Mahama Unveils 6-Member Interim National Security Team
President-Elect John Dramani Mahama has announced a six-member team to oversee and coordinate national security issues until substantive appointments are made. Apexnewsgh reports This move reflects Mahama’s commitment to ensuring continuity and stability in the country’s security architecture during the transfer of power. The team, set to begin its mandate on January 7, 2025, will be led by former Minister for the Interior, Prosper Douglas Bani. Other members include: A. Lt. General Peter Augustine Blay (Rtd.): former Chief of Defence Staff B. Kofi Totobi Quakyi: former Minister for National Security C. Larry Gbevlo-Lartey Esq.: former National Security Coordinator D. Brigadier General Fuseini Iddrissu (Rtd.) E. COP Nathaniel Kofi Boakye (Rtd.) This interim team is comprised of seasoned security experts with years of experience, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining stability in the country’s security framework. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
9th Parliament Set to Convene Midnight of January 7 to Elect New Speaker
The Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Azumah Djietro, has announced that the first sitting of the 9th Parliament will commence at 12:05 AM on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This move ensures a seamless transition of power, as the new Parliament will convene immediately following the dissolution of the 8th Parliament. Apexnewsgh reports The primary agenda of this inaugural session will be the election of the new Speaker of Parliament and two Deputy Speakers. Following this, all newly elected Members of Parliament will take their oaths of office, marking the official beginning of their tenure. To ensure continuity of essential government services during the transition period, the House has already approved the 2025 mini-budget for the incoming government. The outgoing government is expected to hand over power to the incoming John Mahama administration on January 7, 2025. This swift transition underscores the importance of a seamless handover of power, reflecting Ghana’s commitment to democratic principles and stability. As the country prepares for this significant milestone, all eyes will be on the 9th Parliament as it begins its journey, shaping the nation’s future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
High Court Set to Rule on NPP’s Electoral Dispute Application
Today, the High Court will deliver its ruling on the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) mandamus application, seeking to compel the Electoral Commission (EC) to complete the collation of results in four disputed constituencies: Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, Techiman South, and Ablekuma North. Apexnewsgh reports The NPP’s legal team, led by Gary Nimako, argued that the EC’s failure to finalize the collation process between December 8, 2024, and January 1, 2025, was unreasonable and deprived voters in the affected areas of their right to know the election outcome. Nimako also pointed out that the EC had not provided the required evidence, such as Forms 1C and 1D, to validate the declarations. The Electoral Commission, represented by Justin Amenuvor, supported the NPP’s application, acknowledging that the collation processes in the four constituencies remained incomplete. Amenuvor warned that failing to order the EC to complete its duty could set a dangerous precedent for future elections. However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) opposed the application, arguing that a mandamus could only be granted if a prior demand had been refused, which was not the case here. The NDC’s lawyers, led by Godwin Tameklo, maintained that any challenge to the validity of the Tema Central declaration should be addressed through a petition, not a mandamus. The court’s decision is expected to clarify the Electoral Commission’s obligations in resolving the disputes in the affected constituencies. Notably, the Supreme Court has already overturned a previous High Court ruling that had granted the NPP’s application for re-collation of results in the same constituencies. Source: Apexnewsgh.com