Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, April 28, he dismissed the tour’s official purpose and questioned its timing and sincerity.

“I actually think that we need an Apology Tour rather than a Thank You Tour,” he said.

“We should be apologising to the country for our bad governance.”

He said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had lost credibility in the eyes of the public and needed to do more than offer gratitude.

“We should also have an accountability process in which we hold to account the leaders of our previous government and agencies whose misgovernance, arrogance, and corruption caused our defeat,” he stressed.

“That will give us more credibility with the public.”

According to Dr. Kennedy, the internal issues within the party have not been resolved, despite public appearances suggesting otherwise.

He described the presidential primaries that produced Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as flagbearer as divisive and even violent.

“The primary that led to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s selection was characterised by a little bit of rancour,” he said. “Someone lost an eye. There was violence, actually.”

He added that the unrest had not ended.

“I am told that even on this Thank You Tour, some slaps have been exchanged,” he revealed.

“Which shows that there is a need for more behind-the-scenes reconciliation and other things before we take it public.”

Dr. Kennedy did not mince words about what he believes is the real purpose of the tour.

“It is clear that Dr. Bawumia is trying to make his case ahead of his competitors,” he said. “Everybody knows that.”

For him, the party’s actions suggest it is still focused on image and political advantage rather than accountability and healing.

“We are jumping steps,” he said.

“We need to come clean before we move forward.”

Speaking to party stakeholders at the beginning of his national Thank You Tour in Takoradi on Saturday, Dr. Bawumia said internal bickering, leading to certain explosive comments by key members against the party and government, contributed to the party’s defeat.

“Unity is key in every group endeavour but for the 2024 Elections we faced the issue internal issues.”

“Some of our own members attacked the party and government publicly and our opponents, the NDC, played back these words by our own members against us through series of adverts in the media.”

“They used the words against us and if the attack is coming from your own members, you can imagine the effect.”

Dr. Bawumia called for a United front within the party, saying such bickering, which affected the party in 2024, will continue to derail the cause of the party of not curbed.

Dr. Bawumia gave the assurance as part of his Thank You tour in the Western region accompanied by the NPP national executives and former presidential aspirants.

The tour is to express appreciation to party faithful who worked tirelessly in the 2024 election campaign.

The tour also forms part of the party’s agenda to unite and strengthen its base from the grassroots level to the top, as they seek to bring together dissatisfied members who abstained from the last elections, leading to their defeat.

Speaking in Takoradi, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged that all past presidential candidates of the NPP have embarked on similar tours, following their defeats.

However, he adopted the new style, involving the party executives and past aspirants as part of his efforts to assist in uniting the party.

Dr. Bawumia also emphasised the need to express appreciation, even though the party lost massively in the last elections.

“God has said in all things we should give thanks and also His ways are not our ways. After the election defeat, many have questioned why we are embarking on a thank you tour but it is just to show appreciation to everyone for the selfless service,” he said.

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Addressing supporters at the NPP headquarters on Wednesday, Mr. Kodua apologised to Ghanaians for the party’s shortcomings while in power and acknowledged the disappointment many felt.

“To our supporters, to Ghanaians who were disappointed with us as a party and as a government because of certain inactions and actions of our leadership, we have heard you. As a party, we have reflected on everything that happened during our tenure in office.

“We know we did our best in terms of infrastructure and policies, but we didn’t get everything right. So, to everyone who hears us and watches us, on behalf of the National Party, we want to say we are sorry for the disappointment,” he said.

He pledged that the party would address and rectify its past mistakes if given the mandate in the 2028 general elections.

“But we can assure you that we have learnt our lessons. The restructuring that is going to happen in our party will ensure that the New Patriotic Party comes back on the right path. And in 2028, when, by God’s grace, you give us the mandate, all the wrongs that were made will be corrected for us to have a better government under the leadership of the flagbearer we selected,” he assured.

The Thank You Tour, led by the 2024 presidential candidate and former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, forms part of efforts to reconnect with the party’s grassroots and express gratitude to supporters nationwide.

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According to him, that was what he worked for, and achieving a positive result was fulfilling.

Rev. Fordjour’s remarks come after Dr. Bawumia refuted claims that his Muslim faith was a key reason behind the party’s loss in the election.

Speaking at the NPP headquarters on Wednesday, April 23, to kick off a Thank You Tour, Dr. Bawumia described the assertions as baseless and unsupported by evidence, urging Ghanaians to focus on data rather than propaganda.

He further cited the Assin South constituency, noting that he secured more votes than Rev. Fordjour.

Rev. Fordjour garnered 14,899 votes while Dr. Bawumia secured 17,617 votes.

Reacting to this, the former Deputy Education Minister, in an interview on Adom FM’s Naket Kasiebo, said he took no offence, adding that he had promised to help Dr. Bawumia secure an overwhelming victory.

“I was happy Dr. Bawumia garnered more votes than me because that was what I worked for, and I was glad at the end to see that dream fulfilled. My votes dropped because of an independent candidate who polled about 10,000,” he noted.

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The 12-member committee presented the report during an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Alisa Hotel.

Taking to Facebook, the NPP General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, stated that the party was still studying the report’s contents and would disclose relevant information if necessary.

He cautioned against the circulation of fake quotes purporting to be from the report, attributing them to political opponents, particularly members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Mr. Frimpong Kodua also warned the party’s executives, leading members, and communicators against making public endorsements or denigrating comments about prospective flagbearer aspirants.

He urged NPP members to disregard such quotes and remain focused on the party’s rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2028 elections.

Meanwhile, the NPP has set up a nine-member Constitutional Amendment Committee to review and propose amendments to the party’s constitution.

The committee, chaired by Frank Davis, Chairman of the NPP Constitutional and Legal Committee, will focus on revising the constitution to address gaps identified in the Oquaye report.

Other members of the committee include: Ofoase-Ayirebi MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Asokwa MP and Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei, Deputy NPP Secretary Antoinette Tibu Darko, Volta Regional NPP Chairman Makafui Kofi Woanyah, Ebenezer Nartey, former Ablekuma Central MP, former Deputy Attorney General Diana Asonaba Dapaah, Dr. Akua Amoako, and Iddi Muhayu-Deen.

The party would hold an Extraordinary National Annual Delegates Conference in July 2025 to consider the committee’s report, which would be tabled in the form of amendment motions for approval or otherwise.

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In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Nana Akomea, who is also the former Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation, expressed the team’s desire to understand the methodologies and basis behind the findings.

“We will approach him for the details to understand what we can learn from it, especially since one of his surveys revealed that about 60% of Ghanaians prefer Bawumia in the next elections. It’s important that we understand these details and be guided accordingly,” he stated.

This comes after the release of Dankwah’s survey, which attributed the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections to key figures within the party.

Dankwah explained that the initial phase of the study allowed respondents to freely mention who they believed was responsible for the NPP’s loss.

The report highlighted former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as the second-most blamed figure, with 40% of respondents attributing the defeat to his management of the economy.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s 2024 presidential candidate and then-Vice President, was cited by 37% of respondents, who felt his campaign lacked sufficient inspiration.

Other figures mentioned included Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh (33%), various government appointees (32%), and Members of Parliament (25%). Kennedy Agyapong, who contested the NPP flagbearer race but did not lead the party into the general election, was blamed by 9% of respondents.

The team then used the most frequently mentioned names to design a more structured, close-ended survey.

Although Nana Akomea admitted that the findings might be unclear, he emphasized the need for further engagement to better understand the survey and gain clarity on its implications.

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The committee, chaired by Frank Davis, Chairman of the NPP Constitutional and Legal Committee, will focus on revising the constitution to address gaps identified in the Oquaye report.

Other members of the committee include: Ofoase-Ayirebi MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Asokwa MP and Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei, Deputy NPP Secretary Antoinette Tibu Darko, Volta Regional NPP Chairman Makafui Kofi Woanyah, Ebenezer Nartey, former Ablekuma Central MP, former Deputy Attorney General Diana Asonaba Dapaah, Dr. Akua Amoako, and Iddi Muhayu-Deen.

The Vice Chairman of the 2024 Bawumia Campaign Team, Nana Akomea, confirmed the committee members in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show.

This follows an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Alisa Hotel.

During the meeting, the 12-member committee presented its findings after months of work for consideration and implementation.

Addressing journalists, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua announced that the National Council has accepted the report, but several steps still need to be taken.

“We need to sit down and deliberate on the report. There will be a need for a constitutional amendment. Based on that, the National Council has constituted a nine-member committee to look at Prof. Mike Oquaye’s report, where issues of proposal or amendment need to be made to our Constitution,” he explained.

Although the party has stated the report is not for public consumption, Kodua indicated that they will communicate the next steps in the coming days.

“We want the media and Ghanaians to know that we just received the report today, April 16. We’re yet to go into detail about what the report entails. In the coming days, we will communicate whatever actions we need to take,” he said.

The General Secretary also urged party members to avoid making premature or speculative public comments about the report’s contents.

“We caution our members not to rush into making statements that are not even in the report. We advise people not to make assumptions or accusations,” he urged.

Meanwhile, the NPP leadership has announced plans for a nationwide tour to engage supporters and share insights from the report.

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]]> https://www.adomonline.com/mussa-dankwah-explains-key-figures-behind-npps-defeat-in-2024-elections/ Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:40:26 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2526460 The Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah, has shed light on the key political figures widely blamed for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the 2024 general elections.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Dankwah shared insights from a detailed post-election survey conducted by his research firm.

According to him, the initial phase of the study allowed respondents to freely mention who they believed was responsible for the NPP’s loss and why. The team then used the most frequently mentioned names to design a more structured, close-ended survey.

“We wanted to find out which personalities people would assign blame to before heading to the field. From that study, we shortlisted the names most frequently mentioned and used them in our final survey,” Dankwah explained.

The survey results revealed that former President Nana Akufo-Addo topped the list, with 68% of respondents citing his administration’s performance as a key factor in the party’s electoral defeat.

Dankwah highlighted widespread public frustration with the President’s perceived dismissive attitude, particularly his controversial comments in the Ashanti Region, where he suggested voters could support someone else if they disagreed with his choices.

“Many were disappointed with his refusal to heed calls from within his own party to make changes in government. His disregard for traditional authorities also did not sit well with the electorate,” Dankwah added.

The report also identified former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as the second-most blamed figure, with 40% of respondents attributing the NPP’s defeat to his role in the management of the economy.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s 2024 presidential candidate and then-Vice President, was cited by 37% of respondents, who felt his campaign failed to inspire enough confidence.

Other key figures mentioned include Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh (33%), various government appointees (32%), and Members of Parliament (25%). Kennedy Agyapong, who contested the NPP flagbearer race but did not lead the party into the general election, was held responsible by 9% of respondents.

Dankwah also challenged the widely held belief that voter apathy in the NPP’s strongholds was the primary cause of the defeat, arguing that the data tells a different story.

“Mathematically, that analysis is flawed,” he said. “Our post-election data indicates that nearly 20% of self-identified NPP supporters did not vote for the party in 2024. Of those who initially planned to vote for Bawumia, 17% switched or abstained on election day — with 14% ultimately voting for Mahama.”

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Speaking to JoyNews after the party’s leadership received the report from the committee, chaired by Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, in Accra on Wednesday, Mr. Ahiagbah clarified that the report is for internal use only.

“It is an internal document that will guide the party’s reform process and help position us for victory in 2028. So, while it may not have been explicitly stated, it is clearly implied that the document is not meant for public consumption,” he said.

He further explained that the key issues highlighted in the findings will be shared with the party’s supporters in other ways, without an official public release of the report.

Mr. Ahiagbah emphasized that the recommendations in the findings will be critical in shaping the party’s actions and strategies for the upcoming election.

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Other notable figures included Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, and Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who both garnered 6% of voter support.

Mr. Dankwah believes that given the dominance of young people in the polls, it would be a logical decision for the party to select one of them as their flagbearer.

He also mentioned that Global InfoAnalytics will continue conducting similar surveys every 90 days to track voter preferences.

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This case follows a certiorari application filed by the NDC and its candidates, challenging the EC’s handling of the 2024 election results in these constituencies.

Previously, the High Court in Accra had directed the EC to collate and declare results in the affected areas. Since then, the EC has announced results for three of the four constituencies, with only Ablekuma North still pending.

Initially, the NDC candidates faced challenges in serving their case documents to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidates involved.

The Supreme Court later intervened, allowing substituted service to ensure proper legal procedures were followed.

During a hearing on Thursday, April 3, the applicants’ lawyers requested more time to respond to the EC’s reply to their case.

However, the EC’s lawyer, Justin Amenuvor, opposed the request, arguing that the legal deadline for submitting responses—seven days after being served—had already passed.

Despite this, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the applicants, granting them an extra seven days to file their response. The case will proceed once all submissions have been made.

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On Tuesday, April 2, 2025, Mr. Alhassan, accompanied by Damongowura Seidu Kelly and other local leaders, visited Damongo to introduce himself to the Yagbonwura as part of customary protocol.

However, before any formalities could take place, Damongowura received a message from the Jakpa Palace stating that the king refused to meet the nominee. This message led to the immediate abandonment of their mission by Damongowura, his elders, and several NDC branch chairmen.

Sources within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bole revealed that Mr. Alhassan made a second attempt to seek the king’s approval through influential senior Islamic clerics from Dakuripe in the Bole district. However, they too respected the king’s decision and declined to intervene.

The rejection has sparked mixed reactions among local party supporters. Some have endorsed Yagbonwura’s stance, while others are calling for clemency.

Mr. Alhassan, a professional anaesthetist with the Ghana Health Service, has served as the Damongo Constituency Secretary of the NDC for 27 years.

This is not the first time he has faced opposition to such a nomination. During the late President John Evans Atta-Mills’ administration, Alhassan was nominated for the MCE position but faced petitions from party supporters, which led to his replacement by Adam Mutawakilu, the current Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company Limited.

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The survey shows that 48% of Ghanaians prefer Dr. Bawumia to lead the party again, positioning him as the clear front-runner in the race for NPP leadership.

The poll indicates that Dr. Bawumia enjoys a significant lead over other potential contenders. Kennedy Agyapong, who contested in the 2024 NPP primaries, garnered 25% of the votes, while Dr. Osei Adutwum secured 13%. The remaining candidates collectively received 14%.

These figures suggest that, while there is competition within the party, Dr. Bawumia remains the preferred choice among the general electorate.

Among NPP voters specifically, support for Dr. Bawumia is even stronger, with 57% backing his leadership bid. Kennedy Agyapong follows with 22%, and Dr. Osei Adutwum trails with 11%.

This indicates that, within the party’s core base, Dr. Bawumia enjoys overwhelming approval, reinforcing his position as the most favoured candidate for 2028.

Although the final decision on the NPP’s flagbearer will be made by party delegates rather than the general public, the poll highlights Dr. Bawumia’s widespread popularity.

His strong support among both the general electorate and NPP members suggests that he remains a formidable figure in Ghanaian politics, setting the stage for an intriguing leadership contest in the coming years.

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Dr. Bawumia, who is the NPP’s presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, emerges as the clear front-runner should the party’s delegates select a flagbearer for the next election cycle.

According to the poll, Dr. Bawumia commands 48% of the overall vote in the prospective 2028 NPP leadership race. His closest contender, Kennedy Agyapong, garners 25%, while Dr. Osei Adutwum follows with 13%. The remaining candidates collectively secure 14% of the votes.

Among NPP supporters specifically, Dr. Bawumia’s lead is even more pronounced, with 57% backing him, compared to 22% for Kennedy Agyapong and 11% for Dr. Osei Adutwum.

These findings highlight Dr. Bawumia’s strong influence within the party and suggest a continuity of support beyond the 2024 elections.

His leadership as Vice President and current flagbearer appears to have solidified his position as the preferred choice among party members looking ahead to the next election cycle.

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The findings highlight broad public approval of his leadership in overseeing election security.

Despite this strong endorsement, the survey also showed that only one in five voters opposed his dismissal from office.

This suggests that while many Ghanaians recognised his competence during the election, a significant number were either indifferent or supported his removal.

Mussa Dankwah, the Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, shared these insights in a Facebook post on Saturday, March 29. He stated,

“Nearly 3 in 4 voters rate Dr Akufo Dampare’s performance very high during the election, but only 1 in 5 oppose his sacking.”

The survey’s results have sparked discussions on the reasons behind Dampare’s removal, despite his widely acknowledged professionalism.

Some analysts believe political considerations may have played a role, while others argue it reflects a broader issue of leadership transitions in key state institutions.

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It was supposed to be a heart-rending moment for Dr Bawumia, but he turned it into a moment of triumph—not just for himself but for his nation, the continent and democracy.

Dr Bawumia shocked many in the country and across the world—including some in his own team—when he delivered what has been widely considered one of the earliest concession speeches in Ghanaian, African and global democracy.

In doing so he did not only unofficially signal a denouement to the fierce and hotly contested election between him and his opponent but curtailed what many saw as a potentially volatile situation in the aftermath of the ballot casting process. Considering the all too known history of post-election violence in Africa and across the world, this singular act by Dr Bawumia was roundly commended.

The United Nations called Dr Bawumia’s actions “a significant example for African leaders to prioritise peace over actions that create tension” (UN Secretary General’s special Representative Leonar¬do Santos Simão).

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, H.E. Charles Abani, visited Dr Bawumia to express his appreciation for his early concession and the concomitant contributions to peace and democracy in Ghana.

The Diplomatic community in Ghana lauded the former Vice President for his statesmanship and respect for democratic values following his early concession.

In a letter signed by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the diplomats stated that Dr Bawumia’s unwavering commitment to the values of democracy, especially through your honourable concession in the recent elections, stands as a testament to your statesmanship and love for this nation. In moments of political transition, it is the strength of character and respect for the democratic process that define a leader.”

President John Mahama acknowledged the significance of Dr Bawumia’s actions, stating that they contributed to “fostering peace during a crucial moment for the country.” NDC top official and Director of Communications, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, called it “an exceptional display of statesmanship”. So, what lessons can we learn from his concession, and what significance does it hold?

It’s okay not to win

“More wins” is the common mantra these days. Of course, as humans, generally, winning is the desired outcome for most endeavours, but the deeper lesson from Dr Bawumia’s actions shows that sometimes you can win by losing.

Inasmuch as most of us hope for wins, the lesson here is that failure is part of life. In fact, there would be nothing like victory if there were no failure.

And so what Bawumia demonstrates for all of us, especially the youth, is that sometimes, it is okay to fail. It builds resilience, fortitude and emotional intelligence for even greater wins at a mandated time.

Without certain failures, there wouldn’t be victory at all. Yet the fear of failure has crippled many, destroyed lives and prematurely curtailed destinies.

By openly, readily and speedily accepting the electoral outcome, Dr Bawumia demonstrated his true character: humble, peaceable, conciliatory, mature and wise. He has shown that there is no shame in failure and that out of the shrubs and ashes of defeat, beauty can emerge.

Democratic Advancement

Everywhere you turned, nationally and internationally, one of the biggest conversations was about how Dr Bawumia’s early concession entrenched and enhanced democracy in Africa.

With the albatross of post-election conflict ravaging certain nations and the sword of Damocles hovering heavily in the air, Dr Bawumia’s gestures pre-empted any unforeseen calamities and calmed the atmosphere.

Still, the unprecedented cacophony and violence that surrounded the declaration of parliamentary results brought many to the realization of how ominous things may have turned. And perhaps dented Ghana’s democratic image as a haven of peace and stability.

The smooth presidential transition accelerated by a swift and unequivocal concession was therefore roundly applauded.

The Nigerian media and blogosphere, for instance, couldn’t have enough of it. All over the Internet, especially on social media, content after content, video after video, text after text, rushed to commend Ghana for flying the flag of Africa high, often comparing it to their situation.

This was undoubtedly a Ghanaian moment. However it was also a genuine celebration of democracy, national pride and continental glory.

Ethical Leadership

It is often said that the truest test of a man’s character is what he does when he’s down. Martin Luther King once said: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

According to Mihelic, Lipicnik, and Metka Tekavcic (2010), “Ethical leaders think about long-term consequences, drawbacks and benefits of the decisions they make in the organization.

They are humble, concerned for the greater good, strive for fairness, take responsibility and show respect for each individual.”

These are all leadership lessons we can learn from. They are qualities that we can infer from the action Dr Bawumia took: thinking about the greater good of the nation, shunning long-drawn litigation, and showing humility and respect for the electoral process.

In doing this, he has won the respect of many across the globe, including those who didn’t necessarily vote for him. He has established himself as a leader with integrity.

Data, technology and the future

One of the major themes that dominated the conversation after Dr Bawumia’s concession was the speed and precision with which it was done, underpinned by data, technology and projections.

It shows that to succeed in the contemporary era, the ability to curate, mine and make projections based on accurate data is the way to go. The days of haphazard, erratic, wishy washy, propagandists and spurious assertions are over. It demonstrates that democracy does not happen in a vacuum but rather is essentialized through concrete, substantive data visualisations, technological input and intelligent analytics. This is the future of campaigns, policy making and democracy.

Conclusion

Dr Bawumia may have lost the presidency, but what he has gained because of his swift, decisive and full-throated concession is priceless.

He put the national interest above personal ambition and in doing so, demonstrated a powerful model of exemplary, principled, humane, and courageous leadership that will inspire generations to come.

Initially, the submission was scheduled for April 1 to April 4, 2025, but has now been changed to Monday, April 7, to Thursday, April 10, 2025.

In a statement, the electoral body explained this change is in line with the declaration of Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as a public holiday.

However, the time and venues for submitting nominations remain unchanged, and the EC urges the public and all prospective candidates to take note of the new dates.

The election has also been set for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, are in line with the District Level Elections Regulations, 2015 (C.I. 89).

The process aims to elect new Assembly and Unit Committee Members following the expiration of their terms.

Additionally, by-elections will be held on the same day to fill vacancies left by the resignation or passing of some Assembly Members.

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Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews on Thursday, March 20, She stated that she would not consider running for the seat again unless convinced by her father.

Reflecting on her time as the MP for the constituency, she admitted the difficulties she encountered had left her disillusioned with the idea of returning to the position.

“Considering what I have been through, considering how I have been treated in the constituency despite my devotions, despite my sacrifices, despite my hard work, how I have been treated, I don’t think so, I won’t. It will take my father to change my mind, I have done 12 years and I left a good legacy in the constituency, I will not contest Dome Kwabenya,” she said.

The NPP, represented by Mike Oquaye Jr. lost the traditional NPP seat to the NDC in the last election in 2024.

However, while she ruled out the prospect of rejoining the race for Dome Kwabenya, the former MP did not shy away from sharing her future aspirations.

She revealed her ambition to achieve higher political leadership, stating her goal to either become the first female president of Ghana or serve as Speaker of Parliament.

“I am moving forward, I am looking at other bigger things,” she said.

“Like the presidency”? The Host, Elton John Brobbey asked. She responded, “Yes one day, not now, I am looking at speakership, yes. I am looking at higher challenges and opportunities” she emphasised.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse show on Thursday, March 20, she shared her reasons for opposing the levy, emphasising how it failed to serve its intended purpose and ultimately burdened ordinary Ghanaians.

“I didn’t vote for the e-levy, and I have no regrets about my decision,” she explained. “I refrained from supporting it because I believed it wouldn’t benefit the people of Ghana. Instead, it would take away from their already limited resources, especially the most vulnerable members of society.”

“Ghanaians voted against us partly because of the E-levy,” she said.

She also highlighted how the e-levy negatively impacted those in low-paying jobs, particularly people who relied on mobile money [MoMo] to send funds to their families in rural areas.

“Individuals who were most affected were those working in low-paying jobs, who relied on sending money back to their families in the villages. These individuals were already struggling, and the e-levy took away the little they had. It was a tax on their hard-earned money, further deepening their difficulties,” she added.

Adwoa Safo also pointed out the contradiction between the government’s promises and the reality.

“We were told that by introducing the e-levy, Ghana could avoid going to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, in the end, we still ended up seeking IMF support. Despite implementing this tax, the government was unable to avoid the very financial assistance it promised we could manage without.”

Referring to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s 2024 election manifesto, in which he promised to remove the e-levy if elected, Adwoa Safo expressed a sense of vindication.

“I feel vindicated,” she said. “If the e-levy was truly a good tax, why did we still end up at the IMF? How can we justify taxing those who are already struggling, especially when it didn’t even prevent us from seeking IMF support?”.

Adwoa Safo concluded by reiterating that the e-levy failed to achieve its intended objectives and, instead, placed an additional burden on the very people it was meant to help.

“It just didn’t make sense,” she said. “The e-levy hurt ordinary Ghanaians, and in the end, it didn’t achieve what it promised.”

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According to her, the committee was deliberately formed to push a specific agenda rather than conduct an impartial fact-finding mission.

“It is a very bogus committee. A committee that is put together just to find certain facts and push a particular candidate away from the candidacy so that we can bring our own you call that a credible fact-finding committee?” she questioned.

Adwoa Safo particularly took issue with the choice of Prof Mike Oquaye as the committee’s chair, citing a conflict of interest. She challenged him to explain why his son, Mike Oquaye Junior lost the Dome-Kwabenya parliamentary seat before passing judgment on the party’s defeat.

“If Prof Mike Oquaye thinks he has integrity and credibility, I want to see the first page of his fact-finding report explaining why his son Mike Oquaye Junior lost the Dome-Kwabenya seat. If he does that with transparency, without bias or prejudice, then I will accept any findings he presents against Dr Bawumia. Otherwise, that report will not hold in this party,” she said.

She argued that the party should have chosen a more neutral and experienced figure to lead the committee.

“His son has lost, and you think he is the best person to lead a fact-finding committee that includes that very constituency? Why not choose an independent person? Couldn’t we find anyone else in the party to chair it?” she asked.

The former MP also rejected any attempt to blame the party’s defeat solely on Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer, suggesting that the process was being manipulated to discredit him.

“We know what we know, and we have heard what we’ve heard. He shouldn’t come and tell us that we should blame everything on Bawumia because Ghanaians don’t want him and that we won’t market him again,” she stated.

She further pointed out that a separate election review report from the Ashanti Region did not blame Bawumia for the party’s loss, arguing that a more experienced individual like Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu should have been tasked with leading the investigation.

“The Ashanti report does not blame Bawumia for the party’s defeat, and that is a credible report. Why couldn’t the same person have done this work for the party? Who has more parliamentary and electoral experience than Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu?” she questioned.

Adwoa Safo warned that if the committee’s findings were politically motivated, it would undermine the NPP’s chances of rebuilding and recapturing power.

“If this report is manipulated, it means we are not serious about rebuilding, regrouping, or recapturing power,” she said.

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Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu made this assertion in an interview with Nhyira FM while reflecting on the NPP’s significant electoral loss.

As chairman of the NPP’s manifesto committee, he admitted that Dr. Bawumia’s campaign lacked the expected enthusiasm.

However, speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Aboagye strongly disagreed.

“It is his view, but I disagree because every election has its dynamics, and I don’t know the basis of his position. I haven’t heard him say that, but if he did, then respectfully, I disagree; I don’t share his view. That cannot represent anything,” he stated.

Dr. Bawumia polled 4,877,611 votes (41.75%) in the election, while his main contender, John Mahama, secured 6,591,790 votes (56.42%).

Findings from the Ashanti Region highlighted key factors contributing to the NPP’s loss, including the party’s internal delegate system for selecting leaders, which affected grassroots mobilisation, and prevailing economic hardships that eroded public confidence.

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According to her, the party failed to address the pressing concerns of Ghanaians, which ultimately led to its defeat.

“Governance and elections are like studying for an exam. If governance is good, the results will be positive and vice versa. If we had been careful, we wouldn’t have experienced what happened to us,” she said.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Adwoa Safo noted that at some point, the NPP disregarded the concerns of the people, making it evident to politically analytical minds that victory was unlikely.

“In politics, when you fail to listen to the people, the consequences are clear. If you assess the situation critically, you will know it would have taken a miracle for us to win the election,” she added.

She, however, defended the party’s 2024 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, insisting that he should not be blamed for the electoral defeat.

“Because he wasn’t the President then, though part of the government, there was little he could do. When he raised issues, not everything was acted upon,” she explained.

The former Gender Minister also expressed disappointment over the state of road infrastructure in the Ashanti Region, which is considered the party’s stronghold.

“I was disappointed with the nature of roads during the campaign. At a point, the bus couldn’t ply the roads, so we had to use Land Cruisers—yet we call it our stronghold. We don’t need a soothsayer to tell us to develop the Ashanti Region, which is our base,” she stated.

Despite these challenges, Adwoa Safo expressed confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, describing him as the right choice for the party moving forward.

Her comments come at a time when the NPP is still awaiting the findings of the Prof. Mike Oquaye-led committee investigating the causes of the electoral defeat.

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According to her, this was the price she had to pay due to the controversies surrounding her absence.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, she stated that an impression was created that she had not been fair to the party.

“That’s what I think the party misunderstood me on and decided to punish me, and that cost me my primaries,” she said.

Adwoa Safo bemoaned that all her years of dedicated service should have counted for something, especially after her public apology. However, she noted that the damage had already been done, creating disaffection for her.

She further claimed that the candidate elected by the party was not the preferred choice of many, which led to the NPP losing the Dome-Kwabenya seat in the 2024 general election.

“That is why I stated earlier that we have fewer female lawmakers in Parliament,” she remarked, suggesting that her treatment might be part of a broader issue affecting women in politics.

Miss Safo, a three-term MP who was confident about her re-election, lost her seat in the primaries held on January 27, 2024, to her main contender, former Chief Executive of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Michael Oquaye Jr.

The former Gender Minister secured 326 votes, while Mr. Oquaye won by a landslide with 1,104 votes.

An underdog in the race, Sheela Oppong Sakyi, a legal practitioner and strategist at the Office of the First Lady, obtained 186 votes.

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In an interview with Nhyira FM, the chairman of the NPP’s manifesto committee reflected on findings from the Ashanti Region regarding the party’s significant loss.

He noted that in previous elections, large crowds would gather in towns and cities to show support, but this was notably absent in 2024.

“I started seeing signs that the election would not be easy, but we still hoped for a better outcome. The fact that the elections were held in December allowed us to regain some support.

“If they had been conducted in August, Dr. Bawumia would have polled around 30% against John Mahama because, at that time, economic hardships were severe.

“However, conditions improved as we approached the elections, including the economic situation,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia polled 4,877,611 votes (41.75%) against his main contender, John Mahama, who garnered 6,591,790 (56.42%).

Findings from the Ashanti Region highlighted key factors contributing to the NPP’s defeat, including the party’s internal delegate system for selecting leaders, which affected grassroots mobilisation, and prevailing economic hardships that eroded public confidence.

According to Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, President Akufo-Addo had been cautioned in 2017 by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II about the dangers of allowing Ghanaians to become “hungry and angry.”

He noted that this warning was ignored, and economic struggles following COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war negatively impacted the party’s fortunes.

Additionally, perceptions of corruption, President Akufo-Addo’s leadership style—viewed as rigid and single-minded—and accusations that the government was controlled by his family further alienated voters.

There were also concerns that Dr. Bawumia was too closely associated with the President and, being a Mamprusi, was linked to conflicts in the North, particularly in Bawku.

Another major concern was the perception that the Ashanti Region, a traditional stronghold of the NPP, had been neglected in terms of infrastructure development, creating a disconnect between the regional and constituency levels of the party.

Despite these challenges, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stressed that many NPP supporters were open about their grievances and indicated that they would return if necessary changes were made.

Regarding the party’s future leadership, he stated that while former President Akufo-Addo was no longer the party leader, any potential flagbearer would need to build upon his legacy.

As for whether Dr. Bawumia should continue as the party’s leader, he said this would depend on findings from the other 15 regions.

“So far, respondents in the Ashanti Region have said the loss was not related to Bawumia’s religion or ethnicity.

“We are waiting to hear from the other regions on his candidature. If there is a consensus, that will guide our decision moving forward.”

On Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh’s selection as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained that while many people had urged him to take the position, he declined.

He noted that Dr. Bawumia preferred a running mate from the Ashanti Region with parliamentary experience, making Opoku-Prempeh a strategic choice.

“Napo is an experienced MP, and his age made him a viable successor should Dr. Bawumia complete two terms.

“His selection was also aimed at bridging the divide within the party between the Kufuor/Kyerematen and Akufo-Addo/Adu Boahen factions. While there were expectations that he would energise the youth vote, that did not materialise.”

Ultimately, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the future of Dr. Bawumia as the party’s flagbearer and his choice of running mate would depend on the findings from the remaining regions.

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According to the former Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), several party members who believe in his leadership have urged him to run.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Boadu revealed he is giving serious thought to the suggestion.

“There are a lot of proposals for me. Some believe that with the level I have reached and my background, if I provide guidance to the other executives as Chairman, it will be worth it. So when it happens that way, I will consider,” he stated.

Mr. Boadu emphasized his qualifications for the role, adding that few could match his sacrifices and experience in the party.

He further disclosed that while some people have suggested he re-contest for the General Secretary position, he has ruled it out entirely.

“I am tired of the General Secretary role, and the insults are too much,” he added.

John Boadu has risen through the ranks of the NPP, starting as a polling station chairman and later serving as General Secretary. He is also the longest-serving officer at the NPP headquarters.

In 2022, he sought reelection but lost to his successor, Justin Frimpong Koduah.

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Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has credited the party’s success in the 2020 election to former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Boadu explained that retaining power as a sitting government is no easy feat, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 crisis.

He pointed out that, despite the global hardship, the NPP was able to navigate through successfully.

“Ask yourself why no sitting government’s party won the election during the 2020 election, and if there were any hardship, it was the government that is to be blamed,” Boadu said, emphasizing Akufo-Addo’s leadership during the pandemic.

Boadu acknowledged that while the NPP faced some challenges, particularly a reduction in parliamentary seats, the party still performed admirably.

“Even though our parliamentary number reduced, our party members did extremely well during the 2020 elections,” he noted.

He concluded by stating that, despite the hurdles, the NPP benefited greatly from the strong management of the COVID-19 crisis by Akufo-Addo.

“We were also lucky because Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo managed the COVID situation excellently,” he added.

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The report, particularly from the Ashanti Region, has sparked significant controversy.

Boadu emphasized that it was improper for any particular region to conduct its own fact-finding mission, as the national secretariat had already appointed a committee for such purposes.

However, he acknowledged that while regions or constituencies are free to conduct their own research, the findings must remain internal and not be shared publicly.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Boadu stated, “You can’t stop people from examining themselves, but it should be internal. We should stop the mass distribution.”

He also cautioned against defending the public release of the report, stressing that it was poorly managed. “We should admit we made a mistake which would not repeat itself and move on,” he added.

The report, which has been at the center of much debate, attributed the NPP’s poor performance, particularly in the Ashanti Region, to the leadership style of former President Nana Akufo-Addo.

It described the leadership as rigid, single-minded, and overly influenced by family members. Additionally, the report criticized the party’s process for selecting presidential, parliamentary, national, and regional executives.

The committee collected insights from respondents across all 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region, including a wide range of people such as ‘trotro’ and taxi drivers, market women, traders, business owners, artisans, youth groups, teachers, doctors, and other professionals.

In response to the mixed reactions over the report’s contents, former Majority Leader and Suame MP Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who led the committee, clarified that the report had been leaked by unknown individuals.

He insisted that the committee never intended to make the report public and had no intention of tarnishing anyone’s reputation.

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President John Mahama has, for the first time, opened up about former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s congratulatory call following his victory in the 2024 elections.

According to him, he was asleep when the concession and congratulatory call came through.

The President recounted the profound moment during a fellowship with the clergy in Kumasi on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

He disclosed that he woke up after his aides informed him that he had an important call.

Confused by the urgency, he asked who wanted to speak to him, only to be told that it was his “brother,” the Vice President. He quickly freshened up before taking the call.

The President acknowledged that he had not anticipated such an early concession, as Ghanaians were still awaiting official results from the Electoral Commission (EC).

Mr. Mahama testified that Dr. Bawumia displayed statesmanship and humility in his words.

Dr. Bawumia, on December 8, 2024, conceded defeat—a move that earned him praise and admiration from many.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate stated that his decision was motivated by a desire to avoid further tensions and ensure peace in the country.

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The Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, made this known at an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held at the EC’s corporate office in Accra last Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by political party representatives, civil society organisations, the media and state institutions, with the aim of rekindling cooperation and collaboration between the EC and its stakeholders.

Mrs Mensa said the meeting with the two parties was expected to provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion on the matter and bring a finality to it.

“We will have an in-depth meeting to discuss it,” the EC Chairperson said.

However, no specific date has been set for the meeting.

Background

The Ablekuma North Constituency election result has delayed due to the incomplete results sheets from some polling stations.

That notwithstanding, the commission has been working tirelessly to finalise the results, which have been plagued by delays and disagreements.

The process has been suspended seven times, including January 8, 2025, when the Returning Officer resigned over a dispute about the authentication of pink sheets.

Since then, tension has been high in the constituency, with supporters of the NDC and NPP clashing over the results.

The NDC claims their candidate, Ewurabena Aubyn, won the parliamentary contest while the NPP insists its candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, won it.

In the heat of the contention, both parties have mounted billboards in the constituency to thank the electorate in the constituency for their votes.

Ablekuma North Constituency, with a total of 281 polling stations, has verified results from 278 polling stations.

The outstanding three polling stations have become points of contention between the NDC and the NPP.

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As part of his support, he made an undisclosed financial donation to assist the group’s activities and committed to funding TESCON branches across the country.

He reaffirmed this commitment when he visited TESCON members at the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani, Bono Region, later that day.

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Dr. Wuaku claimed that the election was neither free nor fair, accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives of openly supporting a single candidate and blocking other contenders from engaging with delegates.

He described the situation as a manipulated process designed to influence the outcome, lamenting that some NDC-affiliated individuals actively obstructed him from sharing his message with voters.

“Third-party executive meeting delegates in the night. I went there, now closed-door party. Some boys called the third-party organizers prevented a candidate from having access to the information you are giving to delegates. What is that?” Dr. Wuaku questioned.

The alleged interference extended beyond party executives, as Dr. Wuaku also accused security forces and government officials of playing a role in the manipulation.

He recounted a situation where the regional police command sought clarification from a minister, only for the minister to give conflicting accounts.

“When the police command called the minister, he said a different thing. When I met him, he said a different thing. Why should we call this an election? This is not an election,” he argued.

His claims gained weight after NDC Regional Secretary Bright Egeh confirmed the party’s vested interest in the election outcome, stating, “Yes, the executives have an interest, and we are doing everything possible to make our candidate win.”

This revelation has raised concerns about the credibility of the election process, with political analysts and civil society groups calling for an independent investigation into the allegations.

Critics argue that political party interference in the Council of State election undermines the institution’s intended purpose of providing non-partisan advice to the presidency.

In response, Dr. Wuaku is urging traditional leaders, assembly members, and the people of the Volta Region to hold their representatives accountable, warning that such interference could set a dangerous precedent for governance.

“I am calling on you to hold your representatives responsible for this kind of decision to send our region back,” he declared.

Despite his disappointment, Dr. Wuaku reaffirmed his commitment to national development, stating, “I will work hard to develop Ghana. I will develop Ghana. I will showcase my works to Ghanaians, and everybody will see that when you elect the right person, you have the right people. But when you elect the wrong people, everybody will suffer.”

His remarks highlight broader concerns about political manipulation in Ghana’s elections. With mounting pressure from stakeholders, the Electoral Commission and relevant authorities may soon be forced to address the conduct of the Volta Region Council of State election.

The controversy continues, raising questions about whether the election was about true representation or political loyalty.

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According to him, the party must focus on rebuilding instead of jostling for internal positions, which may lead to conflicts.

“People are all over blaming others for what went wrong. Big party people go on platforms and say all sorts of things. Who are we talking to? Do we think people are not listening and won’t use it against us? It is just like when you are under arrest; we should remember that whatever we say will be used against us in 2028,” he cautioned.

Mr. Nitiwul, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bimbilla, was speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen.

“What helped the NDC is that they had just one person, and they all united and rallied behind him. As a party in opposition, there weren’t many allegations against him, unlike the NPP, whose appointees were accused of stealing and other wrongdoings,” he said.

Acknowledging that the NPP suffered from voter apathy in the 2024 election, Mr. Nitiwul noted that it was due to several factors and not just disaffection toward the Akufo-Addo-led administration.

“The seat of apathy was a combination of several factors—behavior of appointees, internal elections, actions of government, among others,” he stated.

Despite the NPP’s shocking defeat in the election, the MP said the party should be grateful to its members.

“They probably refused to go and vote because they do not like Mahama as a person or the NDC, and that is good for us.

“So we should do our homework well, talk to our people, and stop destroying each other one month after an election. Where are we rushing to, and what are we looking for?” he quizzed.

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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Legon Cities garnered 16 out of 18 total votes cast, solidifying his mandate to continue serving the interests of the region.

Mr. Atikpo defeated seven other aspirants, including former Deputy Minister for the Volta and Oti Regions and seasoned educationist Maxwell Quophy Blagodzi, in the election held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

Atikpo’s re-election is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the people he represents.

His tenure has been marked by a focus on community development, advocacy for local issues, and fostering collaboration between various stakeholders.

Some assembly members from the nine districts and municipalities expressed confidence in his ability to address their concerns effectively.

The Council of State plays a crucial role in advising the President of Ghana on matters of national importance, and Atikpo’s experience and insights will undoubtedly contribute to the council’s effectiveness.

His retention is seen as a positive step for the Oti Region, as he brings continuity and stability to the council’s operations.

As Atikpo embarks on another term, expectations are high for him to continue championing the needs of his constituents and working towards the sustainable development of the Oti Region.

His leadership will be pivotal in navigating challenges ahead and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard at the national level.

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Speaking in an interview with Adom News, he emphasized that the Council of State plays a crucial role in advising the President and influencing national policy decisions.

According to him, the region needs a representative who can effectively lobby for its interests and ensure that its concerns are heard at the national level.

He highlighted that the Council of State is not just a ceremonial body but is instrumental in shaping the country’s future.

Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Guan MP Fred Agbanyo reinforced the call for diligence in the selection process.

He noted that the future of Oti depends on the collective decision made by the delegates.

Mr. Agbanyo urged delegates to choose wisely, as their decision will influence the region’s development and welfare.

The Electoral Commission (EC) is currently conducting the Council of State election in all 16 regions.

A total of 155 aspirants—145 males and 10 females—are contesting, with 522 delegates expected to participate.

Eight candidates, including Richard Kings Atikpo, CEO of Legon Cities, are vying for the position in the Oti Region.

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At a brief inspection of the election venue at the Banquet Hall of the Regional Coordinating Council, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Kofi Adu, the Central Regional Police Commander, told the Ghana News Agency that the police would ensure adequate security for all.

DCOP Adu emphasized that there would be zero tolerance for violence, assuring that the police would strictly enforce the law to guarantee a peaceful election.

According to Article 89(1) of the 1992 Constitution, the Council of State is mandated “to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.” Articles 89 to 92 establish the Council of State and outline its composition and duties.

Its members include a former Chief Justice, a former Chief of Defence Staff, and a former Inspector-General of Police, each appointed by the President in consultation with Parliament.

Other members are the President of the National House of Chiefs, one representative from each region to be elected on Tuesday, and 11 other members appointed by the President.

Ten candidates are contesting for the position to represent the Central Region.

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She insists that she legitimately won the 2024 parliamentary elections in the constituency and is prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure that her mandate is upheld.

Ms. Aubynn has accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of conspiring with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to manipulate election results by fabricating pink sheets.

She also expressed strong opposition to the proposed electronic collation of results, arguing that the process must be transparent and fair.

“Remaining silent does not mean one is weak. If those in authority choose to fight, then I am ready to fight this battle as well,” she declared during a public gathering.

Her remarks were made during a vigil organized by NDC members and supporters on February 9, 2025, to protest the prolonged delay in announcing the parliamentary results for the constituency.

Clad in black, protesters assembled at the forecourt of the Kwashieman Chiefs Palace, using the event as an avenue to express their frustration over the electoral process and what they perceive as attempts to subvert the will of the people.

The delay in the collation process stems from an incident on January 17, 2025, when the process was abruptly suspended following alleged acts of vandalism.

Reports suggest that over 40 individuals, believed to be aligned with the NDC, stormed the collation centre at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the EC, forcibly disrupted proceedings, and caused damage to property, including doors and window louvre blades.

Despite the ongoing controversy, the Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding due process.

The Commission maintains that it remains an independent body and will follow the necessary legal procedures before officially declaring the results.

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Amos Blessing stressed the importance of vigilance and self-defence in protecting their votes during the parliamentary election, asserting that any attempts to manipulate the results would not be tolerated.

His remarks were made in response to a one-week ultimatum issued by Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP and Minority Chief Whip, who demanded that the Electoral Commission (EC) declare the parliamentary results for the constituency.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh also warned that the NPP would disrupt parliamentary proceedings until the results were announced, heightening tensions between the two political parties.

Addressing supporters at an NDC vigil in Ablekuma North on 9 February, Amos Blessing criticised the police for their silence regarding Annoh-Dompreh’s comments.

He suggested that if security forces failed to intervene, NDC members had the right to defend themselves. He emphasised that no political party should be allowed to intimidate the other or interfere with the legitimate outcome of the election.

He further warned that the NDC would take all necessary measures to secure victory in Ablekuma North, highlighting that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) must act decisively to maintain law and order.

“If things escalate, the IGP will come to his senses and realise that the law must deal with individuals who misbehave, regardless of their political affiliation or status,” he stated.

Amos Blessing concluded by urging party supporters to remain resolute, emphasising the need to safeguard the election process.

He alleged that Annoh-Dompreh had incited NPP supporters to attack NDC members and, in response, called on NDC members to be prepared to defend themselves.

“If you go home and see any NPP member, consider him an adversary and protect yourself,” he declared, reinforcing the charged political atmosphere in the constituency.

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Madam Esi Dentaa Yankah, the Principal State Attorney (PSA), said the basis for the motion was that Latif Oshenu, the fifth prosecution witness in the ongoing trial, during his cross-examination, notified the court of a page that was omitted in an exhibit he had tendered into evidence.

The MP for Assin North is facing five charges: deceit of a public officer, forgery of passport or travel certificates, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office.

He has since pleaded not guilty and has been granted bail.

Madam Yankah said the witness sought to refer to the omitted page but was unable to do so.

The prosecution sought for the witness to be recalled so the complete document could be placed before the court, enabling him to refer to it as he had sought to do during his testimony.

She prayed that the court exercise its discretion in their favor, as without it, the exhibit in its current form would be incomplete.

“We submit that the complete Exhibit P is what will enable the trial court to do justice in the case rather than the court referring to a clearly incomplete document, the construction of which might affect the trial judge’s ability to assess the absent page or otherwise,” she added.

The prosecution said a copy of the said exhibit had been attached to the affidavit in support of the motion, bearing in mind that Exhibit P before the court was a copy of the document the witness had tendered.

“We submit that these are exceptional circumstances that warrant the recall of a witness,” she said.

Tsatsu Tsikata, counsel for Mr. Quayson, said: “We indicated in our notice in response what we intend to do. We have not seen the original documents, so we are not opposed.”

He noted that when the State Attorney referred to a clearly incomplete document, that was what they had put in evidence. It was not as if someone had altered the document presented before the court.

The court, presided over by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, said the omitted document was the parliamentary nomination form.

She stated that the prosecution should have attached the original document to the application, as mandated by the rules of the court.

The judge further noted that the prosecution had not followed the court’s orders to provide the accused with certain documents.

“The order is made again so that the prosecution provides the accused with those documents before the next adjourned date on February 12,” she added.

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He charged supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to stand by their party members in confrontations with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“If the NDC, led by Mahama Ayariga, does not act reasonably and continues to prevent the EC from completing the collation, they will never know peace in Parliament,” he added.

He also called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, to intervene decisively against what he described as the NDC’s disruptive tactics.

“If the IGP also decides to look on unconcerned and allow these people to continue like this, we will continue to demonstrate,” Mr. Annoh-Dompreh warned.

As the people of Ablekuma North await the official declaration from the EC, both the NPP and NDC candidates have mounted ‘thank you’ billboards in the area, each claiming victory.

Listen to Mr Annoh-Dompreh in the video above:

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However, before any official announcement, both candidates have put up billboards thanking voters for electing them.

Some residents have expressed concern about the situation, calling for patience to maintain peace.

“The NDC is claiming victory, and the NPP is also claiming victory, yet the final result has not been declared. We, the youth, want peace, so we appeal to them to exercise restraint. They are all saying ‘Thank You’ to voters when there is no declaration. We want them to wait for the EC to announce the results so that there will be peace,” one resident said.

Others believe the delay is not only causing political tension but also affecting development in the constituency.

“The EC must work on this and declare the winner so voters know who their leader is. When it comes to development, the elected MP lobbies the government for projects.

Right now, Ablekuma North does not know who to turn to, and that is not good for us,” another resident stated.

Meanwhile, the EC has not provided a timeline for resuming the collation process. Officials say they are waiting for security clearance from the Ghana Police Service before proceeding, but it remains unclear when that will happen.

The Ablekuma North Constituency is the only outstanding constituency from the December 7 election without a winner due to recurring disagreements.

Despite a re-collation exercise by the EC to determine the winner of the seat, the decision remains in limbo.

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In a Facebook video that has gone viral, the renowned preacher stated that God had shown him the numerous battles Asiedu Nketia had fought for the NDC, which, according to him, makes him the next presidential candidate spiritually.

“The sitting president should be careful and not live the life the other people lived. He should never forget those who stood for him, including leaders.

“When you look at the current government right now and look into the spiritual account, there is one who made Mahama become a flagbearer. It is one man who made sure power would be given to him. He decided to make him lead, and that is the Chairman of their party,” he stated.

Bishop Owusu further revealed that he had already foreseen this in a prophecy he made months ago.

“In November or October, I prophesied. I saw that when Mahama leaves, I saw in the realms that he will be the next flagbearer of their party. I saw the mantle with him. If John Dramani Mahama understands gratitude, honour, and loyalty, he must make sure the chairman, who has used all his life to sacrifice for the party, is given the mantle decided in heaven,” he stated.

He continued, “I prophesied. Last year, I saw that Asiedu Nketia will one day become president. The Lord told me to look at his hands and the battles he has fought. I said, wow! The video is there. If we are not careful, they will sabotage and forget him, and it might affect the party. The NDC party will start breaking just like the NPP.”

Nonetheless, Bishop Owusu’s prophecy has since generated widespread debate and Asiedu Nketia, a veteran politician and former General Secretary of the NDC, is yet to respond to the prophecy.

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, he argued that the allegations against the EC leadership are not strong enough to warrant their dismissal.

He emphasised the need to distinguish between personal opinions expressed before assuming office and their official conduct while in office.

Reacting to Mr Ofosu-Appiah’s claims that the EC used its discretion to disenfranchise residents of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) in the 2020 parliamentary elections, Ayikoi Otoo said, “I have looked at it, and I don’t think they meet the very serious issues that one would want to look at when we want to remove the EC. I don’t see any of those things as very serious.”

He pointed out that some of the claims against the EC officials stem from statements or actions they made before taking office.

“In your intro, you said that the things one of the deputies was alleged to have said were when he was exercising his academic freedom. You know, young men can take to doing all sorts of things, such as even experimenting with drugs. And then they grow up, they wean themselves off those things. They realize that it’s not the best. I mean, these are not things that ought to have engaged themselves. It doesn’t mean that they are forever barred from holding office or doing anything,” he stated.

Ayikoi Otoo likened such situations to individuals who express personal opinions before assuming sensitive positions, such as judges.

“Before he became a judge, he was a free individual. Now that he has become a judge and taken the oath, he says, ‘Look, I’m bound by my oath, and nobody can influence me. This is my decision. This is what I want to do.’ So, the things he said when exercising academic freedom, I think we should forget about it and concentrate on what they have done since they came to office.”

The former Attorney General also emphasised that the Chief Justice is the appropriate authority to determine whether the issues raised in the petition meet the threshold for removal.

“It is for the CJ to determine whether it can be said to be of any weight. From where I sit, I don’t see anything weighty enough to justify their removal,” he said.

On the disenfranchisement of SALL residents, Ayikoi Otoo acknowledged the frustration but maintained that the issue must be assessed within the broader context of administrative decisions.

He cautioned against using isolated incidents to conclude incompetence or misconduct.

“These are serious constitutional matters, and while people are entitled to seek redress, we must be careful not to rush into conclusions that undermine institutions,” he said.

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