Politics

Bernard Anbataayela Mornah, the flagbearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC), has filed a lawsuit against the Electoral Commission (EC) following his disqualification from the upcoming December presidential election.

Mornah was among 11 presidential aspirants disqualified from contesting in the December 7, 2024, elections due to errors on their nomination forms.

According to EC Chairperson Jean Mensa, Mornah’s nomination forms lacked complete supporter details, and he used registered voters from one district to support nominations in other districts, violating electoral rules.

However, Mornah contends that his disqualification was unlawful, infringed on his rights, and didn’t follow due process.

He seeks a court order to compel the EC to reinstate him as a presidential candidate in the 2024 elections.

Specifically, Mornah wants an order of mandamus compelling the EC Chairperson to declare him duly nominated to contest the 2024 presidential elections.

Additionally, he seeks an order restraining the EC from printing presidential ballot papers or proceeding with the December 7, 2024, Presidential Elections until he’s declared a duly nominated candidate of the PNC and allowed to contest.

The EC cleared 13 presidential aspirants, including Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party and John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress, to contest in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Mornah’s lawsuit challenges the EC’s decision, arguing that his disqualification was unjust.

This development adds a twist to Ghana’s presidential election, scheduled for December 7, 2024. The outcome of Mornah’s lawsuit will determine whether he’ll join the list of cleared candidates or remain disqualified.

By kwame Asare

Alliance of Drivers Ghana Raises Concerns Over Lack of Support

The Alliance of Drivers Ghana, formerly known as Drivers for Change, has expressed deep concern over the lack of support from government appointees, despite their efforts to help the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

In a press statement, the group revealed that their national executive members have been using personal funds to motivate media for press releases and conferences.

According to the statement, the group was handed over to the Minister of Transport, Hon. Kwaku Asiamah, by President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo, but Asiamah has refused to assist them.

Their calls to regional and national offices have gone unanswered, and they’ve been ignored in favor of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), whose members are not necessarily party supporters.

The Alliance of Drivers Ghana, who worked against Mahama in the 2016 general election, is urging Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to intervene.

They’re committed to “breaking the eight,” but require hard work and resources, which are currently lacking.

In contrast, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) supports its drivers’ group to pressure the government.

“We call on Dr. Bawumia to come to our aid,” they added

By Kwame Asare

Madam Patricia Appiagyei, third term Member of Parliament (MP) for Asokwa and Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament says her attempt to secure a 4th term in the house of laws is to commit herself to carrying out more development oriented initiatives as well as job creation avenues in the Asokwa Municipality.

Speaking to the media moments after submitting her nomination forms to the Electoral Commission to officially indicate her bid, “Sompahemaa”, as the legislator is known said she is prepared to give her all in the additional term she is clamouring for.

Madam Appiagyei said her earlier three terms had enabled her to initiate scholarship funds for students, support for women in small scale enterprises,  supply of text books, exercise books and laptops to schools in Asokwa as well as the construction of many basic amenities including the yet to be completed hospital at Old Asokwa.

“By submitting my nomination forms to the EC today, i once again affirmed my commitment to ensure the development of Asokwa especially to see to the employment of the youth of Asokwa into job avenues”, Madam Appiagyei stated.

Programs By NPP:
Madam Appiagyei lauded the social intervention projects and programs introduced by the Nana Akufo-Addo government.

She said the introduction of the free senior high school education policy by the NPP had ensured millions got the opportunity to pursue second cycle education without paying for same.

The female Legislator said other programs such as the restoration of the teacher and nurses training allowance as well as the one district one factory initiatives had brought relief to the mass of the people in the country.

“The Akufo-Addo and Dr Mahamodu Bawumia government with their introduction of many social intervention programs have shown commitment to the development of this country and i have no doubt with Dr Bawumia as President from 2025 and myself as MP for Asokwa we will see more development projects and job avenues in this Municipality”, Madam Appiagyei posited.

Appreciation:
The Asokwa MP commended the people of Asokwa including the chiefs and people for giving her three terms to serve as their representative in Parliament.

She noted that the 4th term she was asking for would allow her to serve even better in office.

Madam Appiagyei therefore asked for the support of residents to ensure she gets the nod to represent them again in Parliament.

“I thank the good people of Asokwa including the chiefs and opinion leaders for granting me the opportunity to serve as MP for three consecutive terms and i plead that they give me a 4th term so i can complete many of the social intervention projects i have also initiated”, Madam Appiagyei appealed.

By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.

Kumasi, Ghana – September 6, 2024 – COCOBOD CEO, Hon. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, met with farmers in Kumasi to discuss the 2024 cocoa season, local syndicate loans, and the new cocoa price.

Hon. Aidoo, accompanied by top executives, including Mr. Vincent Ankomea (National Marketing Officer) and Mr. Ray Ankrah (Head of Finance), addressed over 70 cocoa districts at GNAT Hall.

“Cocoa prices are determined by international buyers, not COCOBOD,” Hon. Aidoo explained, highlighting the cocoa terminal in London, UK, where COCOBOD operates.

Despite global prices ranging from $9,000 to $10,000 per bag, Hon. Aidoo noted that buyers will consider various factors to determine the new price.

Ghanaian cocoa farmers may not receive the full international price due to COCOBOD’s 65-year-old Forward selling system, Hon. Aidoo stated.

He explained the difference between the Spot and Forward systems, emphasizing that the Forward system affects cocoa prices due to pre-purchase.

Hon. Aidoo praised the Nana Addo-Bawumia administration’s support for farmers, citing higher cocoa prices compared to the NDC’s era (2013-2017), when farmers received $1,720 per bag versus $3,300 market price.

Addressing debt allegations, Hon. Aidoo clarified that COCOBOD sought loans in 2018-2019 to maintain prices during market downturns.

Hon. Aidoo announced plans to secure local loans for the 2024 cocoa season, stating, “Enough is enough for foreign loans. COCOBOD will finance operations locally this season.”

On the new cocoa price, Hon. Aidoo assured farmers of a revised price despite the current international market price ranging from $6,000 to $7,000 per bag. Currently, a bag of cocoa in Ghana sells for GHS 2,070.

By Kwame Asare

Renowned morning show host, Dr. Randy Abbey, has strongly criticized the CEO of COCOBOD, Hon. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, for his handling of the cocoa sector.

On his show, Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV, Dr. Abbey lambasted Hon. Aidoo for failing to provide clear answers on the true state of COCOBOD.

The criticism comes after Hon. Aidoo’s recent press conference where he announced that COCOBOD would no longer rely on foreign syndicated loans to purchase cocoa for the next season, instead opting for a local loan arrangement.

However, he failed to provide details on how this would be secured, sparking concerns among journalists and Ghanaians.

Dr. Abbey accused Hon. Aidoo of treating Ghanaians like children, saying “We are not children” and demanding transparency on the COCOBOD’s financial dealings.

He alleged that the reason for seeking a local loan was due to COCOBOD’s foreign partners refusing to grant loans due to Ghana’s domestic exchange problems and COCOBOD’s financial mismanagement.

Dr. Abbey questioned why investors would return to COCOBOD after suffering losses, implying that the CEO’s explanation was not convincing. The criticism has sparked a heated debate on the management of COCOBOD and the cocoa sector in Ghana.

by Kwame Asare

Konongo, Ashanti – A raging controversy has erupted in Konongo, a gold and manganese mining community in the Ashanti region, over allegations of illegal mining activities in the heart of the township, close to the Kumasi-Accra highway.

According to sources, the illegal mining has been ongoing for several weeks, with reports indicating that the activities are causing significant environmental degradation and posing a risk to the safety of residents.

In a shocking revelation, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, CEO of the Minerals Commission of Ghana, has accused Hon. Robert Yaw Kwakye, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Asante Akim Central, of being aware of the illegal mining activities.

During an interview on Metro TV’s Good Morning Show with Dr. Randy Abbey, Mr. Ayisi stated that the MCE has been informed of the illegal mining but has failed to take action.

“We have officially informed the MCE of the ongoing menace, but it seems no action has been taken,” Mr. Ayisi said.

The Mineral Commission is limited in handling such cases, and we can only report to the District or Municipal Assembly for further action.

The accusation has sparked outrage among residents, who are demanding immediate action from the MCE to address the situation.

We are shocked and disappointed that the MCE is aware of this illegal activity and has done nothing to stop it, said a resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Asante Akim Central Municipal Assembly has yet to comment on the matter, fueling speculation about the MCE’s involvement in the illegal mining activities.

The illegal mining activities have also raised concerns among environmentalists, who fear the long-term impact on the environment and the community.

The controversy has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources in Ghana.

By Kwame Asare

DR. MAHAMADU Bawumia and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s hope of leading the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as presidential candidate and running mate respectively, to retain political power on December 7, has been given a massive boost.

The King of the great Asante Kingdom, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has publicly blessed Dr. Prempeh nicknamed as ‘Napo’ in political circles, ahead of the impending presidential and parliamentary polls.

This was after Napo had passionately appealed to the Asante King, who is the 16th occupant of the revered Golden Stool, to bless him and his boss, Dr. Bawumia, the NPP presidential candidate.

Napo, who is a grandson of the Asantehene, had attended an ‘Akwasidae’ festival organized by Otumfuo in London, the United Kingdom (UK) last Sunday, August 4th, 2024.

The NPP Vice Presidential Candidate took advantage and publicly appealed to his grandfather, the Asantehene, to bless him and his Boss (Bawumia) as they seek to lead the NPP to electoral victory.

The Asantehene, who was beaming with broad smiles then called Napo to kneel before him at the durbar grounds. Otumfuo then placed his right hand on Napo’s forehead and murmured some words to bless him.

There was spontaneous applause from the gathering, who clearly were delighted to see the Asantehene blessing his own grandson, ahead of a crucial national election.

BY I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr

Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, has made a bold call for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to apologize to Ghanaians for its economic mismanagement.

Speaking at the launch of the Ablekuma South constituency campaign, Hon. Agyapong emphasized the need for humility and accountability in the NPP’s campaign message.

Hon. Kennedy Agyapong stressed that acknowledging the party’s role in Ghana’s economic challenges is crucial for winning the 2024 elections.

“We must apologize to Ghanaians and admit our mistakes. Only then can we convince them to vote for us,” he said.

The outspoken MP urged party members to recognize the hardships faced by Ghanaians and take responsibility for their decisions.

“Let’s give NPP another chance, and I know we have all learned our lessons,” Hon. Agyapong added.

Agyapong pledged to actively support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, in the campaign.

He expressed confidence that Ghanaians recognize the NPP as the better option and that with the right messaging and tactics, the party will emerge victorious.

This unexpected move by Hon. Agyapong has sparked debate within the party and among Ghanaians. Some see it as a genuine attempt to take responsibility, while others view it as a political tactic.

As the 2024 elections approach, the NPP’s ability to convince Ghanaians of their commitment to change will be put to the test.

By Kwame Asare

Nana Agyenim Boateng, the flag-bearer of the United Front Party (UFP), has stated that the NDC’s 24-hour economy policy is not intellectually appealing.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC), heading into the 2024 election, has again promised Ghanaians a 24-hour economy policy aimed at creating more jobs and sustaining already established ones.

However, Gyataba, as he is popularly known in political circles, claims that the 24-hour economy is already in existence and functioning perfectly in Ghana.

In an exclusive interview with (Sikkafmonline.com), Gyataba said that the Ghanaian economy has been running on a 24-hour schedule, with sectors like healthcare (doctors and nurses), security, and others already operating around the clock.

He argued that any intellectual would not be swayed by the NDC’s policy, emphasizing that there are many untapped areas of the economy that no political party is addressing.

Gyataba suggested that the NDC should focus on highlighting these neglected areas instead of promoting a policy that already exists.

Furthermore, Gyataba criticized the NDC for lacking effective policies ahead of the 2024 election, stating that they need a policy and message that resonates with the populace, similar to the free SHS policy, despite its imperfect implementation.

By Kwame Asare

As Ghana year mark 4th August to celebrates its Founders’ Day, attention is focused on the key players who contributed to the country’s liberation from British colonial rule.

While Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is widely regarded as the leading figure in Ghana’s independence struggle, historians are shedding light on the roles of other individuals who, albeit reluctantly, played crucial parts in shaping the nation’s future.

Dubbed the ‘Reluctant Founders,’ these individuals, including Joseph W.S. de Graft-Johnson, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, and William Ofori-Atta, among others, were not always in agreement with Nkrumah’s vision or methods.

Yet, their contributions, however indirect or reluctant, helped pave the way for Ghana’s independence on March 6, 1957.

While Nkrumah was the driving force, others played important roles, sometimes begrudgingly.

Their stories offer a nuanced understanding of Ghana’s journey to independence.”

The ‘Reluctant Founders’ include politicians, lawyers, and activists who, despite reservations, worked together to achieve a common goal.

Their legacies serve as a reminder that Ghana’s independence was a collective effort, born from diverse perspectives and contributions.

As Ghanaians celebrate their independence, acknowledging the ‘Reluctant Founders’ provides a richer understanding of the country’s complex history and the collaborative spirit that shaped its future.

By Kwame Asare