Category: NEWS UPDATES

Ablakwa exposes govt’s plot to impose a new Speaker of Parliament

Member of Parliament for North Tongu constituency, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has alleged that the NPP government is planning to restrict MPs from freely voting for their own choice of candidate for the Speaker of Parliament position.

According to him, the government in a bid to impose its own Speaker of Parliament is plotting to violate Article 104 (4) and Order 9 (1) by seeking to inspect ballots of MPs in their respective caucuses on behalf of the ruling party.

In effect, the North Tongu MP has charged all Members of Parliament to passionately oppose any form of intimidation and insist that the secret ballot rule which is employed when appointing a Speaker of Parliament is religiously adhered to.

“Article 104 (4) of the 1992 Constitution and Standing Order 9 (1) demands that the election of Speaker shall be done by secret ballot. It is absolutely imperative that this constitutional requirement is strictly complied with to enable MPs of the 8th Parliament vote freely and according to their conscience. We must all begin a spirited campaign to insist that the secret ballot rule is religiously adhered to.

MPs-elect in good standing must start sending a clear message to those plotting to violate Article 104 (4) and Order 9 (1) by seeking to inspect ballots of MPs in their respective caucuses ostensibly on behalf of party officianados as has happened in recent times that their manoeuvres will be fiercely resisted. It is my hope that the current Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Cyril Nsiah, a man I have enormous respect for, would ensure that the sanctity of Ghana’s Constitution and Parliament’s Standing Orders are resolutely preserved.” He stated in a Facebook post on December 28, 2020.

Notwithstanding, Mr Ablakwa stated that history is about to repeat itself as the last time two persons were nominated for the position of a Speaker by both the NDC and the NPP concurrently was in 2005 when Mr John Dramani Mahama and President Nana Akufo-Addo were members of the House.

“As we approach midnight of January 6, 2021; I am reminded of Karl Marx’s famous edict: “history repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. Quite fascinating to observe that the only time since the inception of the Fourth Republic that two persons were nominated for the position of Right Honourable Speaker by both the NDC and the NPP concurrently was in 2005 when John Dramani Mahama and Nana Akufo-Addo were members of the august House.

15 years down the lane, these two who were later to both ascend the presidency are most likely to lead their respective sides to repeat the historic development of January 7, 2005, albeit this time from outside the chamber and with more competitive numbers,” he wrote.

Read Post below;

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— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) December 28, 2020

Ghanaweb

December 29, 2020
Government must provide coronavirus safety kits ahead of school reopening – Africa Education Watch

Africa Education Watch, an education think tank, has said the government must provide COVID-19 safety kits ahead of the reopening of schools.

Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, told Citi News that the COVID 19 protocols must be adhered to when school reopens to prevent a spike.

“As a nation, our commitment to comply with the protocols is what will make the difference whether we can open schools definitely or not.

“But I think we can because we actually operated schools when we were recording an increase in community spread, but we managed the situation until examinations were completed. So we are counting on the government’s readiness to supply necessary kits on time, so we can have a safe reopening,” he said.

Schools were shut down in March this year as part of measures to stop the spread of the virus in Ghana.

Senior High Schools were later reopened partially for final year students to complete their academic work and also sit for their exit exams and for continuing students to complete their academic terms.

But there is a firm plan by the government to re-open schools at all levels early next month.

Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is receiving briefings from the COVID-19 Technical Taskforce on limited school re-openings and will make a firm decision on whether schools should reopen in January by December 30, 2020.

Ghanaweb

December 29, 2020
NDC Heads To The Supreme Court To Contest Results Of 2020 Election – Asiedu Nketia

The General Secretary for the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia has officially on Tuesday, 29th December 2020 issued a statement that his party will go to the Supreme Court to contest the results of the recently-conducted general elections.

The National Executive Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a meeting at the Ghana National Association Teachers (GNAT) Hall has decided to challenge the results of December 7, 2020 polls they consider to be “rigged” in the Supreme Court.

In a statement signed by the NDC Chief Scribe, the party will in addition contest the “rigged” election results in other appropriate fora.

The statement again read that the NDC will continue all legitimate actions, including protestations, to press home its demands for the government of President Akufo-Addo to enforce the rule of law and protect life and property in Ghana.

“In addition, the party will continue all legitimate actions, including protestations, to press home its demands for the government of President Akufo-Addo to enforce the rule of law and protect life and property in Ghana and, in particular, to take all necessary measures to bring to swift justice those responsible for the murders and injuries and destruction of properties before, during and in the aftermath of the general election,” the statement read.

“The NDC’s commitment to the upholding of the constitution and respect for human rights shall remain unshaken,” the statement adds.

When will the petition be filed?

It is not clear when the NDC will file its petition challenging the declaration by the EC, although some members of the party had indicated that it will be filed by Wednesday, December 30, 2020.

As at 3:30 pm Tuesday, sources at the Supreme Court told Graphic Online that the NDC was yet to file its petition, reports Graphic Online’s Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson.

Per Article 64(1) of the 1992 Constitution, a petition challenging the validity of the election of the President should be filed at the Supreme Court within 21 days after the declaration of the results by the EC.

The EC declared the results on December 9 so technically the 21 one days elapses Wednesday, December 30, 2020.

Format

According to a new Supreme Court (Amendment) (No.2) Rules, 2016 (C.I. 99), only the declared winner of the election, in this case (President Akufo-Addo), and the EC can be respondents in the petition.

Again, per the new rules, only Former President John Dramani Mahama, the Presidential Candidate of the NDC, can be the petitioner.

This is a major departure from the 2013 presidential election petition filed by then-candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which also had the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a petitioner and the NDC being allowed to join as a respondent aside the Electoral Commission and the NDC’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama.

This means per the new rules no joinder application will be allowed.

Another major shift in the new rules is that the Supreme Court will use 42 days to determine the petition.

This was unlike the 2013 case in which the petition traveled more than eight months.

Per Rule 69 C (4) of C.I. 99, the pre-trial of the petition shall be on the 10th day after the filing of the petition, with hearing commencing on the 15th day and ending on the 21st day respectively after the filing, while judgment will be on the 42nd day.

Peacefmonline

December 29, 2020
There will be more fire on people who steal from Ghana in 2021 – Anas
Award-winning Ghanaian investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas has dropped a warning for corrupt officials ahead of 2021.

Posting a photo of himself in casual wear, he remarked that there’ll be more fire on people who steal from the national coffers with impunity and abuse of human rights.

This is the first time we’re seeing a full photo of Anas in a casual wear revealing his body shape.

He’s well known for wearing Jalabia so people will not be able to see his physique. He however did well to hide his face as usual.

See What he wrote;
December 29, 2020
Jean Mensa caused a lot of mess in election 2020 than her predecessors – Justice Abdulai
The Electoral Commissioner, Jean Mensah has caused a lot of confusion in Ghana’s electoral system than her forerunners, a private legal practitioner, Justice Abdulai has said.

Mr Abdulai explained that, during the period the EC Boss was the Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), she gave a lot of practical measures that should be undertaken by the Commission in order to better the electoral system.

However, he said, when given the opportunity to serve as the Chair of the elections management body, she has neglected all those measures to adopt new ones that in his opinion, do not help the system.

Mr Abdulai said these while contributing to issues that have emerged from the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and their presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama refused to accept the results of the 2020 elections because in their view, the figures were manipulated by the Commission in favour of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The NDC has served notice that they will be challenging the results in the Supreme Court. They are expected to file the petition on Wednesday December 30.

Commenting on these developments, Mr Abdulai said “She was making fantastic recommendations when outside of the Commission, organizing the NPP and the NDC together and telling them the most appropriate things to do and telling us how best we can have the best elections in this country.

“With all the sponsorship you can have, now you have been given the ball kick it into the goal post and you are rather causing more mess than your predecessors.”

Mr Richard Kumadoe, a Security Consultant said on the same programme also that “Our pride as Ghanaians is being derailed.

“I deal with the community and they say it to my face that we are failing. This is a major job you have done and you actions and inactions have security implications in relation to national development and you need cohesion as much as you did and look at the mess.”
Ghanaweb
December 29, 2020
Afia Schwar Reveals Reasons Why Mzbel Lost Her Adopted Son – Video

Musician Mzbel did not end her 41st birthday on a good note because her adopted son was taken away by his biological mother on the same day.

Mzbel recorded a video crying and begging that they return the boy to her. She disclosed that the biological mother waited till she spent millions to nurture the young boy before come for him which is unfair.

The musician question why the mother did not come for the boy when he was 3-years old but waited till he got a bright future before coming for him.

In an Instagram video, Afia Schwarzenneger, the sworn enemy of Mzbel, has detailed reasons why Mzbel lost the child to his biological mother.

Afia Schwar claimed the boy was not living comfortable as Mzbel was showing. According to her, the musician was not taking good care of the boy.

She insinuated that the boy was allowed by Mzbel to take alcohol and engage in other matters that are for adults.

“When you allow a 14 years old boy to drink Smirnoff, are you doing good to that child? What will the boy do when he becomes 18 years?”she said in the video.

GhanaCelebrities

December 29, 2020
Wendy Shay Humiliates Herself On Live Tv – Watch As She Struggles To Spell ‘Beyonce’ – Video

‘Queen of Ghana Music’ Wendy Shay has gone live on television to humiliate herself at the full glare of the public.
Wendy Shay always claim the be the savior and queen of Ghana Music and she sees International icon, Beyonce as her mentor.

The Ruftown Records signed singer was featured on an episode of comic quiz show “What Don’t You Know” and was asked to spell the name of her mentor.

Much to our surprise, Wendy Shay could not spell the name of the person she looks up to.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJJRaftpEJ8/?igshid=rzd15a3qg8k2

GhanaCelebrities

December 27, 2020
Apostle Ebenezer Nii Quaye has passed on

Report BROADCASTGHANA gathered has it that the National Head Pastor for the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Ebenezer Nii Quaye has passed on.

His passing has come as a stun to the Church and numerous as He as of late commended his birthday on tenth December, 2020.

As per reports, on that day he was found in a video moving to a tune with his family at home. He supposedly was healthy, a vivacious man cherished by numerous and well-wishers wished him a year more on his birthday.

He even conveyed a Christmas and New Year’s Message from himself and his family to the Church quite recently.

Messenger Nii Quaye is the National Head Pastor in Germany whose passing left many church individuals crying and grieving wildly.

Witness Quaye began his service function as a Sunday teacher at Mamprobi Church Of Pentecost in Accra. He was designated a priest and has ascended through the positions to turn into an Apostle and a National Head.

He abandoned a wife Roselyn Quaye and three kids; two young men and a young lady.

From Opera

December 26, 2020
‘We’ll burn all your houses’ – Kennedy Agyapong warns Mahama, others

Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the MP for Assin Central has threatened to burn the houses of former President John Dramani Mahama and some NDC bigwigs, claiming without evidence that the NDC is burning the markets.

On Wednesday, the National Investigations Bureau released Eric Adogla, the driver of Peter Otokunor, an NDC Deputy General Secretary, without charge after arresting and detaining him on Monday.

“Mahama, let me tell you, you stay at Chain Homes, which belongs to Alhaji Seidu Agongo. You cannot go and burn somebody’s fourteen stalls and go scot-free. Mahama, Asiedu Nketia, Akamba, Baba Jamal, you should be careful, else we’ll burn your houses too,” Kennedy Agyapong said on ‘The Dialogue’ show on Net 2 TV, Wednesday, December 23.

He added, “If it continues like that, Mahama we’ll burn your house and if you don’t take care, we’ll burn you the human being. We cannot allow these things to go on in this country.”

Agyapong alleged that the NDC has indicated that, “between now [Wednesday] and Saturday, they said they will be burning the Kumasi market, and burn Cape Coast market. What is going on in this country?”

He warned the former president to simply relocate from his Chain Homes residence else he will gather people to the place and burn his property.

He further warned Lt. Col. Larry Gbevlo-Lartey (Rtd.), a former NDC appointee, to also be on guard else his East Legon property which is just closer to his will be razed down by fire.

Not even the caution from the host of the show could restrain the MP from making more scandalous statements about the leaders of the opposition party.

“If they burn any market again, Mahama Chain Homes is there; do you think you are the [only] ones that can organise? I now dare you [Mahama], Asiedu Nketia, Gbevlo-Lartey, Akamba and Baba Jamal…if we hear any burning in any part of the country, Mahama we’ll burn your house,” he stressed.

Ghanaweb

December 25, 2020
NDC Jujuman performs enchantment at premises of Ho EC
Ho, Dec 23, GNA – An alleged Jujuman and his accomplice scaled the walls of the Volta Regional Directorate of the Electoral Commission to post the National Democratic Congress (NDC) petition in Ho after the group staged a three-hour demonstration through the principal streets demanding a change in the verdict of the December 7 polls results.

The duo, contrary to the agreed designated number of party leaders, who were supposed to present their petition to the EC Officials, got to the premises only to meet a locked gate.

The duo, who were not part of the designated five, then scaled the wall and began to do enchantment, pouring some powdery substances and invoking words to the chagrin of the Police officials, who were outside the EC’s premises, protecting lives and property.

Another drama was the slaughtering of ram at the main gate of the EC, Ho office, with the blood sprinkled across the gate and in a circular direction targeted at invoking certain spiritual action against the EC.

Chief Superintendent of Police, Mr Jessey Opare, Volta Regional Operational Commander described the act of the duo as unlawful entry and said appropriate action would be taken on them.

He said the Command decided not to undertake any “premature arrests” at the event grounds as that could lead to chaos.

He however said the Police would invite the organisers of the protests to assist in their next action.

Mr Opare explained that the Command received notification from the NDC regarding the demonstration and had given permission but with a condition that only five of party Executives of the Party would be allowed into the premises of the EC to present their petition.

He said the five could not perform the task as EC officials were on break.

The teeming group alleged the EC stole the verdict from the flagbearer of the NDC to President Akufo-Addo.

The supporters clad in red chanted “No Mahama, No peace” with placards inscriptions reading, “This is naked thievery,” “You are a dent on our democracy,” “You can still everything, no our votes,” “Speak up international community,” “Declare Mahama now.”

Meanwhile, Mr Henry Ametefee, Regional Chairman of NDC said the NDC would not allow the sovereign will of the people to be undermined.

He said the NDC would not accept the results as declared by the EC because the results were fraudulent and inaccurate.

He commended the media and the police for showing professionalism in protecting the protesters.

See photos
GNA
December 25, 2020
‘Abronye’ in fresh trouble!

In the Bono Region, the Banda Traditional Council has charged Kwame Baffoe ‘Abronye’, the Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) chairman, with some alleged offensive comments he made against the region.

Abronye allegedly branded “all the people of Banda-Ahenkro as lawless and violent people,” speaking in a radio interview. People are killed and their meat is consumed. In short, the people of Banda-Ahenkro are assassins and cannibalistic.

According to the Council, the claim is a disrespect to the Chief of the Paramount, to the Queen-mother, to the Chiefs of the Division and to all the people of Banda-Ahenkro, particularly in the absence of proof to substantiate his claims.

Addressing a press conference at the Banda Ahenkro Chief’s Palace, Banda Traditional Region’s Osiakwanhene, Nana Bankwadi said the Royal Council is calling on Abronye to implement adjustments, otherwise they will take appropriate action.

Mynewsgh

December 25, 2020
4 Ayalolo buses burnt to ashes at STC workshop in Kumasi
Four(4) Ayalolo buses have been burnt to ashes at the Ashanti Regional workshop of the State Transport Company (STC) in Kumasi.

A source that narrated the unfortunate incident tootecfmghana.comexplained that the fire engulfed the buses around 10:20pm Wednesday night

According to the source, the drivers parked the buses and left and later saw smoke coming out from one of the vehicle.

“We couldn’t control the fire and it transferred from one bus to the other. We called fire service to help the situation. When they came, the fire had engulfed and burnt all the four buses”

The cause of the fire is yet to be known but it is suspected that an electrical fault is believed to have sparked the blaze

It took the intervention of the Personnel from the Fire Service to control the inferno Officials of STC are tight-lipped over the unfortunate development when reached by MyNewsGh.com for comment on the matter.

Meanwhile an investigation has been commenced into the matter by officials of the Ghana National Fire Service who managed to save the situation.
December 25, 2020
President’s Akufo-Addo swearing-in ceremony to be held in parliament not the Black Star Square

The swearing-in of President Akufo-Addo which is scheduled for January 7, 2021, will be held in parliament contrary to the norm where it is held at the Black Square.

This follows an appeal by parliamentarians to have subsequent swearing-in done in the precincts of Ghana’s parliament and not the independence square.

This was conveyed by Deputy Information Mister Pius Enam Hadzide at a press briefing in Accra today where he said: “the transition team has favourably considered the request of Parliament and has decided that the swearing of President Akufo-Addo on January 7, shall happen before Parliament and within the precincts of Parliament.”

President Akufo-Addo was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election by the Electoral Commission. The election which has been described as a closely contested one is still in dispute as the main opposition party NDC and John Mahama have refused to accept the outcome.

Ghbase

December 23, 2020
Fomena MP finally Reveals the Position He Wants in Parliament

Fomena MP, Lawyer Andrew Amoako Assiamah became the trending subject in the 2020 elections.

Post-elections as the 7th Parliament comes to as a close, he surprised the entire country with his comment about going back to the NPP, after they have sacked him from the party.

Few weeks to the general elections, NPP sacked the Fomena MP from Parliament on the grounds of not going contrary to party regulations, after he filed to become an independent candidate.

However, he has decided to forgo all issues and come back to the party.

Now, the question people are asking is – What really influenced his decision to go back to the NPP, after have earlier disgraced him.

But, how was they able to convinced such a man who holds his values in such an esteem. The NPP are really lucky.

Andrew Amoako Assiamah has reportedly opted for 3 major positions in the next Akufo Addo’s government, and its absolutely clear that the President has finally agreed to make him a key member of his next government.

According to close sources, the Fomena MP may be appointed as Minister of State in charge of Lands and Natural Resources. As a trained Surveyor, having served as key member of the Lands and Natural Resources Committee in parliament, he is overly qualified to hold such a position.

December 23, 2020
I was Threatened this Morning- Kwesi Pratt Reveals
The nation is currently in deadlock over the Techiman South constituency. Though the results have been declared for the NPP Parliamentary candidate, the NDC dispute the result and have resolved to fight it to the end. The NDC claim that their candidate rather won the parliamentary election with about 293 votes.

Indeed, both political parties claim they will contest certain seats that they lost. The NDC aside fighting for some parliamentary seats have also rejected the presidential results in totality. They claim the Electoral Commission rigged the election to favor the ruling party.

One of such critics of the conduct of the EC to clearly present results without errors has been Kwesi Pratt. He has claimed that the results were not about an NPP win or about John Mahama but rather for democracy to prevail. He noted that the EC must be compelled to do the right thing.

Today, December 23, 2020, Kwesi Pratt was in the studios of Metro TV on ‘Good Morning Ghana’. He joined Eugene Antwi and host Randy Abbey to discuss the ongoing brouhaha over Techiman South.

Kwesi noted that the court was the last resort. He was of the view that the NDC can employ other peaceful mediums before going to court. Kwesi explained that the court is not made up of divine beings in dealing with cases

However, this did not go down with a listener who texted that since Kwesi Pratt is insisting that the court did not have divine people, were the demonstrations of the NDC divine either. After the text was read by Randy Abbey, the host, Kwesi Pratt fumed and later made a revelation.

“I was threatened this morning by someone who claims to be a PhD holder in Legon. He was angry about my position on the election. You can disagree with me but have no right to insult me. Very soon I will drop his number. We are all debating in the national interest.

The way things are going I am afraid for the nation. Why do people feel by taking their phones and sending threatening messages and insults they can frighten us into abandoning our position. It is not possible. Please don’t waste your time. It ain’t gonna happen” Kwesi fired.

This is not the first time journalist are being threatened after the 2020 elections. Journalists like Umaru Sanda and Afia Pokuaa have made similar claims.

see post
December 23, 2020