The Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has criticized the ruling New Patriotic Party, NPp for prioritizing vote-buying over infrastructure development.
Speaking at the campaign launch of the NDC’s Parliamentary candidate for Upper Denkyira West constituency at Ayamfuri in the Central Region, Prof Opoku-Agyemang questioned why the government is busy sharing money and other inducements for votes when the people expect it to provide them good roads, health facilities and other infrastructure to improve their lives.
She advised the residents to be wary of the the NPP cite-buying gimmicks and vote them out in protest of the neglect over the past eight years.
“Collect the monies, enjoy, but vote against the NPP,” she said.
She continued; “Let us show them that we are committed to genuine development, not temporary handouts”.
Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang pointed out that there has been a troubling trend of contractors rushing to initiate projects only to leave them abandoned after elections. Citing examples from the Kumawu and Assin North bye-elections.
She told the residents to recognize such cycle of deception and manipulation from the ruling party.
Infrastructure challenges in the country are pressing with many major roads plagued by potholes, forcing drivers to take perilous detours, while others remain impassable due to erosion.
She emphasized that investing in developmental projects such as road construction, school blocks, and hospitals would yield long-term benefits for the country’s progress.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s comments come on the back of the state of infrastructure in the country with a section of the public expressing concerns about the need for more effective governance that prioritizes lasting solutions over short-term political gains.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has firmly dismissed claims by the Electoral Commission (EC) that discrepancies in the 2024 Provisional Voters Register have been resolved.
During the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting in Accra on Tuesday, October 1, Dr Omane Boamah argued that the EC’s lack of decisive action could allow individuals manipulating voter data to continue their activities unchecked, posing a serious threat to the integrity of the upcoming election.
He expressed concerns that with the election fast approaching, the EC’s delays in fully addressing these discrepancies might make it impossible to correct the register in time. “Time is of the essence,” he stressed, emphasising the urgency of resolving the issues.
Dr. Omane Boamah reiterated the NDC’s demand for a comprehensive audit of the 2024 voter register and the EC’s IT system to ensure full transparency and accuracy.
The audit, he said, would provide confidence in the integrity of the electoral process and safeguard against any potential tampering with voter data.
Using a vivid analogy during his address at the IPAC meeting, he said, “When your roof is leaking, you can choose to mop continuously, or you can decide to fix the leak and then mop. What we see here is the EC mopping and mopping [referring to the EC’s PowerPoint presentation], without addressing the core issue.”
“Fixing the leakage is missing, and this is at the heart of our altruistic demand for a forensic audit. This forensic audit is not just about the register, when you have fixed the register, I will demonstrate to you, how as a result of our revelations, some aftermath of the fixing is providing a semblance of we’re fixing it. When you fix it we all look at the hard copies, and we’re all given the PVR soft copies.
“In November, if the very criminals that got us here, are still there engaged in illegal transfers, we will come back to square one. At that time, it will be too close to the December 7 elections. This is why we’re saying, we need to adopt a dichotomous approach, look at the register, fix the issues in there and also audit the very IT system, that allows these anomalies to occur.”
However, the EC has countered that the NDC’s demand for an audit is premature, citing robust procedures in place to prepare the final register.
The EC outlined a multi-step process, including registration, exhibition, and review, to address discrepancies and ensure the register’s integrity.
The Commission assured that most discrepancies have been resolved and that the remaining issues will be addressed through the established pathway.
Beginning from October 10, 2024, majority of Ghanaian workers may not show up for work starting 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.
Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), emphasised the urgency of their decision, stating,
“Following the expiration of our deadline, and the failure of the government to meet our demands on illegal mining, Organised Labour has decided to declare a nationwide strike with effect from October 10, 2024.”
Mr. Ansah called on all workers to stay at home beginning Thursday, 10 October 2024, to apply pressure on the government for immediate action to address illegal mining.
Chartered Economist and a member of of the opposition NDC, Bernard Oduro Takyi (BOT) has slammed the Akufo-Addo administration for neglecting the Essikado-Ketan Constituency in the Sekondi-takoradi Metropolis.
Acording to the youth activist, the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has no legacy projects to show in the constituency despite their loyalty to the NPP for over 20 years.
B.O.T who was speaking to party faithfuls at the launch of the campaign for the NDC Parliamentary Candidate, Prof. Dr. Graec Ayensu-Danquah at Essikado on Saturday, September 29,2024.
Charging members of the party to unite and intensify campaign activities to propagate the policies of the NDC, Oduro Takyi said he has seen the area lacks development, stressing that Prof, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah would do better than the current MP, Joe Ghartey, who has served four (4) terms and has enjoyed different ministerial positions.
“I have been to this constituency thrice to work and I know this area well, your MP has done nothing meaningful in Essikado,” he stated.”Let me tell you, make no mistake and vote NPP. Joe Ghartey is the worse MP in Ghana.”
“Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah is not a minister, she is not a DCE, she is not an Ambassador but she has used her own resources to transform this area, and her efforts and works are more than President Akufo-Addo,” he argued while touting the competencies of the surgeon-turned politician.
Assurances
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 MCE for Suhum, Margaret Ansei (Magoo), Deputy NDC Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, Elikem Koto, among other leading members of the party in the Western Region.
Former President and Flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Mahama has reiterated his resolve to ensure fair trial in the next NDC government
According to him, his Operation-Retrieve-All-Loot is a clarion call to chase corrupt officials busy milking that state with cronies, for what can be recovered for development projects and not to go witch-hunting or mere pair-trawling by the current administration.
Responding to a question during an engagement with the Clergyon how the Operation-Recover-All-Loot (ORAL) will work with Courts packed by the Nana Akufo a addo led government, Mr Mahama said his objective is clear and not to pursue political opponents.
Mr Mahama indicated that the appointment of judges should not circumvent the law.
“This government has appointed more judges than any other government since independence. But judges have security of tenure and so they should not get worried. Nobody will do them anything” he assured
He used the ocassion to caution them on need to rise above pledging loyalty to the appointing authority but rather to government and the people of Ghana
” We know how they can use some technicalities to find a person guilty but I don’t want any innocent person jailed and I know the judges will act on issues based on their conscience” he teased.
Iran has launched a missile attack against Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Tuesday, warning residents to shelter in place.
The IDF warned citizens to remain alert and follow instructions from the Home Front Command.
“Upon hearing a siren, you must enter a protected space and remain there until further notice,” the IDF said.
A senior White House official told Fox News on Tuesday morning that Iran is preparing to “imminently” launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel. The move comes after weeks of Israeli strikes against Tehran’s proxies in the region.
“The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel,” the official said. “We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.”
Another U.S. official told Fox News that Iran could launch its attack as soon as Tuesday afternoon, saying that the U.S. has seen additional movement of missiles in Iran to prepare for the now “imminent” attack.
The official added that Iran’s attack could look like the one it launched in April against Israel, which had more than 300 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.
While the U.S. official did not know what the exact scope or size will be, the official said that Iran has been at a state of readiness to launch an attack on Israel within 12 to 24 hours since early August following the July 31st assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
Iran already launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April, though the regime’s proxies, Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, have traded attacks with Israel since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7.
On Tuesday, Israel was beginning a limited ground invasion into southern Lebanon against Hezbollah targets. Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East, has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and several of his top commanders.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Nasrallah “the flag-bearer of resistance” in the region.
“The blood of the martyr shall not go unavenged,” Khamenei said after Nasrallah was killed late last week in Beirut, Lebanon, by an Israeli airstrike, according to Reuters.
Three U.S. Navy destroyers are positioned in the Mediterranean Sea, an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Oman and fighter jets arrayed throughout the region to assist Israel in the event of an attack from Iran. All are capable of shooting down incoming missiles.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department announced Tuesday that sanctions are being imposed on two Israelis and a “violent extremist group” in the West Bank as Iran threatens to strike the Jewish State.
As the December 2024 elections draw closer, a recent poll by Global InfoAnalytics reveals that John Dramani Mahama (JDM), the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is maintaining a considerable lead over Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB) of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The poll shows Mahama capturing 51.1% of committed voters, while Bawumia trails with 37.3%.
Independent candidates Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten (AKK) and Nana Kwame Bediako (NKB) account for 4.1% and 6.2%, respectively, with other candidates collectively receiving 1.3%.
In an unweighted likely voters’ model, Mahama’s advantage continues, with 49.3% support compared to Bawumia’s 35.9%.
The poll also highlights a troubling trend of voter apathy within the NPP, as 16% of potential non-voters identify as supporters of the ruling party, while only 3% of NDC supporters fall into this category.
Additionally, floating voters and those who declined to disclose their party affiliation make up 38% and 39% of non-voters, respectively, signalling a critical challenge for the NPP.
Among floating voters, Mahama holds a substantial 31-point lead over Bawumia (54% to 23%), and he also leads by 18 points among those who do not disclose their party affiliations.
Remarkably, Mahama has gained ground among first-time voters, achieving a 46% to 38% advantage over Bawumia, marking a significant shift from the July 2024 poll where both candidates were tied.
Conversely, Bawumia has seen a decline in support from Muslim voters, a crucial demographic for his campaign, losing nearly 4% since July.
The poll reveals that 70% of those who supported President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2020 remain loyal to Bawumia, yet 19% have shifted their allegiance to Mahama.
In key regions like Greater Accra and Central, 20% and 37% of 2020 NPP voters, respectively, have switched their support to Mahama. Regionally, Mahama is now leading in 12 regions, including Bono, while Bawumia holds sway in the Ashanti, Eastern, Ahafo, and North East regions.
The emergence of independent candidates, Nana Kwame Bediako and Alan Kyeremanten is complicating Bawumia’s standing, especially in the Eastern and Ashanti regions.
In the Ashanti region, where the NPP targets 85% support, Bawumia currently holds 66%, while Mahama garners 22%, and Bediako and Kyeremanten capture 7% and 4%, respectively.
This fragmentation of support poses potential challenges for the ruling party as it gears up for the elections.
The poll also emphasises key issues shaping voter sentiment, with the economy, jobs, and education as primary concerns. A significant 70% of respondents identified the economy as their foremost issue, followed by jobs (62%) and education (48%).
Additionally, 62% of voters believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, with discontent particularly strong among NDC voters (88%), floating voters (74%), and supporters of other parties (76%).
In contrast, 64% of NPP supporters feel that the country is on the right track.
The founder and head pastor of the Glorious Word and Power Ministry, Rev Isaac Owusu-Bempah, has predicted victory for NDC flag bearer, former president John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 general elections.
The preacherman who predicted President Nana Akufo-Addo’s victory in 2016 said God has ordained the NDC leader as the one to manage the affairs of the country after the 2024 general elections.
Rev. Owusu Bempah made this prophecy at an event where the former president met and interacted with leaders of the Christian Faith in Accra today, Tuesday, 1st October, 2024.
After he joined other seasoned clergymen to pray for the president, Rev Owusu Bempah said “because of your good heart, God has given you back this country.”
“Nobody can block your victory,” the man of God stated.
As campaign activities have intensified ahead of a crucial elections on December, there have been prophecies about who is likely to become the president of the Fith Republic.
Last week, the General Overseer of the Propheti Hill Cahapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, revealed that all major prophets in Ghana have declared a clear victory for the NDC’s John Mahama .
The prophecy comes at a time the NDC and the Electoral Commission (EC) are on a collision path over the need for a forensic audit of the voters register .
Recent Polls Favours Mahama
A recent poll by Global InfoAnalytics indicates that NDC’s John Dramani Mahama (JDM) has maintaining a considerable lead over Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB) of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The poll shows Mahama capturing 51.1% of committed voters, while Bawumia trails with 37.3%.
Independent candidates Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten (AKK) and Nana Kwame Bediako (NKB) account for 4.1% and 6.2%, respectively, with other candidates collectively receiving 1.3%.
No Need To Tax Churches
At the programme, Mr John Mahama said there was no need to impose taxes on churches when voted into office.
Although he noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is piling pressure on the government to find other ways to generate revenue for the country, the church certainly is not to be taxed.
“Are we going to tax churches? Absolutely not,” he stated and explained that tithes and offerings are for the church and must not be taxed and I don’t intend to tax that,” Mr Mahama said.
He said businesses established by the church are already taxed and he believes that is enough.
“The law is that commercial activities of churches are taxed but the church itself in terms tithes, in terms of collections and all that are not supposed to be taxed. If the church sets up an industry and its working for profits that profit can be taxed,” he added.
Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama says he will not impose taxes on churches when voted into office.
The former president made the pledge while engaging leaders of the Christian Faith in Accra today, Tuesday, 1st October, 2024. He explained that faith-based organisations do not need to be taxed.
Although he noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is piling pressure on the government to find other ways to generate revenue for the country, the church certainly is not to be taxed.
“Are we going to tax churches? Absolutely not,” he stated and explained that tithes and offerings are for the church and must not be taxed and I don’t intend to tax that,” Mr Mahama said.
He said businesses established by the church are already taxed and he believes that is enough.
“The law is that commercial activities of churches are taxed but the church itself in terms tithes, in terms of collections and all that are not supposed to be taxed. If the church sets up an industry and its working for profits that profit can be taxed,” he added.
The issue of taxing churches comes up every election year but no presidential candidate has been able to accept to accept to impose taxes on the religious bodies.
Currently, the two leaders of the main political parties, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia of the NPP and Mr Mahama of NDC have all declined calls to tax churches.
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, has assured that her outfit is in the process of sanitizing the 2024 voter’s register ahead of the general eletions on December 7.
The EC Boss made the comments at the opening of an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting, on Tuesday, 1 October 2024, where she outlined the steps taken to correct errors in the voter roll.
She emphasised that the current voters’ register is now more accurate than the version presented during the voter exhibition in early August.
“As a Commission, we have devoted the last few weeks to correct the discrepancies, and you will find that the provisional voters’ register today is different and more accurate than what was exhibited and provided to the parties in August 2024,” the EC Chairperson stated,
She assured attendees that the discrepancies identified thus far have been largely resolved, noting: “The register that was presented to parties in early August is very different from what we have today.”
The EC Chairperson firmly dismissed allegations that the Commission is intentionally disenfranchising voters, calling such claims untrue.
The IPAC meeting aims to foster transparency in the electoral process, providing a platform for political parties to present any findings related to the Provisional Voters Register (PVR).
This meeting follows concerns raised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which has demanded a forensic audit of the voters’ register due to alleged discrepancies.
In response to the NDC’s petition, the EC urged the party to allow the Commission to complete its register clean-up before pursuing further actions.
Mrs. Mensa characterised the call for a forensic audit as “premature,” reiterating the EC’s dedication to ensuring a fair and accurate electoral process leading up to the elections.
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