NDC Will Go For GBC Debate, Not IEA's - Asiedu Nketia Confirms

Johnson Asiedu Nketia

The General Secretary of the governing National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has maintained that the Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA), can count President John Mahama out of its 2016 presidential debate.

Rather the NDC is preparing their 2016 flagbearer to participate in another debate being organised by the state broadcaster, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).

The latest emphasis confirms the IEA's inability to repair its relationship with the governing party which has accused the governance think-tank of bias.

The NDC has branded the IEA as an appendage of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). Johnson Asiedu Nketia alleged last May that the IEA allowed pro-NPP speakers to contribute a public program it organised on the subject of corruption. But the institute denied him an opportunity to also comment.

The relationship has further deteriorated since the compliant.

The IEA had revealed it was in discussions with the NDC over its boycott of this year's debates. The think-tank's Executive Director Jean-Mensah was optimistic about the return of the NDC for the Presidential Debate Series which starts 8th November 2016 in Tamale in the Norther region.

"We are hoping that all four parties with representation in parliament will participate," she said last week.

The NDC General Secretary confirmed talks were underway but said no agreement had been reached. He said the IEA last week, sent a delegation to the NDC to discuss the possibility of "letting by-gones be by-gones".

The hailed NDC political tactician explained that the party is open to renewing its relationship with the IEA but only after the December general elections.

But before the general elections, the NDC is not keen on any reconciliation or any participation in any of the three debates.

"Since we have already committed ourselves to another debate that is being organised by GBC, we are unable to participate in that debate," he told Joy News' Francis Abban.

According to him after pleadings from the IEA, he could only assure the think-tank that their concerns will be carried to the National Executive Committee of the NDC for deliberations.

In the absence of any decision, the NDC is paying no attention to activities of the IEA.

Ghana Police On Alleged Human Head Found At NPP Rally..

The Tema Police have denied media reports that an unidentified man was arrested Sunday carrying a severed human head at the Greater Accra campaign launch of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

It was reported that an unidentified man was arrested by the Tema Police for allegedly carrying to the campaign grounds, a severed head of a lady.

According to the reports, the man was nearly lynched by angry party supporters who saw him carrying the severed head in a polythene bag at the campaign grounds.

It took the intervention of the men and women in black uniform to rescue him.

The reports indicated that the man was whisked to the Community 1 Police Station where he is currently assisting with investigations. But Tema Regional Police Public Officer, ASP Juliana Obeng in an interview on Adom FM Monday described the reports as a false alarm.

According to her, the items found in the polythene bag were not a human head as was reported.

She said the bag contained sand and waste after investigations conducted by the police.

“It is just a false alarm. The substance found in the polythene bag was not a human head. It was sand and rubbish” she said

Nana Hits Accra-Tema With Huge Crowd After Volta Puch

The presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, had a very busy weekend after returning from energy sapping campaign tour of the Volta Region where he received massive endorsement from opinion leaders.

After returning from the Volta region on Friday evening, Nana Addo hit the road on Saturday, with a campaign tour of some constituencies at Ablekuma and Okaikoi ending it on Sunday at Tema with massive regional rally.

The crowd at Tema according to pundits was comparable to the huge crowd recorded at the Trade Fair site during the manifesto launch earlier in the month.

Nana Akufo-Addo reiterated his appeal to Ghanaians to vote out President John Mahama in this year’s elections, stressing that his continued stay in office was a major threat to the future of Ghana.

According to Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghanaians have become too miserable under the leadership of President Mahama, as his tenure has been characterized by politics of deception and propaganda, massive levels of unemployment, despondency, rising cost of living and severe hardships amongst the citizenry.

The NPP flag bearer stated that it was inexplicable that Ghana, a nation blessed with abundance of human and natural resources, is drenched in poverty, leading many to lose hope in the ability of the country to offer them a decent standard of living.

“The unavailability of jobs and the rising levels of hardship can only be alleviated by the use of our thumbs. We have to vote and bring change to Ghana. I am appealing to you to repose your confidence in me and the elephant. Give me the opportunity to serve you so we can implement policies which will create jobs and bring wealth to all Ghanaians,” he said.

Nana Akufo-Addo made this comment on Saturday, when he took his campaign to the Okaikoi South and Ablekuma Central constituencies Accra, after ending his five-day tour of the Volta Region.

When he stopped at Kokompe, Kaneshie Market and Bubuashie – (in the Okaikoi South constituency) – and the Town Council Line in Ablekuma Central, Nana Akufo-Addo was mobbed by thousands of Ghanaians yearning for a change in their circumstances.

Standstill

As the NPP leader toured these constituencies, commercial activities came to a complete standstill amidst chants of “Nana oo Nana,” “Yɛresesamu” and “Afe yi yɛ w’afe” (“We are effecting a change,” “This is your year to come to power).

Addressing residents in these constituencies, Nana Akufo-Addo revealed that the NPP has fashioned out a lot of policies and programmes, and have competent men and women who will help to rapidly develop the country.

The only way to bring these policies into fruition, and return Ghana onto the path of progress and prosperity, according to Nana Addo, is by voting out the incompetent and corrupt government of President Mahama.

The NPP flag bearer urged the crowd to have hope and consider the fact that a government is on its way, “God-willing,” from 2017, which will bring development, progress and prosperity to every corner of the country without discrimination.

“As is stipulated by law, the time has come, this year, for us to vote and decide who leads us. Let us use the power of our thumbs to change Ghana by bringing in a government that can change our circumstances, and bring relief, progress and prosperity to all,” he added.

At Kokompe, where President Mahama had been hooted at a week ago, Nana Akufo-Addo assured the spare parts dealers, as well as Ghanaian entrepreneurs and small business owners that his government would provide a conducive and enabling environment for their businesses to flourish.

With the major concerns of business owners at Kokompe being the unstable nature of Ghana’s currency, high interest rate by banks as well as high import duties, they told the NPP leader that those problems posed serious challenges to the survival of their businesses.

Nana assured them, “We, in the NPP are coming to change Ghana and ensure that our monetary system is solid, so that we can have a stable currency. When this happens, you, as business people, your businesses will grow. I need your support. Have confidence in me, and I assure you that I will never disappoint you.”

At Town Council Line, Nana Akufo-Addo reiterated, “President John Dramani Mahama’s continued stay in office poses a threat to the future of the country.”

He assured the constituents that he was not coming into office to steal the monies of Ghanaians, or lord the mandate given to him over them.

The programme of rapid industrialization, the one district, one factory the one village, one dam policies, the diversification of the country’s agriculture, the effective implementation of the Free SHS policy and the setting up of an Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) – where every constituency will receive the cedi equivalent of $1 million a year to tackle developmental issues – he assured, would be fulfilled.

Targets 58%

At the Tema regional rally, the NPP vowed to win the Greater Accra Region with about 25 out of the 35 seats to ensure victory for Nana Akufo-Addo.

According to the party, Nana would win with a minimum of 58 percent in the region to bring the main opposition political party to power.

The party is of the view that Ghanaians are fed up with the bad leadership of John Dramani Mahama and are ready to give Nana a chance to turn the fortune of the country around.

The campaign launch was dubbed, “Operation Win Greater Accra.”

Addressing party faithful, Nana Akufo-Addo charged parliamentary candidates from the region to win majority of the popular votes and majority of seats, as that would guarantee an NPP victory in December.

He explained that even before Ghana attained independence, the political party that always emerged victorious in the Greater Accra Region won the national elections.

“Right from Kwame Nkrumah’s time in the 1951 elections, they say if you win Accra, you win Ghana. We have to win Greater Accra to win Ghana in 2016. We in the NPP have done it before. In 2000, we did it. We can repeat it in 2016,” Nana Akufo-Addo charged.

To this end, he urged parliamentary candidates and constituency executives to co-operate with one another and work hard for victory this year.

The NPP flag bearer appealed to party activists to employ the use of positive language that appeals to everybody, so that it becomes clear that the NPP is coming into power to work for all Ghanaians, without discrimination.

He stated that he’s not worried about the bad tag the NDC is giving him because he knows they are lies and propaganda to destroy him, but it will not wash since Ghanaians are now aware of the kind of peaceful person he is, urging the citizenry to give him the mandate to rule the country.

The NPP leader gave the assurance that his government is coming into office in 2017 to “revive the NHIS, effectively implement the free SHS policy, undertake the industrial development of Ghana – which will include the one district, one factory policy and revive our agriculture, amongst others.”

To bring all these into fruition, he appealed to Ghanaians to save the country from the despondency, hardship, rising cost of living, widespread cases of corruption and record levels of unemployment currently prevailing in the country by voting out President John Mahama in this year’s elections.


Credit___Peacefmonline

NDC, NPP Reject IEA Presidential Debate

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) attempt to pitch together President John Dramani Mahama and Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo Addo on the same platform to debate has hit a snag again.

The leadership of parties on whose tickets the two are vying to be president from January 7, 2017 – the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) – have rejected the gesture by the think tank.

The IEA last Friday published on its website:

IEA 2016 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES DATES

The IEA is pleased to announce that the 2016 Presidential Debates will be held on the following dates:

1. First Presidential Debate Tamale 8th November 2016

2. Vice Presidential Debate Takoradi 15th November 2016

3. Second Presidential Debate Accra 22nd November 2016

But the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC Koku Anyidoho who was speaking on Onua FM’s Yen Nsempa morning show on Monday said “NDC will not participate in any debate organize by the IEA, and I’m repeating it, we will not participate, let the IEA gets it clear.”

The NDC deputy scribe however reiterated that President Mahama is ever ready to debate the flagbearer of the NPP, but that will only happen on the platform of National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

“We are ready to debate Nana Addo but that will only be on a credible platform like the NCCE and those that are organized by the national broadcaster,” Koku Anyidoho asserted. The NDC Deputy General Secretary insisted that the party once again, has not been informed about the latest arrangement, adding that it is a confirmation of the ‘disrespect’ the IEA has for the NDC and the President.

Meanwhile, the NPP has also joined the NDC to reject the IEA’s latest announcement. Speaking to host of Yen Nsempa, Bright Kwesi Asempa, Deputy Communications Director who doubles as the parliamentary candidate for Lawra, Anthony Karbo noted that the work of the party’s flagbearer is on the field.

He added that it will be better for the party to get closer to the electorates and explains its policies to them than being on television.

“Asempa, let us tell Ghanaians what we have for them than media debate. Nana will not go to any debate; if President Mahama wants to debate he should debate with Ghanaians.

Take it from me Nana will not honor IEA debate” the Deputy General Secretary said

Charlotte Osei Must Resign - Lawyer

A Private Legal Practitioner Kwame Adofo has suggested to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) Mrs Charlotte Osei to willingly resign from her position.

A High Court Judge on Friday directed the EC to allow the presidential nominee of the Progressive People’s Party (NPP) Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom to rectify the anomalies on his nomination forms.

Lawyer Adofo contends the EC boss position is no more tenable, saying the other presidential nominees who were equally disqualified for failing to meet the needed requirement will forever be suspicious of her.

He doubted if President John Dramani Mahama would sack Mrs Osei, calling on her to resign on her own accord.

‘Her position as the EC Chairperson is no longer tenable, she should do the honourable thing by resigning, the other parties are now afraid of her. They are going to be forever suspicious of her for the unfairly treatment meted out to them, even the picture she has given nobody can trust her. And I am saying she should resign her position. Some people may say it’s too late for her to do that but of course she has to resign. It’s absolutely imperative that she resigns. Nobody can trust her especially the parties,’ he fumed.

He said once the errors are corrected, the EC Chair would have no basis of not accepting Dr Nduom’s nomination forms.

According to him, Mrs Osei would have saved herself from this embarrassment if she had executed her work properly.

Lawyer Adofo underscored that the EC chairperson lacks understanding of administrative law and that her conduct was wrong, ‘she should have given the candidates the opportunity to be heard’.

Speaking with Ultimatefmonline.com, he said the possibility of the other affected candidates losing confidence in the EC is very high.

The legal brain applauded the judgement saying it is in the right direction and it is on point.

‘If you are an administrative decision maker and you are about to make a decision that is likely to affect somebody give them an opportunity to be heard. In this case the EC had a duty to let them know that there were errors, but she failed.

It goes to show the level of competence of the Electoral Commissioner, this clearly shows that the Commissioner lacks the understanding of administrative law.

She does not understand her role, in effect all the affected candidates would have their case restored….I think the woman’s position is no longer tenable, because there have been one too many mistakes committed by her. The other parties are not going to have confidence in her again.

The court ruling clearly shows that she has not been fair to them, and there is going to be apprehension of bias. And therefore I think her decision is no longer tenable. She cannot clearly say she is unable to understand, she must understand her position, accept the nomination forms and peruse it, whether it’s going to be satisfactory or non satisfactory before she can make a decision. If she says she cannot accept, then she is been biased,’ he said.

Nana Addo Can't Score A Penalty EVEN If There's No Goalkeeper In The Post - Mahama

No President can execute his vision within four years, President John Dramani Mahama has said.

Speaking to a massive gathering of supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC ) at a rally at Nsawam in the Eastern Region yesterday, the President explained why the Constitution made room for an additional four years for a President after his first term of office.

The President said in spite of the challenges that confronted the country, he had been able to steer the nation to achieve appreciable progress, especially in socio-economic infrastructure.

He, therefore, urged the electorate to have confidence in him to take the nation to another level by voting massively for the NDC on December 7.

The Nsawam Adoagyiri Constituency was won by the NPP in 2012 but the NDC is determined to snatch it this time.

Carnival

The President's arrival at Nsawam saw parts of the town turned into a carnival as hundreds of NDC supporters took over the streets.

In an incredible show of support, party supporters came out in their numbers and as a section of the street was filled with masses of supporters who waved and cheered as the President's motorcade made its way to the rally grounds, a large crowd had also assembled at the rally grounds on a sunny afternoon to hear President Mahama speak.

Looking at the huge numbers of supporters that turned out to meet him, the President said it was a sign that Nsawam Adoagyiri was saying, "JM Toaso."

The President indicated that the crowd he saw at the rally was far bigger than what he saw in 2008 and 2012 when the NDC held similar rallies at Nsawam.

That, he noted, was a sign that NDC was coasting to victory."I am confident in the name of Jesus, Insha Allah, that on 7th December, NDC will win," he told the charged crowd.

Akufo-Addo can't score

He again took on Nana Akufo-Addo for persistently suggesting that the NDC government had underperformed.

Likening the NPP presidential candidate to a football spectator who was condemning Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, for wasting a penalty in a crucial match, the President said Nana Akufo-Addo "cannot score a penalty even if there is no goalkeeper in the post."

God knows winner

The President said many were making noise about the general election but God already knew the one who would win the election.

"And I know that God is on our side, and we have won already," he said as the teeming supporters responded, "JM toaso, JM toaso."

Jobs

President Mahama said under the Youth Employment Agency ( (YEA), those who would be given skills training would be provided working tools free of charge to start work.

Youth employment, the President stated, had been one of the major challenges the country had faced over the years, but he assured all that the government was determined to tackle it head-on in his next term of office.

Compensation

President Mahama said the process to compensate victims of an explosion at the Akuabo quarry site at Paebo in the Eastern Region had begun.

The explosion, in December 2015, left one person dead and injured many people, while several other people were left homeless after the roofs of their houses were ripped off.

President Mahama said the committee that investigated the incident suggested compensation for the victims. "We have started working on it and all who deserve compensation would be given," the President said.

He said a number of roads, including the Aburi-Nsawam and Nsawam-Asamankese road, were being worked on.

He assured communities whose roads were yet to be worked on to exercise patience as the government would tackle them.

Calling on the people to vote for the NDC parliamentary candidate for Nsawam Adoagyiri, Ms Benedicta Asante, the President said he wanted to see more women in his government in his next term of office.

"I have appointed a lot of women in my government and they have performed creditably," he said.

I can’t rig the polls – EC chair

EC chair, Charlotte Osei

The chairperson of the Electoral Commission Charlotte Osei has dismissed claims that the commission can alter the results of the December polls.

According to her, the electoral system makes it impossible for any official at the EC to rig the polls for any candidate.

“I will need Superman’s powers to be able to do that. There is no way that all of us at the Electoral Commission can change the results. It is really impossible. For you to change the results of the election, you have to be at 29,000 polling stations, change the results on the sheets of all the party agents who are there.

“Then you have to run to the constituency collation centers, change the results on the sheets again and change the results on the agents’ sheets before you now come and declare it at the head office,” Mrs Osei told the Ashanti regional House of Chiefs Wednesday.

She also told the chiefs that the EC has put in place adequate backup measures to forestall any challenges on Election Day.

“If one (biometric verification devices) has a problem or breaks down, we will switch to the second one. There is a backup we will bring from the constituency level to support that polling station”.

I Won’t Promise What I Can’t Deliver – Akufo-Addo

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, has assured Ghanaians of a transparent and truthful government if elected he is President in the December elections.

Addressing residents of Dambai in the Volta Region, Nana Akufo-Addo said he would run a government that will be accountable to the people, not one fueled by propaganda as is being done by President John Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The NPP Flagbearer also asserted that he would not make promises to Ghanaians he could not keep.

“I will not stand before God and Ghanaians and say anything I cannot do. I can never do that. I know I can do all that I am promising you and say, should God permit me to be your President, I will accomplish all these promises diligently.”

“I am assuring you that all times, I will be truthful to you. At no time would I write in a certain Green Book that I have constructed a road when I have not,” Nana Akufo-Addo added.

Biakoye Chief predicts victory for Nana Addo

The Gyaasehene of Abotoase in the Biakoye Constituency in the Volta Region, Nana Ansah Asiedu, predicted a loss for President John Mahama ahead of the general elections during Nana Akufo-Addo’s campaign tour of the region.

Speaking during a courtesy call by Nana Akufo-Addo at his palace in Abotoase, in the Biakoye constituency, Nana Asiedu said “President Mahama is already gone. He has lost the elections.”

He further appealed to Nana Akufo-Addo to resume the payment of compensations due them as a result of the construction of the Volta Lake.

Stop Registering Your Members On NHIS If It Has Collapsed – Mahama To NPP

President John Maham

President John Mahama has taken a jab at the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for claiming that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has collapsed under his government.

According to him the NPP is registering its members onto the scheme though they claim it has collapsed.

“Recently the NPP said the NHIS has collapsed but if you claim NHIS has collapsed why is the NPP registering its supporters onto the scheme? If it has collapsed then what is the benefit of the card? Why are you paying for the NHIS cards for our people? It is has collapsed then stop registering your people.

What is happening is that the NHIS has expanded tremendously,” Mahama said while addressing a mini-rally at Kade in the Eastern Region on Tuesday as part of his campaign tour of the region.

The flagbearer of the NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo and his communication team have accused the NDC of deliberately collapsing the once vibrant social intervention programme which flourished under the NPP and had promised to revive the scheme if given the nod on December 7.

But President Mahama said the NHIS has rather boomed under his government.

He argued that the NHIS which started in 2005 covered only 9 million subscribers who accessed the card at the hospital by end of 2008.

“…in 2015 those who used the cards at the hospital were 29 million. When the NHIS was implemented, we were told that the amount being invested could sustain the scheme for 10 years. So from 2005 to 2015 we had to get money to inject into the system so as at 2015 the scheme has expanded that we now have 29 million visitations in 2015 alone.

In 2008 the amount paid facilities who dispensed healthcare to NHIS subscribers was GHc 183 million, in 2015 the amount was paid was over GHc 1 billion. We need more money to invest into the scheme that is why in the NDC manifesto we stated that some of the oil revenue should be injected into the NHIS so that the NHIS would always be in the position to take care of subscribers,” he added.

Agenda 50/50

The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) had launched an audacious target of getting 50 percent of the votes in the Eastern Region for President Mahama in the upcoming elections.

President Mahama is expected to take opportunity of his campaign to commission some government projects and also explain to the people of the region why he should be given a second term in office.

Elections 2016: GBC To Hold Presidential Debate Next Month

The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, (GBC) will from the first of next month, (November), tentatively, begin its 2016 Presidential debate encounters with Candidates contesting the December Polls.

The platform will provide the electorate the opportunity to quiz the Presidential hopefuls on their vision.

It will also ensure that the candidates focus attention on issues instead of personalities.

The Chairman of GBC's Political Broadcast Committee, Ebenezer Ampaabeng said GBC is collaborating with the National Commission for Civic Education, (NCCE), with support from STAR- Ghana.

ExplaIining modalities for the debate, Mr. Ampaabeng said GBC will allot equal time to each candidate as the constitution mandates the State Broadcaster.

Meanwhile, International Election Observers from the National Democratic Institute, who were in Ghana to assess the country's preparedness for the December polls say it is inconceivable and surprising that a party struggling to occupy the Presidency will not take advantage of a debate platform to sell their message.

The Election Observers are therefore appealing to Presidential Candidates contesting the polls in December to avail themselves to be assessed by voters on Media and debates platforms, such as the one being organised by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.

According to the delegation’s spokesperson, Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, such platforms provide a critical discourse to the democratic process because it gives opportunity for citizens to clearly understand candidates manifestos and ask their own questions. Above all, debates are also a marketing opportunity for the candidates.


GBC

Dec Polls: Police Will ‘Contain’ Social Media – IGP

IGP, John Kudalor

“We are going to put in place some measures to contain social media,” the Inspector General of Police(IGP), John Kudalor has said.

The stakes are high in the 2016 elections and there are fears that social media could play out as a tool for destruction in the general polls slated for December 7.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), John Kudalor, has said containing social media to say the least will be a necessary option  if the need be for the Ghana Police Service to act against irresponsibility on social media platforms in the lead up to the polls.

The police administration threatened it would block social media on the eve and on elections day but the IGP’s comment was contrasted by President John Mahama some few months ago noting that social media will not be banned during the December 7 elections.

According to him, “Preventing access to social media such as Facebook will not solve the problem of policing the integrity of the ballot.”

But the IGP who was interacting with some Muslim leaders in Accra on Monday October 24, maintained that the option to “contain” social media will be used when it becomes necessary.

He contended the measure will be employed to ensure a peaceful election process.

That notwithstanding he said “So far, so good…whether we will shut it down or not, I don’t want to go there, when we get to the bridge we will cross it but as at now, we have no intention to shut down social media if you continue to be good citizens.”

Duncan Williams Not Banned From Entering America - U.S Embassy

The United State of America Embassy in Ghana has denied reports that Archbishop Duncan Williams has been banned from traveling to there.

On the tweet on Embassy's twitter handle Sunday read:

Please be advised: Reports that Archbishop Duncan Williams has been banned from traveling to the United States are a complete fabrication.
— US Embassy Ghana (@USEmbassyGhana) 23 October 2016

News about the respected Archbishop was trending on Social media on Sunday that he has been barred from entering the U.S by the Department of State.

According to the reports, the State Department is said to have condemned the founder of Action Chapel International, who has rebuked gay marriage and refused to officiate a gay marriage.

The Archbishop is said to have said gay marriage is "a sin against Bible teachings".

Akufo-Addo Ends Ashanti Tour, Moves To Volta On Monday

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

The 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has ended his 4-day campaign tour of the Ashanti Region.

Speaking at a gathering at the Sokoban Wood Village in the region, Nana Addo asked residents in the area to vote massively for him and the party’s parliamentary candidates on December 7.

“This year’s election is about Ghana’s future. It is an election we cannot afford to joke with. Kumasi, Asanteman and Ghanaians should vote massively for the NPP, and send a strong signal that Ghanaians are ready and determined to change their circumstances of living,” he said.

The NPP Flagbearer indicated that policies such as the ‘1-District-1-Factory’ policy; ‘1-Village-1-Dam’ policy; the diversification of the country’s agriculture; the effective implementation of the Free SHS policy; and the setting up of an Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP), which the party intends to introduce when it comes to power, will return Ghana onto the path of progress and prosperity.

NPP flagbearer further assured that the NPP will “complete the 2nd phase of the wood village project when voted into power.

“Just as Suame Magazine has become the artisanal/industrial hub in the Ashanti Region and in Ghana, my government will make sure that Sokoban becomes the hub of all issues relating to wood and its end products. All public contracts relating to the purchasing of wood or the manufacturing of wood related products will be done right here in Sokoban,” he stressed.

Campaign in Volta Region

The NPP flagbearer will from Monday, October 24, begin a 5-day tour of the Volta Region.

This will be the 2nd time Nana Akufo-Addo will tour the region.

Nana Akufo-Addo is expected to visit some 15 constituencies.

Be responsible in your reportage – EC tells media

The Electoral Commissions (EC) has emphasized the need for the media to be responsible in its work in order to make this year’s elections one of the best in our political history.
According to the EC, journalists must report accurately on the elections and avoid declaring winner ahead of the EC.
The practice, according to Mr Azu Bosco Anyigire, Upper West Regional Director of the EC could cause confusion among political parties and their supporters.
He said the media is a major partner of the EC in ensuring that the elections are conducted successfully.
Mr Anyigire said this when addressing media practitioners at a day’s capacity building on media reportage for the 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections in Wa.
He called on political parties to bring their polling agents to the EC for training so that they could abide by the EC’s code of conduct in the implementation of their duties.
Mr Anyigire said the EC in the region has not accepted two nomination forms from Mr Ali Abdul Rahman, an independent candidate in the Wa Central Constituency and Mr Mani Maxwell, who was to contest the Jirapa parliamentary seat on the ticket of Independent People’s Party.
The two candidates presented their nomination forms to the EC without any bank draft and had not visited the EC’s office since then.
The Regional Director said 51 nomination forms have been received from candidates contesting the parliamentary seats in the region.
Mr Chris Alalbila, a retired broadcasting journalist, urged journalists to report exactly what they see on the field without biases and avoid conjectures and presumptions which are likely to inflame tensions among political parties.
“Our responsibility is to make Ghana go through successful elections. Journalists must avoid going into the elections with bias mind.
“Our purpose is to inform Ghanaians with accurate information on the elections”, he said.
Mr Alalbila, who spoke on: “Importance of media reportage on election”, said the active participation of the media could help bring successful elections.
He urged the media to cross check from EC when in doubt adding that they should not rush to air or file false information which is likely to cause confusion.
–
GNA

Ghana’s Oil Revenue Management System Receives Praise

Mr Thomas Scurfield, an international economic analyst, has lauded Ghana’s revenue management system in the petroleum sector and called on other African countries to emulate the example.

He said the West African country’s concept of establishing the stabilization and the heritage funds is in a right direction which ought to be lauded.

Mr Scurfield, however, expressed discomfort that Ghana has no robust fiscal regime to achieve desirable benefits in the petroleum and the extractive sector.

He told journalists attending a 14-day regional training course on oil, gas and mining in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania that African leaders ought to cut drastic spending to reduce the debt crisis, which is a leading cause of economic turmoil in Africa.

Being attended by about 24 reporters – eight each from Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda, the course is organized by the Journalists Environmental Association of Tanzania (JET) in collaboration with Penplusbytes, an International ICT Journalism in Ghana and the African Center of Media Excellence in Uganda.

He said enough and judicious utilization of revenue from the extractive sector would spur socio-economic growth and development on the continent.

Mr Scurfield said countries like Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda had abundant natural resources and there is the need for these countries to do comparative analysis and check the weaknesses and strength of various fiscal regimes before these resources are tapped.

He said according to the reports from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), developing countries lose 100 to 300 million dollars of tax revenue through tax avoidance.

Tax avoidance, he explained, remains one of the biggest economic challenges for developing countries saying inefficient taxation of extractive activities and the inability to fight abuses of transfer pricing by multinational enterprises also remains a significant cause of tax base erosion.

Mr Scurfield asked the participants to go back to their countries and do in-depth investigations to ensure that revenues from the extractive sectors are utilized judiciously to facilitate accelerated national development.

Chief Of Staff Thanks Brong Ahafo For Supporting JM

Mr Julius Debrah

The Chief of Staff Mr Julius Debrah has departed from Brong Ahafo this morning with only a few parting words; "thank you so much for the love you have shown to President Mahama and the NDC team I led on a six day  campaign in the region".

This was the expression of his excitement as he rounded up his campaign with a keep fit walk through the principal streets of the Brong Ahafo Regional Capital, Sunyani.

The fitness walk was joined by Minister for Local Government, Alhaji Collins Dauda, Tourism Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare, Nana Oye LITHUR Minister for Gender, Women and Childrens Affairs.

The Chief of Staff's team which included veteran political strategists and  leading members of the NDC, Professor Kwamena Ahwoi, Mr Kofi Totobi Quakye, and Madam Faustina Nelson campaigned in the deep areas of the region.

Others who accompanied him included host Regional Minister Eric Opoku, deputy Communications Minister, Ato Sarpong, the NDC's deputy General Secretary Koku Anyidoho, National Communication Officer, Solomon Nkansah and his deputies, two Presidential Staffers, Madam Emilia Arthur and Honourable Adu Asare; a host of regional party executives.

Wherever the team went to, the lips of the Chiefs and people were agog with praises of the Mahama government for extending development projects that have  enhanced their lives.

From Dromankese, through Yefri, Kranka, Manso, Nchiraa, Subinso, Chiraa, New Dormaa, Atwedie, Obengkrom to Kenyasi, each Chief said 'y3 taa ne kyi; ontóaso'.

The Professional community in the region did not want to be left out as they made time for an evening encounter during which the team laid bare President Mahama’s job creation agenda on the back of a resilient economy.

The same was the case with the Muslim leaders of the region, the student community of Sunyani Polytechnic and their young compatriots from various second cycle and tertiary schools who availed themselves for the mammoth Job Summit on Friday evening.

The meeting with Cadres of the party could not have been more timely. At the meeting the cadres took turns to reminisce about the bond that held the party at the base as they admonished each other on steps which they must all take to sustain the NDC in government. Professor Ahwoi was in his choral element as they mingled with their comrades and recollected the hay days of the revolution.

One departs the region without any doubt that President Mahama and the NDC's support base in the region is stronger and deeper than ever; and that this will be overwhelmingly apparent on the 7th of December, 2016 when Ghanaians go to the Polls to reaffirm him as President of the Republic of Ghana.

He also commissioned new electricity projects in two communities Atwedie and Obenkrom all near Kenyase Asutifi South district of BA

Abraham Attah To Be Honored At The 6th Annual 3G Awards In New York

Abraham Attah To Be Honored At The 6th Annual 3G Awards In New York

Abraham Attah

3G Media announces that Abraham Attah,award-winning Hollywood star has been nominated to be honored at the 6th Annual 3G Awards in New York.

Abraham Attah is a 15 year old Ghanaian born Hollywood Actor. He made his feature film debut in Netflix’s original feature film ‘Beasts of No Nation’ directed by Emmy Award winning director Cary Fukunaga and staring Hollywood Actor Idris Elba. He played the leading role of a child soldier; Agu.

The Awards ceremony is in recognition of exceptional leaders and their contributions to the Ghanaian and Global communities. It will be held on Saturday, November 5th, 2016 at the IGA (Inspirational Gospel Assembly) Banquet Hall, 1211 Brook Ave, Bronx, New York, USA. It is produced by 3G Media Inc (www.3gmdiaonline.com), an online news platform promoting Ghanaian and African Affairs in the diaspora. It

The event will be co-hosted by Abraham Kwaku Lincoln aka; MC:Papa Linc alongside Kumawood Actor Benard Aduse-Poku. Red Carpet will be hosted by Philly based Ghanaian MC and Radio Presenter, Lady Gee of Amansan Fm UK.

There will be a live band and performances by US based stars; John Q, Akrofi, Nana NYC, Annisstar, Clem and others. DJs on the roaster; FSR, Dynamic and Jeff.

Sponsors; Joy Industries GH Ltd, Prestige Travel and Tours, KTA Mobile USA; Investigroup, Anokyekrom Restaurant, Nyamekye African Market, Malata African Market, NY

Celebrities also confirmed attending; Prince David Osei, Edem, Nana Quame, Mercy Asiedu, Tictac, Jojo Robinson and others also to confirm.

Among the organizations supporting are; The Permanent Missions of Ghana NY, National Council of Ghanaian Associations NY,TADMI and Denkyem Charitable Foundation.

Sponsors; South African Airways, Joy Industries, KT Mobile USA, Investigroup.com, Family Link Money Transfer, Anokyekrom Restaurant, Worcester, Nyame African Market, Malata African Market, Adum African Market, Rosette's Multi-Service, TADMI and others.

Juliet Ibrahim Reveals Why She Is Not Interested In Politics

  Juliet Ibrahim Reveals Why She Is Not Interested In Politics

Juliet Ibrahim

Actress Juliet Ibrahim is not enthused about politics because of the negative effects it has had on her.

She noted that due to politics, she and her family had to fight for their lives in the midst of three wars.

Juliet, speaking in an interview with Joy News, revealed that she does not involve herself in politics because as a child, her family were caught up in three civil wars – Liberia, Lebanon and Cote d’ivoire.

With several celebrities, notably John Dumelo, Mzbel, Cwesi Oteng, Agya Koo, Mr Beautiful and Lucky Mensah, publicly declaring support for political parties ahead of the December 7 election, Juliet says she won’t declare support for any party.

“For me I’m not [a] political person. I have experienced three civil wars in my life. I was unfortunate. Liberia, Lebanon and Ivory Coast. I lost family members, I lost friends from war. I witnessed shooting at my parents in front of me,” the actress, who is of Lebanese, Liberian and Ghanaian descent revealed.

With the horrors of war still fresh on her mind, she recounted further that even one of her mother’s friends was nearly raped in one of the civil wars.

“As young girl who went through all of that, I don’t involve myself in anything political. I have been approached by so many people… to be a part of something political but I’m sorry I won’t do it,” Juliet Ibrahim added.

For her, her prime focus during every political season is to pray so that Ghanaian safeguard and maintain the peace and tranquility that the country is enjoying.

I'm “Protecting” Nana Addo Spiritually Against All Attacks - Pastor

General Overseer of Glorious Word Power Ministry International, Rev Isaac Owusu Bempah has assured to save from harm the flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party [NPP], Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of his opponents prior to December 7, polls.

“I will not sit down for anyone to kill Nana Addo. God has revealed to me the plots against him by some individual but that won’t happen under my watch” he assured in an interview with Neat FM morning show dubbed ‘Ghana Montie’

The renowned man of God upon his revelation about the plot to assassinate Nana Addo, has been invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for interrogation.

He however told host of NEAT FM’s morning show, Nana Yaw Kesse that – “Together with my lawyers, we will go to the police. If they want us to go into the spiritual realm, we will”.

The controversial man of God also cautioned the NPP flagbearer on his intended visit to the Volta Region to campaign next week – “People are planning to kill him there. God has revealed to him”.

 

'We Beg You Trust Us' - Asiedu Nketia Tells Voltarians

Johnson Aseidu Nketia 

 

 














NDC General Secretary Johnson Aseidu Nketia has warned Voltarians that the promises of development from the opposition NPP is only a ploy to deceive them.

In a move to consolidate the NDC's grip on the stronghold, the Volta region, the General Secretary says only the governing party can be trusted to continue the provision of social infrastructure.

At a rally in Hohoe, Aseidu Nketia told voters to expect major economic boost when the 695 km eastern corridor road is completed.
The road cuts through four regions - Greater Accra, Volta, Northern and Upper East regions

It stretches from Tema through Akosombo, Juapong, Hohoe, Jasikan, Kadjebi, Nkwanta, Kpasa and Oti Damanko to Bimbilla, Yendi, Garu, Misiga and to Kulungugu, in the Upper East Region.

President John Mahama has expressed confidence that once that road is completed, it will silence his critics.

This is because the $290million project is expected to generate business activity and integration with Ghana's eastern neighbours.
Citing an example of business opportunities coming to Hohoe, the NDC General Secretary said;

"...for economic reasons most of the transhipment from Mali to Tema habour would have to pass through Hohoe. Most of the transhipment from Niger to Tema harbour will have to pass through Hohoe [and] ...transhipment from Burkina Faso to Tema harbour would have to pass through Hohoe"

Aseidu Nketia told Voltarians that "the effort to fix the eastern corridor should not be seen only as a road construction. It is a major economic battle that is being fought".

He explained that in every economic battle there are saboteurs on the other side of the political divide who will strive to undermine the progress government was making.

"...those who don't want that road to be fixed, they are the very people who will come here and draw your attention to the deplorable nature of the road and urge you to vote against us"

"If you vote against us you will get that road abandoned", he warned.
He urged residents to support government to push through the construction of the road. "We beg you trust us...we are a government that believes in the construction of roads"

I Still Need A Debate With Akufo-Addo And His Running Mate To Stop Their Lies – Prez Mahama

 I Still Need A Debate With Akufo-Addo And His Running Mate To Stop Their Lies – Prez Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has thrown an open challenge again to opposition leader, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his running mate Dr. Mahammudu Bawumia to a debate on the economy.

According to him, this will give Ghanaians an opportunity to know the true state of the Ghanaian economy because his main contender and his running mate have been churning out a lot of misinformation about the country’s economy.

“If we have a one-on-one debate, we will all have our statistics and our figures and Ghanaians will be able to see who is telling the truth and who is not telling the truth.”

This comes after an earlier accusation by Mr. Mahama that Nana Akufo-Addo has always been running away from a one-on-one debate with him.

However, the President in an interview on Volta Star Radio during his campaign tour of the Volta Region said: “when I threw the first challenge, I threw it because a lot of misinformation was being thrown all over the place and Nana Akufo-Addo and his running mate continue to misinform the Ghanaian public and that is why I said let us have a one-on-one debate.”

He stressed :“I believe that Ghanaians deserve a debate between myself and Nana Akufo-Addo and I hope that they will respond and rise to the occasion.”

 

Economy In Crisis, Gov’t Confesses

Finance Minister, Mr Seth Terkper

 

CONTRARY to government’s denial of a weakening economy, Business Finder can confirm that the same government has admitted difficult economic times to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

A letter to the Fund, dated September 16, 2016 and signed jointly by Finance Minister, Mr Seth Terkper and central bank Governor, Dr Abdul-Nashiru Issahaku referred to slow economic growth and gross financing needs as having continued into 2016 from 2015.

“Economic conditions have been difficult, owing to slow economic growth and tight financing conditions. Weak commodity prices, a shortfall in cocoa production and unreliable electricity supply contributed to the 2015 economic slowdown,” the letter said.

It will be recalled that the third review of Ghana’s programme with the IMF and subsequent approval of the third tranche of the US$918 million Extended Credit Facility (ECF) were delayed following government’s failure to meet some critical targets contained in the programme.

The letter was therefore to assure the Fund that government’s fiscal consolidation remained on track and further to persuade the IMF Executive Board to complete the review and approve release of at about US$116.2 million to shore up the country’s reserves.

Mr Terkper and Dr Issahaku further gave assurance that efforts were underway to address the challenges that had occasioned the deviations in targets.

“We are taking corrective steps to address the slippages for end-2015 PCs on net domestic assets and the wage bill, which were missed by a small margin. We also stepped up structural reforms,” the letter assured.

Government has vehemently denied that Ghana’s economy is in crisis as it continues to tout its achievements as impeccable and makes a case for re-election in December this year.

While on his campaign tours, the President, Mr John Dramani Mahama has defended is government’s management of the Ghanaian economy, claiming that the nation’s economy had become resilient under his presidency.

He has urged Ghanaians to ignore what he described as “propaganda” by his critics that the economy is in crisis.

The President’s comments have been prompted by increasing concerns from economists as well as opposition political parties of his economic management record, especially Ghana’s increasing national debt which they have warned could sink the economy.

Economist, Dr Lord Mensah of the University of Ghana Business School at Legon criticised government’s posture, saying it was hypocritical.

“This is evidence of the fact that managers of the economy do not know where the economy is headed; the uncertainty about the economy is a major disincentive to the business community,” he pointed out.

 

PPP Supporters Besiege Court Premises

Some supporters of Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) on Thursday, besieged an Accra High Court with various placards demonstrating their abhorrence to the disqualification of Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, the Party’s Presidential Nominee from the Election 2016.

The Party supporters clad in PPP White and Red T-shirts with the effigy of Dr Nduom imbedded in the middle whilst others have the effigy of the late Mrs Eva Lokko PPP 2012 Vice Presidential Candidates in the middle.

Some of the placards read: “Charlotte, Bring Nduom Back,” “We need change,” and “We need Nduom”.

The vociferous PPP supporters congregated adjacent the New Court Complex, amidst singing, drumming and dancing, in support of Dr Nduom.

Mrs Bridgette Dzorgbenuku, PPP Vice Presidential Nominee and scores of PPP Parliamentary candidates were in court.

Dr Nduom and 12 others were disqualified from the contest by the Electoral Commission (EC) based on legal errors committed during the filling of the 2016 Presidential Nomination Forms.

The PPP had filed a writ seeking an order of the Court to restrain Mrs Charlotte Osei, the Electoral Commissioner.

He is praying the Court to stop the EC from proceeding with the balloting for the position of Presidential Candidates for the December 7, polls.

PPP is also seeking an order directed at the Electoral Commissioner to grant Dr Nduom the opportunity to amend and alter one anomaly found on his nomination papers and accept his nomination as amended so he could contest in the polls as Presidential Candidate.

Dr Nduom and 12 others were disqualified from the contest by the EC based on legal errors committed during the filling of the 2016 Presidential Nomination Forms.

Some of the reasons outlined by the EC that led to the disqualification of the aspirants are filing anomalies including fraudulent signatures, absence of a required number of signatures and improper filling of nomination forms.

The PPP had filed a writ seeking an order of the Court to restrain Mrs Osei, the Electoral Commissioner.

He is praying the Court to stop the EC from proceeding with the balloting for the position of Presidential Candidates for the December 7, polls.

PPP is also seeking an order directed at the Electoral Commissioner to grant Dr Nduom the opportunity to amend and alter one anomaly found on his nomination papers and accept his nomination as amended so he could contest in the Polls as Presidential Candidate.

The restraining order was in a Notice of Motion for an Order for Judicial Review.

The PPP applicant contended that his disqualification was in breach of the rules of natural justice and an error on the face of the record.

PPP is seeking for further orders as the court may deem fit.

 

"NDC Will Not Entertain Independent Candidates"- President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has denounced the defeated National Democratic Congress candidates, who have filed to contest as independent candidates in the 2016 Parliamentary Election.

He said: “The NDC will not entertain NDC members who contest as independent candidates but it will rather appeal to you to rally behind the NDC candidates to win in their constituencies.”

President Mahama, who was addressing NDC supporters as part of his four-day campaign tour of the Volta Region, said it was unacceptable for the same family to be divided on account of political power.


Disgruntled and defeated candidates in the ruling NDC and the New Patriotic Party have in the past and even this year, demonstrated their rebellion in their parties by breaking away to contest as independent candidates.

In most cases, such rebellions end up sharing the Party’s goodwill with the elected candidates and paving way for other political parties to make inroads in the election.

The call by the President, therefore, is to avoid the situation where their actions could thwart the efforts of duly elected candidates in their bid to win the seats.

President Mahama said although it was practised in the country, it would continue to be an inimical and alien to the NDC as it could serve as a reducing agent for the fortunes of the party and candidates.

He said although the NDC would be retained in power, there was no need engaging in activities that could hamper and dwindle the fortunes and goodwill Ghanaians had given them over the years.

On development projects, President Mahama said the building blocks had been laid in his first term of office and the second term would put the icing on the cake by accomplishing the development dreams of Ghana to make her taller than her peers on the continent.

He mentioned agriculture and job creation as the major components of his next four years of administration and urged the electorate to exhibit a high level of discipline before, during and after the polls.

The President also addressed similar rallies at Golokwati and at Songor in the North Dayi Constituency, where he inaugurated a newly constructed Administration block of the Songor Senior High Technical School.

He later addressed students of the University of Health and Allied Sciences in the Ho Municipality.

NDC's 3rd Spot On Ballot Represents John 3:16 – Asiedu Nketia

 NDC's 3rd Spot On Ballot Represents John 3:16 – Asiedu Nketia

The governing National Democratic Congress’ third spot on the parliamentary ballot paper represents John 3:16, General Secretary of the party, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia has said.

John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

“You haven’t heard John 3: 16 before huh? We have already composed songs with John 3:16,” General Mosquito, as Mr Asiedu Nketia is popularly known, told Class FM in an interview on Thursday, 20 October after the balloting exercise was done at the Electoral Commission.

While the NDC took the 3rd spot, their main contenders, New Patriotic Party (NPP) took the 5th spot.

Also, the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) got the first sport while the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) got the second position.

The United Progressive Party (UPP), National Democratic Party (NDP), and the Independent People’s Party (IPP) got the fourth, sixth and seventh positions respectively.

The balloting for the presidential race has been put on hold due to an injunction placed on the process by some aggrieved political parties whose flag bearers have been disqualified from the race.

The full balloting order is as follows:

1. GCPP
2. PPP
3. NDC
4. UPP
5. NPP
6. NDP
7. IPP

 

Freedom And Justice Does Not Live In A Vacuum - Rawlings Asserts

Ghana’s former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings

 

Ghana’s former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings says the national motto of freedom of Justice does not exist in a vacuum but relies on human beings with courage and true qualities to make it meaningful.

Flt Lt Rawlings called for the protection of institutions such as the Armed Forces who have the strength of integrity, loyalty and dependency.

He made the call at the burial service of WO1 Joseph Adjei Boadi, former member of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), at a solemn ceremony in Kumasi last Saturday.

The former President described the Ghana Armed Forces as one of the institutions that believe in freedom and justice with a solid conscience stating, “By the time we were leaving office our Armed Forces had restored the quality and image of being one of the best in the world in terms of being dutiful, determined and conscionable.”

He recalled the fact that when troops from Europe and other parts of the world fled Rwanda during their civil war, only Ghanaian troops, filled with revolutionary zeal, compassion and the passion for justice stayed behind when matters deteriorated.

“Unfortunately some governments see such qualities as a threat to their corruption and will do anything to destroy such institutions,” the former President said.

Flt Lt Rawlings described the late WO1 Adjei Boadi as “rare gem who was extremely efficient, a highly disciplined soldier and materially incorruptible.”

The former President decried the lack of respect for elders and those who have sacrificed for some great causes in the country and recalled remarks by a former General who recently attended a party event only to depart in disappointment because the good frontline seats had all been taken by appointees and party officials without any consideration for the true elders who had sacrificed and literally fought for the nation and party’s cause.

The retired General further lamented the fact that in another party elders, whether they are ministers or not are always assigned front seats in respect and deference to the roles they have played.

The former President remarked that the fact that the General could not be recognized or acknowledged by the new crop is a serious enough indictment.

Churches were not left out of the former President’s critique, stating that though the churches should be the number one institutions of integrity the rot some of them portray is an eyesore to the image of God.

“What has eaten Ghana up so much so that for one to progress he or she has to adopt corrupt tendencies? It is extremely difficult to move forward by doing things the right way,” he lamented.

WO1 Adjei Boadi who died at the age of 71 was a Chief Instructor and Second-in-Command at the Armed Forces Fire Training School before becoming a PNDC member. He lived, served his country at the highest level and died with his integrity intact.

Also present at the ceremony were Nananom, queenmothers and dignitaries including retired Commander Baffour Assasie Gyimah and Peter Anaafi Mensah, former Ashanti Regional Minister.

 

NDC's 3rd Spot On Ballot Represents John 3:16 – Asiedu Nketia

Johnson Asiedu Nketia

 

The governing National Democratic Congress’ third spot on the parliamentary ballot paper represents John 3:16, General Secretary of the party, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia has said.

John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

“You haven’t heard John 3: 16 before huh? We have already composed songs with John 3:16,” General Mosquito, as Mr Asiedu Nketia is popularly known, told Class FM in an interview on Thursday, 20 October after the balloting exercise was done at the Electoral Commission.

While the NDC took the 3rd spot, their main contenders, New Patriotic Party (NPP) took the 5th spot.

Also, the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) got the first sport while the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) got the second position.

The United Progressive Party (UPP), National Democratic Party (NDP), and the Independent People’s Party (IPP) got the fourth, sixth and seventh positions respectively.

The balloting for the presidential race has been put on hold due to an injunction placed on the process by some aggrieved political parties whose flag bearers have been disqualified from the race.

The full balloting order is as follows:

1. GCPP
2. PPP
3. NDC
4. UPP
5. NPP
6. NDP
7. IPP

 

Terkper Storms Parliament Today...

Finance Minister, Seth Terkper

Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, would today storm Parliament to present a Paper on Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation, January to March, 2017.

The Paper when later approved by the Legislature will enable the withdrawal of moneys from the Consolidated Fund to run government machinery for the stipulated three months period.

The 1992 Constitution gives the President the authority to go to Parliament to seek prior approval by a resolution, the withdrawal of moneys to spend for the stipulated three months.

Article 180 of the 1992 Constitution states “Where it appears to the President that the Appropriation Act in respect of any financial year will not come into operation by the beginning of that financial year, he may, with the prior approval of Parliament by a resolution, authorize the withdrawal of moneys from the Consolidated Fund for the purpose of meeting expenditure necessary to carry on the services of Government in respect of the period expiring three months from the beginning of the financial year or on the coming into operation of the Act whichever is earlier.”

Financial experts says this provision is always activated, especially, in an election year where the President is not sure the budget for that financial year will come into force and also which political party may take over the mantle of leadership to govern the country for the next four y

 

Businesses Are Disintegrating – IMANI

A policy think-tank, IMANI Center for Policy and Education, has raised concerns about the rate at which businesses in the country are disintegrating due to government’s inability to put the right policies in place to manage and expand the business sector.

The organisation disclosed this in a recent report it jointly authored with the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge Fund (BUSAC) on Ghana’s business environment.

The report, which examined major business challenges between 2011 and the first quarter of this year, said there were massive gaps in the country’s micro-economic indicators that stifle the growth of the economy.

The survey showed that access to financing emerged the prime challenge among some five problems that bother businesses; followed by inflation, foreign currency regulations, taxation and also corruption.

IMANI said the cost of credit was the major challenge of businesses and made reference to a World Bank WDI data, which said Ghana’s domestic credit to the private sector as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) increased from 15.1 percent in 2011 to 20.3 percent in 2015.

Growth of real private sector credit grew from 13.1 percent in 2013 to 26.6 percent in 2014 but fell to as low as 3.7 percent in 2015, as contained in the 2016 Budget.

It also considered policies, bills and regulations that were formulated within the afore-stated period and how discrepancies related to these caused limitations.

The report further mentioned that even though some interventions such as the Export Trade, Agricultural and Industrial Development Fund provided credit to some manufacturers, some private sector funding initiatives, including the SME fund which aimed at providing credit, were not implemented because they were linked to the China Development Bank (CDB) loan which experienced hitches.

CEO of IMANI, Franklyn Cudjoe, reminded government of the importance of creating opportunities that would develop the productive sectors of the economy.

He underscored the relentlessly high cost of credit, mounting inflation and the yawning budget shortfall which hindered the expansion of most businesses in the private sector, as well as employment.

Prez Mahama’s Claim Of Media Cabal False - Kweku Baako

The Editor -in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Abdul Malik Kwaku Baako has dismmised claims by President John Dramani Mahama that there’s a media cabal blocking ‘my transformation’ message from being known to Ghanaians.

The President has expressed displeasure over what he asserts is the control of Ghana’s media by a cabal within the media who are blocking his message of transformation.

According to him, a certain group of people have a hold of the Ghanaian media to obstruct his government’s message and making it difficult for people to know the truth about his administration’s performance.

“It is populism, a certain group has taken control of the media in Ghana and it makes it difficult for people to discern the truth. So as much as you are putting out the information, it is either being blocked or distorted,”he said.

He made this revelation during an interview with Ovation Magazine.

But speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show Wednesday, Abdul Malik Kwaku Baako stated that contrary to the President’s claims, his government has had enough of media exposure by the pro NDC media who are selling his good works on both mainstream media and social media.

“The President’s statement that there’s a cabal in the media that there’s a cabal blocking his transformation message is so unfair to the media houses supporting the ruling NDC party and the President. In deed let me be honest, if you do an assessment they are doing very well for the transformation agenda, they are selling and marketing what the government has done. If you go to social media they, they are doing very well there, and yet the President says the transformation agenda is not known? then there’s some problem somewhere.

He added: “To say there’s a media cabal…of cause not identified, working against the projection of the transformation agenda is not true. They have had enough media exposure now, all over the place. If the President’s claim is the case, then it erases the issue if indeed the transformation agenda is impacting positively on the people we are lamenting that they don’t feel it, this is an interesting subject for political scientist to interrogate.”