The six candidates according to him include the NDC’s John Dramani Mahama, NPP’s Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, LPG’s Kofi Akpaloo, APC’s Hassan Ayariga, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, and George Twum-Barimah-Adu.

Dr Ashigbey announced the development at a press briefing on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

He stated that regardless of whether these candidates win the election or not, there will be no “honeymoon” period for them.

They will be expected to immediately get to work on tackling the fight against galamsey.

The coalition in September 2024 announced plans to petition the NPP and NDC presidential candidates to clearly declare their stance on the issue of galamsey.

This was at a time the pressure for the Akufo-Addo led government to address the galamsey crisis intensified amidst calls for a state of emergency.

Dr Ashigbey had clarified that, the Coalition is not advocating for a complete ban on mining but is calling for a state of emergency and stricter enforcement of Ghana’s mining laws to prevent environmental destruction, particularly to water bodies.

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Mr. Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum and the ECOWAS observer mission comprising former presidents and high-ranking leaders from West African nations, was at the forefront of efforts to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process.

In a meeting with the Inspector General of Police and the National Election Security Taskforce on December 5, Mr. Jonathan underscored the importance of conducting free, fair, and credible elections.

He appealed to all stakeholders to uphold Ghana’s reputation as a symbol of democracy and stability in West Africa.

Speaking on the matter, he said:
“We want elections that will be peaceful, transparent, and credible, and then all the stakeholders will be happy. Just like the IGP said, we will plead with our own colleagues who are politicians to be peaceful.

“Only one person wins in an election, and so whenever you are going for an election, you should be ready to either win or lose.”

Mr. Jonathan also emphasized the need for calm and mutual respect, urging Ghanaians to maintain peace before, during, and after the elections. Speaking to the media after meeting with the IGP, he reiterated his plea for politicians and citizens alike to foster a peaceful atmosphere.

“The world recognizes Ghana as a stable haven for peace and the rule of law. Let us continue to protect that legacy,” he said.

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He explained that, in countries where presidential debates are a standard part of the electoral process, they are institutionalized.

This comment comes in response to the Majority in Parliament’s call for National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama to accept an invitation from New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for a debate ahead of the December elections.

In an interview with Citi News, Dr. Asah-Asante said if the NDC chooses to engage in a debate, they can, but they are not obligated to.

He recalled a similar situation in the past when the NDC, while in office, invited the NPP to debate, and the latter did not accept.

“Unfortunately, we have not institutionalised it, though it’s a good programme, since you have not institutionalised it, you can’t call anybody. You can make the call but if the person says no, there’s nothing you can do, it will just fall completely from your hand.

“What the Vice President is asking for, if NDC wants to, fine, yes they can, but if they don’t want, and that’s it. You recall the NDC when they were in office they also called and the NPP also didn’t accept that,” he said.

Dr. Asah-Asante further suggested that Ghanaians should focus on questioning the presidential candidates on their policies during their campaigns.

“Let us see the campaign itself, that one, the two parties and all the parties have no choice but to give us their manifestos, give us the ideas. And we will ask them the questions, that they will answer.

It is sometimes intriguing to hear some of the promises as it begs the question of whether it is the supply side (candidate-initiated) or demand side (voter-initiated). Whether candidate or voter-initiated, election promises assume that there is a fair sense of what voters want.

So, what do Ghanaian voters want as they prepare to vote on December 7, 2024? And to what extent are the promises of candidates for this year’s election reflective of what Ghanaian voters want?

What Ghanaian Voters Want

In the most recent election survey (June 2024), Prof. Smart Sarpong in his baseline study asked the following question – “What in your view is Ghana’s most critical challenge today that the next President must address?” The number one issue was unemployment, out of a total of 15 issues. The next three important issues were inflation, economic slowdown and poor roads.

In April 2024, Global Info Analytics asked respondents in their survey the following question, “What are the three most important issues that you would consider in the run-up to the 2024 elections when making your choice as to who to vote for?” The number one issue was jobs, out of a total of 11 issues. The next three important issues were the economy, education and roads. Interestingly, in their December 2023 poll, the economy emerged as the number one issue followed by jobs.

The Afrobarometer survey regularly asks, “In your opinion, what are the most important problems facing this country that the government should address?” Out of the eight times that the question has been asked, unemployment has emerged as the number one priority five times (2002, 2005, 2008, 2012 and 2017). The other three times it was management of the economy twice (2014, 2022) and infrastructure once (2019).

Evidence

Two more pieces of evidence to help reiterate the importance of this issue to Ghanaians. First, in 2021, the CDD-Ghana conducted a post-election survey in which it also asked, “In your opinion, what are the most important problems facing this country that the government should address?” Out of 24 identified issues, unemployment emerged as the number one important problem.

In 2016, when Dr Owusu Mensah (Legon Political Science Department) asked Ghanaians across 24 swing constituencies which issue would affect their choice of candidate, jobs emerged as number one tied with the economy.

Two things are very clear- a) from the two election year surveys so far, unemployment is the top priority of voters and b) from the additional surveys analysed, this topmost priority has not changed over time.

The decision Adomonline.com has learned was taken by the National Executive Council (NEC) at their meeting on Wednesday.

Also, it was concluded that nomination forms should sell at GH¢20,000.

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However, female candidates will pay 50% less of the filing fee while there will be an additional reduction for aspirants with physical disabilities.

According to reports, nomination will be opened at a press conference to be held at the party’s head office today Thursday, November 28.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Primary Elections will be held on 19th January, 2019.

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Below is the breakdown of the NEC meeting

1. Presidential Primary Elections to be held on 19th January, 2019
2. Forms will cost Ghc20,000 per aspirants.
3. Filing fee to cost Ghc400,000. 50% less for women aspirants and additional reduction for disabled aspirants.
4. Decision is yet to be made on the Schedule for elections for Parliamentary Primary aspirants across the country.