Ghana Elections 2012 : NPP, NDC supporters in verbal exchange in Sekondi

Two top functionaries of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Sekondi lost their cool and raised their voices at a debate for parliamentary candidates, compelling organisers to temporarily halt the event as their supporters joined the fracas.

 

The few security personnel present lost control and supporters of the two parties nearly turned the event in the chamber of the Western Regional House of Chiefs into a boxing arena.

 

Friends of the Nation (FON), a Takoradi based non-governmental organisation that organised the debate, had a hectic time calming nerves because supporters who were outside the hall also joined.

 

Security personnel called for reinforcement but before its arrival tempers cooled and the event went on after about 40 minutes of interruption.

Papa Owusu Ankomah, the NPP Member of Parliament for Sekondi and Capt Anthony Cudjoe (rtd), the Metropolitan Chief Executive, were taken to one of the offices to cool down.

They came back to the hall and shook hands in the presence of the organizers and a member of the Western Regional Peace Council. They had earlier signed a pact to ensure peace during the election.

The debate was the second FON organised for parliamentary candidates and was attended by NPP, NDC and Convention Peoples Party's (CPP) Mr Ahoah Henry Solor.

Questions centered on the environment, fishing, oil and gas and coastal development and the debate got off smoothly.

All the candidates said they would transform Sekondi constituency when given the nod and would resource the fisher folks and ensure that they adhere to the approved fishing methods.

They said they would develop the coastal area to boost hospitality and check that  revenue from oil and gas is used judiciously to benefit the entire region.

However, during question time supporters of the NDC and NPP murmured and this compelled the organisers to suspend proceedings.

 

On resumption a question was asked about how Papa Owusu Ankomah used his share of the Common Fund and he answered that in reality nothing like that existed.

His answer deepened the murmuring from the audience and he explained that MPs get only five percent of the Common Fund to enable them support some projects in their constituencies and that the Fund is disbursed through the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.

The MP added that unfortunately he had still not had his share of the Common Fund from the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly.

This brought Capt Cudjoe to his feet to say that the allocation was intact.

Out of the blue, supporters of the two parties started trading insults at each other while others nearly exchanged blows creating chaos and confusion.

 

Mr Kweku Aggrey, a member of the Western Regional Peace Council, told the GNA that he was surprised at the turn of events and appealed to leaders of the parties to bring their supporters to order for  peace in the constituency and the region.

He said judging from the incident, supporters of losing parties could create confusion after the announcement of the election results and expressed the hope that they would be talked to for sanity to prevail in the constituency.

Mr Mevuta Donkris, Executive Director of the FON, said the environment, having been neglected for a long time, influenced his NGO to organise the debate.

 

 

GNA

Ghanaelections 2012 Violence : Group loots shops in Ashtown in reprisal attacks

 

Some persons affiliated to Matthews, the man who was attacked at Ashtown, Kumasi by persons affiliated to the Manhyia MP, have gone on rampage looting some shops in the area.

The reprisal attacks according to reports occurred late Thursday evening. According to Nhyira FM's Kofi Asante, 5 persons also sustained injuries in the reprisal attacks and have been admitted at the hospital.

According to the PRO of the Ashanti Regional Police, ASP Mohammed Tanko the cause of the clashes is still not known.

The Manhyia MP, Matthew Opoku Prempeh who is tight-lipped on the issue is scheduled to address a press conference Friday morning.

Police in the Ashanti Region were Thursday evening deployed to Ashtown to ensure calm after violent confrontation between persons said to be linked to the MP of Manhyia, Matthew Opoku Prempeh and the man identified as Matthews.

Nhyira FM's Kofi Asante reported that the man was not only shot in the leg but sustained serious machete wounds in the attack. Another person, who is said to be the sister of the victim was also hit by a stray bullet, but her condition is stable.

It is still not clear the reason for the attack but Mathews was rushed to the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment. The police, immediately after the incident took over the town to protect the peace.

According to Asante, the MP, Mathew Opoku Prempeh was at Ashtown early Thursday morning with his team to distribute party paraphernalia and books to the constituents.

Even though he cannot immediately confirm, Asante said there were reports of misunderstanding between some of the area guys and the men following the MP.

There was a violent confrontation with blood stains visible on the road where the attack occurred.

No arrest has yet been made.

credit : JFM

Minister of Defence advises soldiers not to intimidate voters

Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith (Rtd), Minister of Defence, on Wednesday called on the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to refrain from acts that would intimidate or deter voters from exercising their franchise on December 7.   Addressing a durbar of officers, men and civil employees of the Third Infantry Battalion at the Liberation Barracks in Sunyani, he said soldiers should rather arrest those who would foment trouble and hand them over to the police for prosecution.      Lt. Gen. Smith was on a day's visit to inspect some on-going and completed projects at the garrison and assess the operational readiness of the military towards the election.      He explained that GAF was engaged to support the police to ensure an atmosphere of peace and stability before, during and after Election 2012 and advised the personnel to comport themselves well.    Lt. Gen. Smith expressed appreciation of the high level of discipline and professionalism within GAF and was hopeful that they would maintain such behaviour at the various polling stations.      "As soldiers you are aware of the benefits of national peace, security and stability," he told the soldiers and expressed the confidence that they would work to the admiration of all and sundry.      Lt. Gen. Smith said the collaboration between GAF and the police as well as other security agencies in crime fighting was laudable and was optimistic that such collaboration would continue to work before and beyond Election 2012.    He commended GAF for the role they played during the burial of the late President John Evans Atta Mills and  Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama.      Lt. Gen. said the Government would endeavour to address the peculiar needs of GAF especially accommodation and improve provision of water supply at the various garrisons.       Earlier, the Minister of Defence held a closed door meeting with Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius Kobla Lithur, the Garrison Commander and other officers.

GNA

 

 

 

 

President Mahama promises more jobs in the next four years

President John Dramani Mahama  on Thursday morning gave the assurance that the National Democratic Congress's second term would expand job opportunities in the country to absorb teeming graduates from the tertiary institutions. He said the jobs would be created through the expansion of the Gross Domestic Product, identification and retooling of brisk businesses, Youth Skills Enterprise Programme and the extension of Venture Capital to Small and Medium Term Enterprises. President Mahama gave this assurance when he addressed students of Cape Coast Polytechnic and University of Cape Coast at separate rallies as part of his two-day campaign tour of the Central Region. He earlier on addressed similar rallies at Praso, Assin Bereku, Assin Fosu, Twifo Praso, Twifo Hemang, Jukwa and the Cape Coast Central market. The President explained that under the identification and retooling of vigorous businesses, government would identify all businesses that had the potential to grow rapidly and retool them to expand to absorb more unemployed youth. He said under the Youth and Skills Enterprise Programme, individuals would be assisted to develop their businesses, who would not only make them employees, but would also empower them to employ many others. President Mahama said plans were also advanced to turn all the Polytechnics in the country into Technical Universities, which would tackle and advance science and technology for the next generations. The president also announced that GHc100 million out of the Chinese Development Bank loan would be used for the Small and Medium Enterprises Incubator programme through the Association of Ghana Industries. He said the money released to the SMEs would serve as a revolving fund that would benefit all the groups and individuals engaged in business expansion.

GNA

IDEG trains 100 election observers in Central Region

Mr Kojo Impriam, Project Officer of Institute for Democratic Government (IDEG), has called on officials who would be observing this year's general election to perform their duties professionally. This, he said, would ensure peace before, during and after December 7. He advised the personnel to be non-partisan and strive to work in unity and solidarity and avoid discriminating against any political party, individuals and party agents who would be participating in the polls. Mr Impraim made the call at the opening of a day's workshop organised by IDEG, which is an independent, not for profit research and advocacy organisation in collaboration with Civic Forum Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, in Cape Coast. It was on the theme: "Protecting the Integrity of Election to Secure Peace and National Cohesion." The workshop trained 100 people selected from all the constituencies in Central Region, who would serve as election observers in the December polls to ensure peace, national cohesion and integrity of the electoral process.  Mr Impraim explained that IDEG would create an election room, which would be equipped with information gadgets that would enable the observers to transmit information to the headquarters in Accra, to solve disturbances that may arise during the elections. He urged the participants to educate the public on the essence of peace and unity to ensure that this year's election remain violent free and fair. The Project officer asked them to persuade minors who have been registered not to vote since it would be against the law and could be arrested and prosecuted. Deputy Commissioner Of Police Stephen Andoh-Kwoffie, Regional Police Commander advised the participants to take their work seriously in order to achieve the desired goals set for them and to put in place measures that would prevent any form of destruction and lawlessness. DCOP Kwoffie entreated them to endeavour to protect lives and property at their various polling stations. He called on politicians to ensure that all their pre-election activities are conducted peacefully so that the elections would be incident free.

GNA

NDC Parliamentary for Takoradi affirms development role of Parliamentarians

National Democratic Congress(NDC) Parliamentary candidate for Takoradi, Mr Alfred Ekow Gyan has affirmed his commitment to invest in the people when he is voted into power in the December 7  general election.  He said the developmental role of the Member of Parliament transcends the provision of infrastructure and social amenities.    According to him, the award of scholarships to needy but brilliant students to pursue higher education among other social interventions would be his priority.     Mr Ekow-Gyan who made this known in an interview with Ghana News Agency in Takoradi said the NDC had invested in majority of Ghanaians in education, job creation and skills acquisition.    He outlined a strategic development plan as part of his social interventions and asked the electorate to change their voting pattern this year and bring the NDC back to the seat.

GNA

Interior Minister asks security personnel not to compromise professionalism

Mr William Aboah, Minister of the Interior has urged members of the security agencies not to compromise their professionalism for political expediency while on polling monitoring duties. He said they must reflect confidence and good knowledge of the election regulations and procedures to enable them take the right decisions. Mr Aboah was addressing personnel under his Ministry as part of his visit to Ho to see the state of preparedness of the security agencies in the Volta Region towards the December 7 elections. He said every officer whether in uniform or not has the powers of arrest and therefore could bring those who commit election offences to book. Mr Aboah said it is unfortunate that unlike some other countries, the police in Ghana are always perceived as partisan. He said a security officer who goes about his or her duties professionally and is fair and firm would be vindicated. Mr Kobby Acheampong, Deputy Minister of the Interior counselled the officers not to use unlawful means in their operations. Mr Oscar Kofi Amevenku, Tongu Divisional Police Commander urged members of the security services to suppress their political biases. As part of his visit Mr Aboah paid a courtesy call on Mr Henry Ford Kamel, Regional Minister and met with the Regional Election Task Force and officers of Ghana Police Service.

GNA

 

Managing party “Youth Parliament –basis for a peaceful election

Youth  Parliaments are newly  developing  phenomena  where youth  supporters  of political  parties  construct  sheds , most  often  with support  from  their  parties , which  are supposed  to serve  as bases  for the youth  to meet  and  discuss party issues.

As political activities  heat up in the last  few weeks  to the December 7, general elections, the parties  are beginning  to revamp  these  " parliaments" by giving  some facelift  to existing  ones  and  constructing  new ones. 

Parties are busy shaping and nailing broken wood and painting of party colours and symbols on these structures.

Conspicuously  in the last  elections  were the National Democratic  Congress (NDC), New Patriotic Party (NPP), People 's National  Convention (PNC )and the  Convention People's Party(CPP). During this political season, more have sprung up possibly as a result of the faith the youth have kept with their parties.

So , as one walks  a distance  of less than  a kilometer  or two  in most Northern towns  and villages , youth  parliaments are  visible everywhere. With  the upsurge of new  parties  such  the Progressive People's Party(PPP) the United  Renaissance Party (URP) and the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), among  others, and as  more  constituencies  are being  created , more  market  is  created for the wood  industry as more  youth  parliaments  are bound  to spring up.

The interesting  thing  about  these youth  parliaments  in this  period  of campaign  is that  the youth  live  in close  proximity in the  communities , but  from different traditional one lives  in the Zongos , a youth  parliament  located  there is likely  to have  their  constituents  for different traditional back grounds. What  the youth  sit there  in their  numbers  to do  and what  transpires  between  them should  be a matter  of interest   for all Ghanaians   during  this campaign  season.

The process of democratization  it self  creates  problems with which  communities  must grapple. As  the youth  identify  themselves  with parties, rivalry is being  stimulated . Some  opinions   this writer  gathered  are that  some of these  youth  parliaments are  so close  for comfort , as  they are perched  so close  to each other . A visit  to some  of the Youth  Parliaments  by this  writer  also  revealed  that  the  occupants  of the shedds go to  sit there  to socialize .

While  some engage  in playing  oware, other simply  have a nap. Most  of them  are  unemployed  and therefore  spend  longer  hours  sitting  there. According  to Dr. Ken Peligba  of the University  for Development  Studies (UDS), some  of these  youth parliament  can promote  hooliganism if care  is not taken.

Asked  as to  what  they  sometimes  discussed, Mr. Raymond Agartey , a carpenter  at one of the sheds  belonging  to the NPPP in the  Bolgatanga township  in the Upper East  region , said  they discussed how  to bring  more  people  to join  the party.

Interesting , however  all occupants  of  the two party sheds  interviews had no idea  what  their various  party  manifestoes promoted. Another  phenomenon  developing  is the sale  of party  paraphernalia in these  sheds  that seems  to serve  as a temporary  source  of employment  for those  who trade  in these  party  symbols.

Electoral Accountability 

It is without  argument  that the  involvement  of the  citizenry in the promotion  of  good governance should  be  a matter of  concern  as all prepare  to vote  in the coming  elections , because   development  is a shared  responsibility  involving  government  local  authorities  and communities. So as a Ghanaian, how you are  involved  in key  development  matters  should  be crucial to all.

Politics  is not  about  bloodshed  that would send  women and children  running  from  their  birthplaces  for shelter  in an environment  they may  not be familiar  with  and may not  want  to live in.

The  party  that wins  the 2012  election  should  be aware  that it  particularly  in addressing  the needs  of the  venerable  and less privileged.  There  are common  aspirations  among  these  teeming  youth : jobs, education  and hope  for the future  and these  should  be addresses by the  parties  for which  they are dying  now.

There are communities  that wished  they  could be provided  with water, roads  , electricity  and other social amenities  that exist  in urban  cities, but they look on helplessly as they  get disappointed over  slow  space  of  development  or no  development  at all in their areas.  For those  , it is time  to let the  thumb decide.

The youth  have to take  a strong stand  and let  their  thumbs  decide  which party   they prefer  to manager  the affairs of this  country. The NPP's  promise  of free SHS  strongly  assures  Ghanaians  of  'transforming  lives  transforming  Ghana, building  a free, fair and prosperous  society '.  Therefore  that party  thinks  it should  be given   the mandate .The CPP 's focus on free, compulsory and quality education from  the basic  to tertiary, and  more support  for women  to improve  on their livelihoods should also let  women  begin  to sit  and scrutinize  these policies.

The NDC in launching  of its manifesto, assured  Ghanaians of advancing the Better Ghana Agenda and making  the Better Ghana Agenda and making more investment in the people  irrespective  of gender, ethnicity or political lineage. The PPP is saddened  by high unemployment in the country and has assured Ghanaians  it will create jobs and build the capacity  of the private sector.

The question  about  total development of the country's  youth  who have  remained steadfast  and made  so much  sacrifices  to bring  parties  to power  remains unanswered.

During  this season  of campaigns  there is  the  need  for more  attention to be focused on  peaceful elections, especially  as the parties drum home  messages through  their  manifestoes for Ghanaians  to make  informed choices.

The youth need  to understand  that as  they paly  an important role in the affairs  of their parties , they should  help to interpret their manifestoes to convince  people to join their respective  parties.  They should  avoid  engaging  in arguments  that have  the potential to endanger  their lives  since  they need  their  lives  to make  their parties  what they  want them  to be. It  is said  that political parties  will come  and go  but Ghana will always  be there.

The display of  their commitment  to the  parties  they belong  to is good  but where it is combined  with drinking and riding motorbikes carelessly at top speed  to endanger  their own  lives  and the lives  of  other  when their leaders visit  the communities  to campaign  is a habit  every  Ghanaian  must  jointly condemn  in no  uncertain terms.

Politics  should  be a peaceful intellectual form  of war  Ghanaians  have to embark  on  to bring  development  to the country , but at this time  the atmosphere  is charged  with  tension. And  in times  like  this  the electorate  become  important  to every politician because  their participation in the electoral process  as voters  is very  crucial in conference power  on one of the contesting  candidates  who intend to govern  the country.

This is the power  the youth, as  part  of the electorate , have  at their  disposal to ensure  their  dreams  for a  future  devoid  of joblessness and frustration become  a reality.

Indeed , each  and every  citizen  of this  country has an aspiration and this  country has an  aspiration  and this should  be translated  into a political preference  that  should  help them make  an intelligent  choice  among  the various presidential  and parliamentary candidates  paraded before us now.

Let your thumb  speak!           

The Finder

NPP Activists told to make Party dominant political force in Upper West Region

Mr. Anthony Karbo, former National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has urged activists of the Party in the Upper West Region to worker harder to make the Party a dominant political force in the area in this year's elections. He said for the past 20 years the region had been voting for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its parliamentary candidates but had nothing to show for their continued support of the Party.   "Let us change the political face of the region in this year's election. It is now time to say thank you and good bye to them and bring a new breed of politicians to take over".    Mr. Karbo who is the NPP Parliamentary candidate for the Lawra constituency made these remarks at a meeting of the regional Youth wing of the Party in Wa at the weekend.   The meeting was to plan the operations of the youth wing of the party in the region for the rest of the campaign period.   Contrary to what their main political opponents had been saying about the NPP's record of achievements in the Upper West, he said, Former President Kufuor's government did a lot to develop the region in the education, health and road sector. He cited the construction of structures for the Wa Polytechnic which was then operating in borrowed premises and transfer of the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies of the University for Development Studies (UDS) from the Navrongo campus to start the Wa campus as some of the big projects undertaken by the Party.   According to him, the NDC had not added a single structure to the Wa campus of UDS since it came to power in 2009 and yet it was taking credit for what it came to meet.  Mr. Karbo said it was during the reign of President Kufuor that the tarring of the Bole-Bamboi road was completed to facilitate transportation from the South to the region, while numerous link roads were constructed in the Wa Municipality.   He expressed disappointment about the ethnic based political campaign that was being undertaken by some NDC functionaries and urged voters in the region to rather assess the programmes and ideas of the parties and candidates before voting.  This year's election was about the future of the youth and therefore the electorate should rally round Nana Akufo-Addo and vote for him to bring his free Senior High School policy into fruition, he stated.  Mr. Hafiz Bin Salih, Regional Second Vice-Chairman of the Party urged the party activists to propagate the achievements of former Presidents Kufuor's rule for voters to make comparisons and bring back the NPP to power. To recapture power, he said, the NPP must be made attractive to those who constituted the foundation of the society, namely farmers, teachers, drivers, market women, fishermen, nurses and the security services.

GNA

NDC is on course to winning 2012 elections: Veep

Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur said  on Monday that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) is on course to win the December 7 elections to continue with the development agenda to better the lives of the people. He said the party would not engage in any confrontation with anyone and urged party fans and faithful to vote massively for a first-round resounding victory for the NDC. The Vice President, who is also the Running Mate of President John Dramani Mahama, the Presidential Candidate for the NDC in Election 2012, stressed the need for all to be civil to make the elections really peaceful, stressing peace as a basic requirement for development. He made the point when he paid a courtesy call on Nana Boakye Tromo III, Paramount Chief of  Duayaw Nkwanta, as a part of a three-day campaign tour of the Brong Ahafo Region. The campaign tour was to enable him to introduce himself as the Vice President and Running Mate to the electorate and solicit their vote to retain the NDC in power at the December polls to continue with development programmes being undertaken. Vice President Amissah-Arthur said governance was challenging and the Government would continue to partner them and solicit their opinion in the national development effort. Nana Tromo also stressed the need for peace in the elections. He appealed to the Government to equip the Orthopaedic Training Centre in the area for it to become a national training centre, accommodation for the staff of the senior high schools in the area and a rehabilitation of the damaged water reservoir that served the community. Later at a rally, Vice President Amissah-Arthur encouraged the people to come out on Election Day, explaining that it was only the election of competent leaders that would guarantee an accelerated development for the nation. He urged the people to consider the development track record of the NDC and retain it in power. Vice President Amissah-Arthur later called on the chiefs of Derma, Yamfo, Bomaa, Terchire and addressed rallies there. The general concerns of the chiefs were for the Government to improve the road networks in their communities and support education. At Bechem, the Vice President called on the Omanhene of Bechem, Nana Ofosu Gyeabuor Akoto at his palace. Vice President Amissah-Arthur said the NDC was a development oriented party and that explained why the government had ensured that every community received its fair share of development, adding that apart from campaigning for re-election, the NDC was also impressing upon the people to exercise their franchise in peace. Nana Ofosu Gyeabuor Akoto expressed gratitude to the Government for providing the town with its fair share development under the Better Ghana Agenda. He appealed to the Government to complete all the roads being rehabilitated in the area. Later at a rally, Vice President Amissah-Arthur stressed the need for parents to send their children to school. He described the Free Senior High school campaign message of the opposition New Patriotic Party as discriminatory and asked parents not to buy into it. The Vice President said the NDC was going to build more basic and secondary schools to ensure access and quality. Vice President Amissah-Arthur introduced the NDC's parliamentary candidate for Tano South, Dr Hannah Bissiw and asked the people to vote massively for her and President Mahama. Activities in the towns where the Vice President visited came to a temporary halt as people poured out in their numbers on the streets to catch a glimpse and to hear him. Mrs Cecilia Johnson, a Member of the Council of State and Mr Kwadwo Nyamakye Marfo, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, took turns to address the rallies.

GNA

Vice President Amissah-Arthur urges people in Brong-Ahafo Region to vote for NDC

Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur has urged the people of Brong-Ahafo Region to vote massively for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on December 7 to achieve its 'one-touch' victory.   He said it is only when the party is retained in power that it would continue with initiated projects for the people in the Region and achieve the 'Better Ghana Agenda'.   Vice President Amissah-Arthur made the call when addressing members of Youth for John Mahama (YFM) Fan Club in Sunyani.    He told the youth to avoid intemperate language in propagating the ideals and vision of the party, despite any confrontation from their opponents.        Vice President Amissah-Arthur said the Region had witnessed some infrastructure developmentsunder the leadership of the late President John Evans Atta Mills and gave the assurance that President Mahama and his team would continue during the second term.     Mrs Cecilia Johnson, Member of the Council of State, said since the growth of any nation depended on its youth, the NDC government would ensure that the youth were given the requisite training to contribute to the nation's socio-economic development.    She commended members of the club and urged them to join the campaign for more votes to ensure President Mahama is retained in power.     Mrs Johnson said even though there were indications that Ghanaians would retain the NDC in power on December 7, there was the need for activists, supporters and sympathisers of the party not to be complacent but intensify the campaign in their communities.   Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister and the candidate for Sunyani West, appealed to the youth not to succumb to any intimidation from their opponents.

GNA

Otumfuo meets 2012 Presidential candidates in Kumasi

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, on Tuesday held a meeting with all the presidential candidates for Election 2012, in Kumasi. Although the meeting was held behind closed doors, and the agenda was not disclosed to the media, it was expected to focus on the need to maintain peace before, during and after the December 7 polls. The meeting, which is being held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, has attracted supporters of political parties that would participate in the December 7 polls. The presidential candidates were expected to release a communiqué on good conduct and behaviour before, during and after the elections. Also in attendance at the meeting were former Presidents; Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor, Chief Justice Theodora Wood and leadership of the various political parties.

GNA

 

PPP to make issues about teachers priority

The Progressive People's Party (PPP) has pledged to place issues concerning teachers at the centre of any policy geared towards improving the quality of education, if given the mandate to govern Ghana, on December 7. The party said it would resource teachers with facilities and equipment, and provide them with houses to enable them to give off their best.     Mr. James Sohimwinye, PPP parliamentary candidate for the Wa Central constituency, said these at a media encounter to throw light on the party's policy on education, at Wa.     He noted that poor remuneration and condition of service for teachers affected academic performance. Mr Sohiwinye said: "Some argue that professionals such as lawyers, medical doctors and engineers work in specialized fields, and should earn more that teachers but the PPP believes that it is the teacher who trained these professionals.''     He claimed that over the past decade, 1,562,270 students failed the Basic Education Certificate Examination out 3,669,138 candidates while it was reported recently that 70 per cent of students in the Northern part of the country could not read.     Mr Sohiwinye said the party would improve teacher training college education to produce efficient teachers, and ensure effective monitoring and supervision of teaching.

GNA

 

Security women in Sunyani Municipality embark on peace walk

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Satina Aboagye, Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Coordinator of Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), has said security women were ready to support security men to ensure peaceful election on December 7.   She said this year's election was dicey as there had been signals to indicate electoral violence in the country.    ASP Satina gave the assurance when addressing security women after a peace walk on the principal streets of Sunyani to send the message of peace to the general public.    It was organised by the Police Ladies Association and attended by other security women in the Sunyani Municipality.     They carried placards some of which read: "Ghana We Need Peace", "Election is not war", "Let us vote peacefully", "Let us love ourselves", "Let us all unite".  ASP Satina urged the general public not to entertain any fear but walk to the polling station to cast their ballot on December 7, since the security personnel would deal drastically with any person or group of persons, who would try to foment trouble at any polling station.   She hoped that after December 7, Ghana would continue to be 'the apple in the eyes of the world' since the election would be free, fair and peaceful without any violence.   The Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Coordinator of DOVVSU, called on Ghanaians to demonstrate maturity in this year's election for the international world to know that Ghanaians understood and appreciated democracy.   "Let us all participate in the elections in unity and love and return as one people and not scattered in the end because of election."   ASP Satina called on all stakeholders, especially churches, Muslims and individual groups to pray for the peace and advise their members against violence before, during and after elections. Police Chief Superintendent Frederick Adjei, Head of Legal Directorate, Brong-Ahafo Regional Police Command, commended the women for their involvement in fighting for peace towards Election 2012.    He noted that for peace to prevail in any nation, women's contribution was important since they formed a greater percentage of the country's population.   Chief Superintendent Adjei asked the women to continue with the message of peace in their homes and communities to ensure violence free election on December 7.

GNA

Free SHS education is possible in 2013 – Parliamentarians

Two New Patriotic Party parliamentarians have affirmed the possibility of the implementation of the free Senior High School (SHS) education policy in 2013. However, they advised Ghanaians to ignore the political gimmicks being peddled by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the policy and vote massively for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to benefit from it.Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, NPP MP for Techiman North and Professor George Gyan-Baffour, NPP MP for Wenchi, gave the assertion when addressing supporters of the NPP at a rally at Krobo in the Techiman North Constituency. It was to formally launch the campaign of Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi.They took turns to address the enthusiastic supporters emphasising that resources for the implementation of the policy was not a challenge but what was important was for Ghanaians to vote for the NPP. Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi, a former Minister of Education and Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), said the free SHS education policy was the only way the Government could bridge the wide gap between the rich and the poor in quality education delivery.He said the NPP was aware that school fees were high and parents could not afford to pay indicating that with such a policy in place, school dropouts would drastically reduce next year.   Prof. Gyan-Baffour, a former Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning admitted that though the country's financial base was in serious crisis, because of the poor administration of the NDC Government, the NPP had other alternatives to finance the implementation of the policy for a longer term.   He was hopeful that the electorate would vote for the NPP to see remarkable improvement in their standards of living.Mr Yaw Adomako Baafi, NPP National Deputy Director of Communication, advised media practitioners to vote for the NPP in appreciation of the repeal of the criminal libel law.He said the vibrancy of the media to national development was as a result of the repeal of the law, which in the past stood strongly against the freedom of the press.Mr Baafi explained that the NPP was appreciative and understood the role of the media and would ensure that the media was empowered well to enable it function well.He said the NPP Government elevated the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) into a university status, because it was poised to ensure a well trained media personnel that would work effectively for national progress.

GNA

 

 

Dr Nduom calls on the youth to vote massively for PPP

Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, Presidential candidate of the Progressive People's Party (PPP) has called on the youth to vote massively for the party in the December 7 polls  for a real change  and for the development of the country.  He, however, expressed   concern about the way some politicians were allegedly using gifts and other incentives to buy votes, saying that it was even more worrying that some parties during the last voters registration exercise managed to register under-age children to vote for them, and urged the Electoral Commission and polling agents to be vigilant on the voting day. Dr. Nduom made the call when he addressed members of the University of Cape Coast branch of the Progressive Youth Movement (MYP) of the PPP in Cape Coast at the weekend.     He urged them to vote for the Parliamentary candidates contesting in Cape Coast North, South and Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem constituencies so that the party would have a larger representation in parliament.       Dr Nduom  said he  had over the years  created  many jobs across  the country  because he knows the needs of the  people,  and pledged that when given the mandate  he would reduce the incidence of unemployment among graduates.      He called for unity in the coming polls and said when given the nod he would be a leader for all, no matter their political affiliations. Mrs. Sarah Bucknor, Parliamentary candidate for Cape Coast South described Dr. Nduom as a practical man who  paid over 20,000 people every month through the jobs he had created  nationwide and urged  the students to vote massively for him to become President in the December election because he had the potential and capabilities to bring employment and development  to the nation.  She also pleaded to the students to vote for her and pledged to provide them security as well as their basic needs when given the nod.     Mr. Bright Droefenu, Parliamentary candidate for Cape Coast North told the students to see the PPP as a force to reckon with and that they should vote for the party for real change and development since it was the only party that had the youth at heart.

GNA

 

Policeman says winners of election must not tease losers

A police officer has appealed to supporters of the party that would win the December general election not to go to the residencies of supporters of losing parties to tease them.Inspector Daniel Tawiah, in charge of the Breman Brakwa Police Station, said since the constitution guaranteed freedom of movement, supporters of the winning party could make merry on the streets.He said this at a forum organised by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation with support from the European Union (EU) AT Breman Brakwa in the Asikuma-Oboben-Brakwa District.It was on the theme, "promoting democratic citizenship to enhance election peace, transparency and credibility in Ghana"Inspector Tawiah said the police had been prepared to contain any violence before, during and after the elections and appealed to people who had made up their minds to cause trouble during the elections to change their minds immediately. He said the police had been tasked to protect the ballot boxes and that they were prepared to do that even at the peril of their lives and cautioned people who are not officials of the EC to stay away from the ballot boxes after casting their votes. He said "machomen" would be entertained on the day of the elections and added "Don't go and hide to direct people to go and vote for a particular party." Mr Charles Arkoh, a Returning Officer of the EC, said nobody was above the law therefore no voter must jump the queue. Mr Ibrahim Yusif, a representative of the Chief Imam, said the election would be a testing case for Ghana as the whole world was watching and appealed to voters to measure up to the test. Mr Peter Kobina Gyasi, Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, said since Ghana's democracy was based on multi-party system, people must not regard people in other parties as enemies. "We must co-exist peacefully and must not allow freedom of association to breed enmity," he said.

GNA

 

Chiefs in the three Northern Regions strategise to ensure peaceful elections

Traditional leaders in the three Northern Regions have met to strategies on how to effectively play their role to ensure peace before during and after the December 7 elections. To this end the Chiefs, joined by religious leaders and  youth groups from the Upper East, Upper West and Northern Regions, participated in a day's forum which was organized in Yendi by Global Youth Network (GYN). Speaking at the forum the Catholic Bishop of Yendi, The Most Reverend  Vincent Sowah Boi-Nai, said Ghana deserved to have peace hence the need for all and sundry to effectively play their role to promote peace. Various youth groups and political parties took turns to present solidarity messages as a sign of commitment towards peace building. Sharing some negative effects of violence, the Bishop said societies in the state of chaos were often thrown into despair while people no more cared about each. He urged the chiefs to educate people in their communities about the various electoral regulations and draw their attention to the fact that unity and peace were the only tools to facilitate development.    Mr Jawol Bisunna Titus, Director of GYN said some politicians continued to mislead the youth in the region through the use of insults, tribalism and war mongering campaign strategies to score cheap political points. "It is time we realize that these divisions among ourselves as people continue to cause harm and retrogression in our development as a region. "Politicians should concentrate on how to promote agriculture and build industries to reduce poverty which is our common enemy," he said.    Mr Titus called on traditional  leaders of the various ethnic groups in the three regions to review their objectives to match the current needs of their communities, especially in the areas of conflict resolution, women empowerment and alternative livelihood projects to help improve their livelihoods. Nayire Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai, President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs,  said the council had finalized a code of conduct for chiefs as part of their efforts towards ensuring peace in the area. He called on the public, especially the youth, to desist from violent activities such as fighting and snatching of ballot boxes and resort to dialogue in the event of any misunderstanding. The Nayire Naa Abdulai advised the chiefs to campaign for peace in the forthcoming elections.

GNA

NPP members in the Ayawaso constituencies boycott peace walk

Members of the Ayawaso North and East branches of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Sunday boycotted a peace walk organized by the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) and the Office of the National Chief Imam (ONCI). The walk which was to enable political parties in those areas unite as the general election approaches was sponsored by STAR-Ghana. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Alhaji Yussif Fofana, NPP Parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso North constituency, said members of the NPP decided to boycott the peace walk for fear of possible clashes with members of the NDC. He said the NPP members also boycotted the peace walk in retaliation against the NDC members' decision to boycott one previously organized by an NGO to bring the two parties together. He expressed concern about the mounting tension between members of the two parties adding that terrible things might have occurred if NPP members had taken part in the walk. "I believe this peace walk should have been organised long time ago and not at this moment", he said. Addressing the media, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, General Secretary, GPCC, urged the political parties to learn from the collaboration between the two religious organizations. "We might only might only differ in ideologies and beliefs, but we are all Ghanaians with a common agenda of pursuing peace." "As faith-based organizations, we have a God given duty to lead our members and communities to prevent incidences of violence, mitigate the physical impact of violence on individuals and communities", he added. He said it was the hope of the GPC that the Electoral Commission would be provided with all it needs for it to function effectively and also called on the judiciary to expeditiously settle political disputes. He appealed to Ghanaians to cultivate the culture of tolerance in our homes and communities, neighborhoods and constituencies saying, "This is the only way to ensure and guarantee peaceful co-existence between feuding families and parties, ethnic and tribal groups, political parties and religious sects", he added. Alhaji Ahmed Nii Nortey, Public Relations Officer, ONCI, said the peace walk was to spread the message of peace within the two constituencies and to create awareness to the people of Nima-Maamobi and its environs on the urgent need for political tolerance and peaceful co-existence for all Ghanaians before, during and after the elections.   A football match which took place at the Kawukudi Park between NDC members from Ayawaso North and Ayawaso East constituencies was won by Ayawaso East members by three goals to two. A goat each was presented to each constituency for their participation in the event organized by the GPCC and the ONCI. The walk which started at the Nima Roundabout ended at the Kawukudi Park.

GNA

President Mahama begins campaign tour of the Ashanti Region.

President John Dramani on Sunday stated that the performance of the National Democratic Congress in the last four year would encourage most Ghanaians to return the party into power next month. He said the NDC had been instrumental in providing developing projects throughout the country and these would serve as political bait to most voters in the country. "From schools, roads and health facilities, the people of Ghana will definitely show some gratitude by voting massively for us to continue with the good work," President Mahama added. President Mahama said this when he addressed rallies at Juaso in the Asante Akim South and Agogo in Asante Akim North as part of his four-day campaign tour of the Ashanti Region. During his tour of the Region, the President would address rallies, inspect and inaugurate development projects, and hold meetings with party leadership and supporters in the Region. President Mahama added that Ghanaian voters have now grown to decipher the truth and performance from empty talks and falsehood and would therefore go in for the former as it would improve on their living standards. "Some people are going about promising things that we all know they cannot fulfill, but I can assure you that we are already delivering, and the people will continue to vote for us because we are delivering." He said every community in the country had received one development project or the other making the love for the NDC 'infectious and contagious' for voters. Nana Akuoku Sarpong, Omanhene of Agogo, in a speech read on his behalf commended government for the numerous development projects they had received over the last four years. He said urged the NDC government to continue with their human centred programmes that would improve on the lives of Ghanaians in the coming years.

GNA

Tema West Constituency of NDC embarks on keep-fit exercise

Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has assured the people of Tema West Constituency of quality leadership when given the mandate to serve them as their Member of Parliament (MP).

Mr Ofosu Ampofo, who is the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Tema West, gave the assurance at the weekend when addressing members and supporters of the party at Adjei Kojo in the Greater Accra Region, immediately after a four-hour keep-fit exercise through some parts of the constituency.

He advised the constituents not to allow their conscience to be bought by politicians, who would promise them heavens but would not be able to deliver when voted for.

 He regretted that the Tema West Constituency had not witnessed any remarkable development in the last four years under the current MP.

Mr Ofosu Ampofo, therefore, urged the constituents not to waste another four years, but to give him their mandate to take them to the promise land and to ensure the accelerated growth and development of the constituency.

 The Minister assured them that when he became their MP he would negotiate with the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) to ensure proper regularization of their land title documents.

For instance, he said, veterans would not pay fees for the regularization of their land documents.

Clad in party paraphernalia, the members and supporters chanted party songs amidst dancing, jubilation and drumming.
GNA

NCCE intensifies education on spoiling of ballot papers

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has intensified its nationwide education on proper voting to reduce the incidence of ballot paper rejection or spoilt ballots in the December 7 polls. Ms Abena Offe, a Commission Member, made this known at a durbar organized by the Agona East District branch of NCCE at Seth Okai near Agona Nsaba in the Agona East District of the Central Region at the weekend.

She said the Commission had been organizing seminars, durbars and for a to demonstrate to the public the correct procedure of voting and also to collate views and other relevant information that could help reduce the spoilage of ballot papers by voters. Ms Offe said during the education the NCCE had also allowed Persons With Disability to voice out their problems.

She said similar programmes were taking place in all 10 regions across the country, adding that it was being organized in the local dialects to enable the people to understand the importance of the education. "The Commission is doing everything possible to educate the electorate on the correct voting procedure to avoid plenty ballot papers spoiled as was seen during previous elections".

Mr Cletus Abang, Central Regional Director of NCCE, said research conducted by the Commission revealed that voters were very much interested in voting for candidates who had prioritized education, quality health care and employment. He said the NCCE had also been able to reach out to communication teams of various political parties in all the 23 constituencies of the Central Region and educated them on the dangers of elections violence.

The Regional Director said the NCCE had been organizing film shows on war-torn countries such as Liberia, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, DR Congo and others to enable the people to see the devastating effects of wars. Mr Sackyi Sam, Agona East District Director of NCCE expressed gratitude to the European Union (EU) for sponsoring the Commission to organize such education programs. He charged Ghanaians to ensure that democracy in the country was sustained while the peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in the country was also maintained.

Mr Sam urged political parties going round poisoning the minds of Ghanaians with propaganda and other vain promises that could not be fulfilled to put a stop to it.

 

GNA

Wa Central Zongo Youth to work round the clock for victory for Mahama

Zongo Youth for President Mahama in the Upper West Region have pledged to work round the clock to secure victory for President Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the December elections. The group said President Mahama, having risen through the ranks as a Member of Parliament (MP) for 12 years, a Deputy Minister/Minister for Communications for four years and Vice President for three and half years put him at a higher pedestal than all his competitors. Mr Issah Aduah, Patron of the group, said this at the launch of the group in Wa on Friday. Zongo Youth for Mahama is a volunteer group whose membership is national in character and open to all well meaning Ghanaians who share in the vision of building a Better Ghana. Mr Aduah cited the introduction of circular education to Arabic Schools, the amendment of the Public Holiday Act to give Muslims two Public Holidays and the establishment of the Hajj Village to provide comfort and dignity to would-be pilgrims by the first and second NDC administrations as very remarkable examples of the party's commitment to the wellbeing of Muslims in the country. He again commended the NDC for committing GH¢200,000,000.00 to the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) in fulfilment of the promise made by the party in its 2008 manifesto. He noted that SADA had already created over 5,000 jobs for some youth and was looking ahead to doubling the figure if the party retained power. Mr Aduah said for the first time in the country, the NDC government had put in place a guaranteed price for shea nuts to improve the livelihoods of women working in the business as it is done for cocoa farmers. He said under the NDC government, the Wa Central Zongo Community can boast of getting its fair share of infrastructural development ranging from improved infrastructure in their schools, provision of boreholes and construction of better drains among others. He called on all in the Wa Central Constituency to vote for President Mahama and the Parliamentary Candidate, Alhaji Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo for them to continue with the strengthening of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to serve the health needs of the people. Mr Aduah pledged on behalf of Zongo youth that they were committed to peace and would not allow themselves to be used by any cheap and war-mongering politician to carry out any diabolical agenda in the coming elections. Alhaji Pelpuo called on the people to sell the NDC success story properly to ensure a one touch victory for President Mahama.

GNA

PPP donates towards water project at Japkahi Community

The Progressive People's Party (PPP) has donated GH¢3,000 to enable water supply to be extended from a 2.5 kilometre distance to the Japkahi Community in the Kumbungu Constituency. The support was to demonstrate the PPP's commitment to meeting the needs of the people and the need for the electorate to vote for the party in the December 7th general elections. Mr. Frederick Menu, a member of the PPP, who made the donations on behalf of the PPP flagbearer, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, said even though the party was not in power, it had donated towards the water provision of the community. He said the party would provide prosperity, quality education, good health and incorruptible leadership to the people of the country should it win the coming election, saying that even though the party was not in power, it was providing the basic needs of the people. He said the flagbearer came to the community two weeks ago and the major problem the people complained about was the request for some funds to extend potable water to the area. He added that Dr. Nduom promised to do so noting 'that promise of the flagbearer had been fulfilled'. Mr. Abukari Alhassan, the Parliamentary Candidate for the Kumbungu Constituency on the ticket of the PPP, promised the people of more social amenities should he be voted into power and advised the people to forget about the NPP and the NDC since those parties had failed the nation. He described his chances in the coming elections as very bright in the constituency, noting that the NDC, which was a ruling party, had woefully failed in fulfilling its promise in the area. Mr. Alhassan said his main aim of contesting the parliamentary seat was to enhance the living standard of the people through development at all levels. Alhaji Baba Yahaya, the Northern Regional Chairman of the PPP told the people that the party was a development oriented, which would speed up development in the rural areas should it be given the nod. He said the party was coming to rescue Ghanaians from their sufferings because they had been suffering in the hands of the NDC and the NPP for far too long and it was the time for the PPP to alleviate their sufferings. Alhaji Yahaya was of the view that the party would win at least 10 to eleven seats in the region and would provide skills acquisition to the unemployed and beef up the skills of those in the former services to enhance the development of the country.

GNA