Current legislation concerning the conduct of public officers inadequate–President Akufo-Addo
President Nana Akufo-Addo has acknowledged the insufficiency of current legislation regarding the accountability of public officers. Apexnewsgh.com reported In response, he has unveiled intentions to create a comprehensive set of regulations that align with Chapter 24 of the Constitution on Conduct of Public Officers. The president made this announcement during his speech at the Ghana Bar Conference, held on Monday, September 11, 2023, at the University of Cape Coast. He revealed that the Attorney-General, acting on behalf of the Government, will head the initiative to draft a law specifically addressing the conduct of public officers. The Attorney General has conducted extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including public sector organizations, civil society, and other interest groups, regarding the proposed Conduct of Public Officers Act. The Act, once enacted, will be influenced by similar legislations in countries such as the United States, with its Ethics in Government Act of 1978, Kenya’s Public Officers Ethics Act of 2003, and the U.K.’s Constitutional and Governance Act of 2010. This legislation aims to tackle a broad range of issues relating to the conduct of public officers. These issues include requirements surrounding their financial holdings prior to assuming public office, potential conflicts of interest with family businesses, prevention of undue enrichment, responsible use and care of public property, adherence to professional practices, transparency in property ownership and investments, prohibition of self-dealing, and addressing any biases or partiality in the performance of duties. Furthermore, the Act will also address the misuse of public or confidential information for personal gain. Details of full speech below: I am grateful to the Bar Council for the invitation and opportunity to address this year’s Bar Conference, my seventh time of doing so as President of the Republic. I am aware that it is a privilege, which I will continue not to abuse. Before I touch on the theme of this year’s conference, “Ensuring High Standards and Integrity in Public Life; The Role of the Legal Profession”, I want to place on record my appreciation, once again, to the Council for making me a member in permanent good-standing, i.e., one who does not have to pay dues. It is an enviable status, one which I cherish. I am also very grateful to the President and members of the Council for re-arranging today’s programme in a manner that allows me to fulfil other important engagements of the day. It means, unfortunately, that I will not be able to enjoy the fellowship of the traditional lunch after this ceremony, which allows us all to break bread together. God willing, next year, we will resume the fellowship, as I continue to be extremely proud of my membership of this Association, which has been and continues to be, so devoted to advancing the public interest of our nation. Learned friends, I come from a background where public service is considered a duty, and where privilege and good fortune demand even greater commitment to the common good. Generations of my forebears and relations established this rich tradition of public service, to which I am greatly indebted, as it is a source of constant inspiration. Indeed, Kofi Abrefa Busia, Prime Minister of the Progress Party government of the 2nd Republic, and one of the great Ghanaians, said in these pregnant words: “We regard politics as an avenue of service to our fellow men. We hold that political power is to be exercised to make life nobler and happier.” I am fully aware of the responsibility the job of President of the Republic brings, as I am fortunate enough to carry a sense of the history and struggles that made that job possible, as well as being apprised of the challenges and opportunities of the future. Crucial to the progressive and prosperous future I seek to help create for the Ghanaian people is how to sustain their confidence in the democratic journey on which we have embarked. We celebrated, this year, thirty (30) years of multiparty democracy under the Constitution of the 4th Republic, which has provided the framework for the longest period of uninterrupted, stable, constitutional governance in our otherwise turbulent history. Next year, we will be going to the polls, for the ninth time in the 4th Republic, to elect a new President and new Members of Parliament. We will, in the results of those polls, witness either the changing of power from one political party to another, as we have done on three (3) separate occasions in the 4th Republic, or the breaking of the eight, something that has never happened before in the 4th Republic. I am sure I do not need to tell you what my preference is. It is public knowledge. What is important, however, is that the Ghanaian people have demonstrated that they are fully conversant with the process of peaceful democratic transitions, and need no lessons in the exercise of their democratic rights Maintaining high standards and integrity in public life is key to extending our association with multiparty democracy. As one writer put it, and I quote, “Standards in public life help to maintain the health of the democratic system and uphold public confidence in it. They help prevent politicians and officials from being swayed by outside interests in their decision-making and help to maintain a political culture that fosters open and constructive debate. They, thereby, contribute to a political system that is fair, inclusive, stable, and effective.” The Ghanaian people are expectant that Parliament, the legislative arm of government, will continue to grow into its proper role as an effective machinery for accountability and oversight of the Executive, and not be its junior partner. Parliament must stand out as an institution that represents all the values that we hold dear and in which citizens can take pride. Our Judiciary must inspire confidence in the citizenry, so we can all see the courts as the ultimate arbiters when disputes arise. A Ghanaian judge must be a reassuring presence and the epitome of fairness. Ensuring High Standards and Integrity in public
Unity will secure a smooth victory for NDC in 2024–Joseph Yamin
Mr. Joseph Yamin, the National Organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), expressed confidence in the party’s prospects for the forthcoming 2024 general elections. During the inauguration of the party’s communication team in the Afigya Kwabre South Constituency of the Ashanti region, Mr. Yamin stated that it would be more difficult for the party to lose the election than to win it. He underscored the importance of grassroots efforts in securing a comfortable victory in the general election. Mr. Yamin called for unity among party members, urging them to conduct a comprehensive campaign and attract more votes with the ultimate goal of assuming power in 2024. During the discussion, the speaker highlighted the importance of the election results and suggested that Ghanaians would be disappointed if the NDC did not win and address the current economic challenges accordingly. Furthermore, Dr. Peter Boamah Otukonor, the former Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s recent cocoa price increase, considering it inadequate and disrespectful to farmers. He argued that the adjustment should have been more substantial, taking into account the current world cocoa prices. Mr. Solomon Adomako, the Communication Officer for the party in the Afigya Kwabre South Constituency, explained the purpose behind establishing the communication team, emphasizing the significance of effective communication in political campaigns and party activities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Mathew Silas Amoah Confirmed as NPP Parliamentary Candidate in Bolga East, Garnering Popular Acclamation
On Sunday, September 10, 2023, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Bolgatanga East Constituency of the Upper East region announced Mathew Silas Amoah as their official Parliamentary Candidate for the upcoming 2024 elections. Apexnewsgh.com reported This decision was determined during an extraordinary Constituency delegate conference, held at the Zuarungu Catholic Social Center in the Bolgatanga East Constituency. The conference was organized in accordance with the directive from the National Council of the New Patriotic Party and was overseen by the Electoral Commission. Conference meeting was held with the following attendees: 215 polling station executives, 16 Electoral Area Coordinators, 17 constituency executives, 5 Council of Elders, and 5 patrons. After the nomination period ended on August 10, 2023, in the Bolgatanga East Constituency, only one candidate, Mr. Amoah Mathew Silas, had officially filed for candidacy. Following the election guidelines, the nomination documents were reviewed and found to meet the requirements stated in Clause 2 of the New Patriotic Party constitution. When a vote was proposed to the electoral college, all members present unanimously affirmed Mr. Amoah Mathew Silas’ nomination, and he was duly declared as the Parliamentary candidate-elect for the Bolgatanga East Constituency of the New Patriotic Party. Meanwhile, speaking to the media after the open popular acclamation by delegates of the party, Mr. Amoah insisted that his intention was not to be Parliamentary Candidate, the whole intention was not be confirmed, the whole intention was to become a Member of Parliament and see how best I can impact my community more. Am doing it already, but I believe with advantages that follows Member of Parliament we can do more”. “Today, is a day they have opened the flood gate for us to exhibit what we can do, I wasn’t even confirmed yet, but they are comparing some of the things I have done to a seating Member of Parliament”. Commenting about the recent moto king, footballs and Jerseys been shared by his opponent, Mr. Amaoh said he believes that the NDC candidate Dr. Ayine is paying the debt he should have paid sometime back. “But we are just doing it free of charge for the people because nobody owes me, nobody has voted for me. So, I owe them no obligation to do something but I just have that in me”. He stressed “We are not going to select five people somewhere and say they are campaign team, we are not going to get ten people and say they are campaign team, all my 258 delegates are my campaign team and this should tell you how ready we are. We are going to hit the ground so hard. “We are not going to do as they do, we are going to enlighten the people for them to see the benefits in politics”. However, the event saw the presence of both national party leadership, friend from the northern region, district, constituency and regional party executive led by Chairman Anthony Namoo. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com