Addressing senior management and staff at the 32nd GSA Management Workshop held at Hephzibah Christian Limited in Peduase, the CEO described the past year as a defining period in the Authority’s transformation following the passage of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122).

He said the new law has fundamentally reshaped the institution from a facilitative agency into a full regulator overseeing the commercial activities of shippers and shipping service providers across sea, air, and land transport.

“This transformation demands higher institutional discipline, coordination, and professionalism,” he noted, stressing that integrity, teamwork, and accountability must guide the Authority’s next phase.

Key policy and cost-saving interventions

Reviewing performance in the year under consideration, the CEO announced several regulatory interventions that have delivered direct financial relief to shippers.

These include securing a Bank of Ghana directive to harmonise foreign exchange rate applications by shipping service providers, blocking proposed increases in cargo handling charges at Kotoka International Airport, and deferring a planned USD250 charge on imported earth-moving equipment by the Minerals Commission.

He further revealed that GSA’s proposal to significantly reduce container administrative fees charged by shipping lines could save shippers more than USD100 million annually once fully implemented, following stakeholder consultations.

Additional measures are also underway to reform port fumigation and disinfection charges by exempting low-risk cargo and introducing sunset clauses, in line with government’s broader cost-reduction agenda.

Infrastructure projects and institutional milestones

On infrastructure, the CEO reported that Phase One of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) reached 85 per cent completion by August 2025, while construction has commenced on the Akatekyiwa Freight Park. Preparatory works are also ongoing for new Shipper Complaints and Support Centres in Tatale, Tumu, Kulungugu, and Gonokrom.

He disclosed that the Authority has submitted a draft Legislative Instrument to the Ministry of Transport, a key step toward the full operationalisation of Act 1122.

These efforts, he said, have earned the GSA eight awards from reputable institutions over the past year.

2026 priorities and leadership expectations

Looking ahead, the CEO identified six strategic priorities for 2026 and beyond, including human capital development, aggressive reduction of shipping-related costs, logistics infrastructure expansion, digital transformation, strengthened international partnerships, and the passage of the GSA Legislative Instrument.

He warned that indiscipline and the entrenched “government-work attitude” would no longer be tolerated, declaring zero tolerance for lateness, complacency, and unprofessional conduct.

“This mindset has no place in a modern public institution striving for excellence,” he stressed.

The CEO reaffirmed his commitment to building a strong and effective regulator that protects the interests of all stakeholders in the shipping sector, adding that the newly constituted Governing Board has been “phenomenal and supportive” in driving the Authority’s reset agenda in line with President John Mahama’s vision.

He called on management to approach the 2026 operational year with unity, discipline, and renewed focus.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Prof. Gyampo explained that while the pact included several commitments, he is unsure if an emergency declaration was explicitly stated and would need to review the document.

He noted that he personally supported a state of emergency during earlier discussions, arguing that it could strengthen the fight against illegal mining. However, he acknowledged that final decisions rest with the President, who is currently consulting on the matter.

Prof. Gyampo commended the measures introduced by President Mahama’s administration to address illegal mining, describing them as “good steps toward a lasting solution.”

“Galamsey hasn’t ended, but we can all see the efforts being made. Let’s give the government some time to fix it. Galamsey must be fought,” he said.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Prof. Gyampo said President Mahama encourages free expression and constructive criticism, adding that “Ghanaians are free under his presidency.”

Prof. Gyampo praised Mahama’s leadership philosophy, noting that good governance is about efficiently managing scarce resources to produce development that citizens can feel.

“I have no regrets supporting President Mahama. He has made significant efforts, and I believe that when someone is selfless and surrounds themselves with the right people, they can succeed. Before he became president, I asked him why he wanted the position after previously serving. He told me he wanted to bring about change so that his successor could continue the progress. He aims to reset the country.

“Good governance involves the efficient management of scarce resources to produce developmental outcomes that are tangibly reflected in the lives of people. When governance is effective, it is evident in the well-being of the citizens. Ghanaians have witnessed this. He is a listening president,” he noted.

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It is a civic lesson. It shows that leadership isn’t always loud, and stature isn’t earned by shouting the hardest; it’s earned by how one behaves when provoked.

Prof Gyampo has never been shy about expressing strong, sometimes unpopular opinions.

Yet when Dr Domfeh launched into an unusually sharp, personal attack, the easiest response would have been to clap back with equal force.

Instead, Gyampo chose restraint, a decision that, in Ghana’s heated political space, is both rare and refreshing.

Democratic societies thrive on spirited disagreement, but they collapse when disagreement becomes personal hostility.

Research on political civility consistently shows that toxic exchanges discourage public participation and erode trust in institutions.

A study by the U.S. National Institute for Civil Discourse notes that personal attacks “drive citizens away from meaningful dialogue and reduce willingness to engage in democratic processes.”

Ghana is no exception. Every unnecessary verbal attack, especially from respected academics, creates the impression that public discourse is a battlefield rather than a marketplace of ideas.

When thought leaders trade insults instead of arguments, citizens begin to see politics as a hostile sport, not a platform for national development.

Why Domfeh’s attack was unnecessary

Dr Domfeh’s comments did little to advance national debate. They weren’t critiques of Gyampo’s ideas, research, or policy positions. They were ad hominem shots, the kind described in political communication research as “argument substitutes,” where the speaker attacks a person rather than engaging the substance of their viewpoint.

Such attacks almost always reveal more about the attacker than the target. They shrink discussion. They create noise where clarity is needed. And they distract from the public issues that genuinely deserve national attention.

Why Prof Gyampo’s composure increases his stature

Leadership is tested not in moments of comfort but in moments that demand discipline. By staying calm, Gyampo demonstrated three things:

1. Respect for the public space: He showed that disagreements can be intense without being insulting.
2. Confidence in his own ideas: When someone knows their intellectual standing, they don’t need to match aggression with aggression.
3. Maturity that strengthens democracy: As political communication scholars often argue, restraint in the face of provocation is a hallmark of leaders who understand the long game of nation-building.

Ghana’s democracy doesn’t suffer because people disagree. It suffers because too many people disagree badly.

If more public figures handled provocation the way Prof Gyampo did, our civic culture would be less toxic, our discussions more thoughtful, and our democracy much stronger.

In this moment, Prof Gyampo didn’t just defend his reputation, he modelled a kind of leadership our public discourse desperately needs.

His calm didn’t make him smaller.

It made him bigger.

Prof Gyampo stated that he remains in disbelief and cannot accept the news of their passing until he sees their remains.

“I am still living in the state of denial, hoping that until I see them dead in their caskets, it’s difficult for me to believe.”

He hoped the two might be found alive, possibly stranded somewhere in the forest.

“I am thinking that maybe we have to go to the forest again, hoping that we will find them hiding somewhere, maybe they missed their way, they are lost, it is very painful.”

His emotional remarks reflect the deep sense of loss and shock that continues to grip the nation following the fatal incident.

Readers may recall that a recent radio broadcast by some media house had made a series of unfounded allegations against the Shippers Authority CEO’s person.

Among the many allegations are the attempt to link Prof Gyampo to recruitments, lavish travels, among others.

But evidence released by the popular Professor has suggested a completely contrary situation, confirming the suspicion of a grand smear campaign scheme to tarnish his reputation.

It has emerged that the Shippers’ Authority independently outsources its recruitment services to a company that engages in a rigorous process in selecting employees for whatever roles the Authority declares vacant.

On claims about lavish travels, the evidence suggests that although Prof Gyampo’s duties occasionally require travel, he has only embarked on four trips out of 38 possible opportunities, all of which were expressly approved by the Chief of Staff.

What is even more refreshing is that in all his travels, Prof Gyampo has always opted for economy class tickets and as he has said, he’s “the only CEO in Ghana who travels on economy tickets,” with boarding passes available to back his statement.

When contacted, the professor expressed gratitude to his supporters worldwide who urged him to ignore the accusations but noted that “lies become truth in the psyche of many people when they aren’t corrected,” making it necessary to set the record straight.

He revealed that a team of lawyers, including some he does not personally know, has stepped in to address the matter legally, vowing to pursue action against those behind what he called “baseless allegations.”

Reaffirming his commitment to public service and civic activism, Prof Gyampo declared that no smear campaign would silence him. “Baseless allegations have never been enough to silence me,” he stated firmly, promising to continue championing the interests of shippers and fearlessly expressing his views on national issues.

His closing words were a reassurance to the public: “I know the public confidence in me, and I won’t do anything to betray the trust reposed in me.”

In an exclusive interview with Adomonline.com, Professor Gyampo revealed a series of decisive measures he has implemented to rescue the financially-strained Authority.

“I travel economy class – and so will everyone else,” he declared matter-of-factly. “I may be the only CEO in Ghana who does that today. But it is unthinkable and unethical to indulge in opulence while the institution I lead is bleeding.”

Inheriting an empty purse

Prof. Gyampo assumed office amid a deep financial crisis rooted in broader economic policies that prioritized national obligations over agency liquidity.

Under the Mahama administration, a controversial fiscal decision to consolidate excess funds from government institutions had ripple effects across various agencies, including the GSA.

“The decision to pool institutional funds to meet national commitments, like paying bondholders, was critical,” he acknowledged.

“But it left institutions like ours gasping for air.”

Faced with a financial drought, Gyampo rolled out what he calls “an innovative austerity agenda” to cut costs and re-orient the Authority toward operational efficiency.

The Gyampo doctrine: cost-cutting with conviction

Key elements of this strategy include:

Contract Reviews: Several legacy contracts were terminated or renegotiated, ensuring better value for money and protecting the Authority from overpriced obligations.

Suspension of Incentives: While not ideal, some staff incentives have been paused temporarily to align expenditure with fiscal reality.

Travel Reform: All non-essential foreign travel has been suspended. When travel is approved, every employee, including the CEO himself, is expected to fly economy.

“Why should public officials, especially those presiding over loss-making institutions, live as if they’re royalty?” he queried. “It doesn’t make sense. We must abandon this culture of entitlement.”

The modesty isn’t just performative. “I was offered an old vehicle for official use, which I only drive to and from work. For church, funerals, and weddings, I use my personal car,” he added, underscoring a belief that government property should serve government functions alone.

A new ethos for public leadership

More than a temporary financial fix, Gyampo’s approach is emerging as a new governance ethos—a model of ethical leadership grounded in simplicity and accountability.

But the path has not been without resistance. Accusations recently surfaced suggesting he had purchased a luxury massage chair for his office—an allegation he dismisses as “ignorant propaganda.”

“That claim is not only false but senseless,” he retorted. “Competent propaganda isn’t for little minds. Those leveling such accusations must find a better strategy. If the opposition wants to remain relevant, it must produce a credible leadership that focuses on ideas, not pettiness.”

A man of modest origins and unyielding focus

Gyampo’s leadership style is deeply shaped by his upbringing and his experience as an academic and unionist.

“I come from a very modest background. By the grace of God and through hard work, I was already comfortable before this appointment,” he noted. “But that background and the training I received make it impossible for me to condone waste.”

Far from being partisan, Gyampo sees his role as a national duty—part of a broader vision to “reset Ghana” under President Mahama’s renewed administration.

“The President has shown courage by bringing in people like me, who are not members of his party, to contribute. That shows seriousness. If we succeed in this agenda, Ghana succeeds. And that’s what matters most.”

Looking ahead

While it’s still early in his tenure, Professor Gyampo’s leadership is already turning heads, inspiring hope that the culture of public sector extravagance can be changed.

His blend of humility, policy clarity, and fierce accountability may yet set a new standard—not just for the GSA, but for public administration in Ghana.

“We won’t countenance a sense of entitlement that perpetuates what is wrong,” he said. “We’re here to change the status quo.”

As Ghana watches this unfolding story, one thing is clear: Prof. Gyampo is determined to lead with principle, not perks—and he’s betting that in the long run, that’s what real transformation looks like.

Describing Miracles as arrogant, Prof. Gyampo stated that such attitudes contributed to the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 elections.

According to him, he had hoped Miracles and other NPP members would learn from their loss and improve, but nothing seems to have changed.

“I thought after your long push into oblivion following your arrogance in public communications—which played a role in pushing your party into opposition—you would come back more sober and better refined to warm yourself into the hearts of Ghanaians. But it appears you haven’t learnt,” he wrote in a social media post.

Prof. Gyampo’s remarks follow claims by the former Director of Communication for the 2024 Bawumia Campaign Team, who alleged on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen that he was not surprised by Gyampo’s appointment, as he had actively lobbied for the role.

Miracles further claimed he had always known Gyampo to be a National Democratic Congress (NDC) member who served the party’s interests.

In response, Prof. Gyampo dismissed the claims in a Facebook post, stating that many respected figures within the NPP had urged him to “ceasefire” and focus on his role at GSA. However, he hinted at continuing his critiques of the NPP.

“Many of the guys you respect in your party have asked that I ceasefire, focus on my new task of protecting the interests of shippers, reducing the cost of doing business, and deepening international trade, and allow you to recuperate from the deadly knockout punches Ghanaians gave to you and your party.

“I was almost yielding to this call, but it appears I must revise my notes. I can multitask, so I will resume talking about your party to Ghanaians alongside my work. You and your party must show stamina as I go on this tangent. I have the stamina to withstand you and your party, so you too, talk about me to Ghanaians and let’s see who gets listened to,” he added.

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Listen to Miracles in the video below:

Miracles Aboagye accused Prof. Gyampo of being aligned with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and serving its interests.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, he claimed that Prof. Gyampo had actively lobbied for the position.

“He almost cried at TUC because his people did not support him in declaring a nationwide strike over galamsey. Unknowingly, he was serving his interest.

“I wasn’t surprised, and those of us in NPP weren’t surprised. I knew he was actively lobbying for the position. Some Professors who openly campaigned and shared fliers in traffic are now crying because they feel neglected, but the so-called neutrals are now being appointed,” he stated.

Before his appointment, Prof. Gyampo was a political science professor at the University of Ghana and had been vocal on national issues, earning a reputation as an independent-minded figure in the fight against wrongdoing.

However, Miracles Aboagye questioned why Prof. Gyampo would leave his academic position to accept the appointment.

Listen to Miracle in the video attached:

• I am sorry – Miracles Aboagye apologizes for NPP’s election loss [Listen]

• I have no interest in any executive position in NPP – Miracles Aboagye [Watch]

He argued that, as a developing country, Ghana should not prioritize gender, ethnic, or regional balance when forming a government.

“Governance in a developing country is too serious a matter to be determined by mere considerations of gender, ethnicity, and regionalism,” he said on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, January 22.

Prof Gyampo explained, “While the constitution calls for regional balance, I believe it is not infallible.

Even the Bible faces challenges regarding its interpretation, and similarly, the constitution has provisions that can hinder our development, which is why it is reviewed.”

Gyampo further rejected the notion that President Mahama should appoint more women or ensure equal representation for all regions.

He stated, “The idea of appointing individuals from all regions without prioritizing competency is problematic. Focusing on gender, regionalism, and ethnicity, without considering competency, will continue to hinder our efforts to govern effectively and bring about development.”

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This outstanding approval score comes from Professor Ransford Gyampo, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Political Science Department.

The lecturer has lauded Mr. Mahama’s swift response to the nation’s pressing issues and his proactive approach to governance.

In an exclusive interview with Adom News, Professor Gyampo expressed his admiration for President Mahama’s rapid decision-making and the strategic appointment of ministers and officials, which has set the stage for a functional and effective government.

According to Professor Gyampo, Mr. Mahama’s leadership style so far has demonstrated a sense of urgency and a commitment to tackling the country’s challenges head-on, rather than getting bogged down in political blame games.

“President Mahama has shown a remarkable determination to hit the ground running,” said Professor Gyampo. “He is not waiting for things to unfold; he is taking immediate action to address the concerns of the people and ensure that governance is efficient,” he said.

While the previous government failed to deliver on securing stable fuel supplies for consistent power, President Mahama is taking decisive action to ensure that the lights stay on.

His approach to leadership contrasts sharply with that of Akufo-Addo’s government, which, even on Election Day, continued to blame the administration it succeeded instead of offering solutions.

Mahama’s focus on addressing the root causes of the power challenges demonstrates true leadership—taking responsibility and working towards sustainable solutions for the benefit of the people.

Professor Gyampo also highlighted Mahama’s refreshing approach to governance—one focused on practical solutions rather than finger-pointing.

This, he argues, has earned the President significant respect from Ghanaians and placed him on a promising trajectory.

However, Prof. Gyampo did offer a word of advice for the President to ensure his appointments reflect a mix of both seasoned, competent figures and fresh, dynamic faces.

“We do not want to fall into a cycle where only familiar names are recycled,” he cautioned. “The public will be eager to see new faces—individuals who bring innovative ideas and energy to the table,” he urged.

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This follows Mr. Mustapha’s allegations that Prof. Gyampo was working with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to disenfranchise students.

The claims were made on Monday, October 28, in the wake of the University Teachers Association of Ghana’s (UTAG) anti-galamsey strike.

The NPP Youth leader accused Prof. Gyampo, who is the UG-UTAG President, of using the strike as a decoy due to an appointment promised to him in a future NDC government.

In a statement, he noted that the apology and retraction are in line with demands made by Prof. Gyampo’s lawyers.

He added that he has no evidence to back his claims, hence the need to yield to the demand, failure to which he risks legal action.

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Read the full statement below:

He cautioned that the ongoing constitutional dispute could spiral into chaos without intervention.

This follows the Supreme Court’s recent dismissal of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s application to overturn a ruling that suspended his declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Prof. Gyampo argued that the situation calls for intervention beyond the judicial process.

“This matter, in my view, wasn’t a matter that was supposed to be settled at the court. If there are elders in Ghana, if we have a Council of State that is functioning, this is the time they would have to intervene and settle matters,” he said on Thursday.

He noted that the high level of political partisanship has hindered constructive mediation by traditionally neutral institutions, creating an environment where institutions are reluctant to resolve issues outside formal legal channels.

“We have succeeded in politicising every institution of government…such that we don’t have people in Ghana now with moderate influence, who will be able to intervene,” he observed.

Prof. Gyampo warned that the ongoing court intervention risks intensifying the conflict between Parliament and the judiciary, leading Parliament to resist what it may view as judicial overreach.

“This current matter before the court is not one that the Supreme Court can settle in a manner that will bring about peace… Parliament would assert itself and will not allow itself to be made subservient to the judicial arm of government.

“And so what is going to happen? Chaos!” he stressed.

Calling on the Council of State to step up, Prof. Gyampo urged eminent Ghanaians to assume the role of mediators to prevent a constitutional crisis.

“If the Council of State…wants to perform their role, then I think that we may be able to bring about some resolution to this impasse,” he stated.

Background

The Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin initiated the court process after Speaker Alban Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant.

The Supreme Court, therefore, issued a stay in Speaker Bagbin’s declaration. The Speaker also countered with a suit seeking to overturn the Court’s ruling that suspended his declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.

The Speaker’s legal team argued, among other grounds, that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction in this case.

However, after hearing arguments from all parties, including the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Supreme Court maintained that its earlier ruling was appropriate, stating that the Speaker’s appeal was without merit.

Parliament to reconvene

Meanwhile, a five-member delegation of the Council of State, led by the Chairman, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, has paid a courtesy call on the Speaker to ascertain first-hand, happenings in the Legislature in recent times, resulting in the adjournment of the House indefinitely.

It was during this visit that the Speaker revealed that his office had already started processes to recall the House.

He said the office is working towards the recall of the House in early November.

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We cannot upset the balance of power between the arms of government in a manner that makes parliament subservient to the Judiciary and Executive.

The Judiciary has no power to gag Parliament, not in any serious democracy.

Parliament is the only truly representative arm among the three arms of government. Not all vote for whoever becomes the President and unlike other jurisdictions where judges are directly elected by the people to promote accountability, our judges are appointed.

It is only in Parliament that the entire citizenry are represented and hence in locating sovereignty among the organs of government, at least in theory, one is not wrong in placing it at the doorstep of Parliament.

This is elementary in Government 1 for those of us who studied it for our O’Level Exams.

There is the concept of judicial review that grants the courts the power to take a second look at the laws made by Parliament and to declare them constitutional or unconstitutional.

But If people can get the Supreme Court to sit and decide over matters ruled on by the Speaker of Parliament with near speed of light, then our Parliamentary Democracy may have no future because we may always have to be going to the courts to be overturning Parliament’s decisions.

This may not be judicial review, but judicial interference.

The courts must note their place within the balance of power and must not do anything that oversteps their boundaries because, I can predict that strong willed Speakers of Parliament, like Speaker Bagbin, would fight back to assert the independence of parliament over the judiciary and this can spell doom for the quest for countervailing authority.

Let us watch out for the response of Speaker Bagbin.

But in matured democracies, it is fair for one to call for judicial deference to legislative actions.

Yaw Gyampo
A31, Prabiw
PAV Ansah Street
Saltpond

&
Suro Nipa House
Behind Old Post Office
Larteh-Akuapim

According to him, unlike a strike by health workers which may lead to deaths, UTAG’s strike will only result in the disruption of the academic calendar which can be fixed.

Prof Gyampo made these remarks on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday.

“We just didn’t wake up to go on strike. There were a lot of things that took place and the strike was our last resort. We have tried to engage the Minister and to date, he hasn’t availed him.

“When doctors go on strike, people die but when teachers go on strike, nothing happens; it is the academic calendar that is disrupted, but we are the ones that schedule the academic calendar so we can destroy it and also fix it,” he stated.

Prof Gyampo’s comment comes on the back of calls for UTAG to call off the strike due to the impact on academic activities.

The National Union of Ghana Students(NUGS) has described the industrial action has counterproductive, stating that academic activity is suffering in UTAG’s quest to demand solution to galamsey.

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The Silent Majority have given the National Executive Committee (NEC) until a three-day ultimatum which elapses on Friday to call off its indefinite strike.

These members have argued that the initial overwhelming vote from members across all 15 campuses was in support of the organised labour strike and not a separate UTAG strike.

However, the President of UG-UTAG, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has said the petition from the group has no bearing on the strike.

According to him, of the 57 individuals behind the petition, his checks have revealed 36 are not even university lecturers.

He added that, some of the lecturers listed as petitioners have publicly distanced themselves from the initiative, issuing disclaimers that they were included without their consent.

“There’s no way 57 people who are not all lecturers can describe themselves as a silent majority of lecturers with the audacity to give an ultimatum to close to 3,000 university professors,” Gyampo asserted.

He stated that while UTAG values solidarity among its members, there are concerns that some of those involved in the petition may not fully understand the issues at hand.

UTAG has no intention of engaging in public disputes with these individuals, some of whom are colleagues but the indefinite strike will remain in force.

He added the Association will not be swayed by a small group, especially those who do not represent the majority of lecturers.

Meanwhile, Prof Gyampo has said the leadership plans to engage them privately to explain the reasoning behind the strike and the Association’s discontent with the actions of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOSSAG) leadership regarding their handling of issues surrounding illegal mining.

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Read Prof Gyampo’s statement below:

This comes after the Organised Labour called off a planned a nationwide strike which was to start on Thursday, October 10.

The President of the University of Ghana (UG) Chapter of UTAG, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, made this known in a post on Facebook.

Prof Gyampo who has been vocal in the fight against galamsey and had endorse the strike expressed his disappointment with the leadership of Organised Labour.

“UTAG NEC meets over this tonight, and given the overwhelming support we have given to the fight against illegal mining via the voting outcomes of the public universities across the country, let us brace ourselves to be the only conscience of the nation in the fight against the existential threat that confronts all of us.

“We were called to a meeting to get a briefing about some new proposals government had made in response to our demand that illegal mining be addressed,” he said.

Prof Gyampo further revealed a meeting on Wednesday was to deliberate on proposal from government.

However, the Secretary General of Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah and Executive Secretary of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), Dr. Isaac Bampoe-Addo arrived with a pre-written speech calling for the suspension of the planned strike.

Prof. Gyampo also hinted at the division within the ranks of Organised Labour, hence the decision by UTAG NEC to convene a meeting.

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The government on Monday, October 7, expressed surprise at labour’s decision to embark on its anti-galamsey strike in a statement signed by the Information Minister, Fatimatu Abubakar.

In the view of the government, at the President’s high-level meeting with organised labour last week, it put forward a number of steps to meet their demands and thus found their position now to be surprising.

But speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, Prof. Ransford Gyampo rather expressed surprise at the government’s reaction.

He said organised labour was not automatically going to accept the position of the government hook line and sinker merely because it agreed to meet with the President.
He noted that as long as organised labour is dissatisfied with the government’s response to the national emergency, going on strike is in order.

“I am surprised that Fatima says she’s surprised at the response of labour. We didn’t ask them to come and meet the President and swallow hook line and sinker whatever the President was solving. They went to listen and came back to us and we said no way. If the government is serious a simple temporary moratorium on mining so we all sit to dialogue will be the way to go.

But they’re talking about when Parliament reconvenes, and we are going to collaborate with labour to fight galamsey, how? We’re going to ask that special courts be set up, meanwhile, people are dying.

Prof Gyampo said they expected the government to take immediate action to suspend small-scale mining activities before any focus on long-term measures.

“People are dying today, so why won’t look at the current issues so that we look at the other long-term interventions” he quizzed.

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Delivering the 7th Nathan Annang Quao Excellence Lecture in Accra on Tuesday, he said the development undermined the integrity and effectiveness of the established civil service, leading to issues with accountability and transparency.

The lecture, on the theme: “The Weberian ideal of political neutrality among civil servants: a review of the situation in Ghana,” was in honour of Nathan Annang Quao, a celebrated Civil Servant who worked under five successive governments.

Prof. Gyampo observed that Ministers hired advisers and consultants at higher wages than civil servants, leading to demotivation and inefficiency among public employees.

“It is knowledge of how partisan our civil bureaucracy has become that has led to disingenuous attempts by some politicians to strive to create a parallel civil service of their own to rival the existing civil service.

“They do this by recruiting consultants and advisors who are heavily paid to do the work expected to be done by the civil service. So, people would continue to loiter around at the workplace without doing much,” he said.

Prof. Gyampo called for sustained education and sensitisation on the significance of political neutrality among civil servants, adding that public employees who indulged in partisan politics should face punitive consequences.

He said the politicisation of the Civil Service was eroding confidence in the service and rallied the service to question the appointment and recruitment of civil servants purely on partisan grounds.

“Let us push for Chief Directors to be made to rise through the ranks to attain such positions without political hands playing any role,” Prof. Gyampo said.

Mr Isaac Bampoe-Addo, Executive Secretary, Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), said state institutions, administered though decentralised local governance structure, should regulate mining activities to curtail illegalities in the sector.

“It is time for us to evaluate the democracy that has characterised governance under the Fourth Republic to ascertain whether this type of governance is helping us to develop,” he said.

The CLOGSAG awarded some public servants who had distinguished themselves in the discharge of their duties and contributed to building professional service.

Mr Ralphael K. Tuffuor, a former Controller and Accountant General, clinched the ultimate award.

Other awardees were Mr Jones Agyeman, Development Planning Officer, Obuasi East – Tutuka); Mr Ernest Deladem Kwakuyi, Director, Ministry of Energy; Madam Ruby Yaa Korantiwaa Akae, Staff, Civil Service Council, and Madam Caroline Ansoah Kuuzegh, Planning Officer, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations.

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Speaking on the Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Prof Gyampo dismissed the notion that the association’s recent vocal opposition to galamsey is intended to undermine the current government or bolster opposition forces ahead of the upcoming elections.

He described such claims as “nonsense,” emphasising that UTAG’s efforts to combat galamsey stem from genuine concern over its devastating effects on Ghana’s environment and the loss of lives.

“People are dying now,” he said, stressing that the urgency of the issue transcends political affiliations.

He acknowledged criticisms that UTAG had not been as vocal in the past but reiterated that the association’s fight is against an existential threat, not a political regime.

He distinguished UTAG’s resolve and other civil society organizations (CSOs) that had been selectively vocal depending on which party was in power, noting that UTAG’s determination to protect the environment will remain consistent, regardless of which political party governs the country.

“Our hatred and resolve to fight and ensure that the integrity of our environment is restored will not stop until the battle against galamsey is won,” he vowed.

Prof Gyampo’s comments come at a time when the illegal mining menace continues to dominate national discourse, with various stakeholders pushing for tougher action to address the environmental degradation and public health risks posed by galamsey operations.

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Therefore any deliberate effort to dialogue with them before an election via the decent platform of Town Hall, is commendable, as it would help erase the derogatory perception of young people as immature, dangerous to themselves, and agents used to foment conflict.

This would in turn seize them with the information with which they can demand accountability from governments.

The age cohort of 18 to 35 years is almost 70 percent of Ghana’s voting population.

Any serious effort at winning an election must therefore target the youth for the purposes of engaging them in a civil dialogue on matters germane to their welfare and what can be done about them.

Virtually all the problems confronting Ghana would be solved if the problems of young people were clearly articulated, properly grasped, and addressed.

The worry, however, is about the creation of the impression that there are solutions to all the problems of the youth.

This, if not managed well, may create more disappointments. Around this time, every cohort in the voting population would want to hear something about what can be done to help them.

But realistically, it would take a lot of strenuous effort to properly rebuild what has been destroyed and regain what is lost.

In this regard, young people must be made to know quite frankly that, given the challenges that lie ahead of us as a people, it would have to be tough before it becomes easier.

We would all have to tighten our belts a little more, from whoever heads the country to the lowest-rated citizen.

From the topmost politician to the party footsoldier, all must brace themselves to endure a little more suffering, after which things would begin to ease up.

This should be the message to the youth. Jerry Rawlings in his second bid to win power in the 1996 General Elections, articulated this type of message cleverly and in a manner that should be emulated.

He said he wouldn’t promise anyone anything and that all he could promise was hard work which would in turn pay off to meet the needs of all.

I, therefore, urge all to be measured in the expectations they create, even if it is still true that “yɛte sika so, nanso ɛkɔm de yɛn”, in order to avoid further disappointments that can threaten the very survival of our democracy and peace.

Yaw Gyampo

A31, Prabiw

PAV Ansah Street

Saltpond

&

Suro Nipa House

Behind Old Post Office

Larteh-Akuapim

Speaking to JoyNews on Friday, July 19, at the Atta Mills 12th anniversary memorial lecture, Prof Gyampo stated that the late President valued academic freedom, unlike those who do not understand how academia operates.

“He cherished academic freedom. He was an academic. People who are not academics do not even understand how academia operates.

“I am saying that Prof. Mills did not do anything to undermine academic freedom.”

Professor Gyampo further noted that the late Mills never involved himself in the management of universities by introducing legislation to undermine the powers of academia or influence the appointment of vice-chancellors, unlike the current Akufo-Addo government.

“But under this particular regime, there was an effort to introduce a public university bill, which was simply an attempt to undermine academic freedom because somebody wanted to sack a vice-chancellor.

“Some of us stood up to that person and said no, that cannot happen. They felt academia was too powerful, so they drafted legislation to curtail its power. But Prof. Mills was not interested in that.

“He did not support these moves and was never interested in who became a vice-chancellor of a public university.”

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Mr Gyampo emphasised that it was unnecessary to speak about Dr Nkrumah, a global icon in that manner.

While addressing party supporters in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi, Dr Opoku Prempeh praised President Akufo-Addo, claiming that, ‘Not even Kwame Nkrumah developed Ghana like him.’

In an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, Prof Gyampo said that commentary was unnecessary.

“We all heard what Nana Opoku Agyemang said, and we also heard Napo speak. In my view, the dismissive description of Kwame Nkrumah, a global icon who has been described as the president of the whole century, was unnecessary condescension.”

Mr Gyampo highlighted the importance of differentiating between being brutally frank and being tactful. He warned that without this distinction, party communicators would need to perform damage control after every public statement, using the current social media expression,“them go explain Taya”

He noted that one can be assertive and honest in a convincing manner without resorting to derogatory language, likening inappropriate communication to selling medicine or making altar calls at a church crusade in a simple community.

“Ultimately, the orientation and beliefs of the audience should guide the approach. I’m still wondering whether this aligns with the complementarity Dr Mahamudu Bawumia seeks. Yes, his running mate may complement him in terms of hard work and forthrightness, but is the manner in which he expresses this forthrightness truly complementary? It can be both advantageous and disadvantageous, depending on where one finds himself.”

Prof Gyampo illustrated his point with a personal anecdote: “When I was a student in the US, a student openly told our professor he was being stupid. To them, it was normal. I was very worried because, as an African, one cannot call a professor stupid, nor speak to elders in such a manner.”

He concluded by stressing the importance of considering the Ghanaian context when Dr Bawumia’s running mate speaks. “Otherwise, he will give his communicators a lot of work to do.”

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In a conversation with Joy Learning’s Irene Adubea Aning on Joy Prime’s The Career Trail, he shared that although he was an exceptionally brilliant student, he was moved a year ahead of his colleagues because he could sing a song the headmaster had taught the class.

“One day, when I was in class one, our teacher didn’t come to school. And you know children. When there is no teacher, they tend to talk and make noise. So the headmaster at the time, Master Sam, came to the class that day to engage us. He said he was going to teach us some music.

“After teaching the song, he told us if anyone could sing the song, he was going to promote them to class three. So I raised my hand, and then I sang it. He took me to class three and asked me to sing before the whole class, which I did. Afterward, he assigned them to give me a table and chair there”, he said.

The Political Science lecturer further said this move, although impressive, proved to be quite arduous for him due to the fact that he was younger than his classmate and very smallish.

“My mates were always not happy with me because I was the tiniest among them. They did not understand why they struggled to get there and all I did was just sing. When they conducted exams that term, I placed fourth in the class,” he added.

Upon completing class three, he moved from the Central Region to the Greater Accra Region to continue his education.

He explained that at his new school, Calvary International School, the teacher initially wanted to place him in primary three because of his age.

However, his mother vouched that he was capable and should be in primary four.

However, after that term’s examination, he did not perform as his mother had expected, and she was therefore very disappointed.

“Although there were obvious questions about my appropriateness for class four because of my age, she avouched my capabilities as very suitable for the class. So they sent me to class four, and when the first set of exams was conducted, I placed 50th in a class of 63. My mother was so disappointed that she asked to have me sent back to class three,” he said.

The Founding Director of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana asserted that, now in class three of his new school, he was constantly among the first ten to fifteen whenever exams were conducted.

This Saturday, July 6, we will introduce the second part of the conversation with Prof Ransford Edward Van Gyampo, diving into his life as a lecturer and an entrepreneur.

The Career Trail airs every Saturday, on Joy Learning TV @4pm and on Joy News @ 6:30pm.

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According to the academic, his excellent performance from Class 6 led to this promotion to Secondary School, Form 1.

“My results from Class 6 to JHS 1 were very, very good. So, around that time, in Class 6, there was this teacher of mine who was teaching us at Calvary International School; he is called Mr. Sam Gilbert, he is still alive.

“He said, your results are very good; so he moved me from Class 6 straight to Secondary School, Form 1, without going to the JHS,” the Political Science lecturer explained.

He said this in an interview on Joy Learning’s Career Trail programme.

The Professor told Irene Adubea Aning that, although his students have doubts about him whenever he tells them this story, it is the reality.

Prof Gyampo was moved to Osu Salem Secondary School, a private school in Osu in 1988.

He pointed out that, because of his diminutive stature at the time, the students in the school bullied him.

“I was the tiniest and I was very young. So my psyche, I didn’t think was so mature to be with those people I went to meet in Form 1. So, they were always beating me, they were bullying me, and everything”, he elaborated.

Prof. Gyampo also highlighted that one of the challenges he also faced was the inability to grasp what was being taught in school.

“I was a child, so I could not grasp anything that I was taught,” the Professor underscored.

Nonetheless, he never stopped trying to learn.

In 1989, he stated that he was finally moved to West Africa Secondary School to further his secondary school education.

Last week on the Career Trail, we explored the early life of Professor Ransford Gyampo.

This Saturday, 6^th July, stay glued to Joy Learning TV & Joy News at 4pm & 6:30pm respectively, as we delve into his journey as a lecturer and an entrepreneur.

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According to him, party faithful will vote for the party in the general elections regardless of who is chosen as a running mate for flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

As such, it is important to have Dr Bawumia choose someone he is comfortable with, who will complement him, and who will help draw in many votes, especially from floating voters, Prof. Gyampo said on PM Express on JoyNews.

“Partisan de-alignment in developing democracies is often minimal. As in, if somebody is an NPP supporter, it is oftentimes difficult for them to de-ally, in a way they can say that, well, I’m not going to vote. But they would not move easily from NPP to NDC, and vice versa.”

“And so NPP supporters are going to be supporters of the party in any way, regardless of whoever is fielded as their ally mate. And so whether it is going to be Napo (Dr Opoku Prempeh) or whoever, for me, it depends on who the flag-bearer of the party wants, and who the flag-bearer will be comfortable working with. To my mind, what is important is not really what the party wants,” the Political Science Lecturer said.

Prof. Gyampo further highlighted some additional qualities the running mate must possess aside from complementing Dr Bawumia.

“What is important is he who would be able to go beyond the party support base to reach out to election candidates. NPP support base would always be there, even though their support base has been scattered, especially in the Ashanti region, a little by the Alan factor. But if you take that away, the support base of the NPP will be there but they are not enough.”

“Their support base will not be enough to make them win any election. And so you are looking for a candidate who will be able to help Dr Bawumia to go into the other political divide and also to appeal to floating voters, win them to the side of Dr Bawumia,” Prof Gyampo said.

Additionally, he emphasised that it is important for the NPP flagbearer to choose a running mate who appeals to the Christian majority in Ghana.

“Whether we like it or not, Ghana is made up of over 70% Christians. The other religions can share the rest of the 30%. And he who will be able to help Dr Bawumia enough is he who the Christian folks will feel comfortable with. He will be able to attract the Christian support base to balance the religion of Dr Bawumia, to make the Christians also feel a bit comfortable.”

“Last but not the least, is he that Ghanaians are comfortable that, look, should Dr Bawumia not be there, he would be enough. He would have the adequate persona, the temperament, the sobriety, the statesmanship to be able to serve as the acting president in the absence,” Prof Gyampo noted.

This follows a National Investigative Bureau (NIB) survey revealing that Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is widely preferred among party members to be the running mate to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia.

The survey engaged 5,116 NPP delegates nationwide, including national, regional, constituency, and polling station executives.

According to the study, Dr Opoku Prempeh secured 76.2% of the responses from executives polled.

Following him was the Minister of Education and MP for the Bosomtwe, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, who garnered 10.16%.

Other notable personalities the delegates consider for the role include Apostle Opoku Onyinah, former Chairman of the Pentecost Church-Ghana, and Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Agriculture and MP for Abetifi Constituency.

As Dr Bawumia faces the challenge of choosing among some bigwigs of the party, the survey reveals that there was a strong consensus that the running mate should be selected from the Ashanti Region.

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According to Gyampo, the President should communicate directly with Ghanaians before forming opinions about his record in the fight against corruption.

Prof Gyampo’s comment comes after President Akufo-Addo touted his record in the fight against corruption, claiming that combating corruption has been the cornerstone of his administration.

According to the President who was speaking during the commissioning of The Law House on June 10, corruption thrives in environments where it can be concealed, and access to information is crucial in fighting it.

He noted that to address this, his government ensured the passage of the Right to Information Act (RTI) 2019, ACT 989, during its first term.

But speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on June 11, Prof Gyampo questioned the effectiveness of increasing funding for anti-corruption agencies if other actions undermine the fight against corruption.

“Don’t tell me that you are giving more funding to anti-corruption agencies. To do what? We are told that CHRAJ, for instance, has had its funding increased under this particular administration and it’s a good thing. But you do not increase their funding while doing things that would make the fight against corruption very difficult.”

Prof Gyampo stated that there can be no comparison between President Akufo-Addo and former President John Mahama, arguing that there are significant differences between the two administrations, suggesting that corruption scandals in Akufo-Addo’s government should lead to prosecutions, similar to the case of Abuga Pele during Mahama’s tenure.

“It is a clear case of day and night. You are telling me that no corruption scandal in this particular regime should necessitate the prosecution and the jailing of anyone. Abuga Pele was jailed by his own government, and you think that we can’t find some in this regime?”

“We cannot follow due process in perpetuity. We cannot follow due processes if you give clearance of people who are expected to go through due process.”

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Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof Ransford Gyampo has asserted that Reverend Dr Joyce Aryee should have declined the invitation to join the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign.

Prof Gyampo explained the founder of the Salt and Light Music Ministry (SLMM) is one of the few eminent people in Ghana.

In this regard, the Political Science lecturer on Adom FM Burning Issues stated she had no business engaging in partisan politics.

“When there are issues, these eminent people rise to engage and restore calm. But if they are all to engage in partisan politics, who will mediate when issues arise?

“I see Joyce Aryee as eminent and expected she would have declined the invitation just to continue to play her role as an eminent state woman,” he said.

Dr Bawumia on Tuesday named Revered Aryee, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as part of his Campaign Advisory Committee.

Other members include the National Council of Elders, Freddie Worsemao Blay, Madam Elizabeth Ohene, and Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei Opare.

But Prof Gyampo insists the acceptance was a wrong move on the part of Joyce Aryee.

“As our democracy progresses, not everyone is to engage in partisan politics. You can no longer mediate issues because people will think you will be prejudiced,” he added.

Listen to Prof Gyampo in the video attached above:

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The President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana Chapter, lamented the increasing influence of money in Ghana’s elections.

He stated that it is undermining the democratic progress made since independence.

Prof. Gyampo highlighted the current state of Ghana’s electoral processes, describing it as nauseating, with the highest bidder often securing victory.

Speaking on Joy FM‘s Super Morning Show, he emphasised the need for a drastic change to avoid potential regrets for the country.

“The output of our electoral processes now is becoming nauseating. The output of our electoral processes has nothing to do with the expression of the popular choices of the people.

“The output of our electoral processes is now becoming undemocratic with people emerging as having been elected, but they bought their way into the process, they bought their way into the outcome of the process.

“Simply because they were able to pay more money, but democracy in a developing country like ours must thrive to producing candidates who have what it takes to implement tangible solutions to our problems,” he said.

Prof. Ransford Gyampo was addressing concerns regarding the proposal for the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to be elected along political party lines.

This follows President Akufo-Addo’s to revoke the appointment of 24 District Chief Executives.

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Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews, he explained that agreeing to change the date, December 7, which falls on a Saturday, to another day can open a floodgate for equally similar requests in the future.

“With the greatest of respect to them, Ghana is our constitution that guarantees the free expression of our religion. At the same time, the constitution says we are a secular state. And so if it is a secular state, people have the right to exercise their religion, but this must not be exercised in a manner that sort of projects their religious beliefs and faith and ideals over those of the other people who also have different religious beliefs and faith and ideals.”

“So the point is that given that it is a secular state any day is fine. Otherwise, if we allow this tomorrow if election day is on Friday, Muslims will tell us that, well, they go to the mosque on Friday and go, we shouldn’t. If it falls on Sunday, you have a ponderance, majority of Ghanaians being Christian, they may say that it is going to disturb the day selected to worship their God.”

Prof Gyampo said that although voting is a national duty, it should be a choice for people to decide whether or not they would vote or choose to exercise their religious duty instead.

“So long as the fundamental laws of the land says you’re a secular country, we should be careful not to allow all religious beliefs and sects to also come in making pleas and demands.”

“Today it is SDA if it is granted, tomorrow it will be Harikrishnas, Muslims, Christians and it creates a state of confusion and a state of factionalism in the body politics. It’s not something that we should encourage.”

This comes after the Seventh-day Adventist Church made a case for an amendment to the 2024 December 7 election date which falls on a Saturday.

The church, in separate petitions, first to the Electoral Commission, recommended the elections be moved from the conventional December 7 because the date falls on a Saturday, which will conflict with Sabbath, a holy day dedicated to the worship of God.

The church says the first or second Tuesday will be more convenient to promote inclusive democracy.

Additionally, the church is taking steps by sending another petition to the Attorney General and pushing for an amendment of the constitutional provisions which restricts the period of organizing parliamentary and presidential elections in Ghana.

According to him, the Vice President should focus on provide alternative policies ahead of the 2024 election instead of rubbishing his opponents promises.

He said this in reaction to Dr Bawumia’s critic of the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Mahama’s 24-hour economy promise.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said Mr Mahama lacks an understanding of the policy he is promising Ghanaians.

He explained that, the 24-hour economy policy is being implemented in Ghana already at hospitals, fuel companies, among others.

Speaking Accra-based Neat FM, Prof Gyampo indicated that, Dr Bawumia must sack his political strategist.

“It seems we don’t learn in our political game. The more you oppose and dismiss policies, the more it gains momentum and becomes popular; That was what happened with free SHS.

Right now, the discussion around the 24-hour economy has been sustained. He should have proposed alternatives because politics is a contest of ideas,” he stated.

Prof Gyampo further acknowledged that some services are operating 24-hours but it is not a deliberate policy.

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The trio Henry Kwofi, Yaw Asare Darko, and Adjei Frimpong all Justices at the Court of Appeal were appointed following the retirement of some judges.

The appointment is subject to vetting and Parliamentary approval.

If confirmed, President Nana Akufo-Addo alone would have appointed 18 Supreme Court judges, the biggest number by any President in Ghana’s history.

Taking to Facebook, Prof Gyampo acknowledged the need for replacements after retirement.

However, he said it is about time the number of judges appointed to the Apex court is capped.

“We must think about the absence of ceiling on the number of justices that can be appointed to serve on the apex court of the land. In the US, there are 9 justices of the Supreme Court who sit to bring finality to matters.

“But in Ghana, there is no ceiling, and this is being exploited by very self-seeking, self-serving, self-aggrandizing, and self-perpetuating political cabals,” he wrote.

The political scientist buttressed his point with the Democracy Consolidation Strategy Paper (DCSP), prepared by the IEA-Ghana Political Parties Programme in 2008, and called for a review of the 1992 Constitution.

“What is the state of our Constitutional Review exercise that we spent huge sums of money on? We have just yielded to the plague of policy discontinuity, just because the process, though highly consultative, was initiated by a predecessor government.

“We were all worried when President Mahama indicated his desire to balance out the courts, but the reality is that, given the absence of ceiling on the number of justices that can be appointed to the Supreme Court, it wouldn’t be illegal if any future President decides to appoint 20 more justices to the Supreme Court to also have a firm grip of the judiciary. Is this the way we want to go as a nation?” he quizzed.

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Read the full post below:

Prof Gyampo questioned why the EC chose to use a platform of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to entreat citizens to partake in the exercise.

The seven-day nationwide exercise which commenced on November 3 recorded a low turnout.

In this regard, the EC Director of Electoral Services, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe after declaring the winner of the NPP presidential election admonished Ghanaians to take advantage of the exercise.

He said it will help eligible voters identify, correct errors and delete names of deceased persons in the new voter register.

However, Prof Gyampo on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem said the announcement was out of place.

In his view, it would have been more appropriate for the NPP executives to make such a call than an EC official since it was a political platform.

The lecturer asserted that, Dr Quaicoe’s act would create the impression that he is an NPP member.

“You don’t go to an NPP programme and make that appeal. It was a show of indiscretion. This should have been done by the NPP executives not the EC or are they now NPP members?” he quizzed.

“I don’t understand certain things happening with the EC. Serebour Quaicoe seemed so unprepared. It wasn’t by force that he should be there to declare the results” Prof. Gyampo added.

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In his view, this could be a recipe for disaster going into a crucial election in 2024.

In its announcement of the NPP flagbearer elections, the Commission mistakenly declared 91% instead of the 61%.

But this error was quickly corrected by a deputy Commissioner of the Electoral Commission, Dr Serebour Quaicoe.

But Prof Gyampo questioned the Commission’s competence in accurately presenting results.

According to him, the presentation of the results by Dr. Serebour Quiacoo was poorly executed and lacked precision.

Prof. Gyampo cited how EC after the 2020 election had to correct itself multiple times while announcing results to buttress his point.

He insisted that, the Electoral Commission should be responsible for providing accurate data on the percentage of votes obtained by all aspirants.

The political science lecturer stressed the need for the Commission to ensure that the presence of some individuals do not affect the integrity of their work.

Prof. Gyampo highlighted the importance of institutions transcending individual influences and continuously strive for improvement in their operations.

He criticized the “arrogant” attitude and response Dr. Addison gave protesters of OccupyBoG who are demanding his resignation.

In an open letter to the BoG Governor, Prof. Gyampo said, “Whether you resign or not, you would by all means, account one day, for your stewardship either in heaven or in hell or in prison or in your home.

One thing is certain to me and must be clear in the minds of all if we survive 2024, the conduct of governance, politics and the management of our economy wouldn’t be business as usual. Things would change to the glory of God, for the betterment of lives of Ghanaians, and to the shame of wicked and incompetent leadership.”

This follows Dr. Addison’s dismissal of calls by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Minority caucus in Parliament for him to resign. In an interview with the international business website, Central Banking, he said he is not stepping down, describing the protest by the NDC as “completely unnecessary.”

“The Minority in Parliament have many channels to channel their grievances in civilised societies, not through demonstrations in the streets as hooligans,” Dr. Addison added in reference to the #OccupyBoGProtest.

Mr. Gyampo in the letter also said the Governor spent about GH¢137 million on vehicle maintenance; collapsed over 400 banks and micro-finance companies; printed over GH¢700 trillion within 2 years; and depleted our foreign reserves.

“Yet you still want to determine how the tax payer reacts to your decision to choose excessive partisanship over competence?”.

Prof Gyampo said Dr. Addison’s attitude and response epitomized what his father referred to as impunity personified as the President and the Finance Minister had similarly received several calls for their resignation but had not responded arrogantly as the governor had.

“Please Governor, printing money does not make you owner of human life and human rights and respectfully, sir, you portray a certain high-level poverty, if all you have, is the money you have printed, which makes you arrogant in insulting taxpayers who are unhappy with your abysmal performance. This isn’t how Governors G.K Agamah, K. Dufuor, P. Acquah, and N. Ishahakku handled the BoG. These chaps were simply sober and competent,” he added.

Below is the full letter to the BoG Governor by Prof. Gyampo

OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR OF BANK OF GHANA

Dear BoG Governor,

1. Your response to the tax payers and demonstrators is unprecedented. You want to determine how they voice their dissatisfaction about your abysmal performance? You described them as hooligans for demonstrating against you? Please who are you? Are you a demi-god or some deified ancestor-incarnate? It appears you have a very infinitesimal understanding of the system of government we have decided to operate and I strongly recommend that you take lessons in the tenets of democracy, that creates the kind of environment conducive for your work and for all us to thrive. Otherwise, your attitude is going to be the cause of many demonstrations that would peak our political temperature and create unnecessary tension.

2. Isn’t it under your watch that the BoG has negative equity? If my understanding of negative equity is correct, it means the BoG has no money to operate, and if so, where are you getting money for the construction of your new Headquarters? Borrowing to soak us into more debt or printing more money?

3. The BoG is currently insolvent under your watch and it doesn’t lie in your mouth to offer your own definition of what insolvency is. It is an insult to our intelligence to get us into this quagmire, and still marshal the audacity to tell us that the BoG is technically not insolvent because, it is a state entity. If there’s no money, there’s no money.

4. You spent about 137 million on vehicle maintenance; collapsed over 400 banks and micro-finance companies; printed over 700 trillion within 2 years; and depleted our foreign reserves. Yet you still want to determine how the tax payer reacts to your decision to choose excessive partisanship over competence? Your attitude and response epitomizes what my father referred to as IMPUNITY PERSONIFIED. The President of the land has received several calls for his resignation and your boss, Ken Ofori Atta is still being asked to resign or be sacked. None of these have responded arrogantly like the way you have.

5. Please Governor, printing money does not make you owner of human life and human rights and respectfully, sir, you portray a certain high level poverty, if all you have, is the money you have printed, which makes you arrogant in insulting tax payers who are unhappy with your abysmal performance. This isn’t how Governors G.K Agamah, K. Dufuor, P. Acquah, and N. Ishahakku handled the BoG. These chaps were simply sober and competent.

6. Whether you resign or not, you would by all means, account one day, for your stewardship either in heaven or in hell or in prison or in your home. One thing is certain to me and must be clear in the minds of all, if we survive 2024, the conduct of governance, politics and the management of our economy wouldn’t be business as usual. Things would change to the glory of God, for the betterment of lives of Ghanaians, and to the shame of wicked and incompetent leadership.

Thank you

Yaw Gyampo
A31, Prabiw
PAV Ansah Street
Saltpond &
Suro Nipa House
Behind Old Post Office
Larteh-Akuapim

He won the election with 93.3 percent of the total valid votes cast according to a Facebook post he made on Thursday evening.

The vociferous professor said he will champion the interest of his people forcefully and proactively. 

“I have just won my election as President of UTAG (UG) with 93.3 percent of the total valid votes cast.

“In the driving seat myself, I’ll champion the interest of my people forcefully and proactively.” 

The outspoken lecturer added that he is prepared to sacrifice his relationships for the collective good of his people. 

“I lost some friends as General Secretary, and I do not mind losing more as I fight harder for the University Teacher in my capacity as President.”

“It won’t be out of malice or hatred for any regime. It would be just for the advancement of the interest of my people.”

He, thus, thanked his colleagues for believing in him and voting for him to lead them. 

“Thanks to you all for the well wishes; thanks to all my colleague lecturers for the confidence they have shown in me and thanks to my students who were relentless in their support for me,” he concluded. 

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While acknowledging that keeping a large sum of money at home as a public officer is unacceptable, Professor Gyampo commended her boldness to step down, considering it a praiseworthy action that should be encouraged.

He stated, “I applaud her for taking the initiative to resign. In our country, it is not common for public officers to do so, making her decision even more significant. By resigning, she has shown courage and done well.” He told Omanhene Kwabena Asante on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen Monday.

However, he also expressed his concern about President Nana Akufo-Addo’s response to her resignation, stating that the president should have accepted it without being judgmental.

The political science lecturer emphasised the importance of allowing the investigative body to carry out its work, stating: “Let us allow the investigative body to do their work if we are serious as a nation. We need to tackle things from the roots.”

Regarding the arrest of Madam Dapaah by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, Professor Gyampo noted that it was a consequence of suspicions surrounding corruption and corruption-related offenses, specifically related to the alleged theft of substantial amounts of money and valuable items from her residence in Accra.

In light of recent events, Professor Gyampo suggested a reevaluation of the structure of her former ministry.

He proposed: “Her ministry should be realigned. It is unnecessary to appoint a new minister to replace her. Cutting down the number of ministers is important.”

The arrest of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources has triggered series of investigations into the reported theft, causing shock and concern among the public.

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According to him, Mr Quayson should be allowed to represent his people at all times which is elementary in the practice of democracy.

He stated that the continuous trial may cause disagreements among the three arms of government -Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary – which does not augur well for the country.

“So, let the Gyakye Quayson matter be resolved in a manner that assures rule of law and ensures that no organ of government torpedoes the will of the people who are the fiduciary owners of the power exercised by the organs of government,” he said.

Below is his statement:

Gyakye-Quayson MUST be in Parliament at all times to represent his people. Any court judgement that is not tailored to respect this elementary principle of democratic representation, would bring an unnecessary confrontation between the Legislature and the Judiciary.

This potential confrontation, if not anticipated by wise people and prevented through dialogue, may eventually result in some defiances, lawlessness through the flexing of muscles and governmental ungovernabilities.

The signs of these are becoming clearer by the day. For instance in the recent case of Ezuame Mannan Vs Attorney General, the Supreme Court shot down article 42 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act as being unconstitutional. But just days ago, an amendment to the Act which achieves the same effect the Supreme Court frowned upon, has been introduced. So it is possible that the Judiciary may rule but the Legislature may also act in defiance in a manner that may point to muscle flexes and lawlessness.

By the dogmas of A.V. Dicey’s conception of Checks and Balances, it must be noted that the Executive arm of Government, particularly in a regime of a Hung Parliament, cannot be superior to the Legislature. The Judicial arm of Government is also not superior to the Legislature and the Legislature is itself also not superior to the two other arms of government.

These three organs of government have coexisted and the earlier we act swiftly to prevent their peaceful coexistence from degenerating into naked muscle flexing and power play, the better it would be for all of us.

So, let the Gyakye-Quayson matter be resolved in a manner that assures rule of law and ensures that no organ of government torpedoes the will of the people who are the fiduciary owners of the power exercised by the organs of government.

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Professor Gyampo’s statement comes in the wake of a leaked audio featuring some senior police officers engaging in a conversation with former Northern Regional Chairman for the NPP, Bugri Naabu, where the IGP was reportedly labelled as a member of the opposing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In a Facebook post made on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Professor Gyampo highlighted the potential political consequences for the NPP and the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government if they were to consider removing the IGP due to his competence.

He stated: “It would be politically suicidal for the NPP as a party and the Akufo-Addo government to think about removing the IGP for being too competent. But if this is not their thinking, why can’t they swiftly dissociate themselves from the rumours?”

The leaked audio, which has caused a stir in political circles, raises questions about the IGP’s impartiality and his role in the upcoming general election, especially in light of the NPP’s ‘Break the 8’ quest.

The phrase ‘Break the 8’ refers to the NPP’s goal of securing a third consecutive term in office, a feat that has proven elusive for previous governments in Ghana.

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According to him, both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) can build a campaign message on the success of the bye-election.

This, he said, is the reason both parties are not leaving the election to chance.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, he said “It’s a keenly contested election and what happens is that, he who wins this particular election will have a certain bragging right and will have a statement for Ghanaians.”

The Professor explained that the NPP could be able to ‘solidify their breaking the 8’ message to the electorate and for the opposition, it is a sign that the electorate are unhappy with the ruling party.

“NPP is seeking to break the eight. If they win this election, it will help them to propagate this particular statement.

“NDC is seeking to take power from the NPP and we are saying that the NPP has disappointed Ghanaians and that Ghanaians should give them another chance to come and govern the country. If they win this election it will also be a plus for them in terms of the message that they want to canvas and deepen among Ghanaians,” he said on June 24.

He stressed that the bye-election was of great interest to the two political parties, hence the increase in vote buying in the constituency.

Already, there have been allegations of vote buying by the two political parties.

The NDC has accused the NPP of completing projects which had long been halted in a bid to get the votes of the electorate.

The NDC has also been accused of distributing fertilisers and boots to a select few in the constituency ahead of the June 27 election.

The keen contest is between NPP’s Charles Opoku and the embattled legislator of the NDC, James Gyakye Quayson.

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To him, party leaders who have openly shown their flag bearer preferences should be “ashamed of themselves” because they have flaunted party rules.

According to him, the party leaders should be custodians of the rules and “lead by example”

The senior lecturer said that this action may bring division in the party making their “breaking the eight” vision for 2024 impossible.

“I think that these leaders of the party who have openly shown their preferences should be ashamed of themselves. They should be ashamed of violating their party rules with impunity.

 “When these things happen they will divide their ranks and when they divide their ranks then it becomes difficult for them to achieve their ambition to want to break the eight,” he told TV3.

To him, the party leadership should focus on the party’s unity and its electoral fortunes rather than seek support for presidential candidates.

 “The one who will win the flagbearership race will win. The one who will emerge victorious will emerge victorious. There’s no point in you trying to violate party rules just for the purposes of seeking courting affection and seeking support or being right by any of the flag bearers. It doesn’t help.”

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“They should be mindful of their own party unity and they should be mindful of the electoral fortunes of the entire political party.”

This comes after some NPP leaders, over 80 Members of Parliament and some government appointees accompanied Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to the Ashanti Region for the Akwasidae festival over the weekend.

Though he is yet to officially declare his presidential ambition in the upcoming NPP primaries, the Veep was escorted by over 80 lawmakers mostly from the Ashanti Region to show their support.

The solemn ceremony came off on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in London.

It was a difficult moment for Prof Gyampo as he stood in front of relatives and sympathisers to read a tribute in honour of his father.

His emotions got a better part of him and he broke down in tears and wept uncontrollably.

Senior Gyampo passed on on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, after an illness.

He was 87 years.

According to him, Mr Anyidoho’s role cannot be ruled out or underestimated in the commemoration of Prof. Mills’ legacy.

However, his [Koku] name on the sculpture makes it wordy and too clumsy, hence his call.

“Koku’s role is known and can never be discounted. But in humility, it must be dropped in order not to make the writings on the statue too clumsy and wordy,” Prof Gyampo wrote on his Facebook wall.

The monument has been erected at the Asomdwee Park in Accra and was unveiled on Sunday, July 24, 2022, following the rehabilitation of the graveyard.

This was during a wreath-laying ceremony to mark 10 years of his demise.

The words on it read: “This was unveiled by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and assisted by Samuel Koku Anyidoho, Founder and CEO of Atta Mills Institute. Sunday, July 24, 2022. To God, Almighty be the Glory.”

This has generated controversies, especially as to why Prof Mills’ name was omitted with President Akufo-Addo and Mr Anyidoho’s name engraved.

Prof Gyampo, who believes President Akufo-Addo’s name on it is in the right direction, has proposed the wording should have read:

This statue of Prof J.E.A Mills, 3rd President of the 4th Republic (Jan 2009-July 2012), was unveiled by H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, Sunday, July 24. 2022.

Meanwhile, Mr Anyidoho, who is the founder of the Atta-Mills Institute, has asked persons who have issues with his name on the bust to go and wipe it.

Below is Prof Gyampo’s full post:

Prof. Gyampo said he was unable to trust that the salaries have been slashed because of the opulent lifestyles of some appointees, even during the current economic challenges.

Reacting to an announcement by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at this year’s Eid Al Adha prayers in Accra, Prof. Gyampo, in a Facebook post, said only evidence could clear his doubts.

He posted: “Mr President, unless we see the payslip of appointees, we are unable to trust the refrain that their salaries have been reduced by 30%. We live with them and know their opulent lifestyles haven’t changed even in the days of hardship. We need evidence.”

Speaking as the guest of honour at the Eid Al Adha prayers, President Akufo-Addo said the cut was a signal to citizens about the need to sacrifice as the country goes to the International Monetary Fund for support.

He also announced a 50% cut on fuel for government machinery.

According to the president, his ministers were not exempted from the 30% per cent salary reduction.

He said: “We are all going to have to make some sacrifices to afford us the space to navigate the troubled waters of the current economic difficulties. The expenditure of ministries, departments, and agencies has been cut by 30 per cent. The salaries of all appointees including myself have been reduced by 30 per cent. Fuel coupon allocations have been slashed by 50 per cent and other expenditures suspended.”

He also urged Ghanaians to bear with him as he puts in measures to ameliorate their plight.

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His dad, Mr Sampson Bismark Gyampo passed on on Tuesday morning following an undisclosed illness.

He was 87 years.

The UG Associate Professor took to his Facebook page to break the news as he shares fond memories of the deceased.

Prof Gyampo shared a photo which he recounted was on 12th February 2022, when he accompanied his dad to the Airport on a trip to London and he [Snr Gyampo] said he wasn’t returning to Ghana.

He wrote: Folks this is my biological father, the man who gave birth to me. Mr Sampson Bismark Gyampo. He passed this morning. He was 87.

Dad, when I was escorting you to the airport to London on 18th February this year, you told me you won’t come back to Ghana again. This morning I had a call that you’ve passed.

You know I am strong but I am not strong at all…But I’ll see. Rest well.

Scores of sympathisers have taken to his comment section to pour out their commiseration messages.

His argument is that, although politicians collect large sums of money as ex-gratia every four years, the average Ghanaian worker can labour his entire life for only a penny in pension income. He believes that the ex gratia paid to politicians is excessive and that something should be done about it.

To him what makes sense is that, ex-gratia should be paid to Members of Parliament who have lost their seats, or who are no longer seeking power, and not those who have retained theirs.

“It is just not right that members of parliament take as much as 300,000 Ghana cedis as ex- gratia every four years. Meanwhile, an ordinary worker will work his entire life only to receive just a small amount of money as pension pay.

“Someone in the parliament since 1992 has been receiving ex-gratia every four years. So is there not anyone who will realise that the country is being raped financially?” he fumed.

Prof. Gyampo stated that UTAG will push for good service conditions next year, and that this move will not be hindered by anyone.

He made this statement on Adom FM’s Burning Issues, hosted by Akua Boakyewaa Yiadom.

“During our strike the government only had a meeting and promised us till December. We are all here, UTAG next year will also embark on strike for good conditions of service and let’s see if anything can stop us,” he said.

However, Former MP for Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini, is suggesting a review of Article 71 to clarify who qualifies for ex gratia; otherwise, public sentiment will remain.

MMDCEs, the CEO of the Forestry Commission, and other CEOs of other Commissions are awarded ex-gratia, according to the former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, but they are not among the article 71 holders.

During former President Mahama’s era, there were attempts to change the concept but that was not to be as he was voted out of power.

“The article 71 has to be reviewed, because it is discriminatory. There are some people who do not qualify for such benefits, they are part of it. The CEO of land natural resources, MMDCEs are all not part but are being paid,” he said.

The issue of ex gratia has become topical after Togbe Afede VIX returned his GHC360, 000 ex-gratia

He argues that the Council of State has outlived its usefulness since its advisory role is not binding.

Speaking on Joy FM‘s Super Morning Show on Monday, June 13, he stressed that “the Council of State as it is currently constituted is not fit for purpose.”

He stated that “one of the things that makes the Executive very influential and powerful is because it controls resources and it is able to recruit and attract all manner of technical advisors that it needs.”

He, therefore, believes that there is no need to keep the Council of State as an advisory body to the President.

The call comes in the wake of the decision by a former member of the Council, Togbe Afede XIV to return an ex-gratia worth more than ¢360,000.00.

According to the former President of the National House of Chiefs, he returned the money to the state because he “was very uncomfortable” with the payment and deemed it “inappropriate for a short, effectively part-time work.”

He also added that he has already received a monthly salary and was entitled to other privileges.

This gesture has since been greeted with mixed reactions from the public domain. While some have lauded him for this, he has also come under criticism for returning the money.

The gesture has also triggered a conversation about the need for the Council of State to either be scrapped or restructured.

Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, on Saturday, June 11, said the Council of State needs to be restructured because it currently does not serve the purpose for which it was created in the Constitution.

During an interaction with the host of Newsfile, Samson Lardy Anyenini, he said the number of presidential appointments to the Council affects its credibility and independence.

Mr Kpebu noted that the role of the Council has largely been redundant as it merely contributes to the duplicity seen in several governments over the years.

Joining the discourse, Prof Gyampo stated that the Council is needless.

“The President has a lot of advisors so once he has access to expertise elsewhere I think we do not need the Council of State. It must be scrapped [and] to the effect that it is ineffective and is not serving any purpose, I think it must be scrapped. Otherwise, it is just a needless avenue for some older men and women to continue to milk the nation dry even though they may have worked and earned a lot of pensions,” he added.

Senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, says Ghanaians will be in danger if the National Security Minister goes mute on issues that threaten the country’s security.

According to him, Kan Dapaah is well-informed about the country’s security due to his position as the sector minister. Therefore, he should be taken for his words when he says the country’s security will be in tatters if the Judiciary is tagged as being biased.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, he said, “Kan Dapaah is not a small boy. He is the National Security Minister. Therefore, he is privy to information those who are criticising him do not know.

“When Kan Dapaah goes to sleep, we will all be in danger. He employed people and knows where he gets his information as a Security Minister, he knows what he is talking about.”

In his discussion with host, Benjamin Akakpo, Prof Gyampo added that “this is a national security matter. If we don’t take care and people decide that we won’t go to court and take matters into our own hands, there will be chaos.”

Speaking during a sensitisation workshop on the national security strategy for judges of the superior courts, Mr Kan Dapaah said the Judiciary’s role is paramount in helping to safeguard the security of the nation; hence, the need to have proper engagements that can sensitise judges to be able to deal with emerging threats that come to them.

“Injustice occasioned as a result of the absence of an effective justice delivery system or delayed justice or biased justice is certainly a threat to national security. Indeed, when injustice abounds, particularly in situations where the bench, which is considered the final arbiter of disputes, is deemed biased, citizens tend to take the law into their own hands most times without recourse to the established systems of justice delivery,” he said.

Sharing his view on the matter, the New Patriotic Party’s Legal Committee Chairman, Frank Davies, said the minister’s comments are misplaced.

He argued that “saying that one political party is in power [so] the justices should be mindful of how they interpret the law is completely lopsided.”

“National security would be threatened in what way? So, what? The judges are supposed to balance the equation? They give five judgements in favour of the NPP and give another five in favour of the NDC?” he further quizzed.

But according to Professor Gyampo, “we must not offer partisan defences and opposition to everything. There should be an elite consensus on some of these things.”

Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, in reaction to the recommendation on JoyNews’ documentary, Ghana’s Hung Parliament: A Blessing or a Curse Part II”, asked Prof Gyampo not to stick his nose where it does not belong.

According to him, the outspoken lecturer does not qualify to give the governing party such suggestions since he is a “dyed in the wool” National Democratic Congress (NDC) affiliate.

“Let’s be realistic about this, he is not the person to tell us [NPP/Majority Caucus] the players we should field in our team, he should keep his advice to himself, with respect to him,” he told Kwesi Parker-Wilson.

He continued, “Everybody hears his pronouncements, have you heard Gyampo, ever condemn NDC?”

The Suame MP further explained that members of the Majority Caucus are not the instigators of the disturbances in the House.

However, they only react to the actions and pronouncements of their colleagues on the other side of the aisle.

“He is a Political Scientist, but let’s be clear that our own statement have always been to react to what the Minority has said. Is that difficult for Gyampo to accept? He is not advising them to desist from what they are doing but rather, we reacting and explaining matters to the general public, he is blaming us rather?

“That is why I am saying that if that is the situation, then he should keep his advice to himself. Why doesn’t he want to admit that most of these things are started by the NDC, but he is quick to say that it is the leadership of the Majority?”

Meanwhile, Prof Gyampo in an open letter has refuted claims that he is a member of the opposition NDC.

Describing the tag on him as blatant falsehood, the Political Science Lecturer said he has always commented on certain issues, regardless of the government in power.

“Sir, you claimed I haven’t criticised the NDC before. But I want to assume you have either forgotten or you were not in Ghana when the NDC was in power, and cannot also do a simple search of my comments against the Mills/Mahama regime. I, therefore, forgive you,” he wrote.

He continued, “I asked that you be replaced as Majority Leader, not out of malice but just to help your government maneuver and meander its way in governing even in the wake of the difficulties likely to be imposed by the kind of Parliament we currently have.”

In an interview with Akua Boakyewaa Yiadom on Burning Issues on Adom FM, he explained that parliament is currently hanged due to the equal numbers by both the Minority and the Majority groups.

He said, the Majority should, thus, show leadership by discussing whatever decision to be taken in parliament with the opposition party behind the scene before it is brought up on the floor of the House so as to ensure a peaceful parliament because the Minority group has nothing to lose.

He stressed on the fact that a hanged parliament can only work effectively only when the ruling party works hand in hand with its opposition party.

“The kinds of leaders we have right now are not leaders who can build a consensus; they are not used to consensus building. The history of our 4th Republic indicates that from 1992 to the end of 2020, parliament never understood its work. They behave as a mere rubber stamp and only respond ‘yeah yeah’ to whatever decision the Executive takes,” he said.

“I think Gabby Otchere-Darko went to John Dramani Mahama’s house to speak with him that let there be dialogue. This is what is called maturity. I know Gabby played a major role in reconciling the late Jerry John Rawlings and Akufo-Addo but his visit to the former president is an admission of failure of the majority to build consensus,” he said.

Parliament has recently become hot seat as there has been series of brouhaha among parliamentarians over some decisions.

Ghanaians have expressed their regrets as their hope was to select these leaders for the betterment of Ghana only to witness them fight among themselves over decisions.