Politics

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

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