Today’s truncated re-collation exercise and declarations have added clarity to the balance of power between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) which already had an unassailable majority ahead of todays exercise.

Seat breakdown as it stands

Out of a total of 276 seats in the House:  

• NPP: 89 seats (including seven newly declared today).  
• NDC: 181 seats.  
• Independents: 4 seats.  
• Outstanding: 2 constituencies (Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North).  

New additions for the NPP

The seven constituencies declared today were all won by the NPP, boosting its numbers from the initial 82 seats to 89. The constituencies include:

1. Obuasi East (Ashanti Region): Patrick Boakye-Yiadom retained his seat.
2. Nsawam-Adoagyiri (Eastern Region): Frank Annoh-Dompreh emerged victorious.
3. Tema Central (Greater Accra Region): Charles Forson narrowly won.
4. Ahafo Ano South West: Elvis Osei Dapaah secured the seat.
5. Ahafo Ano North (Ashanti Region): Nana Agyemang Prempeh triumphed.
6. Okaikwei Central (Greater Accra Region): Patrick Yaw Boamah retained his position.
7. Techiman South (Bono East Region): Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah won.

Challenges in outstanding constituencies

The re-collation process in Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North remains unresolved:  

– Dome Kwabenya: Missing pink sheets for three polling stations have stalled proceedings, with both major parties unable to provide hard copies of the documents. The NPP blames disruptions during the initial collation for the loss of critical records.

– Ablekuma North: A shortfall of 31 pink sheets has made re-collation impossible, forcing the EC to defer the process.

The EC is set to decide on a course of action for the outstanding constituencies. Meanwhile, NPP’s Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called for unity and urged the NDC to accept the outcome of today’s exercise in the interest of democracy.

Below are the confirmed outcomes so far:

1. Obuasi East Constituency (Ashanti Region)

Incumbent NPP MP Patrick Boakye-Yiadom retained his seat with 18,558 votes, narrowly defeating Samuel Aboagye of the NDC, who polled 18,539 votes. Independent candidate Adjei Owusu Afriyie garnered 424 votes. The declaration was made by the Returning Officer, Frederick Mensah, in Accra.

2. Nsawam-Adoagyiri Constituency (Eastern Region)

Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the incumbent MP and NPP candidate, was declared the winner with 29,640 votes. His closest contender, Fummey Philibert of the NDC, secured 29,433 votes. The announcement was made at the EC’s Greater Accra Regional Office in Ridge.

3. Tema Central Constituency (Greater Accra Region)

Charles Forson of the NPP emerged victorious with 18,870 votes. Ebi Bright of the NDC, previously declared the winner, obtained 18,815 votes, while independent candidate Fredrick Aniagyei earned 229 votes.

4. Ahafo Ano North Constituency (Ashanti Region)

Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh of the NPP retained his seat, securing 20,353 votes. His sole opponent, Kwasi Adusei of the NDC, polled 20,232 votes, giving Agyemang-Prempeh a narrow 121-vote lead.

5. Okaikwei Central Constituency (Greater Accra Region)

Patrick Yaw Boamah of the NPP retained his seat with 21,099 votes, beating NDC candidate Abdulai Abu Baba Abubakar Sadiq, who secured 19,368 votes.

6. Ahafo Ano South West Constituency (Ashanti Region)

Elvis Osei Dapaah of the NPP won the seat with 16,058 votes, defeating NDC candidate Abubakar Sadiq, who garnered 15,372 votes.

7. Techiman South Constituency (Bono East Region)

Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah of the NPP retained his position as MP with 46,663 votes. His main challenger, Christopher Beyere of the NDC, obtained 43,429 votes. Two other candidates, Donkor Moses and Boyoung Maris, received 140 and 76 votes, respectively.

Background

The re-collation and declaration of results followed a directive from the Accra High Court addressing disputes in nine constituencies, including:

• Nsawam-Adoagyiri (Eastern Region)
• Ahafo Ano South West and Ahafo Ano North (Ashanti Region)
• Obuasi East (Ashanti Region)
• Dome-Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central (Greater Accra Region)
• Techiman South (Bono East Region)

The High Court instructed the EC to finalize and declare the results in compliance with electoral laws. To ensure security, the Inspector-General of Police deployed police and military personnel at the collation centers.

The re-collation exercise, held at the EC’s Greater Accra Regional Office, continues under tight security as additional results are expected.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.

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This follows an Accra High Court ruling on December 21, directing the EC to finalize the election results for constituencies including Tema Central, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Ablekuma North, Ahafo Ano North, Techiman South, and Okaikwei Central.

Addressing the press at the EC’s Greater Accra Regional Office on Saturday, December 21, Dr. Bannor-Bio refuted claims of a petition from the Supreme Court seeking to halt the process.

“I must tell you that we do not have any knowledge of such a petition,” he stated, reiterating that no legal notice has been served to stop the exercise.

He emphasized that, in the absence of any official petition, the re-collation process is proceeding as planned.

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Mr. Annoh-Dompreh secured 29,640 votes, narrowly defeating his closest contender, Fummey Philibert of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who garnered 29,433 votes—a margin of 207 votes.

Expressing his gratitude and excitement, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh described the victory as “sweet,” emphasizing that it reflects the true will of the people of Nsawam-Adoagyiri.

Background

The Electoral Commission undertook the re-collation and declaration of results for nine constituencies following a directive from the Accra High Court. The re-collation addresses disputes in constituencies such as Nsawam-Adoagyiri (Eastern Region), Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East (Ashanti Region), Dome-Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central (Greater Accra Region), as well as Techiman South (Bono East Region).

The court ordered the EC to finalize the collation process and declare winners in accordance with electoral laws. It also mandated the Inspector-General of Police to provide adequate security at the collation centres.

The exercise, conducted under heavy police and military presence, continues at the EC’s Greater Accra Regional Office, with results from other constituencies expected shortly.

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On December 20, the High Court ordered the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate and announce the results for the Ablekuma North and Nsawam Adoagyiri constituencies, effectively nullifying earlier declarations.

This ruling followed a judicial review filed by six New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates, who sought a mandamus order compelling the EC to re-collate and declare the results.

They also requested the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to provide adequate security at collation centres to ensure the EC could carry out its constitutional duties without interference.

The NPP candidates contested results in constituencies including Tema Central, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Okaikwei Central, Techiman South, Ablekuma North, and Ahafo Ano North, citing irregularities in the collation process and subsequent declarations.

The NDC attempted to join the case by filing a motion for joinder, but the Court dismissed their motion, ruling that the party lacked sufficient grounds for inclusion.

In response, the NDC has filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the High Court’s decision and restrain the EC from proceeding with the re-collation.

The application, signed by Godwin Kudzo Tamekloe Esq., stated:

“The Court take notice that Godwin Kudzo Tamekloe Esq., Counsel for the Applicant herein, will move this Honourable Court for an order of stay of execution OR suspension of the orders of the High Court (General Jurisdiction 13), Accra, Coram Reverend Joseph Adu-Owusu Agyemang J, dated 20 December 2024, pending the hearing of the Applicants’ application invoking the supervisory jurisdiction of the Honourable Court upon the grounds stated in the accompanying affidavit and for any further order(s) as the Honourable Court may deem fit.”

The NDC contended that the High Court erred by not exercising its powers under Order 55 Rule 5 (2) of C.I. 47.

“The High Court committed a non-jurisdictional error of law by failing to exercise its powers under Order 55 Rule 5(2) of C.I. 47 to direct the 2nd to 6th interested parties to serve the mandamus applications on the Applicants who have interests in the subject of dispute: An error of law apparent on the face of the record which occasioned a substantial miscarriage of justice.”

Mr Nukpenu expressed his disagreement with the move despite a High Court order, he insisted there would be no re-collation.

He questioned why the EC declined a similar request from the NDC in 2020 but is now running to court to defend people.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Friday, a livid Nupkenu declared he would resist the move, cautioning the EC not to dare him.

“In 2020, Jean Mensa told us that if you are not happy with any declaration, go to court so what has changed? If any EC officer tries any re-collation, I will move to the battle and show people that it is enough,” he declared.

Although not specific, he threatened that the EC will incur his wrath, stating civil powers will be applied.

“From Saturday, the EC officials should try and enter the Ridge office and they will see what will happen,” he threatened.

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Chairman Wontumi said the NPP worked effortlessly in its quest to retain power.

However, only God knows the reason the NPP suffered the extent of defeat in both the parliamentary and presidential elections.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, programme Friday, Chairman Wontumi said the NPP will not lose hope but rather, put their house in order and come back stronger in 2028.

“I encourage everyone to be strong and learn lessons from this and everything will be alright,” he assured.

Despite its 85% target, the NPP suffered a humiliating defeat in the Ashanti Region, which is considered the party’s stronghold, in both the presidential and parliamentary elections.

The party managed to obtain 1,366,800 votes, representing 63.9 percent of the 2,106,108 valid votes cast.

Additionally, it lost four constituencies to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), increasing the NDC’s seats in the region to eight.

Many have attributed the performance to apathy and lower voter turnout but the regional leadership has announced plans to probe the abysmal performance.

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This was announced by the team’s leader, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who expressed gratitude to The Fourth Estate and the Media Foundation for West Africa for their collaborative efforts.

“Team ORAL has today received the full dossier on the National Service ghost names scandal which conservative estimates indicate has cost Ghana over GHS500million.

“We are extremely grateful to The Fourth Estate and the Media Foundation for West Africa for the presentation and their exceptional patriotism. Together, we shall reset Ghana and recover all loot,” Mr. Ablakwa wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) page.

Earlier, the team assured the public that all information shared with them would be handled with the highest level of discretion and acted upon swiftly.

The assurance followed the unveiling of new interactive platforms on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, by the Mahama Transition Team, represented by spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

These platforms aim to combat corruption by enabling the public to report suspected acts securely and anonymously.

These initiatives are part of broader efforts to enhance governance, promote accountability, and recover proceeds of corruption in the incoming administration.

The Mahama Transition Team emphasized that Team ORAL was formed to gather information from the public and other sources to ensure that suspected corrupt practices are thoroughly investigated, and those responsible are held accountable.

See the post below:

Team ORAL has today received the full dossier on the National Service ghost names scandal which conservative estimates indicate has cost Ghana over GHS500million.

We are extremely grateful to The Fourth Estate and the Media Foundation for West Africa for the presentation and… pic.twitter.com/0JQUNpgS6r

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) December 20, 2024

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According to him, some issues need to be prioritised over building a cathedral.

He also emphasised that, the commitment to build the cathedral stemmed from a personal promise made by President Akufo-Addo to God and not Mahama.

Mr Akandoh said this in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, stating that, God would not even choose a cathedral over a hospital for instance.

“Ghanaians are not unreasonable people and the expectation will be along those lines. I don’t think any reasonable bystander expects President Mahama to build a cathedral within one week and I don’t think he will even do that.  John Mahama hasn’t promised God he will build a cathedral.

“People are dying from cholera and we don’t even to prevent it so why would we focus on building a cathedral. I will disagree with anybody. We are all Christians and nobody can be blackmailed. I believe God will be happy in heaven if we have proper hospitals and people are healthy,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mr Mahama in July 2024, promised that his next administration will conduct a comprehensive investigation and forensic audit of the National Cathedral project.

He pledged to scrutinise every aspect of the project described as “the most expensive” to ensure value for money and adherence to good governance principles.

The former President explained that, the forensic audit would involve a detailed examination of financial transactions, procurement processes, and resource utilisation to identify any irregularities or instances of corruption and to hold those responsible accountable.

This decision follows criticisms from the EC, which accused the task force of failing to provide sufficient security during earlier stages of the collation process, leading to the suspension of the exercise.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, December 20, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service and spokesperson for the election security task force, emphasized the task force’s commitment to maintaining order at the collation centres.

ACP Ansah-Akrofi urged political actors to avoid inciting their supporters to gather at these locations, warning that such actions could heighten tensions and jeopardize the integrity of the process.

She assured the public that the joint police-military deployment would create a safe environment for the EC to complete its work without disruptions.

“The Task Force has assured the Electoral Commission of its readiness to provide the necessary security for the outstanding collation exercises. Only individuals accredited by the Commission will be allowed access to the collation centres, and any non-accredited persons will not be permitted at these locations,” ACP Ansah-Akrofi said.

She also urged stakeholders to cooperate with security personnel in the interest of peace and democracy.

“We have put Ghana’s peace and security first throughout this election period, and we will continue to do so in this critical post-election phase,” she added.

The deployment underscores the task force’s determination to safeguard the collation process and uphold the principles of a free, fair, and peaceful electoral exercise.

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Since its sitting on Monday, December 16, the House has repeatedly postponed the passage of the mini-budget due to proposed amendments to the already laid document.

The Speaker of Parliament, in announcing the adjournment on Friday, December 20, noted that the House failed to build consensus.

The failure to pass the mini-budget will legally hinder public activities.

This includes the swearing-in of new Members of Parliament, the election of the 9th Parliament, and the swearing-in of the president-elect, as the budget for the 2024 fiscal year ends on December 31, 2024.

The passage of the mini-budget has encountered several hurdles, as both caucuses have made demands regarding government business.

While the majority caucus seeks tax waivers amounting to $350 million, the minority caucus—set to form the next government—wants the vote on account passed.

The budget, submitted to the House before the election, has faced stiff opposition from the minority caucus.

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The actor was receiving treatment at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi when he succumbed to his illness.

C Confion rose to fame through his humorous roles alongside Dr. Likee (Ras Nene), becoming a cherished figure in the Ghanaian comedy scene.

His death was confirmed by his colleagues and friends, including Ras Nene, who took to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to him.

The actor’s management had previously asked for prayers and support for his swift recovery, urging the public to avoid unverified speculation about his health.

However, despite these efforts, C Confion passed away, leaving fans and the entertainment industry devastated.

Tributes poured in from various platforms, with many sharing old videos and skits featuring C Confion, celebrating his comedic talent and the joy he brought to audiences.

His death was announced by several Ghanaian bloggers and entertainers, with posts on X indicating that he was suffering from cancer, though the specifics of his ailment were not publicly disclosed.

The news of his passing sparked a significant emotional response online, with condolences and memories flooding social media.

His remarks follow the EC’s announcement that it would not uphold the declaration of results in nine constituencies, citing that some declarations were made under duress.

The affected constituencies include Ablekuma North, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Techiman South, and Dome-Kwabenya, among others.

Mahama criticized the EC for what he termed a selective application of rules, highlighting inconsistencies in how similar cases have been addressed in the past.

He referenced the Techiman South controversy during the 2020 general elections, where the EC declared parliamentary results despite reported irregularities and objections from stakeholders.

The President-elect questioned the Commission’s decision to suspend the re-collation of results in the nine constituencies, pointing to procedural breaches and alleged threats to its staff.

Mahama argued that, such inconsistencies undermine public trust in the EC and threaten the credibility of Ghana’s electoral process.

Speaking to African ambassadors and high commissioners on Friday, December 20, Mahama stressed the need for transparency and fairness in the EC’s operations.

He urged the commission to engage all political stakeholders and ensure that justice is both done and visibly upheld.

Addressing the outstanding disputes, Mahama stated, “The few outstanding issues arising from the elections, where nine constituencies are in dispute, require the EC to act in a principled manner. You cannot change the rules when it suits you and apply different rules under similar circumstances.”

He pointed out the disparity between the current situation and the EC’s stance during the 2020 elections, stating, “In 2020, the EC made it clear that if a declaration had been made, it was not their role to adjudicate grievances; the courts were the appropriate forum. In the case of Techiman South, where the declaration was made under duress amidst chaos and military presence, the EC refused calls for re-collation, insisting the matter should be resolved in court.”

Mahama concluded by emphasizing the importance of fairness, saying, “The goalposts must not shift based on who is involved. Fairness and justice must underpin everything we do. The EC’s actions must inspire confidence in our democratic institutions among citizens and the international community alike.”

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The High Court has directed the Electoral Commission (EC) to recollate and declare the results for the Ablekuma North and Nsawam-Adoagyiri constituencies, overriding previous declarations.

The ruling follows a writ filed by aggrieved parliamentary candidates from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

They alleged irregularities in the collation of results, demanding fresh elections in these constituencies.

Presiding Judge Joseph Adu Owusu Agyeman, delivering the judgment on Friday, December 20, mandated the EC to carry out the recollation process for Ablekuma North.

This directive came despite objections from NDC legal representative, Godwin Edudzi Tamaklo and NPP’s lead counsel Gary Nimako, who represented Frank Annoh-Dompreh.

The legal teams argued that the results for the constituencies had already been declared.

However, the court concluded that the identified anomalies justified the need for a recollation to ensure accuracy and transparency.

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Mr. Adofo stated that if the victims’ family or anyone else is dissatisfied with the outcome, they have the right to pursue a case, but he cautioned that the ruling is likely to stand.

“The law has been made, and there’s little they can do about it. The family complaining also has a case, but the law has spoken,” he said.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, he further suggested that the issue lies with lawmakers.

“We should be talking to our Members of Parliament to make laws that can change this. It’s not about complaining now, but about working to amend the law so that future cases don’t end in such unsatisfactory rulings. If we fail to make laws that amend these outdated regulations, it will always go against us as citizens. The MPs have failed us in this regard by not bringing these issues to our attention,” he stated.

The case stems from the tragic accident in East Legon, in which 16-year-old Justine Agbenu lost her life, and another victim also passed away.

The juvenile responsible for the fatal collision was sentenced to six months at the Senior Correctional Centre, the maximum penalty permitted under the current Juvenile Justice Act of 2003 (Act 653).

However, lawyer Adofo stated that if the family decides to appeal this ruling, it may not be successful, but the family can still pursue civil remedies against the parents of the offender to seek compensation.

While some advocate for harsher penalties, others emphasize the importance of maintaining a rehabilitative approach to juvenile justice.

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In a press release dated December 19, 2024, GIS clarified that the e-Gates installed at KIA cost $1.7 million, not $240 million as falsely claimed.

The statement elaborated that, the e-Gates are part of a broader initiative known as the “Immigration 360,” an integrated border management system designed to automate passenger processing and data management at all of Ghana’s 48 approved entry and exit points.

“The Ghana Immigration Service is implementing a new integrated border management system, ‘Immigration 360,’ to address challenges of sovereignty, interoperability, and inefficiencies in the current systems deployed at 12 approved borders,” the statement outlined.

GIS emphasized that the $1.7 million cost covers 15 units of e-Gates with accessories installed at KIA, separate from the $240 million figure circulating online.

The $240 million refers to the total cost of implementing phases one and two of the Immigration 360 system across all 48 entry points, including installation, maintenance, licensing, and taxes.

“This amount reflects the entire project cycle cost, including an initial implementation expense of $94.6 million,” the release explained.

Further details revealed that the $240 million includes periodic system upgrades to ensure the infrastructure remains functional and up-to-date over a 10-year period. The upgrades consist of three replacement cycles for critical components and two major refresh cycles every five years.

“After factoring in VAT and other taxes, the total cost amounts to $274 million. This comprehensive figure includes maintenance and round-the-clock support services to guarantee seamless operation throughout the system’s lifespan,” GIS clarified.

Below is the full statement

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The NDC Director of Elections and IT Dr Edward Omane Boamah has said the move will undermine the will of the people.

In a Facebook post, Dr Boamah vowed the NDC will resist the move, cautioning the Commission not to tempt them beyond their endurance.

She further claimed that some electoral officers had been coerced or threatened into announcing the results prematurely.

However, Dr Boamah has alleged the EC is acting under instructions from the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reduce the NDC’s two-thirds majority in the upcoming 9th Parliament.

“Useless press conference by Jean Mensa. She has obviously been instructed by NPP to dilute the 2/3 majority of NDC. But she will fail!”

“She must not tempt us beyond our endurance! We mean business!” At all constituencies where the declaration was not done, the Electoral Commission Ghana  must have pink sheets that show that NDC won,” portions of the post read.

He added, “Instead of agreeing with our demand for an emergency IPAC meeting, she has decided to hide to avoid critical questions being asked at the IPAC meeting.”

Read the full post below:

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According to the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Mpohor Fiase, Ignitius Assah Mensah, reports of a missing young woman, also in her 30s, were received on Wednesday December 18.

After extensive search, her body was discovered at the Adum Dominase market under suspicious circumstances.

The DCE disclosed that later in the day, the District Police Commander informed him that the mortician, who was suspected of the crime, had been set ablaze by residents.

Authorities are yet to provide details on the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and the mob action.

The Police are currently investigating the incident to ascertain the facts and bring those responsible for the mob attack to justice.

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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has disclosed that financial constraints are delaying the process.

In an interview with Adom News, the Head of Public Relations at WAEC, John Kapi, exclusively revealed that the examination body has not yet received the arrears owed by the government for conducting the exams.

Mr Kapi explained that the government owes WAEC approximately GH₵118 million and the situation is further complicated by the need for GH₵25 million to repair malfunctioning scanners essential for processing objective test results.

With less than two weeks left in 2024, Mr. Kapi stated that, due to these financial challenges, there is no specific date for the release of the results.

According to him, the office is breaking for Christmas on December 20, 2024 when the funds are released, they will have to call the staff for them to come back to the office.

He emphasized that without the necessary funds, the exams body is unable to complete the processes required to release the WASSCE results.

He noted that the current situation is concerning, as the office has never faced such frustration, leading to a delay in the release of results.

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Announcement and Reasons for Nullification

At a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, December 19, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa detailed the irregularities leading to this decision.

She disclosed that results for Okaikwei Central and Ablekuma North were declared without proper collation, leaving out significant data:

• Okaikwei Central: Results from 31 polling stations were excluded.
• Ablekuma North: Results from 62 polling stations were not collated.

“In the case of Okaikwei Central, the winner was declared without collating results from 31 polling stations. Similarly, in Ablekuma North, a winner was declared without collating results from 62 polling stations,” Madam Mensa explained.

“This is unacceptable. These declarations, made under threats, are considered illegal by the Commission. Similar declarations in other constituencies will also not be upheld.”

Of 12 constituencies flagged for re-collation, the EC has completed the process for Suhum, Akwatia, and Fanteakwa North.

However, the irregularities in Okaikwei Central and Ablekuma North have left the results unresolved.

In all, the Commission is to re-collate results for nine constituencies namely Nsawam Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Okaikwe Central and Ablekuma North. The others are Tema Central, Techiman South and Dome Kwabenya.

Background

The collation process in constituencies such as Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central was disrupted by violence and unrest. Attempts to relocate collation activities to the Police Training School faced opposition, with disputes arising over the aggregation and delegation of results.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has challenged the re-collation process, asserting that results declared at polling stations should be deemed final. The EC’s nullification has added to the tensions surrounding the parliamentary elections in these key constituencies.

Despite these challenges, the Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accuracy in the electoral process.

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Her plea follows the sentencing of a 16-year-old boy involved in the fatal collision that claimed two lives.

The juvenile received a six-month sentence at the Senior Correctional Centre, the maximum penalty currently allowed for such cases under the existing law.

Speaking to journalists after the sentencing, Madam Benneh voiced her dissatisfaction with the verdict, describing it as insufficient given the gravity of the offence.

“I hope that measures can be taken to change the law. It is unacceptable that someone can cause the deaths of two people through reckless driving and receive such a light sentence,” she remarked.

The incident has ignited a nationwide discussion about whether Ghana’s juvenile justice system should be revised to impose penalties that reflect the severity of offences like manslaughter and reckless driving.

While some advocate for stricter accountability measures, others emphasize maintaining the rehabilitative focus of juvenile justice.

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That was after the juvenile pleaded guilty to eight counts of manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without licence in court on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

The convict had earlier pleaded not guilty to eight counts – which comprised two counts of manslaughter, three counts of negligently causing harm, two counts of dangerous driving and a count of driving without a valid license.

The Juvenile Court in Accra presided over by Her Worship Bernice Mensimah Ackon convicted him on his own plea and sentenced him to six months.

The sentence is the highest punishment prescribed by the Juvenile Justice Act, for a juvenile offender for manslaughter.

As part of his sentencing, the court said he is to sign an undertaking not to drive until he turns 18 years as per the laws of Ghana.

Again, the juvenile is to report to Probation Officers periodically on every Friday and his punishment is to start immediately.

Meanwhile, his father Bishop Salifu Amoako and mother Mouha Amoako have both been fined 500 penalty units each which is equivalent to GH₵;6,000 each for failing to control their son.

The Court ordered Bishop Salifu Amoako to pay for the damages of properties destroyed including a light pole valued over GH₵;8,000.

The court has also ordered the parents sign an undertaking to be responsible for the proper upbringing of their son.

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According to the Managing Director, Nana Akwasi Awuah, there is no way anybody can smuggle gold bars through PMMC.

Nana Akwasi disclosed this on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, emphasising that, this is due to the transparency with which PMMC operates.

He has therefore admonished the general public to disregard reports of the alleged smuggling.

“I can emphatically tell you that it is false, and I have told you that there is a paper trail for all of this. There is a documentary evidence for all of this. Once you bring the gold through PMMC, there is too much transparency, you can’t hide anything about it.

“Everybody in the industry or has knowledge about our operations is aware that there is no way anybody can smuggle gold through PMMC because there is full transparency due to our robust system,” he said.

His comment comes after the National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yammin allegedly led a group to attack the National Assay Centre at the Aviance Cargo Terminal in Accra.

The mob reportedly tried to seize bullion bars which according to PMMC were intended for processing by the Bank of Ghana(BoG) under the false belief that the gold was being secretly smuggled out of the country by political figures.

However, the Managing Director has categorically rejected the accusations, reassuring the public that the PMMC’s procedures are designed to maintain full accountability and prevent any illicit activities.

“We input every thing and we do not work alone. We have GRA, Customs, NACOB, Aviation security so you have several state agencies in place. So it beats my imagination that anyone would think people will smuggle gold through PMMC,” he added.

Play attached audio for more

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Speaking to NPP communicators on Wednesday, December 18 at his residence for the first time since the December 7 election, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the party’s efforts during the campaign but noted that the media imbalance hindered their electoral strategy.

Dr. Bawumia stated that while the NPP excelled on social media and outpaced the NDC by a significant margin, the party struggled against the NDC’s ownership and influence over key media platforms.

“We dominated the NDC in social media. I mean, by far, by far, very, very clearly,” he said. “But we were working against their ownership of support from key media houses. Isn’t it, you know? That put us at a disadvantage in many ways in terms of the communication field because we had a lot of these key media houses who were not on our side.”

Despite this challenge, Dr. Bawumia praised the NPP communicators for their dedication and resilience throughout the campaign.

“You fought very hard at the time you had the opportunity,” he remarked. “I must tell you that I’m very proud of you. Very, very, very, very proud.”

Reflecting on the overall campaign, Dr. Bawumia also acknowledged the impact of the unexpected low voter turnout on the final results.

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Speaking with Evans Mensah on PM Express on Wednesday, December 18, he assured the public that the team’s mandate is about protecting the public purse and ensuring accountability through credible and impartial processes.

Mr Ablakwa was emphatic about the scope of ORAL’s work, describing it as an evidence-collection mechanism aimed at empowering relevant state institutions to act.

“I am neither a prosecutor nor a judge. These are not matters where I will have the final say. Our mandate is very clear: we are only gathering the evidence,” he stated.

Reflecting on his experience, he noted, “At a point, people were calling me the ‘Interceptor General’ in this country because I had intercepted so many documents.

“We have incontrovertible evidence on a lot of these scandals, and we must bring them together and make them available to the appropriate institutions.”

Mr. Ablakwa underscored the importance of patriotism in addressing corruption and protecting state resources.

“It is not patriotic to sit on evidence when you come by it. We must all remember that when President Akufo-Addo was coming into office, he said he would protect the public purse.

“Sadly, something happened along the way, and the purse needed to be protected from him,” he remarked.

He continued, “All of us, under the 1992 Constitution, are enjoined to be concerned about public resources, public property, and state assets.

“As patriotic citizens, we must ensure that when we have evidence, it is made available to the institutions that matter.”

Responding to concerns that ORAL might be used as a tool for political witch-hunting, Mr. Ablakwa was categorical.

“There will be no witch-hunting. We are only putting the evidence together. It would be a great disservice to our beloved nation if, with all this evidence, we simply sat on it and did nothing. That is not why we have been entrusted with this responsibility.”

He explained that ORAL’s work would be reviewed by a team of highly respected individuals.

“I am honoured to work with eminent, patriotic citizens who will assess the evidence with me. If they find that a particular piece of evidence is weak or not compelling, it will not feature in the report. It is about thoroughness, not vendetta,” he assured.

For Mr Ablakwa, the ORAL Team represents a chance to restore faith in governance by ensuring accountability.

“Our work is about protecting the public purse and ensuring that state resources are not squandered. This is a moral and constitutional duty,” he declared.

He also highlighted the team’s commitment to transparency.

“Once we gather the evidence, it will be handed over to institutions like the Attorney General’s Office, the Special Prosecutor (OSP), EOCO, or CHRAJ. These institutions will decide the next steps, whether to prosecute or pursue other sanctions,” he explained.

Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that the ORAL Team’s role is part of a broader effort to improve governance.

“We are not the be-all and end-all in these matters. We are simply providing the evidence. The courts, the prosecutors, and the judges will have the final say,” he noted.

The Chairperson concluded by urging Ghanaians to support the team’s work.

“We must all commit to protecting our public resources. ORAL is here to ensure that the plunder of state resources becomes a thing of the past,” he said.

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The victims have been identified as pupils of Pentecost Preparatory School and Step to Destiny.

Information gathered by Adom News suggests that, they were returning from school in Brekente, a suburb of Yeji when the unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday evening.

The accident happened in a head-on collision between two tricycles.

11 of the victims are receiving treatment at the Mathias Hospital, while one of them has been referred to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi for treatment.

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The suspects have been identified as Wisdom Ahile, 42, and Christopher Okyere, 33.

The suspects were seen damaging windscreens and side windows of five vehicles, including two Toyota Land Cruisers belonging to Members of Parliament, a Toyota Rav4, and two Toyota Camrys owned by parliamentary staff with an axe head.

The incident took place in the mid-morning of Wednesday while the proceeding was ongoing.

Parliamentary security personnel swiftly moved in to apprehend the man and prevented further damage before handing him over to police officers.

However, the motive behind the vandalism remains unknown.

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Her death was announced on the official Facebook page of the ‘Efiewura’ TV series on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

The post confirming her passing read: “RIP Benyiwaa. She left the earth plane yesterday. Bye.”

Mercy Little Smith was best known for her role as Benyiwa, the vibrant and comedic wife of Lawyer Koboo in ‘Efiewura.’

Her character became a fan favourite for her humorous personality and memorable delivery, contributing significantly to the success of the long-running Ghanaian TV series.

Actor and media personality Kwame Dzokoto, who played her on-screen husband, also confirmed the news, sharing fond memories of their time working together.

The cause of her death has not yet been disclosed, but news of her passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.

Colleagues, fans, and industry stakeholders are mourning the loss of an actress who brought joy to countless homes with her stellar performances.

The fire, which started in the early hours of Wednesday, December 18, 2024, also destroyed several properties worth thousands of cedis.

Speaking to Adom News, some eyewitnesses narrated they saw smoke gushing out of the house and, in no time, an uncontrollable fire consumed the building.

According to residents, a call was placed to the Fire Service in Berekum but the personnel could not swiftly respond due a malfunctioning fire tender.

Neighbours had to resort to fetching water from their homes to help quench the fire but their efforts were futile due to the intensity of the fire.

Firefighter from Nsuatre in the Sunyani West Municipality was called in but arrived when the damage has already been caused.

Some agitated residents lamented that the Berekum fire tender has been malfunctioning for over two years without any particular attention to it.

They have therefore appealed to the newly elected MP to make it a priority to provide Berekum and its environs with a new fire tender.

The Fire Service is conducting investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire.

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Adom News’ Parliamentary correspondent, Ohene Amponsah reported that, the suspected invaded the car park and began smashing several vehicles on the compound.

The vehicles, including Land Cruisers, had their windscreen and windows destroyed.

The suspect wielded the head of an axe which he used to smash the vehicles.

Parliamentary security personnel swiftly moved in to apprehend the man and prevent further damage before handing him over to police officers stationed at Parliament.

While being apprehended, he was heard saying, Father have mercy on them; they do not know what they are doing. 

The owners of the affected cars are however yet to be identified although the police have commenced investigations.

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Sky had sought a declaration that the bill, which has sparked intense national debate, was null and void.

However, the court rejected his petition, upholding the constitutionality of the legislative process for the proposed anti-LGBTQI legislation.

The bill, which aims to criminalize activities related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) advocacy, has stirred significant controversy.

If enacted, it would impose penalties on individuals who promote or fund LGBTQI-related activities or provide indirect support.

Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values, which they claim are being threatened by foreign ideologies.

In contrast, critics, including human rights organizations, view the bill as a violation of fundamental human rights, such as freedom of expression, association, and equality under the law.

The legal challenge also included a separate petition filed by equality and inclusion advocate Amanda Odoi. Both Odoi and Sky argued that Parliament had failed to meet the constitutional quorum requirements outlined in Articles 102 and 104 during the legislative process, rendering the bill’s passage unconstitutional.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court dismissed both petitions on the grounds that the bill had not yet become law.

Justice Lovelace Johnson explained that, until a bill receives presidential assent, it does not constitute an enactment that can be subject to judicial review of its constitutionality.

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Her comments come in response to allegations from the incoming Mahama administration that certain appointments and payments have been backdated or carried out without proper authorization.

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for the Mahama Transition Team, issued a warning that any unauthorized actions by the outgoing government would be reversed after the official transfer of power on January 7.

He claimed that some appointment letters and promotions were backdated, and there was no financial provision for the recruitments.

He also said any last-minute payments, appointments, or promotions—some of which are said to have been backdated—would not stand under the new administration. Public officials responsible for these actions would be held accountable.

But speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem show,  Madam Abubakar dismissed these allegations, adding that all ongoing processes, including recruitments in the nursing and police sectors, were initiated long before the election results.

“The Akufo-Addo government has not issued any new clearance for appointments or payments. These processes were budgeted for and approved long ago. It is simply not true that they were initiated after the election loss,” she explained.

Madam Abubakar urged the incoming NDC administration to remain patient as the handover date, January 7, approaches.

“Let’s not politicize routine administrative matters. The question should be whether the government is acting within the law—and we are,” she stated.

The Information Minister stated that, the current administration retains full authority until the official handover and assured the public that all actions being taken are legitimate.

“We are operating within the framework of the law. If there are allegations of illegality, they should be addressed through proper channels, whether during the transition or at any point in the past eight years,” Abubakar added.

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A press statement issued on Wednesday, December 18, and signed by the spokesperson of the Mahama Transition Team, announced the establishment of this initiative.

The team is intended to serve as a platform for citizens to report corruption-related concerns directly.

The statement reaffirmed President-elect Mahama’s commitment to tackling corruption comprehensively and ensuring the responsible management of public resources.

The team will be chaired by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu.

Other members include former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo, retired Commissioner of Police Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, and investigative journalist Raymond Archer. Their diverse expertise is expected to enhance the initiative’s effectiveness.

According to the statement, this move forms part of a broader effort by the incoming Mahama administration to rebuild public trust and strengthen the institutions responsible for combating corruption.

The team’s work will complement existing anti-corruption frameworks while actively encouraging citizen participation in the fight against corruption.

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The petition, filed by a Ghanaian citizen, accuses Justice Torkonoo of constitutional and administrative breaches.

The petitioner, according to Accra-based TV3, argued that these alleged actions undermine the credibility and integrity of the judiciary.

In the petition, the complainant insisted that the Chief Justice’s removal is necessary to preserve public confidence in Ghana’s judicial system.

The law that surrounds the removal of the Chief Justice is enshrined in Article 146 of the constitution.

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According to him, there is no such thing as a “safe seat” or “unsafe seat” in politics, saying, “It all depends on the work you do.”

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Afenyo-Markin stressed the importance of teamwork and shared belief in their efforts in retaining his seat.

“I had a team I worked with, and we did massive work.” he said.

He reflected on the importance of research during his campaign, noting that it was a crucial element in his success.

The NPP lawmaker, mentioned how in 2012, research was a guiding force, with researchers providing key insights throughout the campaign.

“In my entire political journey, I’ve always believed in research. We were guided by research,” he explained.

For the 2024 elections, Mr. Afenyo-Markin took his commitment to research a step further.

“A week before the election, we did research back to back. I don’t joke with research. It’s what guides me to win most of my seats.” he disclosed.

The Member of Parliament for Effutu, admitted that his opponent was strong, which motivated him to work harder.

The research, he noted helped him identify key areas for focus, including specific towns where he didn’t need to campaign, as he was confident of winning their support.

In terms of campaign strategy, Mr. Afenyo-Markin explained that he refrained from campaigning during the day and instead focused on meeting with community leaders at night.

“During the day, I don’t campaign. At night, I get up and see some leaders to campaign,” he said.

In the end, his efforts paid off.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Effutu with a significant margin, securing 39,512 votes out of 59,623 cast.

He defeated two other contestants, with Dr. James Kofi Annan receiving 19,383 votes and Ms. Louisa Buabeng, an Independent candidate, polling just 81 votes.

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Among the initiatives under this contract is Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), a bold anti-corruption drive to investigate allegations of misappropriation, recover state resources, and prosecute offenders.

Addressing members of the Apostolic Fathers during a courtesy call, Mahama expressed confidence in the feasibility of the plan.

“We have carefully selected the things we believe are achievable within 120 days. We will work diligently to ensure that, at the end of this period, we can check each of them off. I will soon inaugurate a committee focused on achieving these goals,” he stated.

The President-elect stressed his administration’s resolve to uphold constitutional principles of probity and transparency.

“We want to raise accountability to another level. It’s a constitutional obligation for us to ensure that public officeholders account for the trust placed in them,” he said.

“If you run your own private business, you can do as you wish, but when taxpayers place you in an office funded by their contributions, you must be prepared to account for every resource entrusted to you,” he added.

Mahama described the 120-day agenda as a “last chance to get things right,” acknowledging that corruption is a longstanding issue in Ghana and the sub-region.

However, he underscored the urgency to restore public trust in the country’s democratic institutions.

The 120-day agenda serves as a critical first step in delivering on Mahama’s promise of enhanced accountability and governance.

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In an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem Tuesday, Nii Kpakpa Thompson disclosed he found polythene bags believed to have contained fuel which was used to start the fire.

The fire reportedly started around 1:40 a.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

According to him, his house is just a walking distance from the school and rushed there to verify what was happening.

Upon arrival, Nii Kpakpo said he saw the school library where ballot boxes and papers were kept for the just-ended 2024 election was on fire.

He disclosed that, a neighbour confirmed he saw three men shortly before the fire but it cannot be immediately established if they have any hand in it.

“The general perception is arson. We believe that it was planned because the brother of a mechanic who live close by said three people came to pass through his house but he told them it was not a pathway and sacked them.

“About five of us also later saw a polythene which smelled of fuel lying in a house nearby the building which caught fire,” he said.

The Ghana Police Service in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service(GNFS) have commenced investigation into the cause of the incident.

In a related development, the parliamentary election in the constituency is still be protested by the New Patriotic Party(NPP) candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie.

The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Awurabena Aubynn was declared winner on Tuesday, December 10 after hours of dispute.

But Nana Akua has rejected the results, insisting she won amidst calls for re-collation.

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The unfortunate incident occurred around 11:30 am on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

Information gathered by Adom News suggests that, a funeral procession was underway with the mourners headed to the cemetery.

However, they encountered a police barrier, which led to a confrontation.

The situation escalated when one of the mourners allegedly insulted a policewoman, prompting a call for backup.

The reinforcement team is said to have clashed with the mourners upon arrival, during which a policeman fired warning shots.

In an attempt by the mourners to disarmed him, the gun accidentally went off, shooting his colleague in the abdomen.

The officer responsible fled the scene after realizing the harm caused.

The injured officer was rushed to a nearby clinic and later transferred to Techiman Hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries.

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The facility housed the ballot boxes for the Ablekuma North Constituency.

The fire, which started around 1:40 a.m., originated in the school’s library, where the ballot boxes were stored.

The Police in a statement assured the public that anyone found responsible for this incident will be apprehended and prosecuted.

They also urged residents to remain calm as the investigation continues.

Meanwhile, the Police has reported progress in addressing post-election disturbances across the country.

Out of 132 suspects arrested, 45 have been remanded into custody, 71 are on police inquiry bail, and 16 are on court bail.

The Police reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order while ensuring that due process is followed in all ongoing cases.

Read the statement below:

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The incidents occurred amidst ongoing tensions in the area, which have seen a resurgence of violence in recent months.

One of the victims, Moro Aziz, a mentally unstable man from Gozesi, a suburb of Bawku, reportedly wandered towards the Bawku cemetery, where he was killed.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, but it marks another tragic loss in the conflict-ridden town.

The second victim, identified as Kasim, was killed in Daduri, another suburb of Bawku, while attempting to move to a different location.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the attackers targeted him during his movements within the volatile area.

These recent killings bring the death toll in Bawku to 35 since the conflict reignited in late October 2024.

Despite a dawn-to-dusk curfew imposed by the authorities to curb the violence, the situation in the town remains tense and unpredictable.

The conflict, which began in November 2021 over the installation of a rival chief, subsided temporarily in 2023 but flared up again on 25 October 2024.

The return of the rival chief, Alhaji Seidu Abagre, installed by the Nayir, is reported to have triggered the renewed violence.

The security forces are on high alert, but peace remains elusive in the troubled town.

The blaze, which started around 1:40 a.m., originated in the school’s library, where the ballot boxes were stored.

According to Alex King Nartey, the PRO of the Fire Service, the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but investigations are underway.

In a twist to the incident, additional ballot papers were found burned outside the school premises after the fire.

The discovery has fueled speculation about the circumstances surrounding the blaze.

Meanwhile, the operations commander and his team have made progress to extinguish the fire.

The personnel have also salvaged adjoining buildings to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the school.

As at the time of this report, blaze has been confined after two hours of fire fighting, but yet to be fully extinguished.

Authorities are working to piece together the sequence of events and assess the extent of the damage to the election materials.

]]> https://www.adomonline.com/ndc-files-suit-to-block-ec-from-re-collating-results-in-five-constituencies/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:52:26 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2484487 The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has filed a lawsuit to prevent the Electoral Commission (EC) from re-collating and redeclaring the parliamentary results for the Dome-Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Obuasi East constituencies.

According to the NDC, the EC no longer has the authority to carry out such processes after declaring results for these constituencies.

The lawsuit comes amid unresolved tensions over the initial results, which the EC had earlier declared invalid. The EC cited procedural irregularities as the basis for its decision.

During a press briefing on Friday, December 13, Samuel Tettey, Deputy EC Chair for Operations, stated that the results for Dome-Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central could not be upheld because they failed to comply with the electoral procedures outlined in CI 127.

He noted that, the re-collation process was conducted under police supervision.

In its legal filing, the NDC and five parliamentary candidates argue that the EC, having already declared winners for the constituencies, has become “functus officio”—a legal principle meaning it no longer has the power to take further action on the matter.

The plaintiffs in the case include Faustina Elikplim Akurugu (Dome-Kwabenya), Baba Sadiq (Okaikwei Central), Ewurabena Aubynn (Ablekuma North), Ebi Bright (Tema Central), and Samuel Aboagye (Obuasi East).

The plaintiffs are seeking a court order to prohibit the EC from re-collating, recounting, or redeclaring the parliamentary results for these constituencies.

They are also asking for a declaration that, under Article 99 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and Section 16 of PNDCL 284, only the High Court has the exclusive jurisdiction to invalidate parliamentary election results.

“A declaration that by virtue of Article 99 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 16 of PNDCL 284, it is the High Court of Ghana that has the exclusive original jurisdiction to invalidate the declaration of parliamentary election results and not the respondent,” the notice of motion stated.

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The angry constituents blocked the road in front of the EC office, causing vehicular traffic from the Ridge Hospital towards Adabraka amidst the burning of tyres.

The supporters are demanding a redeclaration of the parliamentary results, insisting the NDC candidate, Felix Odartey Lamptey won.

The EC has officially declared the New Patriotic Party(NPP) candidate, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, as the MP-elect in the just-ended election.

Mr Shaib polled 32,608 votes, defeating Mr Lamptey who garnered 30,460 votes.

However, the NDC supporters are claiming Jerry did not win on fair grounds, questioning the basis for the declaration.

Personnel from the Formed Police Unit(FPU) swiftly moved in to clear the road, bringing relief to commuters who were stranded in the traffic.

A video shared on X by Accra-based GHOne TV captured the irate supporters expressing frustration and discontent with the EC.

#ElectionHub: Supporters of NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Weija-Gbawe, Felix Nii Odartey have set car tires ablaze at the regional EC office, calling on the electoral body to declare their Parliamentary candidate the winner of the 2024 elections… #GHOneTV #EIBNetwork… pic.twitter.com/WZJdaMFFmX

— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) December 16, 2024

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The deceased and five other injured victims of the community were hit in gunshots.

According to eyewitnesses, the armed men arrived in the Atwima Mponua District, Monday morning, and began stealing excavator parts and gold deposits.

Their activities took a deadly turn as some youth in the town attempted to resist the operations. Two persons were killed in the chaos and five others are in critical condition.

The incident has sparked widespread tension in the town, with the youth and local authorities taking to the streets in protest.

Assembly Member for Kyekyewere Electoral Area, Samuel Anyine says the situation has led to widespread fear amongst community members.

“They are thieves. They came steal excavators and gold deposits leaving two community members dead. We are afraid because anything can happen”.

He added that “government must deploy the military into the community. This can’t continue. As I speak, others are in critical condition”.

Meanwhile, traditional leaders are putting in efforts to ensure calm is restored in the community.

On Monday, December 16, 2024, observers noticed a gaping hole at the back of one of the statue’s legs.

The cause of the damage remains unknown.

However, some speculate it may be an act of vandalism by individuals who had previously threatened to pull down the monument, others suggest the damage could result from structural flaws.

The statue was unveiled by President Akufo-Addo during his Western Region tour ahead of the 2024 general elections.

It was intended to commemorate major projects initiated during his administration, including the rehabilitation of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, the construction of the 3-tier Sinohydro interchange, and the redevelopment of the Takoradi Market Circle.

However, the statue has been a source of controversy since its installation.

Many residents criticized its relevance, arguing that the funds used could have been better allocated to address pressing local issues, such as improving healthcare infrastructure at the hospital itself.

Before this incident, factions within the community had openly voiced their disapproval of the statue, with some threatening to destroy it, deeming it a symbol of misplaced priorities.

Authorities is yet to release an official statement on the matter, and investigations are expected to determine the cause of the damage.

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The constituencies in question include Ablekuma North, Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, Dome Kwabenya, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Ahafo Ano South West, Akwatia, Suhum, Fanteakwa North, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, and Techiman South.

The declaration was made at a press conference held on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the NPP headquarters in Accra.

The press briefing, led by the party’s Electoral and Legal Affairs Committee, addressed concerns over the collation and declaration of parliamentary election results in certain constituencies that have faced delays and related controversies.

Addressing the press, a former National Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Mac Manu, called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to resume the collation process without delay to ensure that the democratic will of voters is upheld.

According to him, the EC’s intervention is critical to settling any lingering uncertainties and fostering national stability.

“We implore the National Election Security Taskforce to provide adequate security to facilitate peaceful collation under a serene environment. We also urge the NDC leadership to rein in their supporters to ensure the process concludes without further disturbances,” he said.

The party indicated that their assertions of victory in the listed constituencies are based on data from polling station results, particularly the official pink sheets submitted after the polls.

“We are very certain that our parliamentary candidates in the above-mentioned constituencies won the elections. This conclusion is based on verifiable data from the pink sheets, as we have consistently demonstrated,” he stated.

Mr. Mac Manu further appealed to all stakeholders, including the EC, political parties, and security agencies, to act decisively in the interest of democracy and national peace.

He stressed the importance of respecting the expressed will of voters.

“In the interest of democracy and the peace of our dear country, we urge the EC and all stakeholders to take immediate steps to give effect to the will of voters as expressed in the December polls,” the party said.

He also slammed the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for alleged interference in the collation process.

He expressed concerns about the actions of some NDC supporters, which it claimed had contributed to the delays in declaring results in these constituencies.

“We call on the NDC leadership to demonstrate responsible leadership by calling their supporters to order. This is a crucial time for our nation, and no action should undermine our democratic processes,” he reiterated.

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Six employees of Edelmetallum Resources Limited are currently before the court, charged with five counts: assault, conspiracy to commit a crime, and stealing. Five others remain at large.

The accused are alleged to have forcibly abducted Erastus Asare Donkor, Majid Alidu, Edward Arkoh, and Nicholas Suantah, taking them to an undisclosed location, subjecting them to brutal beatings, and later abandoning them.

All the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges when they first appeared before the court and were admitted to bail. The next hearing has been adjourned to January 14, 2025, for the prosecution to file witness statements.

Background

On October 20, 2024, at about 11:30 a.m., the complainants visited the Manso Asumenya area to investigate forest and farmland destruction, as well as water pollution caused by illegal mining activities attributed to Edelmetallum Resources Limited.

While undertaking their journalistic investigation at the site, the accused allegedly assaulted and subjected the crew to torture and inhumane treatment.

The accused further unlawfully detained the complainants in their own vehicle by placing two heavily built men in the vehicle and driving them to a remote forest near the Asanko Gold Mines at Manso Nkran.

Upon the complainants’ refusal to delete their video footage of the mining activities, the accused reportedly began punching and slapping the crew. The team leader, Erastus Asare Donkor, and drone pilot Majid Alidu sustained swollen right eyes, while the other two crew members bore swollen faces and marks of assault on their bodies.

The accused also seized the complainants’ mobile tablets, drone, and Samsung SD 128GB card containing the footage. While the mobile tablets and drone were later returned, the memory card was not.

Additionally, the accused reportedly stole a black backpack containing:

• A Lenovo 12 Pro tablet
• A drone bag with five drone batteries
• A power bank
• A JBL headset
• A Ghana Civil Aviation License
• Other personal effects

The stolen items were valued at approximately GH₵35,000.

After abandoning the complainants in the forest, the crew reported the incident to the police at Manso Adubia, leading to the subsequent arrests.

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The discovery was reportedly made by a team led by the National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin, Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande and Capt. Jabari(Rtd).

The bags of fertilisers said to exceed over 10,000 bags were found in a two-storey building whose owner is yet to be established.

Mustapha Gbande took to his Facebook page to break the news as he expressed disappointment over the incident.

They have vowed to identify and get the house owner and the people behind the hoarding arrested to face the full rigorous of the law.

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On a lighter note, he revealed the Christmas hampers stopped coming after his electoral defeat.

However, he is grateful that the support from his family, friends and other associates still existed.

He said these experiences have shaped and taught him lessons throughout his political career.

“When I lost in 2016, the Christmas hampers stopped coming. The many people who used to queue at my gate for a moment of my time simply vanished.

“It was only my family, siblings, closest friends, and church members who stayed by my side,” he remarked.

During a Thanksgiving service at the Assemblies of God Church in Accra on Sunday, he acknowledged that power was transient and is unmoved by the privileges it brings.

“These trappings of power don’t get to my head. I have learnt that the praises and accolades one receives are often tied to the title of ‘President.’ One day, that title will no longer be there, and life will return to its essence,” he noted.

He emphasised the need to maintain a grounded approach as he advocated for unity and collective action.

Mr Mahama also used the opportunity to urge Ghanaians to rally together to address the nation’s pressing challenges.

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