18.7 Million Eligible Voters Set for Ghana’s Dec. 7 Elections
As Ghana prepares for its upcoming December 7 elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that a whopping 18,774,159 eligible voters are set to cast their ballots. Apexnewsgh reports This significant number comprises individuals on the biometric register, special voters, and those without biometric data.¹ According to a summary report of the certified 2024 voters’ register, signed by Deputy Chairman of Operations Samuel Tettey, a staggering 18,640,811 voters have biometric data. Additionally, 131,478 individuals are designated as special voters, while 1,870 people are registered without biometric data. What’s more, this figure represents a notable increase of 1,746,518 voters from the 2020 election, which recorded 17,027,641 registered voters. This surge in voter registration is a testament to the growing enthusiasm and participation of Ghanaian citizens in the democratic process. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
EC Confirms No Changes to Ballot Positions for Upcoming Dec. 7 Elections
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana made a significant announcement on Tuesday, November 12, regarding the 2024 presidential election. Apexnewsgh reports Despite the recent disqualification of Philip Appiah Kubi, the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) candidate, the original ballot order will remain unchanged. EC Chairperson Jean Mensa confirmed this decision at an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting, where she assured party representatives that Kubi’s disqualification would not affect the ballot layout. This move underscores the Commission’s commitment to an orderly and timely electoral process. Mensa also shared an update on the presidential ballot printing, revealing that it is nearly complete. “We are here this morning to inform you that the presidential ballot order will remain unchanged. As your representatives in the printing houses are aware, we are nearly 90 percent done with the presidential ballots,” she stated. This announcement provides clarity and stability to the electoral process, ensuring that the presidential election can proceed without any disruptions. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Robert Alibo accuses Dan Mahama of allegedly tempering with his picture on EC Notice of Poll
The Security, peace council and other entities interested in a peaceful election must be up and doing at this injury time of Ghana’s of election. Apexnewsgh reports Reports coming from the camp of NPP candidate Robert Alibo must be looked into before conflict erupt between NDC and NPP in the Talensi Constituency. The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Mr. Robort Alibo has alleged that his opponent Daniel Mahama and his supporters of engaging in unlawful activities, including removing his picture from an Electoral Commission’s Notice of poll which was seen posted at Mr. Mahama’s residence. Furthermore, Mr. Alibo alleges that Mahama’s camp has been spreading false information, portraying him as an independent candidate. However, a photo of the Electoral Commission’s notice clearly indicates that only two candidates were left visible on the notice while Mr. Alibo wasn’t seen as part of the aspirants contesting the Talensi seat. This controversy has significant implications for the democratic process in the Talensi District, emphasizing the need for security, peace councils, and other entities to ensure a peaceful and transparent election. The NPP camp is also raising concerns about the continuous removal and covering posters belonging to their candidate’s agents and supporters of the NDC candidate in the constituency. However, when apexnewsgh contacted the EC for such act, the EC describes such an act as unlawful. Explaining further, the Regional EC boss memtioned they provided the notice of poll to educate the general public ahead the election and no one is expected to alter it. These actions if not handled carefully, could generate a conflict that is likely to affect a smooth election in the Talensi. Efforts to reach out to the Talensi Parliamentary candidate Daniel Mahama for his response was not successful. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Supreme Court Overturns Speaker Bagbin’s Decision on Vacant Parliamentary Seats
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Ghana has struck down Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant. The court’s seven-member panel, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, delivered a 5-2 majority decision in favor of Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who had challenged Bagbin’s move. Apexnewsgh reports The dispute centered on Bagbin’s interpretation of Article 97(1)(g) of the Ghanaian Constitution, which he claimed justified declaring the seats vacant. However, Afenyo-Markin argued that Bagbin had overstepped his authority by bypassing judicial review and denying the possibility of by-elections in the affected constituencies. The Supreme Court had previously issued an interim injunction to prevent the implementation of Bagbin’s ruling. In response, Bagbin filed a counter-application, arguing that parliamentary decisions are beyond the judiciary’s reach. However, Chief Justice Torkornoo dismissed Bagbin’s application, affirming the Court’s authority to intervene when parliamentary actions are suspected of violating constitutional provisions. The Chief Justice expressed concern over the potential disenfranchisement of constituents who might lose their parliamentary representation without the option of by-elections, especially with the upcoming December 7 general elections. The court directed both parties to submit their statements of claim within seven days to ensure a swift resolution. This case raises critical questions about the separation of powers and the constitutional boundaries of parliamentary authority. It underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional principles while navigating tensions with Parliament’s autonomy. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dominic Ayine receives Ghc 72 billion from Common Funds annually but nothing to show–NPP PC Alleges
In the heat of the electoral campaign, the NPP Parliamentry Candidate for the Bolgatanga East Mathew Silas Amoah has leveled serious accusations against the incumbent Bolga East Member of Parliament who doubles as the NDC Parliamentry Candidate Dr. Dominic Ayine of deceiving the people of Bolga East with dishonesty. Apexnewsgh reports Mr. Amoah claims that Dr. Dominic Ayine has been receiving Seventy-Two Billion Ghana Cedis (Ghc 72 billion) from Common Fund, Health Insurance Fund, GetFund. According to him, Dr. Ayine receives said Sixteen billion Ghana Cedis (Ghc 16 billion Cedis) to Dr. Ayine annually, but yet keep deceiving his constituents with lies. Amoah believes these are some of the reasons Dr. Ayine decides not to give the opportunity to anyone in the constituency to occupy the position. Mr. Amoah made references to Hon. Ablakwa and Hon. Haruna Iddrisu of both NDC, citing them as examples of effective use of these funds for constituents’ benefit. Mr. Amoah said this during his campaign engagement with Bolgatanga goat/sheep dealers. However, this platform is making effort to engage Dr. Ayine. Source: Apexnewsgh.com