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Election 2024: I remain committed to serving my constituents-Cynthia Morrison.

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Madam Cynthia Mamle Morrison, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for Agona West, has reiterated her  commitment to serving her constituents.

“Improving the lives of people at Agona West and advocating for the constituency’s development continues to be my topmost priority”.

 Madam Morrison who has filed nomination as an independent candidate for the same constituency has stressed that going independent was for her to continue to represent and advocate for the constituency.

 This follows her failure to secure the NPP parliamentary candidature for the third consecutive time to represent the Agona West constituency in the 9th Parliament come January, 2025.

 Madam Morrison, a former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection was one of the 40 women who went to parliament in 2020 for a second term and one of the 11 female incumbent MPs who lost at the political parties primaries  thereby losing the opportunity to contest in the upcoming elections.

She was first elected as MP for Agona West Constituency in 2016, securing  32,770 votes representing 58.3% and retained the seat in 2020 with 30,132 votes.

The Agona West Constituency has been a safe seat for the NPP since the year 2000 in both Presidential and parliamentary, the NDC has annexed the seat only twice in 1996 and 2012.

Madam Morrison has been known for her public service as an MP and also a Minister of state in the last eight years and has played a vital role in advancing policies focusing on gender equality, child protection and social welfare during her tenure as minister.

She has observed that her constituents motivated her to go independent and therefore relying heavily on their support and political watchers believe that  December 7,  will tell if she could win without the NPP affiliation.

85% of Ghanaians want free SHS maintained – Afrobarometer Report.

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The latest edition of the Afrobarometer Report has revealed that 85% of Ghanaians want free senior high school (FSHS) programme to be maintained.

The report also states that 80% of Ghanaians want e-levy cancelled, 82% have experienced some degree of poverty and unemployment top concern of Ghanaians and Ghanaians struggle to access basic services.

The report, compiled by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) also pointed out that 82% of Ghanaians surveyed said the country is headed in the wrong direction.

The figure represents five percentage decrease compared to 2023 when 87 percent were of the view that Ghana was badly being managed.

The 2024 report is titled, ” Citizens’ Policy Priorities, economic conditi ons and Government Performance: Highlights from Afrobarometer Round 10 Survey in Ghana.”

According to details of the report which were disseminated in Accra on October 31, only “15% of Ghanaians think Ghana is headed in the right direction.

The report further revealed that “85% of Ghanaians want free SHS maintained, 80% of Ghanaians want e-levy cancelled, 82% have experienced some degree of poverty and unemployment top concern of Ghanaians and Ghanaians struggle to access basic services.”

State media will not be privatised under my watch — Mahama.

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Mr. John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged that if elected President, his administration will not privatize state-owned media institutions.

He emphasized his commitment to creating a conducive work environment for media professionals and ensuring the viability of various state media outlets.

Speaking at the NDC “Governance Forum” in Accra on Thursday, Mr. Mahama indicated that his leadership would, among other things, restore “true media freedom” in the country.

“In this new era of media freedom, journalists will not remain in constant fear over state-sponsored attacks on them.

“Radio stations critical of government are not going to be attacked Rambo-style”… Journalists will not remain in fear of being attacked to the point that some have to run away or seek asylum in other countries,” he stated.

Mr. Mahama also announced plans to reopen investigations into the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale and ensure prompt action on all cases related to violations of the rights and freedoms of media professionals.

He pledged support for the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the National Media Commission (NMC), and other stakeholders, emphasizing the full implementation and operationalization of the Right to Information Act if elected.

“We are determined to put up a Media Development Fund in consultation with the Ghana Journalists Association, and we will support the growth and economic viability of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and other state-owned media outfits.

“We are not going to privatise state owned media…not under our watch,” he stated.

Mr. Mahama added that his administration would welcome media criticisms and diverse opinions,

“I can assure you that when the President of the Ghana Journalists Association is sitting next to me and he has made a critical statement about me, I am not going to be angry…I will take it in good faith,” he noted, in reference to an interaction between GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour and President Akufo-Addo at the 75th GJA Awards ceremony held September in  Accra.

The NDC Governance Forum was on the theme: “Resetting Ghana for Good Governance and Accountability.”

Mr. Mahama outlined various policies he intends to implement to promote good governance and accountability during his next tenure.

He proposed alternative solutions while criticizing the New Patriotic Party administration for “eroding” the country’s democratic gains over the years.

Takoradi PIWC screens members of breast cancer.

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The Women’s Ministry of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Takoradi, has organised a breast cancer screening and sensitisation exercise for its members as part of this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebration.

Mrs Sarah Agyemang, a Breast Cancer Specialist, who led the exercise, took them through risk factors, signs and symptoms, as well as preventive measures, emphasising on the importance of early detection.

She said breast cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Ghana, however, with regular screenings and self-examinations, the rate could significantly reduce.

Mrs Agyemang highlighted key risk factors for breast cancer, including family history, genetic mutations, age, dense breast tissue, radiation exposure and hormone replacement therapy.

On signs and symptoms, she urged the participants to see lumps or thickening in the breast or underarm, and change in breast size or shape as some of the signs of the disease.

Touching on preventive measures, Mrs Agyemang told them to do regular self and clinical breast examinations to help reduce the risk of contracting breast cancer.

“Having mammograms (bi-annually for women 40+ years), healthy lifestyle choices like balanced diet, exercise, minimal alcohol consumption, and avoiding harmful chemicals and pollutants are also some common preventive measures,” she added.

Mrs Judith McClain-Afful, Leader of the PIWC Women’s Ministry, expressed the ministry’s commitment to promoting breast awareness among the public.

“We aim to educate our members and the community on the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection. We will continue to support initiatives that promote women’s health and well-being,” she stated.

Pastor Borngreat Selasi Amedeka, Resident Minister of PIWC, said the exercise was aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and encouraging members to take proactive steps in maintaining their breast health.

He said by promoting breast cancer awareness, the church had demonstrated its dedication to the well-being of its members and the community.

Tsortorme D/A Primary School appeal for decent classroom blocks.

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Authorities at Tsortorme D/A Primary School in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region, have appealed to the Kadjebi District Assembly and benevolent organisations to provide the school with a decent modern six-unit classroom block.

Such facility would ensure an effective teaching and learning environment.

The school, established in 1965 have seven teachers and 122 pupils from Kindergarten to Primary six, who study under dilapidated bamboo structure, which is on the verge of collapse.

Due to lack of classrooms, classes were being paired.

Mr. Daniel Dodzi Tsivanyo, Head teacher of the School, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during a visit to the School on Friday, October 25.

He said the “lack of classrooms is my main challenge.” We have to combine the classes, thus, hindering the progress of my learners.

“The Kadjebi District Assembly and NGOs should come to our aid for decent classroom blocks,” he appealed.

Mr. Tsivanyo said another problem was accessible road to the school as the road linking Tsortorme community was in a deplorable state and inaccessible during raining seasons, so teachers in nearby communities find it difficult to come to school during raining seasons.

“Myself, I was involved in an accident recently due to the deplorable state of the road,” he added.

He thus, appealed to the Kadjebi District Assembly to shape the road from Obuase to Tsortorme to make the Tsortorme community accessible.

Torgbui James Akpolu, the Headman of Tsortorme, said bad road network was affecting their economic activities as foodstuffs harvested for market got perished as the bad road network made it impossible to convey them to the marketing centres, leading to post harvest losses.

He said the successive government’s failure to provide them with social amenities such as good drinking water, roads, electricity, schools block, among others, made them felt dejected and wondering whether they were part of Ghana.

Mr. Akpolu, therefore, appealed to the Kadjebi District Assembly to shape their road and also connect the community to the national electricity grid.

Mr. Wilson Kwami Agbanyo, Kadjebi District Chief Executive (DCE), when reached by the GNA on the road network, said the road would be attended to under the District Roads Infrastructure Project (DRIP) and that works had commenced on some roads in the district under the DRIP.

GACC sensitises students on election corruption.

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The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has organised a sensitisation programme to educate students of Nyakrom Senior High Technical and Siddiqq Senior High Schools who are first time voters, on election corruption and violence.

The Coalition explained that voting was the civic responsibility of all Ghanaians with sound mind, from 18 years and above to vote for the party that had good policies and programmes which would inure to the transformation of human lives and infrastructural development.

Addressing the students, Mr Samuel Harrison Cudjoe, the Programmes Manager of GACC, admonished the students to desist from indulging in acts tantamount to election corruption and violence.

Such negative activities, Mr Cudjoe enumerated, included taking money from political party leaders, inducement to snatch ballot boxes and acts of violence, which drew the socio-economic growth of the nation backwards.

He said politicians who spent huge amounts to attract votes, eventually recover whatever amount of money pumped into the election from the national kitty after getting the nod to lead.

Mr Cudjoe said it was the cardinal mandate of the GACC to focus its work on ensuring the integrity of general elections to enhance Ghana’s democratic governance credentials and economic growth.

He said the GACC would continue to encourage Ghanaian voters, especially the first time voters to try as much as possible to do away with negative tendencies that could affect the socio-economic advancement of the country.

Mr Annobil Forson, Agona West Municipal Director of the Electoral Commission (EC) educated the students on the dos and don’ts of the electoral processes to become abreast with the implications of electoral offences.

The Municipal Director of EC said it was an offence as voters to use their phones take a picture of their votes to show the candidate they voted for to others.

He indicated that it was against the electoral rules and regulations for minors to register as a voter and that perpetrators when caught, would face the full vigorous of the law.

Mr Annobil Forson cautioned the students against multiple voting which was a punishable offence and therefore called on the students to abide by the laws to avert imprisonment or fines from law court.

Mr Abubakar Al-Hassan Adams, Agona West Secretary of LANET, said the organization had partnered the GACC over the years to champion the cause to educate targeted groups, particularly, students at the tertiary level who have attained 18 years and above against election corruption, violence, and many others.

He noted that LANET had extended its education on election related matters that concerned first time voter students in the beneficiary schools to educate them on their role to facilitate incident- free elections.

He added his voice to calls to them to reject monetary inducements from politicians to enable them demand accountability and other developmental projects such as roads, schools, clinics, and other social amenities from politicians when they won power.

Mr Adams urged all Ghanaians to endeavour to protect the integrity of the general election and eschew any action that dent the image of the country.

Ghana’s Sowah to compete for WBF International title against British boxer Jacobs 

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 Ghanaian boxer Daniel Adjei Sowah, also known as the “Hitman,” will be seeking a big title scalp when he faces British boxer Tommy Jacobs. 

These two boxers would compete for the World Boxing Foundation’s (WBF) Light Heavyweight International title on December 14, 2024, at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London.  

  

Adjei Sowah, who has fought 32 times, hopes to extend his amazing victory streak. 

The 41-year-old boxer is unbeaten in his previous ten fights and hopes to capture his first major international title after making his professional debut in 2002.    Jacobs would be looking to get back on track after losing to Frankie Davey at the same arena. 

In fact, Jacobs, aged 37, has lost two consecutive fights, and his fight against Adjei Sowah could determine his faith in boxing given his age. 

The boxing event, billed the “Santas Slugfest,” would also include an intriguing bout between Nigeria’s Towilawi Kabiru and Polish boxer Eli Frakham at York Hall.   

CDD Ghana appeals to Speaker, Parliament, to comply with Supreme Court ruling

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The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has   appealed to the Speaker of Parliament and Parliament to fully comply with the Supreme Court’s directions, notwithstanding the disagreements with the ruling.

In a statement, copied to the Ghana News Agency ahead of Tuesday’s sitting of the House, the Centre said this was to help deescalate the current tension and uphold the rule of law.

It said the timely filing of the required legal documents would ensure that the case proceed swiftly, and help provide clarity and resolution.

“The Centre strongly urges all Members of Parliament, political parties, the Executive, and the media to act with maximum restraint, a sense of responsibility, and respect for the letter and spirit of the constitutional principles and processes that underpin Ghana’s democracy.”

“In the spirit of national unity, we urge all Ghanaians to remain calm, respect the judicial process, and continue to uphold peace as we collectively safeguard Ghana’s democracy,” it stated.

The statement said CDD-Ghana had closely monitored recent developments in Parliament since October 15, when the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, invoked Article 97(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution to raise concerns about the presumed vacation of four parliamentary seats.

It said the Centre equally followed the Speaker of Parliament’s subsequent declaration on October 17, that vacancies had indeed, occurred concerning the seats of those four MPs, two from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), one from the NDC, and one independent.

The statement said the Centre had also followed, with keen interest, Majority Leader Mr Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin’s application to the Supreme Court challenging the Speaker’s authority to declare the vacancies and the Court’s subsequent intervention on October 18, staying the Speaker’s ruling and directing Parliament to allow the affected MPs to continue with the performance of their duties until the case was fully determined.

“We have taken due notice of instruction given to the Speaker and the Attorney-General to file their statements of case within seven days of service, followed by a joint memorandum of issues for hearing,” it said.

It said CDD-Ghana acknowledged the diversity of views in the public discourse surrounding this issue, particularly, the legal opinions regarding both the Speaker’s actions and the Supreme Court’s intervention.

It said without a doubt, this situation presented a novel challenge to Ghana’s constitutional practice.

The statement noted that it required careful and sensitive handling to prevent the onset of constitutional and political turmoil, particularly, as the country approached the 2024 General Election.

The statement also implored all stakeholders to prioritise the preservation of the nation’s peace and stability and work diligently to avoid a recurrence of the regrettable scenes witnessed during the Speaker’s election on January 7, 2021.

It said the Speaker and Parliament also retained the option to seek a review of the Court’s decision, should it find it necessary.

Looking ahead, it stated, “CDD-Ghana calls for a deep reflection on the relevant constitutional provisions governing parliamentary seats, specially during election years.”

The statement said it was vital to ensure that remedies were available for affected individuals and parties without plunging the nation into legal or political uncertainty.

“CDD Ghana believes that all outstanding cases seeking to disqualify any candidate from the upcoming elections should be resolved expeditiously,” the statement said.

This, it said, would ensure that no candidate was unfairly deprived of their rights or opportunity to contest, maintaining fairness in the electoral process.

NPP MPs exit Parliament and await Speaker’s directions.

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Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have abandoned the legislative chamber as they await a definite order from Speaker Alban Bagbin on seat occupancy and the status of the parliamentary majority.

The calm departure came amid a mounting stalemate between the NPP majority caucus and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which currently holds the majority in Parliament following the Speaker’s contentious decision that four parliamentary seats had been vacated.

The Core of the Dispute

On October 17, Speaker Alban Bagbin declared the seats for Fomena, Amenfi Central, Suhum, and Agona West vacant, citing Article 97(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution, which concerns MPs who declare their intentions to contest as independents or under a different party banner.

This ruling came after Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson questioned the continued occupancy of these seats. The declaration significantly shifted the balance of power in Parliament, with the NDC asserting a 136-seat majority compared to the NPP’s 135 seats.

However, on October 18, the Supreme Court intervened following a suit filed by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, temporarily staying the Speaker’s ruling and allowing the affected MPs to continue their duties until the case is resolved.

Tensions Erupt in the Chamber

As Parliament reconvened on October 22, tensions reached a boiling point. NDC MPs, led by Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, occupied the majority side of the chamber, staking their claim as the new majority in the House.

The NPP MPs, however, refused to accept this and insisted that the Supreme Court’s intervention allows them to maintain their position on the majority side until a final legal decision is made.

Amidst this tension, Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh issued a stern warning, stating that the NPP caucus would do everything possible to defend its position in the chamber.

He also dismissed allegations by Minority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza that he was “smuggled” into the chamber early in the morning before the official opening time, brushing off the accusations as baseless.

In a show of frustration, NPP MPs led by its leadership chose to walk out of the chamber, demanding clear directives from Speaker Alban Bagbin on which party should occupy the majority side.

Their exit left the NDC MPs seated in the majority section, further escalating tensions between the two sides.

The Role of the Speaker

The situation now hinges on Speaker Bagbin’s next move. The Speaker has been at the centre of the controversy, with his initial declaration of the vacant seats sparking the parliamentary deadlock.

The NPP caucus is awaiting his definitive ruling on the matter, which could have significant implications for the legislative process and the balance of power ahead of the 2024 elections.

NPP MPs argue that the Supreme Court’s ruling should allow them to continue occupying the majority side, while the NDC insists that the Speaker’s declaration remains valid until the case is fully heard and decided in court.
Growing Public Interest

The parliamentary standoff has drawn widespread public attention, with many Ghanaians eagerly watching to see how the situation unfolds.

The chamber walkout by the NPP MPs, coupled with the legal battle over the vacant seats, has heightened the stakes in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.

Political analysts have warned that if the issue is not resolved swiftly, it could lead to further divisions within the House, affecting key legislative processes and heightening tensions between the two major political parties.

As of now, all eyes are on Speaker Alban Bagbin as he prepares to issue his ruling on the matter. Until then, the NPP MPs have made it clear that they will not return to the chamber unless a resolution is reached, leaving the House in a state of uncertainty.

Parliament refuses Bagbin and Akufo-Addo’s settlement negotiations over empty seats.

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Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has denied meeting with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to negotiate a settlement over the declaring of four parliamentary seats vacant.

On Thursday, October 17, Speaker Bagbin declared the Fomena, Amenfi Central, Suhum, and Agona West parliamentary seats vacant, a judgement that the Supreme Court has since postponed awaiting further consideration.

In response to widespread allegations, Parliament released a statement on Tuesday, October 22, clarifying that a video circulating on social media apparently depicting Speaker Bagbin in a recent meeting with President Akufo-Addo is deceptive.

The statement explained that the video was actually taken during the presentation of the maiden Democracy Cup to the President and is not connected to the current parliamentary issues.

The Speaker’s office has called for an end to the circulation of false information, emphasizing that no such negotiation between the Speaker and the President has taken place regarding the parliamentary seats in question.

“The attention of Parliament has been drawn to a video circulating on social media insinuating that the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been invited to a meeting with the President to negotiate a settlement in respect of the pronouncement by the Rt. Hon. Speaker on Thursday, 17th October, 2024 in response to a call by the Minority Leader to declare the seats of four (4) Members of Parliament vacant.

“Parliament states without any equivocation that there is no iota of truth in the insinuation in the circulated video. The video in question was taken on 4th July 2024, when the Rt. Hon. Speaker led a delegation to present the maiden democracy cup to the President.

“The attempt to wrongly label the video and twist facts to impugn the integrity of the Rt. Hon. Speaker and Parliament is not only disingenuous but unfortunate.”

Parliament’s circular also urged the public to disregard the video and treat it with contempt.

“The general public is hereby advised to ignore the attempt to hoodwink them into believing what has never transpired and treat the narrative with the contempt it deserves.”

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