Youth asked to avoid doing dirty work for politician

Right Reverend Francis Amenu, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian (E.P) Church, on Saturday urged young people to shy away from doing "dirty work" for politicians in the forthcoming elections.       

He asked them to instead, be discerning and support only politicians, who would present positive plans and programmes for the development of the country.    

Rt. Rev. Amenu said this at the launch of volume II video and audio album entitled, "Agbe nye nusi ne woe," (in Ewe), meaning Life is what you make it, by the Ho East Presbytery Christian Youth Builders (CYB) of the E.P Church at the weekend.       

He advised the youth not to lose their lives for people who would want to create confusion and chaos in the country. The clergyman said: "You have a lot to live for so you must preach and ensure peace at the elections so that the country will remain united for you to enjoy in the future".    

Rt. Rev. Amenu commended the Ho East Presbytery CYB for producing the album, and said the church would continue to create avenues for the youth to make meaningful contributions to the country.       

Mr Henry Ametepe, Deputy Volta Regional Minister, asked young people to embrace peace and eschew negative tendencies. He praised members of the CYB for putting their energies into productive use, and advised them to compose and perform more songs to promote Ghanaian cultural heritage.

     

      

Source: GNA

Political parties asked to abide by code of conductPolitical parties asked to abide by code of conduct

The Greater Accra Regional Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, has called on all political parties to abide by the code of conduct for political parties, to ensure free, fair and non-violent election in December.      

This was disclosed to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra at the weekend, by Mr Prosper Largble, Deputy Greater Accra Regional Director of National Commission for Civic Education, after the second Greater Accra Regional Inter-party dialogue meeting in Accra at the weekend.   

The meeting discussed the political parties' code of conduct, and reviewed the just ended nationwide biometric registration exercise, and the way forward. Mr Lagble said Ghana needed a credible and independent umpire, and a level playing field, to ensure free and fair elections.    

He said that issues raised in the code concerned democratic imperatives, campaigning, out of campaigning activities, elections, activities after declaration of results, and enforcement and implementation of the code.     

Mr Largble said political parties and their candidates were asked to abide and observe all rules and regulations relating to the elections. He said they were also reminded of their right to convey their views to the electorate without hindrance, and equal access to state owned media.

Mr Largble said that political parties were advised to educate their followers to desist from defamatory, inflammatory and foul language, and avoid attacks on their political opponents. He said: "They were advised also to educate their agents/party workers and followers not to obstruct, disrupt, or break-up meeting or rallies, destroy, remove, temper with paraphernalia, logos, symbols and handbills of political opponents."      

Mr Largble said members of political parties were advised not to carry arms and other offensive weapons to rallies and other major public events, and to adhere strictly to the public order Act (Act 491) of 1994, by informing the police in writing at least five days before the organization of any public event. He said" "They were urged not to taunt, insult and humiliate opponents when they are defeated at elections, and celebrate victory with decorum."

     

 

 

Source: GNA

 

 

Labour Council cautions EC to stay neutral in 2012 elections

The Agona District Council of Labour has cautioned the Electoral Commission (EC) to stay neutral in officiating the 2012 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. The Council said any showing of support by EC officials to any party during the elections could spell doom in the country's eagerness to deepening it democratic dispensation.   

Mr Francis Odoom, Chairman of the Agona District Council of Labour, made this known at the quarterly meeting to discuss matters affecting welfare of the members at Agona Swedru on Friday.    The Chairman said the workers and entire population are eager to see EC conduct free and fair elections so that the nation could continue its economic policies and programmes.   

Mr Odoom also cautioned government officials to guard against any utterances that could create political turmoil, during, before and after the elections. He warned opposition leaders to caution their supporters to be circumspect with their language at platforms to solicit for votes.   

Mr Odoom appealed to the Controller and Accountant General Department to release pay slips of workers in time for them to known their actual salaries they earn. He asked the government to stop "inconsistent salaries being paid every month to the workers, adding that workers always go to the bank to see different figure lodged into their accounts".  

Mr Samuel Kweku Dugan, Central Regional Secretary of Trade Union Congress (TUC), urged workers to embrace the new three tier pension scheme introduced by the government. He said the Union would hold congress in August this year to elect a new Secretary General of TUC and also review its activities for the next four years.

 

                                

Source: GNA

 

 

Two Agona Chiefs condemn vain promises of politicians

Two Divisional Chiefs of the Agona Nyakrom Traditional Council have advised politicians to avoid making promises that would be difficult to fulfil. They said it is very disturbing and disheartening after politicians fail to honour promises, especially those involved the improvement of their living condition.      

Nana Ampim Darko V, Chief of Agona Kwanyako and Nana Kobina Botwe II, Adontenhene of the council, gave the advice when Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Presidential candidate of Progressive Peoples Party, paid separate courtesy calls on them at their palaces in Agona Swedru and Kwanyako respectively.     

They chiefs slammed politicians for such unfortunate behaviours and appealed to them to end them to enable the people develop their confidence in them. Nana Darko said the people do not know what is "political talk", "adding that time has come for politicians to bite what they can swallow in order not to deceive Ghanaians".     

The tour of Agona West and East formed part of second tour of Dr Nduom in the Central Region within three weeks. Nana Darko cautioned supporters of PPP not to engage in any acts that could spark of violence in the coming election and urged Dr Nduom to revisit the idea of establishment of the workers brigade to increase food production when given the nod.   

Nana Botwe, Swedruhene expressed concern about poor road networks in the Agona West Municipality especially Agona Swedru saying that roads under construction in the town have been abandoned.    

Dr Nduom called on Ghanaians to vote PPP for him to improve economic and social well-being of the people adding that education, water sanitation, health and road construction would be top priorities when given him the nod. The Presidential candidate said job creation would also be one of the cardinal points since many Ghanaians youth especially unemployed graduates to reduce poverty and hardship.

 

                

Source: GNA

PPP is best youth-focused party in Ghana - Coordinator

Mr Devine Nkrumah, National Youth Coordinator of the People's Progressive Party (PPP), has said his Party had the better policies for the youth than all other political parties clamouring to rule Ghana.    

Mr Nkrumah said this when speaking during the inauguration of new executives of the Progressive Youth Movements (PYM) for the Polytechnic, Nurses Training College, School of Hygiene and E.P. University College.      

He said the PYM had come to stay adding that the PPP had the capacity to tackle the massive youth unemployment in the country. He called on the youth to vote the PPP into power to redeem the country from the incapable hands of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).      

Mr Godwin Sadzi, PPP Volta Regional Chairman, appealed to the students at the event to go out to market the ideals of the PPP to others. He said the PPP's 10 point political platform, including providing energy for industrialization and rapid development, better health care and cleaner environment, job creation and the provision of quality education for every Ghanaian child were achievable.     

Mr Sadzi said victory over corruption would release money for national development on all fronts adding that rumours about the PPP going into an alliance for the December polls were preposterous and that the Party would send the elections into a second round and prevail.

 

    

Source: GNA

 

 

Ghana Elections 2012 : Students Must Make All The Difference In Election 2012

STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL UNION OF GHANA STUDENTS (NUGS)  ON 15TH MAY, 2012 ON THE OCCASION OF THE  NATIONAL STUDENTS' DAY


Students across Ghana are marking the National Students Day today, May 15. The National Students Day provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their contribution towards national development, take note of where we have fallen short and strategize on how we can make a difference.

The nation has benefited tremendously from student activism. Notable among these are the various roles of the student movement in the independence and anti-colonial struggles, as well as the post independence struggles against authoritarian regimes and the consequent demands for the nation's return to democratic rule.

As can be seen, students have always been major stakeholders in the quest for change in the country. The 1992 Constitution, the "Akosombo Accord", to the GETFund, and other very important milestones this country has achieved had noteworthy contributions from the students of this country. The various demonstrations to kick against ill IMF policies, astronomical increases in facility user fees and pressures on military regimes to return to democratic rule were all championed by the student front. The history of this country surely cannot be recorded without mentioning the crucial role students have played.

But these are worthy achievements of yesterday. And so we need to ask ourselves what today too can do for tomorrow? And so even as we celebrate the gains made by our predecessors, there are troubling issues today that beckon us to rise up and determine how history will judge us. The ever rising cost of tertiary education coupled with the decline in its quality, lack of infrastructural and logistical support for the growing needs of the student community gives impetus to question the legitimacy of the status quo.

By our continued silence and indifference, we are sowing the seeds of a bitter harvest, one that threatens our efforts at arriving at our educational goals and casts a blur on the certainty of a successful career. With seeming inevitability we are nearing a critical juncture where the demands for getting a decent education in this country cannot be met.

Surely, the relevance of the student community will soon be questioned if we do not change our ways to suit the demands of the times.

As we approach the 2012 General Elections, the role of the student becomes even more crucial. Students are the elite in society; we have the widest intellectual base to assess government policies critically and offer a recommended path where need, we have the capacity to broaden the debate on policy issues, but all we have done is to remain silent while the politicos insult and assault each other – an unfortunate development which is gradually tearing the nation apart. We have moved into a state of unconsciousness, hoping that all the unpleasantness will vanish into thin air when we wake up. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen, it's getting worse by the day – we witnessed snapshots of it during the biometric registration exercise.

One thing however is clear; that we (students) cannot continue to ignore the call by the good people of Ghana to rise up and actively impact policy making in the country. And that is why I find the idea that NUGS should not meddle in the affairs of the governance of this country very reprehensible. Students have played a key role in shaping the direction of policy in the past and will continue to play a key role in that fight now and in the future. NUGS is very optimistic than students can effect political change even in the short term.

And so what is the role of the student in ensuring that the outcome of the 2012 General Election is positive;
Impact Public Policy Positively:
The paramount issue for us as students should not be which party wins an election; it should not matter if power shifts from one party to the other. Our major concern should be how policy will be formulated, and what impact it will have on us. As students our key role here should be to shape government policy. We have to contribute to public discussions, publish articles, undertake campaigns to support positive policies and kick against ill ones.

Abstain from Violence and Destructive Tendencies:
The catastrophic proportions of casualties inflicted on the African continent have been perpetrated by politicians, using the students (particularly tertiary students) as a conduit. The case where students are used as pawns in the hands of politicians should be at thing of the past. What we need to be doing as students is, harnessing and investing our energies into productive ventures.

Abstaining from extreme partisan politics
We need to at all times commit ourselves to democratic principles and ideals such as those against corruption, poverty, hunger, tribalism and illiteracy. The advent of TEIN and TESCON has polarized the activities of students on campus. We need to eschew the tendency of becoming extremely partisan. Don't get me wrong, TEIN and TESCON are healthy for the good of our democracy provided they do not avail themselves as vehicles for political vendetta. At that point individual reasoning ceases and group-think sets in. The advice is that we do not lose our individuality in the crowd.

•Devoting much time for academic excellence and flee from the exigency for money
Our generation is one that loves materialism. However placing the cart before the horse is dangerous phenomenon. The best we can do for Mother Ghana is to avail ourselves for the pursuit of academic excellence. We live in the age of the paper and pen, and only the prepared mind will prevail. We must learn to make the most out of the present, for the future awaits the student who can match his/her competencies to the opportunities in the corporate world.

CONCLUSION
Let us not forget that those who took to the streets yesterday with many participants being brutally beaten and maimed by the law enforcement agencies were not protesting on their own behalf: they were not the ones who would have faced the brunt of the policies they fought so fiercely against – they fought for the next generation.

Today must serve as a clarion call to all students to wake up and take responsibility for the peace of this country especially during the upcoming elections. We must learn to condemn all destructive political activities, irrespective of which party perpetuates it. We must be the ones who separate the "wheat from the chaff" and the "propaganda from the truth". Above and beyond what is convenient for this generation of students, there is a moral obligation to confront all vile activities head-on, to stand for the truth even if the heavens will fall and have the courage to call sin by its right name.

God bless us all.

Peter Kwasi Kodjie
(President-NUGS)


Courage Kwasi Nobi
(General Secretary-NUGS)

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

Today's newspaper review opens with a call on an extension of the biometric registration exercise by CODEO. Daily Guide reports that the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to extend the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) exercise. The paper uses the headline Extend biometric registration – CODEO, in reporting that the organization said high incidence of equipment break-down and suspension of registration in some areas justified an extension of the exercise in those areas. The Chronicle also captures this in the headline Lapses in voter registration justify extension – CODEO, adding that the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has stated that the many challenges that beset the just-ended Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) exercise could affect the integrity of the final register.

Away from the biometric registration investigations conducted by The Heritage have reveal that the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the body mandated with the civic responsibility of educating the populace, was side-stepped by the  Electoral Commission (EC) in series of voter education conducted in the 230 districts across the country during the recent Biometric Registration Exercise. The funds allocated for voter education by the EC was rather used to engaged and train and pay over 6,000 voter educators, a job which could have been easily executed by the NCCE. The paper reports this under the caption Electoral Commission dumped NCCE.

We move onto news from the political scene and the Ghanaian Times inform readers under the banner NDC does not deserve a second term-Anthony Karbo saying that Mr. Anthony Karbo, National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called on the youth to throw out the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of power in the December polls. He said considering the performance of the NDC government since it assumed office three and half years ago, the nation would be in serious crises if the NDC retained in power.

Another report from the same paper reveals that Mr. Kofi Akpaloo, founder and flag -bearer of the Independent People's Party (IPP) on Wednesday, said his bid to be President of Ghana was not a mere sensational move, but was fired by a strong desire to solve the country's problems. The paper quotes him as saying "my bid for Presidency is no melodrama"; he said the IPP had cogent plans for all spheres of nation building to take the growth of the country, now sluggish, into a sprint.

The Daily Graphic similarly reports that IPP to create thrifty economy. The founder, leader and presidential  aspirant  of the Independent  People's  Party (IPP), Mr. Kofi Apaloo, has  promised Ghanaians  that  his party will create that money  is put  in the  pocket of citizens through  credit  facilities and social benefits. He said  as president for 2012, he  had pledged GH₵20 child  benefit  per month GH₵50 unemployment  benefit per  month  minimum wage  of GH₵1  per  hour  and a start –up  package  for at least 1,000 companies every year.

Still on political parties,we are told by the same paper that Nduom woos  fishermen, fishmongers. The  flag-bearer of the Progressive People's Party, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom,  has called on fishermen  and fisher mongers to pledge their  votes  to the PPP  which  is capable of delivering to their  satisfaction, as well as meet  the general well being of Ghanaians. He said the PPP was capable   of implementing good policies to provide increased supply of premix, good sanitation, health road infrastructure and jobs for the coastal dwellers.

Again, the next New Patriotic Party administration will introduce  a development  fund  for the Zongos and other  deprived  communities  in urban  Ghana to confront  the socioeconomic challenges  which  the inhabitants face, the 2012 Presidential  Candidate of the NPP, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has promised. Under the headline Akufo-Addo to introduce Zongo dev't Fund, the Daily Guide adds that the fund, he called  the inner-city Development Fund, this  critical  social  policy  for urban  regeneration forms  part of the NPP manifesto  commitments , as well as efforts to build  a society of opportunities in Ghana , he hinted.

In other developments, the Daily Guide informs us that thousands of New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters in the Ashanti region will today, Friday, 18 May 2012 thronged the Kumasi Polytechnic campus to catch a glimpse of the party's flag-bearer Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo. The NPP presidential candidate is expected to take part in the programme of the Ashanti Regional youth wing of the party which would be attended by other NPP bigwigs across the country.

Nana Addo advises NPP members against voting 'skirt and blouse' how the new Statesman reports that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party and his running mate, Mahamudu Bawumia, received tremendous reception when they visited the Kade constituency of the Eastern Region on Tuesday. They were in the area for what party officials described as "restoration of hope". The duo met the Kade Zongo community and later addressed a large gathering at the Kade durbar grounds. They also addressed cheering crowds at Pramkese, Akyem Techiman, Asuom, Abaam and Abodom.

In the New Weekend Crusading Guide, we are informed that visually impaired want manifestos in Braille and adds that visually impaired persons in the Central Region have kick-started a campaign to promote peace ahead of the December general elections. The campaign dubbed "The Disable Peace Train" will carry-out vigorous advocacy on the need for peace throughout the region and some parts of the country.

The paper further updates us on the speech made by the Ex-President saying Fresh attacks on Rawlings The simmering verbal attacks on Ex-President Rawlings by some young members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party, for his constant criticism and name calling of the ruling NDC government has been rekindled by the Nii Lanteys', Alfred Agbenyos' and the Ablakwas' of the party who appeared to be infuriated by Mr. Rawlings' recent statement at the 30th anniversary of the 31st December Women's Movement in which he referred to some NDC members as traitors. Ex-President Rawlings in his speech at the function also accused the NDC government of monetizing the political space which according to him had further eroded the principles of integrity and accountability upon which virtues the party won their elections.

Other news from the paper indicates that the Ameer and Missionary In-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, Dr. Malvi Abdul Wahab Bin Adam has expressed optimism that despite the violence that characterized pockets of constituencies during the biometric voter registration exercise, this year's presidential and parliamentary elections will be peaceful. Dr. Maulvi Wahab made the statement at the 50th Upper West Regional conference of the mission in Wa. The paper quotes him as saying 2012 elections will be peaceful.

The Daily Guide adds that the Director of the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Sunyani, Rev. Fr. George Kyeremeh has deplored the disrespect some people continue to show to those in authority, especially the Presidency. According to him, "After elections whosoever is declared the winner by the Electoral Commission (EC) becomes the father of the nation and must be respected by all as the first gentleman of the land. The Paper reports under the headline Respect those in authority.

Apostle Opoku Onyinah, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, has advised Ghanaians to have confidence in the Electoral Commission (EC), which has supervised five elections in the Fourth Republic. Speaking at the opening of the church's 13 extraordinary general council meeting at the Pentecost University College in Accra, the chairman said, "The EC has proved itself to be capable of organizing elections and Ghanaians trust that they can deliver". The Daily Guide quotes him as saying "The Electoral Commission has performed creditably in all past elections and we appeal to them to be more vigilant in the discharge of their constitutional mandate. They should build upon the good reputation they have built for themselves over the years."

Still in the same paper we are told that Gabby goes to town on Mills. The Executive Director of the Danquah Institute has stated that the local economy has been managed by President John Evans Atta Mills and how the high ground of visionary and component economic management can be seized again. In a statement, Gabby Otchere-Darko said "Let no one attempt to fool you. Don't be distracted by frustrations of the Rawlingses; nor talk about electoral violence. Don't be tricked by any attempt to revive the debased debate on drugs, God-fearism, morality, arrogance, character. While these topics make the election 'exciting', since none of the main candidates is all stranger to us, we should protect the political space from being hijacked by the apostles of diversionism.

Finally in today's review, the Ghanaian Observer reveals that Independent Parliamentary Candidate Registers 2000 for Skill Summit. An independent parliamentary candidate for Suame Constituency in the Ashanti Region. Mr. Hayford Osei Bempa has registered 2000 school drop outs within the constituency to participate in a skill acquisition summit as part of strategies to convince the electorate in the constituency to vote for him to represent them in parliament. The skill acquisition summit, which is being sponsored by Mr. Osei Bempa will take place at Bremeng Pentecost and afford participants the opportunity to receive training on how to prepare liquid soap, bathing soap, balm, tie, and dye, rashes cream, and many more skilled training at no cost.

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

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