Ghanaians Are To Be Envoys of Peace

Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, President of Lawrence Tetteh Ministries (LTM), has asked Ghanaians to be envoys of peace to ensure peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections, on November 7, 2016.

“Ghanaians should turn to God for peaceful elections and asked the good Lord to give them righteous leaders since righteousness exalts a nation”.

Speaking to Ghana News Agency at the end of a three-day crusade held at the Blackstars Square in Accra at the weekend, he stressed: “Sin is a reproach to a nation. When the righteous rules the people rejoice.”

It was organized in collaboration with LTM and the Diocesan Bishop of Methodist Church, Ghana; Right Reverend Dr. Samuel Kofi Osabutey.

The event was patronised by personalities like Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff and Mr. Edwin Nii Lante Vandepuje, Minister of Youth and Sports.

Leading political leaders such as Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, Presidential Candidate of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), also attended the crusade and used the platform to advocate peaceful elections.

Dr. Tetteh also President and Founder of UK-based Worldwide Miracle Outreach, said prayer is key to national peace and stability since “a prayerless nation is a powerless nation”.

He said people should not hide behind politics to destroy people’s hard won careers and credibility.

He noted that although Ghana could boast of a cream of politicians, it is obvious that only National Democratic Congress or NPP could win Election 2016.

He said it is therefore necessary for President John Dramani Mahama, who is seeking re-election and Nana Akufo-Addo to be circumspect in their choice of words.

“Our leaders should put Ghana first in their agenda. Every Ghanaian should also shy away from the culture of insults.”

This he said would promote political sustenance to promote development and facilitate the improvement of the quality of the living standards of the citizenry.

“The nations should not lose sight that it is the hands of God that is sustaining the nation”.

Dr. Tetteh said leaders are appointed by God and referred to the late Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who was imprisoned yet led Convention Peoples Party to become President of the First Republic.

He said Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings was also in prison but later became a head of state.

“President John Agyekum Kufuor and late President John Evans Atta Mills least expected to be presidents yet became one and every Ghanaian knew how President Mahama became president. Ghanaians should therefore seek the face of God and not lean on their own understanding, achievements and intellectual capacity”, he added.

 

GNA

 

Ghanaians Are To Be Envoys of Peace

No new voters register- EC tells NPP, others

The five-member panel reviewing proposals for and against demands for a new voters register says arguments for a new register are unconvincing.

The EC, a month ago organized a two-day forum for political parties, Civil Society organisations and individuals to collate views on the credibility or otherwise of the register.

The EC decided to hold the forum following heated national debate over the register after the opposition New Patriotic Party claimed it had evidence suggesting the register had been compromised with as many as 76,000 non-Ghanaian voters on it.

There were a number of demonstrations some of which turned violent.

A panel was therefore constituted to solicit opinions from stakeholders on whether or not to compile a new register.

Weeks after the two day forum, the panel has submitted its report to the EC.

Chair of the Panel Justice VCRAC Crabbe is recommending that EC should not replace the current voters’ register. The panel however stated that it will still continue to monitor events relating to the register.

The following is the full statement from the Electoral Commission

ELECTORAL COMMISSION’S POSITION ON THE VOTERS’ REGISTER

The Electoral Commission is pleased to inform the general public that it has received the report submitted by the Independent Panel set up by the Commission and tasked to look into the concerns and views of stakeholders on the Voters’ Register. Following the receipt of the report on December 21, 2015, the Commission has concluded its study of the report submitted by the Panel and wishes to advise the public as follows:

1. The Panel finds the arguments for a new register unconvincing and therefore does not recommend the replacement of the current voters’ register;

2. The Panel is of the view that the responsibility for having a clean and credible register is the shared responsibility of all citizens of Ghana;

3. The Electoral Commission accepts the recommendations of the Panel and will progressively implement the recommendations made therein;

4. The Electoral Commission will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that a clean and credible voters’ register is in place for the 2016 general elections through an inclusive and collaborative audit process;

5. The Commission will publish the full report of the Panel on its website- www.ec.gov.gh by 7th January 2016 for the benefit of the public.

The Commission further wishes to inform the public that it has examined all the allegations and complaints made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the voters’ register and has responded appropriately to the party. A copy of the findings of the Commission into the claims made by the NPP will also be made available to the Public on the Commission’s website.

The Commission takes the opportunity to thank the members of the Panel led by His Lordship VCRAC Crabbe, the Political Parties, Civil Society Organizations, Faith Based Organizations and all stakeholders for the support and cooperation shown to the Commission during the engagements on the Voters’ Register.

The Commission reiterates its commitment to ensuring transparent, inclusive and credible general elections in 2016 and to ensuring democratic growth and stability in Ghana and takes the opportunity to wish all citizens of Ghana a blessed, peaceful and prosperous 2016.

SIGNED

CHRISTIAN OWUSU-PARRY

ACTING DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

–

Source: myjoyonline.com

No new voters register- EC tells NPP, others

Rawlings Condemns Flagstaff House Mischief

The office of former President Jerry John Rawlings has debunked a statement issued by Flagstaff House Communications Bureau which suggested that he was part of President Mahama’s entourage to Burkina Faso recently. The Communications Directorate of the former president’s office in a statement pointed out that Mr. Rawlings travelled on a military aircraft to that country in the company of his wife and three others.

Below is the full statement:

 

RE: PRESIDENT MAHAMA TO ATTEND INAUGURATION OF NEW BURKINABE PRESIDENT

The attention of the Communications Directorate of the office of His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, has been drawn to inaccuracies in a statement issued by the Flagstaff House Communications Bureau, indicating that the former President and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings were members of the President’s delegation that travelled to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso for the inauguration of Jean Marc Christian Kabore as President of Burkina Faso.

 

The Directorate wishes to state that the former President and his wife were not members of President Mahama’s delegation and finds the misrepresentation unfortunate.

 

Outgoing President Michel Kafando invited his Excellency Jerry Rawlings by a letter dated 18 December 2015. The former President and his wife travelled with a delegation including Betty Akuffo-Amoabeng, Kobina Andoh Amoakwa and Joseph Dawson-Otoo.

 

President Rawlings and the delegation travelled on a military transport aircraft.

 

It is important to note that upon arrival in Burkina Faso, the former President and his entourage were met by Burkinabe State Protocol and the Ghana Embassy and driven to their hotel and subsequently to the venue for the ceremony.

 

President Mahama arrived later with the Presidential aircraft and a delegation that included Foreign Minister Hannah Tetteh, Dr. Edmund Dele and others.

 

It is unfortunate that the author of the release, privy to the fact that the former President was also travelling to Burkina Faso, albeit in his own capacity and upon a separate invitation decided to play mischief with the content of the official presidential release.

 

 

Rawlings Condemns Flagstaff House Mischief

Vote against Mahama, NDC in 2016-Kufuor

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has admonished Ghanaians to vote against the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration in the 2016 general elections.

 

According to him, the NDC government has been soiled with too many corruption scandals and has plunged the nation into economic turmoil which he said has retarded Ghana’s growth.

 

“Scandals and perceived corruption in governance and the society generally, socio-economic hardships such as unstable currency, unstable power supplies – undermining both industrial and domestic ventures – executive bureaucratic delays in the public sector, especially at the ports, many industrial actions, protest demonstrations throughout the economy, sudden and high tariff increases for utilities, and ever-bloating national debt stock, have hall-marked the out-going year,” he said.

 

In a statement issued ahead of the New Year, the former president said “the incoming year, 2016, must be a year of decision for the nation to arrest this dangerous slump of the society and economy. The people must decide for good, efficient and accountable governance at all levels of government.”

 

Mr. Kufuor said his wish for Ghana “is a reprieve from the many and seemingly endless challenges that have beset us through the just ending year,

 

Below is the full statement:

Office of H. E. John Agyekum Kufuor

Former President of the Republic of Ghana

Kufuor calls for peaceful elections

1. Fellow Ghanaians, It gives me great pleasure to greet you on this New Year’s eve.


2. My wish for our nation and all of us into the coming year, is a reprieve from the many and seemingly endless challenges that have beset us through the just ending year, 2015


3. Scandals and perceived corruption in governance and the society generally, socio-economic hardships such as unstable currency, unstable power supplies – undermining both industrial and domestic ventures – executive bureaucratic delays in the public sector, especially at the ports, many industrial actions, protest demonstrations throughout the economy, sudden and high tariff increases for utilities, and ever-bloating national debt stock, have hall-marked the out-going year.

 

4. The incoming year, 2016, must be a year of decision for the nation to arrest this dangerous slump of the society and economy.


5. The people must decide for good, efficient and accountable governance at all levels of government.


6. Civil Society Organizations, Traditional leaders Religious Groups must assume responsible guidance within their remits to ensure that the entire citizenry of the nation live up to the spirit and letter of the national constitution which enshrines inclusive democracy as the way of life for all of us.


7. 2016 is significant because it is the year of Election for both the Presidency and the Legislature.


8. The people must show through their conduct and choices that they understand the uses of the vote.


9. Sustained Transformation of society will not come through short-sighted and short-term inducements.


10. We must examine critically the track records and manifestoes of the contending parties before we make our choices in the election.


11. The Electoral Commission must be resolute in its independence and impartiality as enjoined by the national constitution, in its officiating of the Elections.


12. The security agencies of the nation must uphold the integrity and security of the national constitution and the state which are above all institutions, parties and individuals of the land.


13. We must all resolve to enter and live through this New Year with this determination so that the outcome of the Elections will ensure us with the government we can all accept and work with in good faith and in peace.


14. This is how to give our nation and its citizenry the sustained peace and direction to real development and dignity that we must have.

Happy and Prosperous New Year to all of us and May God bless us.

Signed:

Frank Agyekum

 

 

Vote against Mahama, NDC in 2016-Kufuor

‘Mahaha’ branded chocolate sparks controversy

 

The decision by government to brand some ‘Golden Tree’ chocolate with the image of the First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has generated so much controversy on social media.

On some of the chocolates, the name of the first lady is spelt as ‘Mahaha’.

While some Ghanaians brand the move as a needless hero-worshipping action, others see it as waste of national resources particularly when the issue of the GH C3.6 million MMT rebranding scandal is still fresh on the minds of Ghanaians.

 

Even though, government has not officially commented on the issue, Presidential Aide, Stan Dogbe has vehemently defended the move saying, “there’s nothing untoward, unnecessary, criminal or fraudulent about that”.

 

Contributing to a debate on the issue on the Facebook page of Selorm Brantie, a renowned social media activist, Mr Dogbe revealed that the First Lady branded ‘Golden Tree’ chocolate were presented as gifts to school children and orphanages across the country.

 

“…The first lady and first family in similar vein have produced these chocolates and distributed to school children and orphanages across the country. It’s not the first time and won’t be the last. They could have placed on them NDC logos but they did them as the first family. Through these, children who ordinarily won’t taste chocolate get to taste them.

 

There’s nothing untoward, unnecessary, criminal or fraudulent about that. CPC is paid for the chocolates including the cost of printing the wrappers. The chocolates are not a dash. With the current stock, we even had to pay upfront for the production.

If by giving out these chocolates, it is promoting the president and his wife, and you are concerned, you can also go produce some and share. After all, you have Nana’s images on take away packs and others have them on liquid washing soaps. Even dead people have their image put on water bottles and take away packs,” Mr. Dogbe argued.

 

One of the branded chocolates has the inscription,” Mother of the Nation” with the First Lady being addressed as H.E Lordina Dramani Mahama. The other one has the image of the First Lady holding two adorable kids.

‘Mahaha’ branded chocolate sparks controversy

Peace, stability not guaranteed under NPP – Veep

Vice president, Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has justified the need for Ghanaians to retain the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) in power ahead of the 2016 general elections.

According to him, in spite of the socio-economic challenges, government has been able to maintain the peace and stability of the country.

Mr. Amissah-Arthur addressing the University of Cape Coast branch of Tertiary Educational Institutions Network (TEIN) was skeptical about the opposition New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) ability to maintain the stability of the country should it win the 2016 general elections.

In his view, an opposition party characterized by violence which has led to the death of its members is not worthy of leading a peaceful nation like Ghana.

“If they can with their own people like this, how much more the NDC” he quizzed.

The vice president maintained that “John Mahama guarantees the stability and the peace of this country [which] allows us all to progress rather than the other side [NPP]”.

He charged the youth is work assiduously to make the NDC attractive to the over 50 percent of Ghanaians who have not decided who to vote for in 2016.

“More than half of the Ghanaian people have not decided yet who they want to vote for. It means that we need to do well to convince them to vote for NDC”.

Kwesi Amissah-Arthur is confident with hard work and determination; the Mahama-led government will surmount the challenges.

–

Myjoyonline

Peace, stability not guaranteed under NPP – Veep

Christ’s birth should give us hope– Akufo Addo

The leader of Ghana’s largest opposition party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged Ghanaians not to despair despite the numerous challenges facing the country, and instead let the commemoration of the birth of Christ give them hope for a brighter future.

Nana Akufo-Addo in a Christmas message to Ghanaians said “the year 2015 has been a difficult year for the country, but said he has the hope in the ability of the country to rise again.

“We must work towards creating a free and prosperous society of opportunities, where every Ghanaian child, no matter the circumstances of their birth, has a fair chance to strive for a happy and dignified life, and where we can unleash the enterprise of our people so that we can build a progressive, prosperous Ghana whose citizens live in harmony and security.”

Below is Akufo-Addo’s 2015 Christmas message to Ghanaians

My wife, Rebecca, daughters, grandchildren and I extend our warmest wishes to all Ghanaians and friends of Ghana for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Undoubtedly, 2015 has been a very difficult year for Ghanaians, amidst the numerous problems which face us. However, the story of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, must give us hope of a brighter tomorrow.

I continue to be a passionate believer in Ghana’s potential, and I remain confident that, despite our present economic difficulties, we have it within us to rise up and revive the fortunes of our country.

We must work towards creating a free and prosperous society of opportunities, where every Ghanaian child, no matter the circumstances of their birth, has a fair chance to strive for a happy and dignified life, and where we can unleash the enterprise of our people so that we can build a progressive, prosperous Ghana whose citizens live in harmony and security.

As Christmas fills our hearts with gratitude, let us not forget our responsibility towards one another. Let us all celebrate the season safely and responsibly, and remember to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”

God bless you all. God bless Ghana. God bless Mother Africa.

Merry Christmas. Happy New Year.

……signed……

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

2016 NPP Presidential Candidate

Christ’s birth should give us hope– Akufo Addo

Akufo Addo is a Serial Caller

Government’s communications minister Edward Omane Boamah has launched scathing attacks on the NPP’s flagbearer; Nana Akufo-Addo. He described the twice defeated Presidential hopeful as someone who speaks worse than a serial caller. So why would the communications minister throw all caution to the wind?

Akufo Addo is a Serial Caller

Kwabena Agyepong rejects reasons for his suspension

The suspended General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Agyepong has responded to the reasons for his recent indefinite suspension from the party, and said there were intended or untended attempts to “impugn” his reputation and tarnish his “good name.”

Kwabena Agyepong was suspended on December 10 2015, together with the party’s Second Vice Chairman, Sammy Crabbe for misconduct.

Their suspensions followed that of the National Chairman, Paul Afoko.

The NPP had accused Mr. Agyepong of violating Article 3(D) of the party’s constitution which enjoins members to publicly uphold the decisions of the party, through various acts.

He was also accused of engaging in “unilateral actions and activities without consultation of, or authorization by the NEC.”

However, Kwabena Agyepong in a statement listed a number of reasons (below) he believes the charges against him are baseless.

A) Violation of Article 3(D) of the NPP constitution which enjoins members to publicly uphold the decisions of the party, through various acts including;

i. His disregard for NEC decision on 23rd October, 2015, suspending Mr. Paul Afoko

The legality or otherwise of the NEC decision of 23rd October 2015, has been under judicial contention since the day it was taken. Indeed, it is now the subject of a formal law suit which is yet to be determined. As General Secretary, I had to make a judgment call on how my conduct will best uphold the letter and spirit of the Party’s constitution and the laws of Ghana which also bind the operations of all political parties in the country. This, I had made known earlier in a letter dated September 18, 2015 addressed to the Council of Elders and the National Disciplinary Committee.

It is therefore my humble opinion that pending the determination of the current legal action, the charge of disregarding the NEC decision of 23rd October 2015 is at best unproven.

ii. Various Public statements he made that cast the Party in bad light.

I wish to state for the record that since September 2, 2015, when the Presidential Candidate called for a halt to all discussions of internal party issues in the media, I have not spoken in any shape or form that could be considered as putting the party in a bad light; whether by interview, press conference, response to personal attacks or on anyone’s behalf.

I stand ready to have the above assertion be proved otherwise by concrete and verifiable evidence.

B) He engaged in unilateral actions and activities without consultation of, or authorization by the NEC, such as;

i. Writing to the Electoral Commission designating only him and suspended Chairman Afoko as the only authorized signatories.

This charge is untrue. I have not, repeat, NOT written any such letter to the Electoral Commission; which fact could have easily be verified.

The facts are as follows: Earlier this year, the Deputy General Secretary and some Regional Chairmen wrote to the Electoral Commission (EC). The EC response was that as per the laid down procedures of the Commission, and in accordance with the Political Parties Act 2000, communication to the Commission is done mainly through party’s General Secretaries.

The EC followed up its response with an instruction to all political parties reminding them that all correspondence between it the EC and political parties should be done through the General Secretary/Chairman.

The EC further instructed that IPAC will from now on only admit three Representatives from each political party namely, the National Chairman, General Secretary and one other.

ii. Granting waivers to parliamentary aspirants

The granting of waivers to parliamentary aspirants who have shown commitment to the Party by General Secretaries of the NPP is a precedent established by previous occupants of the position. For example, in 2011, the incumbent General Secretary granted waivers to many including Anthony Karbo and Dr. Ayew Afriyie without recourse to NEC or the NPP’s Steering Committee.

In my case, most of the waivers went to the Volta Region, at the request of the Regional Chairman, Mr. Peter Amewu; in constituencies where we have traditionally struggled to fill candidates.

In the case of Peter Mensah, the gentleman who suffered an acid attack in the course of duty as constituency organizer, I justifiably granted him a waiver after receiving the request from him and some executives of the Techiman North constituency. Development fees were waived for the following; former National Organizer Bamba; former MP Effah Dartey, former MP Mrs. Cecilia Amoah; as well as Dr. Ayew Afriyie who has supported the party through AFAG. The Steering Committee was accordingly informed.

There is no record of protest or indeed any disciplinary action against any of my predecessors for the actions or their reasons for granting waivers which also followed past precedence.

So obviously, this is ‘trumped up’ charge.

iii. Non-reference of legal matters to the proper legal Committee of

the Party

There are several past precedents where the party has acted outside of the constitutional committee in legal matters. For example, the immediate past administration instructed Madam Joyce Opoku Boateng to represent the party in court on the Manhyia, Kumawu and Juaben cases. The person assigned was NOT a member of the constitutional Committee neither was she appointed by same.

Perhaps it is important that we aver our mind to the historic election petition of 2013, which was not referred to the constitutional committee then headed by Hon. Ayikoi Otoo and the verifiable fact that none of the members of the constitutional committee, not even the Chairman, were on the Party’s legal team at the Supreme Court.

It will be recalled that the composition of the Party’s legal team was decided on by the Presidential Candidate, National Chairman and General Secretary although it was the National Council that gave the green light to go to court

iv. Interference with Constituency primaries against National Appeal Committee decisions and also, Court decisions.

This is blatantly untrue and can be easily verified. There is no evidence to support this assertion. Rather, it can be easily established, through reference to minutes that I passed on the report of the National Appeals committee to the Steering Committee and the National Executive Committee without any alteration whatsoever.

Regrettably, this is another ‘trumped up’ charge without an iota of truth

v. Misrepresentation/misleading of NEC on status of some constituency primaries

At the NEC meeting held on the 3rd of December, 2015, the General Secretary solicited the views and response of members of NEC on this accusation of Misrepresenting / misleading of NEC on status of some constituency primaries which came from the Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, Hon. KT Hammond, who was also present in the meeting. When the question was put to the house, none confirmed this allegation.

It is useful to recall that at the NEC meeting held on August 18, 2015 when the decision was taken on the primaries in Adansi Asokwa, it was both the Ashanti Regional Chairman and the 3rd National Vice Chairman, whose views persuaded the NEC to overturn the National Appeals Committee decision to disqualify aspirant Mr. Richard Anokye and uphold the earlier regional vetting committee decision to allow him to contest in the parliamentary primaries.

Again the minutes of the were recorded and are available for verification

vi. He, in conjunction with suspended Chairman Afoko and Sammy Crabbe, launched Party cards without authorizations from NEC

Article 9 (5) 9a) of the NPP’s constitution enjoins the Party’s Finance Committee to raise funds to support the activities of the party. It states clearly that “It shall be the duty of the Finance Committee to raise funds necessary to finance the operations of the party in conformity with the applicable laws. It shall report on its activities to the National Chairperson.”

The Finance committee duly invited proposals and reviewed same from six companies. On a near unanimous vote, the committee accepted the proposal from Paymanex Limited.

Subsequently, the Party Chairman approved the recommendation of the committee which led to the actions taken to launch the card. The NEC was duly informed.

I want to reiterate that, for the avoidance of doubt, I placed all the foregoing facts before the Disciplinary Committee during my encounter with them. I was asked to recuse myself during the subsequent NEC meeting and therefore was denied the opportunity to participate in the deliberations.

I would to like state that the only purpose for putting out this statement is to correct the inaccuracies contained in the NPP communiqué of December 10 2015 and for no other purpose.

I believe there is already an ongoing action which will clarify the merits or otherwise of the legality of the removal of officers elected by the supreme body of the party, i.e. The National Delegates Congress

My attention has also been drawn to a purported transcript of my encounter with the Disciplinary Committee of the NPP which was first published by myjoyonline.com. I wish to state categorically that I completely reject that doctored account which is only calculated to soil my good name through innuendos and aspersions.

I will deal separately and comprehensively with the allegations made in that false report and furnish all with a copy of the genuine minutes of the Disciplinary Committee as submitted to the NEC of the NPP.

My commitment, dedication and long standing service to this tradition is a matter of public record. As a loyal member of this party, I shall continue to offer my support and prayers in our quest for victory in 2016.

–

Citifmonline.com

Kwabena Agyepong rejects reasons for his suspension

IGP Must Come Clear On Guns At NPP Head Office – NDC

The General Secretary of the ruling National Democratic Congress, (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia has called on the acting Inspector General of Police to come clear on the alleged arms discovered at the headquarters of the New Patriotic Party some weeks ago.

Such a disclosure according to Mr. Asiedu Nketia will allay the fears of Ghanaians that not only is any political party planning to cause mayhem in the country especially during the 2016 general elections but also to demonstrate that the police are not condoning crime.

Addressing the party’s students’ network in Cape Coast, Central region on Monday General Mosquito as he is popularly known urged the police hierarchy to make known the extent of their investigation so as to build public confidence in the police.

“We heard that there were guns that were retrieved at a party headquarters, the Police went in to do some arrests but quickly our brothers have tried to shift the argument from answering the question as to why a party headquarters has be an amoury and focusing on the people who came there whether they were sent by NDC or whoever”.

General Mosquito added: “So we want to demand from the IGP that the nation needs to know whether there were arms retrieved from the party headquarters, find out how those arms got there and what the intentions of the arms were because if it happens that a major opposition can be keeping arms in its headquarters then nobody can guarantee the safety of this nation.

“Because they have a following and if the purpose is for them to distribute the arms to their followers to create mayhem in the country…should we sit and keep quiet.”

–

Starrfmonline.com

IGP Must Come Clear On Guns At NPP Head Office – NDC