Ghana Votes

Monday, September 30, 2013

PPP anti–corruption demonstration on October 3

The long awaited Progressive People's Party (PPP) led anti-corruption demonstration scheduled to take place in Accra, is now confirmed for Thursday, October 3.

Partners in the anti-corruption campaign unanimously agreed to take the action under the theme: "Ayefe Notse Anti-Corruption Demonstration" at a meeting held over the weekend in response to confirmation of the Accra Regional Police Command's readiness to provide security for the demonstrators.

A statement issued and signed by Mr William Dowokpor, Convener of the PPP Anti-Corruption Campaign Coalition and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Sunday said the PPP led coalition against corruption blamed the country's inability to attain sustainable economic growth on corruption and bad governance.

It said the coalition believed the 22 legislations on the country's statute books and the anti-corruption law recently approved by Cabinet would not make any meaningful impact in the fight against corruption unless the nation's governance infrastructure was reformed.

The coalition is advocating the Office of Attorney-General to be turned into an independent Prosecutor's Office separate from the Ministry of Justice in order to remove the office from the negative influence of partisan politics.

It is also seeking to separate the Legislature (Parliament) from the Executive (Presidency) so that effective checks and balance could operate without fear or favor.

In addition it is asking for the removal of the "hand" of the Executive (Presidency) from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies so that through popular election, the electorate would elect their chief executives.

"The demonstration will end at the Hearts Park, off the High Street in the central business district of Accra with the official launch of the anti-corruption campaign," it said.

Source: GNA

 

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

NPP completes Thank You tour

The last in a series of Thank You Meetings organized by the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to show gratitude to its teaming members for the various roles they played in the 2012 Election Campaign and subsequent Presidential Election Petition, was held on Saturday at Ho, the Volta Regional Capital.

The Thank You Meetings which was began by Presidential Candidate for the NPP in the 2012 Election, Nana Akufo–Addo last Sunday in Accra, was held in all ten regional capitals across the country and was also used as an opportunity to dilate with the party in the regions on the way forward.

During the meetings, the various constituency and regional executives were tasked to submit ideas, proposals and observations on the party, its organizational structure, campaign and whatever in their view the party should be doing or not doing in order to capture power in 2016.

The executives have been given two weeks to submit these proposals to their various regional offices for onward forwarding to the National head office. These submissions would ensure that the party is able to put up the best strategy for each polling station and constituency.

Speaking in Ho, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, 2012 Vice- Presidential Candidate for the Party, on behalf of Nana Akufo–Addo and on his own behalf thanked the rank and file of the NPP in the Volta Region and the country at large for the tremendous effort they put in the 2012 Electioneering Campaign of the Party.

He also thanked the party for supporting fully, the decision to challenge the declared outcome of the December Election, including the massive effort in gathering over 24,000 Pink Sheets which had ensured that the Party was able to put up a strong case at the Supreme Court.

Dr. Bawumia called on the rank and file of the party to do everything possible to maintain and build upon unity in the party.

"Factions which are built around personalities only mean that in the contest for power, some of the best talents would either choose to sit on the fence or be left out of the effort which would ultimately affect our chances in one way or the other. The more united we are, the more competitive we will be", he said.

He appealed to the Party that as the various internal contests begin, they should always remember never to speak ill of any fellow NPP member as that would only lead to cracks in the party.

Dr. Bawumia said that it was critical for the nation that the NPP assumes the helms of affairs in the country after the 2016 Election to end the unprecedented economic mismanagement and incompetence of the five year old NDC administration.

He noted that, for example, despite the huge resources available to the NDC government, including for the first time, resources from commercial oil production, the NDC administration had in just 5 years managed to quadruple Ghana's total debt stock from independence to the end of 2008 when the NPP left power.

He said that the 15.6billion Ghana cedis the NDC had added to Ghana's debt over the last year, was much more than the GHc9 billion debt, accumulated from 1957 to 2008, the NDC inherited in 2009.

Chairman of the NPP, Jake Obetsebi–Lamptey also appealed to the members of the Party to do everything within their ability to help unite the party.

He called on the members of the Party to be bold to call to order leaders whose supporters insult and concoct stories about other contenders and let such leaders know that because of the conduct of their supporters, they will not be voted for.

He appealed to those who might be slighted in the public domain not to reply such insults with insults but to ignore such insults and at best, correct the fabrications.

Contributing, various constituency executives thanked the leadership of the party for organizing the meeting to show their gratitude to them for their efforts. They thanked the leadership for also preaching unity and pledged to do their possible best to increase the NPP's fortunes in the region.


Source: myjoyonline

Factionalism will break NPP apart – Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice- Presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party in the 2012 general elections, has called on party supporters "never to speak ill of any fellow party member as that would only lead to cracks in the party".

"Factions which are built around personalities only mean that in the contest for power, some of the best talents would either choose to sit on the fence or be left out of the effort which would ultimately affect our chances in one way or the other.
"The more united we are, the more competitive we will be", Dr. Bawumia told party faithful in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, the final destination in the series of "Thank you tours" by the party .

Dr. Bawumia said that it was critical for the nation that the NPP assumes the helms of affairs in the country after the 2016 Election to end the unprecedented economic mismanagement and incompetence of the five year old NDC administration.

He noted that, for example, despite the huge resources available to the NDC government, including for the first time, resources from commercial oil production, the NDC administration had in just 5 years managed to quadruple Ghana's total debt stock from independence to the end of 2008 when the NPP left power.

He said that the 15.6billion Ghana cedis the NDC had added to Ghana's debt over the last year, was much more than the GHc9 billion debt, accumulated from 1957 to 2008, the NDC inherited in 2009.

Chairman of the NPP, Jake Obetsebi–Lamptey also appealed to the members of the Party to do everything within their ability to help unite the party.

He called on the members of the Party to be bold to call to order leaders whose supporters insult and concoct stories about other contenders and let such leaders know that because of the conduct of their supporters, they will not be voted for.

He appealed to those who might be slighted in the public domain not to reply such insults with insults but to ignore such insults and at best, correct the fabrications.

Contributing, various constituency executives thanked the leadership of the party for organizing the meeting to show their gratitude to them for their efforts. They thanked the leadership for also preaching unity and pledged to do their possible best to increase the NPP's fortunes in the region.

During the meetings, the various constituency and regional executives were tasked to submit ideas, proposals and observations on the party, its organizational structure, campaign and whatever in their view the party should be doing or not doing in order to capture power in 2016.


 

Source: myjoyonline

PPP organises for 2016

The Progressive People's Party (PPP), as part of its comprehensive programme to beef up its support base, has organised a workshop for its members and executive in the Central Region.

The workshop, which was held at Elmina last Saturday, was attended by the 2012 Presidential candidate, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, national executives, regional executives, constituency chairmen and former parliamentary candidates in the Central Region.

According to the National Secretary of the party, Mr Kofi Asamoah-Siaw, the Central Region meeting was the first in a series of regional meetings to be organised by the party's national officers to discuss grass-roots organisation and educate members on the party's position on a number of national issues.

The Director of Operations of the party, Nana Ofori Owusu, stated that the party had discontinued the printing of T-shirts for its members.

Members were therefore encouraged to wear the red and white colours of the party for meetings and other party programmes, Mr Asamoah-Siaw stated.

He said the time had come for the party to do things differently from other political parties and desist from using material things to win votes or political power.

The National Treasurer, Mr Felix Ograh, advised party faithful to demonstrate commitment and make sacrifices by paying their GHc 1 monthly dues to help support the activities of the partv.

He said, "it is by this practice that we can call ourselves ardent members of the party and become stakeholders of the party".

Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, addressing the members, stressed the need for constituency executives to, as a matter of urgency, start polling station organisation and recruit more people into the party.

He further stated that the PPP did not come for just one campaign year but had come to stay, unlike some political parties that has had their flames distinguished after just one election campaign.

He suggested that even though the party was born in 2012, it was able to beat other existing parties by becoming the third largest political party and the second biggest opposition party in Ghana.

"We beat those we came to meet on the political scene, demonstrating our seriousness and sense of purpose," he said.

He advised party executives and former parliamentary candidates not to wait till 2016 but to start a vigorous campaign now so that they could get more people to vote for them.

The party indicated it would complete constituency elections by November, 2013, regional elections by December, 2013 and hold its National Convention by March, 2014.

Also present at the meeting were the regional chairman, Mr Edu Ansah, regional vice chairman, Godfred Kwasi Arthur Yarkwa, the regional organiser, Mr Kwame Quayson, the regional youth organiser, Mr Kwadwo Aduamoah, the chairman of Parliamentary Group, Mr Prince Okyere, and the youth co-ordinator, Mr Divine Nkrumah.


Source: Daily Graphic

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

F.W De Klerk lauds Electoral Commission

Mr Frederik Willem de Klerk, former President of the Republic of South Africa on Tuesday September 10 commended the Electoral Commission for being an effective and independent body.


He said: "Genuine democracy requires an independent and effective electoral commission and impartial and fearless courts; here also Ghana has led the way in Africa".

Mr de Klerk made the remark in Accra during the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) post Supreme Court verdict lecture on the theme: "Fostering peace, national cohesion and reconciliation after the ruling of the Supreme Court of Ghana".

"Ghana has respected independent courts and an impartial embattled – independent electoral commission.

"You should not underestimate the great responsibility shouldered by an election commission in any election, and the great contribution election commissions make to promoting and embedding democratic institutions into a country's traditions.

"It is a difficult and dangerous business, because it is almost impossible to please everyone and passions run high. So we need to treat them with respect," he stated.

He said the task of Ghana's Electoral Commission has been seriously complicated by the fact that the last two national elections have been so close.

The former President said: "Your problem is that your two main political parties are very evenly matched. I wish that South Africa suffered from the same problem! But competition is healthy – and essential – in any democracy. It makes accountable government. It keeps government on its toes and reduces corruption. It provides a credible, peaceful channel for protest for the disaffected."

"It gives the opposition hope that it can achieve power by following the people's wishes, rather than by coercion, disruption and violence."

He said it is only when democracy is supported by independent institutions that it could ensure that elections truly are free and fair and that any electoral disputes could be adjudicated fearlessly and impartially.

"However, there is another and perhaps even more fundamental requirement for the success of democracy – and that is the commitment and resolve of the people to abide by democratic norms and outcomes.

"Ghana has just emerged from a bruising test of its democratic institutions and of the commitment of its people and political leaders to accept the will of the people – expressed in free and fair elections," former President de Klerk stated.

He said it is quite understandable that the New Patriotic Party was bitterly disappointed – but admirable that instead of opting for extra-constitutional actions it referred its complaints to the courts.

"However, in my view, the soundness of Ghana's commitment to democracy was reflected not primarily in the judicial process but in the manner and grace with which its politicians and parties accepted the judgment of the Supreme Court.

"Ghana has passed all these tests with flying colours and in so doing continues to provide inspiration to the entire continent of Africa," former President de Klerk said.

The lecture was attended by former President J. A. Kufuor, members of the diplomatic community, the academia, senior government officials such as Mr E. T. Mensah and Mr Cletus Avoka; and leading figures across the political divide.

It was chaired by Dr Charles Mensa, IEA Board Chairman.

Source: myjoyonline

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

PPP calls off anti-corruption demo

The Progressive People's Party has called off today's planned anti-corruption demonstration.

Convener for the demonstration, William Doworkpor confirmed on Joy FM's Super Morning Show barely an hour before the protest march.

Greater Accra Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Freeman Tetteh toldJoy News although the Police had discussed with officials of the party about the need to rescind plans of embarking on the demonstration because they (Police) will not be able to provide them with security, the party did not cooperating.

Police then went ahead to secure the Court order against the action.

But according to the party, the Police's action is calculated to stop them from pursuing their constitutional right. The party had announced it was heading to Court to overturn the police order.

Mr. Doworkpor however, said the decision to call off the anti-corruption protest march at the eleventh hour, stems from the fact that the police say the ban on demonstrations is still in force.

He said the party is a law abiding one and will not do anything to jeorpadise the peace of the nation.

The demonstrations, according to the party, were aimed at supporting reforms in Ghana's governance system and to make incorruptible leadership a reality in the country. The PPP believes there is widespread corrupt activities within the country's governance system.

Source: myjoyonline

PPP heads to court to overturn Police order against demonstration

The Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) say they are heading to Court to overturn a Police order stopping them from embarking on a planned demonstration against corruption in the country.

PPP's General Secretary, Kofi Asamoah-Siaw, told Joy News the restraining order on the planned demonstration - which would have taken place Tuesday - is a sad spectacle for Ghana's democracy.

Greater Accra Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Freeman Tetteh told Joy News although the Police had discussed with officials of the party about the need to rescind plans of embarking on the demonstration because they (Police) will not be able to provide them with security, the party did not cooperating.

Police then went ahead to secure the Court order against the action.

But according to the party, the Police's action is calculated to stop them from pursuing their constitutional right.

"We have made a lot of investments to be able to activate these series of demonstrations. For us to be hit at the last minute with a court order...is quite unfortunate", stated Asamoah-Siaw.

He said starting Tuesday morning, the party would start fighting the restraining order at the Circuit Court, but even if they failed, they would head to the Human Rights Court to seek redress.

Source: myjoyonline

EC and political parties don’t play to the rules

A Former Chief Director at the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, Mr. Damoah Agyemang has accused the Directors of the Electoral Commission and political parties of deliberately not playing to the rules of the Electoral Laws of Ghana.


There have a number of suggestions about the need for electoral reforms in the wake of the Supreme Court verdict last month, August 29, 2013.

Already, the Electoral Commission is calling for proposals from the political parties and the general public in relation to the electoral reforms. Some of the political parties and other key personalities have welcomed the call in order to forestall the reoccurrence of the irregularities that nearly marred the 2012 general elections of which the nation had to go through a grueling eight months of court hearing.

Speaking on Adom FM's morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Damoah Agyemang noted with grave concern the wanton disregard of the quality of caliber of personnel engaged by the Electoral Commission in the conduct of the 2012 General Elections.

He expressed worry that most of the people engaged by the Electoral commission were not trainable, hence a reflection of the bad job executed by these electoral officers.

Mr. Damoah Agyemang explained that, hitherto, teachers were used in the conduct of the electoral process and wondered why this time round that status quo was side stepped.

He further stated that there must be a complete overhaul in the personnel engaged in the conduct of the elections and the EC must be seen to be living to the billing, by beefing up the standards of its permanent personnel as it has the potential of affecting the credibility of the electoral process.

In a related development, Mr. Agyemang also called for a ceiling of the number of the constituencies the country should have as a representation of the people in Parliament.

He noted that it is about time the country capped the number of constituencies as any respective government could abuse the process by creating more districts and by effect of gerrymandering the Electoral Commission could be compelled to also comply with the provision of the constitution by also reviewing the number of constituencies.

Source: myjoyonline

Monday, September 9, 2013

PPP rejects police call to reschedule demonstration

The Progressive People's Party (PPP) says its demonstration against corruption will take place as planned in spite of a National Security ban on public demonstrations.

"We find your decision not to provide us with the needed police protection for our planned demonstration scheduled for September 10, unacceptable," said Nii Allotey Brew-Hammond, National Chairman of the Party.

A statement issued by the party in Accra on Sunday and copied to the Ghana News Agency, noted that the National Security ban on public demonstration is an infringement on the constitutional right of members of PPP to express themselves.

Nii Brew-Hammond said inability of the police to provide protection for demonstrators constitute a grave abuse of administrative powers.

"Our demonstration against corruption will... take place as schedule along the route suggested by the Greater Accra Regional Police Commander," he said.

Source: GNA

Political Parties welcome electoral reforms

After the 2012 presidential election petition hearing and the subsequent judgement, electoral reforms have taken centre stage.

While the Supreme Court judges hinted of electoral reforms, even during the petition hearing, and also gave clear road maps in their judgement, the country's election management body, the Electoral Commission (EC), has taken the bull by the horns and written officially to all the political parties to submit proposals for reforms.

Responding to the invitation from the EC, which states that all recommendation must be within the context of existing electoral laws and system, the parties have accepted the challenge and given indications that they are ready to contribute to strengthen the electoral system.

In separate interviews with the Daily Graphic, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the People's National Convention (PNC), the Convention People's Party (CPP), the Progressive People's Party (PPP) and the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) all agreed that the call was "welcome news" and in the right direction.

They expressed their willingness to participate in any form of reform that would consolidate the country's multi-party democracy.

The EC, in a letter dated September 5, 2012, observed that political parties were its "principal stakeholders" and urged them to submit the proposals before the end of November this year.

"The commission will, therefore, appreciate that each registered political party indicates what it considers to be the needed reforms in our electoral system. Any recommendations made must be within the context of our existing electoral laws and system," it said.

Past Reforms

Ghana's electoral system has, since 1992, undergone a number of reforms, key among them being the change from the use of opaque ballot boxes to transparent ones and the use of picture identity cards.

In the 2012 elections, the use of biometric verification machines was a major reform in the electoral process.

But given that the Supreme Court dismissed the NPP's petition concerning voting without biometric verification, it is expected that the intended proposals will focus on that system.

Registered Parties

The 23 registered political parties in the country include the NDC, the NPP, the CPP, the PNC, the PPP, the GCPP, the Democratic People's Party (DPP), EGLE Party and the United Ghana Movement.

Others are the Ghana Democratic Republican Party (GDRP), the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), the Reformed Patriotic Democrats (RFP), the National Reform Party (NRP), the Ghana National Party (GNP), the United Renaissance Party (URP) and the New Vision Party (NVP).

The rest are the United Love Party (ULP), the United Front Party (UFP), the United Development System Party (UDSP), the Independent People's Party (IPP), the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), the Yes People's Party (YPP) and the National Democratic Party (NDP).

In spite of the long list, only seven — the NDC, the NPP, the GCPP, the CPP, the PNC, the PPP and the UFP — contested the 2012 presidential elections.

Even though the GFP, the NVP, the NDP and the IPP elected their flag bearers, they could not meet the requirements by the EC's October 18, 2012 deadline.

NDC

Responding to the EC's request, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mr George Lawson, said the party would meet to decide on what to put on the EC reform table and observed that it was time the EC listened more to the political parties.

He raised serious concern over the EC-parties relationship, saying, "When we talk, they rubbish what we say. Some of the things we say at IPAC meetings are not implemented."

He, therefore, made a case for the decisions taken at IPAC meetings to become legally binding.

Mr Lawson, however, declined to indicate the specific reforms that the NDC would propose, adding that it would soon meet to decide its next line of action.

NPP

The Communications Director of the NPP, Nana Akomea, said the party's petition to the Supreme Court had been about the irregularities, malpractices and violations that had characterised the 2012 elections and so any move to review the system with the view to correcting them was welcome.

He noted that after the election petition, electoral reforms were the least the EC would look at and said apart from some electoral issues that must be addressed, the date for elections must also be given a second look.

Nana Akomea raised concern over the limited time that would be available to a future petitioner if elections went into a run-off and suggested that all those issues must be considered and addressed.

He hinted that entries into the pink sheets must also be simplified to avoid problems, while maintaining their status as the documents for recording what transpired at polling stations.

PNC

The General Secretary of the PNC, Mr Bernard Mornah, commended the EC for responding to public calls for reforms and said it was suggested proposals from the political parties that had transformed the electoral process from voting with opaque ballot boxes and thumbprinted identity cards to the current use of transparent ballot boxes and biometric registration and verification.

He, however, cautioned that the EC must not be stampeded, especially concerning the call to give legal backing to IPAC, since IPAC comprised the political parties and civil society groups.

He explained that the current form of the IPAC was good and appropriate because it had always used moral persuasion as its tool to put across its concerns and cautioned that it must not be armed to take away the EC's independence.

CPP

The General Secretary of the CPP, Mr Ivor Greenstreet, said it was good news for the EC to show initiative in respect of reforms.

"It is not like the past when we had to beg for IPAC meetings," he said.

He said it was commendable that the EC had recognised its shortcomings and was willing to take steps to correct those mistakes.

Mr Greenstreet said the CPP was committed to any process that would further strengthen multi-party democracy in Ghana, adding that the party would put together it proposals to contribute to the process.

PPP

The General Secretary of the PPP, Mr Siaw Asamoah, said although the EC refused to acknowledge the party's proposal for reforms immediately after the 2012 election, the PPP would still take the opportunity and re-send the proposal.

He said the electoral system urgently needed "total overhauling" to incorporate computer technology into the entire system to eliminate the human factor which had always been the source of misunderstanding.

He suggested that the auditing systems in the electoral process must be strengthened and reiterated the PPP's call for electronic voting, explaining that almost all daily activities of human life had been made electronic, hence the need to introduce electronic voting.

GCPP

The National Chairman of the GCPP, Dr Henry Lartey, said the call for reforms should be used as an opportunity to make the electoral process and its rules less complicated.

He said the EC must insist, with the support of the political parties, on the deepening of transparency and also make the process easy to follow and manage.

Source: Daily Graphic

 

Discussion of who leads NPP is premature-Dan Botwe

Mr Dan Botwe, Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament (MP) for Okere, has appealed to members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to stop discussions about who should lead the party in 2016.

He said such a discussion is premature.

Mr Botwe said such a debate should rather focus on how to restructure the NPP to build a solid ground at the grassroots ahead of the 2016 general election.

 Speaking to journalists in Koforidua, Mr Botwe pointed said the party's priority should be how to deepen democracy and finding a way forward after the landmark election petition.

The NPP filed the petition challenging the validity of the Electoral Commission declaring Mr John Dramani Mahama as President.

 "Who leads the party in 2016 should not take the centre stage of discussions now," he stressed.

Mr Botwe said according to the party's constitution, a presidential candidate would be elected in 2014.

He said the exercise is preceded by polling station and constituency elections.

 "All these activities are geared towards strengthening the party and making it attractive for 2016.

"If you look at the role Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo has played since the formation of our party, and the commendation he had received from both local and international community after the Supreme Court verdict on the election petition, nobody can stop him from leading the party in 2016 if he so wishes, "he said.  

He pointed out that it is important that Ghanaians respect the decision of Nana Akufo- Addo to stay off politics for some time.

Mr Botwe expressed the hope that the NPP would come out stronger to capture power in 2016.

"If we are able to build our structures well, no matter who leads the party, we shall win power," he said.

 

Source: GNA

 

Chiefs commend Ghanaians for protecting the peace

The National House of Chiefs (NHS), has lauded Ghanaians for their commitment to peace after the declaration of the Supreme Court's verdict on the election petition, challenging the legitimacy of the 2012 presidential poll results.

The house congratulated Mr John Dramani Mahama for his affirmation by the court as the valid President of Ghana and for "extending the olive branch" to the opposition, to come on board to work together for the achievement of his "Better Ghana Agenda".

The chiefs also gave high marks to Nana Akufo-Addo, the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) 2012 flagbearer and lead petitioner, for resorting to the due process of law and the maturity he demonstrated by accepting the ruling to enable the nation to move on.

A statement signed by Awulae Attibrukusu 111, Lower Aximhene and Vice President of the NHC, in Kumasi, praised the nine-member panel that sat on the case for what it described as "their professionalism in the administration of justice".

The media, security services and religious leaders were also recognised for the roles they played to maintain the peace, unity and stability.

"The acceptance of the verdict by all political parties has entrenched the rule of law and deepened our democracy, and we have once again, shown to the international community that when it comes to democracy, Ghana is second to none."

With the dispute over, the statement urged the government to put in place programmes and policies to tackle important issues confronting the nation and unite the people.

  

Source: GNA

 

Friday, September 6, 2013

IEA commends Akufo-Addo

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has commended Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Flagbearer of the new patriotic Party (NPP) for accepting the verdict of the Supreme Court in good faith without seeking a review.

The IEA said, "This is a demonstration of good statesmanship beyond parochial interests".

It also commended President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for striking a unifying tone and sounding conciliatory in their acceptance of the Supreme Court ruling.

A statement signed by Mrs Jean Mensa, Executive Director of the IEA and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Thursday said: "We are happy to note that so far, the party's victory celebration has been magnanimous and decorous".

The IEA commended the leadership of both the NPP and the NDC for resorting to due processes of law to address the dispute arising from the 2012 presidential election. 

It said the nearly eight month period of post-election dispute at the Supreme Court without resorting to violence, marked Ghana out as a truly maturing democracy in the West African sub-region and indeed, the entire continent of Africa.

It noted that it was certainly a victory for Ghana's multiparty democracy and an important landmark in the system of governance as a constitutional democracy.

"The election petition process tested the resilience of democratic institutions in Ghana and the whole world was monitoring the reaction of Ghanaians after the Supreme Court's ruling.

"The response of Ghanaians in the aftermath of the verdict has, once again, underlined our country's status as a maturing democracy.

"Other political institutions like the Parliament, the Judiciary, and the Security Agencies were tested and they did not fail," the statement said.

The IEA therefore commended all Ghanaians for their contribution to Ghana's drive towards democratic maturity and for refraining from acts that could have disturbed the peace and stability of the country.

It called on the leadership of both the NDC and NPP to continue demonstrating good faith and rigidly adhere to the provisions of the 2012 Political Parties Code of Conduct, which they prepared and signed in the run-up to the 2012 General Elections, in the interest of national peace.   

 

Source: GNA

Thursday, September 5, 2013

What the Supreme Court says about over voting

Five of the nine Supreme Court judges who sat on the election petition are of the view that the definition of over voting as explained by NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketsia, still holds if elections were to be held today.

In the 588 page judgment on the election petition that challenged the legitimacy of President Mahama, the five justices upheld the definition of over voting as the number of ballots that exceed the number of voters registered at a polling station.

This is as against Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the second petitioner's definition of over voting.

Private legal practitioner, Samson Lardy Ayenini who has studied the judgment, explains the majority opinion in the judgment suggests Dr Bawumia's definition of over voting rather amounts to ballot stuffing.

Also in the majority's judgment, the five Supreme Court justices argue the court could have ordered the correction of errors on the pink sheets rather than the petitioners' request that the errors should lead to the annulment of votes.

Source: myjoyonline

What the Supreme Court says about over voting

Five of the nine Supreme Court judges who sat on the election petition are of the view that the definition of over voting as explained by NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketsia, still holds if elections were to be held today.

In the 588 page judgment on the election petition that challenged the legitimacy of President Mahama, the five justices upheld the definition of over voting as the number of ballots that exceed the number of voters registered at a polling station.

This is as against Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the second petitioner's definition of over voting.

Private legal practitioner, Samson Lardy Ayenini who has studied the judgment, explains the majority opinion in the judgment suggests Dr Bawumia's definition of over voting rather amounts to ballot stuffing.

Also in the majority's judgment, the five Supreme Court justices argue the court could have ordered the correction of errors on the pink sheets rather than the petitioners' request that the errors should lead to the annulment of votes.

Source: myjoyonline

Christian Council warns against hate speeches

The Christian Council on Tuesday cautioned Ghanaians against statements that could inflame passions and disturb the peace of the country after the Supreme Court's Verdict on the 2012 election petition.

This came out when the Council, led by Reverend Esmond Wasau Nagba and some members of the Council in northern Ghana, paid a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Limuna Mohammed-Muniru, in Bolgatanga.

The essence of the visit according to Reverend Nagba was to congratulate the Minister for the peaceful manner in which the Region worked towards upholding the peace in the Region before, during and after the Supreme Court Verdict.

He said prayers offered by faith-based organizations in the Region showed Ghanaians' willingness to see God as the ultimate ruler of nations hence the peace being enjoyed in the country after the Supreme Court passed its verdict.

He said Ghanaians worked tirelessly to ensure peace and called on all to be proactive in working towards sustaining it.

Rev Nagba said the Council would continue to work in collaboration with other faith-based organizations to ensure peace by re-echoing the call to all political parties to avoid raising tension through speeches they made.

He expressed worry about recent comments in the aftermath of the verdict and appealed to government to intervene in order to prevent any escalations.

The Council member thanked all Ghanaians, institutions and groups especially the media for keeping to their assurances not to review the verdict, which he said contributed to the maintenance of the peace.

He called on government to facilitate the launching of the Peace Council in Region and pledged that the Council was ready to support in addressing issues in the Region.

 Alhaji Mohammed-Miniru thanked the representatives and called for support from the Council as development partners to support in the efforts against poverty, illiteracy and diseases confronting the people.

The Minister expressed worry at the rate at which alcohol was consumed among teachers during school hours in the Region and called on the churches to use their pulpits to change this attitude.

He thanked all churches and the media for the good work done to promote peace in the country, asking for their continuous prayers for the nation and for development.

Source: GNA

UN proud of Akufo-Addo

Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Said Djinnit, has commended Nana Akufo-Addo for his contribution to the peace that Ghana continues to enjoy.

"I admire the way you have conducted yourself and your matured attitude has helped to further deepen Ghana's growing democracy" were his words when he called on the 2012 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), at his residence, on Tuesday.

Speaking on behalf of the UN Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki Moon, Ambassador Djinnit said the UN has always been convinced about the strength of Ghana's democracy but this latest achievement has impressed the world and part of the credit is to Akufo-Addo for his positive attitude.

Sounding quite emotional, the Ambassador said "as an African, I continue to feel proud."

He said the UN also admires Nana Addo's decision to go to court rather than hit the street and commended the entire leadership of the party for managing the keeping their supporters in check during the entire duration of the petition and even after.

He lauded Nana Akufo-Addo's capacity and competences, expressing confidence in his ability to help with the growth and development of Ghana even in these circumstances.

The UN envoy also commended Nana Akufo-Addo for putting the interest of the country ahead of his personal political aspirations and considerations, assuring that the UN will continue to work with Ghana to help consolidate the democratic culture in the country.

On his part Nana Akufo-Addo thanked the UN delegation for calling on him and said he was happy to see an old friend of his in such a high position.

He said the political forces that he represents have been in the forefront of the struggle for democracy in Ghana for over forty years.

He said the forebears of the NPP fought for a free society with freedom of speech and the rule of law thriving and he will be the last to veer from these principles as leader of the party.

Nana Addo was however quick to add that most of the credit should be given to the Ghanaian people for their good sense and belief in the democratic process.

He said once it is a democracy differences will surely abound in views and opinions but those should not divide the people.

He said the Ghana project continues to be alive in his mind and spirit and will continue to contribute to its advancement.

Source: NPP Communications Directorate

Huge lobby for Nana Addo 2016

"If you want democracy without strategy then you don't want power", the rationale behind a huge lobby pushing for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to stand unopposed as the NPP's 2016 presidential candidate.

Chairman of Ashanti Region of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) F.F Antoh says the executives have declared support for Nana Akufo-Addo's third bid at the presidency after losing out in 2008 and 2012 to the late President John Evans Atta Mills of the NDC.

The lobbying started immediately after the Supreme Court dismissed an Election Petition filed by the NPP to unseat president John Mahama as the legitimate winner of the December 2012 presidential elections. Nana Addo was first Petitioner in the eight-months Presidential Election Petition hearing.

In the wake of the defeat,the 2012 flagbearer said, he was taking some time off "the hurly-burly of politics" and would define his political future soon.

But speaking on JOY NEWS, NPP National Chairman Jake Obetsibi Lamtey says he has "never seen any bar in the constitution" dispelling rumours that the party's constitution could hinder the NPP stalwart from contesting the third time.

He said the party is stronger after losing out in court because the common grievance of electoral fraud in the 2012 elections is uniting the rank and file.

"There is a huge clamour" within the party for Nana Addo to run again in 2016, the party chairman confirmed. But as a leader, he insists he would only back the candidate the party chooses at Congress. Declaring any support for Nana Addo would weaken his role as a broker, he explained.

Age is just a number?

He also dismissed concerns about Nana Addo's age saying the flagbearer who will turn 72 by 2016, is still strong because their 2012 presidential candidate, despite his age walked miles without fatigue during the campaign.

Age is therefore relative, he quipped. Jake said "I am younger than Nana Addo, but I act older"

Speaking on Joy News, F.F Antoh, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party said several party officials from different regions have called on him to express support for Nana Akufo-Addo.

He said market women in Kumasi are clamouring for the former Attorney-General as the best candidate to wrestle power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and "there will be a lot of disappointment" in the party if he declines.

He referred to President Kufuor who in 2004 was allowed to go unopposed as the party's candidate in 2008. He said that decision was taken because competition could create the impression that the party had not done well enough in its first tenure.

He continued that the late President John Evans Atta Mills contested as presidential candidate of the NDC, three times before he finally won in 2008.

He concluded, all these examples showed that "If you want democracy without strategy then you don't want power".

Source: myjoyonline

 

 

 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Nana Addo will lead NPP in 2016 - Sir John

The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party has disclosed that the party's 2012 flagbearer, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo will contest in the 2016 presidential elections despite rumors that the statesman is likely to hang his political boots.

This news comes just days after the Supreme Court's dismissal of the petition filed by NPP presidential candidate, challenging the outcome of the 2012 presidential elections.

 Already there are claims by political pollsters that certain high-profile members of the NPP have been named as potentials for the flagbearership slot.

Nana Akufo-Addo after losing the Election Petition case on Thursday August 29, stated that he was taking a break off politics and would return shortly with his decision on what next to do.

However, Mr. Owusu-Afriye, popularly known as Sir John, insisted that Nana Addo is more than prepared to take up the mantle once more.

Sir John told Radio XYZ's strict proof program on Monday that " I am certain in my mind that Nana Addo will return and lead the 2016 presidential elections… He will win the elections, he will go to the flagstaff house…and go on to become an excellent  president"

He commented that the party flagbearer would stand the 2016 presidential elections if the party desired it.

"If that is what the party wants, Nana Addo will not disappoint." He declared.

Source: Radio XYZ

Akufo-Addo must be celebrated - Alottey Jacobs

The Central Regional Communications Director of governing National Democratic Congress, Bernard Allotey Jacobs says 2012 flagbearer of New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo should be celebrated for putting the interest of the nation ahead of his presidential ambition.

According to Mr. Allotey Jacobs, the courageous manner with which Nana Akufo-Addo announced his acceptance of the Supreme Court judgment in the glare view of dejected party faithful, calls for commendation.

The NPP leader called president John Mahama to congratulate him minutes after the Supreme dismissed a petition challenging the results of the Electoral Commission, and indicated he will not pursue the case any further.

This attracted worldwide commendation for Nana Akufo-Addo's peaceful nature with some declaring him, a deserved statesman.

Speaking on Badawam on Adom TV, Tuesday, Mr. Allotey Jacobs said the attitudes exhibited by president Mahama and Nana Akufo-Addo immediately after the judgment, have enabled the country to gain respect from the international community.

This he said, will boost the confidence of investors to commit more into the development of the economy.

The NDC man however, urged the NPP to build on the legacy of the 2012 flagbearer and make the party more attractive for future elections.

Source: myjoyonline     

Monday, September 2, 2013

Tamale youth groups push for Nana Addo-Bawumia 2016 ticket

Some New Patriotic Party youth groups in the Northern Region have begun lobbying for a Nana Akufo-Addo-Mahamudu Bawumia ticket the 2016 presidential election. 

The lobbying began barely three days after the Supreme Court dismissed the presidential election petition which was challenging the results of the 2012 elections.

The court affirmed John Mahama as validly elected in the December 2012 poll. 

The verdict, in many ways appeared to have prolonged the presidential ambitions of the New Patriotic Party flagbearer who is now 69 and will be 72 in 2016, the year for Ghana's next election.

In his acceptance of the Supreme Court verdict last Thursday, Nana Akufo-Addo said he was taking some time off politics and will soon announce his plans about his political future in due course.

Even before that decision will be made public, the NPP youth groups in Tamale have conducted a poll, with majority of them pushing for the Nana Addo and Bawumia ticket to be retained for the 2016 elections.

Spokesperson for one of the youth groups, Mohammed Amin told Citi News without the Nana-Addo-Bawumia ticket, the party risks losing the 2016 elections. 

He argued the constitution of the NPP does not bar, Nana Akufo-Addo, who has lost two presidential elections - 2008 and 2012 - from contesting for the third time on the party's ticket. 

According to the youth leader, the former Foreign Minister is the most popular political figure in Ghana and on the African continent and must be given another opportunity to contest.

Amin insisted that despite the age of the NPP stalwart, he is still the best shot for the position of president in 2016.

Another, youth group, Kandaha boys is also convinced the NPP presidential ticket must be retained because it's a well marketed and trusted team.

Source: myjoyonline

NPP to seek review of Supreme Court verdict if...

The New Patriotic Party has indicated, it may seek review of the judgement delivered by the Supreme Court dismissing a petition filed by the party's 2012 presidential candidate and two others challenging results of the polls. 

General Secretary of the party, Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie disclosed on Badwam on Adom TV, Monday that the petitioners will hold consultations with the National Executive Council (NEC), for a possible review even though the first petitioner; Nana Akufo-Addo has accepted the court's verdict and has declared his intention not to pursue the matter any further.

According to Mr. Owusu-Afriyie, the flagbearer was not the only one who took the matter to court so his decision cannot hold down that of his running mate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and party Chairman, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey.

Mr. Owusu-Afriyie, also called Sir John, was reacting to comments on TV3 made by Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata, lead counsel for the National Democratic Congress to the effect that, Justice Anin-Yeboah, one of the nine Supreme Court Judges that heard the matter, allowed his political affiliations to cloud his judgement.

According to Mr. Tsikata, Justice Anin-Yeboah's persistent and consistent opposition to the stance of the NDC stems from the fact that he was appointed to the Supreme Court by former President John Agyekum Kufuor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Subsequently, Sir John stated that if the NPP - after studying the judgment - is convinced that the judgment was political, it will seek permission from NEC to proceed to the Supreme Court for a review of the decision.

The Supreme Court in a split decision on Thursday, August 29, 2013, affirmed the declaration of John Dramani Mahama as the legitimate winner of the country's closely fought 2012 presidential poll.

The nine-member panel dismissed a petition brought by leaders of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) claiming fraud in the election.

The petitioners wanted nearly four million votes nullified on account of which the first petitioner would have been declared winner of the elections.

 

Source: myjoyonline

Akufo Addo will be remembered as a true statesman - Duncan Williams

The General Overseer of the Action Faith Christian Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams has stated that history will remember the 2012 Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Akufo-Addo as a true statesman who put his nation first.

 "He will go down in history as a true statesman of this country and we thank God the followers of the NPP for also considering Ghana first," he said.

 The Archbishop, who was speaking at a special thanksgiving ceremony on Sunday, congratulated the NPP flagbearer for his display of maturity after the Supreme Court gave its judgement on the 2012 presidential election petition. 

"We thank God for the outcome of the verdict of the Supreme Court and we want to thank God for the Honourble Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the courage and humility he demonstrated and in gracefully accepting the verdict of the Supreme Court and in congratulating the President of the Republic of Ghana." 

In his sermon to the congregation, Archbishop Duncan Williams noted that Nana Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have demonstrated their true love for Ghana.

 Meanwhile, President Mahama who attended the services also has urged Ghanaians to put the past eight months behind and work together for the good of the country.

 

Source: myjoyonline

Duncan Williams counsels Mahama, NDC not to use power for vengeance

The Archbishop of the Action Chapel International, Nicholas Duncan Williams has charged President John Mahama and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) not to indulge in the politics of vengeance.

He urged the government to use the power they have acquired for the development of the country.

Archbishop Williams said "Power is not to punish, neither is power used for revenge, nor used to destroy your enemies; rather power is for building, for development and to unite".

 He was speaking at a thanksgiving service attended by President John Mahama and his wife, Lordina Mahama at the Prayer Cathedral in Accra.The archbishop called for unity and reconciliation following the Supreme Court judgement last Thursday that dismissed the petition that challenged Mr Mahama's legitimacy.

 According to him, it is incumbent on the President to create an atmosphere conducive for every Ghanaian, regardless of their party affiliation, to contribute to the growth of the country.

 "Power is to be used to bring progress and to create an atmosphere conducive for investment both local and foreign and not to be used to settle scores."

President Mahama, who read Psalm 23 as his motivational message for Ghanaians, urged the citizenry to put the uncertainties of the past eight months behind and work together for the common good of the country.

 "God has a bright place for us, we have a bright future ahead of this country but we can only claim it if we work together. I have always said that if you sit in the same boat and half of you are rolling forward, and the other half are rolling backwards, where will that boat go?"

 "It will stay at the same place but if you sit in a boat, and all of you are rolling in the same direction, it will go forward to the destination that has been prepared for you," the President added.

 Source: myjoyonline

Ghanaians commended for political tolerance

Most Reverend Dr Daniel Yinkah Sarfo, Archbishop of the Internal Province of Ghana, the Anglican Church, has commended Ghanaians for their political tolerance exhibited before and after the Supreme Court's verdict on the 2012 Election Petition.

 He said this had proven to the outside world, Ghana's maturity in democratic dispensation.

 He made this known when he addressed the 8th Biennial Conference of the Church at Agona Swedru.

 The three-day conference was on the theme: "Re-visiting the Antioch."

 The Church used the occasion to install Sister Nelly Buaku as the 9th National Master Shepherd and other officers of the Church at Agona Swedru.

 Archbishop Sarfo urged Ghanaians to continue to pray to maintain the existing peace.

 He urged the political parties, especially the National Democratic Congress (NDC) members to refrain from acts that would inflame passion and disturb the peace of the nation.

 Mrs Queenster Pokuah Sawyer, Deputy Central Regional Minister, called on the Ghanaians to rally behind the government now that the petition of the 2012 election was over to accelerate the development of country.

 She expressed concern about the increasing rate of teenage pregnancy in the region and asked mothers not to deny their female children education.

 The Bishop of Cape Coast Diocese of Anglican Church, Rt. Reverend Daniel Adotei Allotey asked the members of the Guild of Good Shepherd to intensify their evangelism drive to win more soul for Christ.

 

Source: GNA