Day: June 25, 2024

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on the Church to help ensure that the wishes of the people are reflected in the forthcoming general elections.

He emphasized that all efforts must be taken to maintain Ghana’s status as the most stable nation-state, to safeguard the sacrifices that many leaders had made in the country’s arduous democratic journey

The President made the call when the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Reverend Heneryk Mieczslaw Jagodzinski called on him at the Jubilee House in Accra on Monday.

The Apostolic Nuncio was at the presidency to bid farewell to the President after his duty tour in the country. He leaves for South Africa.

Pope Francis has reassigned Jagodzinski, a native of Poland who has been serving as Apostolic Nuncio in Ghana and Titular Archbishop of Limosano, as his representative in South Africa and Lesotho.

President Akufo-Addo assured that the December 7 polls would be free, fair, and credible.

He urged Ghanaians to reject the notion that any group could exp
loit the will of the people to impose a leader on the nation.

‘We will do everything possible to ensure the elections reflect the true will of our people and prevent any group from imposing their will on the nation. This is not the system of government we have chosen, and it is not one I support. We need the cooperation of the church and all citizens to achieve this.

‘Our nation’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa is at stake, and I am committed to safeguarding it. In December, we must ensure that Ghanaians have the opportunity to choose their president and parliament freely, without hindrance, interference, or coercion,’ he said.

Most Reverend Jagodzinski thanked the President for enabling his tour of the nation and said that Ghana would always be his second home.

He said he was leaving the country with many memories.

The Apostolic Nuncio pledged to deepen the relations that already exist between Ghana and the Catholic Church and the Vatican.

He pledged the cooperation of the church in ensu
ring peaceful, free, and fair elections on December 7.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Founder and Leader of the Movement for Change (M4C) has asked the electorate to vote for him as the first Independent President to lead a government of national unity that will mobilise the collective strength and talents of all Ghanaians.

He said that, although the economic situation was worrying, the good news was that Ghana still remained a favoured nation.

Mr Kyerematen said what was needed was a transformational leadership, a paradigm shift in the governance system as well as a mindset change.

‘We have an opportunity in the General Election in December this year to cross that bridge, and move Ghana into a new era of peace and prosperity by electing me as the first Independent Candidate to become the President of Ghana.’

Mr Kyerematen said this at the official launch of the Great Transformational Plan (GTP) in Accra, which seeks to build an enterprise economy in Ghana, focusing on private enterprise, innovation and the unleashing of the entrepreneurial spirit of Ghanaians.

‘This is what will take Ghana forward to occupy its rightful place in the comity of nations, as the Black Star of Africa, and the shining star of the Continent, and the first country south of the Sahara to become independent,’ he added.

Mr Kyerematen also stated that the unveiling of the most comprehensive policy framework, the GTP, would move Ghana from instability to stability, to growth, to resilience and finally to prosperity.

He explained that the GTP was categorised into six interrelated clusters – Economic, Governance, Infrastructure, Social Services, Environment, Science, Technology and Natural Resource Management, and Behavioural and Mindset change.

He said each of the clusters had a number of pillars, thematic areas and policy prescriptions or solutions.

He said the Plan was significantly different from party manifestos presented by political parties over the years, saying the policy solutions under the GTP were concise, clear, and action-oriented.

Source: Ghana News Agency

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Monday granted letters of credence to nine new envoys, urging them to actively promote Ghana’s image and interests abroad.

The envoys included three High Commissioners, five Ambassadors, and an Ambassador-at-Large.

They are, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, High Commissioner to Nigeria; Mrs. Francisca Ashietey-Oduntun, High Commissioner to South Africa; Mr. Ernest Yaw Amporful, High Commissioner to Rwanda; Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh, Ambassador to Trkiye; and Mr. Henry Tachie-Menson, Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union.

The others are Mrs Charity Gbedawo, Ambassador to Morocco; Ms Abigail Naa Adzoko Kwashi, Ambassador to Norway; Dr Robert Afriyie, Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union; and Nana Bediatuo Asante, Ambassador-at-Large.

At a ceremony at the Jubilee House, Accra, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of the envoys’ role in furthering Ghana’s interests and improving its standing abroad.

‘Your primary responsibility is to promote the
image of Ghana as a stable, peaceful, and forward-looking country.

‘This entails engaging with your host nations to foster strong bilateral relationships, attract investments, and advocate for the interests of Ghana,’ he stated

The President underscored the need to encourage international cooperation and strengthen diplomatic ties, given the global difficulties posed by the COVID-19 epidemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine,

He noted that for Ghana to successfully manage those challenges, strong relationships with other countries were essential.

‘High Commissioners-designate and Ambassadors-designate, your postings have come at a particularly critical juncture not only in global affairs but also in the journey of our nation’s development.

‘The world is gradually emerging from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left a profound impact on all facets of life,’ he noted.

President Akufo-Addo urged the new envoys to familiarize themselves with the ambitious Ghana CARES ‘Obaatampa’ Programme, which
outlines the roadmap for revitalizing the Ghanaian economy by supporting commercial farming, building the light manufacturing sector, developing engineering and ICT industries, fast-tracking digitalization, and creating jobs for young people.

‘The Ghana CARES ‘Obaatampa’ Programme sets out our roadmap towards the strong revitalization of the Ghanaian economy.

‘Each of you must help and contribute to the success of this programme by facilitating, amongst other things, as much foreign investment into the country as you can,’ he said.

The President tasked the envoys to proactively engage with the Ghanaian community in their duty areas and leverage their potential to further the country’s development.

‘Our diaspora is a vital component of the Ghanaian fabric, contributing considerably to our economy and cultural heritage.

‘By developing a strong bond with them, you will not only provide them with a sense of belonging but also harness their potential to contribute to Ghana’s development,’ he said.

President
Akufo-Addo also underlined the need for international cooperation to effectively address global concerns including armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change, and illicit financial flows.

‘Part of your responsibilities, at the multilateral level, is to work with the governments of your accreditation to assist in the prosecution of our common agenda in the fight against the scourge of armed conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, the threats of climate change, and the illicit outflow of funds from Africa,’ he stated.

The President called for integrity and professionalism, asking the envoys to do their jobs with diligence and to improve Ghana’s image abroad.

He told the envoys that they represented the hopes and aspirations of the Ghanaian people as they set out on their missions and that achieving those goals would have a significant impact on Ghana’s standing abroad and the country’s development.

President Akufo-Addo urged the envoys to develop cordial relations with the professional foreign service o
fficers at their duty post as their invaluable experience and knowledge would help them work effectively.

‘In executing your duties, it is imperative that you cultivate and maintain cordial working relationships with the professional Foreign Service officers who will be your colleagues in the high commissions and embassies.

‘Their support and collaboration will be essential in achieving your objectives and ensuring the success of your missions,’ he said.

Ambassador Tachie-Menson who spoke on behalf of his colleagues thanked the President for the appointments and the confidence reposed in them.

He assured the President that they would work hard to achieve the development goals of the country.

‘Mr. President, your confidence in our abilities is humbling and inspiring. We are honoured to hold these positions and are devoted to our mission abroad with dedication, integrity, and unwavering commitment,’ he said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Kojo Frempong, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Election 2024 parliamentary candidate for Wenchi constituency in the Bono region says he is optimistic the electorate would vote for him in the general election.

He said his endorsement to represent the Wenchi constituency in parliament in 2025 was enough until the electorate voted massively for the Vice President Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the NPP to retain political power in the December 7, polls.

Mr Frempong said this when addressing the ‘Banda Jorgorya’ heritage festival of the Banda Community in the Wenchi Municipality.

He pledged to provide scholarship to 20 youth of the Banda Community to continue their education at tertiary level of their choice, saying the people would benefit a lot from him if they voted to retain NPP in the general election.

More so, he stressed his readiness to support the youth in the Zongo community, interested to engage in employable skills training such as tailoring, dressmaking and other artisanal craft.

As a political
stronghold, Mr Frempong stressed that the NPP government had never disappointed the Wenchi people, attesting that the constituency had equally benefited from the sharing of the national cake.

He cited that the ongoing works on the execution of the 30 million Euro Wenchi water project as well as the rehabilitation of the Wenchi Zongo access roads were all indicators to measure achievements of the NPP in the constituency.

Alhaji Haruna Seidu, the National Democratic Party (NDC) Member of Parliament for Wenchi constituency, also challenged the electorate to consider or look into their socio-economic livelihoods before taking any decision when they go to ballot on December 7.

He said the NPP had failed Ghanaians, and it was only the former President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC government which could better the lots of the people.

‘I hope you will not only endorse me again, but also NDC so that we can transform the economic fortunes to alleviate the plight of Ghanaians,’ Alhaji Seidu indicated.

‘Let’s mak
e another history on December 7, by voting for Alhaji Haruna Seidu and John Dramani Mahama so that Wenchi would have an MP whose government is in political power’, Alhaji Seidu stated.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, Dean of Law School, University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has called for an immediate step to address the mistrust in the Electoral Commission (EC) and its work.

He suggested that the appointment process of the chairs and other members of the Commission, going forward, be broadened and consultations widened to ensure such appointments reflected the choice of the masses.

He made the call at the annual public forum of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, in Accra, on Monday, on the theme: ‘National Elections in Ghana: Issues and Prospects’.

Prof Abotsi, who was speaking on the topic: ‘Policy and Institutional Framework of National Elections in Ghana’, said the EC was constitutionally structured and established to deploy the electoral agenda of Ghana, adding that it was tasked with the mandate of supervising and administering the elections.

Article 45 of the Constitution mandates the Commission to, among other things, compile electoral register, demarcate electora
l boundaries for both national and local elections, educate the Ghanaian people on electoral processes and its purposes and undertake programmes for the expansion of the registration processes.

These functions, Prof Abotsi said, made the EC the sole body of elections in Ghana and justified its elevation above others in matters dealing with electoral governance.

Again, he said that also explained why the Commission was constitutionally set up as an independent body, detaching it from the main political branches and actors of State.

However, he noted that the work of the Commission, over the years, had been the subject of deep contestations especially by the two leading political parties – the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party.

‘Ironically to either party, the EC is only good when the party is in power in which case they see nothing wrong with its activities or moves. To the other party in opposition, the EC is to be looked on with troubling suspicions and its decisions grilled with s
kepticism,’ he said.

Prof Abotsi said such mistrust was concerning, attributing the skepticism and suspicions around activities of the EC to the current mode of appointment of the Commissioner and other members of the Commission by a sitting president.

He indicated that the current status quo where the Commissioner was appointed by the sitting President who may himself be a candidate in the next election remained problematic.

He noted that the situation if not checked could lead to a phenomenon in which governments may want to come in and inevitably leave with their own appointed electoral commissioner.

The trend is ‘disturbing because even if this situation is deemed merely perceived and not actual, the fact that the parties view the trend as real implies that they are likely to witness retaliatory responses when they take turns of power, leading to a complete destruction of the functional autonomy of the EC,’ he stressed.

He said it was imperative, therefore, that immediate steps were taken to deepen t
rust and confidence in the appointment process of the EC Commissioner, adding that one way to do that was to deepen and broaden the consultative aspect of the appointment process.

‘I will suggest that in any future appointment of the Commissioner, sitting presidents should do well to actively consult opposition parties and engage in back-channeling with key stakeholders in the process,’ he said.

He added that: ‘Recent controversies surrounding the use of the Ghana Card in voting, voter registrations and re-registrations, etc reflect that trust deficit and the challenge unfolding needs to be cured.’

Prof Alidu Seidu, Head, Department of Political Science, University of Ghana, speaking at the same event, stressed the need for the Commission to put measures in place to restore public confidence in its operations.

He also urged that the powers of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) be strengthened to make decisions of the Committee binding on all parties, including the EC.

He spoke on the topic: ‘Contr
ibution of Political Parties to National Elections for Development: An Assessment’.

Source: Ghana News Agency