Odike – Adomonline.com

Odike roots for Dr. Adutwum in NPP flagbearership race despite his interest to contest 2028 Presidential Election

Emmanuel Quaicoe — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:40:54 +0000

Politician and businessman, Akwasi Addai ‘Odike’ believes the New Patriotic Party stands the chance of returning to power with a credible flagbearer.

Despite his interest in contesting the 2028 Presidential Election, Odike expects the best of contestants from all political parties should be put forth.

According to him, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum stands towering among persons intending to lead the NPP in the party’s presidential primaries.

He says aside from the personality of Mr. Adutwum, he has proven himself worthy in his previous role as Education Minister.

“I think Dr. Adutwum has what it takes to lead the NPP to the general elections. Aside from his character traits, he excelled as Education Minister prioritizing Technical and Vocational Education,” Odike said at a press conference.

He added that “Dr. Adutwum invested heavily in TVET and that is what we need to facilitate our development.”

Already, five people in the New Patriotic Party have declared intentions to contest in the flagbearer race.

After a date was set for the election, many of those with intentions to contest in the election have intensified campaigns.

Akwasi Addai Odike wants the NPP to be wary of commercialization of the process.

“We have commercialized our democracy. We see it as a normal thing but it shouldn’t be and it seems that it will be repeated in the upcoming elections of both NPP and NDC. This shouldn’t be repeated because it affects the quality of leadership,” he stated.

Bawku Conflicts and illegal mining

Mr. Akwasi Addai Odike has further expressed worry over the resurgence of the Bawku conflict. Some schools in the area have also shut down.

Government has reviewed curfew hours in the area as a measure to check the harm being caused by the conflict.

But Mr. Odike believes more will have to be done as the situation seems to degenerate.

“The President made a promise to end the conflict, we are pleading with him to try and solve this one for us. Peace is non-negotiable in the area,” he added.

He further wants the President to turn his attention to fighting the illegal mining menace.

According to him, measures adopted so far are yet to yield positive results.

Odike describes scrapping of fuel allowances as ‘drop in the ocean’

Faridatu Seidu — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:12:18 +0000

Founder and leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike, has described President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to scrap fuel allowances for political appointees as commendable but insufficient to address the broader inequalities in Ghana’s governance system.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Odike said that while the move is a step in the right direction, it will not significantly affect the lifestyles of political elites.

“It’s a good thing, but I still feel it’s a drop in the ocean. It won’t affect them much because, at the end of the day, they take fat allowances and enjoy many other privileges at the expense of ordinary Ghanaians,” he noted.

He urged President Mahama to go further by engaging the Constitutional Review Committee to bridge gaps in the wage system and reduce disparities between political leaders and citizens.

President Mahama, on July 15, 2025, announced the cancellation of fuel-related benefits for appointees as part of a broader cost-cutting initiative under his administration’s Reset Agenda.

The directive, aimed at reducing government spending and prioritizing key development areas, was contained in a statement signed by Government Communications Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

Source: Farida Seidu | Adomonline.com

READ ALSO:

Be firm on LGBTQ+ or stop making promises – Odike tells Mahama

Faridatu Seidu — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:53:14 +0000

Founder and leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take a clear and firm stance on LGBTQ+ issues in Ghana.

His comments follow Ghana’s abstention from a United Nations Human Rights Council vote on July 7, 2025, to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Of the 47-member council, 29 voted in favour, 15 opposed, while Ghana was among three nations that abstained.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Odike criticised both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing them as “birds of the same feather” who make lofty promises in opposition but fail to deliver when in power.

“During the campaign, Mahama said he would sign the LGBTQ+ bill into law, but now he gives excuses about the bill expiring. This is part of why Ghanaians lost confidence in the NPP too. Issues like LGBTQ+ and galamsey are major concerns for the people, and Mahama must be firm on them. Don’t promise what you can’t fulfil,” he stated.

Odike urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and hold leaders accountable to protect the country’s cultural and moral values.

“We Ghanaians must rise up and not allow this. We need to protect Ghana from LGBTQ influences.”

Source: Farida Seidu | Adomonline

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NDC will stop Kumasi Mayor if… – Odike

Faridatu Seidu — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:34:22 +0000

Founder and leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike, has expressed skepticism about the sustainability of recent directives issued by the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi.

Odike warned that the Mayor’s enforcement measures — including threats to flog defiant traders and plans to seize and slaughter stray cattle — would likely be derailed by political interests.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Odike argued that once the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) perceives these actions as politically damaging, the Mayor will be forced to abandon them.

“Knowing the kind of country we are living in, the Mayor will not be allowed to do his work. If the NDC realises this is reducing their chances of winning the next election, they will stop the Mayor. Partisanship is destroying this country. We need a system that enforces laws, not one controlled by political convenience,” he said.

Odike stressed that true national progress hinges on institutional reform and a commitment to upholding the rule of law, regardless of political considerations.

His remarks come in response to a press conference held on Monday, April 14, where Mayor Boadi — popularly known as King Zuba — announced plans to seize and slaughter stray cattle found in the metropolis starting May 1.

He also issued a stern two-week ultimatum to traders occupying pavements and roadsides, warning of serious consequences, including physical punishment, for those who defy the directive.

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Odike urges gov’t to focus on ‘Made in Ghana’ agenda amid U.S. 10% tariff

Faridatu Seidu — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:21:00 +0000

Founder and leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike, has called on the government to use the recent 10% tariff imposed by the United States as a wake-up call to pursue economic independence through local production and homegrown policies.

His remarks follow a directive issued by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2, 2025, invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to enforce a 10% tariff on all imports, including those from Ghana.

The U.S. government justified the measure as a response to national security concerns related to trade imbalances.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Odike emphasized the need for Ghana to shift its focus from external economies and prioritize the revival of local industries.

“Rather than pleading for tariff reductions, we should take inspiration from countries like Burkina Faso and work towards revamping our defunct industries. This is the moment to create homegrown policies, promote local products, and instill a strong ‘Made in Ghana’ mindset among citizens,” he said.

Odike further urged the government to consider increasing tariffs on non-essential imports, particularly on goods that could be produced locally.

He believes such a move would enhance technical know-how, create jobs, and boost the country’s production capacity.

“Let’s add value to our resources and invest in local production. That is the only way to secure our economic future,” he concluded.

READ ALSO:

Odike calls for removal of President’s power to appoint judges

Faridatu Seidu — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:37:01 +0000

Founder and leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addae Odike, has called for a constitutional review to strip the President of the power to appoint judges and the Chief Justice, arguing that such authority compromises judicial independence.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Odike criticized Ghana’s constitutional framework, stating that it fails to ensure true separation of powers.

“Our current constitution isn’t going to help this country. There are always issues that expose its lapses. The three arms of government are supposed to be independent, yet the separation of powers is weak,” he stated.

He contended that allowing the President to appoint judges creates a biased judiciary.

“When Mahama was in opposition, he accused the judiciary of appointing NPP-affiliated judges and pledged to neutralize it by also appointing NDC judges. This only promotes a miscarriage of justice,” he said.

“Ghana’s constitution is the enemy of the country, but those who benefit from it refuse to speak up,” he added.

His remarks come as President John Mahama begins consultations with the Council of State after receiving three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.

The Council of State is expected to review the petitions and advise the President on the next steps in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

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Mahama cannot stop galamsey – Odike [Video]

Faridatu Seidu — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 11:24:06 +0000

Founder and leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addae Odike, has cast doubt on the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) ability to end illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana.

Speaking on Adom FM’s monring show, Dwaso Nsem, Odike argued that the NDC, like the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is driven by self-interest and would ultimately fail to tackle the menace.

“NDC cannot stop galamsey. Their mindset is to come and score political points against the previous NPP government while benefiting from the same illegal mining. Our problem in Ghana is cyclical—NPP and NDC have realized that Ghanaians only lament but still vote for them,” he stated.

He warned of environmental consequences, blaming weak governance for the destruction of water bodies and calling for a total ban on surface mining.

“We are still experiencing a colonial mindset, perpetuated by our own people. The activities of some Chinese individuals are damaging our water bodies. We are fighting against nature in this country, and nature will eventually fight back.

“If we continue down this path, there will come a time when we cannot access clean water. There should be a complete ban on all forms of surface mining. All those who claim to have licenses should present their documents for auditing, including multinational companies.

“We must also reclaim destroyed lands, restore them, and plant crops that will benefit the country. As a nation, we need to come together and determine the best approach to stop galamsey,” he added.

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Atta Mills’ ghost will never let Mahama become President again – Odike [Video]

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:56:27 +0000

The founder of the now-defunct United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike, has said the ghost of the late President John Evans Atta Mills will prevent former President John Dramani Mahama from becoming President again.

This, he explained, is because Mr. Mahama rarely mentions Atta Mills’ name during his campaign.

“Atta Mills’ ghost will never let Mahama become President again. You see, that is why he never mentions his name during his campaign,” Odike said in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Wednesday.

Watch video below

Former President Mahama, flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), faces his main opponent, Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the December elections.

Both presidential candidates from the Northern region will be competing for electoral supremacy in the five northern regions and the Zongo communities which have traditionally supported the NDC since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1992.

However, the support for the NDC has decreased since the emergence of Dr. Bawumia in the political arena.

Interestingly, both candidates come from regions that were carved out of the Northern Region. Dr. Bawumia is from the North East, while Mahama hails from the Savannah Region.

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Deal with the illegal mining menace and stop attacking Odike – Dr Solomon Owusu to Manhyia chiefs

Abigail Bonney — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 20:34:14 +0000

I write with utmost respect to appeal to the Ashanti Chiefs in the Manhyia Palace to stop attacking Mr. Akwasi Addai, popularly known as “Odike” and instead, deal with the illegal mining activities popularly called “galamsey” in the Ashanti Region.

In my view, performing rituals to banish the outspoken politician and businessman won’t solve the problem but rather encourage the galamseyers to cause more destructions to the environment, as they will be motivated by the vehement opposition to the truth. The actions from the chiefs may impede progress in the region.

It is an undeniable fact that illegal mining activities are seriously ongoing in most parts of the region and the respective chiefs are aware of the illegalities as well as the impunities in their areas of jurisdictions.

The more damning fact is that the whole Kumasi Traditional Council is aware of the alarming rate of water pollutions and land degradations caused by the galamsey activities in the Asanteman but none of the chiefs has taken any step to fight against the menace. They only talk about the menace without any action. Adding to Odike’s comment, I strongly believe that some of the chiefs are trying to be defensive because they don’t disclose the truth to the overlord, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The fundamental questions are as follows:

Are the Chiefs saying there are no galamsey activities in Ashanti Region?
How do the galamseyers, especially the foreign nationals acquire their lands to begin their operations, if the Chiefs are unaware of their activities?
Why are the chiefs not fighting against the galamsey activities, if they are not involved?
What stops them from opposing the galamsey operations and protecting their towns and villages?
Aren’t the chiefs seeing the heavy machineries like excavators, dozers, graders, chamfines and other small-scale mining equipment every day, entering the forests in the region?
Haven’t the Chiefs seen videos of galamsey activities on Ashanti lands and waterbodies?
Do the Chiefs think the galamseyers are backed by some strong political authorities whose powers supersede theirs? If yes, what prevents them from being courageous and expose those politicians?
What surveillance steps have the Chiefs and Queens in the various mining areas put in place to protect their lands, waterbodies and natural resources?
What gives the locals and foreigners the moral impetus to engage in such illegalities and destructions, if the Chiefs themselves are not accomplices?
How many Chiefs among those who cursed Odike tasked to government to address the galamsey issues?

Following these questions, I challenge the traditional authorities in the Manhyia Palace to stop acting ignorantly and make field trips to some of the mining areas in the Ashanti Region, including Manso Nkwanta, Manso Tontokrom, Manso Adubia, Manso Agroyesum, Manso Nsiana, Esaase Bontefufuo, Tetrem, Jacobu, Adansi Akrokerri, Adumenu, Adansi Akrofuom, Adansi Gyimiso, Adansi Diewuoso, Adansi Aduaneyede, Amamiriwa, Obuasi, Nhyinahini, Atwima Mponua, Konongo, among other towns.

Again, the Chiefs should enter some of the forest reserves in the region, including Manso Forest Reserve in the Amansie South District and Kobro Forest Reserve in the Amansie Central District. After inspecting these areas and grasping the alarming rate of water pollutions and land destructions, the Chiefs will realize that Odike boldly spoke the truth and hence, an unqualified apology should be rendered to him.

Mr. Odike recently made an allegation on a Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM to expose some of the Ashanti Chiefs on their involvements in the illegal mining activities in the region. Also, he called on the Ashanti Youth to rise and stage a massive street protest against the Chiefs. Meanwhile, the overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II made a similar pronouncement during the Regional Consultative Dialogue on Small-Scale Mining held in Kumasi on May 12, 2021.

On delivering the keynote address of the event, the Great King accused about 30% of the Ashanti Chiefs of their involvements in the galamsey activities in their respective jurisdictions. None of these Chiefs who are opposing Odike’s comment with furious reactions came out to challenge Otumfuors accusations on his Chiefs about illegal mining activities.

After Odike’s public comments, some traditional authorities from the Manhyia Palace invoked curses on the outspoken gentleman and declared him persona non grata (an unwelcomed person) at Manhyia. Few days after performing their rituals, some unknown gunmen believed to be sent by some aggrieved Chiefs, attacked the regional office of Odike’s political party, fired gunshots, smashed vehicles and destroyed other properties belonging to Mr. Akwasi Addai.

Nonetheless, the traditional leaders must be clear in their minds that the intimidation tactics and the culture of silence approach that they want to bringing on board cannot dampen the spirits of the enthusiastic youth, who are bent on speaking the truth and demand Asanteman’s progress.

As long as the Chiefs and Queens are our elders, we will continue to respect them and provide the necessary courtesies they deserve but we will not be frightened by their baseless threats. Henceforth, the well-intentioned Ashanti Youth across the world will mobilize and ardently oppose any unpopular and retrogressive decision taken by any Chief or Queen in the region.

The era of fear is over!! We can’t sit unconcerned for some greedy leaders to connive with unpatriotic galamseyers to put current and future generations in danger. Ashanti Region deserves a classic facelift and development. Any attempt by any traditional leader to jeopardize the lives of future generations will be exposed and some of us are determined to fight until the last drop of our blood.

At this point, I would plead with my King, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II to intervene, exclude himself from the barbaric act displayed by his sub-chiefs and instruct them to cleanse Odike as well as lift the useless ban imposed on him. I must be emphatic that none of the Chiefs, including Otumfuor owned the Ashanti lands themselves but they inherited all Ashanti properties from our forefathers.

Our traditional leaders should be cautioned that they have been enstooled to protect the properties that our ancestors left for them and hence, they should do everything possible within their powers to do so accordingly. Currently, I believe our ancestors may be weeping in their graves, considering the level of galamsey destructions on Ashanti lands and waterbodies.

Finally, I would humbly remind my King and grandpa, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II about his core duty of ensuring that the respective Chiefs in the various districts across the region, represent the interests of the entire Asanteman and not their parochial interests. Going forward, I will suggest that Otumfuor may send genuine and trustworthy people to embark on a tour to some of the aforementioned galamsey areas to investigate how the illegal miners acquire their lands and also implore the respective Chiefs in the areas to justify why they don’t report the galamsey activities to Otumfuor.

The youth of Asanteman remain resolute in our efforts to ensuring that the traditional authorities protect the people, protect our properties and manage the region effectively to improve the infrastructure deficits in the Ashanti Region. If we can’t work incessantly to add value to our heritage, we shouldn’t destroy what we inherited. God bless Asanteman! God bless Ghana!!

Solomon Owusu, PhD

Colorado, USA.

Odike banished from Manhyia

Adwoa Agyeman — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:37:18 +0000

Politician cum businessman, Akwasi Addai, nicknamed as ‘Odike’, is in trouble as he has allegedly been banished from Manhyia, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s palace.

Scores of top chiefs in Kumasi last Friday slaughtered a sheep and poured the blood on some deities to signify that indeed Odike is not needed in the Asante Kingdom.

The powerful and dangerous traditional rites were said to have taken place at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the official seat of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Odike’s Crime

Odike, the Founder and Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), suffered his fate because he has been accused of infamously disrespecting the Asante King.

According to reports reaching the paper, the outspoken politician, whilst on live radio in Kumasi, uttered some unprintable words, which the chiefs deemed as insulting.

His utterances infuriated the chiefs, who therefore decided to take stern action against him (Odike) even in the absence of Otumfuo, who is currently outside the country.

Special Rites

In a short video circulating on social media, some angry Asante chiefs, mainly made up of chiefs from the Kumasi Traditional Council, ordered for the sheep to be killed.

According to palace sources, the sheep was used in place of Odike in the spiritual realm, therefore its slaughter meant that Odike has been done with in Asanteman.

Present at the traditional rites included influential chiefs, headed by the Bantamahene, Baffuor Owusu Amankwatia, who was said to have supervised the rites.

In the video, some of the chiefs present, who defied a heavy downpour, were heard chastising the UPP leader for stooping so low by showing disrespect to the King.

“Mention his name before you slaughter the sheep, his name is Akwasi Addai Odike, a native of Adwumakaase Kesse,” one of the chiefs angrily said in the background.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports said Odike’s alleged insubordination would be reported to the Asanteman Traditional Council for further punitive measures.

Odike is yet to officially comment about his alleged banishment from the Asante Kingdom.

My wife knows I have a ‘side chick’ – Odike

Adwoa Agyeman — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 19:06:46 +0000

Businessman and Founder of the United People’s Party, Akwasi Addai Odike, says his wife knows he has a girlfriend and has no problem with that.

According to the presidential hopeful, his girlfriend and his wife respect each other and have both agreed on their positions.

“I’m married and I have a girlfriend. Both my wife and girlfriend know this,” he said in an interview on Starr FM.

He added: “My father was polygamous but I cannot sit here and lie to Ghanaians. If any man will be truthful to himself and God. You don’t need to swear to any woman that you are the only person, no. I will never flatter anyone. But if I found out that you are a suitable woman who can give me joy, sure. I expect my woman to understand me unconditionally and to love me as is required.”

He also described women as the source of happiness and should be allowed to occupy high positions because they have the confidence to aid business development as compared to men.

Odike revealed he is in support of the Affirmative Action Bill currently in Parliament and is disappointed that it has not yet been passed.

Odike hopes to win the 2024 election and reign as President of Ghana so he can amend some portions of the constitution to allow for clear separation of powers.

Odike begs Mahama for forgiveness

Gertrude Okyere — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 11:18:25 +0000

The Founder of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Odike Addai, has rendered an unqualified apology to former President John Mahama.

Odike claims he has sinned against Mr Mahama, stating he run down the latter’s credibility in the build-up to the 2016 election.

His action, he says, propelled President Nana Akufo-Addo to power.

“Everybody knows I was part of the people who campaigned against Mahama’s re-election in 2016 but I regret all my actions and beg Mahama.

“He should forgive all Ghanaians and myself for everything that has happened,” he said.

Speaking in an interview with Adom News, Odike said the incumbent government has failed on delivering on many of the promises that earned them massive votes.

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“They promised to fight corruption but have been indicted in a lot of scandals than the National Democratic Congress and I will urge Ghanaians to vote in this election based on corruption fight,” he fumed.

He mentioned the Agyapa deal, PDS deal among others as the reasons Ghanaians must vote the incumbent government out.

Odike curses EC boss; NPP over disqualification [Audio]

Adwoa Agyeman — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 21:02:33 +0000

JoyNews/AdomNews · Odike curses EC boss; NPP over disqualification

Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addae Odike, has invoked dreaded deities on the the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Electoral Commission (EC) boss, Mrs Jean Mensa for orchestrating his disqualification ahead of the December general election.

“I know the NPP used the EC boss to disqualify me and I swear if nothing happens before December, then God does not exist,” he fumed in an interview on Adom FM.

The failed presidential aspirant and four others have been disqualified on issues relating to alleged forged signatures.

Their cases, according to the EC, have been forwarded to the Police Criminal Investigations Department for further investigations.

Justifying his conduct, he claimed the NPP, led by NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi in 2019, said they won’t allow him to contest the 2020 elections.

“The NPP planned this in 2019 so I’m not surprised. They just used Jean Mensa to execute it,” he said.

He maintained that, his disqualification from the presidential race is politically motivated.

“Akufo-Addo and NPP are micro-managing the EC and they use dubious means to get rid of me. They did it in 2016 and they have succeeded again,” he fumed.

The UPP leader claimed the EC called all those who endorsed his nomination forms yet went ahead to disqualify him.

“I know the EC Chairperson was under pressure because she knows I did not forge any signature. The people are real,” he stated in an interview on Joy News Monday.

He said he might seek legal redress to avert a future problem.

Meanwhile, the EC explained that the GHS100, 000 filing fee will be refunded to the said candidates in line with the rules surrounding the process.

Odike, 4 other presidential aspirants disqualified

Adwoa Agyeman — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 20:33:23 +0000

The Electoral Commission (EC) has disqualified five presidential aspirants from contesting in the upcoming polls.

Chairperson for the Commission, Mrs Jean Mensa, made this disclosure during an update on the status of candidates following the submission of their respective forms ahead of the elections.

Speaking at the press conference in Accra, the EC indicated that a myriad of issues triggered the disqualification, most of which involved the details provided by the political parties at the filing stage.

The aspirants affected include independent candidates Kofi Koranteng, Marricke Kofi Gane, Akwasi Odike of the United Progressive Party, Kwesi Busumburu of the People’s National Party and the United Front Party’s Agyenim Boateng.

Cases that bother on allegations of forgery of signatures and manufacturing of endorsees will be forwarded to the Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further probe.

Meanwhile, the EC explained that the GHC100,000.00 filing fee will be refunded to the said candidates in line with the rules surrounding the process.

However, 12 aspirants have been successfully cleared to contest the December presidential elections, said the EC at Monday’s briefing.

They are Nana Akufo-Addo, John Mahama, Alfred Walker, Bridgitte Dzorgbenuku, Akua Donkor, Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Hassan Ayariga, Ivor Greenstreet, Kofi Akpaloo, David Apasera and Henry Herbert Lartey.

Postpone elections to 2021 — Kwasi Addae

Adwoa Agyeman — Thu, 21 May 2020 17:56:14 +0000

The founder and leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Kwasi Addae popularly known as Odike, has advised the Electoral Commission (EC) to postpone the 2020 elections to 2021.

According to him, the continuous rise in the infections of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country would not create an enabling environment for the organisation of a credible parliamentary and presidential election for 2020.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Kumasi, Mr Addae said the current state of affairs would also make it virtually impossible for the EC to strictly follow its schedule timetable for an effective election.

“No one can tell me that looking at the rate of the infection spreading in the country, the pandemic will end very soon,” he said.

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More time

Mr Addae further said even if the pandemic should end before December, this year, the EC would still need more time to follow due process in order to organise a credible election.

“The EC needs enough time to embark on public education before its intended registration exercise, attend to challenges from unqualified registrants, undertake exhibition of the voters register and then prepare for the main election on December 7.”

When asked what should be done to avert a constitutional crisis in the event the EC postpones the elections, Mr Addae said the constitution could be amended to deal with the situation, adding “protecting human lives must be the topmost priority.”

Change strategy

Mr Addae called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his team of experts to change strategy in the fight against COVID-19 to halt the spread of the pandemic in the country.

He said he believed the President lifted the restriction on movement too early.

“The government must revise its tactics to deal with this pandemic,” he said.

Presidential hopeful names likely political appointees (Audio)

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 13:48:28 +0000

Presidential hopeful of the United Front Party (UFP), Akwasi Addae Odike and Kofi Akpaloo have revealed the people they will appoint to work with in their government after emerging winners in the 2020 election.

According to them, they will adopt an all-inclusive government to eliminate the winner- takes-all system.

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Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Mr Akpaloo said “I believe a lot in women so they will play vital roles in my government. Akua Donkor will be Gender Minister, Asiedu Nketia as Deputy Bono East regional Minister.”

On his part, the founder of UFP said “I will focus on the New Patriotic Party, National Democratic Congress and UFP members as well as Ghanaians in the diaspora; Akoto Osei will be my Finance Minister, Mahama will be given a foundation for philanthropist jobs, Kofi Akpaloo as the head at Ghana Revenue Authority to help in the mobilisation of taxes with Nana Addo and other retired presidents to be my advisers,” he said confidently.

Source: Adomonline.com | Gertrude Otchere

Anas must be arrested – Odike

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Fri, 25 May 2018 09:51:01 +0000

2012 Presidential Candidate for the United Front Party (UFP), Akwasi Addai, popularly called Odike, has called for the immediate arrest prosecution of ace investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his Tiger Eye P.I for their lawlessness and unconstitutional approach to what has become the most alleged scandal against the GFA.

Mr Akwasi Addai, stated that what ‘’Anas and his team did is not good and therefore they should be arrested and prosecuted. He said, ‘’Anas is not BNI, Anas is not Ghana Police, Anas is not a military intelligence, Anas is a private investigator’’ and therefore under no circumstance should he and his team engage in lawlessness.

If Anas wanted to do an investigative work, they were rules he should have followed and not the way he did, there is a difference between investigating a an alleged corruption which the person is caught in doing but not for him to have rather initiated the process and allegedly bribe the judges and capture it camera as an investigative work of corruption against the implicated. He said, ‘’it’s not allowed by the law, it is not proper, we must not encourage it’’. He continued that, ‘’All his team members, what they did is not correct, they should all be arrested and punished’’. he stated.

In an interview with Daily View Gh’s Dan Kwasi Prince, he stated that, Anas must be arrested as he has committed a blunder by trapping Kwasi Nyantakyi to his persistent bribe offering.

Kwasi Nyantakyi did no wrong, we all use the President’s name to eat…if I get the opportunity, I will use the president’s name to eat… We call them lobbyist and we all do same…

When my white business friends came from Germany, I sent them to Prez Mahama and yeah, u kno we all benefited.

Prez Akufo Addo should just let this go. He is our father and we all sin against our father one way or the other. The charge against him is civil and must be settled that way.

President Akufo-Addo reported him on Tuesday, 22 May after having been privy to investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ Number 12 undercover documentary.

Odike escapes contempt case

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Tue, 09 May 2017 14:04:15 +0000

The Ashanti Regional Police Commander and his lieutenant, who heads the Striking Force/Buffalo Unit, together with the Regional Lands Officer at the Lands Commission, were yesterday slapped with GH?6,000 fine for failing to appear before a Kumasi High Court to answer contempt charges.

The three are among four people being held in contempt of court for destroying properties on a tract of land situated near the Santasi Roundabout in Kumasi, which is a subject of litigation at the Kumasi High Court.

While the lands officer and Buffalo Unit Commander were fined GH?1,500 each, the Ashanti Regional Commander of the Ghana Police Service was fined GH?3,000 for willful showing disrespect to judicial process through their lack of personal representations in court on a number of occasions.

However, the fourth respondent, Akwasi Addai Odike, the failed presidential aspirant of the United Progressive Party (UPP), was not fined after it emerged that no notice was served on him to appear in court.

Odike’s legal representative told the court that apart from the fact that the court failed to give the respondent any proper notice for him to appear, he was also out of the jurisdiction and therefore could not appear in person.

The case was adjourned to May 30, 2017 for the matter of application for contempt to be dealt with in order to pave way for the determination of the substantive case.

Counsel for the applicants, Nana Obiri Boahen of Enso Nyame Ye Chambers, is praying the court to commit the respondents to prison for purposefully undermining the administration of justice in suit No:11/2015 titled: Obaapanin Adwoa Adowaa Vs. the Lands Commission and others.

According to the applicants, the respondents, who were in an unholy alliance, on the dawn of January 12, 2017 mobilized armed police officers and invaded the land during which they destroyed properties on the land lying between Southern Bypass road at Patasi, the Santasi Roundabout and the Odeneho Kwadaso Road.

They averred that the respondents, who were fully aware of the case pending before the court, acted maliciously to undermine the efficacy, integrity and potency of the judiciary.

Odike to support Akufo-Addo’s ‘1-district, 1-factory’ with four factories

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 09:12:49 +0000

The flagbearer of the United Progressive Party (UPP) in the 2012 elections, Akwasi Addai Odike, says he will embark on a project to get four factories to support the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s agenda for a factory in each district.

Mr. Addai Odike, who threw his weight behind the then opposition NPP ahead of the 2016 elections, said plans are far advanced to ensure that soon the four factories begin to create employment for the youth of Ghana.

The UPP man made these revelations on Thursday on Onua FM’s Ghana Dadwene hosted by Nana Yaw Opare. Odike was commenting on how President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is implementing his ideologies after winning the elections.

“I will do four of the 1-district- 1-factory,” he confidently stated. Enumerating his factories and where they would be located, Odike said the defunct Bolga Meat Factory in the Upper East Region would be revived to create more jobs. He said the factory will produce beef and leather to feed shoe industries and corned-beef for the market.

He added that he is also setting up a shoe factory in Ahodwo or Santase in Kumasi to also create jobs for the youth in Kumasi. Odike added: “I have secured a land at Akomadan to establish tomato paste.

We shall grow more tomato and produce tomato paste…we are talking to some Turkish [investors] to help us and we shall do that at Akomadan or Afram plains.”

He further added that he has a “garment factory also in Kumasi which was small scale.

I want to expand it to employ more because it is currently employing about 120 workers”. He said he wants to produce more cotton and “add value here so that we don’t have to export cotton”.

source: 3news