National Democratic Congress Archives - Page 27 of 31

Opinion

Extend one term of office from 4 years to 6 years– Dr. Abu Sakara Proposed

Lead Specialist Development Consultant at the international Development Organizations Dr. Abu Sakara Foster is advocating for a Six (6) year tenure for every government to enable them complete projects. According to Dr. Sakara a tenure of one term is extended to six years in office it will be sufficient for every government. He was making his point based on the continuous experience of government abandoning projects initiated by their opponent which should have been continued for the benefit of the ordinary citizens. Dr. Sakara said, “Attribution- new government want their own manifesto laden projects and are reluctant to complete projects attributable to their ousted opponent”. “Creating new opportunities for Rent-seeking behavior by political leaders, with the irresponsible signing of new contracts in the last year of their tenure of office”. “A short term of 4 years tenure is insufficient to conclude very large projects. Six (6) year tenure of one term in office is proposed”? “Again, some policy reforms are needed. More importantly, a referendum will be required to: A) Extend one term of office from 4 years to 6 years B) Ensure 5-year segments of a long-term 40-year national development plan is followed with some but limited latitude for adjustment. The liberal use of party manifestos is the major source of contract cancellation. If all manifestos were synchronized with the long-term plan in 5-year segments there would be no need for cancellation of contracts”. Below is his full statement Stop the diversion of public funds down judgment debt drain. Judgment debt is a major avenue for wasting (diverting) significant amounts of our limited funds. It has happened with every administration throughout the fourth republic. It is indeed a serious drain on national finances and occurs too frequently and predictably. To stop it we must focus on the cause of the problem. There are at least three main driving factors; 1. Attribution- new govts want their own manifesto laden projects and are reluctant to complete projects attributable to their ousted opponent. 2. Creating new opportunities for Rent seeking behaviour by political leaders, with irresponsible signing of new contracts in the last year of their tenure of office. 3. A short term of 4 years tenure is insufficient to conclude very large projects. Six (6) year tenure of one term in office is proposed. Again, some policy reforms are needed. More importantly a referendum will be required to: A) Extend one term of office from 4 years to 6 years B) Ensure 5-year segments of a long term 40-year national development plan is followed with some but limited latitude for adjustment. The liberal use of party manifestos is the major source of contract cancellation. If all manifestos were synchronized with the long-term plan in 5-year segments there would be no need fo cancellation of contracts. Punishments for cancellation should begin by suing the officials at the point of cancellation not years later. Such suits should include political leaders that sign contracts in the last months of their last term of office if it is obvious that those contracts are unbudgeted in that last year’s budget. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093

Politics

Your fundamental errors caused miscarriage of justice – Mahama writes to Supreme Court

Former President John Dramani Mahama, the Petitioner in the ongoing Election Petition, is seeking a review of the Supreme Court’s ruling against his motion to re-open his case. The Supreme Court on February 16, 2021, chaired BY Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah dismissed the application in which the Petitioner was asking to be allowed to re-pen his case and subpoena the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) to mount the witness box as his “hostile witness.” This was after lawyers of the EC, the 1st Respondent and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, 2nd Respondent waived their rights to adduce evidence. The unanimous ruling of the apex court was to the effect that, the Petitioner has not demonstrated any exceptional grounds that should warrant the Court to exercise its discretion in his favour. However, in a motion for Review which has been tabled for hearing on Monday, February 22, the Petitioner in his affidavit in support of the motion stated that the fundamental errors have occasioned a miscarriage of justice against him. Below is the full affidavit in support of the motion for review PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that this Honourable Court shall be moved by Counsel for and on behalf of Petitioner/Applicant herein (Applicant), praying for an order of the Court reviewing its Ruling delivered on 16th February 2021 in respect of an application by Applicant to re-open his case; UPON the grounds set forth in the Statement of Case and the accompanying affidavit, and for such further or other orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit. AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT l, JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA, of House No. 33 Chain Homes, Airport valley Drive, Accra, make oath and say as follows: I am the Petitioner and Applicant herein. The facts in this affidavit, unless otherwise stated, are within my personal knowledge, information or belief. On 16th February 2021, this Court delivered a unanimous ruling refusing an application by me to re-open my case for the purpose of causing a subpoena to be issued and directed at Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa to appear in court to be cross-examined by my Counsel. The ruling is attached to this affidavit and marked as Exhibit “3RD REVIEW 1”. At the hearing of this application, I shall, through my Counsel, seek leave of this Honourable Court to refer to all processes filed in this case up to the date of the hearing of the application. In respect of Exhibit 3rd Review 1″, I am advised by Counsel and verily believe that the Court made fundamental errors of law, including the ruling being per incuriam of constitutional provisions, statutes and previous decisions of the Supreme Court. “Among these errors, I am advised by Counsel and verily believe, is an error whereby the Court subordinates a provision in the Evidence Act to a rule in subsidiary legislation by the Rules of Court Committee. “Attached herewith marked as Exhibit 3 RD REVIEW 2″ and 3 RD REVIEW 3″ are the two affidavits of the Chairperson of 1 st Respondent, Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa, whose legal effect (by virtue of the Evidence Act), the ruling attempts to sidestep by recourse to subsidiary legislation. “The fundamental errors which have occasioned a miscarriage of justice against me are set out in the Statement of Case herewith attached. “I am advised and verily believe that they constitute exceptional circumstances that warrant the Court reviewing its own decision. “WHEREFORE I swear to this affidavit in support of the application herein.” kasapa Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093

Politics

Mahama files application for review of ruling stopping him from reopening his case

But according to the review application, Mr. Mahama insisted that the apex court made fundamental errors in its ruling. He is thus praying the court to reconsider his new argument and depart from its earlier ruling. “I am advised by counsel and verily believe the court made fundamental errors of law including the ruling being per incuriam of constitutional provisions, statutes and previous decisions of the Supreme Court.” “Among these errors, I am advised by counsel and verily believe is an error whereby the courts subordinates a provision in the Evidence Act to a rule in subsidiary legislation by the Rules of Court Committee,” the application added. The said application is expected to be heard on Monday, February 22, 2021. What happened within the week? The Supreme Court in a unanimous decision within the week dismissed the application filed by the petitioner, seeking a review of an earlier ruling affirming the right of the Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa not to testify in the ongoing case. In that ruling, the court also said the petitioner didn’t convince the bench to depart from its earlier ruling. “The applicant has failed to satisfy the court that a new or important matter resulted from the reference to the constitutional provisions referred to [in the earlier ruling].” “In the result, the application fails, and it is hereby dismissed,” the Chief Justice read on behalf of the panel of justices. The court also struck out application of stay of proceedings filed Mr. Mahama. The court in ruling on the matter said the determination of the review application renders the stay application moot. Citinewsroom Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093

Politics

MMDCEs: We have not tasked any executive to vet MMDCEs, be wary of such people. John Boadu cautioned

Upper East Region is one of the regions that started with the compilation of names a few weeks after the general election for those interested in the position of MMDCEs in the region. Even though such a hasty move by the secretariat received some kind of criticisms from some well-meaning members of the governing NPP and some members of the opposition in the region, following the abysmal performance witness by the governing party in the region in the 2020 election It appears the national secretariat of the governing party did not sanction or even tasked any region to start any vetting process which had actually taken place in the Upper East Region. The National general secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) Mr. John Boadu has cautioned prospective candidates for the position of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to be wary of people purporting to have been tasked by the President Akufo-Addo and the party to vet candidates for those positions. Mr. Boadu insists that President will be in charge when time is due for the selection of MMDCEs, stressing that the party will not have any hand in the selection. ”I want to put it on record that the selection of MMDCEs is yet to start and when it does the New Patriotic Party will have no hands in it”. ”We have seen stories indicating that the party has tasked people to vet candidates for us, we want to put it on record that nothing of that sort has been done and people who engage in this act do so at their own peril” Mr. Boadu told the media. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093

Politics

Mahama’s legal team spokespersons introduced Hausa version interpretation after SC ruling

The legal team of former President John Dramani Mahama has introduced the Hausa version of the Supreme Court explanation to the media and the general public. The Hausa version was first introduced on Thursday, February 18, 2021, after the Supreme Court ruling dismissing their client John Mahama’s application. The norm for the two parties NDC/NPP has been English to address the media with the queen’s language and Twi but surprisingly, one of the legal team spokespersons Baba Jamal came up with the Hausa version. This according to the people from the North is a smart move because it will enable them to understand the actual court proceeding as citizens. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233555568093

Politics

NDC summons Atubiga over Eugene Arhin comment

The opposition National Democratic Congress has summoned its member Stephen Atubiga over comments he made over the alleged properties owned by presidential spokesperson Eugene Arhin. Mr Atubiga is said to have defended the alleged wealth gathered by the presidential staffer over the last four years. The party in a letter summoning him said his comments were inconsistent with its values. “I write in respect of a news item captioned “Only Useless Politicians Retire Poor”, published on Ghanaweb on Saturday the 13th of February, 2021, which was attributed to you. The report indicated that you have allegedly chided Ghanaians criticizing Eugene Arhin of the NPP for amassing wealth in the space of four years. Excerpts from the statements you are alleged to have made include: ” “It is wise that as an individual working, there is the need to amass wealth so you can give back to your parents and society for contributions made to your upbringing” 2. “It is only a politician who led a wayward life who will retire poor”, the summons letter said. It added: “FEC finds the above statements unfortunate, especially when they are not consistent with the very principles on which the NDC is founded. Consequently, you are invited to meet FEC on Wednesday the 24th of February, 2021 at the Party Head Office, Adabralca at 2:30pm, to explain to FEC why disciplinary actions should not be taken against you”. Meanwhile, the wife of Mr Arhin who first made the claims against her estranged husband has beaten a retreat in her revised documents at the divorce court. Starrfm Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233555568093

Politics

Even Akufo-Addo won’t disrespect Tsatsu like Oppong Nkrumah, Nana B do – Gyamfi

The legal team of former President John Mahama has described as “disrespectful”, some of the post-trial commentary of fellow lawyers Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s side, against Mr Tsatsu Tsikata, the lead counsel for the petitioner in the ongoing election petition at the Supreme Court. “The disrespect from the spokespersons of the 2nd Respondent toward the lawyer for the petitioner in the course of these proceedings for us is very unacceptable”, Mr Sammy Gyamfi told journalists on Thursday, 18 February 2021 after the court adjourned sitting. “You hear them stand here and describe things that counsel for the petitioner has said as English and grammar: ‘Lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata was just speaking English and not law’,” he said. “You do not do that, we are not trained to say things like that about our seniors at the bar. All these people are juniors by far to the people they are trying to ridicule. When we [NDC] come and stand here, we do not ridicule the likes of senior Akoto Ampaw and Justine Amenuvor; we all see how they struggle on their feet, yet we do not come here to ridicule or mock anybody”, noted. “I mean why do you come and stand here and talk down on somebody that you may never be able to even come close to what they have attained or achieved in life. I am not sure that even President Akufo-Addo will disrespect lawyer Tsatu Tsikata.” Mr Gyamfi’s comments dovetail into a similar concern raised by the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a press statement on Thursday, in which the party said Information Minister-designate Oppong Nkrumah must stop inciting the Supreme Court against former Deputy Attorney General Dr Domini Ayine. The statement, signed by Communication Director Kakra Essamuah took issue with what it describes as the constant attacks unleashed on the lawyers of the former President by the legal spokespersons of the second respondent, President Nana Akufo-Addo. The NDC singled out Mr Oppong Nkrumah and his fellow lawyer, Mr Henry Boakye, as the main culprits. Read the NDC’s full statement below: NDC STATEMENT ON ATTEMPTS BY KOJO OPPONG NKRUMAH AND HENRY NANA BOAKYE TO INCITE THE SUPREME COURT AGAINST NDC LAWYERS. In the course of the hearing of the presidential election petition initiated by HE John Dramani Mahama in the Supreme Court, both the NDC and the NPP have sets of lawyers who meet the media immediately after each sitting to publicise their view of what has taken place in court. It is a process from which the good people of Ghana have come to appreciate the respective positions of the parties litigating in the court. Unfortunately, in recent times, the NPP team, led by Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has been using the podium offered by the media, to attack counsel representing HE John Mahama in the case, and even going further to incite the court against the former Deputy Attorney General, Hon. Dr. Dominic Ayine. In addition, many NPP legal commentators in the media, appear to take inordinate delight in belittling and heaping insults on counsel for HE John Mahama and the NDC. These attacks are characterised by constantly offering misleading comments about our lawyers and the case in court. We consider this persistent conduct of Hon. Oppong Nkrumah and Henry Nana Boakye and their surrogates as unbecoming of professional colleagues, who have sworn to protect the ethics of their respected profession over and above partisan considerations. The Supreme Court exists to do justice fairly and squarely to all citizens irrespective of political colours, and to attempt to incite the court against our noble lawyers, is to debase the court’s role and duty. We, accordingly, condemn, in no uncertain terms, this unfortunate conduct of the NPP to demonise our counsel before the Supreme Court. The truth shall stand. The truth shall prevail. LONG LIVE THE NDC. ISSUED IN ACCRA THIS 18TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2021 (signed) KAKRA ESSAMUAH DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Classfm Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233555568093

Opinion

Withdraw the case, “don’t allow the injustices judges to give an injustice judgement”

Stephen Atubiga has intensified his call for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the petitioner the former President John Dramani Mahama to withdraw the ongoing election petition. According to Mr. Atubiga, the party should not allow what he describes as ‘injustices judges’ to give an injustice judgment. “We should not allow the injustices judges to give an injustice judgment. We are ready and standing by to face some national leadership of the NDC squarely after the case is over”. Below is the full statement: NDC / JDM should withdraw from the election petition. We should not allow the injustices judges to give an injustice judgment. We are ready and standing by to face some national leadership of the NDC squarely after the case is over. A lot of questions to ask. Most of the national executives should not even try seeking re-election. Whilst the like of General mosquito, Sammy Gymfi, Otokunor, and co must be re-elected. Unopposed if possible. 1)The EC headquarters strong room case would be settled the NDC way after the court. 2)The conspiracy theory in Kumasi and other areas about JDMs votes reduction would be settled the NDC ways. 3)we would know, how one million, seven hundred specifically given to it, just for the collation of results, and end results we got. 4) we will know how most national executives were not in talking terms during election time till date, and expecting to give JDM victory. 5) we will know how others deliberately ignored others who were able and ready to help give JDM victory. 6) why others were bent on sitting around JDM, especially on D day instead of on the ground to give JDM victory. 7) from JDM campaign team and the NDC team, who was in charge on D day , failed to coordinate for our victory. 8) why JDM campaign manager and his team did not declare JDM winner immediately after the election. And announcement of his transitional team. 9) from the youth wings, organizers wing to zongo wings have lots of questions for them after the election petition. Some should resign for their own interest. 10) JDM our leader today and tomorrow, and candidate today and tomorrow. Will equally be told the hardest truth, those who cussed his defeat, those who (had) and have no business around him. Those who could have propelled his victory, if he had sought their help. Especially why JDM with his experience, is refusing to see the direct and indirect traps around him For his defeat today and tomorrow? 11) JDM must know NDC party machinery is not religious, to be Mr nice and good father for all, especially in election periods. JDM must know he is occupying the vacuum of JJ as our leader for life today. JDM is holding 60/100 stake in the NDC party today. JDM is the only surviving former president and incoming president if he sits up. JDM should get it now that, blood must sometimes have to flow both internally and externally for NDCs victory Well, a lot of anger and disappointing issues to let out, after the election petition is over. Stephen Atubiga. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233555568093

Opinion

Information Minister designate Kojo Oppong renewed his unfulfilled pledge to GJA UER Branch

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah the information Minister-designate has given the assurance of redeeming the 2019 pledge he made to the Upper East Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association at the EXTEE Crystal Hotel conference hall in support of the first edition of the Regional Awards. According to Mr. Oppong Nkrumah who appeared a little shocked when the issue was raised by the Tamale North Member of Parliament Alhassan Suhuyini he said, the matter of redeeming the pledge was directed to the Chief Director of the Ministry at a time. The Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah made a pledge of Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis (Ghc 10, 000.00) in October 2019 during the launch of the first edition of GJA award in the Upper East Region. But disappointingly, the pledge by Mr. Oppong Nkrumah has not been redeemed as promised to the Upper East branch of the Ghana Journalist Association even in the year 2021. However, during the vetting of Mr. Oppong Nkrumah by members of the Appointment Committee of Parliament on Thursday, February 18, 2021, he said, “I do recall making a pledge to the upper east regional branch of the GJA after I traveled to join them in one celebration. I do recall issuing the instruction to our Chief Director to ensure it was satisfied. I would expect that it would have been satisfied by now. If it is not, I will be happy to look at it once again,” Mr. Oppong Nkrumah told members of the member of the Appointments Committee of Parliament. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233555568093

Politics

Supreme Court cites Dominic Ayine for contempt over his “predetermined agenda” comment

The Supreme Court has instituted contempt proceedings against, Dr Dominic Ayine, a member of the legal team of the petitioner in the ongoing election 2020 petition for comments he allegedly made against the Apex Court. Dr Ayine is reported to have accused the seven-member Supreme Court panel adjudicating the petition,of having a “predetermined agenda” to rule against the petitioner (John Dramani Mahama) in his action challenging the constitutionality of the re-election of President Akufo-Addo for a second term in office. During the said press briefing, Dr. Ayine said, “It is not true that there is only one issue that needs to be determined in this matter. I am surprised that the Supreme Court itself having set down five key issues to be determined is now reducing the issue to one, which is whether the extent to which the evidence that we have led shows that no one got more than 50% of the votes in accordance with Article 63 of the Constitution”. Dr Ayine added: “We have made it abundantly clear in the petition that there were a number of infractions, we are contesting even the constitutionality of the declaration that was made. We are saying that she violated Article 23 because she is an administrative body, we have also said the exercise of discretion was contrary to Article 296 of the Constitution. “And to reduce the petition to a single-issue petition is rather unfortunate and smack of a predetermined agenda to rule against the petition in this matter.” He added, “We think that the court by this decision has not done the people of this country a great service, in the sense that Ghanaians are interested in knowing the truth. The justices today have not given as a reason to believe that they want the people of this country to know the truth about what happened…why figures kept changing from 9 December” Dr. Dominic Ayine further stated while he addressed the press at the forecourt of the Supreme Court. The seven-member Supreme Court panel presided over by Chief Justice Anin Yeboah, which also includes Justices Yaw Appaw, Samuel Marful-Sau, Nene Amegatcher, Nii Ashie Kotey, Mariama Owusu and Gertrude Torkonoo, is expected to sit Thursday the 18th of February 2021 to continue with the trial of the 2020 election petition. It is likely that Dr. Ayine will be served with the process today (18 February 2021) and subsequently he will be called to answer to the Court why he should not be found to be in contempt of Court for his comments allegedly made against the Supreme Court. Asaase Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233555568093

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Extend one term of office from 4 years to 6 years– Dr. Abu Sakara Proposed

Your fundamental errors caused miscarriage of justice – Mahama writes to Supreme Court

Mahama files application for review of ruling stopping him from reopening his case

MMDCEs: We have not tasked any executive to vet MMDCEs, be wary of such people. John Boadu cautioned

Mahama’s legal team spokespersons introduced Hausa version interpretation after SC ruling

NDC summons Atubiga over Eugene Arhin comment

Even Akufo-Addo won’t disrespect Tsatsu like Oppong Nkrumah, Nana B do – Gyamfi

Withdraw the case, “don’t allow the injustices judges to give an injustice judgement”

Information Minister designate Kojo Oppong renewed his unfulfilled pledge to GJA UER Branch

Supreme Court cites Dominic Ayine for contempt over his “predetermined agenda” comment

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