Accra, Ghana-Security at the Weija constituency in Greater Accra was beefed up in this presidential run-off to ensure maximum protection for voters and electoral materials.
The constituency, the largest in the region has over the years been considered as a conflict prone area. The security beef up was therefore as a result of the general complaint that characterized the December 7, general election.
As of 0618 hours,at New-life polling centre with polling station number C013204B, there was a long queue including stones to represent some persons.
The centre had polling agents for the two contesting political parties.
Mr Philip Yawson, Presiding Officer said that about 1,566 registered voters were expected to cast their vote, but the centre has recorded 30 transfers.
However, he said, the checklist (containing the names of all voters in station) and the list for special voters were absent.
At the New Gbawe D/A primary school around 0705 hours, only 14 people had cast their votes.
Mr Jerry Anku, Presiding Officer said all voting materials were set and 1,981 voters were expected to cast their ballot.
The Gbawe Presbyterian polling centre with number CO13213, had also recorded 100 voters as of 0722 when reporters arrived there.
Mr Daniel Offei, Presiding Officer said about 2,091 are expected to vote.
At the Amicin Video centre, 68 had cast their ballot as of 0742 hours.
Mr Ajavon Gabriel, Presiding Officer said 1,292 people were expected to vote at the centre with polling number CO13211.
At 0814, at the Mallam Old Presbyterian polling centre, 198 voters had exercised their franchise.
Evans Adu, Presiding Officer who gave the centre number as CO13203 said 1,823 electorates are to vote.
The Rehabilitation poling centre at Weija had also recorded 214 votes out of 1,365 voters in the register as at 0840 hours when I got there,.
Presiding officer, Mr Johnson Ford Appiah Fordjour said that the voting was proceeding well and there had not been any special occurrence.
He envisaged that the turnout was likely to be higher than the December 7 polls.
Some Christians from the Winners Chapel, Ghana, Christian Worship centre and the Jesus House International Ministry did not relent on worshipping their Maker during the early hours of the day to enable them cast their votes.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Voting in Presidential Election Runoff begins
Accra, Ghana-Voting started throughout Ghana at 0700 hours, Sunday, to elect the third President of the Fourth Republic with long queues of voters waiting patiently to cast their votes. Polling officially ends at 1700 hours. All voters in queues before 1700 hours would be allowed to vote. The security details at the polling centres are expected to join the end of the queues when it is 1700hours to ensure that nobody joins it after the close of the polls.Counting would start at the polling centres after the last voter has cast his or her vote. The first results are expected late on Sunday night or early Monday morning. The Electoral Commission expects the result to be declared within 48 hours.Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), in an interview said voting procedures remained the same. "The voting pattern is transparent and at each point of the voting process there is an identifiable glaring system, which would make it impossible for any one to cheat. "The result of any polling station where the number of votes cast would exceed the number of registered voters and those who have lawfully transferred their votes would be cancelled.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Let us continue to pray for a peaceful run-off-Minister
Accra, Ghana - Reverend Oduro Awisi, the New Achimota District Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana on Sunday called on Ghanaians to continue to pray for a peaceful run-off on December 28.
He noted that it is God who appoints a leader adding, "We need not fight and insult any individual or a party just because we want a leader".
Speaking at the district’s first session of thanksgiving service, Rev. Oduro urged Ghanaians and eligible voters in particular to abide by the electoral rules in order not to mar the process.
"Both the NDC and the NPP presidential candidates are Ghanaians, and any one who virtually wins the run-off should be accepted and supported to lead the nation in its development agenda," he added.
Rev Oduro said the progress of the nation demanded that all the citizenry irrespective of their political affiliation had contributed their quota to the development process, adding; "leaders without our support can not ensure any effective work".
He commended the Electoral Commission for the work done so far and urged it to continue in that regard to sustain the peace the nation was enjoying.
He noted that it is God who appoints a leader adding, "We need not fight and insult any individual or a party just because we want a leader".
Speaking at the district’s first session of thanksgiving service, Rev. Oduro urged Ghanaians and eligible voters in particular to abide by the electoral rules in order not to mar the process.
"Both the NDC and the NPP presidential candidates are Ghanaians, and any one who virtually wins the run-off should be accepted and supported to lead the nation in its development agenda," he added.
Rev Oduro said the progress of the nation demanded that all the citizenry irrespective of their political affiliation had contributed their quota to the development process, adding; "leaders without our support can not ensure any effective work".
He commended the Electoral Commission for the work done so far and urged it to continue in that regard to sustain the peace the nation was enjoying.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Ghana sets for run-off
Accra, Ghana-Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, Chairman of the Electoral Commission, on Wednesday announced the results of the 2008 Presidential election declaring that there will be a run-off on December 28 between Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Prof. John Evans Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said this was because none of the eight candidates who contested Sunday’s election won more than 50 per cent of the votes to be declared winner.
Giving details of the votes, he said Nana Akufo-Addo had 4,159,439 votes representing 49.13 per cent while Prof. John Evans Atta-Mills of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) obtained 4,056,634 representing 47.92 per cent.
The People’s National Convention (PNC) represented by Dr Edward Mahama had 73,494 representing 0.87 per cent; Emmanuel Ansah Antwi of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) had 27,889 representing 0.33 per cent and Thomas Ward-Brew of the Democratic Popular Party (DPP) had 8,653 representing 0.10 per cent.
Others are the Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) had 113,494 representing 1.34 per cent; Mr Kwabena Adjei of the Reformed Patriotic Democrats (RPD) had 6,889 representing 0.08 per cent while Mr Kwesi Amoafo Yeboah, the independent candidate chalked 19,342 votes representing 0.23 per cent.
Dr Afari Gyan pointed out that the results announced excluded that of Akwatia Constituency in the Eastern region explaining that some ballot boxes where taken away from the voting premises during the exercise.
He said total valid votes were 8,465,834 while the total votes cast were 8,671,272 out of which 205,438 representing 2.4 per cent were rejected.
He said 12,472,758 people registered for the polls. Voter turn out was 69.52 per cent.
He said this was because none of the eight candidates who contested Sunday’s election won more than 50 per cent of the votes to be declared winner.
Giving details of the votes, he said Nana Akufo-Addo had 4,159,439 votes representing 49.13 per cent while Prof. John Evans Atta-Mills of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) obtained 4,056,634 representing 47.92 per cent.
The People’s National Convention (PNC) represented by Dr Edward Mahama had 73,494 representing 0.87 per cent; Emmanuel Ansah Antwi of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) had 27,889 representing 0.33 per cent and Thomas Ward-Brew of the Democratic Popular Party (DPP) had 8,653 representing 0.10 per cent.
Others are the Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) had 113,494 representing 1.34 per cent; Mr Kwabena Adjei of the Reformed Patriotic Democrats (RPD) had 6,889 representing 0.08 per cent while Mr Kwesi Amoafo Yeboah, the independent candidate chalked 19,342 votes representing 0.23 per cent.
Dr Afari Gyan pointed out that the results announced excluded that of Akwatia Constituency in the Eastern region explaining that some ballot boxes where taken away from the voting premises during the exercise.
He said total valid votes were 8,465,834 while the total votes cast were 8,671,272 out of which 205,438 representing 2.4 per cent were rejected.
He said 12,472,758 people registered for the polls. Voter turn out was 69.52 per cent.
AVRL to retrieve arrears
Accra, Ghana – The management of Aqua Vitens Rand Limited, (AVRL) said it had embarked on a massive mobilisation exercise, to retrieve all arrears owed the company.
“Customers are informed that, the company will not leave any stone unturned to enable it realise its set objectives”.
A statement signed by Stanley Mantey, Communications Manager said customers who had not yet paid their bills for months are to pay to avoid any disconnection or prosecution.
It said there were also packages all who divulge information on unscrupulous citizens who indulge in malpractices like illegal connection, by passes, self reconnection and the use of in-line suction pumps.
The statement said the AVRL, had established a call centre and introduced a Toll Free number 0800 40 000 for customers to report all malpractices against the company and to make enquiries and complaints.
GNA
“Customers are informed that, the company will not leave any stone unturned to enable it realise its set objectives”.
A statement signed by Stanley Mantey, Communications Manager said customers who had not yet paid their bills for months are to pay to avoid any disconnection or prosecution.
It said there were also packages all who divulge information on unscrupulous citizens who indulge in malpractices like illegal connection, by passes, self reconnection and the use of in-line suction pumps.
The statement said the AVRL, had established a call centre and introduced a Toll Free number 0800 40 000 for customers to report all malpractices against the company and to make enquiries and complaints.
GNA
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Christian Council commends Ghanaians on peaceful elections
Accra, Ghana - The Christian Council of Ghana on Tuesday commended the Electoral Commission and all Ghanaians as well as development partners for their contributions towards a peaceful general election.
"Our observers reported a peaceful conduct of the election in most of the polling stations. It is important to also state that some stations did not have security, nevertheless, the process was smooth with no incidence of violence".
Rev Dr Fred Deegbe, General Secretary of the Council in a statement signed to the GNA asked Ghanaians to wait for the declaration of the results by the EC adding, “we wish to appeal to the political parties to refrain from holding press conferences on unauthenticated results while issuing threats to the electoral commission".
He mentioned some activities undertaken by the council to promote peaceful elections as a week-long fasting and prayer session, production of video clip on peace, training of 300 observers, and a presidential forum among others.
Dr Deegbe also acknowledged the contributions of other civil society organization in drumming hope the message of a peaceful.
The council said although the EC and NCCE embarked on voter education, there were few problems associated with voter registration, exhibition, cleaning of register, transfer and proxy arrangement were encountered. “Our observers noticed a few irregularities such as unsealed ballot boxes, and giving both the presidential and the parliamentary ballot papers at the same time. There were instances where presiding
"Our observers reported a peaceful conduct of the election in most of the polling stations. It is important to also state that some stations did not have security, nevertheless, the process was smooth with no incidence of violence".
Rev Dr Fred Deegbe, General Secretary of the Council in a statement signed to the GNA asked Ghanaians to wait for the declaration of the results by the EC adding, “we wish to appeal to the political parties to refrain from holding press conferences on unauthenticated results while issuing threats to the electoral commission".
He mentioned some activities undertaken by the council to promote peaceful elections as a week-long fasting and prayer session, production of video clip on peace, training of 300 observers, and a presidential forum among others.
Dr Deegbe also acknowledged the contributions of other civil society organization in drumming hope the message of a peaceful.
The council said although the EC and NCCE embarked on voter education, there were few problems associated with voter registration, exhibition, cleaning of register, transfer and proxy arrangement were encountered. “Our observers noticed a few irregularities such as unsealed ballot boxes, and giving both the presidential and the parliamentary ballot papers at the same time. There were instances where presiding
Independent candidate wins in asante-bekwai
Accra-Ghana- Mr Joe Osei-Owusu, the Independent Parliamentary Candidate polled 34,700 votes to unseat the incumbent NPP, Mr Ignatius Kofi Poku Adusei who had 8,560 votes in the parliamentary elections for the Asante-Bekwai Constituency.The Bekwai Constituency was considered as one of the flashpoints following series of clashes between the supporters of the independent candidate and the NPP candidate.Mr Osei-Owusu lost by one vote to Mr Poku Adusei after he garnered 69 votes as against 70 by the latter in the Bekwai NPP primary, a situation which sparked wide spread controversy and series of confrontations among their supporters.Political analysts had projected a keen contest between the two candidates and it was no wonder that the area was one of the closely monitored constituencies in this year's elections. As the results of the voting trickled in, supporters of Mr Osei-Owusu, popularly known as 'Joe Wise', who were joyous, besieged some principal streets in the constituency and chanted songs amidst brass band music."I am overwhelmed with joy and do not know what to do at this moment," an elated Campaign Team Manager of the newly-elected MP, Mr Patrick Adu-Gyamfi told the Ghana News Agency at Bekwai. He thanked God for the victory and commended the numerous supporters for not letting Mr Osei-Owusu down.Mr Adu-Gyamfi attributed their massive victory to the comprehensive and good campaign messages delivered by the independent candidate during his campaign tour, stressing that the newly-elected MP would deliver on his promises now that he had been given the nod. Meanwhile, the Bekwai Constituency was calm with people going about their normal activities at the time of filing this report.
Presidential results to be made public soon
The Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, on Monday gave the assurance that the results of the presidential election would be made public soon.The EC chairman, who is the Returning Officer of the presidential election, said in a statement in Accra that this would be done after they were received and authenticated at the EC headquarters.“It is premature at this time for anybody to be talking about delay in releasing results or about a winner of the election.“I sincerely hope that politicians, journalists and commentators will make mature and informed statements in relation to the election results.”Dr Afari-Gyan said in this regard, he considered it to be unprincipled for any person to regard the same action to be imprudent when it is done by someone else; but alright when it is done by himself or herself.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Weija constituency needs security beef-up
The Weija Constituency in the Greater Accra Region on Sunday witnessed low security presence at most of the polling stations visited by the Ghana News Agency.
While few of the stations: Mallam Old Presbyterian polling station, TB Zongo, New Life "A" and "B", Presbyterian Church, Gbewa had immigration officers in charge of security, places like, Ablekuma Anglican School, Omankope among others lacked any form of security.
Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, Member of Parliament for the area who cast her vote at exactly 7:20 hours at Presbyterian Church, Gbewa expressed worry at the security situation, "a large constituency such as this, needed maximum security to ensure orderliness".
Meanwhile a scuffle ensued between the MP and the NDC party agent who wanted to prevent the incumbent from voting due to a transfer of vote system, which according to the party agent did not allow the MP to vote for the Parliamentary.
There was also late voting at Akwasa No. 1 and Ayigbe Town due to the delay of voting materials. The officer in charge who pleaded anonymity said the station needed to organize an emergency recruitment to make up for most of the polling station attendants who failed to turn up.
The atmosphere at most of the stations visited were however peaceful. At 0615, when the GNA got to the Mallam Old Presbyterian church with polling station No C013203, there was a long queue of voters ready to exercise their civic responsibility.
Party agents for the NPP, the NDC and the CPP were already in attendance.
Mr Philip Yawson, Presiding Officer told the GNA that all voting materials were ready for a smooth take-off. Ms Berikesu Alima, an 18 year old expressed her excitement for the opportunity to vote for the first time.
Ms Dina Ocansey, who got to the station at 12 midnight said she wanted to save herself the stress of queuing for a long period.
The situation was not different at the Gbewa Presbyterian church where only 39 people had cast their vote at about 0715 although 2116 registered voters were expected to vote.
Mr Daniel Danquah-Offei, Presiding Officer who gave the polling station number as C013213, promised a smooth electoral process.
The Amazing Video Centre with polling number C3211 also in the constituency had registered 59 voters at about 0740 when the GNA visited. Exercising the civic duty however, did not stop the Light House and the Church of Christ in the constituency from worshiping their maker.
While few of the stations: Mallam Old Presbyterian polling station, TB Zongo, New Life "A" and "B", Presbyterian Church, Gbewa had immigration officers in charge of security, places like, Ablekuma Anglican School, Omankope among others lacked any form of security.
Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, Member of Parliament for the area who cast her vote at exactly 7:20 hours at Presbyterian Church, Gbewa expressed worry at the security situation, "a large constituency such as this, needed maximum security to ensure orderliness".
Meanwhile a scuffle ensued between the MP and the NDC party agent who wanted to prevent the incumbent from voting due to a transfer of vote system, which according to the party agent did not allow the MP to vote for the Parliamentary.
There was also late voting at Akwasa No. 1 and Ayigbe Town due to the delay of voting materials. The officer in charge who pleaded anonymity said the station needed to organize an emergency recruitment to make up for most of the polling station attendants who failed to turn up.
The atmosphere at most of the stations visited were however peaceful. At 0615, when the GNA got to the Mallam Old Presbyterian church with polling station No C013203, there was a long queue of voters ready to exercise their civic responsibility.
Party agents for the NPP, the NDC and the CPP were already in attendance.
Mr Philip Yawson, Presiding Officer told the GNA that all voting materials were ready for a smooth take-off. Ms Berikesu Alima, an 18 year old expressed her excitement for the opportunity to vote for the first time.
Ms Dina Ocansey, who got to the station at 12 midnight said she wanted to save herself the stress of queuing for a long period.
The situation was not different at the Gbewa Presbyterian church where only 39 people had cast their vote at about 0715 although 2116 registered voters were expected to vote.
Mr Daniel Danquah-Offei, Presiding Officer who gave the polling station number as C013213, promised a smooth electoral process.
The Amazing Video Centre with polling number C3211 also in the constituency had registered 59 voters at about 0740 when the GNA visited. Exercising the civic duty however, did not stop the Light House and the Church of Christ in the constituency from worshiping their maker.
Accept election results in good fate
Rev Dr Lawrenec Tetteh, President of the Worldwide Miracle Outreach on Sunday said irrespective of the outcome of the election results, losers must learn to accept defeat and put their weights behind the winner.
"I want to remind voters, the candidates for parliamentary seats and particularly the contestants to the presidency that Ghana is bigger than any of them. Their attitude therefore should be the preservation of the sanctity and sovereignty of the nation".
Rev Dr Tetteh in a goodwill message also congratulated Ghanaians for their sense of maturity, patience and tolerance through out the electioneering campaign adding, "I wish you well and the blessings of God as you go to the polls on Sunday to cast your votes".
He lauded the presidential aspirants for the respect and dignified manner in which they had conducted themselves and prayed that the same would prevail after the declaration of results. "In any event, there is no winner or loser but Ghana ".
Rev Dr Tetteh called on Ghanaians to be mindful of Ghana’s modest achievements which had received international recognition.
"We need therefore to preserve and improve upon the image that we have built for ourselves as a very peaceful and tolerant nation, especially when we have become torchbearers in a continent that is beset with all kinds of political, economic and social problems.", he added.
Rev Dr Tetteh called on ministers of the gospel and all religious persuasions to continue to pray and intercede for the nation during and after elections.
They must educate their members to appreciate the fact that kings are enthroned by God and therefore welcome whoever emerged as a winner".
"I want to remind voters, the candidates for parliamentary seats and particularly the contestants to the presidency that Ghana is bigger than any of them. Their attitude therefore should be the preservation of the sanctity and sovereignty of the nation".
Rev Dr Tetteh in a goodwill message also congratulated Ghanaians for their sense of maturity, patience and tolerance through out the electioneering campaign adding, "I wish you well and the blessings of God as you go to the polls on Sunday to cast your votes".
He lauded the presidential aspirants for the respect and dignified manner in which they had conducted themselves and prayed that the same would prevail after the declaration of results. "In any event, there is no winner or loser but Ghana ".
Rev Dr Tetteh called on Ghanaians to be mindful of Ghana’s modest achievements which had received international recognition.
"We need therefore to preserve and improve upon the image that we have built for ourselves as a very peaceful and tolerant nation, especially when we have become torchbearers in a continent that is beset with all kinds of political, economic and social problems.", he added.
Rev Dr Tetteh called on ministers of the gospel and all religious persuasions to continue to pray and intercede for the nation during and after elections.
They must educate their members to appreciate the fact that kings are enthroned by God and therefore welcome whoever emerged as a winner".
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
three districts get potable water
Aveyime (V/R), Ghana– In line with meeting government’s Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Millennium Development Goals, it had provided an 11 million dollar water supply system for three district in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region.
The three District Water Supply projects which would serve the potable water need of 108 communities with a population of 120,000 was co-funded by the Danish International Development Agency and the Department for International Development.
Shiekh IC Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister who commissioned the project said government wanted to find lasting solutions to the water problems in the area, “accordingly, feasibility studies started in 2002 under the small towns’ water scheme for surface water.”
“This project brings to an end the suffering of our people who have suffered the severe lack of potable water over the years” he said.
Sheikh Quaye noted that government was committed to reducing poverty and improving the health and living conditions of people through the provision of water and sanitation facilities especially in the rural communities.
He urged all households to take advantage of the project, “construct appropriate household places of convenience and avoid poor environmental practices which will take away the benefits of safe water supply”.
Dr Philips Gyau-Boakye, Chief Executive Officer, Community Water and Sanitation Agency said it was the single largest rural water supply project facilitated by the agency since 1998.
He said it was conceived out of the difficult hydro-geological conditions in the Accra Plains.
Dr Gyau-Boakye noted that to ensure sustainability, the project would be under the management of the Water and Sanitation Development Board through a private operator and urged beneficiaries to take good care of the system.
Mr Minta Aboagye, Director Water Resources of the Sector Ministry urged the communities to pay service charges on time.
Mr Lars Moller Larsen, Councellor, Royal Danish Embassy said water and sanitation underpinned other targets of the MDGs adding, improved access to safe water supply can also increase economic well-being at the households level”.
“The ultimate goal of our joint efforts here is to enable poor people to lead healthier lives through improved management of water resources”.
The three district water project consists: an intake structure, treatment plant, pump house, clear water well, reservoirs and transmission and distribution networks.
The three District Water Supply projects which would serve the potable water need of 108 communities with a population of 120,000 was co-funded by the Danish International Development Agency and the Department for International Development.
Shiekh IC Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister who commissioned the project said government wanted to find lasting solutions to the water problems in the area, “accordingly, feasibility studies started in 2002 under the small towns’ water scheme for surface water.”
“This project brings to an end the suffering of our people who have suffered the severe lack of potable water over the years” he said.
Sheikh Quaye noted that government was committed to reducing poverty and improving the health and living conditions of people through the provision of water and sanitation facilities especially in the rural communities.
He urged all households to take advantage of the project, “construct appropriate household places of convenience and avoid poor environmental practices which will take away the benefits of safe water supply”.
Dr Philips Gyau-Boakye, Chief Executive Officer, Community Water and Sanitation Agency said it was the single largest rural water supply project facilitated by the agency since 1998.
He said it was conceived out of the difficult hydro-geological conditions in the Accra Plains.
Dr Gyau-Boakye noted that to ensure sustainability, the project would be under the management of the Water and Sanitation Development Board through a private operator and urged beneficiaries to take good care of the system.
Mr Minta Aboagye, Director Water Resources of the Sector Ministry urged the communities to pay service charges on time.
Mr Lars Moller Larsen, Councellor, Royal Danish Embassy said water and sanitation underpinned other targets of the MDGs adding, improved access to safe water supply can also increase economic well-being at the households level”.
“The ultimate goal of our joint efforts here is to enable poor people to lead healthier lives through improved management of water resources”.
The three district water project consists: an intake structure, treatment plant, pump house, clear water well, reservoirs and transmission and distribution networks.
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