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Military Deployed as EC Orders Resumption of Ablekuma North Collation

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 

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.

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

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

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

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…

Nyankpala: Four arrested over shooting incident

suspects of nyankpala shooting incident

The Ghana Police Service has arrested four persons at Nyankpala over a shooting incident that led to the death of one person and the injury of another.

The four persons are Majid Issah, Fodi Issiage Kamara, Yakubu Simalia, and Alhaji Bashiru Mohamed.

The police, in a brief statement, said the injured victim is currently receiving medical care, while the body of the deceased has been taken to the morgue for preservation and autopsy.

The suspects are currently in custody and assisting the Police investigation.

See video here

See full statement below: 

Read also: Man Arrested for Possession of Weapon at St. Theresa School Polling…

Hon. Adelaide Predicts Massive Vote Win Despite Alleged Sabotage

vote

The Member of Parliament for Nsuta Kwamang Beposo Constituency, Honourable Adelaide Yaa Agyeiwaa Ntim, has cast her vote in the ongoing polls.

 According to Hon. Adelaide, she has been touring various polling stations in her constituency and has observed a smooth election process.

Hon. Adelaide further revealed that she had received allegations of a party member accusing her of wrongdoing and attempting to influence residents with money to vote for another party.

 She further clarified that she believes that such an act could potentially reduce their vote percentage

Despite this challenge, Hon. Adelaide remains optimistic about her party’s chances by predicting a massive win for her party in the ongoing polls.

Read also: Afigya Kwabre North: “I Expect Nothing Less than 75% to 80%…

Man Arrested for Possession of Weapon at St. Theresa School Polling Station

man arrested for possession of weapon at polling station

Today, the Ghana Police Service announced the arrest of one man, Michael Allotey. The suspect is in custody for the possession of a weapon at the St. Theresa School polling station in Okaikwei South Constituency in Accra.

Police say he is currently in custody and assisting in the police investigation.

Background

Ahead of the 2024 elections, the Deputy Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Ghana National Commission on Small Arms, Gyebi Asante, urged the public to protect the peace and avoid causing confusion.

Speaking on Adom FM on November 21st, he stated that failing to maintain peace could lead to significant consequences. This followed an incident where certain firearms and live ammunition were confiscated at the Tema Port.

He described such incidents as a serious threat to national security and warned that they should not be allowed to continue.

The full statement read from the Ghana police read: 

The Ghana Police Service has arrested one person, Michael Allotey for possession of weapon at the St. Theresa school polling station in the Okaikwei South Constituency in Accra. He is currently in custody assisting in the Police investigation.

See below: 

police report on arrested man who carried weapons

Afigya Kwabre North: “I Expect Nothing Less than 75% to 80% Turnout” – Collins Adomako

afigya kwabre incumbent mp: collins adomako-mensah

Collins Adomako-Mensah, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, has expressed optimism about the upcoming election, confident that voter turnout will be remarkable. 

He said he believes the smooth conduct of the election, as witnessed during his visits to various polling stations, reflects the commitment of the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensuring a successful election process.

Adomako-Mensah praised the EC for the timely commencement of voting at stations he visited, noting that election agents were professionally dressed and seated. He emphasized the smooth start of the proceedings and said his confidence in high turnouts is because, as of 9:30 AM, some stations had already seen around 100 voters.

Based on this early turnout, he said he anticipates a voter turnout rate between 75% and 80%, and he remains hopeful that this target will be achieved without any issues.

The incumbent MP also expressed his optimism about his own electoral success, stating that he expects to secure 70% of the vote share. 

He highlighted that one of the most significant achievements for the constituency was its elevation to district status, which has brought several key infrastructural improvements. These include the establishment of a district office, a district court, a district fire service, an ambulance service, and a new NADMO office, which made the constituency beneficiaries of Agenda 111.

Mr. Collins also mentioned ongoing efforts to upgrade roads within the constituency, with plans to add second coats to many of the main routes in Kwabre. He expressed hope that the people of Kwabre will give him another opportunity to serve based on the progress made over the past four years, particularly in areas like education, health, security, and youth unemployment.

On the topic of youth unemployment, Adomako-Mensah acknowledged that the challenge remains a critical issue, especially considering the number of school dropouts before the introduction of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. However, he believes that efforts are still underway to address youth unemployment.

When asked about the possibility of defeat in the election, Mr. Collins affirmed his commitment to democracy, stating, ““I am a Democrat, I don’t have any issue accepting the results by the majority of the people.”  However, he expressed confidence in his chances by stating, “I doubt I am going to lose.”

Read also: Afigya Kwabre North: Five Polling Stations in One Location Spark Voter…

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