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President Akufo-Addo Names Government Transition Team

By
Ivy Hollys
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president akufo addo

President Nana Akufo-Addo has in line with the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845), announced the government’s side of the Transition Team. 

The tea, is to also oversee the seamless transfer of executive authority to the incoming administration.

President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his commitment to a smooth transition process, emphasizing its importance in strengthening Ghana’s democratic credentials. The Transition Team is tasked with facilitating an efficient handover to preserve continuity and foster national unity.

The team includes key government officials, including:

  • Head of the Presidential Staff appointed under the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463) [Chief of Staff] – Hon. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare
  • The Attorney-General – Godfred Yeboah Dame
  • Minister responsible for Presidential Affairs – Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu
  • Minister responsible for Finance – Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam
  • Minister responsible for the Interior – Hon. Henry Quartey
  • Minister responsible for Defence – Hon. Dominic Nitiwul
  • Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs – Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey
  • Minister responsible for Local Government – Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah
  • Minister responsible for National Security – Hon. Albert Kan Dapaah

Also, in line with Section 1 (2) of the Act, the Team shall include the following individuals:

  1. The Head of Civil Service – Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh
  2. The Head of the Local Government Service – Dr. Nana Ato Arthur
  3. The Secretary to the Cabinet – Ambassador Mercy Debrah-Karikari
  4. The National Security Coordinator – Mr. Edward Asomani

The Transition Team will be inaugurated today Wednesday, December 11, 2024, in a meeting between President Akufo-Addo and President-elect John Dramani Mahama. The two will serve as Co-Chairpersons. 

Hon. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare has been designated to act as Co-Chairperson in the absence of the President.

Furthermore, the President has appointed former Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, to the Advisory Council, with the current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, as Chairperson.

The President-elect also announced the members of his side of the Transition Team earlier today, ensuring balanced representation as the teams work together to maintain governance stability.

Speaker of Parliament Congratulates John Mahama

By
Ivy Hollys
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john mahama and bagbin

Alban Bagbin Speaker of Parliament has congratulated President-elect John Dramani Mahama on his win.

 On a social media post on December 9, Bagbin emphasized the importance of Mahama’s victory, noting that Ghanaians have decisively chosen him to rejuvenate the nation. He expressed his hope that Mahama would receive divine guidance during this challenging time for the country.

“Ghanaians have courageously and resoundingly reset the presidency to reset the nation. Congratulations, Your Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, president-elect and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.

“The God almighty who brought you back will be your guide at this critical time that our nation is at its lowest point. Again, congratulations!”

On Monday, December 9, the Electoral Commission (EC) confirmed Mahama’s victory with 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the valid votes cast. He defeated his main rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who received 4,657,304 votes, or 41.61%.

Mahama’s win also marked a significant achievement for his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which secured a majority in Parliament.

Over 160 seats confirmed for NDC, including key NPP constituencies, strengthening Mahama’s mandate for presidency.

Bawumia Urges NPP Supporters to Focus on Unity

By
Ivy Hollys
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Dr. Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana, has called on New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters to avoid blaming each other for the party’s defeat, cautioning that such actions could weaken party unity.

During a meeting with party executives from the Klottey Korley constituency, Dr. Bawumia identified voter apathy as the main reason for the party’s loss.

He stressed that, after analyzing the election results, it was evident that the NPP unintentionally handed power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) rather than the opposition party improving on their 2020 performance.

“We couldn’t meet our expectations that is why we conceded. That doesn’t mean it is over. We lost a battle, not the war. I want to encourage you all. In this election, we were the ones that gave the victory to NDC. They didn’t win because their numbers didn’t change from 2020.

“Ours reduced by 40 percent. I want you all to understand that united we stand, but divided we fall. I have seen many people in pain, but I have an abiding belief in God. His ways are not our ways.

“Blame games will destroy us. Let us stand together. Stop the blame games. Let’s look at the future. Let’s concentrate on strengthening the party. It is not about individual ambition. I know we will come out successful.”

Ghana: US Congratulates President Elect John Mahama

By
Ivy Hollys
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ghana and us

The United States has extended its heartfelt congratulations John Dramani Mahama on his election as President of Ghana for the next four years, set to begin on January 7, 2025.

The U.S. praised Ghana’s democratic process, commending the nation’s ability to conduct peaceful and credible elections that uphold the principles of transparency and fairness.

In a statement issued on December 10, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken applauded the Electoral Commission of Ghana for its commitment to ensuring a free and transparent electoral process.

He emphasized Ghana’s standing as a model of democracy and a beacon of stability in the African region. On Monday, December 9, the Electoral Commission officially declared Mahama the winner of the 2024 presidential election.

He secured 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the valid votes cast, defeating his closest rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who garnered 4,657,304 votes, representing 41.61%.

Parts of the statement read:

The U.S. also reiterated its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Ghana, supporting democratic governance, and promoting shared values of peace and development.

The United States congratulates President-elect John Mahama on his successful election campaign following the declaration of results by Ghana’s Electoral Commission. 

We extend further congratulations to Vice President-elect Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on becoming Ghana’s first female vice president.

The United States commends the Electoral Commission, its hundreds of thousands of poll workers, civil society, and the country’s security forces, who helped ensure a peaceful and transparent process. 

The United States is proud of our enduring partnership and friendship with the people and government of Ghana. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Mahama to carry our historic relationship into the future.

Military Deployed as EC Orders Resumption of Ablekuma North Collation

By
Ivy Hollys
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sam george on ablekuma north

Military personnel have been deployed to the Greater Accra Regional Collation Centre amid heightened political tensions. Today, the Electoral Commission ordered the resumption of vote collation at the center after an earlier suspension.

The decision to resume the collation of the results stems from accusations by NDC supporters gathered outside the premises, alleging attempts to subvert the electoral process.

The collation of Ablekuma North parliamentary results stalled midway after NDC and NPP candidates engaged in heated exchanges at the center. Earlier today, the collation process was suspended for the second time, halting proceedings after results from 219 out of the 281 polling stations had been collated.

The initial suspension occurred on Monday during the midway point of the collation process. Jean Mensa had suspended the help processes of nine unresolved parliamentary disputes across the country until further notice.

Jean Mensa, EC Chairperson, personally intervened to restart the collation process after the initial suspension. NDC’s former Deputy General Secretary Peter Otokunor confirmed the EC’s decision to proceed with vote tallying. The situation remains tense as officials work to complete results.

Meanwhile, a large crowd of NDC supporters has massed outside the collation center, demanding the immediate announcement of the results.

Authorities are working to maintain order and ensure a peaceful resolution to the electoral dispute.

Achimota Forestry Commission Raided in Brazen Daylight 

By
Ivy Hollys
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forestry commission

Unidentified individuals have reportedly broken into the Forestry Commission office at Achimota early Tuesday morning, stealing multiple valuable items.

Witnesses reported the intruders wore branded NDC shirts and made political statements during the break-in. According to eyewitnesses, they chanted, “Our government is now in power,” as they stormed the forestry facility early this morning.”

According to preliminary investigations, the stolen items include 24 air conditioners and several laptops. However, attempts to steal the keys to newly acquired vehicles within the premises were unsuccessful.

The police have secured the facility and launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Authorities are also actively seeking information about the perpetrators.

The break-in has raised significant security concerns for government facilities following recent political transitions. Official statements from the Forestry Commission are pending.

Election 2024: Mahama is Ghana’s president elect.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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President John Dramani Mahama on lgbtq+ bill
John Dramani Mahama

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress(NDC), John Dramani Mahama has been declared winner and Ghana’s president elect on Monday December 9, 2024 by the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa following the 7th December general elections.

In Jean Mensa’s address to the nation, she announced John Mahama garnered 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the total valid votes. His main opponent, Dr. Mahammudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) also had 4,657,304 representing 41.6%.

John Dramani Mahama has since his declaration as President elect received congratulatory messages from various international and local figures, including Ghana’s president Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the United States.

Supporters of the NDC have also zoomed into celebratory mode, waving the NDC party paraphenalia across streets to celebrate the win.

WRITTEN BY:

Cindy Adasah Boamah

EC to Declare 2024 Presidential Results at 4:30 pm

By
Ivy Hollys
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Deputy chair of the electoral commission (ec)

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced that the results of the 2024 general elections will be declared today at 4:30 PM.

Deputy EC Commissioner Samuel Tetteh at a press briefing today, December 9, called on political party supporters to avoid gathering at the National Collation Centre.

He emphasized that such gatherings are both unnecessary and illegal, urging all parties and supporters to remain calm and patient as the final results are being processed.

He said the declaration will be broadcast live, and the public is encouraged to tune in to follow the announcement.

“There is no need for supporters of political parties to besiege the national collation center. This is illegal and unwarranted.”

“The national collation centre should be visited by only those with proper accreditation. All others can watch live the declaration of the results at 4:30 PM,” he further stated. 

Background

Yesterday, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Adukwei Mensa, called for patience as the EC worked to finalize and announce the results of the 2024 presidential elections.

In an address to the media on Sunday, she assured Ghanaians of the EC’s commitment to transparency while explaining the complexities of the collation process.

“We understand the anxiety and expectations of Ghanaians, especially with both major political parties having shared their results. However, the EC has an elaborate and thorough process that we must adhere to,” she stated.

 “It has only been 23 hours since polls closed, and we urge citizens to exercise patience as we complete the process.” Jean Mensa highlighted that under the CI 127 regulations, the EC is allowed up to 72 hours to declare the presidential results.

She referenced the 2020 elections, where the commission set a record by declaring results within 48 hours, but noted that the current situation calls for more time.

“While we broke the record in 2020, we must ensure thoroughness and accuracy. If results from all regions arrive earlier and are verified, we will announce the winner without delay.

“However, we are prepared to use the full 72 hours if necessary to protect the integrity of the process,” she emphasized.

Jean Mensa assured citizens that the commission is prioritizing the will of the people, as reflected in the results from polling stations across the country.

However, speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Mr Asiedu Nketia, Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) stated that the NDC and NPP have already declared their tallied results, which align with declaring John Dramani Mahama as the winner.

Despite this, the EC remains silent, which the NDC views as a dangerous delay that could escalate tensions.

Offinso North: One dead in Fertilizer Distribution Dispute

By
Ivy Hollys
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one dead in dispute over fertilizer distribution

A violent clash between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Akomadan, Offinso North Constituency, has left one person dead.

The confrontation reportedly erupted over the distribution of fertilizers promised to local farmers after the elections. 

Fred Gyei Asamoah, the newly-elected NPP Member of Parliament for Offinso North, had earlier pledged to distribute fertilizers to farmers in the area. The fertilizers, delivered before the elections, were to be shared following the announcement of results.

On Monday at around 8 a.m., a group of NDC supporters gathered at Akomadan Cocoa Shell, demanding that the NPP party executives hand over the fertilizers.

On Monday around 8 a.m., NDC supporters gathered at Akomadan Cocoa Shell, demanding that NPP executives release the fertilizers without party-based restrictions. They argued that the resources were intended for all farmers, not just party affiliates.

The disagreement escalated into violence, leading to the death of one individual, suspected to be an NDC supporter. Authorities are investigating the incident as tensions continue to rise in the constituency.

Election Focus: Bantama Constituency Records Low Turnout

By
Ivy Hollys
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Mr. Bentil assim JOhnson, Bantama constituency

The Bantama Presby School JHS polling station has recorded a low voter turnout, raising concerns among election officials and observers. By 12:30 PM, only 171 out of the 435 registered voters had cast their ballots. The presiding officer, Bentil Assim Johnson, urged voters to take advantage of the quick and seamless voting process as there were no queues.

Mr. Bentil said, “I want to encourage voters to come because for now we don’t have any queue here.”

Later updates from Cindy Adasah Boamah, Orange FM’s correspondent for the Bantama constituency, revealed that the turnout had improved slightly to 237 voters.

However, the figure still represents less than half of the eligible voters, which she described as discouraging given the constituency’s voter population.

The presiding officer for the Bantama constituency expressed earlier optimism that voter participation would increase toward the evening. However, according to our correspondent, the turnout remains below expectations, highlighting the need for greater voter mobilization efforts.

Despite the low turnout, the polling process has been calm and orderly, with no incidents of violence or confusion reported since the polls opened. Security personnel have maintained full alertness, with three officers stationed at the polling site to ensure safety and order.

Watch full video below:

Bentil Assim Johnson, Presiding Officer, Bantama Presby School JHS

Read also: Election Focus: Chaos Over Alleged Food Distribution at Ablekuma West Polling…

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