In a Facebook post, Dr. Boamah expressed the readiness of the NDC to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process.

This comes after the Electoral Commission (EC) started the distribution of electoral materials.

He acknowledged that this phase of the electoral process was important, and the NDC’s effective monitoring is key to checking potential irregularities.

To effectively achieve this, he revealed that the NDC’s monitoring teams have been equipped with simple yet effective detection tools.

These tools, he explained, are designed to assist in tracking and verifying the deployment of election materials, ensuring that the process aligns with expected standards of fairness and transparency.

He encouraged NDC faithful to be united to achieve a credible election outcome that reflects the will of the Ghanaian people.

“We admit that as election day draws closer, the action gets closer and closer to you all in the regions, constituencies, and the polling stations.”

“This being the case, we trust that our hard-working EAGLEEYES teams across the country, empowered with the necessary ‘simple’ detection tools, will make us proud as we coordinate from headquarters,” he wrote.

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This initiative is part of efforts to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process.

The briefing centre aims to combat misinformation and disinformation that could undermine the credibility of the elections and address potential incidents of violence before, during, and after the polls.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, announced plans for close collaboration with telecommunication companies to enhance communication efficiency.

Dedicated contact numbers will be assigned to enable direct and real-time communication between the media and the Police Management Board (POMAB).

These numbers will be shared with journalists to facilitate quick and accurate reporting of emergencies or incidents during the elections.

Dr. Dampare noted that this initiative would allow the police to respond swiftly, ensuring the safety and security of voters and election officials.

“We are working with the telcos to assign us a dedicated number to be used in this room. This number will be shared with the media, political parties, and other stakeholders. Wherever you are, if a situation arises that needs immediate attention, you can directly access me or any of the commissioners and team members on the ground,” he stated.

Dr. Dampare also emphasized the importance of collaboration among the police, media, and public to maintain peace and order.

“We will adopt an engagement approach by involving all stakeholders at the highest level to manage the process effectively,” he added.

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The National Chairman, Samson Asaki Awingobit, who announced this, said the meeting is scheduled for next week.

Mr. Awingobit, speaking at a press briefing, mentioned that the decision will be between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

However, he noted that the PNC is open to discussions with other political parties that may seek their support.

This decision follows the Electoral Commission’s (EC) disqualification of the PNC Presidential Candidate, Bernard Mornah.

Mr. Awingobit stated that they do not believe in wasting their votes, hence the need to support another party in the race. Mr. Mornah and 10 other candidates were disqualified from the presidential race after the EC discovered errors during a thorough vetting of their nomination forms.

Dissatisfied with this action, Mr. Mornah filed a lawsuit against the EC, alleging that his constitutional rights were violated by not being given the opportunity to correct the errors.

The Accra High Court subsequently dismissed the case, but the party has initiated another action at the Supreme Court.

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Lt Col Codjoe has urged all residents to be law abiding in order not to incur the wrath of the military.

The Army Chief has said his men are ready to beat troublemakers mercilessly as he pledged to maintain neutrality and professionalism.

He was speaking after a peace walk organised by the Salvation Army Church in the principal street of Akyem Oda in the Birim Central Municipality under the theme; Seek peace and pursue it (PSL 34:14).

The event aimed to promote peace and unity in the upcoming election and reinforce the message that maintaining harmony in the community is vital.

“I want to tell you that I will only come in on 7th December within the Akyemansa enclave when Police tell me they cannot and when I come, I will beat you and the hell will leave you.

“I always want people to try me. So, those of you seated here, any of you can try me on that day or try any of my men,” he cautioned.

To avoid any mayhem, he encouraged voters to cast their ballot and return home peacefully without delay.

“When you go to the polling station, just cast your vote and go home. Go and sleep. When it’s 5 p.m., come back, and they will tell you where to stand. They will count the votes for you. If you win, clap and go home,” he urged.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and warning potential troublemakers.

“You will not have any problem with me and my people if you behave. We are not going to sit down for just two or three people to distort the peace that Ghana is enjoying.”

The soldier’s motivation for this warning stems from his desire to protect Ghana’s peace and stability.

“We have a duty as religious individuals, as security personnel, as family members, and as individuals to protect the good things we have as a country.”

“The only good thing we have as a country now is peace. If we distort it, nothing can go on.”

Meanwhile, The Territorial Commander of the Salvation Army Church-Ghana, Col. Seth Agyei Appeateng, encouraged Ghanaians to keep practicing and enjoying peace and desist from anything that would jeopardize the peaceful nation Ghanaians are enjoying now.

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Speaking at a forum organized by the GIMPA Law Students Association on Wednesday, he identified areas requiring vigilance to ensure peaceful and credible elections.

Dr. Agordzo warned against complacency, emphasizing that the strategies used for by-elections, such as Assin North, cannot simply be scaled for a nationwide poll.

“We may pride ourselves on success in Assin North, but we don’t have the luxury of saturating the entire country with police. National elections require a completely different approach,” he explained.

He also raised concerns about the role of the National Security SWAT team, describing it as unconstitutional.

“The Constitution, in Article 202, states that no police service should be created unless by an Act of Parliament. So, where did the National SWAT come from?

“Their orientation and training lean towards a particular regime, and deploying them will not serve the cause of peace,” Dr. Agordzo argued.

Further, he highlighted the lack of proactive engagement with civil society organizations (CSOs).

“If you want peace, include CSOs and think tanks in the planning process from the start. Developing a blueprint before engaging them is counterproductive,” he remarked.

Dr. Agordzo stressed the importance of regular interaction between the National Election Security Task Force (NESTF) and the public, particularly through regional and district commanders.

“The IGP cannot be the sole voice. Commanders at all levels should engage with the media to build trust and clarify the task force’s strategies,” he advised.

As a final note, Dr. Agordzo stated the need for a clear deployment strategy and warned against last-minute preparations.

“Election security is about trust. Stakeholders must feel included, and citizens must trust the process. Anything short of that endangers the peace we all want,” he said.

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Speaking at the Peace Through Democracy forum organised by the GIMPA Law Students Association on Wednesday, he stated that police officers are not the ultimate authority at polling stations.

“We made it clear during the 2016 elections that a police officer is not the overall boss at the polling station,” Dr. Agordzo said.

“He is working under the presiding officer.” This principle, he added, helped to maintain order and prevent unnecessary confrontations during the 2016 elections.

Dr. Agordzo recounted efforts to educate officers ahead of the 2016 polls.

“We produced over 42,000 booklets for police officers, summarizing their roles and responsibilities at polling stations,” he said.

These materials served as quick reference guides to help officers stay focused on their duties.

He warned against the temptation for officers to throw their weight around, noting that such behaviour could lead to tensions with voters and other stakeholders.

“Citizens are more empowered and poised to stand up to threats this time,” he cautioned.

Dr. Agordzo also called for regular interactions between the police and the media to build public trust.

“The EC is doing theirs, but what about the National Election Security Task Force?” he asked.

“We need to see regional and district commanders engaging with the media regularly.”

Reflecting on past successes, he reiterated the importance of maintaining professionalism and neutrality.

“In 2016, we proved that elections could be peaceful without intimidating voters,” he said.

“We can achieve the same in 2024 if we stick to the principles of trust, restraint, and inclusivity.”

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According to ACP Dr. Benjamin Agordzo, a Police Planning Officer at the UN Mission Support for Justice Reform, this achievement was no accident.

Speaking at the Peace Through Democracy forum organized by the GIMPA Law Students Association on Wednesday, he outlined deliberate strategies that contributed to the election’s success.

“The 2016 general election in Ghana remains, arguably, the most peaceful in the Fourth Republic,” Dr. Agordzo said. “Not even a fly was reported to have died during the election.”

In the 2020 election, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) protested the results, describing them as “flawed” and alleging that state security forces were used to intimidate voters in their strongholds.

The National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF) reported that eight lives were lost during the 2020 general elections, with 61 recorded cases of electoral and post-electoral violence across the country, including six incidents involving gunshots.

Giving an insight into why the 2016 election had such a peaceful outcome, Dr. Agordzo stated that it was the result of systematic dialogue with stakeholders and an inclusive planning process led by the National Election Security Task Force.

A key factor was the dialogical approach adopted by the Task Force.

“We realized that a militant posture alone could not resolve crises,” Dr. Agordzo noted.

Dialogues were held with a wide range of groups, including political parties, youth groups, religious leaders, and civil society organizations.

One milestone was the Adaa Communiqué, where political parties publicly renounced violence and disassociated themselves from vigilante activities. The process was unprecedented in its scope.

“For the first time ever, systematic and well-coordinated meetings were held nationwide, involving the IGP and police leadership on one hand and stakeholders on the other,” Dr. Agordzo said.

These sessions were marked by open and frank discussions, which helped to build trust and clarify issues that could otherwise cause mistrust during the elections.

Another innovation was the extensive use of literature to educate stakeholders on peaceful elections.

“We created over 5,000 election booklets for senior security officers and 42,000 copies for every police officer deployed on duty,” he revealed.

These materials clarified the roles of police officers, emphasizing that they were subordinate to the presiding officers at polling stations.

Dr. Agordzo also highlighted the role of community policing.

“We visited churches, mosques, and communities to engage directly with citizens,” he said.

This proactive engagement fostered trust and cooperation between the police and the public.

He praised the deployment strategy, which included special police officers stationed at border areas but excluded military personnel at polling stations.

“No military officer was deployed at any polling station in 2016,” he said, adding that this approach prevented unnecessary intimidation of voters.

Dr. Agordzo attributed the success of the 2016 elections to deliberate planning, inclusivity, and trust-building.

“It didn’t just happen. It was the result of deliberate efforts,” he stressed.

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The NPP National Organizer, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, made the claims at a press conference on Wednesday.

He claimed the recruitment was being carried out, particularly in the NPP’s strongholds, though he did not mention any specific areas.

However, Nana B emphasized that such efforts will not succeed, as the NPP remains vigilant.

He further stated that the NPP has worked diligently to communicate its message to the Ghanaian people and is confident that its flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will be elected president on December 7.

This follows allegations by the NDC that President Akufo-Addo has tasked the General Officer Commanding the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier-General Michael Opoku, to rig the election in the Ashanti Region for the NPP.

The NDC Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, further alleged that the officer has been promised the position of Chief of Defence Staff if the NPP wins the 2024 election.

Mr. Gyamfi also alleged that the NDC has received intelligence that Brigadier-General Opoku is training NPP thugs at the Asutuare military camp.

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The NDC’s National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, at a news conference on Tuesday, said the party would petition the Inspector General of Police over their concerns about a potential plot to steal the people’s mandate in this election.

In response to these allegations, the Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, Haruna Mohammed, said the claims by the NDC are false.

He insisted that the NDC is clutching at straws.

“The NDC clearly admits that they are losing the election, and they are finding every straw to hold on to, so they can tell their supporters that this is the reason they lost. In 2016 and 2020, they made similar statements about us training people in places to rig the election, and yet they lost,” he said.

According to him, the NPP is not interested in such gimmicks but is focused on winning the 2024 election.

“What we do know is that the military is not the Electoral Commission. I am not surprised that he came out to make this particular statement. It was completely a waste of Ghanaians’ time.”

“The elections are won at the polling stations, so if they are so much interested in playing the game, they should go down to the grassroots and make sure they get their vote. I am very confident that the NPP is going to win the election, no matter the lies and propaganda put out there,” he added.

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According to Prof. Bokpin, the new administration will face difficult challenges regarding government formation during the transition period from January to March 2025, a period he described as “very critical” for Ghana’s success.

“The first three months will be very critical, and that is also the transition period. How they manage the transition will be crucial,” he maintained, explaining that this is a period Ghana has not managed well in recent instances.

Ghana is set to go to the polls on 7th December this year to elect members of parliament and a president to form the seventh government of the Fourth Republic.

“Since 1992, whenever there has been a regime change, chaos takes over, and that doesn’t help improve the investment climate. We need to manage the transition efficiently and smoothly, regardless of which party wins the election,” he added, noting that there have been too many instances since Ghana transitioned to democracy where the manner of transition management has not sufficiently benefited the country.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, November 20, Prof. Bokpin further emphasised that the future government should prioritise agriculture to improve the country’s fortunes.

He explained that if the agricultural sector receives proper attention, it will not only ensure food security but also create jobs for citizens and help stabilise the cost of living.

He counselled that effective leadership is critical in securing Ghana’s fortunes and that this must be exhibited by the next administration. “We need to ask ourselves, where do we start from? It is the leadership, effective leadership,” he said.

Prof. Bokpin also stressed that inflation issues must be tackled, as they have a high tendency to improve the cost of living.

“If you are able to bring down food prices and reduce inflation significantly, you will actually be creating direct relief for Ghanaians,” he noted.

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Mr. Pyne expressed disbelief, stating that he could not understand why the NDC would make such claims just 17 days before the December 7 election.

On Tuesday, the NDC called for the immediate removal of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Brigadier General Michael Opoku.

The party alleged that President Akufo-Addo tasked Brigadier General Opoku with rigging the election in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region.

As part of these allegations, Sammy Gyamfi claimed that Brigadier General Opoku was recently promoted to his current position and had been promised the role of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) if the NPP wins.

However, Mr. Pyne, a former NPP Ashanti Regional Secretary, dismissed the claims as baseless during an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.

Admitting he was not a spokesperson for the military officer, Mr. Pyne argued that such accusations, lacking evidence, should not be entertained.

“I don’t speak for Brigadier General Opoku, but there are certain things you hear, and you should ask even a child if it makes sense.

“They claimed he was in charge of operations at the National Security before being promoted and transferred in July. So, why are they making these claims now? Why didn’t they raise concerns earlier? Is it only now they’ve realized he’s supposedly there to rig elections?” he questioned.

The KMA Mayor challenged the NDC to substantiate their allegations if they claim to have credible evidence.

The former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Regional Secretary has said the allegations are a figment of the NDC’s own imagination.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, the NDC alleged that President Akufo-Addo is plotting to rig the December 7 election in favor of the NPP.

The National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, claimed Akufo-Addo has tasked the General Officer Commanding Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Brigadier General Michael Opoku, to execute the plan.

Reacting to this, Mr. Pyne, in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, labeled the allegations as absurd.

According to him, the allegations are mere attempts to cause fear and panic, stating that they also signify the NDC’s sense of defeat in the upcoming election.

“If they [NDC] are planning to cause panic and fear in the Ashanti region, then they are wrong; they should rethink. They can take it from me that it won’t happen,” he forewarned.

He cautioned that the security agencies and heads are on high alert and will deal with anybody who threatens or causes mayhem before, during, and after the election.

“The security services are ready to ensure peace and a smooth process. Anyone who causes trouble will be dealt with ruthlessly.”

“The NPP, as a political party, will not sit and watch anyone derail our victory in the election. We won’t allow that to happen, so we will deal with any troublemaker with recourse to the appropriate authority. We will not sit aloof,” he stated.

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Dr. Bossman Asare, while speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, stated the importance of accuracy, transparency, and adherence to established timelines in the electoral process.

“By convention, we work within 72 hours, and I believe we are going to work within the 72 hours to ensure that Ghanaians know the outcome of the presidential election,” Dr. Asare said.

He noted that while the EC is prepared to work efficiently, the process requires meticulous checks at every stage to ensure credibility.

Explaining the timeline, Dr. Asare highlighted the multi-step process required to collate results from constituencies across the country.

“For the parliamentary election, some constituencies may conclude their processes as early as 12 midnight, 1 am, or 2 am. After that, those presidential results will be sent to the regional capitals,” he said.

From there, the regional officials will review the results before forwarding them to the EC headquarters in Accra, where the Chairperson will officially declare the outcome.

Dr. Asare also stressed that the EC prioritizes transparency.

“We shouldn’t forget that parties are going to be represented at all these levels to ensure transparency and credibility of the process,” he stated.

Reflecting on the 2020 elections, he explained that while the EC initially aimed to declare results within 24 hours, the declaration was eventually made within 48 hours.

The decision to adopt a 72-hour timeline this year is a strategic move to balance efficiency with thoroughness.

“The target we set in 2020 was to announce the results within 24 hours, but we ended up doing so in almost 48 hours. This time, we are allowing ourselves more flexibility.

“If we can get everything in less than 24 hours, why not? If we can get it in about 36 hours, we’ll go ahead and do it. But as much as possible, within 72 hours, we are going to take the necessary steps,” he explained.

Dr. Asare reassured Ghanaians that the Commission is prepared to deliver timely and credible results.

“We will take our time to ensure that every step of the process is carefully managed so that, within three days, the outcome is clear and satisfactory to all stakeholders.”

While acknowledging the logistical challenges of transmitting results from remote constituencies to regional capitals, he maintained that the EC has systems in place to manage the process efficiently.

“We will do our very best to follow convention and ensure Ghanaians receive the results they deserve,” he affirmed.

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At a press conference on Tuesday, the NDC National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, criticized the Akufo-Addo administration for its handling of economic challenges.

The NDC insisted that the current administration’s economic policies have led to severe hardship and worsening conditions for Ghanaians.

Sammy Gyamfi asserted that this mismanagement has resulted in “unprecedented hardships” and a deteriorating standard of living for the average Ghanaian.

“Friends, our dear nation is at a crossroads and requires an urgent reset. Not only has the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led NPP government failed to keep almost all their flagship promises to Ghanaians, but they have totally run down Ghana’s economy, leading to unprecedented hardships and an ever-worsening standard of living,” he stated.

Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that at this crucial point, Ghana needs experienced and stable leadership, which is exemplified by the NDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.

“Ghana needs the experienced and steady pair of hands that H.E. John Dramani Mahama offers. His proven track record of sound economic management and the right transformational vision that Ghana needs at this critical time is what will steer us out of our current mess,” he added.

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The Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC) questioned whether Mr. Kyerematen expected Kufuor to support him instead.

“It’s sad that Alan Kyerematen feels that way. Who did Alan Kyerematen expect Kufuor to support? Him? He’s not a member of the NPP. Is he a member of the NPP? If Kufuor goes to support Alan Kyerematen, Kufuor has taken himself out of the NPP. I think, in the NPP, Kufuor, at one point, used to be everybody’s boss, including President Akufo-Addo,” he stated.

Mr. Kufuor had, in a media interview, endorsed New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 election.

Describing Dr. Bawumia as a man of destiny, Kufuor rallied Ghanaians to massively vote for him on December 7 to transform the nation.

The endorsement, however, did not sit well with the flagbearer of the Movement for Change, who claimed it tarnished Kufuor’s reputation.

Reacting to this, Nana Akomea, in an interview on Accra-based Channel One TV, said Mr. Kyerematen’s statement was unfortunate.

“So, Kufuor is like the old lady in the house, like the Akan people will call ‘Abrewatia.’ That’s how Kufuor is. The Abrewatia in the party you said should go and endorse you, Alan, who is not in the party. You didn’t follow him to stay in that party, you left, and he should follow you.

“Between Kufuor and Alan, who should follow the other? I heard some of the things he said and it made me sad. At the time Kufuor appointed Alan as US Ambassador and Minister of Trade, there were people in the party who could have taken those appointments,” he clarified.

Nana Akomea expressed optimism that Kufuor would have been actively involved in the NPP’s campaign, but for old age.

“Isn’t it laughable? Kufuor is not as active as he used to be. I can assure you, if he was active, he would be doing more. Not because of any fear, but because he’s a member of the NPP. And he wants the NPP to succeed and contribute to that effort. How does anybody read meaning into it?” he quizzed.

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Dr. Bossman Asare, speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on November 19, explained the EC’s decision to reprint ballots for the Volta and Ahafo regions due to serial number discrepancies.

He described it as a necessary measure to maintain trust in the electoral process.

“The Commission didn’t think so much in terms of the cost as to the quality of the country’s elections,” he stated.

He noted that the discrepancies could have compromised the integrity of the elections, which would have had far-reaching consequences.

“If you don’t get the serial numbers right, and someone votes for a candidate, there’s a risk that the ballot could be deemed rejected,” he explained.

Dr. Asare acknowledged that reprinting ballots for these regions could be costly, but reiterated that the Commission’s primary concern was ensuring that the elections were credible and transparent.

“We believe that the taxpayer will be more concerned about us having a system that is very peaceful, very credible, and very transparent,” he added.

To ensure accountability in the process, the EC will write to political parties, the Ghana Police Service, the National Intelligence Bureau, and the involved printing house to oversee the destruction of the erroneous ballot papers.

“When we finish burning them, we have what we call the destruction certificate, which all the parties are going to sign to confirm their presence during the destruction,” Dr. Asare explained.

The EC decided to involve additional printing houses for the affected ballots, a move Dr. Asare described as essential to maintaining the credibility of the elections.

“We have a strong reputation to protect,” he stated. “For us, ensuring the integrity of the process so that all the political parties are happy is more important than the cost argument.”

He also stressed that the EC values inclusivity in its operations.

“It will interest you to know that when we met with the parties and informed them of the issues, they tried to salvage it. But we still noticed some gaps, so we made the decision to ensure ballot integrity,” he said.

Dr. Asare reassured the public that the Commission would engage the printing house to discuss cost implications.

However, he emphasized that preserving the credibility of the elections was non-negotiable.

“Inaction on this issue would have been more devastating. Just imagine people saying there are problems with the ballot papers after voting—it would certainly not bode well for the Commission,” he noted.

The EC’s decision, he concluded, reflects its commitment to delivering elections that all stakeholders can trust.

“We believe that a credible system, where all players and stakeholders are satisfied, is what matters most,” he said.

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In collaboration with other security agencies, IGP Dampare has warned that they will not allow anyone to disturb the peace of the nation.

He made this statement during an engagement with the Civil Forum Initiative (CFI) in Accra on Tuesday, where he warned that troublemakers would be dealt with ruthlessly.

To ensure a peaceful election process, the Ghana Police Service has met with the Executives of the Civil Forum Initiative to discuss their preparedness.

Speaking to Adom News, Dr. Dampare emphasized, “No individual or group will be allowed to undermine the nation’s peace. Extensive measures have been put in place to guarantee peaceful elections.”

He further stated, “Those identified in connection with election-related crimes will be pursued and brought to justice.”

Dr. Dampare also called on the public to support efforts for a peaceful election, urging everyone to cooperate with the security agencies to maintain order.

He said their research indicates that, in previous elections, most violence occurred at the collation centers. For this reason, they are currently working with the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure that only authorized persons will be allowed at the centers this year.

The same principle, he said, will apply at the EC’s office, where the presidential election results will be collated, to maintain peace.

Dr. Dampare mentioned that, in most cases, political parties that sense defeat incite their supporters to cause trouble, but that won’t be allowed to happen again.

Speaking to Adom News, Rev. Fr. Michael Quaicoe, Director of Governance, Justice, and Peace of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and an executive member of the Civil Forum Initiative, commended the Ghana Police Service for its strategic plan.

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The plot, which the NDC has alleged, involves the General Officer Commanding the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Brigadier General Michael Opoku.

At a press conference on Tuesday, the NDC National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, accused President Akufo-Addo of tasking the military officer to execute the plot.

Aimed at interfering with the electoral process, the plot, Mr. Gyamfi alleged, will begin with the special voting exercise scheduled for December 2.

The petition, therefore, seeks the Asantehene’s intervention to prevent potential violence.

“We are going to ensure that the King of the Ashanti people, who is very much interested in the peace of our nation and the peace of the processes leading to, during, and after the December 7 election, is officially made aware of these developments because the headquarters of this operation [led by Brigadier General Michael Opoku] is in Kumasi.

“And I know that Otumfuo cherishes the peace that the people of Kumasi and the Ashanti Region enjoy, and he will want to take an interest in this matter and call this guy to order,” he stated.

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According to JoyNews sources in the Oti Region, materials were yet to be loaded onto trucks for delivery.

However, a Deputy Chair of the EC, Dr Bossman Asare, in a yet-be-aired interview provided a breakdown of dispatched materials and those still outstanding.

He affirmed the Commission’s readiness to conduct the elections, stating, “As we speak, a chunk of them, almost over 50% of them have got into the regional capitals. Apart from that, training of officials, which is very critical has also started. We’ve done the national level and we are about to take off of the regional level and then the constituency level.

“And for all these, we have a clear plan in place. So based on that, I can conveniently say that we are fully ready,” he said.

Dr Bossman Asare stated that the Commission could still successfully manage the elections, noting that the only issue is the incorrect serial numbers detected in the Ahafo and Volta region’s ballot papers.

He noted that the reprinting has commenced and is expected to be completed by the end of the week.

“Well, if elections were next week, we would still be able to do it. The reason why we would still be able to do it is that, with the exception of the Ahafo and Volta regions, which we announced last week that because of certain issues we’ve identified with the serial numbers, we’re going to have them printed again in another printing house, those who are printing too, we have strong evidence that this week they should be able to finish for us to transport them to the various regions.”

The Deputy EC Chairperson also assured that the transfer of ballot papers to the regional capitals includes both parliamentary and presidential ballots.

“A number of the regions that have seen the ballots being transferred…. about 80% of them, both the parliamentary and the presidential are in the regional capitals.

“Unfortunately, when the flagbearer of the Ghana Freedom Party passed on to glory, we had printed over 90% of the presidential ballots. So as soon as that embargo was lifted, a number of them were able to finish even in that same week,” he added.

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The member of the NDC Manifesto Committee stated that the NPP, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, has failed woefully to deliver on their promises.

In an interview on Adom TV’s Badwam, the former Minister for Youth and Sports argued that the NDC’s track record is far superior to that of the incumbent government.

He pointed out that under the Mahama-led administration, corruption figures were far lower than those seen under the Akufo-Addo government.

“The Afrobarometer and the Auditor General’s report have revealed that the worst corruption figure under the NDC was 43%. Akufo-Addo’s best is our worst, and every time, he keeps going down. That is why Akufo-Addo is called a ‘clearing agent’,” he said.

With barely 18 days to the December 7 election, Mr. Ankrah urged Ghanaians to stay vigilant. He cautioned against the “try me and see” campaign rhetoric, stating, “Akufo-Addo told us to ‘try me and see,’ which is very serious. We are going into another election, and Bawumia is telling us he has never been president, so we should try him and see.”

Mr. Ankrah concluded by insisting that the NPP has destroyed the economy and does not deserve to be retained in power.

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The lecturers, from the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and Ho Technical University (HTU), donned NDC colors as they marched through the principal streets of Ho, advocating for the key policies outlined in the 2024 NDC manifesto, with a particular focus on education.

According to the academics, their campaign was a response to what they described as the worsening state of Ghana’s economy and education sector under the eight-year rule of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Dr. Asantewa Tannor Patricia, a lecturer at HTU, speaking to the media during the walk, explained that the group had come together to campaign for the NDC and John Mahama in order to secure a change of government in the upcoming elections.

She argued that the current state of secondary education in Ghana was unfavorable, and that they wanted Mahama to return to power in order to revitalize the sector.

“As people in academia, we have noticed significant flaws in our educational system. To correct these issues, we need to come together and raise awareness. At the tertiary level, we are receiving students who are not properly prepared by the SHS system,” she said.

Another lecturer, Dr. Stanley Nelvis Glate, stated that John Mahama is the only competent candidate in the December polls, and the intellectual community was rallying behind him to ensure his victory.

“The only person who is competent enough to earn our trust and secure our votes is Mr. John Dramani Mahama. This is the consensus among us, the intellectuals,” he said.

He went on to criticize Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also a presidential candidate, saying he lacked the necessary competence and trustworthiness to lead Ghana. Mr. Glate accused Bawumia of disappointing Ghanaians during his time as vice president.

“We lecturers will not support someone who has disappointed himself. We can play Dr. Bawumia’s own words to him, and now he is running away from them. Can we trust such a character? He has let down every Ghanaian,” he remarked.

The lecturers emphasized that they could only secure a victory for John Mahama by stepping out of their campuses and engaging in active campaigning for the NDC.

At the central market in Ho, they took the opportunity to speak with traders about the promises of the NDC and John Mahama. The locals responded with enthusiasm, with many expressing concern about the high cost of living and hoping that a new NDC government would bring about positive change.

The lecturers are planning to extend their campaign to other parts of the region, including Hohoe, Ketu North and South, and South Tongu.

The group, calling themselves “Lecturers 4 JM,” has also been active in other regions of the country. Recently, the group in the Ashanti Region held a similar march, campaigning vigorously for the NDC and John Mahama.

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This assurance addresses concerns raised by some Ghanaians, who feared that the ongoing conflict might hinder residents from participating in the December 7, 2024, elections.

Speaking in an interview, the Upper East Regional Director of the EC, William Obeng Adarkwa, emphasized the Commission’s collaboration with security agencies to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process.

“We are prepared as a Commission. The situation in Bawku is primarily a security matter, and the Ghana Police Service is responsible for maintaining order. We are in daily communication with them, and they keep us updated. Meanwhile, we continue to train our officials and equip them with the necessary skills to conduct the elections,” he told Citi News.

Mr. Adarkwa also appealed to residents to create a peaceful atmosphere to facilitate the movement of election officials and materials to designated locations.

The unrest has disrupted essential services in Bawku, forcing teachers and students to vacate schools and halting operations by the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). Residents now face limited access to water and electricity.

To maintain order, authorities have imposed a curfew from 6 am to 6 pm, enforced by security personnel, as the community braces for potential further violence.

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She emphasised that his leadership qualities, such as integrity, intelligence, and a problem-solving approach, are essential for addressing the nation’s current challenges and fulfilling the aspirations of the youth.

Speaking at the launch of a book organised by her Samira Bawumia Literacy Prize initiative in Accra on Monday, November 18, the Second Lady expressed confidence in her husband’s ability to tackle the country’s challenges.

She highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s innovative ideas and deep sense of responsibility as key factors that set him apart as a leader capable of bringing about meaningful change.

Samira Bawumia stressed that Dr. Bawumia’s vision for the future of Ghana is centred on creating opportunities for the youth and developing sustainable solutions to the nation’s problems.

She added that his track record in leadership demonstrates his commitment to improving the lives of all Ghanaians.

“He has solutions to our problems. Dr. Bawumia is a very intelligent man. He is an honest man. He works very hard and applies himself, and this is a man bursting with ideas. He doesn’t always do the same things and expect different results.”

“Bawumia is always thinking outside the box, and I think that is the kind of leadership we need as young people. We need somebody who will leapfrog Ghana’s development. We need somebody who can look beyond where we are and say, ‘Look, we can do better and we can do it in a faster way to get to where we are going,’” she said.

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In a statement, Mr. Kwakye-Ackah explained that his decision aligns with the Sekondi High Court’s clearance of NDC candidate, Joana Cudjoe, to contest the election on December 7.

Given this development, the incumbent MP stated that contesting as an independent candidate is no longer viable with just 18 days left before the election.

“I would like to thank the Elders of the party and other leading members of the party for their invaluable counsel that has led to this decision in the supreme interest of the party,” a portion of the statement read.

This decision follows that of another independent candidate, Dr. Karl Mark Arhin, who also withdrew from the race to support Madam Cudjoe.

Addressing supporters at a rally in Kyeikrom on November 16, alongside NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Dr. Arhin clarified that his independent bid was a temporary measure to safeguard the NDC’s presence in the race amid Cudjoe’s legal challenges.

However, it is not clear if Mr. Kwakye-Ackah will also lend his support to Madam Cudjoe.

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Read the statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT

18TH NOVEMBER, 2024

WITHDRAWAL FROM AMENFI CENTRAL PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION.

I wish to inform the good people of Amenfi Central and the general public of my decision to withdraw my independent candidature from the 2024 Amenfi Central Parliamentary election forthwith.

Under the decision by the High Court and the Electoral Commission to clear the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for this year’s election, I believe that my reasons for filing to contest the election as an independent candidate are no longer tenable.

I would like to thank the Elders of the party and other leading members of the party for their invaluable counsel that has led to this decision in the supreme interest of the party.

Long live the NDC, long live Amenfi Central, long live Ghana.………………………………….
HON. PETER YAW KWAKYE-ACKAH
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, AMENFI CENTRAL

Central to this vision is the establishment of the Creative Arts Development Fund (CADF), aimed at providing financial and technical support to talented individuals to help them unlock their potential and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economy.

Speaking on the policy, his running mate, Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), emphasised the fund’s potential to empower aspiring creatives.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said: “The Creative Arts Development Fund will make resources available to aspiring musicians, poets, comedians, and artisans so they can develop and promote their craft,” he noted.

Reflecting on his own experience as a musician, KOD noted that with financial backing, they could avoid the challenges he and others encountered early in their careers.

He added that the fund would enable creatives to secure the capital they needed to launch their careers while contributing to the economy as their work gains recognition both locally and internationally.

Alan Kyerematen has consistently emphasised the importance of fostering youth entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of his 10-point youth empowerment plan.

He said, as part of this agenda, the Creative Arts Development Fund will serve as a critical tool to support young creatives who have often faced barriers such as inadequate financing, limited infrastructure, and weak intellectual property protections.

By addressing these challenges, Alan believes Ghana’s creative industry can rival global giants like Nigeria, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.

The fund, Mr. Kyerematen stated, will not only focus on financial assistance but also provide technical support and mentorship for creatives.

“Through collaborations with industry experts, the Fund will ensure that beneficiaries are equipped with the skills and networks required to succeed. This is about creating opportunities for our youth to turn their talents into thriving businesses,” Alan explained.

“We are building a future through an Enterprise Economy, where our artistes, filmmakers, and musicians are celebrated globally, not just for their talent but for their economic impact.”

A critical component of the fund’s objectives will be revitalizing Ghana’s struggling film industry.

Alan Kyerematen has highlighted the potential of cinema as a tool for economic growth and cultural preservation.

According to him, by investing in local filmmakers and providing infrastructure for production, the Creative Arts Development Fund would position Ghana as a hub for high-quality African content, capable of competing on the global stage.

The GTP envisions a thriving arts sector that bridges generational gaps by promoting a sense of national pride and identity.

The Creative Arts Development Fund, he noted, would enable younger Ghanaians to connect with their roots, while sharing Ghanaian culture with the world through music, art, comedy, poetry, and film.

To ensure sustainability, the fund will be complemented by legal and policy reforms under the GTP, including stronger intellectual property protections and incentives for international collaborations, giving Ghanaian artists the tools to safeguard their work and access global markets.

“Our creative talents are among the best in the world, and with the right support, they can lead the way in shaping Africa’s cultural narrative,” Alan has stated.

Mr. Kyerematen has called on Ghana’s youth, especially those in the creative industry, to rally behind his vision of transformation.

“This fund is not just about financial support; it’s about allowing our youth to realize their dreams and make meaningful contributions to our economy,” he affirmed.

With the Creative Arts Development Fund, Ghana’s creative sector stands on the brink of a golden era, poised to inspire the world and transform lives at home.

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The tactile jacket is voting equipment provided by the Electoral Commission (EC) to assist the visually impaired in casting their ballots.

According to Mr. Gideon Yeboah, the Asunafo North Municipal Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), the training was to educate, particularly first-time voters, on the use of tactile jackets to enable them to vote appropriately on December 7.

The Municipal Directorate of the EC organized the day’s training, which also sensitized the participants on the voting process.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Goaso, the regional capital, on the sidelines of the training, Mr. Yeboah also called on caregivers to assist the visually impaired and accompany them to their various polling stations in the region to cast their ballots on time.

With the jacket, he said, visually impaired electorates would be able to identify their preferred choice of candidates and vote for them accordingly.

“We are assuring them of the availability of the tactile ballot to enable them to cast their votes for their chosen candidates,” Mr. Yeboah stated, and entreated the visually impaired voters to ensure that only their caregivers take them to the polling stations.

Mr. Kwaku Atibilla, the Ahafo Regional Secretary of the Ghana Blind Union (GBU), expressed appreciation to the EC for the training and called on the commission to ensure that the jackets were made available at all polling stations across the region so that none of the electorates would be disenfranchised.

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He wants Ghanaian electorates to turn to the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) as an appropriate alternative party deemed fit enough to take up the mantle of governance in the country.

The Benkumhene of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, said the reason why Ghanaians must take this bold and decisive step towards change, stems from the fact that there is excruciating hardship in the country.

The traditional leader made the call when a delegation led by members of the Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) paid a courtesy call on him at his Palace on Sunday as part of ongoing political activities in the constituency.

Aside from making the call for change, the Chief also told the Parliamentary candidate of the NDC, Kofi Bentil to deploy members of his party to visit the nook and cranny of the constituency to campaign for the party ahead of the elections.

He recommended the popular door-to-door as one of the potent campaign measures required to galvanize the energies of the electorates to come out in their numbers to vote massively for the NDC to secure a convincing victory for the party.

He declared that the people of Adum-Banso must elect the NDC Parliamentary candidate Kofi Bentil to go to Parliament to represent them to the fullest.

Adum-Banso is one of the mining and farming communities in the Mpohor Constituency with an abundance of natural resources.

Consequently, the role expected of the community in determining and deciding the outcome of the polls in the Constituency in December is very crucial.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketsia, who is touring parts of the Western Region stormed the Adum-Banso community to inspire the people to vote massively for the party.

The excitement and enthusiasm that greeted his entrance into the community further cemented the commitment of the party to wrestle the Mpohor seat currently being held by John Kobina Abbam Aboah Sanie of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The Constituency was carved out of the Mpohor Wassa East in 2012 and has since been held by the NPP. However, the NDC has declared the seat as one of the targeted seats to go to the party in December.

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According to him, those arrested for marijuana possession will not face imprisonment but will instead be sent to work on state farms. He emphasised that the government would prioritise state farms, a key initiative introduced by Kwame Nkrumah during his tenure.

“The youth of this nation, if the CPP comes to power, there will be no incarceration for the possession of cannabis,” he said.

He added that individuals who require rehabilitation due to marijuana abuse will also be taken care of. “Those who need rehabilitation, we will equally rehabilitate them,” he said.

Mr Ghanamanti said this last week during the party’s manifesto launch in Accra.

The vice-presidential candidate also noted that a CPP government would not allow the police to raid “ghettos” in search of people in possession of the drug.

The sale, import, export, or supply of cannabis is prohibited in Ghana.

Those found guilty of supplying cannabis (without money exchanging hands) can be sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison.

The sentence for producing, manufacturing, importing, exporting, or distributing the drug is increased to no less than 10 years.

This, the CPP government wants to overturn when given the chance to rule the country.

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This falls under Mr. Mahama’s job creation agenda, where various firms will be given incentives to run a three-shift system in his 24-hour economy.

John Mahama made this known when he commenced his five-day regional tour in the Nsawam Adoagyiri constituency.

The NDC flagbearer and his team will be touring various constituencies in the Eastern Region, where he is expected to listen to the plights of the constituents and also offer his solutions.

John Mahama is hoping to increase his electoral fortunes in this region, which will contribute to his success in the December polls.

Speaking to voters at Nsawam and Ayensuano, Mr. Mahama revealed plans to make the area attractive for industrialization.

The former President expressed concern over the deteriorating roads in these constituencies, which have caused extreme discomfort to commuters, especially since the government announced a “Year of Roads” initiative.

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Scheduled for Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Legon City Mall at 5 PM, the concert, designed as a youth-powered event, promises to be an evening of electrifying performances by some of Ghana’s top music stars.

The star-studded lineup includes Medikal, celebrated for his chart-topping hits; highlife musician Bisa K’dei; award-winning songstress Wendy Shay; hiplife legend Sydney; drill sensation Jay Bahd; and the soulful Sista Afia.

Joining them are Tinny, the hiplife icon; rap star YPee; and rising talent King Dicey, who composed the popular campaign song “Obia Bedidi Wo Ase3 Ho.” The night’s energy will be amplified by top DJs Toyor, Lord, and Shiwaawa, ensuring a thrilling experience for attendees.

This concert is part of Alan Kyerematen’s vision to connect with Ghana’s youth and spotlight their role in shaping the nation’s future. His choice of KOD, a former musician, as running mate reflects the Afrafranto Movement’s commitment to youthful energy and creativity.

At the heart of this engagement is Alan Kyerematen’s 10-Point Plan for Youth Empowerment, which includes the establishment of a Creative Arts Development Fund.

This initiative aims to support young talents in music, film, fashion, and other creative industries, providing financial and technical assistance to ensure Ghanaian creatives can compete on a global scale.

According to Alan Kyerematen, “The creative arts are not just about entertainment; they are a critical driver of economic growth and job creation.”

The concert is more than an evening of music – it’s a rallying call for youth empowerment and a celebration of inclusivity. Attendees will also hear directly from Alan Kyerematen and KOD about their Great Transformational Plan (GTP) and their vision for the youth.

The event is free and open to the public, especially the youth.

Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music and inspiration. Join the Afrafranto Movement on November 23 at the Legon City Mall for an evening of celebration, empowerment, and hope.

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The presidential candidate has recently intensified his campaign, touring every region to share his vision for the country’s future.

During his “276 Tour” of the Central Region over the weekend, Mr. Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar, visited Swedru, where he told his supporters, “I do not represent any political party; neither is New Force a political party. It is a powerful movement aimed at dismantling the political system that has caused hardship, economic decline, and sleepless nights for Ghanaians.”

According to him, he wants Ghanaians to remember him not for his “T-shirts, but for his messages,” encouraging them to vote for him in the upcoming December elections.

Mr. Bediako claimed that, for decades, Ghana has lacked the necessary development under successive governments, with the exception of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

He warned that failure to make informed choices in December would result in continued suffering for Ghanaians, with no escape for the younger generation.

Nana Kwame Bediako also criticised the current leadership for dishonesty, highlighting that Ghana’s resources, such as gold and cocoa, are often given to foreigners before Ghanaians can benefit.

He also toured Winneba, where he met with youth groups. He spoke about his industrialisation ambitions for Ghana and his plans for job creation.

He questioned the future of young people after completing their education and urged the public to rise for a “new Ghana, a new revolution, and a new independence.”

He further urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, not to be deceived by the current leadership, “who have failed the people, leaving them with no jobs, no future, and no hope despite years spent in institutions and organisations,” he said.

Mr. Bediako emphasised, “If we don’t do something, something will do something to us,” urging Ghanaians to gather courage and reject empty promises from political parties.

He has pledged to industrialise Ghana when given the opportunity to become the next president.

His focus is on creating jobs for the unemployed and improving the living conditions of the Ghanaian populace.

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The comment, made in a Facebook post on Sunday, November 17, comes in response to the recent exposé by the North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Mr. Ablakwa revealed that 22,000 kilograms of expired rice were repackaged and distributed to SHS students as part of the government’s school feeding programme.

This revelation has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the quality and safety of the food being provided to students.

Dr. Omane Boamah’s comments emphasize that the NDC, with John Dramani Mahama as flagbearer in the upcoming elections, would ensure a higher standard of care for students.

He maintained that Mr. Mahama’s government would never compromise the health and well-being of students by serving expired or unsafe food.

“A John Dramani Mahama government will never feed SHS students with expired food,” he posted.

The Ministry of Education has responded to the allegations, stating that it is currently investigating the claims.

However, Dr. Omane Boamah’s remarks seek to assure voters that the NDC remains committed to providing quality services in education, particularly in ensuring that students receive the best nutrition possible.

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After an electrifying walk-through of sections of the Race Course market, during which she interacted directly with the traders, Mrs. Mahama shared key Mahama initiatives with them that would impact their businesses and lives.

She refuted unfounded claims that the NDC and Mahama would cancel the Free SHS policy, urging the women to reject the lies.

“Some people are going around telling mothers that my husband will cancel the Free SHS policy when he becomes president. I assure you, as his wife, he has not said that anywhere. In fact, he has great plans to improve the policy to make it better,” she emphasized.

She urged them to reject the lies and choose development and improvement in their business and living conditions by voting overwhelmingly for John Mahama and NDC parliamentary candidates in their areas, stressing the importance of securing a majority in parliament for the NDC.

Reacting to the warm reception from the traders, Mrs. Mahama said, “I am very pleased with the love you have shown me today. This is an unforgettable moment for me and all of us.”

Continuing her campaign at the Kejetia Market, the former First Lady promoted the NDC’s innovative policies, particularly those focused on women and children. These included the establishment of a Women’s Development Bank, the National Apprenticeship Programme, and the fee-free policy for first-year university students.

Despite reports of a deliberate attempt by facility managers to sabotage the Kejetia programme by cutting power to the facility, the program continued and concluded successfully.

Other speakers at the event reiterated the NDC’s long-standing commitment to the people of the Ashanti Region. They assured the traders that a future NDC government would initiate phase two of the Kejetia Market project and upgrade the Racecourse Market to provide relief from the scorching sun.

Earlier, Mrs. Mahama met representatives of various markets in Kumasi to discuss their challenges and how the NDC and Mahama’s policies would help improve their circumstances.

The prospect of affordable loans for women and traders was particularly welcomed, as current lending rates have a severe impact on their small businesses.

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The donation took place following a peace walk and talk organised by the council at Duayaw Nkwanta on Saturday, 16th November.

The event, which aimed to promote peace and unity ahead of the 2024 elections, saw the participation of various community members, church leaders, and political figures.

Dr Boako’s gesture was well received by the council, who expressed their gratitude for his support and engagement with local religious leaders.

Explaining the reason behind the donation, Dr. Boako stated that the motorbike would assist the Tano North Local Council of Churches in effectively carrying out their activities throughout the constituency.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring that religious leaders are well-equipped to engage with the community and spread messages of peace and development.

The council members expressed their appreciation for Dr. Boako’s contribution, noting that it would significantly aid their efforts in fostering unity and encouraging constructive dialogue within the community.

The donation highlighted Dr. Boako’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of the Tano North Constituency as he continues his campaign towards the upcoming elections.

Speaking at a peace walk and talk event in Duayaw Nkwanta, Boako emphasised that no politician, regardless of their party or status, is worth risking one’s life or shedding blood over.

The event, held on Saturday, November 16th, was organised by the Tano North local council of churches to promote peace and unity as the country prepares for the 2024 elections.

The gathering drew participation from various political parties, community leaders, and traditional chiefs, reflecting a collective commitment to a peaceful electoral process.

In his address, Dr Boako highlighted the importance of maintaining harmony and encouraged the youth to prioritise their well-being over partisan interests.

He reminded them that politicians come and go, but the safety and future of the community should remain paramount.

“No politician is worth the sacrifice of your blood,” he stated, urging young people to engage constructively in the political process without resorting to violence.

The donation, made during a brief but lively ceremony, marks an effort to support local sports and provide a platform for young talent to thrive.

Dr. Boako expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasising the importance of nurturing sports as a unifying activity within the constituency.

The event was met with great excitement by football enthusiasts and community members, who turned up in numbers to witness the occasion.

Leaders of the local football teams conveyed their gratitude, highlighting how the donation would significantly enhance their preparations for upcoming tournaments.

According to them, the provision of quality kits and equipment not only motivates the players but also fosters a sense of pride and professionalism in their approach to the game.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Boako reiterated his commitment to the development of Tano North, stating that sports have the potential to inspire the youth and promote community cohesion.

He encouraged the teams to make the best use of the donated items and assured them of his continued support in similar endeavours.

The parliamentary candidate also used the opportunity to engage with attendees, listening to their concerns and discussing other developmental priorities for the area.

The donation has been widely praised as a thoughtful intervention, reflecting Dr. Boako’s dedication to improving lives in the constituency.

It is expected that the gesture will not only invigorate sports in Duayaw Nkwanta but also strengthen the bond between the candidate and the community as they look forward to further collaborations.

Justice Atuguba, who served on the Supreme Court bench for over two decades, explained that while the Supreme Court’s declaration has legal force, it lacks enforceability without accompanying orders.

“The Constitution itself says the Supreme Court shall, for the purposes of a declaration, and across one of this article, make such orders and give such directions as it may consider appropriate for giving effect or enabling effect to be given to the declaration,” Justice Atuguba stated.

He emphasised that the “bare declaration” issued by the Supreme Court would require further orders to be effectively enforced, noting that the “enforceability aspect of it is absent” without such additional directives from the court.

“Article 2 doesn’t stop at declaration. It goes further to say the Supreme Court shall, for the purposes of a declaration, and Clause 1 of this article make such orders and give such directions as it may consider appropriate for giving effect or enabling effect to be given to the declaration so made. So the Constitution itself it’s there that the bare declaration to be effective needs further orders…”

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newfile he further indicated that “it has legal force, but the enforceability aspect of it is absent.”

The Supreme Court’s declaration was made in response to a case challenging the Speaker of Parliament’s ruling on the vacation of certain parliamentary seats.

Also on the show was the Dean of the UPSA Law School, Prof Kofi Abotsi.

He was concerned over the Supreme Court’s failure to clearly outline what constitutes the vacation of a parliamentary seat in its recent ruling against the Speaker of Parliament.

The court’s decision overturned Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of vacancies for MPs seeking to contest upcoming elections on the tickets of parties other than those under which they were elected.

However, Prof Abotsi argues that while the court clarified what does not constitute a vacation of a seat, it did not comprehensively define the circumstances that would meet this criterion.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Prof Kofi Abotsi noted that “The court spoke in negative terms, explaining what does not amount to vacating a seat.”

“However, it failed to provide a positive statement detailing what exactly constitutes the vacation of a seat. This leaves a significant gap, especially when the Constitution uses the phrase ‘leaving the party.’”

According to him, this ambiguity creates room for future disputes, as the ruling does not provide clear guidelines for determining whether an MP has vacated their seat by leaving their party.

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This was after a video of them threatening violence ahead of the December 7 election surfaced online.

The viral video captured the group delivering a strongly worded warning to the Electoral Commission (EC) while wearing t-shirts of the NDC flagbearer, John Mahama.

They alleged bias and vowed to declare their own election results if unsatisfied with the official process.

They also declared their intention to resist law enforcement efforts to maintain order on election day.

In a statement, the police classified the group’s conduct as “offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace,” a violation of section 207 of the Criminal Offenses Act, 1960 (Act 29).

“We wish to state that the behaviour of the group constitutes the offense of offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace contrary to section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

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Read the statement below:

The report suggested that hat extremists and jihadists are targeting the upcoming December 7 elections, and that the NCCE has detected attempts to recruit youth to disrupt the polls.

But in a statement, NCCE clarified that neither its Chairperson, Kathleen Addy, nor any staff member nationwide has made such utterances.

The Commission has therefore disassociated itself from the claims.

“The statement is untrue. The general public has been misinformed, and the Commission does not associate with claims by the newspaper,” a portion of the statement read.

The NCCE has, therefore, drawn the attention of both the reporter and the media house to the false report, demanding a rejoinder to correct the purported statement.

The public, media, security agencies, and all state actors have also been urged to disregard the publication, labelling it as misinformation.

“The Commission over the years has sensitised the public and its stakeholders on misinformation and this is a clear example of what the NCCE has been engaging the general public on,” the statement added.

The NCCE reiterated its commitment to fostering civic education and maintaining public trust, while urging everyone to verify information before sharing or publishing.

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During his visit, Prof. Kpessa-Whyte met with teachers and community leaders, emphasizing the importance of voting massively for the NDC to pave the way for the transformation agenda.

He highlighted the benefits of Mahama’s 24-hour economy, which aims to boost business development, growth, and job creation through investments in agriculture, manufacturing, and the creative economy.

He urged voters to adopt straight-ticket voting, warning that “skirt-and-blouse” voting undermines progress.

“A vote for the NDC is a vote to unlock the development potential of Shai-Osudoku,” Prof. Kpessa-Whyte emphasized, stressing the party’s commitment to empowering local communities.

Linda Ocloo joined Prof. Kpessa-Whyte in Doryumu, culminating in the community engagement event.

The joint appearance reinforced the NDC’s unity and determination to win the upcoming elections.

The NDC’s campaign focuses on “Building the Ghana We Want Together,” with unity, hard work, and commitment as core principles.

Prof. Kpessa-Whyte’s visit demonstrates the party’s dedication to engaging with grassroots supporters and promoting its vision for a better Ghana.

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According to the farmers, announcing the minimum producer price for RCNs for the 2024-2025 cashew season before the election will enable stakeholders in the cashew value chain to conduct business without uncertainty.

The cashew farmers, led by the National Chairman of the Cashew Farmers Association, Nana Adu Boamponsem V, expressed their sentiments during an interaction with journalists in Wenchi over the weekend.

Nana Adu Boamponsem V – National Chairman, Cashew Farmers Association

Nana Adu Boamponsem V stated:
“If the minimum producer price for cashew is fixed before the election on December 7, it will be binding on the next government irrespective of the political party that forms the government.”

He suggested that factors such as the cedi-to-dollar exchange rate and the international market price for RCN should be considered before setting the minimum price.

“Currently, the cost of producing cashews has multiplied, and if the TCDA does not consider all the necessary indicators before fixing the price, it will adversely affect us, the farmers,” Nana Boamponsem emphasized.

Challenges Faced by Cashew Farmers

The National Chairman noted that President Akufo-Addo’s government has fulfilled only one promise to cashew farmers: establishing the Tree Crops Development Authority.

“We have heard that other tree crop farmers have received some support from the government, but those of us cultivating cashews have not received anything.

This means that President Akufo-Addo has failed to fulfill his promises to us. We urge the TCDA to confer with the government and help resource cashew farmers to meet the target of 400,000 metric tons of RCNs in four years,” he added.

Nana Boamponsem further called on the government to honor its pledge to elevate the cashew industry to the level of cocoa, making cashew Ghana’s highest foreign exchange earner.

Appeals by Cashew Farmers

The Secretary of the farmers, Yahaya Bellu, also appealed to the government to allow foreign buyers of cashew nuts to purchase directly from cooperatives or farmers if local buyers fail to buy at the announced minimum price.

He warned that the cashew farmers would “advise themselves” during the December 7 election if their demands are not met.

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The MP, who also serves as a Deputy Trade Minister, is confident that the NPP’s track record has been impressive and that it deserves another term to continue its transformational agenda.

Aside from the developmental infrastructure at the national level, Mr. Ahenkorah-Marfo stated that he has personally impacted and transformed lives in Achiase due to the opportunity to serve in the ruling government.

He was speaking on Adom 106.3 FM’s The Big Debate segment during the station’s award-winning morning show Dwaso Nsem.

The MP said he has implemented several social intervention policies and executed many infrastructural projects to set Achiase on the right path.

Despite the significant gains the NPP has made, Mr. Ahenkorah-Marfo noted that there is still a lot to be done.

“The work I have done in the last four years is impressive, and I will plead with the people of Achiase to give us another term.

“I have witnessed the hardship people are going through in Achiase, and I am committed to continuing the transformation agenda with the skills and knowledge I have acquired through my time at the Trade Ministry,” he said.

Among his successes, he mentioned that youth employment and development are priorities for him, which his track record can attest to.

“We have trained 2,000 people under the Ghana Enterprises Agency and provided them with start-up kits. Some are plumbers, electricians, hairdressers, seamstresses, bakers, among others, who are all now gainfully employed,” he stated.

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He said this would contribute to shaping the future of the district by improving its human resource capacity, transforming it from being labeled as the poorest and least developed among its peers in the country.

Speaking to Myjoyonline.com, he asserted that 43 classroom blocks have been constructed in various schools across the district, particularly helping to eradicate schools with fewer than three classrooms and other unfavorable structures.

“I completed the first classroom block before I became a Member of Parliament in 2012. Since then, I can now count about 41 individual school buildings. That is a lot of additions to what we came to meet,” he said.

He acknowledged Pencils of Promise for sponsoring the majority of the projects through an agreement under which he contributed 30% of the total building cost.

Mr. Agbodza also lauded other non-governmental organizations, such as Adanu, for their contributions to the achievement. Though he praised the efforts of the government of Ghana, he lamented that several government-sponsored projects have been abandoned.

One such project is a three-unit classroom block at the Adaklu Seva District Assembly Basic School, which is being funded by the government through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETfund).

Mr. Agbodza identified the lack of accommodation and the unwillingness of teachers to accept postings to deprived districts as major factors contributing to the inadequate number of teachers in the Adaklu District.

He hinted at undertaking a teacher’s bungalow project to ensure teachers are housed in communities near their respective schools to be closer to the pupils.

He added that he had instituted the Adaklu Teachers’ Pride Award to motivate teachers and staff in the district’s education sector and encourage them to continue giving their best.

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This visit of the wife of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, John Mahama was to notify the royal family of her campaign in Asanteman ahead of the December 7 election.

It was also to seek their blessings for her husband with about 22 days to the election.

“As we all know, my husband, your son, John Mahama, is contesting for the presidency in December.

“I always feel at home every time I visit Manhyia, as Asantehemaa has been like a mother to me,” she noted, emphasising the importance of seeking blessings from the royal family before engaging with stakeholders in the Ashanti Region,” she said.

The Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III expressed happiness for the visit and offered prayers for God’s guidance in the forthcoming elections.

She acknowledged the competitive nature of the electoral process but expressed hope Ghana will elect the right leader.

Mrs Mahama subsequently held a closed-door meeting with the Asantehene to also seek his blessings and permission.

Mrs Mahama was accompanied by the NDC Regional Chairman, Nana Kwasi Andrew; the former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mrs Betty Mould Iddrisu; the Deputy Director of Communications, Obuobia Darko-Opoku; the former Deputy Defence Minister, Kenneth Adjei; members of the regional women’s wing; and parliamentary candidates from the Ashanti region.

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At that time in Senegal, high-profile crimes did not have regular court sittings. Judges were assembled periodically to handle the cases they could manage. When Alice arrived at the prison, some inmates had been detained for six years without trial. You couldn’t be in a hurry to get your case tried. So, when Alice was finally called for trial after three years, four months, and two weeks, it was nothing short of a miracle.

The then Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hannah Tetteh, had tried unsuccessfully to help. Her counterpart in Senegal was not responding to her letters. It seemed he did not want to interfere in their judicial system.

I was told that a miracle occurred one day when Ex-President John Mahama visited Senegal for an ECOWAS Summit. During his visit, Madam Hannah Tetteh hinted at our case, and I was informed that Ex-President Mahama was so willing to help after hearing our story.

Shortly after, President Macky Sall invited Mr. Mahama for lunch, and it was there that the two presidents discussed our case. Mr. Mahama did not know us personally, and he didn’t have to trust our side of the story, yet he was very eager to help. When he returned to Ghana, he sent a petition to the President of Senegal.

I strongly believe that this letter did two things for us. First, it caused our case to be called earlier than expected. Second, it gave us hope for a fair trial because the judicial system would have been aware that others were closely watching how the case was handled. Senegal’s customs officials wanted to win the case by any means necessary, and without that letter from a powerful source, they could have bribed their way through the judges.

On May 2, 2017, exactly 40 months after Alice’s incarceration, she was acquitted and released.

This favor from Ex-President Mahama opened my eyes. He was not just an NDC president; he was the president of all Ghanaians.

Our ordeal in Senegal, as well as our blessings, could fill an entire book. After Alice’s release, we stayed in Senegal. President Nana Akufo-Addo won the 2016 elections, and in May 2017, he visited Senegal.

The hardworking Ambassador Mrs. Maamah organized a dinner in his honor, and as fate would have it, Alice and I were given an opportunity to attend. For the first time, I could see Akufo-Addo within close proximity. As a typical Ghanaian, I could boast from that day that I “knew” President Akufo-Addo. I could even say he is my uncle, as we share an Akuapem background. Before the members at our table could realize, Akufo-Addo joined us.

He had heard Alice’s story and asked where we were seated. He left his “presidential” table and came to ours. “Ohemmaa,” he addressed Alice. “I have heard your story. Do not mind them. When are you coming to Ghana? Please, when you come, visit me at the presidency.”

At our table, he also recognized Mr. Sapati because, as I later learned, they had worked together before. He stayed at our table for quite a while, and I took the opportunity to tell him that the late former Ayensuano MP, Godfred Okyere, was my brother. He remembered him and asked how he was doing.

Rev. Owusu-Baafi also took time to talk about his relationship with Mr. Mac Manu, and Akufo-Addo almost became angry when one of his aides tried to interrupt our conversation.

This is Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the man whose first name has been “replaced” with the word “arrogance.” He is perhaps the most vilified politician in Ghana’s history, given many disgraceful names. Yet, here I was meeting him for the first time and seeing an entirely different side of him.

How can partisanship make us so bitter that we demonize our neighbors, turning them into Satan himself?

If you cannot define what President Akufo-Addo did at that dinner as humility, then what could it be? In many people’s minds, he is the most “useless” president Ghana has ever had. Really? No wonder we, as a nation and as Africans, often fail to recognize the good when it’s right in front of us.

I am not saying he is a perfect president; all I am saying is that, as a human being, he has done some good things. Politics is a pursuit of faith and adventure. Presidential and parliamentary hopefuls are from a special breed. They often analyze the possibility of victory as if it were magic. They invest, and the grassroots benefit.

“Boossu,” everyone says, “you will win. Please give us some money for the boys.”

Isn’t it amazing that we can all predict who will win, yet those in the race often cannot predict if they will make it? I remember one election season when an aspirant’s own vote did not even show up in the counting. It was mysterious. He had zero votes at the place where his entire family had voted.

As we approach this season of spiritual and emotional intensity, there will be both celebration and disappointment. The hatred between political opponents will intensify. Some may challenge the results in court. There will be bitter feelings between the aspirant and his grassroots because the money he spent didn’t reflect in the votes.

There may be arguments between worshippers and the idols, and between adherents and prophets. When prophecies don’t come to pass, let’s remember not to harm the “prophet.” His mouth is not a weapon. When he opens his mouth, you choose to listen.

It will also be a time to audit and verify if the grassroots received the financial support they were promised. Mistrust will grow among friends. The situation is more complex than dollarization; it goes beyond reducing the price of kenkey.

A wife may consider divorcing her husband over money wasted on an unsuccessful political campaign.

This season must be one of intense prayer, calm, forgiveness, and a resolve to move forward in unity.

Folks, my tears are dropping on my phone. Who will be your president?

Leadership is key.

He stressed the need for his party to secure a clear and overwhelming majority in both the presidential and parliamentary races to ensure effective governance.

Speaking at a mini rally in Akotombrah as part of his campaign tour of the Western North Region, Mahama called on the electorate to resist the temptation of short-term incentives and handouts offered by the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He warned that such tactics are aimed at influencing voters for immediate gain rather than addressing the country’s long-term needs.

Mahama emphasised that voters should base their decisions on policies that promote sustained growth and development, rather than being swayed by temporary material benefits.

He reiterated that his focus is on providing lasting solutions to the nation’s challenges, which will benefit future generations and secure a prosperous future for all Ghanaians.

The former president also expressed confidence that the NDC’s message of progress would resonate with the people, urging them to vote for the party not just for the presidency, but also to ensure strong parliamentary representation.

“We don’t want any form of skirt and blouse voting. I’ve travelled to many places, and the impression from the NPP is that they know JM will be successful in the presidential election.”

“So, they are going around telling people, ‘We know JM will win the presidency, but vote for us in the parliamentary elections.’ No, don’t fall for that,” he stated.

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Dr. Aubynn emphasized that the NDC is committed to reforming the small-scale mining sector to benefit both the government and local miners.

Speaking to miners in Obuasi in the Ashanti region as part of the party’s campaign in the area, Dr. Aubynn highlighted the NDC’s long-standing commitment to small-scale mining.

He noted that “former President Rawlings took significant steps to regularize small-scale mining to empower locals when foreign interests dominated the sector.”

Dr. Aubynn stressed that the NDC had consistently prioritized the needs of small-scale miners and aims to continue creating an enabling environment for them to operate effectively.

He explained, “Small-scale mining has existed in Ghana for decades, but after independence, it was criminalized for locals. It was in 1989 that former President Jerry John Rawlings changed the laws, allowing local participation in small-scale mining. The NDC has never opposed small-scale mining.”

He clarified, however, that the NDC opposed only irresponsible mining practices that harmed the environment, water bodies, and forest reserves.

“During our campaign in mining areas, we have observed and learned a lot from you, the miners. We recognize that not all mining sites are involved in illegal practices or environmental destruction,” Dr. Aubynn said.

He also noted that the NDC’s Committee on Mining includes industry leaders, mining engineers, and technical safety experts who are prepared to support miners with technical advice, training, and guidance to improve their operations.

Dr. Aubynn appealed to mining site owners across the country to consider halting site operations for two days before the December 7, 2024, elections to allow workers to exercise their voting rights.

The aim of the Obuasi NDC mining conference was to explain the party’s policies and plans for the small-scale mining sector.

The conference, chaired by Dr. Aubynn, was attended by NDC stalwarts, including Mr. Alexander Ackon, former Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Kwasi Ofori Agyemang, former Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Samuel Hadjor, a member of the NDC National Mining Committee, and Mr. Michael Kwadwo Peprah, President of the Ghana Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association.

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The latest Afrobarometer survey by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) revealed that public perception of the EC as corrupt is on the rise.

Despite the EC’s commitment to conducting a credible, free, and fair election, the survey showed that only 28% of respondents expressed trust in the Commission.

The report highlighted that a significant portion of the population doubts the EC’s independence and impartiality.

However, the Deputy EC Chairperson, Dr. Bossman Asare, in an interview, has fought off the assertion.

Dr. Asare emphasized the EC’s readiness to ensure a credible election, stating that stringent measures, including deploying advanced biometric systems, rigorously training poll staff, and strengthening oversight mechanisms at all polling stations, have been put in place.

“You talk about the quality of elections in Africa, Ghana is one of the best on the continent. Ghana is one of the best in the business.

“So regarding this forensic audit issue you just mentioned, you remember as soon as we had a meeting publicly, which was televised nationally, all Ghanaians saw that the EC had nothing to hide,” he stated.

He entreated Ghanaians to have faith in the Commission’s track record regarding the successful conduct of previous elections.

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