!", was also used as a lunch-pad for the PPP's nationwide political campaign for parliamentary slots, and to officially introduce the party's parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, Mr William Dowokpor, a media and development consultant.

Dr Nduom asked the electorate to examine those vying to lead the country in 2012 Election, and identified himself as the most competent among the lot, considering his record of tangible achievements both in government and in private life.

The PPP flagbearer said he was in the presidential race not because he merely thought he was the most qualified or had money to spend, but because he had been called to serve the people.

Dr Nduom said he had re-dedicated himself to the pursuit of public office to bring unequaled progress, peace and prosperity to Ghanaians.

The PPP Flagbeaer said that he had worked tirelessly to forge a new political tradition in the country, focusing on incorruptible leadership, healthcare, education and jobs, which he could confidently deliver to Ghanaians if elected as President of Ghana.

He, however, noted that governance was not an individual business, but one that called for all and sundry to join forces to rid the political system of corruption in order to establish an era of "unprecedented prosperity" in the country.

Dr Nduom said he was in the presidential race to clean the corruption-laden political status quo of the country, and to work to uphold the principles of truth and peace to engender the rapid development of Ghana.

He called on Ghanaian to remove the two leading parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from the political terrain, and vote the PPP to power to put Ghana back on the course to peace and prosperity.

Mr. William Dowokpor touted his appreciation of good governance and his commitment to incorruptible leadership as the main attribute he has bought to the race to become the parliamentarian for the constituency.

He said he was convinced that professionals like himself with a deep understanding of good governance needed to move into the arena of active politics "to replace the old tired political system with the new politics that guarantees transformational development to uplift the living conditions of every Ghanaian regardless of political affiliation or background".

"I am therefore going to Parliament to provide a strong voice to those who live and work in this constituency…..We are on the verge of something special; and that is to win and get residents involved in the governance of our constituency for the first time".

Mr. Dowokpor said that the constituents had voted for political parties in the last 20 years but had not had a true representative yet, saying, "What you have had is a representative of a party, by the party for the party".

"But what I would offer you a representative of the people for the people by the people…..I come to as the referendum member of parliament, who will involve you in the decisions and contributions I will make in parliament.

"We need to get it right this year in Ayawaso West Wuogon, or the next four years will continue to be frustrating for all of us" he told the large gathering of constituents and polling station executives of the party.

"You deserve an MP, who solicits your views before speaking on your behalf. You deserve an MP who, works had for your community throughout his term of office. This year you can make this happen when you vote for me", he said.

The Parliamentary Aspirant is basing his campaign on reliability in utility and public service, facilitation of jobs for the youth, advocating the PPP's policy of free continuous compulsory education and the involvement of the constituents in the governance of the area.

The party's polling station executives were sworn into office at the event.

    

GNA

Zongo communities urge political parties to include them in their manifestos

The Northerners and Zongos Concerned Youth Association of Ghana (NAZYAG), on Friday urged the Government and all political parties to include policies and developmental initiatives on ways to improve the lives of Muslim communities in their manifestoes.

A statement issued by Mr Osumanu Guarantee, Public Relations Officer of NAZYAG in Accra said, "Gradually the Zongo youths are shunning away from electoral violence and pledging to continue seeking higher education and skills. We deem it insulting if any politician attempts to use our youth for any negative vices that would disrupt and cause mayhem before, during and after Election 2012".

The Association pleaded with employers not to sideline Muslims and reject qualified and competent Muslim youths because of their religious belief.

 It called on Muslims to respect and tolerate each other to ensure peace in all the Zongo communities and the nation.

The Association is a Muslim civil society organisation established in 2001 with members in all the 240 Zongo communities in Ghana.

GNA

Rickett Hagan wins NDC Parliamentary Primary to context Cape Coast South seat

The Chief Executive officer of the World Trade Centre in Accra, Mr Kweku Rickett Hagan, 49, on Saturday won the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary primary to contest the Cape Coast South seat.

He polled 230 of the 288 total votes cast whilst his contestant Mr. Anthony Egyir Aikins, the Cape Coast Metropolitan Chief Executive, had 58 votes.

Mr. Rickett Hagan, who contested the sitting MP for Cape Coast, Mr. Ebo Barton Odro and lost early this year, pledged to work to ensure that the NDC wins both the Cape Coast North and South seats.

The polls went on smoothly under the supervision of the Cape Coast Office of the Electoral Commission (EC).

The Regional Chairman, Mr. Samuel Adu Yeboah before the polls reminded the contestants to understand the issues at stake and immediately join hands to work together as a team after one had been declared winner.

Mr Aikins pledged to support the candidate to win the election.

 

GNA

 

EC educates electorate on electioneering procedures

Eligible registered voters in the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District are being educated on electioneering practices to ensure a credible election in December 2012.

Mr Prosper Fiifi Caiquo, the District Electoral Officer, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency, said topics discussed include, credibility of Voters Exhibition Register, in-built integrity of electoral system and the role of community-based organisations in promoting credible election, among others.

The targeted groups include community-based agencies, the churches, Muslim communities, and the indigenous people in the various communities.

Areas so far visited include Essaman, Ochiso, Osedzi, Ampiah Ajumako Kokoben, Enyan Apaa, Owane, Bisease, Enyinasu and Enyanmaim all in the Central Region.

Participants appealed to the print and the electronic media, as well as communication operators such as MTN, Tigo, Vodafone, Airtel, Glo and Expresso to support the Electoral Commission by giving enough publicity to its activities to create awareness about election 2012.

This, they explained, could be in the form of text messages on all mobile phones daily since a greater percentage of the qualified and eligible voters own and use mobile phones.

The District Electoral Officer called on Ghanaian voters to visit their registration centres from September 1, this year to check their names when the Voters Exhibition Register is opened to ensure their eligibility.

 

GNA

 

 


 

 

Demonstrate sincere commitment towards peace polls

The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been urged to demonstrate sincere commitment towards making this year's election peaceful by ensuring that its agents and supporters at all levels obeyed the electoral rules and regulations.

Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, Kwabre West Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), said accepting to play by the rules of the game and the rejection of intimidation, provocation and cheating, was the only way, the peace Ghanaians were looking for in the 2012 elections could be guaranteed.

He was performing the inauguration of the NPP's campaign team for the Atimatim electoral area in the constituency on Sunday.

The 20-member team would undertake house-to-house political education to canvass for votes, particularly that of floating voters.

Odeneho Kwaku Appiah said the NPP would engage in clean and fair electioneering campaign in the constituency and invited the other political parties to do same.

 Mr William Owuraku Aidoo, the parliamentary candidate, accused the NDC government of mismanaging the economy and said the December election offered the opportunity for Ghanaians to vote it down to end the mess.

Shady judgment debt payments, massive corruption and excessive borrowing, he said, were crippling the economy and should not be allowed to continue.

 He appealed to the party members to intensify their political education to help the people to know the basic truths to enable them make the right judgment.

Mr Benjamin Owusu Nsiah, the Constituency Secretary, said winning the 2012 polls would require total commitment and unity of purpose.

Mr Richard Opoku Agyeman, the Electoral Area's Coordinator, said they were determined to work with dedication and passion to win over more voters and assure the NPP of landslide victory.

 

GNA

 

Friday, August 17, 2012

Let’s honour late President Mills with a peaceful election - NPP

A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Brong-Ahafo Region on Thursday said the only way Ghanaians could honour the late President Professor John Evans Atta Mills is to rally together and strive for peace in the upcoming general election.
     
"As a man of peace, our former president preached peace and died for peace", Mr. Frank Opoku Adjapong told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Sunyani.
      
He emphasized that all Ghanaians irrespective of one's political, tribal and religious sentiments must endeavour to ensure that the peaceful and sound atmosphere that characterized the sudden demise of Prof Mills should be maintained as the election drew closer.
      
Mr. Adjapong, a businessman, said the responsibility lies on every Ghanaian to avoid and openly condemn politicians and political parties whose remarks and activities could jeopardize the prevailing peace and tranquility currently being enjoyed in the country.
      
He stated that the departed soul of the late Prof. Mills would not rest in perfect peace if the impending general election was characterized with violence and hostilities.
      
Mr. Adajpong said the NPP in the region would not be in any position to support any party activist or member who would go contrary to the electoral laws, especially during the electioneering campaign, but would allow the law to take its course.
       
He advised members of the party to behave and conduct themselves well and guard against statements that could inflame passions.
     
 The NPP leading member appreciated and recognized the efforts of President John Dramani Mahama towards peace building and expressed the optimism that the president and for that matter the National Democratic Congress "will practice what they preach".
      
Mr. Adjapong said Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo, NPP presidential candidate and his running mate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia stood for peace in the 2008 election and expected that other political party leaders would also play leading roles in that direction.
       
Describing Dr. Bawumia as "a big brain", the NPP member emphasized that the renowned economist had the competence to help transform Ghana's economy for rapid socio-economic growth and entreated Ghanaians to vote for the NPP in December.
GNA

PPP wants inclusion of all Ghanaians in national development


The Progressive People's Party (PPP) on Thursday called for the inclusion of all Ghanaians in the national development agenda to maintain unity in the country.
The PPP said: "There is too much discrimination due to unnecessary partisanship in the award of state contracts, appointments to key public service positions and the distribution of national resources."
The request is contained in a statement signed by Mr Kofi Asamoah-Siaw, National Secretary of the party, in reaction to President Mahama's maiden  broadcast to the country on Wednesday, copied to Ghana News Agency      
The PPP said: "These are the things that militate against peace and unity in Ghana, and President John Dramani Mahama should make a personal commitment to reverse the trend in order to sustain peace and unity in our beloved country.
 The statement expressed hope that President Mahama would carefully consider these issues raised by the PPP, and present to the nation policies that would consolidate peace and unity in the country.
The statement said the party would support all efforts to sustain unity and peace demonstrated by Ghanaians following the death of President John Evans Atta Mills.   
It said: "The PPP wishes to state that in other jurisdictions, a Presidential address attracts an equal opportunity for other political parties and key stakeholders to share their views on the issues raised and prescribe concrete solutions to the problems at stake. In a country where the State owned media provides extensive coverage to government's programmes and activities and give unfair advantage to the party in power against other political parties, this presents a barrier to unity. The anomaly needs to be corrected to sustain the unity currently prevailing."      
The statement said abuse of incumbency by political party in power  should be avoided and called on  the government to "address the issue of lack of transparency and broader consultation in decision-making", and cited the White Paper on the report of the Constitutional Review Commission.     
It said the White Paper sought to concentrate more power in the hands of the President in the selection or election of Municipal, Metropolitan and District Chief Executives against the collective wish of Ghanaians to have them elected directly without any executive interference.  
The statement said giving the President great powers would l not promote unity in the practical sense.

GNA


Don’t trade insults and threats in 2012 elections - Moderator

The Former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, The Very Reverend Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso has exhorted political leaders and their supporters to stop trading insults and threats before, during and after the December elections to ensure peace in the country.

"We expect our politicians to debate on issues that affect the development of our nation and the improvement of the welfare of our people, particularly the poor, weak and vulnerable in society".

Very Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso stated this at the launching of the fifth Anniversary Celebration of the Presbyterian Relief Services and Development (PRS/D), a Non Governmental Organization, which is also a wing of the Church in Accra.  

He said political leaders and those vying for positions of leadership must tell the people how they would equitably distribute resources instead of attacking personalities.

Very Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso said the churches would continue to pray for peace and good leadership for the nation and also proclaim the love of God expressed in Jesus Christ for all disadvantaged and devastated people.

The Moderator said the church will use both prophetic and advocacy roles to help government to elevate societies from hopelessness to progress and an enhanced  welfare.

 Very Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso said that a lot of communities were without the basic needs while majority of them were living in unhealthy environmental conditions.

He therefore urged politicians to help such people to come out from such predicaments for them live in good condition of lives.

Mr. Antwi-Bonsiako Sekyere, Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Welfare in a speech read for him, commended the Presbyterian Church of Ghana for the services it was rendering to disaster victims and mankind as a whole.     

He urged Christians to be extra careful when discussing politics as the country prepared towards the 2012 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

Mr. Antwi-Bonsiako Sekyere advised Christians, especially pastors and the leadership, to use their pulpits to preach peace and tranquility.


GNA

 

Thursday, August 16, 2012

President Mahama calls on political actors help reshape the political discourse

President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday appealed to all political actors to use the death of President John Evans Atta Mills to effectively reshape Ghanaian politics and alter its tone forever.

"I believe there is space in the political arena to compete for political leadership in an atmosphere of decency and dignity, it is said politics is a dirty game, I daresay, it is us politicians who make it so," he added.

 President Mahama made the appeal in a 15-minute maiden broadcast to the nation after his assumption to the highest position of the land on July 24, due to the death of President Mills.

In addition to thanking all Ghanaians for their tremendous contributions before, during and after the burial of the late President Mills, he used the occasion to call for national unity that would propel national growth and development.

President Mahama called on all politicians to tap all the rich and diverse talent and resources available to spur accelerated development and growth adding "although, together we have made great strides as a country over the past two decades, I am very much aware that, there are places within this country, where our people lack access to productive economic, health and social infrastructure".

 He gave the assurance that his administration would continue with all the good projects that the late President had initiated adding that "the best tribute we can pay the memory of our departed President will be to continue to keep the flame of peace burning".

President Mahama urged all Ghanaians to take ownership of the country by limiting the voices of pessimism that had the tendency of undermining national development and unity.

 "Our growing democracy deserves more from us than that. And my fellow citizens, our country, whose independence and stability has been hard-earned, deserves more from us and from its politics than that," President Mahama added.

President Mahama said the sterling performance of democratic institutions such as the Judiciary, the Legislature, security services and the media were strong signals that the country had the potential to rule the continent as the beacon and hope of Africa

He commended all Ghanaians for the participation in the late President's funeral and congratulated Muslims for their month-long fasting and wished them 'Barka da sallah in advance".

 

GNA

Monday, August 13, 2012

Ghanaians asked to stop politics of insults and acrimony

Political leaders and traditional rulers in the Gomoa East and Agona West, have called on Ghanaians to stop the politics of insults and acrimony especially via radio stations to ensure peaceful elections on December 7th

Making the call at separate interviews with the Ghana News Agency at Agona Swedru and Gomoa Afransi during the funeral of the late President John Atta Mills on Friday, they said the nation needed peace and stability to consolidate its democratic credentials and improve quality living standards for its people.

 At Afransi, Mr Isaac Kingsley Ehunu-Armah, District Chief Executive for Gomoa East said the death of President Mills should be a great lesson for Ghanaians. 

He called on colleague politicians to desist from character assassination that could inflame passion and plunge the nation into chaos.

The late President, Mr Ehunu-Armah said, would forever be remembered for his love for peace, humility and hard work when he was in office.

Mr Ekow Okyere Panyin, MP for Gomoa East, advised people to stop apportioning blames always on their leaders noting that growth and development of the economy was a shared a responsibility.

He called on the people of the Central Region to really behind the country's Vice President Paa Kwesi Ammissah-Arthur to help accomplish his aims and objective to move the nation forward.

 Mr Okyere Panyin asked chiefs in the Central Region to stop politicians, who would use intemperate language at their communities during the electioneering campaign, since that could heighten political tension.

At Agona Swedru, Nana Ogyebea Badu Ehuren, Sanaahene of Swedruman Council of Chiefs also advised political leaders and their supporters to desist from acts that could undermine the development of the country.

He said the Council met on Thursday purposely to mourn with the late President's wife, Dr Ernestina Naadu Mills, President John Dramani Mahama, the government and Mr Samuel Atta Mills, son of the late President Atta Mills.

Nana Ehuren said the Council would forever remember late President Mills for his humility, selfless and hard work that had made Ghana one of the best democratic nations in the West African sub-region.

He asked political leaders to learn from the legacy of late President Mills so that the country could be transformed into a better place.

GNA

Ghanaian students asked to ensure peace in Election 2012

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has called on students in the country to help in the promotion and maintenance of peace in Election 2012.

The Upper East Regional Director of NCCE, Mr Cletus Abang, made the call in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Peter Ayamga, the Civic Education Officer of the Commission, at the third annual congress of the Bolgatanga, Nangodi, Bongo and Tongo Students Union, in Bolgatanga.

He said: "As students you have a crucial duty to partner with other stakeholders to prevent violence in the December polls in order to promote the democratic process".

Mr Abang advised students to organise peace matches, football competitions, and to sensitize the citizenry, particularly the youth on the need to promote peace for national development.

He said Ghana had chalked out democratic and good governance credentials to the admiration of Africa and the rest of the world.   

Mr Abang asked political parties to educate their members on electoral laws to ensure smooth elections in December.

Mr Atubga David Atia, the outgoing President of the Union, said the Union had donated medical equipment to the Bolgatanga Hospital, and organized holiday classes for students in the region.

GNA

Thursday, August 9, 2012

EC begins public education on exhibition of voters' register

The Mpohor District and Wassa East District Offices of the Electoral Commission (EC) has set aside this month to educate community based organizations and the general public on the forthcoming exhibition of voters' register.

Mr. Yaw Amoako Gyasi, EC Officer in-charge of the two districts, told the GNA that at least 20 groups would be covered in both districts.

 Mr. Gyasi said the groups include churches, artisan and professional organisations.

He said the education had become necessary because biometric voters' registration is a novelty in the country and it is to educate the public on technical issues of the voters' registration exercise.

Mr Gyasi said the exhibition exercise was to enable people to correct mistakes.

 

GNA

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

PPP suspends campaign activities in honour of Mills

Mr Kofi Asamoah-Siaw, National Secretary of the Progressive People's Party (PPP), has appealed to all PPP executives at the national, regional and district levels to suspend campaign activities until  the funeral of late President Mills is over.

However, meetings to review plans, organizational efforts and preparations for the 2012 general elections could be held.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday, appealed to party executives and members to participate in all activities that would be held to mourn and bury the late President.

The statement also noted that a new outdoor mobile public education system which would be used to educate people on what the party intended to do for Ghanaians would begin at 0600 hours on Monday, 13th August, 2012 in Accra.

"These innovative PPP Mobile Cinema Vans which would tell our story to the people would intensify their presence in the Central, Western and the Greater Accra Regions", the statement read.

It said the presidential campaigns which would resume on Monday, 13th August,  2012 would commence in the Central Region.

"We should also be reminded that August is the month designated to encourage and honour the sacrifices and efforts being made by polling station executives", the statement said.

GNA

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

NPP launches manifesto for Election 2012 on August 25

The Danquah Institute (DI) a political think tank affiliated to the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday said the party is set to launch its Election 2012 manifesto on Saturday, August 25.

The manifesto, which focuses on how to transform Ghana under; "an action-oriented, transformational leader" seeks to also expose the electorate to the failures of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and called for change for hope and confidence to be restored in order to move Ghana forward.

In a statement made available to the Ghana News Agency in Accra by Mr. Asare Otchere-Darko, DI Executive Director said the 2012 NPP Manifesto begins with a bold statement: "Ghana is ready for transformation. But, before that can take place we need to, first, change the current drivers of the vehicle... Transformation is beckoning, change is due".

It said the NPP believed that there were talented Ghanaians everywhere who must be encouraged to give active support to Ghana's transformation.

"Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, NPP Flag bearer for Election 2012 is determined to identify and develop new talents and engage our best minds to drive the nation forward.  

"The agenda of transforming Ghana requires a Presidency that will act as the force in driving the public sector to work for the people and encouraging the private sector to go for gold; a Presidency that will provide the vision, direction and inspiration for the people to excel.

 "What the NPP is offering is a leadership that will deliver. We will govern with decisive action plans and timetables, and allocate resources prudently," the statement explained.

On national leadership, the NPP Manifesto said "Ghanaians had been denied of any clear leadership direction under this third NDC Government and the nation could not continue squandering opportunities under the NDC."

The NPP accused the ruling NDC of reducing governance to greed, lies and propaganda gimmicks. The NPP saw the task ahead as two-fold: transformational leadership and competent management of national affairs.

"By tackling our leadership and management weaknesses, we will unleash the talents of the Ghanaian people and build a great nation with the people of Ghana and for the people of Ghana.

 "Our leader and flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo, is competent, committed, experienced, honest and has a clear vision on how to make Ghana work for you. He is a can-do leader, dedicated to pushing Ghana to succeed," the document asserted.

It said the NPP Election 2012 manifesto explained that "A transformed nation means a transformed economy, a transformed infrastructure, a transformed and much improved quality of life…this change," the NPP stressed, "Requires a clear vision, a can-do leader and the roadmap to get there."

 The statement quoting Mr. Yofi Grant, Co-ordinator of the NPP Election 2012 Manifesto Committee, said the manifesto sought to offer the roadmap to implementing Nana Akufo-Addo's vision of having an educated, confident, healthy workforce to drive the industrialisation of Ghana.

Mr. Grant noted that: "What you will see in the manifesto is the clear, action plan of a transformational leader who is committed to really changing things. Nana Akufo-Addo is only saying, 'look guys, we cannot continue failing over 70 per cent of our kids with a failed education system.

"We cannot expect to make our nation modern and improve the lives of our people if we don't add value to our economy, help our businesses grow and our young people to have good jobs with good pay. The good news is that, it is doable and we will do it. This is Nana Akufo- Addo's message to Ghanaians."

The NPP Manifesto Committee is chaired by Professor Yaw Twumasi, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Danquah Institute.

 

GNA