The caucus argued that a convict with an active bench warrant should not be allowed to address the House.

Mr. Kumi, who was barred by an injunction from being sworn in on January 7, 2025, defied the order and took the oath.

Meanwhile, he has appealed against the contempt of court conviction.

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Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Dr. Boako clarified that while he is not against taxation, he believed other approaches could have been explored, even though the levy yielded some revenue.

According to him, his boss and former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, also opposed the levy, which is why he pledged to abolish it had he been elected president.

The E-Levy was introduced in May 2022 by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government as a means of generating revenue for development projects. However, ahead of the 2024 elections, Dr. Bawumia vowed to scrap the levy—a promise that drew criticism from his opponents.

Dr. Boako, however, defended the former vice president, insisting that his stance was consistent with his earlier opposition to the levy.

“E-Levy was very unpopular, and my stance, just like Bawumia’s before its introduction, was that it was needless. And for me, indeed, it was needless,” he stated.

He acknowledged that many doubted Dr. Bawumia’s promise because the NPP government was still in power at the time.

“Of course, people didn’t believe him because his government was in power, and they expected it to have been abolished then,” he added.

Dr. Boako also reminded President John Mahama of his campaign pledge to scrap the E-Levy, emphasizing the need to fulfill promises that aim to reduce the financial burden on citizens.

While calling for an alternative revenue mobilization strategy after the levy is removed, he stressed the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing Ghana’s fiscal challenges.

• I’ve never said scrapping e-levy or betting tax will violate IMF Programme – Gideon…

Mahama acknowledged that he was aware of the economy’s challenges before taking office but said his findings since assuming the presidency have revealed a far worse situation.

Speaking at the National Tripartite Committee meeting at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment on Thursday, he said, “We all knew the economy was in crisis, but some of the things I am uncovering myself have been a criminal mishandling of our economy. Ghana is now a crime scene. How can a government be so reckless? I cannot understand.”

At the meeting, the government announced a 10% increase in base pay for public sector workers, effective March 1, 2025.

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The warrant was issued after Kumi failed to appear before the court.

The conviction stems from his disobedience of an interim injunction against him on January 7, which barred him from being sworn in as the Member of Parliament-elect for the Akwatia constituency due to an ongoing legal challenge to his election.

Despite the injunction, Kumi presented himself in Parliament to be sworn in on January 7, 2025.

Presiding judge Justice Senyo Amedahe ruled that Kumi had failed to appear in court throughout the contempt proceedings.

The judge also rejected a letter from the minority caucus of Parliament, which claimed Kumi was engaged in parliamentary duties and therefore could not attend court.

Justice Amedahe insisted that accepting the letter would contradict his own ruling, leading to the issuance of the bench warrant.

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This followed the Koforidua High Court’s decision to convict him of contempt and issue a bench warrant for his arrest.

The first-time MP was seen packing his belongings and leaving the chamber barely a minute after entering.

The court issued the warrant after Mr. Kumi failed to appear for a hearing, despite an interim injunction against him on January 7, which barred him from being sworn in as the MP-elect for Akwatia due to an ongoing legal dispute over his election.

Justice Senyo Amedahe, who presided over the case, ruled that the MP repeatedly failed to appear in court during the contempt proceedings.

The judge also dismissed a letter from the Minority Caucus, which claimed Mr. Kumi’s absence was due to his parliamentary duties.

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Dr. Amin, who is also the Karaga MP, dismissed claims that the decision to honour the fourth coupon payment to bondholders was solely due to a directive from President John Mahama. In a Facebook post on Monday, February 17, 2025, he clarified that the NPP government had already committed resources to meet these obligations before the current administration took office.

“The NDC Government has announced that the President has directed the Minister for Finance to honour coupon payments to DDEP bondholders,” Dr. Amin wrote, referring to President Mahama’s directive.

He further explained that the NPP government had honoured three previous payments between August 2023 and December 2024. These payments, both in Payment-In-Cash (PIC) and Payment-In-Kind (PIK), amounted to a total of GH₵17.25 billion in PIC and GH₵9.77 billion in PIK.

Additionally, individual bondholders who did not tender their bonds were paid GH₵515.17 million in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between the government and the Coalition of Individual Bondholders.

Dr. Amin highlighted that under the previous NPP government, there had been no defaults in coupon payments since the domestic debt restructuring, with reserves built in the Debt Reserves Accounts to support upcoming obligations, including the fourth coupon payment.

He provided a detailed breakdown of the payments made under the NPP government:

1. 1st Payment (August 2023): Total of GH₵8.55 billion (PIC: GH₵5.42 billion, PIK: GH₵3.13 billion)
2. 2nd Payment (February 2024): Total of GH₵9.11 billion (PIC: GH₵5.85 billion, PIK: GH₵3.27 billion)
3. 3rd Payment (August 2024): Total of GH₵9.35 billion (PIC: GH₵5.98 billion, PIK: GH₵3.38 billion)

According to Dr. Amin, these consistent payments demonstrate that the NPP government laid a strong foundation for the continuation of the DDEP, making it inaccurate to attribute the fourth payment solely to President Mahama’s directive. He emphasised that the buffers built were the result of careful planning, and it was misleading to suggest the payment was only possible due to the current administration’s intervention.

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Mr. Annoh-Dompreh had allegedly urged NPP supporters in Ablekuma North to stand by their fellow party members in confrontations with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Unfairness

At a press conference held in Parliament House, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei condemned the NIB’s approach, calling it an unfair application of justice.

She said, “If the NIB is truly committed to upholding law and order, they must explain why the Minority Chief Whip was swiftly summoned for interrogation over his comment, while the Deputy Director of Operations at the presidency, who openly threatened the Minority Leader’s life, was allowed to walk free without consequences.”

Mrs. Appiagyei cited the NIB’s failure to summon NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande after he allegedly threatened the life of Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on February 7, 2025.

“This double standard raises serious concerns about the selective application of justice and the use of state institutions to police certain political figures while others are allowed to act with impunity,” she added.

She emphasized that all individuals, regardless of political affiliations, must be held to the same standard.

“If public remarks are to be scrutinized, then let us ensure that everyone is treated equally and without bias,” she concluded.

Speaking on JoyNews’ *Newsfile* programme on Saturday, 15th February, Frank Davies expressed concern over the distress caused the Ofori-Atta family, particularly his wife, who was present during the operation.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, 11th February 2025, when a group of individuals, including some dressed in military and police uniforms, stormed Ofori-Atta’s residence in Cantonments while ostensibly to arrest him.

It emerged later that he was out of the country.

Reports indicated that approximately 12 individuals—five in military attire, one in a police uniform, and the rest in plain clothes—conducted the raid.

At the time, Ofori-Atta was in the United States receiving medical treatment, having duly informed both the former and current Chiefs of Staff, Frema Osei-Opare and Julius Debrah, of his absence.

Following the operation, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng suggested that the raid may have been staged and subsequently declared Ofori-Atta wanted in connection with corruption-related investigations.

However, further investigations confirmed that the raid had been carried out by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB).

Frank Davies condemned the manner in which the operation was executed, stressing that it had caused unnecessary distress and raised serious legal and ethical concerns.

“This was a shocking and traumatising experience for Ofori-Atta’s family. No one deserves to have their home invaded in such a manner, especially in the absence of the homeowner,” he stated.

He called for greater accountability from state institutions, urging them to adhere to lawful procedures in handling investigations.

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“Just as you travelled to the UK to interview Sam Mahama, what stopped you from doing the same for the former Finance Minister? What is so urgent that, if you could have waited two years before interviewing Sam Mahama in the Airbus case, you couldn’t wait a bit longer for Mr. Ofori-Atta?” he queried.

Nana B assured that the former Minister had no intention of evading the investigation and would make himself available. He described the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declaring Mr. Ofori-Atta wanted and labeling him a fugitive as unreasonable.

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Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, where the NPP condemned the raid, Mr. Boakye referred to the video footage, which shows twelve individuals, including a police officer, four military personnel, and seven unidentified men in plain clothes.

He emphasized that Richard Jakpa’s presence during the raid is particularly significant, given his role as the third accused in the well-known ambulance trial case.

“All those involved were heavily armed,” he said, questioning the legitimacy of the raid given the involvement of both military and other law enforcement personnel.

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Annoh-Dompreh, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri, called on his party members last week to strongly oppose the NDC, particularly in relation to the disputed Ablekuma North parliamentary election.

The NIB questioned him as part of an investigation into the motive behind his allegedly inciteful remarks. JoyNews understands that the MP visited the NIB office to respond to the inquiry.

Background
The Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, encouraged members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to support their fellow party members in all political situations.

He stated that no NPP member should hesitate to defend another if they are in trouble.

He made the comment during a visit to the residence of the NPP parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, Akua Afriyie, on Thursday, February 6.

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According to him, the party must focus on rebuilding instead of jostling for internal positions, which may lead to conflicts.

“People are all over blaming others for what went wrong. Big party people go on platforms and say all sorts of things. Who are we talking to? Do we think people are not listening and won’t use it against us? It is just like when you are under arrest; we should remember that whatever we say will be used against us in 2028,” he cautioned.

Mr. Nitiwul, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bimbilla, was speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen.

“What helped the NDC is that they had just one person, and they all united and rallied behind him. As a party in opposition, there weren’t many allegations against him, unlike the NPP, whose appointees were accused of stealing and other wrongdoings,” he said.

Acknowledging that the NPP suffered from voter apathy in the 2024 election, Mr. Nitiwul noted that it was due to several factors and not just disaffection toward the Akufo-Addo-led administration.

“The seat of apathy was a combination of several factors—behavior of appointees, internal elections, actions of government, among others,” he stated.

Despite the NPP’s shocking defeat in the election, the MP said the party should be grateful to its members.

“They probably refused to go and vote because they do not like Mahama as a person or the NDC, and that is good for us.

“So we should do our homework well, talk to our people, and stop destroying each other one month after an election. Where are we rushing to, and what are we looking for?” he quizzed.

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Annoh-Dompreh had urged NPP supporters in Ablekuma North to stand by their party members in confrontations with the NDC.

Speaking at a gathering of NPP supporters during a visit by the party’s parliamentary candidate, Akua Afriyie, Annoh-Dompreh stated, “If indeed you are a member of the NPP and you go to meet your fellow party member fighting a member of the NDC, join your party member to beat the NDC member.”

The Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP accused the NDC of deliberately obstructing the Electoral Commission (EC) from completing the collation process and warned that the NPP would not tolerate further delays.

In an interview on Channel One Newsroom, Ahiagbah emphasized the need for stakeholders, including the government, to address the root causes of the ongoing election disputes.

“This whole election in Ablekuma North is a problem, and I think it should be a priority for all of us, including the president, because the EC has requested government support to provide security for the collation and conclusion of the election.”

He argued that the focus should be on the disruptions rather than Annoh-Dompreh’s remarks.

“Why haven’t we concluded that election? It’s because NDC supporters in the constituency are disrupting the process. The IGP is not doing what he is supposed to do, as directed by the High Court, to provide security for the election to be concluded. Those, for me, are the key issues.”

Ahiagbah also pointed to a January 17 incident where NDC supporters, led by their Greater Accra Regional Organiser, disrupted and vandalized property at the EC regional office.

“Why are we not talking about that? That’s the actual violence. These are the effects of those actions. I don’t think we should be promoting violence, but we should be solving the problem.”

He maintained that resolving the root issues would prevent such remarks from being made in the first place.

“If we solve the problem, he won’t hold a mic to say what he is saying. That is not to justify his comments, but why don’t we solve the problem?”

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He charged supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to stand by their party members in confrontations with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“If the NDC, led by Mahama Ayariga, does not act reasonably and continues to prevent the EC from completing the collation, they will never know peace in Parliament,” he added.

He also called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, to intervene decisively against what he described as the NDC’s disruptive tactics.

“If the IGP also decides to look on unconcerned and allow these people to continue like this, we will continue to demonstrate,” Mr. Annoh-Dompreh warned.

As the people of Ablekuma North await the official declaration from the EC, both the NPP and NDC candidates have mounted ‘thank you’ billboards in the area, each claiming victory.

Listen to Mr Annoh-Dompreh in the video above:

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A fact-finding mission by the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the 2024 electoral defeat in the Twifo Atti Morkwa constituency of the Central Region turned violent when the constituency youth organiser, Kwadwo Debrah, allegedly bit off a polling station secretary’s finger during an altercation.

Tension is currently high within the NPP in Twifo Atti Morkwa, with some party members calling for the expulsion of the officer involved and urging the police to take action.

The violent clash between the constituency youth organiser, Kwadwo Debrah, popularly known as “Last Two,” and the polling station secretary, Frank Kwaku Baah, occurred last Sunday during a meeting with a section of the party’s committee set up to investigate the party’s defeat.

The committee had visited the constituency to engage grassroots leaders in identifying factors that contributed to the loss and to recommend strategies for rebuilding the party.

Altercation

According to Frank Baah, some polling station executives at the meeting blamed the constituency executives for the party’s electoral defeat.

He alleged that Kwadwo Debrah, the constituency youth organiser, became agitated over some of the remarks and, without provocation, attacked him from behind by slapping him.

“The altercation turned violent when Kwadwo Debrah bit off my finger, leading to severe bleeding and my hospitalisation at Twifo Praso Government Hospital,” Baah recounted.

He has since called for justice, stating that he has been left maimed.

“I’m still in shock and pain,” he said. “The party must take action against Debrah and ensure that he faces the consequences of his actions.”

The case has been reported to the Twifo Atti Morkwa District Police Command for further investigation, but no arrests have been made yet.

The General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua said this during a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday.

Mr Kodua insisted that Speaker Alban Bagbin‘s order was illegal, unconstitutional and therefore will have no effect on their members.

“This is an illegality we will not even waste time to give prudence to. Being the Speaker doesn’t mean you make the laws if the standing orders or any statute gives the Speaker the power to suspend, it would have been stated.

“If anything happens, it has to be referred to the Privileges Committee. So with this, what precedents are you setting? We won’t accept this suspension and have directed our MPs to come to Parliament if the Speaker stops them, we will advice ourselves,” he said.

Three NPP MPs Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Minority Chief Whip), Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli (Gushegu MP), and Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe MP) are on two-weeks suspension following the chaotic incident at the Appointments Committee vetting.

Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP has also been suspended over the incident.

The turmoil erupted during the vetting of ministerial nominees Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, as tensions flared between the Minority and Majority caucuses.

Following the widely condemned incident, Speaker Alban Bagbin on Friday suspended four MPs and instituted a bipartisan committee to probe and submit its report within 10 days.

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On Thursday, during the vetting of ministerial nominees, disagreements led to physical altercations among MPs, with reports indicating that the disorder escalated to the point where tables and microphones were damaged.

Speaking to the press on Monday, 3rd February, Mr Afenyo-Markin stressed that New Patriotic Party MPs protest was not intended to be disruptive or violent, but rather an exercise of their democratic rights.

Afenyo-Markin addressed critics who had condemned the NPP’s conduct, particularly focusing on the controversial demonstration outside Parliament, saying, “We are law-abiding, the NPP is known for its gentlemanliness. We don’t go physical, but we had to protest”. “Protest is part of democracy. It is our right…”

According to Afenyo-Markin, the NDC claimed to have a “super majority” and were not open to discussions or compromise.

He emphasized that the NPP’s protest was not an act of violence or destruction.

“Mr. Speaker and all those who are criticizing our conduct on Thursday night should critically watch the tape, the videos. We didn’t set out to destroy public property, we didn’t set out to disrupt. We protested,” he said.

The protest sparked a significant amount of debate, with some MPs accusing the NPP of undermining the decorum of the parliamentary process, while others praised their right to express dissent.

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The Caucus has described the move as an excessive use of parliamentary authority and an example of selective justice.

Speaker Bagbin on Friday suspended four MPs; three from the Minority and one from the Majority caucus over the chaos that marred the ministerial vetting on Thursday.

The affected MPs are; Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli (Gushegu), and Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe). They have been suspended along with Majority Chief Whip, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor.

However, the Minority Caucus has said the Speaker’s ruling sought to intimidate lawmakers and suppress divergent views within Parliament.

In a statement, they attributed the disturbances to rising frustration over procedural fairness, accusing the Majority of unilaterally pushing through decisions without consensus-building.

They insisted that parliamentary debates, by nature, are expected to be robust and that the disruptions, which resulted in some property damage, were an unintentional consequence of tensions exacerbated by the Majority and the perceived partiality of the Appointments Committee Chair.

Furthermore, the Caucus criticised the Speaker for failing to adhere to due process, stating that his decision contravened Standing Orders 130(a) and (b) of Parliament, as well as Article 19(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.

They also pointed to inconsistencies in the Speaker’s approach to disciplinary measures, recalling past incidents such as the 2021 Speakership election dispute, the E-Levy fracas, and the Supreme Court judge nomination hearings on 30th July 2024, where no punitive action was taken.

“Parliament, by its nature, is a forum for robust debate. The unfortunate incident that led to minor property damage was not a planned act but a reflection of tensions caused by the Majority and the Appointments Committee Chair’s failure to be impartial,” an excerpt of the statement said.

According to them, the Speaker’s selective application of sanctions undermined his neutrality and eroded confidence in his leadership.

The Minority Caucus believes that Parliament must remain a pillar of democracy rather than a tool for suppressing accountability.

They have therefore urged the Speaker to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality, warning that such arbitrary suspensions set a dangerous precedent for the future of parliamentary democracy in Ghana.

With the suspension to last two weeks, Speaker Bagbin has also set up a seven-member committee to within 10 days probe the incident and make recommendations for further action.

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He believes that the time for a more aggressive opposition has not yet come.

Speaking on Channel One TV, Afenyo-Markin recalled the intense opposition his party faced while in government, highlighting how the then-minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) made governance challenging with their relentless resistance.

“At a point, the NDC put up a posture. It’s difficult to be in government. Now, I’m giving them a breather. I haven’t started any opposition yet. No, no. I’m not opposing them yet.

“I have given them room to start their government,” he stated.

Afenyo-Markin’s remarks suggest that while he is currently cautious, a more vigorous opposition may be on the horizon as circumstances change.

However, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP asserted that Madam Hardcastle was not genuinely remorseful for her actions.

“We went into a conclave meeting after the incident, and many of the women, including Emeafa, came to apologize. Interestingly, after the apology, I was informed that she made a worse comment,” he said.

In an interview with Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh explained that it was Hardcastle’s actions after the apology that led him to refer the matter to Parliament.

He emphasized that he had never met or interacted with Madam Hardcastle before, making her actions difficult to understand.

“It would be a wild imagination for anyone to say we have issues in the past. It was my first time seeing her. I have never met or engaged her in any way. Also, if I had provoked her in any way, I wouldn’t have referred the matter to Parliament,” he added.

The altercation occurred during the Appointments Committee proceedings on January 28, 2025, when Defence Minister-designate Dr. Edward Omane Boamah appeared before the committee.

The session became tense after allegations of bribery by political activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor were raised.

While the exact cause of the confrontation between Hardcastle and Mr. Annoh-Dompreh remains unclear, it reportedly stemmed from a remark made by Hardcastle, who referred to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus as a ‘Micro-Minority.’ This comment reportedly triggered a back-and-forth exchange between the two.

Madam Hardcastle’s actions have been widely condemned, with calls from Tamale South MP and Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, for a public apology.

Listen to Mr Annoh-Dompreh in the audio above:

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The visit to all 276 constituencies is to begin assessment of the party 2024 election performance.

In a statement, the Secretary of the Committee, William Yamoah explained they will engage stakeholders and conduct a comprehensive review.

The statement noted that the insights gained from these engagements would play a pivotal role in shaping the party’s future.

Meanwhile, to ensure an effective and efficient process, the committee has formed six teams, each assigned to specific regions.

These teams will meet with local party executives and other stakeholders to gather information and share insights on the party’s electoral performance.

Regional and Constituency Executive Committees have therefore been urged to support the process by securing appropriate venues for the meetings.

They are to ensure the attendance of relevant stakeholders, and providing constituency-specific data to aid the review process.

“Your cooperation and unwavering commitment to this process are critical to its success. We greatly appreciate your support and look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our party’s future,” the party added.

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The Minority noted that the former Majority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, had assured the House of a resolution last week.

However, nothing has been done, and the constituency still lacks representation following the inauguration of the ninth Parliament on January 6.

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, was reading the business statement on the floor when the caucus registered their dissatisfaction.

They chanted, “No Ablekuma North, no government business,” and “Ablekuma North deserves a voice,” among others.

All attempts by the Speaker to restore calm for the proceedings to continue proved futile, leading to a temporary suspension.

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The tragic incident, which occurred on Saturday night, also left several individuals injured.

According to the NPP, the incident was a result of the NDC’s failure to act on the numerous post-election violence cases that have plagued the country.

Addressing a press conference, the NPP Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, stated that President Mahama and the NDC’s silence had emboldened thugs to perpetrate further acts of illegality.

“The NDC resorted to violence immediately following the peaceful December 7th general elections, in which it won the presidential and legislative elections,” Ahiagbah said.

He alleged that the NDC must take responsibility for the gruesome murder of the victims, adding that the party failed to protect and save its own members due to a lack of leadership and control.

“The NDC must take responsibility for the gruesome murder of the 11 or so people who happened to be members of their party. The NDC failed to protect and save the lives of these individuals who were slaughtered painfully in Obuasi because its leadership failed to lead and caution their thugs against the lawlessness that possessed their party after winning a democratic election,” he alleged.

Meanwhile, the NPP, in their quest for justice, has called on the Ghana Police Service to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that justice is served, warning against any potential cover-ups.

“We urge the Ghana Police Service to conduct its investigation and ensure justice is served expeditiously.

“We also want to warn the police not to engage in any backroom deals with the John Mahama administration to shield anyone involved in this matter,” he added.

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According to him, no presidential candidate has won the general election on a first attempt and it’s only fair for Dr Bawumia to be given a second chance.

Mustapha said this on Asemp FM Ekosii Sen while commenting on the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 election.

He stated that the party did its best but it is unfortunate victory did not go in their favour.

“No candidate has gone on the first shot and won it. So Dr Bawumia still gives the NPP the best shot despite the outcome of the 2024 election.

“We have researched and doing a lot of work going forward. It is heartbreaking to lose an election but the courage to come back is what makes the difference,” he said.

Mustapha cited there are historic trends, citing former Presidents John Kufuor, Akufo-Addo late Atta Mills.

“Generally we did not perform. Can you imagine NPP losing Sekondi, Akrofrom, Adansi Asokwa? We only gained 7 seats in the Ashanti region. It is an abnormal election,” he stated.

President Mahama secured an overwhelming victory in the 2024 election with 6,328,397, constituting 56.55% while Dr Bawumia polled 4,657,304 votes, comprising 41.61%.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) not only secured the presidency but also achieved a commanding majority in Parliament, capturing over 180 seats, including key constituencies that were previously NPP strongholds.

The NPP has since attributed its defeat to low voter turnout and apathy among its supporters.

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According to the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, there were inexplicable occurrences on the day of the election that suggest a spiritual dimension to the outcome.

Mr. Kodua highlighted the unusually low voter turnout among NPP supporters across the country, a situation he believes cannot be explained by conventional means.

In an interview with Ashh FM, excerpts of which were shared by a Facebook user named Yaw Koshievi, he (Justin Kodua Frimpong) attributed the party’s poor performance in the elections to various factors, including spiritual influences.

“It was as though our members decided not to vote,” he remarked. “In all sixteen regions, it was as if NPP supporters had made an agreement not to cast their votes. This is highly unusual and cannot be attributed to regular political reasons.”

During the interview, Kodua expressed concern that some pastors who traditionally offer spiritual support to the NPP had withdrawn their backing due to internal tensions and anger.

“I appeal to the pastors who intercede for us,” he said. “A lot of spiritual machinations occurred ahead of the 2024 elections. Things took place in the spiritual realm, which I believe influenced the outcome. Many pastors and women of prayer, who should have been praying for us, withheld their support because of anger, and that definitely impacted the results.”

Rev. Owusu Bempah, a well-known prophet and previous NPP supporter, had publicly prophesied that the party would suffer a major defeat, even going so far as to claim that spiritual forces would ensure the party’s defeat.

His prediction came true with the NDC flagbearer, John Mahama, winning the election by a significant margin.

The final results of the election, confirmed by the Electoral Commission on December 9, 2024, saw Mahama securing 6,328,397 votes, or 56.55% of the valid votes, while his closest rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP, received 4,657,304 votes, or 41.61%.

The NDC also triumphed in parliamentary elections, claiming 183 seats to hand the NPP just 88 seats.

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Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show, he called out the Akufo-Addo-led governance track record and its lasting impact on the nation’s stability, insisting that the NDC administration has been handed a ‘mess’ to fix.

Mr. Awontirim argued that the NPP government’s eight years in power were marked by missed opportunities to fix deep-rooted economic and social issues. He asserted that the government’s failure to fully address these issues has left Ghana in a vulnerable state, adding that the NDC will not imitate their (NPP) footsteps.

“The NPP should know that we don’t take lessons from them. The NDC does not take lessons from a failed government. They have been in power for eight years. The things we are facing today should have been fixed by them,” he said emphatically.

The former MP did not mince words, labelling the NPP administration as a “failed government” that has little to offer in terms of lessons for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He urged the Mahama-led administration to focus on fixing the mess left behind rather than entertaining advice from their predecessors.

Mr. Awontirim also accused the NPP of ignoring the long-term welfare of the nation in favour of political expediency, a strategy he believes has worsened the country’s challenges. He believes if decisive actions were taken to implement policies that tackled these problems head-on, Ghana would not be in this precarious position.

His remarks underscore a growing frustration among citizens and political figures.

Meanwhile, the NDC has assured the public of resetting the country’s economic canker as promised in their 2024 elections campaign policy.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Burning Issues, the former NPP Youth Organizer emphasized that the report is not for public consumption, but rather to guide the party’s leadership in resolving internal issues.

“Let me limit people’s expectations here, Professor Mike Oquaye’s Committee report will not be made public for discussion. It is meant for the executives to know what went wrong, but not meant for the public to talk about,” Mr. Awuku told sit-in host, Akwasi Nsiah.

He further explained that after the report is submitted, the party hierarchy will implement its recommendations.

Mr. Awuku also appealed to party members who are upset over the defeat to be given the opportunity to express their frustrations. According to him, allowing these individuals to voice their concerns will aid in the healing process the party is currently undertaking.

“Sometimes, when people are angry and frustrated, you allow them to pour out their frustration. After that, they become free and open-minded and come on board to help you in whatever course is being undertaken,” he said.

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The Member of Parliament (MP) for Weija Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, issued the caution at a press conference on Monday.

He stated that the President and the Election Security Taskforce must urgently enforce law and order.

“To President Mahama, we call on you to take immediate steps to call your party’s thugs to order. You cannot pretend to be unaware of the lawlessness and violence in this country. We also call on the Ghana Police Service, the IGP, and the Election Security Taskforce to rise to the occasion and enforce law and order without hesitation,” he stated.

Citing the chaos that has delayed the collation of the Ablekuma North constituency parliamentary election, Mr. Shaib called for swift action to ensure that the Electoral Commission (EC) works without interference.

“The EC officials and all the stakeholders in this electoral process must be protected. They are Ghanaians just like us.”

“We hereby serve notice that should the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief, fail to take steps to protect ordinary citizens, we, the Minority Caucus, shall protest through lawful means and withdraw our cooperation in Parliament,” he added.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ NewsFile programme, she strongly criticised the opposition party for their failure to follow through on reform agendas after taking control of the government in the last years.

“The NPP talks a lot when they’re in opposition, pushing for reforms and change,” she stated. “But when they assume control, those reforms never materialise. There’s a significant gap between what they say and what they do.”

Reflecting on her experience covering the 2009 vetting process, following the NDC’s electoral victory, she recalled how figures like the former Energy Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and Joe Osei-Wusu were given significant freedom to express their views under the then Speaker of Parliament.

She claimed that Joe Osei-Wusu himself acknowledged the considerable freedom he had to speak, which fostered an open and inclusive environment for discussion. In contrast, she argued that the current NPP leadership curtails such freedoms, stifling open debate.

“Under the NDC, there was always more room for free discussions,” she said. “But when the NPP is in power, the atmosphere changes completely. They restrict debate and try to control the flow of ideas.”

She also pointed to Joe Wise’s time as chair of a parliamentary committee, where she observed a dismissive attitude toward younger members such as Suhini. “It was obvious, it was palpable,” she said. “The dismissive tone he used was clear to everyone. It was a stark contrast to the NDC’s approach, which encourages respectful and open dialogue, regardless of age or experience.”

Shamima Muslim concluded by reiterating her concerns about the NPP’s approach to reforms. While the party is quick to promise change when they are not in power, they fail to act on these promises once they gain control.

“The NPP preaches about change when they are in opposition, but when they have power, they fail to deliver on the very reforms they promised,” she said, highlighting the disconnect between the party’s rhetoric and their actions.

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He says neither the Minority Caucus nor former government officials have anything to hide from the ORAL team.

“The members of the Minority group who held the press conference are not afraid of any ORAL team,” he stated on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, January 15.

“We are not afraid that anybody will come to us. I also believe that no former government official is afraid of this group.”

Mr. Darko expressed his surprise at the formation of what he described as an “illegal and unconstitutional” committee, claiming its purpose is to gather information on individuals accused of looting state resources.

“I am shocked because we are a country of law. We are a country governed by law. So unless there’s a law backing such activity, we cannot take it for granted,” he said.

The Suame MP stated that everyone, including the President, must act within the confines of the law, saying, “You cannot say that because you are not directly affected, you allow illegality to persist.”

Mr. Darko voiced concerns about potential harassment under the guise of ORAL operations and criticized what he described as unlawful intrusions into the homes of former government officials.

“Now, people are going into the homes of former government officials in the middle of the night, going into their houses, pulling buildings down, taking their vehicles—all in the name of ORAL, something which has no legality,” he stressed.

He argued that Ghana already has established institutions capable of addressing corruption effectively and called on the government to utilize them.

“We have the CID, EOCO, and the Office of the Special Prosecutor. We have all these institutions. If we really are serious about fighting corruption, go to them,” Mr. Darko added.

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According to him, Ghana found itself in a unique situation where, while former President Akufo-Addo was head of state, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) controlled the eighth parliament.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam show, he criticized the lack of cooperation from the legislature, stating that Bagbin’s leadership failed to support the government in fulfilling its objectives.

“The NPP faced significant challenges because the 8th Parliament was not working in the best interests of the government. Bagbin, being an NDC member, led a parliament that never supported the former Akufo-Addo government, which created a difficult situation for the party and the nation,” he asserted.

Reflecting on events leading up to the 2024 election, Mr. Nyindam described the period as one filled with “disasters” that ultimately hurt the NPP’s chances.

Despite the NPP’s loss, he remains optimistic about its future, stating that the NPP is still a strong party.

The MP also took the opportunity to defend Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President and NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate.

He argued that Dr. Bawumia should not be blamed for the party’s defeat, emphasizing that the challenges faced by the NPP were largely external.

“The elections were not about Dr. Bawumia. The election was about the party as a whole, and it was external factors that affected our chances,” he added.

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The survey, which sought public views on factors contributing to the NPP’s shocking loss, revealed that the majority of respondents blamed former President Akufo-Addo, citing his government’s harsh economic policies, nepotism, corruption, and the arrogance of some of his appointees as key reasons for the party’s defeat in both the presidential and parliamentary elections.

Akufo-Addo to Blame
The most common sentiment expressed by respondents was criticism of former President Akufo-Addo, who was widely accused of failing to take adequate action, ultimately causing the NPP’s flagbearer and parliamentary candidates to suffer for his administration’s shortcomings.

Many respondents particularly criticized the former President for endorsing harsh and insensitive economic policies such as the e-levy, betting tax, COVID-19 levy, and poor debt management strategies.

Additionally, he was accused of shielding his cousin, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, despite widespread criticism of his handling of the economy. Respondents highlighted that his delayed removal was perceived as a failure in leadership.

Nana Akufo-Addo was also criticized for his perceived arrogance, with many referring to instances where he reportedly instructed chiefs to stand to greet him, an action which some respondents felt disrespected traditional authorities and angered the electorate.

Several respondents further accused the former President of causing apathy within the NPP by refusing to heed internal advice and make timely changes in his government. This, they said, denied opportunities to deserving party members and created dissatisfaction among the grassroots.

The refusal to remove Ken Ofori-Atta as Finance Minister, despite overwhelming calls from NPP MPs and ordinary Ghanaians, was cited as evidence of his unresponsiveness to public concerns.

Exorbitant Taxes
Beyond personal criticism, many respondents slammed certain policies under Akufo-Addo’s administration, claiming they brought economic hardship on Ghanaians.

Central to their concerns were taxes such as the e-levy, COVID-19 levy, and the betting tax, along with the government’s debt management approach.

Both former President Akufo-Addo and ex-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta faced strong criticism for these policies, which were described as contributing significantly to the party’s unpopularity, even among its own supporters.

Arrogant Appointees, Corruption & the ‘Clearing Agent’ Tag
Some respondents also criticized government appointees, accusing them of being arrogant and inaccessible, which they argued alienated them from the electorate and caused further disaffection for the party.

Corruption was another major theme, with several respondents revisiting scandals from the Akufo-Addo administration. Many pointed to the former President’s reputation as a “clearing agent,” a nickname he earned for exonerating appointees accused of corruption without proper investigations.

Neglect of Strongholds
The survey further highlighted dissatisfaction with the Akufo-Addo government’s neglect of key projects, particularly in the party’s strongholds such as the Ashanti Region, as well as parts of the Western and Bono/Ahafo Regions.

In the Ashanti Region, many respondents faulted Akufo-Addo for failing to prioritize major projects, especially the Suame Interchange, which they believed could have boosted the party’s fortunes.

Conclusion
In summary, most respondents who participated in the Joy News survey attributed the NPP’s defeat to former President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, blaming his administration’s policies and actions for the loss of both Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the presidential race and the unprecedented defeat of numerous NPP parliamentary candidates across the country.

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Below are some of the comments:

The Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Constituency, John Kwame Duodu, popularly known as “Sir John,” has called on members to accept responsibility for their poor performance in the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

Sir John urged the NPP to move away from blame games and introspectively address the internal mistakes that led to the Party’s defeat.

“The NPP’s failure in the 2024 General Election was a result of our own mistakes. It is about time the Party did a candid self-introspection and corrected these wrongs ahead of the 2028 elections,” he stated.

Self-reflection Over Blame

Sir John emphasised the need for the Party, especially its leadership, to acknowledge their shortcomings and focus on fostering unity.

He noted that leaders entrusted with key positions in the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia administration should take responsibility for their roles in the Party’s defeat rather than shifting the blame.

His remarks come amidst widespread post-election finger-pointing within the Party. “True growth and progress can only be achieved by acknowledging and learning from our past mistakes,” Sir John added.

Caution Against Early Declarations

The outspoken NPP leader criticised members who are prematurely declaring their intentions to run for various national, regional, and constituency positions.

“It’s premature for Party leaders, who ought to know better, to be focused on the positions they envisage occupying in the upcoming internal elections, instead of helping the healing and reorganisation process after our unprecedented defeat,” Sir John opined.

He stressed that rushing into leadership contests without first addressing the causes of the 2024 defeat would be counterproductive.

Sir John commended the establishment of regional reconciliation committees, describing them as essential for addressing internal rivalries and maintaining unity within the Party.

Commendation for Dr. Bawumia’s Statesmanship

Sir John praised the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for his timely concession of defeat in the presidential election.

“Dr. Bawumia’s decision to concede early was a bold move, motivated by his desire to maintain peace and stability in Ghana,” Sir John remarked.

He urged politicians to emulate Dr. Bawumia’s statesmanship by prioritising the national interest over personal ambitions.

Gratitude to Campaign Teams

In concluding his statement, Sir John expressed deep appreciation to the Party’s campaign teams across all levels for their hard work and dedication.

He acknowledged their tireless efforts, stating, “Your commitment, perseverance, and sacrifices demonstrated the true spirit of the NPP, even in the face of an unexpected defeat.”

Sir John emphasised that the loyalty and hard work of the Party’s members form the backbone of the NPP and will be pivotal in rebuilding and repositioning the Party for future electoral success.

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The caucus has accused the First Deputy Speaker and Akatsi South MP of bias and “extreme partisanship”, claiming that his actions undermined the objectivity and integrity expected of the process.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, January 15, Dr Gideon Boako, Member of Parliament for Tano North, alleged that the Chairman’s conduct obstructed a diligent and comprehensive vetting exercise.

He expressed concerns that the Chairman’s approach appeared to favour certain nominees, potentially compromising the committee’s mandate to ensure accountability and transparency.

Below is the full text

A statement signed by the Deputy Secretary, Felix Hamilton, labelled the claims as false, baseless, and urged they be disregarded.

The statement explained that during a Branch Executive Committee (BEC) meeting, the Chairman was given an opportunity to account for some funds that were secured.

“The Branch Chairman explained that the funds were used for the intended purposes as agreed with the sponsor. The funds were allocated to support a seven-week communications strategy targeting middle-class voters in Ghana, as detailed in the budget that was presented,” the statement read in part.

The statement added that he indicated no funds were diverted or misappropriated.

“A detailed budget breakdown confirms that all expenditures aligned with the campaign’s stated objectives. There were no cartel-like actions involved, as falsely claimed in the circulating allegations,” it noted.

Meanwhile, the NPP UK Branch remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and accountability, which has become a core and fundamental principle.

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Read the full statement below:

The apology according to him particularly goes to all NPP members who are disappointed and fell bitter over certain actions and inactions.

Mr Kodua rendered the apology on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen while speaking on factors that caused the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 election.

He noted that it was able time the NPP accepts it disappointed some people who helped them to secure power in 2016 and 2020 but did not benefit in any way.

JFK as he is popularly known emphasised that the NPP must eat a humble pie and accept its shortcomings.

“On behalf of the party from former President Akufo-Addo, the national chairman and all of us, I apologise to the many Ghanaians who had high hopes, the businessmen, the people who sold their properties, those who adopted polling stations, lawyers who did research for us and were hoping to benefit, we must admit have not being fair to them.

“The contractors we failed to pay, our strongholds we abandoned, the schools and roads we failed to complete, on behalf of the party, I say we are sorry,” he said.

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Listen to JFK in the audio below:

This according to him stems from their defeat in the 2024 election as a ruling party.

In an interview on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen, JFK as he is popularly known disclosed he was dealing with a lot due to the electoral outcome.

But amidst his struggles, he looks up to God as he still cannot understand why the NPP lost and are yet to come to terms with it.

“As a party that lost an election, you are dealing with a lot psychologically, people saying all sort of things, the proposals and all reactions coming in is a lot but it is the works of God and He is the only one who understands and knows why things turned out this way,” he stated.

Mr Kodua noted he recognises and shares in the pain of the party supporters.

However, it was about time the party reflect on their defeat and learn lessons that will shape and guide them, leading to the 2028 election.

The NPP government failed in its bid for a third consecutive term in the December 7, 2024, general election.

The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured a decisive victory, giving former president John Mahama a return to the presidency.

The party has since set up a committee to conduct a thorough post-mortem analysis of the party’s defeat in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The committee would engage with party stakeholders and the general public to identify the factors and circumstances that led to the loss.

It will also examine the need for constitutional amendments and restructuring of the party’s internal decision-making processes, particularly regarding the election of presidential and parliamentary candidates, as well as party executives.

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In a statement, the Council said its attention has been drawn to active campaigns by certain party executives, members, and supporters advocating for individuals seeking positions at the constituency, regional, and national levels within the party.

According to the Council, such activities do not contribute to the NPP’s efforts to recover and strengthen itself and must be stopped immediately.

“We have overcome such challenges before, and with faith and determination, we can rise again,” the elders concluded, expressing confidence that the party will emerge stronger from this setback,” the statement signed by the Chairman, Hackman Owusu Agyemang noted.

Meanwhile, the NPP National Council has set up an Election Review Committee chaired by Professor Mike Oquaye to probe its defeat.

The committee will engage with party members, stakeholders, and the wider public over the next three months and will present a report with its findings and recommendations at the conclusion of its work.

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Read the full statement below:

Mr. Mahama has said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) failed to use the funds for their intended purpose.

The President raised these concerns during a meeting with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in Accra on Monday, January 13.

“After we passed it and left office in December, the new government came in, and they had other ideas and other ways of trying to do things. But unfortunately, one of the outcomes was that ESLA was not used for its intended purpose.

“Revenues of ESLA were mismanaged. So, what should have gone to pay down a lot of the debts that have accumulated today was used for other purposes,” he bemoaned.

The ESLA was introduced in 2015 during President Mahama’s previous administration to tackle the growing debts in Ghana’s energy sector, stabilize the industry, and ensure a reliable power supply.

However, the alleged diversion of funds has exacerbated challenges in the sector, particularly with IPPs still grappling with payment arrears.

President Mahama emphasized the need for accountability and prudent management of public funds to restore confidence in the energy sector.

He assured the IPPs of his administration’s commitment to resolving the issues and fostering a sustainable energy environment.

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A statement signed and issued by the Secretary to the committee, William Yamoah, said the primary objective of the committee was to “reposition the party for victory in 2028.”

The committee’s mandate includes conducting a comprehensive review of the party’s activities during the 2024 electoral cycle, analysing the root causes of the party’s performance and developing a strategic road map to rebrand the party for a decisive victory in the 2028 elections.

Approach

To achieve this, the committee will adopt a robust, data-driven approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

It said the committee would also engage with various stakeholders, including the former Presidents, past campaign management team members, religious leaders, youth and student groups, organised labour, traditional authorities and the grass-roots membership of the party.

“This rigorous and inclusive review process is designed to provide the party with a clear understanding of its challenges and opportunities. We are confident that these efforts will enable the party to recalibrate, strengthen its foundations, restore trust among its members and secure electoral victory in 2028,” the statement said.

The committee has urged party faithful, sympathisers and the public to share insights or information regarding factors that influenced the outcome of the 2024 election via email at yamolliam@gmail.com.

The Election Review Committee is chaired by former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, and comprises eminent personalities from academia, politics and law.

They include Prof. Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu, Prof. Kofi Osei Akuoko, Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi Kubi, Dr Felix Yamoah, Dr Joseph Agyapong Darmoe, F.F. Anto, Kwaku Domfe, Gifty Kusi, Abdulai Abanga and Seidu Nasigri.

Background

At a news conference held on December 23, 2024, at the party’s headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra, the NPP National Chairman, Stephen Ayesu Ntim, announced the party’s intention to establish an election review committee in January 2025.

The purpose of the committee was to conduct a thorough post-mortem analysis of the party’s defeat in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The committee would engage with party stakeholders and the general public to identify the factors and circumstances that led to the loss.

It will also examine the need for constitutional amendments and restructuring of the party’s internal decision-making processes, particularly regarding the election of presidential and parliamentary candidates, as well as party executives.

At the party’s National Executive Committee meeting held in Accra on January 2, 2025, and chaired by Mr Ntim, the party announced the 11-member committee to investigate the party’s defeat in the 2024 general election with its chairperson as Prof. Oquaye, a former Speaker of Parliament.

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In an interview on Dwaso Nsem, Ewurabena alleged that Nana Akua’s defeat caused her to retrieve items she had distributed to constituents ahead of the December 7 election.

According to her, Nana Akua would not have taken such action if she had truly won the election as she claims.

“Someone who claims not to have lost—immediately after the declaration was made—you went back asking people to return items you shared, accusing them of not voting for you,” she stated.

Ewurabena further alleged that Akua Afriyie feels entitled, hence her refusal to concede defeat despite clearly losing.

Insisting that her opponent is playing manipulative games, Ewurabena Aubynn described the election period as one marred by aggression and underhand tactics.

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According to Ewurabena, Nana Akua never respected the NDC in the constituency because she never anticipated they could win the seat.

This posture, Ewurabena said, has made it difficult for the former MP to accept defeat in the tightly contested election.

“You see, you never respected and had no regard for us. You considered us as nobodies, but we were not worried. But the Lord Himself, who crowns kings, made us victorious.

This time around, the majority of voters in Ablekuma North voted for change, for development, and they voted massively for Ewurabena Aubynn,” she asserted.

Ewurabena made this statement on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem as tension continues to flare in the constituency over the parliamentary election results.

Although the Electoral Commission (EC) is yet to officially declare a winner due to ongoing disputes, both candidates are claiming victory.

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Nana Akua has asserted that she has won the election per results from all pink sheets from the polling stations in her possession.

“I have all my 281 pink sheets presented to the EC. The NDC went to make photocopies to change the figures and they were requesting for a re-run, claiming the three outstanding polling stations are their strongholds and there should be a re-run but I will never agree today or tomorrow. After all the money I have spent?” she stated.

In an interview on Adom FM Dwaso Nsem, the former MP accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn of inciting supporters to cause mayhem in the constituency.

The re-collation of the Ablekuma North results have been delayed for the past days oas tension has been running high.

The constituency is yet to have the winner of the parliamentary seat in the December 7, election declared following another chaotic scene at the Electoral Commission (EC) office.

Ewurabena Aubynn has accused Akua Afriyie, of playing manipulative games to hold on to power but will be fiercely resisted.

Amidst the unending confusion, the Returning Officer, Vincent Obeng, has withdrawn from the collation process and asked the EC to find a new person.

He cited the disagreement and other challenges that have marred and delayed the process.

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According to them, items and money provided by the headquarters were not distributed equitably leading to the party’s abysmal performance in the 2024 general election.

Addressing the press in Kpando, spokesperson for the coordinators, Lawson Awudi Gadri said the continuous stay in office of the executives would be detrimental to the development and electoral fortunes of the NPP in Kpando.

“We demand the immediate suspension of the current constituency executives, specifically the constituency chairman Mr Fia Legacy Eric, secretary Dapaah Eric, and organizer Gallant Beli.
The continuous stay in office of these officers is a threat to the survival of the NPP in Kpando”, he said.

He also implored the national executives to conduct a thorough investigation into the deployment of polling agents on election day and the distribution of funds to the agents.

Mr. Gadri further called on the national hierarchy of the party to impress on the leadership of the NPP in the Kpando constituency including the parliamentary candidate and municipal chief executive to make available detailed accounts of the distribution of party logistics and funds.

“We equally call upon the national leadership of the NPP to impress upon our Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Mr. Geoffrey Kojo Badasu, the Presiding Member of the Municipal Assembly Mrs. Ofori Atta Setorwu, and the Parliamentary Candidate of the party in the just-ended general elections, Mrs. Oklu Antoinette to provide a full and transparent account of all expenditures related to election day activities,” he said.

He asserted that the call for accountability would help restore faith among the angered party members who are disappointed in the party’s performance at the constituency and regional levels.

“Their loud silence and refusal to talk about issues is unacceptable. We cannot afford to see the political fortunes of our party dwindle further due to mismanagement, arrogance, and abuse of power by few in leadership positions in this Constituency”, he said.

The NPP recorded a significant drop in votes in the 2024 general elections in the Kpando constituency. It polled 2,211 of total votes against 3,682 in 2020.

Mr. Gadri lamented there was a shortfall of polling agents when only two were deployed instead of the mandatory 6.

He also added that these agents were selected without the consultation of electoral coordinators and were assigned to stations where their names were not on electoral rolls, resulting in some agents not being able to cast their votes due to distance.

He also mentioned the lack of coordination in implementing the “Go Out To Vote” policy, aimed at urging electorates to participate in the general elections.

Mr. Gadri added that ‘Gotv’ coordinators were empowered to overshadow electoral area coordinators while funds
provided for the operations of the policy “were either not made available to mobilizers or mismanaged by coordinators on D-day.”

He said that polling agents were multitasked as they were appointed as Gotv mobilizers and deployed away from where they registered as voters.

He outlined that the polling agents were not fed well which affected the delivery of their mandates on the election day.

“Meals served on the D-day were poor in terms of quality and quantity. Instead of three meals for the day, some polling stations had only breakfast at 11 in the morning, and the rest were served breakfast and lunch No supper was prepared for agents”, he lamented.

Mr. Gadri also indicated that funds meant for electoral area coordinators were never released during the election, explaining that the unfortunate incident affected the effective mobilization of the coordinators.

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The former MP’s claim comes amidst the re-collation of disputed results.

“We have 281 polling stations in Ablekuma North. It was left with 62, and by the grace of God, the truth will stand.”

“I appreciate the justice system allowing us to collate the results, and I am firm in my stance. I want to put it on record that I will fight till the end because I know I won,” she stated confidently, “she vowed while speaking to journalists at the Electoral Commission (EC) office on Wednesday.”

Nana Akua Afriyie stressed that she had secured copies of all pink sheets from the polling stations, and they point to her resounding victory.

“I have all my 281 pink sheets scanned. I ensured this was done promptly, even before the gentleman arrived and disrupted the collation process by tearing materials from the Electoral Commission,” she said.

With only three polling stations outstanding, the aspirant expressed optimism that the odds are in her favor.

“Gradually, we are left with three polling stations. By the grace of God, I am leading comfortably, and that is where the fear lies,” she remarked, hinting at her opponents’ concerns about her apparent lead.

Meanwhile, the Returning Officer, Vincent Obeng, has withdrawn from the collation process and asked the EC to find a new person.

He cited the disagreement and other challenges that have marred and delayed the process.

Mr. Obeng explained that results from four out of seven polling stations had already been collated, leaving just three unaccounted for.

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According to him, the erstwhile Akufo-Addo-led administration kept the lights on, and with the NDC in charge now, they must ensure that they do the same.

This follows comments by Yapei-Kusawgu MP and Co-Chairman of the Transition Team sub-committee on Energy and Natural Resources, John Jinapor on the looming dumsor crisis amidst a low fuel stock.

Mr. Jinapor accused the Akufo-Addo-led administration of leaving the power sector in crisis, which he claimed could lead to load shedding.

He asserted that the worth of fuel left for power generation could not last beyond two days.

However, in a post on Facebook, Mr Krapa refuted claims that Ghana’s fuel stock is dangerously low, threatening massive power outages.

“Mr. Jinapor is wrong. Load shedding does not ‘loom.’ It is caused either by technical or emergency power generation issues or a lack of competence in managing the power sector. Mr Jinapor seems to be haunted clearly by the latter,” Mr Krapa wrote.

Mr. Krapa emphasised that before leaving office, the Akufo-Addo administration ensured a reliable stock of fuel to power key plants.

He further stated that maintaining a stable electricity supply now lies squarely in the hands of the new government.

“The responsibility of the new administration is to not only procure more liquid fuel to keep the lights on whenever liquid fuel becomes required to complement gas supply but also to plan competently to avert power supply disruptions. We did it, and they can do it too if they can.”

He called on the NDC government to avoid “needless finger-pointing” and instead focus on practical solutions.

“The NDC government should get to work as we did, the reason we kept the lights on for eight years, regardless of the difficult times,” Krapa said.

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