Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Friday, June 5, 2009
Give Mills time to deliver
Accra, Ghana- The NDC Action Women has urged Ghanaian women to give President J. A. Mills time to deliver his promise of giving appointment to 40 per cent of women in his government.A statement signed by Doris Addo for the Action Women said "We the women in NDC have so much trust in the President and believe he will not disappoint us since he is the first President to appoint a woman Speaker of Parliament, a woman Attorney General with several other female appointments".It said they also respected the president's decisions and were not perturbed by any distractions.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
I will discharge my duties with a human touch-Justice Bamford-Addo
Accra, Ghana – The Speaker of Ghana's Parliament, Justice Joyce Bamford-Addo, has said although she wielded a lot of power under the Standing Orders of Parliament, she would endeavour to discharge her duty and make rulings with a human touch.
She said both sides of the House voted for her by consensus and she had since received a lot of support and cooperation from the majority and minority in Parliament.
She was speaking to a delegation of queen mothers from North and South Ketu Districts in the Volta Region who paid a courtesy call on her at Parliament House.
Justice Bamford-Addo said she felt proud for occupying the position as Speaker on behalf of women and would work hard to succeed during her term as Speaker of the Fifth Parliament.
She urged the queen mothers to continue with their work in the communities and stressed their importance in society.
She said both sides of the House voted for her by consensus and she had since received a lot of support and cooperation from the majority and minority in Parliament.
She was speaking to a delegation of queen mothers from North and South Ketu Districts in the Volta Region who paid a courtesy call on her at Parliament House.
Justice Bamford-Addo said she felt proud for occupying the position as Speaker on behalf of women and would work hard to succeed during her term as Speaker of the Fifth Parliament.
She urged the queen mothers to continue with their work in the communities and stressed their importance in society.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
I'll resign if....Mumuni
I’ll resign if… – Mumuni
Accra, Ghana – Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on Tuesday said he would only resign if it was proven that he had committed any act of criminality and or corruption.
He made the statement at a press conference to set the records straight on the meaning of a court judgement against him in a case he filed in the courts seeking damages for defamation against the publishers, editor and a reporter of Daily Guide Newspaper and the auditors who compiled a forensic audit report that sought to incriminate him.
“…Should it be shown or proven that I have stolen a single pesewa of taxpayer’s money or taken a personal benefit whether directly or indirectly or been corrupt or abused my office or been guilty of wrongdoing, I am prepared not only to resign…but also offer myself for prosecution and any penalties prescribed by law,” he said.
A pressure group by name Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), presented a petition to the Appointments Committee of Parliament seeking to stall the appointment of Alhaji Mumuni as Minister.
During his vetting the Minority in Parliament walked out when their effort to seek a suspension of the vetting to await the determination of the court case.
A couple of days ago, the Accra Fast Track High Court dismissed the claims of Alhaji Mumuni and ruled in favour of the defendants and awarded cost against the plaintiff.
Alhaji Mumuni noted that the dismissal of his claim for damages against the defendant did not mean that he had been found guilty of criminal charges, saying that he took the matter to court and not the other way round.
“I have never been charged with any criminal conduct before a court of law nor has any charge been brought against me before the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), so I am a free man,” he said.
Touching on the court judgement itself, he said he had pointed out to the court that, there were important omissions from the record or proceedings based on which the judgement was given, but the court ignored his call for corrections to be made.
He said he had subsequently instructed his lawyers to challenge the court ruling through the legal process.
Alhaji Mumuni said he was not surprised that his political opponents would seek to drag his name in the mud based on a report by Baffuor-Awuah and Associates given that it was the same organizations which conducted forensic audits involving NDC officials like Mr. Dan Abodakpi, Kwame Peprah, Dr. Ato Quarshie and Ibrahim Adam, some of whom ended up in jail.
“I feel like am in a slave ship of the NPP and I am surprised that the NPP will use the audit outfit against their political opponents in such a disgraceful manner,” he said.
He said beside the fact that the said forensic audit was not properly authorized as per the 1992 Constitution, it was also not properly laid before Parliament for eight years.
“If the NPP claims that I have squandered 19 million Ghana cedis, then why have they waited for eight years before they are bringing the matter up,” he said.
Alhaji Mumuni said he was also surprised that the spokesperson for AFAG, who also doubled as counsel for Daily Guide Newspaper in the defamation case, could go to every extent to snub the ethics of his profession and the duty to uphold the integrity of the court and commit such contempt of court by discussing a court case at a press conference.
He assured the public that he was innocent and would go to every extent to prove that.
Accra, Ghana – Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on Tuesday said he would only resign if it was proven that he had committed any act of criminality and or corruption.
He made the statement at a press conference to set the records straight on the meaning of a court judgement against him in a case he filed in the courts seeking damages for defamation against the publishers, editor and a reporter of Daily Guide Newspaper and the auditors who compiled a forensic audit report that sought to incriminate him.
“…Should it be shown or proven that I have stolen a single pesewa of taxpayer’s money or taken a personal benefit whether directly or indirectly or been corrupt or abused my office or been guilty of wrongdoing, I am prepared not only to resign…but also offer myself for prosecution and any penalties prescribed by law,” he said.
A pressure group by name Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), presented a petition to the Appointments Committee of Parliament seeking to stall the appointment of Alhaji Mumuni as Minister.
During his vetting the Minority in Parliament walked out when their effort to seek a suspension of the vetting to await the determination of the court case.
A couple of days ago, the Accra Fast Track High Court dismissed the claims of Alhaji Mumuni and ruled in favour of the defendants and awarded cost against the plaintiff.
Alhaji Mumuni noted that the dismissal of his claim for damages against the defendant did not mean that he had been found guilty of criminal charges, saying that he took the matter to court and not the other way round.
“I have never been charged with any criminal conduct before a court of law nor has any charge been brought against me before the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), so I am a free man,” he said.
Touching on the court judgement itself, he said he had pointed out to the court that, there were important omissions from the record or proceedings based on which the judgement was given, but the court ignored his call for corrections to be made.
He said he had subsequently instructed his lawyers to challenge the court ruling through the legal process.
Alhaji Mumuni said he was not surprised that his political opponents would seek to drag his name in the mud based on a report by Baffuor-Awuah and Associates given that it was the same organizations which conducted forensic audits involving NDC officials like Mr. Dan Abodakpi, Kwame Peprah, Dr. Ato Quarshie and Ibrahim Adam, some of whom ended up in jail.
“I feel like am in a slave ship of the NPP and I am surprised that the NPP will use the audit outfit against their political opponents in such a disgraceful manner,” he said.
He said beside the fact that the said forensic audit was not properly authorized as per the 1992 Constitution, it was also not properly laid before Parliament for eight years.
“If the NPP claims that I have squandered 19 million Ghana cedis, then why have they waited for eight years before they are bringing the matter up,” he said.
Alhaji Mumuni said he was also surprised that the spokesperson for AFAG, who also doubled as counsel for Daily Guide Newspaper in the defamation case, could go to every extent to snub the ethics of his profession and the duty to uphold the integrity of the court and commit such contempt of court by discussing a court case at a press conference.
He assured the public that he was innocent and would go to every extent to prove that.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Ghana urged to put in place Transitional mechanisms
Accra, Ghana – Sheikh IC Quaye, Former Greater Accra Regional Minister said there was the need for the country to put in place transitional mechanisms to ensure that change in government did not result in rancour and acrimony.
“We are witnesses to the beautiful transition that has taken place in America recently. And we also aware of other bitter experiences in other parts of Africa. It is about time Ghana travel on that road of true democracies where transitions take place without any problems,” he added.
Sheikh Quaye said this when he officially handed over the administration of the region to Nii Armah Ashitey, the new Greater Accra Minister.
He noted that developing Ghana’s young democracy called for the placement of institutions to promote it.
Sheikh Quaye noted the maintenance of peace within the region as his remarkable achievement adding, “I would urge you to continue in same spirit so that we can preserve the peaceful atmosphere”.
Nii Armah Ashitey noted that change was always necessary to ensure dynamism as well as promoting new ideas for development.
He said Accra was important in the scheme of the country as it was the “eye of the nation” and called on all sectors within it to work hard to raise the status of the capital.
Nii Ashitey said the business of decongesting the capital, riding it of filth and privatization of certain sectors to attract investors and promote good governance would be high on the agenda.
He said the Regional Co-coordinating Council played a key role in the decentralization process.
“We are witnesses to the beautiful transition that has taken place in America recently. And we also aware of other bitter experiences in other parts of Africa. It is about time Ghana travel on that road of true democracies where transitions take place without any problems,” he added.
Sheikh Quaye said this when he officially handed over the administration of the region to Nii Armah Ashitey, the new Greater Accra Minister.
He noted that developing Ghana’s young democracy called for the placement of institutions to promote it.
Sheikh Quaye noted the maintenance of peace within the region as his remarkable achievement adding, “I would urge you to continue in same spirit so that we can preserve the peaceful atmosphere”.
Nii Armah Ashitey noted that change was always necessary to ensure dynamism as well as promoting new ideas for development.
He said Accra was important in the scheme of the country as it was the “eye of the nation” and called on all sectors within it to work hard to raise the status of the capital.
Nii Ashitey said the business of decongesting the capital, riding it of filth and privatization of certain sectors to attract investors and promote good governance would be high on the agenda.
He said the Regional Co-coordinating Council played a key role in the decentralization process.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Mills sworn-in
Accra, Ghana- Ghanaians from all walks of life converged at the Independence Square to witness the swearing-in of Professor John Evans Atta Mills, the third President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
The whole Square was filled with people adorning NDC t-shirts and other party paraphernalia while others were displaying their skills at riding motorbikes.
The whole Independence Square was draped in the national colours of red, gold and green. A set of huge Fontomfrom drums was mounted at the Square. Also, the seats of the President and Vice-President were set and ready for the ceremony.
Security was very tight with security personnel doing their job including directing people to their designated seats.
Traditional rulers, Queens, Queen Mothers and religious leaders from all over the country were present to witness the ceremony.
The whole Square was filled with people adorning NDC t-shirts and other party paraphernalia while others were displaying their skills at riding motorbikes.
The whole Independence Square was draped in the national colours of red, gold and green. A set of huge Fontomfrom drums was mounted at the Square. Also, the seats of the President and Vice-President were set and ready for the ceremony.
Security was very tight with security personnel doing their job including directing people to their designated seats.
Traditional rulers, Queens, Queen Mothers and religious leaders from all over the country were present to witness the ceremony.
Parliament makes hstory-woman Speaker chosen
Accra, Ghana– Mrs. Justice Joyce Bamford-Addo, retired Supreme Court judge, made history when she was elected as the first woman to the high office of the Speaker of the Fifth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
She becomes the third in the leadership hierarchy in the country after the President and Vice President.
Mrs Justice Bamford-Addo was elected unopposed as Speaker in sharp contrast to what her predecessor, Mr Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes, went through.
The immediate past Speaker was elected Speaker of Fourth Parliament after a gruelling balloting following opposition from the late Peter Ala Adjetey, a former Speaker, who was nominated by the opposition.
Mr Alban Bagbin, Member-Elect of the Fifth Parliament from the Majority NDC side, who moved a motion for the election of the Justice Bamford-Addo had an easy task, as Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu, Member-Elect from the NPP Minority side quickly, endorsed her nomination.
The former Supreme Court Judge was born on March 26, 1937 and attended the Holy Child Secondary School in Cape Coast.
She trained as a lawyer in the United Kingdom and practiced briefly in London and relocated to Ghana.
She joined the Attorney-General’s Department in Ghana as a State Attorney in 1963 and rose to become the Director of Public Prosecution in 1986.
Between 1991 and 2004 she served as Supreme Court Judge.
She also served on various boards including the Legal Aid Board and the Judicial Council. In 1992, she served as a Deputy Speaker of the Consultative Assembly and retired from public service in October 2004, having served as a practicing lawyer for 43 years and as a judge of the Supreme Court for 13 years
She becomes the third in the leadership hierarchy in the country after the President and Vice President.
Mrs Justice Bamford-Addo was elected unopposed as Speaker in sharp contrast to what her predecessor, Mr Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes, went through.
The immediate past Speaker was elected Speaker of Fourth Parliament after a gruelling balloting following opposition from the late Peter Ala Adjetey, a former Speaker, who was nominated by the opposition.
Mr Alban Bagbin, Member-Elect of the Fifth Parliament from the Majority NDC side, who moved a motion for the election of the Justice Bamford-Addo had an easy task, as Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu, Member-Elect from the NPP Minority side quickly, endorsed her nomination.
The former Supreme Court Judge was born on March 26, 1937 and attended the Holy Child Secondary School in Cape Coast.
She trained as a lawyer in the United Kingdom and practiced briefly in London and relocated to Ghana.
She joined the Attorney-General’s Department in Ghana as a State Attorney in 1963 and rose to become the Director of Public Prosecution in 1986.
Between 1991 and 2004 she served as Supreme Court Judge.
She also served on various boards including the Legal Aid Board and the Judicial Council. In 1992, she served as a Deputy Speaker of the Consultative Assembly and retired from public service in October 2004, having served as a practicing lawyer for 43 years and as a judge of the Supreme Court for 13 years
Parliaments convene on a note of agreement from both sides
Accra, Ghana - Consensus building marked the opening of the Fifth Parliament of the Fourth Republic in Accra as both sides of the House agreed unopposed to the nomination of Mrs. Justice Joyce Adelaine Bamford-Addo, a former justice of the Supreme Court, as the new Speaker of the House.
Shouts of “agbe naa, agbe naa” (It is accomplished, it is accomplished) rang out in the Chamber after the soft-spoken Speaker, administered the oaths of allegiance and Member of Parliament to the 228 elected representatives of the Ghanaian citizenry. Two seats are yet to be filled.
Sheikh Ibrahim Codjoe Quaye, New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Ayawaso Central, as well as other big wigs now the minority, exchanged pleasantries, including hugs, with members from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), now the majority side.
Mrs. Justice Bamford-Addo, 71 , who was inadvertently referred to as “Mr” because of the provision in the Standing Order, commended the Members of the House on their election or re-election into the House, but gavelled down the excitement to call the House to order as Members ensured their names were in the attendance register.
The House accepted the nomination of Mr Doe Adjaho, MP for Avenor Ave (NDC), as First Deputy Speaker and Prof Mike Ocquaye, MP for Dome Kwabenya (NPP) as Second Deputy Speaker.
Mr Osei-Kyei Mensa Bonsu, Minority Leader said Mr Adjaho, a lawyer, was a knowledgeable Member of the House and had proved to be one of the best materials.
Prof Ocquaye’s nomination was put forward by Mr Kwame Osei- Prempeh, (NPP-Nsuta Kwamang Besposo) and seconded by Ms Akua Sena Dansua (NDC-North Dayi). Prof Ocqaye is a lawyer, former head of the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, a reverend minister and also former Ghana High Commissioner in New Delhi. He was also Minister of Energy and Communications
Shouts of “agbe naa, agbe naa” (It is accomplished, it is accomplished) rang out in the Chamber after the soft-spoken Speaker, administered the oaths of allegiance and Member of Parliament to the 228 elected representatives of the Ghanaian citizenry. Two seats are yet to be filled.
Sheikh Ibrahim Codjoe Quaye, New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Ayawaso Central, as well as other big wigs now the minority, exchanged pleasantries, including hugs, with members from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), now the majority side.
Mrs. Justice Bamford-Addo, 71 , who was inadvertently referred to as “Mr” because of the provision in the Standing Order, commended the Members of the House on their election or re-election into the House, but gavelled down the excitement to call the House to order as Members ensured their names were in the attendance register.
The House accepted the nomination of Mr Doe Adjaho, MP for Avenor Ave (NDC), as First Deputy Speaker and Prof Mike Ocquaye, MP for Dome Kwabenya (NPP) as Second Deputy Speaker.
Mr Osei-Kyei Mensa Bonsu, Minority Leader said Mr Adjaho, a lawyer, was a knowledgeable Member of the House and had proved to be one of the best materials.
Prof Ocquaye’s nomination was put forward by Mr Kwame Osei- Prempeh, (NPP-Nsuta Kwamang Besposo) and seconded by Ms Akua Sena Dansua (NDC-North Dayi). Prof Ocqaye is a lawyer, former head of the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, a reverend minister and also former Ghana High Commissioner in New Delhi. He was also Minister of Energy and Communications
The Legislature-It evolution
Accra, Ghana - Ghana achieved independence on March 6, 1957. The political struggles that preceded this historic event date back over a hundred years ago.
The early period of nationalist struggle for political independence created political awareness and desire to assert the right of self-determination both for the individual and the State.
As far back as 1850, Ghana, then the Gold Coast, was given its own Legislative Council to advise the colonial Governor in enacting legislation mainly in the form of Ordinances "for peace, order and good government of the subject."
The Legislative Council was purely advisory as the Governor exercised all legislative and executive powers.
In 1916 the Legislative Council was reconstituted to include nine nominated unofficial members, six of whom were Africans.
The first Legislative Council elections ever to be held took place in 1925 under the Guggisberg Constitution. Under this arrangement the Governor still retained complete control of legislation.
Under the 1946 Burns Constitution that replaced the Guggisberg Constitution, the representatives of the people formed the majority in the Legislative Council.
The Governor ceased to be ex-officio President of the Legislative Council, paving the way for an unofficial member to be appointed President.
This system continued until 1951 when the legislature elected its first Speaker under the 1950 Constitution.
In 1951 the first large-scale elections to the Legislative Assembly took place when 75 members were elected.
There were three nominated ex-officio members and six special members representing commercial mining interests.
The 1955 transitional Constitution provided for an Assembly of a Speaker and 104 Members elected on party lines on the basis of universal adult suffrage.
In 1957 when Ghana achieved full political independence, the Constitution was fashioned after the Westminster model.
In June 1960, 10 women were elected by the National Assembly to fill specially created seats. This was done to expose women to parliamentary life.
This system of election was not intended to be permanent. The Act made no provision in filling a vacancy caused by death, resignation or expulsion of a woman member. On July 1, 1960, Ghana became a sovereign unitary Republic.
In February 1964 Ghana adopted a one-party system of Government. The first National Assembly of the Republic was dissolved in 1965 and a General Election which comprised 198 members, all of the Convention People's Party (CPP), were elected unopposed.
The 1964 Constitutional Amendments among other things increased the powers and prerogatives of the President.
In February 1966, the First Republican Government was overthrown by a military coup, which installed a military government that remained in power up to September 1969. On its own volition, the military administration handed over power to another constitutionally elected government, and thereby restored parliamentary rule once again.
After 22 months in office, the Second parliamentary democracy also succumbed to another military rule between 1972.
In September 1979 the military government was compelled to usher in the Third Republican Parliamentary system.
Parliamentary democracy was once thrown into cold storage as a result of yet another military intervention in December 1981. However, the country returned to constitutional rule again on January 7, 1993, with 200 members.
Constitutional rule has survived a third term.
The Fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic has 230 members.
The early period of nationalist struggle for political independence created political awareness and desire to assert the right of self-determination both for the individual and the State.
As far back as 1850, Ghana, then the Gold Coast, was given its own Legislative Council to advise the colonial Governor in enacting legislation mainly in the form of Ordinances "for peace, order and good government of the subject."
The Legislative Council was purely advisory as the Governor exercised all legislative and executive powers.
In 1916 the Legislative Council was reconstituted to include nine nominated unofficial members, six of whom were Africans.
The first Legislative Council elections ever to be held took place in 1925 under the Guggisberg Constitution. Under this arrangement the Governor still retained complete control of legislation.
Under the 1946 Burns Constitution that replaced the Guggisberg Constitution, the representatives of the people formed the majority in the Legislative Council.
The Governor ceased to be ex-officio President of the Legislative Council, paving the way for an unofficial member to be appointed President.
This system continued until 1951 when the legislature elected its first Speaker under the 1950 Constitution.
In 1951 the first large-scale elections to the Legislative Assembly took place when 75 members were elected.
There were three nominated ex-officio members and six special members representing commercial mining interests.
The 1955 transitional Constitution provided for an Assembly of a Speaker and 104 Members elected on party lines on the basis of universal adult suffrage.
In 1957 when Ghana achieved full political independence, the Constitution was fashioned after the Westminster model.
In June 1960, 10 women were elected by the National Assembly to fill specially created seats. This was done to expose women to parliamentary life.
This system of election was not intended to be permanent. The Act made no provision in filling a vacancy caused by death, resignation or expulsion of a woman member. On July 1, 1960, Ghana became a sovereign unitary Republic.
In February 1964 Ghana adopted a one-party system of Government. The first National Assembly of the Republic was dissolved in 1965 and a General Election which comprised 198 members, all of the Convention People's Party (CPP), were elected unopposed.
The 1964 Constitutional Amendments among other things increased the powers and prerogatives of the President.
In February 1966, the First Republican Government was overthrown by a military coup, which installed a military government that remained in power up to September 1969. On its own volition, the military administration handed over power to another constitutionally elected government, and thereby restored parliamentary rule once again.
After 22 months in office, the Second parliamentary democracy also succumbed to another military rule between 1972.
In September 1979 the military government was compelled to usher in the Third Republican Parliamentary system.
Parliamentary democracy was once thrown into cold storage as a result of yet another military intervention in December 1981. However, the country returned to constitutional rule again on January 7, 1993, with 200 members.
Constitutional rule has survived a third term.
The Fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic has 230 members.
Chiefs congratulates Mills
Accra, Ghana – The National House of Chiefs has congratulated President-elect John Evans Atta Mills and said as custodians of the country’s culture and tradition, “we see your successes as a monumental event symbolising the very essence of our unity and togetherness”.
A statement by Wulugu Naba-Naa Prof. John Nabila, President of the House, said the president-elect’s personal attributes as “peace maker” and his decades of professional experience as a “teacher”, combine to assure the chiefs that under his presidency, the peace being enjoyed would be deepened and “we will continue to learn new lessons and teach others about human dignity and sustainable development”.
“We know that you will; deploy your personal commitments and professional attributes to unite the country after a highly competitive and sometimes divisive election campaign.”
The House of Chiefs also congratulated Nana Akufo-Addo, losing candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for accepting the results and out-going President John Agyekum Kufuor for his preparedness to facilitate a smooth transition to the next government.
The House of Chiefs urged all Ghanaians to desist from all the rivalry and acrimony which characterised the elections, saying “Let us resolve to work together as we continue to build our nation in unity, peace and stability through dialogue and reconciliation.”
It said the House was in the process of preparing its strategic plan to elaborate its vision for effective and cooperative governance that would consolidate democracy and ancestral heritage.
A statement by Wulugu Naba-Naa Prof. John Nabila, President of the House, said the president-elect’s personal attributes as “peace maker” and his decades of professional experience as a “teacher”, combine to assure the chiefs that under his presidency, the peace being enjoyed would be deepened and “we will continue to learn new lessons and teach others about human dignity and sustainable development”.
“We know that you will; deploy your personal commitments and professional attributes to unite the country after a highly competitive and sometimes divisive election campaign.”
The House of Chiefs also congratulated Nana Akufo-Addo, losing candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for accepting the results and out-going President John Agyekum Kufuor for his preparedness to facilitate a smooth transition to the next government.
The House of Chiefs urged all Ghanaians to desist from all the rivalry and acrimony which characterised the elections, saying “Let us resolve to work together as we continue to build our nation in unity, peace and stability through dialogue and reconciliation.”
It said the House was in the process of preparing its strategic plan to elaborate its vision for effective and cooperative governance that would consolidate democracy and ancestral heritage.
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.
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".
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