I Might Contest NPP General Secretary Position Someday – Sir John

Former General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) Lawyer Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, aka Sir John has revealed that he’ll stage a come back for the General Secretary position of the party, should there be an overwhelming call on him from the party supporters.

According to him, as a party man he remains committed to the NPP’s course and will readily avail himself for service whenever he’s needed.

Sir John who is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission was defeated by the suspended General Secretary, Kwabena Agyapong during a keenly contested election at the party’s congress in 2014.

Soon after Sir John’s resounding defeat, some political analysts predicted that, his loss ended his ambition to occupy any administrative office of the NPP.

Currently the substantive National Organizer John Boadu doubles as the Acting General Secretary as Kwabena Agyapong remains on indefinite suspension.

Some political watchers anticipate that John Boadu will run for the General Secretary position during the NPP’s next congress after successfully leading the party to capture power from the NDC party in the 2016 general elections.

However speaking on Kasapa FM, Sir John stated that though he remains focused on his current job at the Forestry Commission, he can’t disappoint party supporters if the call for his return to the General Secretary position is intense.

“If there’s a general crave for me to be General Secretary, then I’ll have no option than to satisfy the wish of the party members. I’ll accept the challenge and ensure that Nana Akufo completes his second term by which time his vision for Ghana would have been realized. Doing party work is a great service and I’ll continue to render invaluable service to the NPP at all times in whatever capacity I find myself.”

Some Akufo-Addo Appointees Are 'Corrupt' - Prof. Martey

There are some corrupt appointees in the Nana Akufo-Addo government, former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Prof Emmanuel Martey has said.

Speaking to journalists in an interview on Monday, Prof Martey said: "NPP also has bad elements.”

“Even some of their appointees are not correct...they are corrupt", he added.

Meanwhile, Prof Martey has also said illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) had a field day under the Mahama administration.

The cleric told journalists that the government of Mr John Mahama identified the cause of galamsey but failed to deal with it despite his promptings.

“I don’t want to go into politics but it was in Mahama’s administration that this thing [galamsey] became worst. I met Mahama, we sat down and I complained about this galamsey. He told me that he was able to identify the Ghanaian who was bringing the Chinese to Ghana so they will deal with it. But rather, things got worse so if the government will sit up and selflessly manage our country, this galamsey business will be solved,” Rev Martey said.

The Akufo-Addo government declared zero tolerance for galamsey right after coming into office. The anti-galamsey campaign led by Minister of Lands and Natural Resources John Peter Amewu has resulted in the cessation of the practice across the country.

Also, a six-month ban has been placed on all forms of small-scale mining – both legal and illegal as the government takes measures to regularise the industry.

Rev Martey commended the Akufo-Addo government for fighting galamsey. “It is too early to say that the present administration is not doing well. In fact it is because they have come, and thanks to the media everybody knows that galamsey is a necessary evil which ought to be eliminated.”

NDC Chairman, 4 Robbers & 2 Others Killed In Robbery Gun Battle

Seven people, including armed robbers and a National Democratic Congress chairman, have been shot dead at Tatale in the Northern region in a gun battle that foiled a robbery attack Sunday evening. The gun shoot-out started when some gun wielding armed robbers arrived on a motorbike at the Tatale Market at about 4:30pm Sunday in an attempt to rob some motorbike dealers in the market of their sales.

Eyewitnesses say luck eluded the robbers who attempted to flee the scene but were chased by the residents amidst gun battle. Four of the robbers were eventually killed at Nonyado, a community in the district while the others managed to escape, eyewitnesses told TV3. Personnel from the Tatale- Sanguli District Police office who responded to distress call joined the residents in the gun battle with the armed robbers which resulted in the death of three residents. Two of the three have been identified only as Papa, an NDC chairman for Nonyado and one Asando.

Two other residents who were said to have sustained gunshot wounds were rushed to the Zabzugu Health Center for medical attention while the other four robbers managed to escape. The Tatale – Sanguli District Police Commander, Eric Akaboah, confirmed the incident to TV3 and said all seven bodies have been deposited at the Zabzugu Hospital. Tatale – Sanguli district shares borders with Togo and traders within the eastern corridor and some parts of northern Volta ply the international road to and from Ghana and Togo. The Tatale market serves as a black market for the trading and changing of CFA and Ghana Cedis thus prone to robbery.

Ohene Agyekum’s Bank Accounts Defrozen.

The Economic and Organized Crime Organization, EOCO has defrozen the Bank Accounts of Mr Daniel Ohene Agyekum, the immediate past chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

Sources close to the EOCO says that the decision was communicated to the Banks by a letter dated March 17, 2017. The indications are that by this decision, EOCO is signaling that Mr Agyekum may not have serious questions to answer.

He was first invited to assist EOCO in its investigations into alleged financial maladministration in COCOBOD but was later informed that he would be charged with causing financial loss to the state.

Over the last three months, Mr Agyekum has been questioned on a number of occasions about the release of some money to the National Security Council to fight the smuggling of cocoa and inputs for cocoa farmers.

He was also questioned about the renovation of the residence of the Chief Executive of the Cocobod and the award of contracts for what has come to be known as cocoa roads. Mr. Agyekum has always insisted on his innocence and told investigators that Cocobod under his leadership was strictly governed by law and internal rules. Dr. Opuni, the Chief Executive of Cocobod is also currently under investigation over procurements.
Reports purported to be coming from EOCO have been widely published by a section of the media alleging impropriety on the part of Dr. Opuni. However these reports have not been confirmed or denied by the ECOCO.
It is not known whether Dr. Opuni's accounts have also been defrozen.

Sam George Takes A Potshot At Martin Amidu

Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram Constituency, Hon. Sam Nartey George, has stated that former Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Martin Amidu has lost his moral high ground since he's been silent during recent scandals.

According to the Ningo-Prampram legislator, Mr. Martin Amidu can no longer claim to be "seeking what is just, right and honest" since he's been relatively silent during recent scandals like that of the policeman assaulted by alleged Invincible Forces members, and that of the recent $2.25 bn bond, to name a few.

Hon. Sam George goes on to point out that Mr. Amidu, A.K.A Citizen vigilant's considerations about the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of the Delta Force 8's case are partisan. He then finishes by wishing that Mr. Amidu could have risen beyond "partisanship and Hypocrisy", but melancholically finishes by saying, "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride".

Hon. Sam George's comment comes after Mr. Amidu's article titled: THE LEGAL ADVICE ON THE 8 ALLEGED DELTA FORCE MEMBERS IS UNASSAILABLE - BY MARTIN A. B. K. AMIDU published on May 19th, supporting to the AG Office's course of action regarding the NPP affiliated vigilante group. The Ningo-Prampram's accusation that Mr. Amidu was "silent" during recent scandals could be observed from that of publications from his [Mr. Amidu's] website between January 16th and May 3rd.

Ridge Hospital Brouhaha: Quarshigah To Sue Health Minister

The Deputy Ranking member of the Labour and Employment Committee of Parliament, Richard Quarshigah has threatened to drag the Minister of Health, Kweku Agyemang Manu to court over what he terms as the wrongful dismissal of the Medical Director of Ridge Hospital.

According to Mr. Quarshigah, the Minister’s decision to dismiss the Ridge Hospital boss was arbitral and contravenes the country’s labour laws.

There is an ensuing confusion at the Ridge Hospital following the refusal of the hospital’s medical director, Dr. Thomas Anaba to leave the facility despite a letter from the Minister of Health directing him to do so.

Mr. Anaba has said that the Ministry was acting in bad faith since it cannot provide reasons for the decision to relief him of his post.

The Public Relations Officer of the Health Ministry, Mr. Cudjoe, Dr. Anaba in an interview on Eyewitness News said, Mr. Anaba must accept the decision and “go on with life.”

But the Keta MP, Richard Quarshigah said the situation adds to the tall list of others experienced under the Akufo-Addo administration.

He said the happening reemphasizes the position of the minority in Parliament that the NPP government was unfairly removing persons who earned their positions on merit.

“I think that this is an unfair treatment, an infringement on the labour and employment laws of our country. The minister of health has erred and I think it is most unfair… Dr Anaba is not alone in this. There are several other cases where people who earned their employment on merit are being sacked from the position based on a perceived political affiliation.”

He added that the Health Minister will be invited to Parliament to answer questions on the developments at the hospital.

“I’ll take this up so strongly. We will institute the process of hurling the various ministers including Agyemang Manu before parliament through excess questions when parliament resumes. Before that, I will also pursue the necessary legal action that can be taken to restore the dignity of democracy that this nation hosts here.”

Delta 8 Could Be Re-Arrested – Emile Short

 Emile Short

The eight Delta Force members who were freed could be re-arrested if there is enough evidence to establish their guilty, a former Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Justice Emile Short has said.

“If there is due evidence to link them with the offence, they can be re-arrested because they have only been discharged, they were not convicted…” Mr. Emile Short said.

The 8 were freed on grounds of lack of evidence after they raided a competent court of jurisdiction, leading to the escape of 12 of their suspects in court custody.

Many including the Minority have since criticized the move, demanding the rearrest of the eight.

But Mr. Short, on Eyewitness News, explained that the eight can only be re-arrested if there is “enough evidence” linking them to the case.

“If the eight Delta Force members were discharged for a lack of evidence, there’s no point re-arresting them,” Mr. Emile Short insisted.

He was also dismayed at the manner in which the case had been turned into a political one, saying “some people want to make this a political issue but it’s a legal issue.”

He further watered down suggestions that the Principal Attorney did not have the powers to deliver judgement on this case, clarifying that the latter could also instruct the Police to discontinue proceedings on a case, depending on the circumstances.

“Due process of law requires that if a docket is referred to the State Attorney and the State Attorneys look at the document and the evidence and find out that there is no evidence or whatsoever to support the charges brought against them, then the principal state attorney is entitled to instruct the Police to discontinue the proceedings and in a case like this we have had reference even to the Attorney General because the Attorney General had signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

It is not all cases that the principal state attorney has to refer matters to the Attorney General because the Attorney General cannot supervise all cases in the region. “

The eight were standing trial for allegedly storming the court premises earlier this year to free 13 of their members who were charged with conspiracy to assault for vandalizing property at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and assaulting the Regional Security Coordinator.

NADMO Boss Has Five (5) Deputies – Abu Ramadan

Abu Ramadan

The current Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh has five deputies.

They include, Deputy-General in charge of Operations, Deputy in charge of Finance and Administration, Deputy Technical, Deputy Monitoring, Evaluation and Transport and a Deputy in charge of Protocol and Relief and Reconstruction.

This was revealed by one of his deputies, Abu Ramadan who crossed carpet from the People’s National Convention (PNC) to the New Patriotic Party during the run-up to the 2016 general elections. Mr. Ramadan is currently the Deputy-General of NADMO in charge of Operations.

Speaking on Citi FM Friday, Abu Ramadan rejected claims that the five deputies will put pressure on the public purse.

“The five deputies won’t make a difference neither will it change anything,” he argued. This comes on the back of a wave of bashing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has received for appointing a total of 110 Ministers and their deputies.

Many Ghanaians have complained that the supposed elephant sized Akufo-Addo’s government will over burden the national purse but government officials have refuted such claims saying it is in the interest of the country.

Mr. Ramadan also said he has not received an official vehicle adding that he uses his personal car. “We don’t have official cars. I don’t have an official driver, I pay my own driver,” Abu Ramadan explained but affirmed that “I have an office [at NADMO].”

He also argued the need for the many deputy roles saying they play diverse roles at NADMO.

“NADMO as we speak today, our staff is a little under 7,000. The job of NADMO is so enormous that it can’t be put in the hands of a single person. Under NADMO alone we have more than 23 different units that work under NADMO. Anything you think of so long as it’s disaster we have a unit in NADMO that takes care of it.”

Speed Up Processes Of Integration — Prez Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has underscored the need for members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to speed up the process of the integration of the sub-region.

That, he explained, would offer “immense opportunities to bring prosperity to our region with hard work, enterprise and creativity.”

With the population of the sub-region expected to hit 500 million in 20 years from its current population of 350 million, President Akufo-Addo said the integration of the ECOWAS was now more imperative.

He was speaking at a state dinner organised in his honour by the Guinean President, Professor Alpha Conde in Conakry last Thursday as part of his three-day tour of that country.

The President is in Guinea as part of his second leg of his three-nation West African tour to build on existing relations and explore further areas of cooperation between Ghana and other West African countries.

Peace and stability

President Nana Akufo-Addo said there was the need for the ambitious programme of economic transformation and integration of the ECOWAS countries to be hinged on the peace and stability in the sub-region.

“I am thus relieved, and I am sure I speak for all of us here, that the disturbing events of the last few days in our common neighbouring state of Cote d’Ivoire have been brought to a satisfactory conclusion, and that good sense has prevailed and enabled the crisis to abate peacefully,” he said.

Raw materials

The President called on West African countries to change the focus of their economies from the production and export of raw materials to adding value to the raw materials and industrialisation.

He said there was no future for the sub-region in the short, medium or long term, if its economic structures were dependent on the production and export of raw materials

“We must add value to these resources, we must industrialise and we must enhance agricultural productivity, if West Africa is to ensure the progress and prosperity of its peoples,” he stated.

Ghana-Guinea

President  Nana Akufo-Addo expressed his delight at the reactivation of the Permanent Joint Commission on Co-operation  between Ghana and Guinea.

“Cooperation in the development of our agriculture, education, science and technology, infrastructure, health, energy and culture, and the coordination of the exploitation of our mutual natural resources, such as bauxite, iron ore, gold and petroleum, would be of immense benefit to our two countries,” he added.

He proposed that the two countries hold the next session of the joint commission in Accra before the end of the year, adding “we must intensify the links between Ghanaian and Guinean enterprises, and, thereby, also hasten the process of regional integration.”

Touching on the long-standing bilateral relations that existed between Ghana and Guinea, President Akufo-Addo said he was hopeful that “our two peoples will continue to march side by side in solidarity in the search for progress and dignity for the African peoples.”

President Akufo-Addo applauded President Conde for the ongoing efforts to entrench democracy and the rule of law in Guinea to maintain unity and integrity in that country devoid of narrow partisan and ethnic considerations.

“It is a historic task, but one in which your lifelong struggle and sacrifices for Guinean democracy have prepared you adequately to undertake. We wish you well and Godspeed,” he added.

President Akufo-Addo was also thankful for the presence of his Guinean counterpart at his inauguration on January 7, 2017, and also for the presence of the Guinean Prime Minister, M. Mamady Youla, at Ghana’s 60th independence anniversary celebrations on March 6, 2017.

Where Is The Competence NPP Promised Ghanaians? – Fmr Deputy Minister Asks

A former Deputy Northern Regional Minister Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini has observed that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is doing the reverse of what it promised Ghanaians in the run-up to the 2016 general elections.

He said the party and its leaders criticized the former administration of being incompetent and also led by incompetent leadership, but four months after taking the reins of power it appears to be at sea and not knowing exactly how to manage the country’s economy from its diagnosis.

The Sagnarigu constituency lawmaker wondered where the competence it claimed it has, had gone in the wake members of its vigilante groups flouting the country’s laws with impunity and being aided by the party to get away with it.

Commenting on the acquittal of 8 members of Pro-NPP vigilante group, Delta Force, he questioned the competence of the current regime if it could allow persons who physically attacked a state institution in a Hollywood style to walk free.

Speaking on Pan Africa TV on Friday, Alhaji A. B.A expressed shock on how the state through the Attorney General showed “crass incompetence” in the case by allowing the suspects off the hook in the name of lack of evidence.

While standing by the calls on the minority side of parliament for the re-arrest of all 8 suspects to face prosecution, he concurred with proposition by former Deputy Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Joseph Yamin that the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Gloria Akuffo be fired for doing a poor job.

“She has failed in her position as the legal advisor of government and must be shown the exit.

It would be recalled that Eight (8) members of the Pro-New Patriotic Party (NPP) vigilante group, Delta Force who were standing trial for aiding 13 of their colleagues to abscond were on Wednesday May 17, 2017 freed by a Kumasi Circuit Court for want of evidence.

When the case was called, the Principal State Attorney Marie Louise-Simmons told the Court that the state was no longer interested in pursuing the case indicating it was as a result of the fact that “the evidence available makes it extremely impossible to successfully prosecute any of the suspects.”

Adding, “two police officers who were at the court when the accused persons committed the offence could not identify the suspects”.

GH¢100K Bribe Claim: NPP Chairman Drags 5 To Court

The Central Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Robert Kutin has initiated a legal action against Mathew Botchwey, affectionately known in Cape Coast as Kalifonia, the region’s Deputy Organizer of the party, Atinka FM and two other persons from KokrokoFM in Cape Coast.

In the writ of summons issued from Accra High Court date 19 May, 2017, it stated that ‘an action having been commenced against Mathew Botchwey and four others by the issue of this writ by Robert Kutin Jnr.

You are hereby commanded that within eight days after service of this Writ on you inclusive of the day of service you do cause an appearance to be entered for you, the summons said’

Mathew Botchwey and the other defendants are expected within eight days to enter their defense.

Robert Kutin was accused of extorting money from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Central Region and impeding the chances of others from becoming ministers.

Botchwey alleged in an interview with KokrokoFM that Kutin had taken Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis from a son of ‘Mercy Cream’.

Botchwey claimed the ‘modus operandi’ of his Chairman (Kutin) and trend is assuming a new dimension in the region where money has become the prerequisite requirement of one becoming a district Chief Executive. He said, Kutin since assuming office in 2013 become autocratic abhors dissenting views.

He attributed the rejection of both Assin South and Abura -Asebu Kwamankese District Chief Executive nominees to Chairman Robert Kutin.

According to him, Kutin managed to replace some of the nominees a day before the lists was published.

‘Upon all the opportunities given to Kutin by the President, he still impedes others progress. ‘He (Kutin) is the Chairman of Maritime, while his uncle is chairing the Getfund Board, but he did all he could to block the appointment of Chairman KK twice from serving as deputy minister in the region’-he alleged

‘Others are afraid of Kutin, but I Mathew have resolved to face Kutin everywhere to ensure that I rescue the party from him’. ‘Kutin is hurting the image of the party in that. I cannot allow him to continue that trend for the party to suffer in subsequent elections,’ California told a local radio station.

Meanwhile, Abdul Tarig Bonsu, the DCE aspirant reported to have parted with the bribe has rubbished allegations.

“If I have that GHC100,000 on me now, I would rather invest it in my business. It’s true that I presented my name for such position but was Okay when my name did not appear in the final list. I feel we’ll all have to support the party to propagate the good works by this government. Mr. Kutin has a reputation and I think it’s unfair to dent his image in such manner.”

Leaving PNC Was The Right Decision – Abu Ramadan

Former National Youth Organiser of the People’s National Convention, Abu Ramadan now member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has defended his reasons for leaving his former party.

He argued that it was a right decision because the PNC’s electoral fortunes had dwindled drastically over the years.

Mr. Ramadan announced his defection to the NPP prior to the December 7, 2016 general elections.

He has currently been honoured with a deputy position at the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) in the Akufo-Addo government.

Speaking on the Point Blank segment on Eyewitness News on Friday, Mr. Ramadan insisted that he did not make a wrong decision.

“The problem was that at that time the PNC had lost traction on the ground. Until today the fortunes of the party keep dwindling by the day and it looks as if any other day I look at the party again and I always tell myself I made the right decision, leaving at that time moving to a more formidable party to enhance by political career,” he added.

“I’m not a medical doctor or a lawyer; I’m a politician by career so I had to select where best would shoot my career as a politician. And I felt my home was with the NPP and Nana Addo being my biggest inspiration to want to ever be in NPP and he being the frontrunner to be president, I think I didn’t make a wrong decision.”

When asked why he did not join the then governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) instead of the NPP which was in opposition at the time, Mr. Ramadan explained that his ideals and values “are at variance with the NDC” hence his choice.

“The NPP presented a more people friendly policies…and at that time the NDC was so unattractive and still unattractive to up thinking and moral upright people because of the issue of corruption, they way and manner the government was run, the way and manner they didn’t care about the plight of the people moved me closer to the NPP than it should have taken to the NDC,” he added.

Ofori-Atta Wants More Time To Respond To CHRAJ On $2.25bn Bond

The Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, has requested for an extra 15 working days to respond to the queries of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in the matter of whether or not he contravened provisions of the 1992 Constitution in the public offer of the $2.25 billion bond in 10 days.

The Chief Director of the ministry, Mr Patrick Nomo, in a letter dated May 11, 2017 requested for the extension of time.

The extension, according to the letter, was necessary to properly respond to the issues raised by CHRAJ in their letter to the Minister on May 5, 2017.

The minister said in order to properly respond to the issues with supporting documentation, an extension of time by an additional 15 business days was required.

He said that would enable him properly coordinate with all relevant parties, including external transaction advisors, for the information to be provided.

CHRAJ’s letter

CHRAJ on May 5, 2017 requested the minister to comment on whether or not he had contravened provisions of the 1992 Constitution in the public offer of the $2.25 billion bond in 10 days.

The letter of CHRAJ titled, “Allegation of contravention or non-compliance with Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution by Mr Ken Ofori-Atta - A public officer: Request for comments,” was delivered through the secretariat of the Minister, sources confirmed to Graphic Online.

The request for the Minister’s comments was based on a petition by a citizen, Mr Yaw Brogya Genfi.

In his complaint to CHRAJ titled, “Petition to investigate conflict of interest in the recent US$2.25 billion bond issued by the government of Ghana through the Ministry of Finance,” he alleged that the minister had placed himself in a conflict of interest position, and thus, in breach of constitutional provisions.

When Graphic Online contacted, the Commissioner of CHRAJ, Mr Joseph Whittal confirmed that the minister had asked for more time to respond.

“We are amenable to the request,” was all he would say.

Petition

Mr Genfi alleged in his petition that, “a number of issues of conflict of interest and the lack of transparency have emerged from the bond issuance.”

For instance, the bonds were not on the issuance calendar; the initial pricing guidelines of the bond were issued after working hours on March 30, 2017, while the public announcement of the transaction was sent by email at 9:09 am on March 31, 2017.

That meant that the transaction was opened before the announcement was made to the public.

Mr Genfi further alleged that April 3, 2017 was the Settlement Date and not the closing date of the bond.

He said one single investor, Franklin Templeton Investment Limited, an American global investment management organisation founded in 1947 purchased 95 per cent of the bond issued.

Mr Genfi was of the view that “a relational interest existed between the Minister of Finance and Mr Trevor G Trefgarne, who in a semi-annual report of the Franklin Templeton Investment Limited of December 31, 2016 is named as one of the Board of Directors of the organisation, while also being the Chairman of the Enterprise Group Limited.

“Enterprise Group Limited is a company partially owned by Data Bank Limited, a company in which the Finance Minister is known to have significant interest,” Mr Genfi said.

He also complained that Mr Tevor G Trefgarne and the Minister of Finance had also been described as “great friends.”

Directives

CHRAJ after its preliminary assessment of the petition asked the Minister of Finance for his comments on the allegations made against him.

It had asked the Minister in his responses, to as much as possible, support with any documents or information, “within 10 days and, if you admit to the allegations, to state so expressly.”

“The Commission would like to inform you that if you deny the allegations made against you, the Commission would cause the matter to be investigated,” the letter added.

Arrest Bugri, Otiko And Rockson - Asiedu Nketia To Police

The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Johnson Aseidu Nketia wants the Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Daniel Bugri Naabu, Minister for Gender and Social Protection Ms Otiko Afisa Djaba and Minister for Upper East Region immediately arrested.

He indicates that the three following allegations made by Bugri himself are complicit in the death of the former Upper East Regional Chairman of the NPP, Mahama Adams and should arrested and investigated for their roles.

Though the Daniel Bugri Naabu has publicly apologized for the comments indicating that he has no facts to back the claim except what police investigators put out and that his comment was borne out of a slip of tongue, the NDC scribe believes that should not be accepted.

On Kumasi-based Nhyira Fm, Mr. Asiedu Nketia accused NPP National Executives of concealing the main suspects behind the death of the former Regional Chairman.

He observed that the apology and retraction of the allegations against the Ministers by the NPP Northern Regional Chairman is not enough unless the suspects are identified and brought to book.

“Arrest Hon. Rockson Bukari, Hon Otiko Djaba and Bugri Naabu to assist police investigations because he Bugri claims they masterminded the death of the late Adams Mahama”.

Daniel Bugri Naabu, on Monday May 8, 2017 accused both Hon Rockson Bukari, the Upper East Regional Minister,and Honourable Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ms Otiko Afisa Djaba, for having a hand in the acid bath and subsequent death of the party’s late Upper East Regional chairman Mahama Adams in 2015.

“You could remember Adams Mahama who certainly died when he was bathed with acid, it was through the same secret meetings …”, Bugri Naabu declared in an interview with Radio XYZ while responding to allegations of bribery made against him by Gender Minister Ms Otiko whose alleged “secret” meeting he disrupted on during the weekend.

According to acerbic tongue Chairman, he is surprised the very people that orchestrated the killing of Chairman Adams are in government. “You’ll be surprised that some of these people who masterminded the killing of Adams have come to take positions in the government … like the Upper East Regional Minister. He was heavily involved in the masterminded killing of Adams,” Bugri told the interviewer.

Otiko is a controversial woman in the party, and was also involved in the murder of Chairman Adams. ‘I’m telling you, this Adams issue, she was deeply involved, he claimed

NPP Asks Otiko To Resign As Women's Organiser

The governing New Patriotic Party has asked all party executives who have been offered appointments by President Akufo-Addo to resign from their party positions.

“All Party Office holders (elected or appointed) who have second executive positions in government should vacate their Party positions for substantive officers appointed to fill in,” a statement signed by Acting General Secretary and National Organiser, Mr John Boadu has said.

This was agreed upon after the party’s National Council meeting Wednesday night.

Below is the NPP’s statement:

DECISION TAKEN AT THE NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

The National Council of the Party met yesterday, May 10, 2017.

The meeting was chaired by Hon. Freddie Blay (acting National Chairman). In attendance were the President Nana Akufo-Addo, the Vice President Bawumia and former President J.A. Kufuor.

The meeting took the following decisions;

1. All Party Office holders (elected or appointed) who have second executive positions in government should vacate their Party positions for substantive officers appointed to fill in.

2. The meeting expressed strong disapproval and regret against the actions and utterances of the minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Northern Regional Chairman. Even though the two apologized profusely, the meeting severely reprimanded them and bonded them to be of good behaviour. They were also asked to put their apologies into written statements.

3. The meeting fixed the Party’s 2017 National Delegates’ Conference for the 25th to 27th of August, 2017 in Cape Coast.

4. The meeting also approved the Party’s hosting of the International Democratic Union’s (IDU) 2017 executive meeting in Accra from the 18th to 21st of June, 2017

The President also briefed the meeting on the government programmes on Planting for Food and Jobs, Establishment of the Development Authorities, the One District, One Factory Project, the Establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the sustenance of the National Health Insurance Scheme.

The President reiterated that;

1. The Planting for Food and Jobs Program has already engaged 200,000 farmers and would eventually engage 2.5million farmers. The Agric Extension Program has been revived and 1,200 trained officers have been engaged.

2. The One District, One Factory will kick off in 51 districts and launched in June 2017. Government has also set aside a stimulus package of $100million to revive distressed but strategic and viable Ghanaian industries.

3. The President affirmed Government will soon retire the huge debt of ₵1.2billion owed the National Health Insurance Providers to this major social intervention on a new course.

4. Legislation will be introduced in the next meeting of Parliament to establish the 3 development authorities to set the stage for the implementation of the $1m per constituency per year development program.

5. Legislation will also be introduced in the next meeting of Parliament to set the Office of the Special Prosecutor as a foremost public institution in the fight against corruption.

The meeting ended with the assurance of the President that all remaining government appointments will be completed by end of May 2017.

 …Signed…

John Boadu 

(General Secretary, Ag.)

Spio Chickens Out Of NDC Race

Former Trade and Industry Minister, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, appears to have thrown in the towel as the race for the presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for Election 2020 gathers momentum.

He has said categorically that if former President John Mahama contests as the flag bearer, he (Spio-Garbrah) will not join the race, although it is not clear whether he will be interested in the contest if the ex-president does not come.

Radio Interview

He granted an interview to a private radio station – Radio XYZ – in Accra on Tuesday and was later quoted as making a subtle declaration to contest in the 2020 presidential election, but he later reacted by saying it was distorted.

“That’s a premature question for me to answer… all of us appointed by Mahama have great respect for him. We all believe we have to grant him that opportunity,” Spio had told the station, adding, “He has the first right of refusal.”

He continued, “My view is that all such matters are for the collective… when the time comes I’ll take that into account. Let’s work together to fix that car first or the horse that may be lame or whatever allegory people want to use. Once it is done, the best driver will be decided. At this state, it is early. Everyone could have leadership potential and I can’t be excluded.”

Important Distortion

Mr Spio-Garbrah later said on the social media platform – Facebook – that his interview had been distorted by the media; and that he was giving an indication that he might still be in the contest after all.

“Please note the slight but important distortion of what I said this morning on Radio XYZ.  I did NOT say I shall run if Mahama doesn’t nor did I discuss who is the ‘best person’ to lead the NDC.”

He continued, “I said that all of us Mahama appointees have a great deal of respect for him and so I believe he should be given (as a former President and party leader) the right of first refusal whether to run again.

“However, I noted that he will be contested if he runs. I indicated that there are many people asking me to run but I have advised them both publicly and privately that it is best for all of us to concentrate on repairing the ‘broken NDC car’ or ‘strengthening the lame horse’ (Mahama’s allegory) before competing over party leadership, hence, my call for us to await the outcome of the Prof Botchwey Committee’s work.”

He added, “I have no doubt that there will be many distortions of what I said on Radio XYZ, which I have summarized above.”

More Names

Apart from Mr Spio-Garbrah’s name that popped up, there are a host of NDC stalwarts who are all planning to upstage ex-President Mahama as the NDC’s flag bearer for 2020 because many claim the former president does not have what it takes to run for the highest office again after his humiliating defeat as incumbent leader in the 2016 general election.

They include Alban Bagbin, former majority leader in parliament who is currently 2nd deputy dpeaker of the house; former speaker of parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho and former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) CEO, Sylvester Mensah, who was recently seen meeting NDC members at Sogakope in the Volta Region.

A retired Rector of the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA), Joshua Alabi, is also reportedly lacing his boots to declare his intention to stand for the nomination in possible opposition to ex-President Mahama’s bland popularity arising out of the Prof. Kwesi Botchwey Commission’s report on how the NDC lost the December 7, 2016 general election.

They are all said to be busily setting up offices and criss-crossing the country to shore up their support base ahead of the crucial NDC congress, likely to be held next year.

Mahama Puzzle

Some political analysts are of the opinion that should ex-President Mahama succeed in contesting on the ticket of the NDC again but fail to win the 2020 contest, it would further break the front of the opposition party because they would then have to struggle to market a candidate for 2024.

Others also believe that since Mr Mahama was humiliated in the December 7, 2016 poll, there was going to be very little chance for him in 2020 – especially when there is no incumbency advantage.

Lame Horse

The former president himself recently called for a careful re-organisation and assessment of the NDC after the party’s crushing defeat last year, admitting that the former ruling party was sick as he likened it to a ‘lame horse.’

For him, it is absolutely premature for members of the NDC to talk about who will lead the party at its present state, positing, “If you ride a lame horse into a race and you lose the race, your priority must be to cure the lameness of the horse and not about who will ride the horse.”

However, critics within the NDC are saying that the party has never been lame and insisted that it was the jockey (in reference to the ex-President as NDC candidate) who was rather lame.

Ten-Member Committee To Review NPP’s Election 2016 Victory

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has inaugurated a ten member committee to review the circumstances that led to the party’s overwhelming victory in the 2016 election and submit a report within the next six weeks.

The committee which is chaired by Dr Opoku Adusei, is expected to make an independent review of the party’s performance and present a report which would form a basis for the party’s future election strategies.

Other members on the committee are Evans Nimako, Dr Ohene Konadu, Joyce Boateng, Rita Asobayere, and Alhassan Suleman.

The rest are Nelson O. Ansah, Mr Kusi Boafo, Mr Osei Agyei, and Dr Mark Bediako.

Mr John Boadu, Acting General Secretary of the party, who inaugurated the committee on Wednesday, said the group would provide an honest analysis of the election country wide, on structures and operations at all levels.

He said the committee would also provide an objective review of the current state of the party and its relationship with government.

Mr Boadu said the NPP took cognizance of the fact that every political programme required a critical review of performance and had conducted such reviews after every election since the 1992 elections.

“When the party believed that the 1992 presidential election was rigged, it did a review of the election and came up with the popular Stolen Verdict document”.

“Likewise, the 1996 presidential and parliamentary elections were reviewed by the party and the lessons learnt and mistakes corrected catapulted the party’s into winning the 2000 elections overwhelmingly. The party produced what was known as the Bought Verdict,” he said.

Mr Boadu said the Heymann Committee of 2008 reviewed why the NPP lost the 2008 elections and some of the recommendations given resulted in the amendments of the party’s constitution in 2009.

“You all know about the bizarre circumstances under which the 2012 elections were declared by the Electoral Commission and even the Supreme Court pronouncement on the presidential election petition filed by the then presidential candidate and now the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The 2012 election was reviewed as well,” he said.

He said the leadership of the party would review the committee’s report and strategize for future elections.

Another NPP Chairman Accused Of Receiving 100k Bribe

These are certainly not best of times for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) over cash for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) jobs.

Fresh allegations continue to emerge day after day on how the top echelon of the party in the various regions have used their positions to launder billions of cedis from persons who showed interest in MMDCE appointments.

Just when the public is breathing on the president to sanction Daniel Bugri Naabu, the Northern Regional Chairman of NPP and Ms Otiko Afisa Djaba, Minister Gender Children and Social Protection, for trading bribery charges against each other, the Deputy Central Regional Organizer of NPP, Mathew Botchwey affectionately known as ‘California’ has blown the lid on how his Chairman Robert Kutin collected money from outsiders to run cash-for-job rackets in their region to the detriment of deserving hardworking members of the party.

Mynewsgh.com has gathered from California that one Abdallah, indentified as a son of ‘Mercy Cream’ has allegedly paid the sum of Hundred Thousand Cedis (GH¢100.000.00) to Robert Kutin to influence his chances of securing a DCE slot but all to no avail.

Botchwey claimed the ‘modus operandi’ of his Chairman (Kutin) and trend is assuming a new dimension in the region where money has become the prerequisite requirement of one becoming a district Chief Executive. He said, Kutin since assuming office in 2013 become autocratic abhors dissenting views.

He attributed the rejection of both Assin South and Abura -Asebu Kwamankese District Chief Executive nominees to Chairman Robert Kutin.

According to him, Kutin managed to replace some of the nominees a day before the lists was published.

He accused Mr Kutin for blocking the appointment of one his vice Chairmen, Kofi Karikari from becoming a deputy Regional Minister. ‘Upon all the opportunities given to Kutin by the President, he still impedes others progress. ‘He (Kutin) is the Chairman of Maritime, while his uncle is chairing the Getfund Board, but he did all he could to block the appointment of Chairman KK twice from serving as deputy minister in the region’- he alleged

‘Others are afraid of Kutin, but I Mathew have resolved to face Kutin everywhere to ensure that I rescue the party from him’. ‘Kutin is hurting the image of the party in that. I cannot allow him to continue that trend for the party to suffer in subsequent elections,’ California told a local radio station.

Otiko Djaba Must Shut Up - Kennedy Agyapong

Kennedy Agyapong, member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central has warned the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Otiko Afisa Djaba asking her to keep mute and stop exchanging words with the Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu.

Otiko has been in the media following her altercations with Bugri Naabu on Friday, May 5, 2017 after the NPP National Women’s Organizer met the women organizers in the Northern Region.

The Gender Minister alleged that Bugri Naabu has collected people’s monies, goats, cows and other things from people and promised them jobs with the School Feeding programme.

However, Bugri Naabu denied the allegations and accused her of plotting to kill the late NPP’s Upper East regional chairman, Adams Mahama.

Kennedy Agyapong speaking on Adom TV,said Otiko Djaba shouldn’t have responded to Bugri Naabu and should not be seen conducting herself in such an undignified manner.

He stressed ”[Otiko Djaba] could be sacked but Bugri Naabu cannot be sacked by the President”.

He continued ‘’Otiko must take her time, and she shouldn’t have even replied Bugri Naabu because she can be fired by the president anytime, he can’t fire Bugri Naabu unless the Northerners go to vote against him,” Kennedy Agyapong’’.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), David Asante-Apeatu, has meanwhile been petitioned to investigate Mr. Rockson Bukari, the Upper East Regional Minister and Otiko Afisa Djaba over allegations that they had a hand in the Adams Mahama.

We Won’t Tolerate Indiscipline In NPP Again – John Boadu

The acting General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu has cautioned members of the party to learn to be of good behavior as the party would no longer tolerate indiscipline among its members.

The NPP organizer speaking on Adom FM’s Morning Show, ‘Dwaso Nsem’ Thursday cautioned members of the ruling party not to emulate the indiscipline exhibited by two leading members of the party – Otiko Afisa Djaba and Daniel Bugri Naabu – who traded insults and accusations on media airwaves.

John Boadu was apologizing for the gross indiscipline by the two which was a subject of serious discussion and condemnation during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that took place yesterday.

He further apologized to the people of Ghana for the embarrassment caused by the two and pleaded with all Ghanaians to forgive the party.

Visa Fraud: Kweku Baako Defends Jon Benjamin

Leaders of Parliament and MPs must stop attacking the person of UK High Commissioner to Ghana Jon Benjamin vis-à-vis the recent leakage of a confidential letter he wrote to Ghana’s parliament that cites three sitting MPs and a former legislator as having been involved in various visa infractions, editor-in-chief of the New Crusading newspaper Abdul-Malik Kweku Baako has said.

“All the leaders of parliament or leading MPs who are talking and attacking the High Commissioner are just not doing the right thing,” Mr Baako said on Multi TV’s news analysis programme Newsfile on Saturday, 29 April.

He said: “I’m clear in my mind that there were instances of misrepresentation that informed the applications that some of them [the 4 MPs] placed before the High Commission.

“Somebody says this is my wife, it turns out it’s not the wife; that’s a fact. You send a kid – 16-year-old – out, she is not back by a certain time. These are hard facts.

“We should stop this thing of seeking to play on the keyboards of people’s emotions by pointing to a foreigner. Did we do what he [UK High Commissioner] said we did or we did not? When I say so I mean the Ghanaians who are involved in it – they did.”

He suggested that the Speaker of Parliament, Prof Mike Oquaye, send the matter to the Privileges Committee or set up a special purpose committee to investigate the matter.

“… I say this amounts to abuse of privilege and it brings the image of parliament into disrepute,” he asserted.

Below is the High Commissioner’s confidential letter to the Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament:

Dear Mr Speaker.

The British High Commission (BHC) would like, in confidence, to bring the following matters to your attention, regarding the apparent involvement of three serving MPs and one former MP in visa fraud directly affecting the United Kingdom.

In doing so, we note the powerful words in your impressive inaugural address as Speaker, to the effect that, for Members of Parliament, holding a Diplomatic Passport is both a privilege and responsibility which should not be abused: and that those who abused that trust would be appropriately dealt with.

In that regard:

1. On 11/09/2012, the then Honourable and now former MP for Asunafo South, George BOAKYE, applied for visas for himself and his 37-year-old daughter, Joyce BOAKYE, to visit a friend in London for 17 days. The visas were granted on 14/09/2012. On 17/01/2013, Joyce BOAKYE travelled to the UK with her Honourable father. Joyce BOAKYE did not leave the UK with her father, but remained until 06/01/2017. In other words, she finally returned to Ghana just this month, having been in the UK illegally for over three years, and only then at our strong urging of Mr Boakye to bring her back. Mr Boakye is highly unlikely to be issued any further visas to visit the UK in the next ten years for his role in facilitating his daughter's travel to the UK, including should he be re-elected to Parliament in a subsequent election.

2. On 27/11/2015 the Honourable MP for Bia East, Richard ACHEAMPONG, applied for a UK visa using Diplomatic Passport number DX001490. The Hon ACHEAMPONG stated in his application form that he would travel to the UK for a two-week holiday with his “wife" Esther TIWAA. On 10/12/2015 Mr ACHEAMPONG and Ms TIWAA were issued with UK visas. On 24/12/2015, Esther TIWAA travelled to the UK, but alone: the Hon ACHEAMPONG did not accompany her as both his and her visa applications said that he would. She has not left the UK since that time, and is, therefore, now there illegally. The Hon ACHEAMPONG did not declare the illegal presence of his wife in the UK until he was challenged with the facts by us on 10/10/2016. He then repeatedly promised me personally that he would bring documentation to prove that Esther TIWAA was, indeed, his wife, but has consistently failed to do so, neither has he been prepared to share any useful information to help us track down Ms TIWAA's current whereabouts. Should Mr ACHEAMPONG now apply for another UK visa at any point up until 08/12/2025 his previous actions with regard to Esther TIWAA will weigh heavily against his application and he is likely to be refused.

3. On 06/04/2016, the Honourable MP for Ntotroso, Joseph Benhazin DAHAH applied for a UK visa using Diplomatic Passport number DX001459 to go on a two-week holiday. The Hon DAHAH stated that he was travelling with his wife Gloria DANSU and his niece Beatrice MENSAH. On 11/04/2016, the visas of the Hon DAHAH and Gloria DANSU were issued; the visa of his niece Beatrice MENSAH was refused. On 13/05/2016, the Hon DAHAH applied in another country for a visa to travel to the Republic of Ireland with his wife and daughter. The identity of his wife had changed from Gloria DANSU in the UK application to Ruyling APPAU in the Irish one. More significantly, a birth certificate was submitted showing that Beatrice MENSAH was now his daughter and not his niece as she had been described when applying to visit the UK. The Hon DAHAH's UK visa was cancelled and a 10-year UK visa ban has been imposed on him. He has been informed of this.

4. On 20/06/2016, the Honourable MP for Ahafo Ano South West, Johnson Kwaku ADU, applied for visas for himself, his wife Grace YEBOAH and their 16-year old daughter Emmanuella ADU in order to visit London for a ten-day holiday. The Hon ADU applied using Diplomatic Passport number DX002267; all three visas were granted on 07/07/2016. The family of three travelled to the UK on 25/07/2016. The Hon ADU left the UK just two days later on 27/07/2016 leaving behind his wife and child, if that indeed is what they are, who have not left the UK to date and are, therefore, now illegally resident there. This is in some ways the most serious of the cases outlined in this letter, given the possibility that Hon ADU knowingly facilitated the movement of a minor – who cannot currently be traced – into the United Kingdom. That has been noted with alarm by UK authorities.

The British High Commission considers the actions outlined above to be completely unacceptable. In some cases, these behaviours may arguably be criminal in nature. As already outlined, administrative measures have been taken to ensure that the Honourable members mentioned here will most likely not be granted visas for the UK within the next 10 years. I should add that the party affiliation of these MPs is, in this context, irrelevant to us: we simply state the facts as we have discovered them. We are continuing to investigate whether any other current or former MPs have engaged in similar behaviour and will inform you, if we discover any further such cases.

Furthermore, the British High Commission has information that points strongly to some of the aforementioned Honourable members having used the same unofficial visa agent (also known as a ‘Goro boy’) in their applications, specifically a gentleman called Appiah. We are sure that Mr Speaker shares our view that an institution as respected and vitally important as the Ghanaian parliament should not be a location where unregistered visa agents approach Honourable Members and act as a conduit for them to participate in visa fraud. The British High Commission will happily cooperate fully with any parliamentary and law enforcement investigation into such agents operating in the vicinity of the Ghanaian parliament.

Given what has transpired, the British High Commission would request the Ghanaian parliament to be aware of the following:

a) we will, henceforth, only entertain and prioritise requests for visas from MPs, if they are made through the parliamentary protocol office who should verify that there is an official, parliamentary reason for the proposed visit;

b) however, MPs wishing to make private visits to the UK or to be accompanied on official visits by non-official relatives must apply online and through our Visa Application Centre at the Mövenpick Hotel like any other applicant;

c) could you kindly confirm whether and why it is legitimate for ex-MPs to continue to possess and use diplomatic passports, in some cases for many years after they have ceased to be parliamentarians? In that regard, we would humbly like to ask, Mr Speaker, what procedures are in place to ensure that diplomatic passports are removed forthwith from all those 133 former Members who have just ceased to be MPs?

d) the net effect of such visa fraud by a very few Honourable MPs as outlined in this letter is to raise the bar of suspicion against all such applicants, which is of course regrettably to the huge disadvantage of those very many MPs who do act honourably at all times.

The British High Commission looks forward to a constructive relationship with yourself, your officers and the new Parliament in general and on specific issues, such as the work currently being sponsored by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy to bolster Parliament's research capacities. We hope, at the same time, that measures taken by us all collectively will prevent any repeat of the sort of cases described in this letter. We would warmly welcome your views on the issues raised in this letter, both in regards to the specific cases and generic issues.

I am copying this letter to your Protocol Office, and to the Executive Secretary and Chief-of-Staff to His Excellency President; and to the Ministers-designate of Foreign Affairs and National Security. We are also circulating this letter widely to other Diplomatic Missions which issue visas in Ghana in the expectation that some of them will consider similar action to ourselves against the above-named individuals.

May I take this opportunity to repeat to you assurances of our very high regard for you and your office; and to wish you, Mr Speaker, every success in your new role. Please be assured of our commitment to collaborate with you, and through you with Parliament, wherever we can usefully be of assistance.

Signed,
Jon Benjamin
British High Commissioner

Klottey Korle NDC Executives Happy with Suspension

The Klottey Korle Constituency executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), had expressed happiness following the suspension of their Communication Officer.

     Mr Emmanuel Ashalley Tetteh has been suspended with immediate effect for contravening the code of conduct and disciplinary conduct of the party by the Functional Executive Committee of the NDC.

    A letter directed to all the 160 branches in the constituency, signed by the Constituency Secretary, Mr Dizzy Quaye and copied the Ghana News Agency, asked members not to do any business with Mr Tetteh until the decision of the National Executive Committee was reversed.

     The executives have unanimously agreed that the Deputy Communication Officer, Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey to act until the suspension was lifted.

     They have also asked Madam Emelia Nortey to act in the capacity of Women Organiser following the death of Mrs Belinda Yakah until elections were held.

     “We hope that all the branch executives will co-operate with the directives till further notice,” the letter said.

Angry A-Plus Attacks Kofi Adams In Facebook Post

National Democratic Congress Organiser Kofi Adams has just been dragged through the deepest part of the gutters by A-Plus.

The Ghanaian musician decided to rain "insults" on the politicians for defending Ibrahim Mahama in the dud cheques scandal.

According to A-plus, Kofi Adam holds the key to the discovery of what makes a man stupid and must be captured by scientists and used as a lab rat so this discovery is made.

“As for Kofi Adams, they have to put his brain in a science lab and use it to teach children what makes a man stupid,” the irate musician fumed.

Fuming in a Facebook post, the musician couldn’t understand why Kofi Adams and the National Democratic Congress would jump to the defense of Ibrahim Mahama for issuing 44 dud cheques to government.

"People like Kofi Adams, the NDC national organiser who instead of working for his party (NDC) a day to elections, was busy drinking beer with girls on the Spintex road is [now] talking nonsense [because EOCO is grilling Ibrahim Mahama for evading tax?]", he continued.

“You issue 44 dud cheques to government, nobody has arrested you. They have even given you time to pay what you owe. What else do you want?”, he quizzed his audience.

Though, Ibrahim Mahama, who is the brother of former president John Mahama has been asked to pay some monies to government, A-Plus believe the punishment was served with too much leniency.

"People have gone to jail for 10 years for stealing cassava and goat. Police has arrested people for 500 Ghana cedis dud checks.

Some have gone to jail for one roll of weed; and someone has issues 44 dud checks and is walking free. The most annoying part is that some NDC people are defending him", his social media tirade continued.

A-Plus is a well-known supporter of the incumbent New Patriotic Party and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. During the 2016 campaign period, he was very active and vocal with his support for the NPP.

Who Replaces Sammy Awuku As NPP National Youth Organiser?

Sammy Awuku

There seems to be serious lobbying for the position of National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) with indications that the current National Youth Organiser, Sammi Awuku is set to give up the post.

Sources close to the party indicate that Mr. Awuku is set to contest for the position of National Organiser of the party, a post currently being occupied by John Boadu who may be seeking to be confirmed as General Secretary of the party.

But before Sammie Awuku could finally announce his retirement from the youth front, his seat is up for grabs, by relatively big-names in the patriot’s youth brigade, much to the chagrin of party rules, jumped into the succession race.

Lots of candidates, lots of interest and lots of energy are being showcased on social media to garner support. Even before the National Executive Committee could come up with election timetable, there is seeming mad rush to succeed and replace Awuku.

Dominic Kwesi Eduah, Nana Poku Frefre, Kwame Baffoe, Nana Boakye, Sampson K. Nimako, Kamal Deen, and several loyalists are shopping around to replace Awuku as the party’s next National Youth Organizer.

Dominic Eduah, Electrical Engineer, and one of the two deputies to Awuku, and his assigns are said to be seeking to protect Mr. Awuku’s interests through a ‘friendly’ succession.

One of the outspoken members in the party who has been at the fore front, Kwame Baffoe, known in his party activism as ‘Abronye DC’ has abandoned his position as the Brong-Ahafo Regional Youth Organizer of party and relocated to Accra where he has been vociferous on radio stations.

Nana Boakye, tenderly referred to as Nana B, the Deputy Director of National Service Scheme, who recently stirred controversy after he was rated ‘substandard’ by multimedia group is also said to be in serious contention for the position.

Sampson K. Nimako, an environmentalist is said to be testing the waters seeking the opinion of delegates on whether he should contest for the position. That decision could come as early as next week.

Lurking in the shadows is David Asante, convenor of Let My Vote Count Alliance and a former aspirant who abdicated his ambition midway into the election that elected Awuku. Reports suggest that he is keen to plot his return to political eminence after failing to secure the trust of the party hierarchy to head its communication outfit.

Kamal Deen, the incumbent National Nasara Coordinator is also said to be harbouring ambitions to win the nod as the party’s National Youth Organiser.

Nana Poku Frefre, a libertarian, entrepreneur, youth activist, and founder of the NPP Loyal Men, appear to be comfortably leading on the side-lines within the grassroots.

Frefre’s candidature is problematic to other lobbyists, though he is classified an underdog. So, rather than focusing on courting support of prospective delegates, aficionados of other aspirants are busily shopping for the best ways to destroy the candidacy of Nana Poku but still he appears to be one of the fancied candidates for the position.

Awuku had thrashed four patriotic opponents in the primary to become the National Youth Organizer with his famous ‘Boys Abre’ tag. Sammie Awuku is stepping up for the National Organizer slot after helping to secure victory for the party.

Akufo–Addo names 212 MMDCEs

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has finally named 212 persons to fill the vacant positions of Chief Executives in the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDCEs) across the country.
This was announced by the Minister for Local Government, Hajia Alima Mahama in Accra today [Wednesday].
Speaking on behalf of the President, the Minister called for calm among party members and support for the nominees.
The President had earlier appointed the Chief Executives for four Metropolitan Assemblies in the country namely: the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, and Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly.
Agitations over appointment of DCEs
There have also been agitations in parts of the country over the appointment of the MMDCEs.
Angry supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Bawku West Constituency of the Upper East Region on Tuesday evening vandalized their party office and some departmental offices in the Zebilla district, over the alleged appointment of one Victoria Ayamba as the District Chief Executive for the area.
The group said Patrick Ayamba, Assembly Member for Teshie, a suburb of Zebilla, and a businessman, is their best bet for the job and will resist any other appointment by President Akufo-Addo.
At Elubu in the Jomoro Constituency of the Western Region, some youth of the area were on the heels of the MP claiming he had deceived them after promising to ensure that their preferred candidate gets nominated.
But the MP, Paul Essien denied making such a promise.
“These things are just coming from just a few guys who are trying to throw something in the air and if there is evidence of a letter I have written against honourable Moses, they should produce it. I am not sure these things are real things. It is like people are just guessing,” he said on the Citi Breakfast on Wednesday.
Below is the full list of the MMDCEs

Government releases list of 212 MMDCE nominees

Government on Wednesday announced the appointment of 212 Chief Executives for the Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies across the country.
President Akuffo-Addo has already nominated Chief Executive for the four Metropolitan Assemblies in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Secondi- Takoradi, who have been endorsed by their respective Assemblies and ushered into office.
In the Greater Accra, some of the nominees include Mr Daniel Alexander Nii-Noi Adumuah as the Chief Executive for Ada West, Dr Emmanuel Lamptey for Ga Central, while Madam Janet Tulasi Mensah for Ga East.
In the Western Region, John Koah was nominated for Bia West, while Wilson Arthur takes care of Mpohor/WASSA East.
In the Volta Region, Ella Boateng was nominated for South Dayi while Richard Collins Arku handles North Tongu.
Hajia Alima Mahama, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, at a press briefing said the appointment was done by the President in exercising his responsibilities under Article 2431 of the Constitution, which enjoins the President to appoint a District Chief Executive for every district with prior approval of not less than two thirds majority of members of the Assembly present and voting at the meeting.
Hajia Alima said President Akuffo-Addo carried out extensive consultation at the district, regional and national level before the appointment of the Chief Executives with approval of the members of the relevant Assemblies.
“The Chief Executives were capable members with expertise, experience and temperament to head the Assemblies and inspire a new era of rapid development in the country”, she added.
She said the President was grateful to all who showed keen interest in the exercise and wished that those who were not named would appreciate that there were other positions they may be called upon to serve in the interest of the nation.
“This is the time for solidarity and focus on overcoming the challenges that confronts the country to build together the prosperous and a happy nation we desired”.
She said government as part of its expansion of local democracy would amend the constitution to provide for the direct election of MMDCEs, instead of appointment.
Source: GNA

Jon Benjamin Not Comporting Himself As A Diplomat - Atik Mohammed

Jon Benjamin

Atik Mohammed, General Secretary of the People's National Convention (PNC), has asked British High Commissioner Jon Benjamin to comport himself as a diplomat.

Speaking on his conduct since taking office, Atik Mohammed expressed disappointment in the British High Commissioner who he claims has undermined his office by making seemingly unnecessary remarks about happenings in the country.

Atik Mohammed was commenting on the recent news regarding some Members of Parliament who have been barred from entering the United Kingdom (UK) over suspicions of Visa racketeering.

The British government has blacklisted three current serving MPs and a former MP from making an entry into the UK.

A "confidential letter" the British High Commission in Ghana addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Mike Oquaye and sighted by Peacefmonline.com accused the MPs of "Visa fraud".

The MPs are said to have facilitated the entry of some of their relatives to the UK using their diplomatic passports and left them to live there illegally.

The letter cited Richard Acheampong, MP for Bia East in the Western Region, Joseph Benhazin Dahah, MP for Asutifi North in the Brong Ahafo region, Johnson Kwaku Adu, MP for Ahafo Ano South West, in the Ashanti Region and George Boakye, former MP for Asunafo South in the Brong Ahafo region.

"The British High Commission considers the actions outlined above to be completely unacceptable. In some cases, these behaviours may arguably be criminal in nature. As already outlined, administrative measures have been taken to ensure that the Honourable members mentioned here will most likely not be granted visas for the UK within the next 10 years. I should add that the Party affiliation of these MPs is, in this context, irrelevant to us: we simply state the facts as we have discovered them. We are continuing to investigate whether any other current or former MPs have engaged in similar behaviour and will inform you, if we discover any further such cases", the letter read.

Atik Mohammed, contributing to a panel discussion on Peace FM's Kokrokoo, wondered how a "confidential letter" could find its way into the public domain.

Suspecting Mr. Benjamin to have made the letter public, Atik Mohammed advised the British High Commissioner to stop bringing his office into disrepute.

"He's overdoing his job. He's gone beyond the space permissible by his work. As High Commissioner, there are some things he shouldn't engage in, but he does it. He wades into our local politics which he shouldn't do. When it comes to entertainment, he's there. On Spiritual matters, he's there. He's everywhere. It doesn't present you as a diplomat worth your name...Giving the past attitude and conduct of this man, I'm inclined to suspect that he knows something about it (leakage of letter). And it further undermines him as a diplomatic person representing a country like the UK," Atik stated.

He however called on the Speaker of Parliament and the entire House to address the scandals that have hit the legislative body in order to uphold the integrity of the House.

According to him, the scandals are becoming one too many, hence making the role of an MP disreputable.

"I don't feel excited or inspired to become a Member of Parliament. There's confusion about an understanding of what the role of an MP is", he added.