Thirty-two protesters from the Democracy Hub have filed a lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, alleging violations of their human rights.
The protesters, represented by Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu, are seeking an order from the High Court to enforce their fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, the right to protest, the right to personal liberty, respect for human dignity, and freedom of expression.
Additionally, the suit demands protection against unlawful and arbitrary arrest, detention, malicious prosecution, the right to legal representation, and the right to bail pending trial.
These protesters were part of 53 individuals arrested during a peaceful demonstration that took place between September 21 and 23, which turned violent after clashes with the police.
The Ghana Police Service (GPS) accused the protesters of blocking roads, dismantling barriers, obstructing traffic, and damaging property at Accra’s 37 Roundabout.
Out of the 53 arrested, nine are currently in prison, while the rest remain in police custody. The prosecution has denied any mistreatment of the accused, asserting that they were properly cared for, including being provided meals from the popular restaurant Papaye. This claim, however, sparked outrage from defense lawyers.
During a bail hearing, the defense requested the release of the protesters, citing harsh conditions in custody. The prosecution opposed bail, citing concerns over the protesters’ unknown addresses. Consequently, the judge denied bail and remanded the protesters until October 8.
Following the court proceedings, the remanded protesters expressed their dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs.
The Ranking Member for Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs in Parliament, Hon. Eric Opoku has assured cocoa farmers in the country of the NDC’s commitment to improve their lives when voted to power.
Mr Opoku who is also the Legislator for Asunafo South in the Ahafo Region host of Dwaboase on Power FM, Kwame Minkah, that although cocoa prices have gone up, the government did not give the poor farmers what is due them.
His comment comes after the Government has announced a 45 percent increase in the producer price of cocoa for the 2024/2025 crop season last month.
By the 45 percent increas, a 64 kilogramme bag of cocoa beans has increased to GH¢3,000 from GH¢2,070.
At the beginning of the 2023/2024 crop season, a bag of 64kg of cocoa beans was sold at GH¢1,300 and was subsequently increased to GH¢2,070 when the spot price went up on the world market under the same period.
Mr Opoku who is passionate about agriculture said cocoa farmers have been shortchanged with the new price, stressing that the government is only paying for 30 percent of the price of cocoa to farmers.
“The world market price for cocoa has gone up and you know Ghana has the best cocoa beans on the market. Our calculations indicate that the price per a ton of cocoa has gone up. The government is supposed to pay GHS 9,700 to every farmer for a bag of cocoa,” he explained.
He also explained that Ghana Cocoa Board has not been working in the interest of the farmers who toil to grow and harvest cocoa in remote areas.
Mr Opoku assured that the next NDC government will boost cooa production and give farmers what is due them, adding that their bonuses will be paid on time.
He stated that one of the policies that boosted cocoa production under the Mahama administration, the free fertilizer programme, will be restored to support farmers in the cocoa value chain.
The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has insisted it will embark on ann industrial action to force President Akufo-Addo to take drastic measures to halt all forms of mining that is polluting the riverbodies and forest reserves in the country.
The Secretary-General of the GFL who spoke on Power Kasiebo programme on TV XYZ emphasised the environmental and health crises caused by illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’.
To him, the situation is worse than ever and needs urgent measures to tackle the canker that is already jeopardizing the health of thousands of people who live in the areas where illegal mining is escalating.
Recently, there has been pressure on the government to declare a state of emergency on all mining activities to safeguard the rivers, forest reserves as well as the people of the of the country.
“Right now we the workers of the country are being affected by these galamsey activities. Our taps are not flowing because Ghana water Company can’t get water to treat and distribute to the people…The dangerous chemicals being used for the activities of these illegal miners are having adverse health implication on the people, majority of whom are workers,” Mr Koomson said.
Asked if their strike will have any effect, Mr Koomson said “even if someone has cast a spell on the president, I believe he will act when all workers in the country lay down their tools as a way of protesting illegal mining.”
Background
Beginning from October 10, 2024, majority of Ghanaian workers may not show up for work following a directive by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to workers to begin a strike action on the said day.
The directive is in connection with the government’s failure to address critical concerns regarding illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey in forest reserves across the country.
The announcement comes after an emergency meeting on Tuesday, 2 October 2024, where union representatives expressed their dissatisfaction with government’s lack of action.
In a prior ultimatum, Organised Labour had given the government until the end of September to implement effective measures against illegal mining activities, which they contend are harming the environment and jeopardizing the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.
The GFL which is part of Organised Labour has bemoaned the illegal mining and already prepared to direct its members to join the strike action on October 10.
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has predicted that Ghana could end 2024 with significantly higher fuel prices if tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate and the cedi further depreciates.
This warning comes after some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) adjusted fuel prices upward in the first pricing window of October after sustained declines in four pricing windows.
Shell, which previously sold petrol [FuelSave Super] at GH¢13.49 per litre in the second pricing window of September, is now retailing the product at GHS 13.79.
Diesel [FuelSave Diesel], which was also previously retailed at GHS 13.99 per litre is now priced at GHS 14.35.
The latest round of increases has sparked concern among consumers already grappling with the high cost of living.
Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, in an interview with Citi Business News on Wednesday, October 2, noted that the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon could have a rippling effect on Ghana, with consumers expected to dig deep into their pockets and pay more to fill their tanks.
Duncan Amoah observed that the gold for oil policy cannot mitigate against the expected price hikes.
“You could end up paying more than you currently are paying because the Cedi is still depreciating. Israel, Hezbollah, Hamas…the triangle, whatever tensions if they escalate, will simply mean the supply side will be hampered and then demand at this time of the year is likely to surge.
“So if demand should go up due to manufacturing and aviation systems connecting, then the expectation will be that global prices or international market prices will go up.
“Unfortunately for us in Ghana, we don’t have any safety nets to cushion us if they do. From where we sit, there is the possibility that Ghanaians may end the year paying a little more for fuel.”
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has hailed the vision of the presidential candidate of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, which has been documented and named the Great Transformation Plan (GTP).
The King of Asanteman said the comprehensive GTP is a visionary development blueprint capable of steering Ghana onto the path of sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
Asantehene made the remarks on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, when Alan Kyerematen, accompanied by his running mate, Kwame Owusu Danso and some of the leaders of the Alliance, visited the Overlord of Asante at the Manhyia Palace.
In his brief address to the politicians, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged the presidential candidate to ensure that Ghanaians understand the depth and impact of the GTP, as it holds the solutions to the country’s most pressing problems.
The king’s words were a reflection of the growing sentiment among Ghanaians in various sectors who believe that Mr Kyerematen’s GTP is the right plan to transform the nation’s fortunes.
The Asantehene’s endorsement of the GTP is not an isolated voice. Many prominent figures from Ghana’s private sector, academia, business community, and civil society organizations have also heaped praise on the plan.
The visit was part of a larger Caravan Campaign Tour in the Ashanti Region ahead of the 7th December General Election.
They recognize it as a robust and forward-thinking strategy that addresses key challenges in the economy, governance, and social sectors. The addition of Otumfuo’s influential voice to these endorsements solidifies the perception that Alan Kyerematen has done an exceptional job in crafting a plan that can truly change Ghana’s future.
As the former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen’s expertise in economic development and trade is widely recognized. His experience shines through in the GTP, which has been designed with detailed, practical steps to tackle the country’s long-standing issues.
Otumfuo’s endorsement highlights the GTP’s comprehensive nature, which covers a wide array of sectors, each offering clear, actionable solutions to the problems facing Ghanaians.
The GTP is organized into various clusters, each addressing critical areas of Ghana’s development. These clusters include economic revitalization, infrastructure development, industrialization, and governance reform. Additionally, the GTP places a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, digital transformation, and agriculture modernization. By addressing these key areas, the GTP provides targeted solutions to unemployment, economic instability, poor infrastructure, corruption, and other challenges currently plaguing the country.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II pointed out that the GTP is a well-thought-out national development plan. According to the Asantehene, the detailed nature of the GTP and its clear focus on the long-term well-being of Ghanaians make it stand out as the blueprint that can finally put Ghana on a steady path to prosperity.
As Alan Kyerematen continues his 21-day campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, the energy and optimism surrounding his candidacy are evident.
With Otumfuo Osei Tutu II adding his voice to those praising the GTP, it’s clear that Kyerematen’s Great Transformational Plan has gained widespread credibility and is seen by many as the roadmap that will transform Ghana’s fortunes for generations to come.
One refreshing moment during the visit was when Otumfuo remembered Alan Kyerematen’s birthday, which falls on October 3, and wished him a happy birthday in advance, adding a personal touch to an already momentous occasion.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed a case of monkeypox in the Bia West District of the Western North Region.
The case involves a 15-year-old male who sought treatment at a district government hospital on September 25, 2024, presenting with a three-day history of fever, general body pains, a sore throat, and a rash, which initially appeared on his palms and face.
In a statement issued to caution the public, the GHS revealed that 230 other suspected cases have been reported across 88 districts in the country.
Twenty-five individuals who came into contact with the patient have been identified and are being monitored closely.
The GHS is conducting an initial public health investigation into the confirmed case and has indicated that it will notify the World Health Organisation (WHO) as part of its ongoing response efforts.
The public is advised to remain vigilant and follow health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.
Mpox is an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain and low energy. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). It is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family, which includes variola, cowpox, vaccinia and other viruses.
There are two distinct clades of the virus: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb).
A global outbreak of clade IIb began in 2022 and continues to this day, including in some African countries.
There are also growing outbreaks of clades Ia and Ib affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries in Africa. As of August 2024, clade Ib has also been detected beyond Africa.
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Mahama is calling Ghanaians to ignore the fake Polls by the NPP which has now been hit by reality that it will lose the 2024 elections.
Mr Mahama who was addressing a mini durbar at Gbintiri in the NALERIGU – Gambaga constituency as part of his tour of the North East region said the signs are clear, as shown by several credible opinion polls which all indicate the NDC will win the December 7 elections
He is therefore calling on Ghanaians to ignore fake polls by an obviously desperate NPP looking means to hang on to Power
“All the credible opinion polls have predicted that NDC is going to win. And so because of that the NPP and government have started publishing fake polls. Opinion polls that have no methodology, Opinion polls where you cannot find the people who did the research. Ignore them” he cautioned
He continued amidst deafening cheers – “Everything indicates and every credible institution, Economic Intelligence Unit, Fitch Solutions, Global Info Analytics and every proper, credible opinion polls shows that NDC is going to win the election” he explained
Mr Mahama however called for heightened vigilance to ensure every single vote cast is protected
“Of course we must not be complacent. We must protect every single person’s vote” he added
Former President and Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama has charged members of the NDC who have relatives with difficulties in voting to assist them on December 7 to reduce the number of spoilt ballots
According to him, some of the electorates, mostly the aged with poor sight or persons with some vulnerabilities are most likely to be such culprits.
He however said fortunately the Electoral Commission rules make room for such electorates to be assisted.
He consumed that it is not worth the sacrifices just to go and waste the ballot.
The NDC flagbearer who is on a campaign tour of the North seats region, urged party faithfuls to educate the masses on how to vote but also take note of those who need support and identify relatives who are allowed by law to offer the needed assistance on December 7.
Data from the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) indicates that since the fourth Republic in 1992, rejected ballots are often more than what smaller political parties are able to secure.
The 2020 elections saw the highest number of spoiled ballots in Ghana’s electoral history.
Out of the 12 candidates who contested the presidential election, only two of them were able to gain more votes than the accumulated number of rejected ballots across the country.
A total number of 313,397 rejected ballots recorded represented 2.33% of the total votes recorded.
Significantly, the figure is more than the number of votes obtained by the 10 remaining presidential candidates combined, 1.339%.
The 10 minority parties put together gained 179,691 votes out of 13,432,854 votes cast.
This Mr Mahama says must end. Addressing party supporters at the stance of the Overlord of Mamprugu Traditional Area, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, Mr. Mahama sad the situation is unpleasant especially in the Northern regions.
“Spoiled ballots in the Northern regions is the biggest in the whole country” he bemoaned.
He said the aged must be assisted to end the phenomenon
“Even though most of our mothers and father have voted over the years, they do not know how to vote properly. We have been doing voter education on how to vote but sometimes their eye sight is not very good so they are not able to see so when they go they just thump print anywhere” he advised
He has therefore called on the elite in the various polling stations to identify such persons and educate them directly
“Identity such people in your polling station. The law allows them to be assisted by their relatives to the polling booth so they make the right choice so we reduce the number of spoilt ballots” he intimates
Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has defended the government’s decision to prosecute members of the Democracy Hub following some unlawful incidents recorded during their protest against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
He stated that their actions went beyond the limits of free expression and posed a threat to public safety.
Speaking at the Annual Conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) on Wednesday, Mr Dame cited international examples of how democracies deal with protestors who cross the line into unlawful behaviour, urging Ghana to follow suit in maintaining national peace and security, especially ahead of the 2024 elections.
While acknowledging the right to freedom of expression, Mr Dame emphasized that this right must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.
“As I always say, freedom is not free. It is accompanied by serious responsibilities,” he stated.
Referring to the recent protests organized by the Democracy Hub, which led to clashes with the police, Mr Dame argued that such actions threatened the nation’s peace and territorial integrity.
The Attorney General cited instances from the United Kingdom and the United States where protestors who engaged in unlawful activities, such as blocking essential services or inciting violence, faced the full force of the law.
He pointed to the sentencing of five climate activists in the UK who caused a motorway gridlock and were jailed for up to five years.
Similarly, he mentioned the prosecution of far-right rioters in the UK and anti-abortion activists in the US who violated public order under the guise of peaceful protest.
“The lesson to be drawn from the treatment of unlawful or violent expression of free speech in the United States and the United Kingdom is that the legitimacy of the declared object of specific protests does not matter,” Mr Dame said.
“Whilst acknowledging the legitimacy of concerns which motivate some protests, the State must deplore and, in fact, prosecute acts of protestors which threaten the running of essential services, infringe on the right to free movement of others, or attack the safety of security forces.”
The Attorney General stressed that such actions have no place in Ghana’s democracy, particularly with the general elections approaching.
He called on the Judiciary to support law enforcement officers by dealing firmly with acts of violence and lawlessness, especially in the lead-up to the elections.
“Protests that disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens, attack the police, or threaten essential services cannot be justified under the banner of free expression,” Mr Dame declared.
“The peace and territorial integrity of our nation at this time, almost two months before Election 2024, is far greater than the pursuit of any parochial political goals.”
In addressing concerns about the prosecution of Democracy Hub members, Mr Dame revealed that he had instructed the Police Service to expedite investigations and advised prosecutors to consider relevant bail applications for protestors against whom insufficient evidence is found.
“I urge the Police Service to swiftly conclude investigations by the next adjourned dates of the cases involving the prosecution of excesses from recent protests in Accra,” he stated.
The National Women Wing Campaign Coordinator for the opposition NDC, Margaret Ansei has rallied women in Ghana to vote massively for the presidential candidate of the NDC, John Mahama, in the upcoming elections to enable them benefit from his policies.
The former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Suhum, also known as’Magoo’, believes the NDC has prioritized the needs of women in its 2024 manifesto, stressing that females in the country stand the chance of getting better jobs and other juicy opportunities when the NDC is voted to power.
Speaking at the campaign launch of Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah’s campaign in Essikado-Ketan in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, Magoo mentioned that the NDC would establish a Women Development Bank which will help expand small businesses owned by women with soft loans.
Aside that the NDC has a policy in its manifesto to deal with all forms of violence against women and females.
The women activist also noted that former president John Mahama who is leading the party needs the votes of women to be able to appoint more women in his government.
“John Mahama has said he will appoint more women into his government when voted to power. So my fellow women vote immensely for the NDC and Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, your candidate. She is competent and accessible. If she gets appointment in the next government, you are the ones to benefit from it,” he appealed.
Magoo said Prof. Dr Ayensu Danquah has all the qualities needed to fully represent the people in parliament and in government, adding that unity and rigorous campaign are what will bring them victory.
Assurances
While unveiling her to the people of Essikado by Kofi Totobi Quakye, former Minister for National Security, the NDC parliamentary candidate for Essikado-Ketan, Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, assured electorates she will do her best to transform the area when voted into office.
She believes her Constituency which is in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis has not been represented well ever since Joe Ghartey became their legislator for over fifteen years.
She also promised to protect the votes of the electorates in the December 7 2024 general elections, adding that her quest to lead the people stems from the lack of developmental projects in the Constituency.
Unlike 2020 when she lost to the incumbent MP, Joe Ghartey, Prof. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah said she was well prepared this year to snatch the Essikado-Ketan seat to be able to implement her vision for the people.
“In the 2020 elections, you voted for me to represent you in Parliament and drive development and good governance to improve your lives. I heard your cries for change, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to fulfill that mandate, ” she said.
” I thank you for believing in me and trusting me to bring about positive change. I’m committed to making a difference in our constituency when given the opportunity to lead,” she assured.
She noted that although she is not in office as their MP, she has helped buy taxis for some unemployed drivers and helped enroll hundreds in skills trainin
“I have provided boreholes for most communities to get access to potable drinking water and assisted most you in many ways… the MP you voted has turned his back at you but I will represent you well when you votes for me come December 7,” she assured the crowd.
On her part, former Women Organiser of the NDC, Anita Desoso appealed to the people to give Prof. Dr Ayensu-Danquah the mandate because she’s committed and competent to lead and give them a voice in Parliament.
Deputy Minority Leaderamd MP for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah who also spoke at the programme assured the people that he would support her to bring developmental projects to Essikado-Ketan.
“Even as she is not in office, she has done a lot for you. The people of Ellembelle have even benefitted from her so when you give her the mandate, she will deliver,” he stated.
Present at the event was former Deputy NDC Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, Elikem Kotoko, among other leading members of the party in the Western Region.
Fitch Solutions has categorically stated that the opposition National Democratic Congress will win the December general elections.
This is the third time it has made this bold prediction.
It, however, pointed out that the government would boost expenditure leading up to the December 2024 general election to enhance its chances of winning..
John Mahama, NDC Presidential Candidate
“We expect the government to boost expenditure leading up to the December 2024 general election to enhance its chances of securing victory. We remain of the view that the opposition National Democratic Congress will win the election”, it disclosed in its latest Country Report on Ghana dated September 19, 2024.
“Indeed, in Q2 [quarter 2, 2024], the government raised public sector wages by 31.0% year-on-year in nominal terms and tripled subsidies on petrol products, a move that aligns with Ghana’s historical trend of higher spending during election cycles. This will boost household purchasing power and support consumer spending over second-half of 2024”, it mentioned.
“All told, we forecast that private consumption will grow by 8.5% in 2024 and add 7.2pp to headline economic growth”, it added.
Risks To Outlook
It continued that the risks to Ghana’s economic growth outlook are tilted to the downside.
“In September 2024, the opposition National Democratic Congress staged nationwide protests alleging irregularities in the voter roll ahead of the December election. While our core view remains that the vote will be conducted peacefully, consistent with Ghana’s recent democratic history, prolonged protests or the outbreak of large-scale violence would disrupt commercial activities and reduce consumer and business confidence, ultimately leading to lower economic growth than we currently forecast”.
Additionally, it said an escalation in the conflict in the Middle East—resulting in higher global oil prices—would trigger a resurgence in inflation and cloud Ghana’s domestic demand outlook.
Residents of Nkwanta in the Western North Region defied a heavy rainfall to block the convoy of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from passing till she addresses them.
The jubilant residents from all walks of life had been waiting for hours just to see her, show their support and hear her message for them.
Prod. Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who is currently on a three day campaign tour of the Western North Region, was headed for the Suaman constituency when she was ‘ambushed’ amidst chants of “We are suffering, Mahama is the only one who can save us!”.
She had no option but to engage them briefly reminding them if the need to vote massively for John Dramani Mahama to rescue Ghana, reset the economy to create opportunities for all.
She highlighted plans to establish a Women’s Bevelopment Bank, with branches at strategic centers across the country to l provide soft loans to traders, empower women to improve standards of living
The Western North Region, created in 2019, has faced challenges in accessing essential government services and developmental projects.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
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