Politics

A statement released by John Kwame Duodu, First Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Constituency, has strongly condemned the derogatory comments made by Mr. Dela Edem, a member of John Mahama’s national campaign team, against former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

Duodu described the comments as “offensive and shameful,” particularly for mocking Kufuor’s current physical condition.

According to Duodu, such remarks are not only a personal attack on the former president but also an affront to the dignity of all persons living with disabilities.

He emphasized that Kufuor is an icon of Ghana’s democracy and development, with unmatched contributions to the nation. Any attempt to tarnish his legacy or ridicule his condition is unacceptable and goes against the principles of decency and respect.

Duuodu also expressed concern over John Mahama’s silence on the matter, which he believes sends a dangerous signal that such behavior is tolerated within his campaign. He called on Mahama to publicly denounce the comments and take action against Dela Edem.

This incident is not only an insult to President Kufuor but also a blow to individuals and families affected by disability. It reflects a deeper disrespect for inclusivity and diversity in Ghanaian society, which must be rejected by all well-meaning citizens. Duodu urged Ghanaians to condemn this act and demand accountability from those who propagate hate-filled rhetoric.

As a respected figure in the NPP, Duodu has been involved in various community initiatives, including supporting BECE candidates with educational materials.

His statement highlights the need for leaders and citizens to rise above divisive politics and maintain respect and unity in national discourse.

Razak Kojo Opoku, a concerned citizen, has posed 24 critical questions to John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding their proposed 24-hour economy policy. The questions seek clarity on various aspects of the policy, including its implementation, benefits, and potential challenges.

Opoku’s questions cover a wide range of topics, including the total cost of implementation, the policy’s effects on macro and microeconomics, exchange rates, debt reduction, and legal frameworks. He also inquires about the benefits for specific groups, such as farmers, villagers, and people with disabilities.

Some of the key questions include:

1. What would be the total cost for the implementation of the 24-hour economy? and what would be the significant effects of the 24-hour economic policy at the macroeconomics level, and microeconomics level?

2. How would the 24-hour economy help Ghana to reduce the exchange rate from $1 to 2ghc or $1 to 1ghc?

3. How would the 24-hour economy reduce Ghana’s debt from 767 billion Cedis to the debt level of 120 billion Cedis within 2025-2029?

4. What would be the legal framework supporting the 24-hour economic policy?, and what salary adjustments would the government introduced for the Public Sector Employees working under the 24-hour economy?

5. How would the villages, towns and communities without electricity benefit from the 24-hour economy?

6. How would the farmers and their workers benefit from the 24 hour economy?

7. How would Ghanaians benefit from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government that closes from work at exactly 5pm?

8. How would the limited number of Police and Security agencies sustain the 24-hour economy especially in the criminal zones, villages, towns and communities without electricity?

9. If there is a come back of DUMSOR, how would the 24-hour economy be implemented across the Country?

10. How would the aged, people with disabilities, babies, children, and the vulnerable in society benefit directly from the 24-hour economy as Citizens of Ghana?

11. What would be the correlation between the 24-hour economy and digitalization?

12. How would the 24-hour economy be successful without One District One Factory Programme of Akufo-Addo’s government?

13. How would the 24-hour economy be successful without Bawumia’s digital economic Policy initiatives?

14. What would be the significant contribution of the 24-hour economy to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP) within 4years?

15. What would be the significant contribution of the 24-hour economy to the reduction of Banks interest rates on loans?

16. What would be the significant contribution of the 24-hour economy to the reduction of the Inflation rates?

17. What would be the significant contribution of the 24-hour economy to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals within 4years?

18. How would the Judiciary, lawyers, and the various Courts across the Country benefit from the 24-hour economy?

19. How would the marketwomen, traders, and the general private sector business community benefits DIRECTLY from the 24-hour economy?

20. Can the 24-hour economy address all the socioeconomic problems of Ghana?, and how feasible would that be practically?

21. How would the 24-hour economy benefit Public & Private Universities and other tertiary institutions in the Country?, and what would be the impact on students especially pregnant and nursing mothers?

22. How would the 24-hour economy protect the environment and natural resources of the State?

23. Practically, how would the 24-hour economy helps to reduce government’s borrowing from both the domestic and international markets?

24. How would the 24-hour economy address the structural problems of Ghana’s economy?, and help Ghana to pay all its internal and external debts?

Opoku also seeks answers on how the policy will contribute to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reduce bank interest rates, and inflation rates.

Additionally, he asks about the policy’s impact on the judiciary, market women, traders, and the private sector business community.

The questions also touch on the policy’s feasibility in addressing socioeconomic problems, its benefits for public and private universities, and its potential to protect the environment and natural resources.

Opoku respectfully requests that John Mahama and the NDC provide sincere answers, supported by data projections and best practices, to these 24 questions within 24 hours.

This call for transparency and accountability aims to ensure that Ghanaians understand the implications and potential benefits of the proposed 24-hour economy policy.

Mr. Nyaaba Aweeba Azongo, running mate to independent presidential candidate George Twum-Barima-Adu, yesterday outlined a comprehensive development policy aimed at curbing the high rate of rural-urban migration in Ghana.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Mr. Aweeba Azongo unveiled the “Building Common Prosperity For All” initiative, a cornerstone of the Twum-Barima-Adu administration’s people-centric approach to governance.

We recognize the immense pressure urban areas face due to unchecked rural-urban migration, Mr. Aweeba Azongo noted. Our policy seeks to address this challenge by ensuring balanced development across all 16 regions, creating opportunities and improving living standards nationwide.

The initiative, according to Mr. Aweeba Azongo, will prioritize regional development, focusing on infrastructure expansion, economic empowerment programs, quality education and healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

By spreading development across the country, we will reduce the allure of urban centers and create vibrant, self-sustaining communities, Mr. Aweeba Azongo explained.

Critiquing the current growth-oriented development model, Mr. Aweeba Azongo argued that it has failed to yield desired results.

Ghana’s sustainable development goals remain elusive due to an overemphasis on growth at the expense of people’s needs.

He urged Ghanaians to reject the duopoly of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) and vote for George Twum-Barima-Adu, promising a better Ghana.

The time for change has come. We offer a fresh perspective, prioritizing people’s welfare and environmental sustainability.”

Environmental protection measures were also highlighted, including investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture practices, and waste management and recycling initiatives.

With the December 7 presidential election looming, Mr. Aweeba Azongo’s announcements have generated significant interest among voters seeking alternative leadership.

The Twum-Barima-Adu campaign has pledged to deliver a people-centric government, committed to Ghana’s inclusive development and prosperity.

Small scale miners in the Amansie West District have accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of hypocrisy in the fight against galamsey.

The miners claim the NDC secretly supports strikes demanding a moratorium on all mining activities while publicly pretending to support their businesses.

“We can’t trust them; they’re hypocrites,” said some angry miners.

The Small Scale Miners Association has launched a crusade against illegal mining, particularly on water bodies and forest reserves.

Zonal Chairman Joseph Mensah appealed to the government to support their efforts.

“We’ve formed a taskforce to flush out illegal miners,” Mensah said. “Galamsey activities hurt our businesses and must be stopped.”

Miner Hon. Amankwa Anthony disagreed with calls for a total ban on their activities, saying it won’t solve the problem.

“This will only lead to more unemployment and hardship,” Anthony said.

The Association has pledged to work with the government to eradicate illegal mining.

The galamsey menace has devastated Ghana’s environment and water resources.

The government has vowed to tackle the issue.

John Kwame Duodu, NPP Constituency First Vice Chairman for Atwima Nwabiagya South, has emphasized the urgent need for a clear plan to combat galamsey, illegal mining that threatens Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and natural resources.

As the 2024 elections approach, Duodu stresses that every presidential candidate must present actionable strategies to address this critical national concern.

Duodu commends NPP Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for outlining a comprehensive plan to combat galamsey, restore the environment, enforce laws, introduce technological solutions, provide alternative livelihoods, and collaborate with traditional authorities and local communities.

However, Duodu notes that this fight requires a collective effort, urging the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, to present their plan to tackle galamsey.

The NDC owes it to Ghanaians to provide a clear, pragmatic solution to this crisis.

Ghanaians deserve to know how each candidate plans to protect the environment for future generations. Mere criticism without offering alternatives is insufficient.

The fight against illegal mining should be a non-partisan issue, with all presidential candidates outlining their vision and concrete measures.

The NPP has taken the lead with Dr. Bawumia’s plan; now it’s the NDC’s turn to follow suit. Ghanaians are watching and will vote for the candidate with the best plan for the environment and the country.

Nana Akomea, Managing Director of State Transport Company and a key figure in the Bawumia campaign, has assured Ghanaians that the government is committed to tackling the galamsey menace in the coming days.

Speaking on Good Morning Ghana with Dr. Randy Abbey, Akomea emphasized the government’s readiness to combat galamsey effectively within a short timeframe.

This commitment comes amidst mounting pressure from the Ghana Medical Association and other health unions, who have urged President Akufo-Addo to ban all small-scale mining operations due to environmental concerns. The associations have highlighted the urgent need for action to prevent a looming environmental disaster.

However, it’s worth noting that Akomea has previously expressed doubts about the government’s ability to win the galamsey fight within a short period, such as three months or one year. This raises questions about the feasibility of the government’s plans.

Despite these concerns, Akomea’s latest statement suggests a renewed sense of determination from the government. As the country waits with bated breath, one thing is clear the fight against galamsey requires swift and decisive action.

By Kwame Asare

The impending visit of Vice President Alhaji Mamudu Bawumia to Garu on October 5, 2024, to mourn the passing of the District Party Chairman, has shed light on the community’s long-standing struggle with poor road infrastructure.

The deplorable state of the roads has been a persistent issue since the Mahama administration, with no significant improvements made to date.

The dire condition of the roads has had far-reaching consequences, including deterring teachers from accepting postings to the community. In 2022 and 2023, some teacher trainees rejected their assignments due to the challenging accessibility.

This has raised concerns about the community’s development and the well-being of its residents.

As the Vice President’s visit approaches, the spotlight is on the government to address the pressing issue of Garu’s road network. The community’s plight highlights the need for urgent attention to improve the infrastructure and ensure better living conditions for its residents.

The poor road network in Garu has been a lingering problem, affecting various aspects of community life. The lack of proper maintenance and upgrading has resulted in difficulty in accessing basic services.

Residents face challenges in reaching healthcare facilities, schools, and markets due to the poor road conditions. Additionally, the bad roads hinder economic growth, discouraging investments and businesses from setting up in the area.

Furthermore, the community’s connectivity with neighboring towns and cities is severely limited, exacerbating feelings of social isolation.

As the Vice President prepares to visit Garu, residents and stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize road maintenance and upgrading, address the root causes of the poor road network, and ensure timely completion of infrastructure projects.

The visit of Vice President Alhaji Mamudu Bawumia presents an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to addressing Garu’s long-standing infrastructure challenges. It remains to be seen whether the government will seize this chance to bring relief to the community.

By Abugri Amos

Member of Parliament for Effiduase/Asokore Constituency, Ayew Afriyie, has sparked controversy with his recent statement that the government won’t stop galamsey operators anytime soon.

This declaration has left many Ghanaians stunned, especially considering the devastating environmental and social impacts of illegal mining.

Ayew Afriyie, who also serves as Middle Belt Campaign Coordinator for the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, made it clear that galamsey will continue unabated. His words have ignited heated debates, with some questioning the government’s commitment to addressing the issue.

Galamsey’s consequences are far-reaching, causing environmental degradation, water pollution, loss of livelihoods for local communities, and threats to national security.

The practice has also been linked to deforestation, soil contamination, and harm to wildlife.

Critics argue that the government’s inaction on galamsey undermines efforts to protect Ghana’s natural resources and ensure sustainable development.

With the country grappling with the consequences of climate change, many are calling for decisive action against galamsey.

The government’s stance on galamsey has been inconsistent, with previous promises to tackle the issue.

However, Ayew Afriyie’s statement suggests that the government may not be committed to taking concrete steps to address the problem.

The MP’s comments have sparked outrage among environmental activists, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens.

Many are demanding swift action from the government to halt galamsey operations and protect Ghana’s environment.

By kweme Asare

Renowned Ghanaian preacher, Prophet Kofi Oduro, has come to the defence of former President Jerry John Rawlings, stating that numerous allegations against him are outright falsehoods.

Prophet Oduro, founder of Alabaster International Ministry, made these remarks during a recent sermon at his Alabaster House Chapel. He emphasized that many Ghanaians have been misled by false information surrounding Rawlings’ life and legacy.

“A lot of things said about Rawlings were lies,” Prophet Oduro declared. “We’ve been fed with misinformation, and it’s time to set the record straight.”

Prophet Oduro’s bold statement has sparked intense discussion among Ghanaians, with some welcoming his comments and others questioning his motivations.

Rawlings, who ruled Ghana from 1981 to 2001, remains a polarizing figure in Ghanaian politics. His legacy is marked by controversy, with some hailing him as a champion of democracy and others criticizing his authoritarian rule.

Prophet Oduro’s defense of Rawlings comes amid renewed interest in Ghana’s political history. As the country continues to navigate its democratic journey, accurate representations of its past leaders are crucial.

While some have praised Prophet Oduro’s courage in speaking truth to power, others have expressed skepticism. “This is a bold move by Prophet Oduro, but we need to separate fact from fiction,” said Dr. Kwame Akonor, a Ghanaian historian.

As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear: Prophet Oduro’s words have ignited a national conversation about truth, legacy, and the importance of accurate historical representation.

by Kwame Asare

Dr. Hassan Ayariga, founder of the All People’s Congress (APC), has made a bold promise to implement flat electricity and water rates in Ghana, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on citizens and ensure affordable access to essential utilities.

As a seasoned politician and presidential aspirant, Dr. Ayariga understands the struggles of Ghanaian households and businesses facing exorbitant utility bills.

Dr. Ayariga’s proposal seeks to introduce a standardized, equitable pricing system, shielding consumers from fluctuating rates and hidden charges.

This approach aligns with global best practices, where flat rate tariffs have proven effective in reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability.

By adopting this approach, Ghana can mitigate the economic impact of rising utility costs on low-income families and small businesses.

The key benefits of flat electricity and water rates include predictable expenses, reduced financial burden, and increased energy efficiency.

Consumers can budget accurately without fear of sudden price hikes, while lower utility bills alleviate economic stress on households and businesses.

Additionally, flat rates encourage responsible energy consumption, driving sustainability.

While Dr. Ayariga’s proposal has garnered support, some experts argue that flat rate tariffs may lead to unintended cross subsidizing, where heavier users benefit at the expense of lighter users.

However, Dr. Ayariga’s commitment to consumer protection and economic empowerment remains unwavering.

As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, Ayariga’s pledge has sparked renewed interest in the country’s utility sector.

Citizens eagerly await the implementation of this promise, hoping for relief from soaring utility costs.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), established in 1997, plays a crucial role in regulating electricity and water utility services in Ghana.

PURC ensures that utility providers operate fairly and efficiently, protecting consumer interests. With Ayariga’s proposal, PURC’s role will be vital in implementing and monitoring the flat rate tariffs.

As the 2024 elections approach, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see if Dr. Ayariga’s promise becomes a reality.

By Kwame Asare