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Electoral Commission Dismisses Viral Video on Voter Register as Misleading

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

The Electoral Commission (EC) has urged the public to disregard a viral video circulating on social media that falsely portrays supposed voters of Ahafo Ano 1 and 2 being transported in a white pickup truck along with other registers.

The EC emphasized that its voter registers are printed in black and white, unlike the colored version shown in the footage. In a statement issued today (Wednesday, 4th December), the EC clarified that the document shown in the video is not an official register of the Commission.

The Commission further explained that the Final Voters Register, which is shared with political parties, is printed by the parties themselves for their agents’ use. Additionally, the EC stated that the vehicle seen in the video does not belong to the Commission.

The EC described the video as an attempt to undermine trust in its work, urging the public to dismiss its content as false. 

Deputy EC Chairman, Samuel Tettey, called on law enforcement to investigate the matter. He noted that the vehicle’s registration number, visible in the video, could provide valuable leads for the investigation.

“The registration number of the pickup truck, which is visible in the video, should be able to assist the police in their investigations,” he said. 

The EC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and integrity in the electoral process, urging citizens to rely on verified information.

Parts of the statement read: The Electoral Commission (EC) has taken note of a video circulating on social media, which shows a copy of a supposed voter register for Ahafo Ano 1 and 2 being transported in a white pickup truck together with other registers.

The voters register shown in the video is not that of the electoral commission. The Commission’s registers are black and white and not colored, as shown in the video.

The Public should disregard the said video. It is calculated to create suspicion and mistrust for the Commission and its work.

We urge the police to investigate this matter. The registration number of the pickup truck, which is visible in the video, should be able to assist the police in their investigations.”

See the full statement below: 

Electoral commission statement on voters in white truck

Akuffo-Addo confident in Bawumia to lead Ghana.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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akufo-addo
Nana Akuffo Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed confidence in his Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his experience in governance and says he is ready to take on the role of Ghana’s next president.

During a meeting with Organised Labour on Tuesday, December 3, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that Dr. Bawumia has acquired the essential knowledge and experience over the past seven years to lead the country effectively.

 He also stressed that voting for Dr. Bawumia means supporting ongoing progress and development.

“I have no doubt in my mind that my vice president who was with me eight years in opposition and who was a Deputy Governor at the Bank of Ghana when I came across him and asked him to follow me into politics, eight years in opposition and eight years in government, this man is well prepared today to be president”, he said.

“And my appeal to you is that on December 7, Saturday when you go to cast your ballot, look closely at the elephant”, he added.

SOURCE: OSEI- TUTU ESTHER KUMAH

Police Arrest 88 Individuals in Western North

By
Ivy Hollys
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police arrest 88 suspects

The Ghana Police Service is investigating 88 individuals who were intercepted on board two Metro Mass Transit buses at Benchema near Asawinso in the Western North Region on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the individuals were allegedly recruited by a man identified as Sammy from various locations in the Greater Accra Region, including Adenta, Oyarifa, and Madina.

They were reportedly being transported to provide security at polling stations in some constituencies within the Western North Region.

Parts of the statement read, “The Ghana Police Service is investigating some 88 individuals on board two Metro Mass Transit buses intercepted at Benchema near Asawinso in the Western North Region, on Tuesday, 3rd December 2024.

Preliminary Police investigation revealed that the said individuals were allegedly recruited by one Sammy from various locations in the Greater Accra Region. 

Strenuous efforts are underway to get Sammy, who allegedly recruited these individuals, to assist in the conduct of the investigation.”

The suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with the investigation.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to locate and apprehend Sammy, the alleged recruiter, to aid in the ongoing inquiry.

See the full statement below: 

police report

Read also: Police Probe Alleged Attack on Asantehene’s Convoy

Kejetia Traders Reject Calls for Market Closure on December 7

By
Ivy Hollys
-
kejetia market

Traders at the Kejetia Market in Kumasi have rejected a proposal to close its doors on election day, December 7, 2024. They argue that the closure will severely impact their livelihoods, particularly in the current challenging economic climate.

The rejection comes after Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), raised the suggestion during a meeting with representatives of the market at the Kumasi Culture Centre.

In a statement on December 3, the concerned traders dismissed the proposal, stating that they saw no justification for such a move.

Despite this initial rejection, the traders claim that the Kumasi Mayor, Samuel Pyne, has instructed the market management to enforce the closure on election day.

Speaking to Orange FM’s Fatawu Bayaga, Kwame Nkrumah Arthur, an executive member of the Kejetia Traders Association, said the association is urging authorities to reconsider the planned closure. 

Mr. Arthur disclosed ongoing discussions about the situation, expressing concerns over its impact. He revealed that during a meeting with association’s executives, they emphasized their opposition to the closure, citing economic hardships.

He further stated that the closure, even for a single day, would greatly affect traders’ livelihoods. “We are much concerned about the traders,” he emphasized.

Addressing allegations of political motives, he denied any partisan agenda. He questioned, “Which kind of political points are we trying to score here? We have no such political interests. We are just concerned about the people trading at the market and looking at the economic reality of the country.” 

He further stressed their focus on the traders’ welfare, adding that the association prioritizes ensuring traders can operate without disruption. 

“Every day is important to them,” he said, calling for authorities to reconsider.

He confirmed ongoing engagements and expressed optimism their concerns would be addressed.

Paa Kwesi Nduom, Elmina Residents Demand the Return of GN Bank

By
Ivy Hollys
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paa kwesi nduom

Led by Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, the streets of Elmina in the Central Region were charged with emotion on Monday, 2nd December 2024. Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in a massive protest as part of the ongoing “Bring Back GN Bank” campaign.

The participants, from all walks of life, expressed their frustration over the collapse of GN Bank, calling for its reinstatement to support local businesses and restore jobs. The demonstration saw protesters marching through some principal streets of Elmina.

Some of the demonstrators raised concerns about what they described as a “betrayal of trust” by traditional authorities and the government. They expressed their disappointment in the leadership of the Elmina traditional council.

Paa Kwesi Nduom Speaks

In his address to the crowd, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, founder of Groupe Nduom and GN Bank, expressed his frustration over the circumstances that led to the bank’s closure in 2019.

He criticized the decision to close the bank, stating, “The collapse of GN Bank was not just about regulations. It was a targeted attack on Ghanaian entrepreneurship and innovation. But I remain hopeful that a new administration will see the value in bringing back the People’s Bank.”

Dr Nduom emphasized the impact of GN Bank’s closure on small businesses and rural communities, where the bank played a crucial role in providing accessible financial services. He added, “The restoration of GN Bank is not just about me. It’s about restoring hope and confidence in our local businesses and people.”

The protest in Elmina is part of a broader nationwide campaign. It has seen similar events across the country aimed at galvanizing public support and drawing attention to the bank’s significant contributions before its license revocation.

Dr Nduom expressed optimism about the bank’s potential reinstatement, saying, “The journey is far from over. With the support of the people, we will succeed.”

Background

In 2019, the Bank of Ghana revoked the licenses of 23 savings and loan companies and finance house companies, including the GN bank.

The Bank of Ghana (BOG) justified its decision to revoke the license of GN Bank in 2019 by insisting that the action was warranted due to significant regulatory breaches.

The Central Bank maintained that GN Bank failed to comply with critical financial regulations and banking standards, threatening its operational stability.

Referring to a statement issued in August 2019 detailing reasons for the revocation, the Central Bank said GN Bank fell short of capital adequacy, liquidity governance, and risk management requirements.

GN Bank consistently failed to meet the minimum capital requirements, raising concerns about its ability to absorb losses and protect depositors. It also struggled with liquidity management, which affected its capacity to meet withdrawal demands from customers.

There were also deficiencies in GN Bank’s governance structure and risk management practices, which contributed to operational inefficiencies and heightened risk exposure.

For instance, “GN Bank suspended operations in seventy (70) of its branches, including the Head office branch at Asylum Down and Castle Road branch, and temporarily suspended its entire management team without the approval of the Bank of Ghana contrary to section 25 (2) of the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930), mainly as a result of its insolvency and liquidity challenges.”

The bank subsequently sought legal action challenging the revocation of GN Savings and Loans’ license by the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

But in January 2024, an Accra High Court presided over by Justice Gifty Addo Adjei upheld the legality of the Central Bank’s decision, emphasizing the institution’s right to revoke the license due to governance deficiencies that rendered GN Savings and Loans unable to meet its debt obligations. However, in a series of Facebook posts in the last months, the bank’s founder, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, gave a hint about what to expect in the coming days regarding the defunct financial institution.

Parliament: Deadlock Halts $300M World Bank Funding for Ghana

By
Ivy Hollys
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parliament

The government has admitted that the disbursement of $300 million remains inaccessible due to the unresolved deadlock in Parliament. The parliamentary impasse has stalled the funds.

The $300 amount is part of a larger financial support package from the World Bank aimed at stabilizing the economy, financing critical sectors, and addressing fiscal deficits.

“We should have passed some legislation that would have qualified us for $300 million from the World Bank. However, the World Bank has not disbursed the money because those bills have not been passed. This is because parliament has not worked as it should.

The legislative body has been on an indefinite recess as the two main political parties remain locked in a dispute. The dispute is over which side commands the majority of seats.

Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, during his monthly economic update on Tuesday, said, “This is just one example of how the impasse in the house has affected government business.”

The Minister was confident that the impasse would be resolved soon, allowing Ghana to receive the funds without significant setbacks.

He also expressed its readiness to present the mini-budget despite the ongoing standoff in Parliament.

However, he said he awaits a resolution of the stalemate to secure a confirmed date for the budget reading. He added that the government is focused on delivering its policy priorities for sustained economic growth.

“The budget has been presented to Parliament. We are waiting for Parliament’s own time. If this current parliament doesn’t pass, the next parliament will approve it. Certainly, if Parliament is not functioning, it affects the government.”

There are concerns that the current parliamentary standoff could potentially lead to a government shutdown next year. Particularly affecting the payment of salaries to public sector workers.

The Finance Minister was hopeful about a swift resolution to facilitate the timely delivery of the budget and ensure the smooth implementation of state policies.

“To say that the economy has not been affected would be an understatement,” Dr. Amin Adam admitted.

Parliament is expected to reconvene from its indefinite break on December 16, 2024.

Read also: Parliament: Speaker Announces to Reconvene on December 16, 2024

Presidential Candidates sign National Pact against illegal mining.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG), has invited all the presidential candidates contesting the 2024 elections to sign the National Pledge of Presidential Candidates against illegal and irresponsible mining.

In a statement released on Tuesday, December 3 2024, the coalition underscores the importance of a collaboration between political leaders, civil, traditional authorities and local communities to fight against the ‘galamsey’ menace. The National Pact signing is a step in that direction, affirming their responsibility to put in measures to combat illegal mining.

The coalition says it believes “this initiative will shape a new social contract with the people of Ghana, inspiring collective action and creating a legacy of environmental stewardship for future generations”.

A press conference would be held on Thursday, 5th December 2024 by the GCAG, to announce to the public all presidential candidates who have signed the pact.

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey comprises of the media, organized labor, religious groups, youth organizations, academia, civil society, traditional leaders and business organizations, with the aim of fighting illegal mining in Ghana.

Written by:

Cindy Adasah Boamah.

Ghana lacks a clear direction- Ex Local Gov’t Minister claims

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Akwasi Oppong Fosu, has expressed deep concern about the current trajectory of Ghana.

He pointed out that, unlike countries such as China and Singapore, which operate under clear strategic plans, Ghana lacks a defined direction for its development.

Mr. Fosu noted that the situation is further aggravated by a deficiency in effective leadership to manage the nation’s affairs.

He also highlighted a troubling mindset among citizens, who often prioritize personal interests over national well-being.

“We have become a people of short term view of things, people are looking at what they will get from those they are following now, either as members of Parliament or presidential candidates, so it is an issue of mindset that needs to be changed,” he stated.

In an interview on the Orange Sunrise with Alfa Ali, the former local government minister also expressed concerns regarding the state of independent institutions in the country.

He believes that public entities such as the Electoral Commission and the Judiciary appear to have lost their independence, which is detrimental to the nation’s governance.

Election 2024: EC Lifts Media Restrictions on Access to Collation Centres 

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Electoral Commission
Electoral Commission Mrs. Jean Mensa

The Electoral Commission (EC) has reversed its earlier directive restricting media access to the constituency and regional collation centers.

This means all media houses will allow media personnel greater access during the electoral process.

In a statement issued on Monday, December 2, the EC announced that after internal discussions and consultations with key media stakeholders, media professionals with photo accreditation to cover polling stations will now be permitted to use the same accreditation to access constituency and regional collation centers.

“From Saturday, 7th December 2024, media persons can access Constituency and Regional Collation Centres using their photo accreditation cards issued by the EC,” the statement read.

The EC reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasizing that the revised accreditation system is designed to ensure greater access and flexibility for media professionals during the elections. Media practitioners have welcomed the decision as a significant step toward fostering openness in the electoral process.

Source: joynewsonline

Ayawaso West: John Dumelo Files Complaint, Lydia Alhassan Defends

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Ayawaso west food distribution saga: Lydia Alhassan, John Dumelo

Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, has addressed concerns following a video showing her distributing food during the Special Voting exercise. The exercise was held yesterday, December 2, 2024.

The incident, recorded at the Legon Police Station polling center, sparked debate over electoral ethics. Many critics suggest the act could influence voters. Lydia Alhassan, however, has dismissed these claims, describing her actions as an act of compassion.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show, the MP explained that the gesture began when someone in the queue requested water. Her constituency women’s organizer initially provided the water, prompting her to extend the offer to others who appeared tired or hungry.

“I thought that there were some people who would need food after I served my people, so I decided to give it [the food] to them [the people in queue]. Did you see me giving out food to the people in the queue? The lady with me received a request for water, and in her attempt to give it to the person who requested it, she ended up giving it to two other people who also needed water,” she said.

She refuted allegations of attempting to sway voters, emphasizing that she was only present as a stakeholder to monitor the voting process. She further clarified that food packages were primarily intended for polling agents and media personnel facilitating the Ayawaso West election.

However, critics, including her opponent John Dumelo, raised questions about the appropriateness of the gesture. Lydia Alhassan denied being present when Dumelo reportedly responded to the incident, stating she had left the venue before any confrontation occurred.

“As a stakeholder, I had to be there to oversee the process. We sent food specifically for our agents and also served the media personnel present. The idea was to ensure that everyone involved in facilitating the voting process was adequately taken care of,” she explained.

The video has reignited discussions on electoral ethics. However, Lydia Alhassan maintains that her intentions were solely to support those in need and ensure efficient operations at the polling station.

New Developments

John Dumelo, the NDC parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon, has filed a formal criminal complaint against Lydia Seyram Alhassan. 

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, December 3, John Dumelo wrote, “This afternoon  [December 3] at about 1:00 pm, my team filed a formal criminal complaint against MS. LYDIA SEYRAM ALHASSAN (the sitting MP for our beloved Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency) at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

“The complaint entails video recordings of various conducts by MS. LYDIA SEYRAM ALHASSAN, which we believe breach our criminal and electoral laws. My team also gave material information on plots by MS. LYDIA SEYRAM ALHASSAN to unlawfully influence voters on a larger scale come Saturday, December 7, 2024, when the main election will be held.

“We expect the OSP to take immediate and decisive steps to not only prevent MS. LYDIA SEYRAM ALHASSAN from repeating the unlawful behaviour but also to bring her and all her accomplices to book.”

Read also: Ayawaso West: Special Prosecutor to Begin Probe Over Food Distribution…

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