NPP ‘bleeding’ in Nabdam Constituency; reconciliation proposed
It seems the NPP in the Nabdam constituency will need a serious reconciliation committee to be able to heal wounds and to move on as a formidable force. Events from Nabdam NPP since the Parliamentary primaries suggest some deep cracks within the party with some putting the blame on the NPP Regional Chairman, Lawyer Anthony Namoo and others on the constituency executives. It would be recalled that, during the NPP Parliamentary primaries, one Mr. Michael Zuri was disqualified which some of his supporters saw as the making of the Regional Chairman to facilitate what they described as his 2024 parliamentary ambitions. Lawyer Anthony Namoo denied this allegation in an interview with A1 radio then. He, however, did something that surprised a lot of people in the region by going to buy airtime on the same radio station to attack Mr. Mike Zuri for phoning into a radio programme that made a lot of allegations against him. Callers to the programme castigated the Chairman’s approach to the issue. These led to a sharp division in the party with some executives with the regional chairman and other against his approach. This division haunted the party during the just ended 2020 election and the aftermath. During the elections, supporters and executives who did not find favour with the Regional Chairman and the Parliamentary Candidate accused the two of side-lining them. They even accused the two of concentrating party resources at the Zoliba and Sakoti zones to the disadvantage of the Nangodi zone where Mr. Zuri comes from. These suspicions and accusations deepened the cracks. After the poor performance of the party in the constituency that saw the party win marginally only in 14 polling stations from a total of 50 polling stations, a Fact Finding Committee has been formed at the regional level to investigate the cause. This exercise again gave credence to the fact that there are cracks in the party in the Constituency. For example, at the Zoliba zone, one electoral area coordinator by name Micheal Tambeog was nearly beaten by another electoral area co-ordinator by name Maxwell Divom and other boys loyal to Lawyer Anthony for suggesting to the committee that, the party lost in the constituency due to the actions or inactions of the Regional Chairman. This made the committee to end their work inconclusively at Zanlerigu. Another Fact Finding Committee from Accra to Nabdam witnessed another bizzare beating of the Deputy Youth Organizer of the constituency by the Treasurer when the former attempted to beat the latter, for reasons we cannot independently verify as the cause. Which of the divides one may stand and for what reason one may give as the cause of these suspicions and accusations, one thing is clear, Nabdam NPP is bleeding and needs reconciliation and healing of wounds to progress. We don’t know where this reconciliation process will start but Nabdam really needs it if the party hopes to flip over the seat from the NDC in 2024. MyNewsGh Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
My tenure ends midnight but my doors are always opened to help everyone in any way I can– Kofi Adda
The former Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central and Aviation Minster Mr. Kofi Adda a member of the 7th Parliament of the 4th republic has said, his doors are still open even as his tenure comes to an end midnight of Wednesday December 6, 2021. In his press release sighted by Apexnewsgh.com, Mr. Adda expressed his greatest gratitude to the good people of Navrongo Central Constituency for seeing him fit to represent them in parliament, an opportunity he described as an honor which he would forever cherish for the rest of his life. “I may not be the MP at Midnight but I am still Jogobu Kofi Adda and my doors are always opened to help everyone in any way I can.” He stated. However, He expressed his gratitude the President of the Republic of Ghana for his support and all the good time. He is hopeful that the next 4 years will be more better. Below are the full detail: At midnight, the tenure of the 7th parliament of the 4th republic will come to an end and the dawn of the 8th parliament will rise with the Hon. Sampson Tangombu Chiragia as the Member of Parliament for the Navrongo Central Constituency. Since today marks my last day as the MP of this great constituency, I would like to express my greatest gratitude to the good people of Navrongo Central constituency for seeing me fit to serve you. It has been an honor, one which I will cherish for the rest of my life. I may not be the MP at Midnight but I am still Jogobu Kofi Adda and my doors are always opened to help everyone in any way I can. To my fellow patriots in the Elephant family who made this journey possible and worthwhile…a ki a ley! I have had the privilege of serving as a minister for 2 very key sectors of the Ghanaian society these past 4 years and during those times I have worked with some of the nicest and finest people in the country. I would like to say thank you to all staff at the Ministry of Sanitation and water resources and the Ministry of Aviation, I really admire your work ethics and love for this country. May the years ahead be great. Finally, I would like to mention one person by name, He is a very good friend and has been my boss for the past 4 years…He is the president of the republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The people of Navrongo voted for me but you perfected it. Thank you for all the good times and may the next 4 years be better and greater. Thank you all for the past 4 years and by this post the name of this page will now change to “Office of Hon. Kofi Adda – Fmr MP, Navrongo Central Constituency”. Peace!!! Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
President Akufo Addo pledged his support to Alban Bagbin in congratulatory message
President elect Nana Addo Akufo-Addo has congratulated the newly elected Speaker of Parliament of the 8th parliament of the 4th republic, Alban Bagbin. However, he assured the Speaker of his determination to working with him to ensure an advanced peace, progress, and prosperity of the Ghanaian people. below is his Facebook post I must, at the outset, express my warm congratulations to my good friend and colleague of many years in this House, the Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on his assumption of office as the Speaker of the Eighth Parliament of the 4th Republic. Nearly three decades of devoted service to Parliament by you has culminated in this moment, which has seen your elevation to the third great office of state of our nation. Together, you and I will be chartering new territory in the governance and politics of the 4th Republic, for this is the first time in the life of this Republic that a President from one party will be obliged, by the exigencies of the moment and the will of the people, to work, in all sincerity and co-operation, with a Speaker of Parliament from another party. I am confident that both of us will be guided in our relationship by the supreme interest of our people in ensuring good governance in the ordering of the affairs of state. I want to assure you of my wholehearted determination to work with you to advance the peace, progress and prosperity of the Ghanaian people. Once again, many congratulations to you and the re-elected and new Members of Parliament. below is his Facebook post Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
Former President Mahama congratulates new Speaker
Former President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday congratulated Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin on his election as the Speaker of the eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said: “The events of last night stretching into the morning of January 7th have been both a great occasion for Ghana’s democracy and at the same time a day of infamy, which will go down as a low point in our democratic practice. “The election of Mr Bagbin as Speaker affirms what a great democracy we can build for ourselves and how dialogue and consensus building can make us even stronger as a nation.” Former President Mahama however noted that the attempt to snatch ballot papers by the MP-elect for Tema West and the invasion of the Chamber by armed military personnel were images one had never expected to see at the floor of Ghana’s Parliament. “The recent use of the military in civil democratic processes has become a major worry and gives the impression that this administration is continually seeking to resurrect the exorcised ghosts of our military past,” he said. He noted that Parliament must conduct an investigation into the two incidents and exact appropriate sanctions. “Congratulations to the leadership of the NDC Caucus and the Caucus members for your dedication and commitment.” GNA Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
I am proud of the NDC Parliamentarians – Dumelo reacts to drama in Parliament
Ghanaian actor cum politician, Mr. John Setor Dumelo has expressed content about how the NDC MP’s conducted themselves amidst the scuffle that occurred during the inauguration of the 8th Parliament. The unsuccessful Ayawaso West Wuogon NDC MP aspirant appears to be the only one out of several other celebrities to shower praises on the members of Parliament for their conduct. Although not sure what exactly he is proud of, John Dumelo who could not hide his satisfaction took to Twitter to express his sentiments. “I am Proud of the NDC parliamentarians,” he stated. Ahead of the dissolution and inauguration of the seventh and eighth Parliament respectively, lawmakers who belong to the NDC filed into the chamber of parliament ahead of the NPP colleagues and took the majority side of the house. Their decision to occupy the seats perhaps was a sign of their claim that they hold the majority seats in Parliament. This and several other chaoses that characterized the 8th Parliament inauguration on Thursday, January 7, 2021, has since attracted several comments and backlashes from Ghanaians on social media. Read John Dumelo’s tweet below Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
Akufo-Addo sworn in as President of Ghana’s 4th Republic
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been sworn in as President of the 4th Republic of Ghana on January 7, 2020. President Akufo-Addo who has been re-elected for a second term took the oath of office at a colorful ceremony in Parliament. “I Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo do in the name of the almighty swear that I’ll bear true faith and allegiance. I’ll uphold, protect, preserve the sovereignty of Ghana,” he stated while being sworn in by Chief justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah. The event attracted several heads of states including the President of Guinea, Alpha Conde, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of Guinea Bissau, Angola’s Vice President, Bornito de Sousa, Senegalese President Macky Sall among others. Akufo-Addo on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) beat the National Democratic Congress (NDC’s) John Dramani Mahama in the 2020 Presidential polls held on December 7. The verdict has since been contested by Mr. Mahama who argues that the party’s overwhelming evidence available makes it impossible for them to accept the results although some domestic and international observers have said the election was free and fair. Ghanaweb Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
Ben Ephson reveals why NPP MPs voted for Alban Bagbin instead of Oquaye
Despite having the advantage of the declared support of an independent Member of Parliament giving them a figure lead, the New Patriotic Party lost its bid to have its candidate elected for the 8th Parliament Speaker Position. According to popular Ghanaian pollster, Ben Ephson, Alban Kingsford Sumani Bagbin beat Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye in the race due to his character of fairness and firmness which he has exhibited over his seven-term period in parliament as an MP and as a Second Deputy Speaker at some point. Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb’s Daniel on Oduro, Mr. Ephson said Alban Bagbin being a principled person may have won the hearts and votes of his Parties MPs and even members of the NPP who may have voted for him in the closely contested elections based on his history “Yes, NDC proposed him but I must be honest that even John Mahama knows that the man who is the speaker is a very fair person. When John Mahama was president, Bagbin took Mahama on. This is how firm the man is and I am sure because it was Bagbin, maybe one or two of the NPP MPs may have voted for Bagbin,” he said. According to Mr. Ben Ephson, Alban Bagbin based on his personality qualifies as the right person for the job of Speaker of Ghana’s 8th Parliament. The race to find Ghana’s 8th Speaker of Parliament went through a long night beginning from midnight of Wednesday, January 7, 2021 and ended around 9:00 am Thursday, January 7, 2021, in a process which would have ordinarily lasted a few hours before the break of dawn. The process was characterized by several incidences of chaos and disagreements between the New Patriotic Party side and the National Democratic Congress side of the house. Mr Bagbin was eventually declared the winner of the race after votes were eventually counted in yet another chaotic manner that lasted for hours. The New Speaker following his successful election was sworn in by the Chief Justice and subsequently took his position to swear in members of the 8th Parliament of Ghana’s Fourth Republic. Ghanaweb Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
Twitter users slam Carlos Ahenkoraah for snatching ballot papers in Parliament
Ghanaians on Twitter have descended heavily on Tema West MP, Carlos Ahenkorah over his misconduct in Parliament. The MP snatched some ballot papers in parliament during the counting process to elect a new Speaker of Parliament After the counting of votes for Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye was done, the MP-elect snatched the ballot papers from the Clerks-at-table and bolted with them. He was chased by Asawase MP-elect Muntaka Mohammed who accosted him and retrieved the ballot papers afterward. But reacting to the development, Ghanaians on Twitter have expressed their displeasure on the incident saying: “Look at Carlos Ahenkorah too. If it was to do our roads for us, he’ll act like he hasn’t heard. But snatching ballot papers see speed,” “Carlos Ahenkorah figure he be Thug or Kwashey boy or what!?” “I’m so ashamed to live at Tema West Loudly crying faceLoudly crying face. What Carlos Ahenkorah did in parliament house by snatching ballot paper, clearly indicates that NPP stole the 2020 elections,” some tweeps wrote on their timelines. Others are calling for the arrest of the Tema West MP because they believe his actions are illegal and a shame to the Parliament in totality. “Carlos Ahenkorah must face the law. This is an outright humiliation to the entire NPP fraternity. You snatch ballot papers in parliament, even as a lawmaker? This is disgustingly shameful!” A tweep wrote. “Carlos Ahenkorah has to resign, He needs to face the law. This is a big disgrace to the NPP,” another Twitter user said. Read the full Twitter reactions culled by GhanaWeb below Ghanaweb Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
Courts don’t determine who becomes an MP – Minority
The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu has opined that it is not the court that determines who becomes an MP but the people of Ghana through their votes does. He made the comments in the heat of arguments from both sides when the injunction was placed on Assin North MP. He downplayed the injunction placed against the Assin North MP-elect, James Gyakye Quayson preventing him from joining the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic. He argued that the judiciary arm of government is to serve as an arbiter in cases brought before it and not to restrain persons who have been lawfully elected from representing their constituents. Mr Iddrisu insisted that Mr Quayson won the 2020 parliamentary elections fairly and was subsequently processed by the Electoral Commission, hence, must not be deprived of being inaugurated. “This is a country governed by law and the country has institutions which have been given defined mandates and authorities. I have heard Hon. Afenyo-Markin make reference to court proceedings, but I want to remind him that courts do not determine elected members of Parliament,” he argued. “It is not the Court that votes, it is the people of Ghana so courts [cannot determine who becomes or does not become MP]. The court’s mandate is to adjudicate on matters brought before it, but the elections of Members of Parliament is vested in Ghanaian citizens.” Rainbowradionline Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
Atta Kyea concedes Alban Bagbin is Speaker-elect of Ghana’s 8th Parliament
Amidst the confusion and chaos on who becomes the Speaker of Ghana’s 8th Parliament, the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament-elect for Akim Abuakwa constituency has conceded that the nominee of the opposition National Democratic Congress is the winner of the speaker race. The quest to find Ghana’s next Speaker of Parliament has resulted in a long night of events that started at midnight when processes to inaugurate the new parliament commenced. With a split figure of 137 seats each for both the NPP and the NDC as well as one independent candidate, the process to elect a speaker between Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye nominated by the NPP side and Alban Bagbin who was nominated by the NDC has become a fierce contest. Having aborted and restarted the voting process on more than one occasion due to recurrent clashes between both sides in the house, the elected MPs were finally able to cast their votes at dawn and counting commenced around 5:30 am. The counting process was, however, aborted when the NPP MP-elect for Tema West, Carlos Ahenkorah snatched ballots belonging to the nominee of his party and made way to run out of the house. He was however chased down and brought back into the Chamber. Within the ensuing chaos that resulted in the process, the elected MP’s on the side of the NDC started jubilating claiming victory for their nominee. According to the NDC side, Mr Bagbin obtained 138 votes, Mr Oquaye obtained 135 whiles one ballot was counted as rejected. Some elected NPP-MPs speaking to the media following this development refused to concede to the victory claims of the NDC side. However, Mr Atta Kyea speaking to Joy News said it has become clear that the Second Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s 7th Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumani Bagbin is the winner of the election. The MP confirmed that based on the counting, Mr Bagbin out of the 275 votes had 138 votes against 135 votes obtained by Mr Oquaye with the remaining vote being a rejected vote as being claimed by the NDC side. The disruption of the process however has had the Clark of Parliament who is supervising the election engaged with the leadership of both sides with the result yet to be officially declared. Ghanaweb Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.