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Special Voting Takes Off On 2nd December.

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In a significant development, the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced that special voting for the 2024 general elections will take place on Monday, December 2, at 328 designated centers.

This special voting arrangement is designed to accommodate voters who will be performing election-related duties on the main polling day, December 7.

According to Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Commissioner at the EC in charge of corporate services, no constituency will have more than 750 people, and centers with more than that figure have been divided.

Dr. Asare emphasized that special voters must cast their ballots on the designated date, as their names will not appear on the voter register during the main elections.

The special voting facility is intended for personnel from various security agencies, including the Ghana Armed Forces, National Intelligence Bureau, and Ghana Police Service, as well as media personnel, election officials, and other stakeholders who will be engaged in election-related duties on December 7.

It’s worth noting that the results of the special voting will not be declared until after the general elections.

This measure is aimed at ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.

In Ghana’s electoral history, special voting has been a crucial component of the electoral process, allowing thousands of voters to exercise their franchise without conflicting with their professional responsibilities.

First Lady hands over new CHPS compound to Gboloo Kofi Community.

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The First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has handed over a newly constructed CHPS compound to the Gboloo Kofi community in the Akuapem North District of the Eastern region.

The project, which comes with state-of-the-art equipment and staff bungalows, was constructed in six months. The new Community-based Health Planning Services (CHPS) compound will not only provide primary healthcare but also midwifery services to pregnant women who otherwise would have to travel to other communities or the Akuapem North District hospital to deliver their babies. For about a decade, the Gboloo Kofi CHPS compound had been operating from a makeshift structure constructed through communal labour.

Although it provided healthcare to community members, the facility was dilapidated and lacked equipment to adequately monitor the health of patients. The newly constructed CHPS compound, an initiative of the Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation, a brainchild of the First Lady, is to promote access to quality healthcare to deprived communities like Gboloo Kofi as well as help reduce malaria prevalence and deaths, specifically for pregnant women and children, to achieve Universal Health Coverage, UHC. The First Lady, who indicated that the facility will reduce the pressure on nearby health facilities, asked the community members to patronize and maintain the facility.

“As we are all aware, CHPS compounds promote access to quality and equitable healthcare services to all Ghanaians, particularly those in rural and deprived communities, and the Gboloo Kofi CHPS will ease the pressure on the three centres that serve the over 30,000 residents of this area which creates pressure on these health facilities, limiting care for many women and children.”

Plea from Staff

Head of the facility Kwabena Fosu while thanking the first lady for the facility, pleaded for more bungalows and a mobile network for communication.

“Most of the nurses live in nearby communities and always have to use okada or other means of transport. It makes working difficult since most of us don’t live around. We plead for more staff accommodation. Also, we need a mobile network here. As you sit here, you may be expecting an important call, but it will never come through because there is no network or internet here. In this digital age, we need networks and the internet to facilitate our work.”

The NPP Parliamentary candidate for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku promised to support health facilities in the Akuapem North constituency with more equipment. Odikro of Gboloo Kofi, Nene Teye Gboloo was grateful to the First Lady and the Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation for the gesture.

Presidential elections won’t be held on different days—EC.

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The Electoral Commission (EC) has urged the public to disregard claims by Kumasi-based radio and television presenter Oheneba Nana Asiedu to cast their ballots for presidential candidates on separate days during the upcoming December general elections.

The Kumasi-based radio and television presenter was granted bail by the Ghana Police Service after his arrest on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

The arrest stemmed from charges of publishing false news.

Asiedu was invited by the Ashanti Regional Police Command on Friday, November 22, 2024, following allegations that he had encouraged voters to cast their ballots for presidential candidates on separate days during the upcoming December general elections.

The statement, which quickly spread on social media, was described by the Ghana Police Service as “false and likely to disturb the public peace.”

The EC, therefore, in a statement issued on Sunday, November 24, noted that “The Electoral Commission urges the public to disregard the misleading statements.”

“The general public is informed that the 2024 election will take place on 7th December 2024.”

It reminded voters that voting on the 7th of December 2024, starts from 7 am until 5 pm.

“The commission encourages voters to go out in their numbers and cast their votes in an orderly manner,” the EC added.

I’m Ready To Serve Ghana—Bawumia Declares.

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Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has concluded his campaign tour of northern Ghana, emphasizing his readiness to serve the nation.

On Saturday, Dr Bawumia engaged with various stakeholders in Saboba, Mion, and Tamale Central Constituencies, reiterating his vision for Ghana’s development.

Throughout his interactions with traditional authorities, religious leaders, identifiable groups, and ordinary citizens, Dr Bawumia’s message has been consistent: Ghana requires a visionary leader who can propel the nation into the 21st century.

He confidently submitted himself as that leader, capable of dreaming big and implementing bold solutions to Ghana’s challenges.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign has focused on his ability to drive Ghana’s development, leveraging his experience as Vice President and his expertise in economic management.

He has emphasized the need for a servant leader who can bring about transformative change and improve the lives of Ghanaians.

As the December 7 elections approach, Bawumia urged Ghanaians to make a decisive choice by electing a leader with new ideas and bold solutions.

His message of hope and transformation has resonated with many, particularly in the northern region, where he has emphasized his commitment to addressing the unique challenges facing the area.

Dr Bawumia’s readiness to serve Ghana is not a new development.

In a previous statement, he emphasized, “I am ready to serve and to serve well and as the main driver. I am ready to lead”.

This commitment to leadership and service has been a hallmark of his campaign, as he seeks to inspire confidence in his ability to drive Ghana’s development.

Breaking limits requires resilience, courage, and willingness to take risks—Prof Kaufmann.

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Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of Engineering School at the University of Ghana, says breaking limits requires resilience, courage, and the willingness to take risks.


She said it also required the creation of safe spaces where young people feel supported as they explore their capabilities.


Prof. Kaufmann was speaking at the launch of the Woman In Tech Ghana Chapter in Accra on the theme “Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders.”


The Ghana chapter started operation on June 3, 2024, with three Executive Members (a Chapter Ambassador and two Members), but currently has seven Executive Members, 137 members on its WhatsApp platform, with presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.


Since its inception in 2018, Women in Tech Global has become the leading global organization supporting women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).


It is to build a community where access to knowledge, Innovation, and Business opportunities, is based on interest and ability and not gender and strengthen collaboration and teamwork among women, organizations, institutions, and businesses, with a shared commitment to achieving the 2030 agenda and creating sustainable impact.


Prof. Kaufmann said as educators inspired young people to break limits, “we should remember that limits come in many forms.”


She said some of these forms were societal, traditional expectations, financial barriers, or gender stereotypes.


Others are deeply personal, such as self-doubt or fear of failure.


“We must work together to address these obstacles, whether through mentorship programmes, community support, or policies that give every child a fair shot at success,” she added.


She called for a breakdown of these barriers so that every child in Ghana, regardless of their background, could dream bigger.


“Today, as we reflect on our role in shaping that future, let’s commit ourselves to breaking every limit that holds our young people back,” she said.


Prof Kaufmann said together, they could create a world where no dream was too big, no problem was unsolvable, and no future was beyond reach.


Madam Luvina Sandra Atsu – Chapter Ambassador said it was to cultivate an environment that inspired creativity and innovation, driving personal and professional growth for women and building a dynamic community of achievers.


She said it was to build a welcoming and supportive space filled with positivity, where women feel valued, respected, and encouraged in their career paths.


“Equipping young girls with confidence by providing exposure to technology and mentorship opportunities that inspire them to realize their full potential, bridging the mentorship gaps and nurturing the next generation of tech leaders,” she said.


She said Women In Tech Global based in Paris, covering 63 countries and with over 400,000 members was more than just a network; it was a social enterprise committed to driving and measuring the impact of its commitments.


She said to date, it had a significant impact on the lives of more than a third of a million people worldwide, aligning with and contributing to the achievement of seven Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


Mrs. Gloria Opoku Anti, the Executive Director of Jospong Group, commended the leadership of the Women In Tech Ghana Chapter for their efforts to empower the next generation of girls in Tech.


She said together they could create a platform that would promote growth in the tech space because they had a shared responsibility to mentor the young girls.


She said the role of mentorship in breaking barriers for tech women was truly vital.

Black Queens drawn in tough group for 2024 Women’s AFCON.

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The Black Queens of Ghana have been placed in Group C of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), alongside defending champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania.

The tournament, set to be hosted in Morocco from July 5 to 26, 2025, will mark Ghana’s eighth appearance at the continental showpiece, with the Queens eyeing their first-ever title. 

Road to WAFCON  

Ghana secured qualification after a hard-fought victory over Namibia’s Brave Gladiators in their final qualifier last year. Under the leadership of head coach Nora Häuptle, the team’s return to the continental stage ends a five-year absence from the tournament.

Häuptle, a Swiss tactician, has impressed many with her leadership since taking over the senior side, and expectations are high as she prepares the Black Queens for the challenge ahead. 

Group of Death  

Group C is regarded as one of the toughest in the tournament. South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, the reigning African champions, are the team to beat after their 2-1 triumph over Morocco in the 2022 final. 

Mali and Tanzania also present formidable opposition, with both teams boasting competitive squads eager to make their mark in the competition.  

History and aspirations  

Ghana’s best WAFCON performance came in 2006 when they finished runners-up to Nigeria, losing narrowly in the final. The Queens are determined to go one step further this year and claim the elusive title.  

The draw for the tournament also placed hosts Morocco in Group A alongside Zambia, Senegal, and DR Congo, while Group B features record-holders Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. 

Preparations  

Coach Häuptle is expected to assemble a strong squad to take on the continent’s best, with Ghanaians pinning their hopes on the team’s resilience and tactical discipline to navigate the challenging group stage. 

The tournament promises exciting football as Africa’s top women’s teams vie for continental glory in what has become a showcase of the growth and development of women’s football on the continent.

Akufo-Addo: Agenda 111 will be abandoned under NDC leadership.

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed concerns that the completion of the Agenda 111 hospital projects could be at risk if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) returns to power, citing their previous criticisms of the initiative.

He cautioned that crucial projects initiated by his administration, including Agenda 111, may be abandoned should Ghanaians vote for former President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC in the upcoming elections.

The president reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the commissioning of some Agenda 111 projects before his tenure ends.

Speaking to professional bodies in the Ashanti Region on Sunday, November 25, President Akufo-Addo urged voters to carefully consider the progress made under his government and the potential setbacks of a change in leadership.

“Before I leave office on January 7, 2025, I would have completed and outdoored some of them. Sewua Infectious Disease centre and handed over for use, Komfo Anokye Maternity and Children’s Hospital is 68 percent completed. Asante Akyim District Hospital is completed, Kumawu District Hospital is completed.

“With the way some people talk of these projects, the people of Ashanti, think very carefully for December 7. I am convinced that some people will come into office and stop a lot of these projects. The Agenda 111 is not in their hearts; those that are not finished will not be finished; we have seen it before; do not let us make that mistake this time.”

Don’t vote for someone who allowed guinea fowls flee to Burkina—Bawumia jabs Mahama.

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The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on Ghanaians to vote decisively against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, in the upcoming December 7 general elections.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Saboba on Saturday, November 23, 2024, Bawumia accused the NDC of neglecting the five northern regions during its time in power and mismanaging resources meant for development.

Bawumia criticised the implementation of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), a flagship initiative of the NDC government which aimed at boosting development in the north.

He alleged that funds meant for transformative projects were squandered on poorly conceived programmes, including the infamous guinea fowl farming venture, which he claimed yielded no tangible benefits for the people.

Bawumia did not mince words in his critique of Mahama, whom he accused of presiding over the mismanagement of hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis allocated to SADA.

He pointed to the lack of visible development projects in the five northern regions as evidence of the NDC’s failure to deliver on its promises.

He resurrected the controversy surrounding SADA’s guinea fowl project, which became a symbol of alleged corruption and inefficiency during the Mahama administration.

He mocked the NDC’s alleged explanation that the guinea fowls had flown to Burkina Faso, a claim that has since been a point of ridicule in Ghanaian political discourse.

“In this election, there are two of us, isn’t it? Myself and the former president. During his time, all the money, hundreds of millions that were given to him [John Dramani Mahama] to develop the north, he said he was raring guinea fowls.

“Guinea fowls under SADA and we have not seen one SADA project in the five northern regions. Is there a SADA project in Saboba?

“We asked him, where are the guinea fowls and he said they have flown to Burkina Faso. And today, he says he wants to come back. Do you want him to come back?”

Workers of GHA threaten another strike over unaddressed demands.

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The Senior Staff Association of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) has announced another indefinite nationwide strike starting December 2, 2024.

This decision follows the government’s failure to meet its demands regarding the controversial National Roads Authority Act 2024 (Act 1118) and other pressing issues.

The announcement was formalised in a letter dated November 20, 2024, and signed by Emmanuel Asina, the National Vice Chairman of the GHA Senior Staff Association.

Addressed to the National Labour Commission, the letter cited the strike as a last resort after several unsuccessful attempts to have their grievances addressed.

The workers are calling for immediate attention to their concerns, emphasising the need for stakeholder consultations, adherence to constitutional processes, and leadership restructuring within the GHA.

The striking workers outlined four primary demands in their letter.

Below is the full letter.

We, the Union and Senior Staff Association, representing workers of the Authority, hereby notify Management of our intention to embark on a nationwide strike action in support of the following demands contained in our petition to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana dated 21st October 2024:

1. Cessation of the implementation of the National Roads Authority Act 2024, (Act 1118) pending consultation with all stakeholders, especially the workers of the Ghana Highway Authority.

2. Revocation of all appointments made under the Act, (Act 1118), which appointments are in contravention of Article 195 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

3. Fresh agency-wide consultation based on the World Bank-Assisted ‘Diagnostic Study for Transforming Ghana Highway Authority (GHA),
2022.

4. Immediate removal of Ing. I. K. Mensah, the GHA Board Chairman and Ing. Collins B. Donkor (retired), the GHA Chief Executive.

Workers of GHA hereby inform the National Labour Commission that if by 29th November 2024, our demands are not granted, we shall embark on an indefinite nationwide strike action in accordance with the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

Particulars of Workers’ Strike Action

Reason: Ungranted Demands

Start date: Monday, 2nd December 2024

Duration: Indefinite

Election 2024 Poll: Bawumia 49.1%, Mahama 45.8%.

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A latest scientific survey on the December 7, 2024 elections has put the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, ahead of the main opposition leader, ex-President John Dramani Mahama.

The research, led by Prof. Smart Sarpong, Director of Research and Innovation at the Kumasi Technical University, said Dr. Bawumia leads the presidential race with 49.1%, while Mr. Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) follows with 45.8%.

The research findings indicated that the independent candidate, Nana Kwame Bediako, is at 2.2%, and John Alan Kyerematen stands at 1.2%.

The remaining candidates collectively garnered 1.7%, the study, titled “Endline Report,” said.

Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, Prof. Sarpong asserted that the data suggested that the 2024 elections could conclude in the first round, with the NPP having a higher likelihood of clinching victory if gains are consolidated.

“It is clear from this report that elections 2024 can be won at the first round by only one of the two leading political parties, with the NPP having a higher chance of clinching a first-round victory,” he stressed.

Regional Dynamics

He identified Ahafo, Ashanti, Bono, Central, Eastern, North East, and Western Regions as the regional strongholds driving the lead for the ruling NPP.

According to Prof. Sarpong, the data shows that the NDC’s performance is being propelled by Bono East, Greater Accra, Northern, Oti, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, and Western North Regions.

Prof. Sarpong urged political parties to consolidate their gains in their leading regions while striving for improvements in other areas to avoid “reverse invasion.”

He stressed that party agents and supporters must remain vigilant to achieve a one-touch victory and spare the nation the cost of a second round of elections.

Parliamentary Race

In the parliamentary contest, Prof. Sarpong indicated that the NPP leads with 128 safe seats, followed by the NDC with 92 safe seats.

The remaining 56 constituencies are highly competitive, with the two major parties likely to split them equally, he added.

Prof. Sarpong stated that the NPP is poised to secure no fewer than 148 parliamentary seats by the close of the elections.

He, however, said independent candidates in constituencies such as Sunyani East, Asante Akyem Central, La-Dade Kotopon, and Suhum are unlikely to pose a significant challenge, as none are projected to meet the required threshold for victory.

Observations

Prof. Sarpong emphasised that all 276 constituencies remain winnable, but additional effort is required in the 56 highly competitive areas.

“More energy is needed for parties aiming to dominate these tight constituencies,” he said, offering to share a detailed list of these constituencies upon request.

Research Design

Prof. Sarpong said the study analysed responses from 99,355 participants across all 276 constituencies, collected through face-to-face interviews between October 14 and November 17, 2024.

He noted that data collection included geographic tagging and environmental observations to enhance accuracy.

Demographics of Respondents

On the key demographics of respondents, Prof. Sarpong revealed that 56.5% of the respondents were male, whilst female constituted 43.5%.

On religious affiliation, he said 69.3% of the respondents were Christians, whereas 24.7% were Muslims and 6.1% constituted other faiths.

In terms of occupation, the research scientist stated that farmers constituted 17.8% of the respondent, artisans were 3.5%, teachers were 5.6%, food vendors 8.3%, and others to the remaining percentage.

Prof. Sarpong underscored the importance of scientific research, stating, “Without quality data, you’re just another person with an opinion.”

Recommendations

According to him, the report also emphasised that with effective voter mobilisation and strategic interventions in key regions, a first-round presidential victory is attainable.

He encouraged the political parties to energise their agents and supporters while focusing efforts on the 56 competitive constituencies.

Prof. Sarpong announced plans to release constituency-specific insights on his Facebook and YouTube platforms.

He expressed hope for a transparent and scientifically informed electoral process, urging stakeholders to engage constructively with the findings.

“Let’s encourage voters to participate in polls. It makes the political process more gratifying, challenging, and thought-provoking,” he said.

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