Category: National

The African Union (AU) member states should strive to uphold their respective national constitutions, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has advised.

The leaders, he said, were also expected to adhere to the presidential term limits in line with the rule of law to engender political stability and democratic governance.

The manipulation of democratic processes, including tampering with electoral laws, constitutional provisions and term limits with the goal of benefitting at the expense of democratic norms and principles ought not to be entertained, he cautioned.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, addressing the Second AU Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCGs), in Accra, said it was worrying that some member states were bent on undermining the Accra Declaration.

The Declaration acknowledges that the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government, expanding threat of terrorism and violent extremism across the continent, as well as transnational organised crime, are negatively impa
cting the peace, security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of some member states.

Africa continues to face structural challenges in adequately addressing the root causes of terrorism, violent extremism, and unconstitutional changes of government – a development that has exacerbated the continent’s growing political turmoil.

The Second AU Reflection Forum is on the theme, ‘Robust Response, Deepening Democracy, Sustainable Security’.

The two-day Forum is expected to build on the first edition held in March 2022, and on the Declaration on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa, also known as the Malabo Declaration.

The stakeholders will exchange views on consolidating democratic governance, advancing national ownership of governance processes, and strengthening constitutionalism and the rule of law in Africa.

They will align on coordination and coherence to effectively implement the Malabo and Accra Declarations.

President Akufo-Addo expressed unequivocal condemnati
on of any ascent to power that was outside constitutional provisions and inimical to democratic norms.

The Accra Declaration, he noted, affirmed the continent’s collective commitment on the principles of zero tolerance for coup d’etats.

‘When we gathered here two years ago, four members of our Union had been suspended due to their unconstitutional changes of governments in their territories.

‘Today, two years later, the situation has worsened. As we gather here, six member states of the Union have been suspended for the same reasons .

‘This is an extraordinary occurrence in our efforts to safeguard democracy in Africa,’ he noted.

On the relevance of the Forum, the President urged the participants to take the discussions seriously since democratic governance and the rule of law were cardinal factors to enhance prosperity and development.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The African Union (AU) will from Monday, March 18 to Tuesday, March 19, 2024, convene the Second Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government (Accra II Process on UCGs) in Accra, Ghana.

The forum, under the theme, ‘Robust Response, Deepening Democracy, Sustainable Security’, will be officially opened by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The forum will bring together African policy and decision-makers, including representatives of the Peace and Security Council, Permanent Representatives Committee, the Armed Forces of AU member states, as well as the AU Commission and relevant AU organs, regional economic communities, and mechanisms.

It will build on the first edition held in March 2022 and on the Declaration on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa , Malabo Declaration, adopted during the 16th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union on May 28, 2022.

Mr Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union, said
the Forum would assess efforts and initiatives undertaken since the 2022 Accra Reflection Forum and the key achievements and gaps in implementing its recommendations.

‘It will also offer an opportunity to review the latest developments …Provide recommendations on the necessary steps to improve and adapt the AU’s responses to the new challenges posed by UCGs towards consolidating democratic practice and effective governance in Africa.’

Mr Adeoye said the rise in the incidence of unconstitutional government takeovers needed to be collectively addressed to sustain peace and security in the subregion.

He said democracy remained the best form of governance, which must be safeguarded and enhanced to improve the fortunes of peace, security and development in Africa.

Mr Adeoye said the suspension and sanctions on the six countries taken over by military juntas were still in force, adding that the AU would remain resolute in its sanctions until they returned to constitutional rule.

‘The emerging trend posed by mi
litary takeovers is not acceptable. The AU will continue to rally for democracy and declare zero tolerance to unconstitutional change of governments,’ he stressed.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The African Union (AU) will from Monday, March 18 to Tuesday, March 19, 2024, convene the Second Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government (Accra II Process on UCGs) in Accra, Ghana.

The forum, under the theme, ‘Robust Response, Deepening Democracy, Sustainable Security’, will be officially opened by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The forum will bring together African policy and decision-makers, including representatives of the Peace and Security Council, Permanent Representatives Committee, the Armed Forces of AU member states, as well as the AU Commission and relevant AU organs, regional economic communities, and mechanisms.

It will build on the first edition held in March 2022 and on the Declaration on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa , Malabo Declaration, adopted during the 16th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union on May 28, 2022.

Mr Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union, said
the Forum would assess efforts and initiatives undertaken since the 2022 Accra Reflection Forum and the key achievements and gaps in implementing its recommendations.

‘It will also offer an opportunity to review the latest developments …Provide recommendations on the necessary steps to improve and adapt the AU’s responses to the new challenges posed by UCGs towards consolidating democratic practice and effective governance in Africa.’

Mr Adeoye said the rise in the incidence of unconstitutional government takeovers needed to be collectively addressed to sustain peace and security in the subregion.

He said democracy remained the best form of governance, which must be safeguarded and enhanced to improve the fortunes of peace, security and development in Africa.

Mr Adeoye said the suspension and sanctions on the six countries taken over by military juntas were still in force, adding that the AU would remain resolute in its sanctions until they returned to constitutional rule.

‘The emerging trend posed by mi
litary takeovers is not acceptable. The AU will continue to rally for democracy and declare zero tolerance to unconstitutional change of governments,’ he stressed.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ghana’s Lawmakers are mourning another former colleague, Mr Modestus Yao Zebu Ahiable, a previous Member of Parliament for Ketu North.

He was also a former Volta Regional Minister and formerly, Ghana’s Ambassador to Benin.

Mr Ahiable, who died on 21st January, is survived by his wife and eight children.

Dr James Klutse Avedzi, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu North, in a statement on the floor of the House in honour of the late Mr Ahiable, said the former MP had indeed fought a great fight, finished the race and kept the faith.

He said Mr Ahiable had served as the MP for Ketu North for three consecutive terms (1993 to 2004).

‘As a representative of his people, he was never quiet on the floor of Parliament. He expressed his views and those of the people he represented openly, without fear until his exit from Parliament in January 2005,’ he said.

Whiles in Parliament, President Jerry John Rawlings, the first President under the Fourth Republic appointed him as Mini
ster of State responsible for the Volta Region.

He said during his time in Parliament, and as Regional Minister, he fought and secured a German Technical Cooperation (GIZ) water project for the people of Dzodze and this helped in alleviating the water crises that had plagued community for many years.

He said as an MP and a Regional Minister, Mr Ahiable facilitated the establishment of a rice mill at Avalavi, a small community in the Ketu North Constituency.

He said Mr Ahiable assisted in the extension of electricity to the people of Dzodze, Penyi and its surrounding towns and villages, as well as other parts of the Volta Region.

‘It was during this period that he ensured that some major town roads were also constructed in Dzodze,’ he said.

Dr Avedzi said Mr Ahiable, who left Parliament in January 2005 and continued to serve as the Regional Chairman of the NDC until 2009, when he was appointed as an Ambassador to the People’s Republic of Benin.

He said this appointment came as an exciting news to him bec
ause it served as an opportunity to showcase Ghana, its culture and traditions as well as living first-hand, the indigenous culture of other Ewes he considered family.

He said in 2014, President Yaye Boni of Benin conferred on him the ‘National Order of Benin’ for his commitment to pan-Africanism and specifically, for protecting a freer Benin in diplomatic circles.

Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the NDC MP for Ketu South, said the late Mr Ahiable’s contributions to the growth of the Party could not be overlooked; saying

‘He served the Party that I belong to the best of his ability and also served this country in all the capacities that he was put in our government.’

Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minority Leader, in his contribution said: ‘Mr Speaker, I never had the opportunity to meet him in this House but honestly Mr Speaker, in my Party, often times his name has featured very prominently anytime major decisions have come to the forefront, particularly because of his principled position that he stood for.
‘

‘He is known as a man of wisdom and someone who will speak his mind regardless, and as result in most times that we have to take decisions his name has featured.’

He urged Ghanaians to emulate the late Mr Ahiable way of living by principles.

Mr Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, in his contribution to the statement recounted the plight of former MPs and further urged the House to constitute a committee to investigate the issue.

He noted that in the Constitution of Ghana, it was only the Vice President and the President, who seemed to be recognized that in retirement they should be taken care of; asking that ‘what about the MPs?’

Mr Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Second Deputy Speaker and Independent MP for Fomena, presiding, referred the issue of the plight of the late former lawmakers to the House Committee to look into and report back to the House for them to take action.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Former president John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has engaged artisans and informal sector workers in Ashaiman to understand their peculiar challenges and propose solutions.?

The engagement, which formed part of his Greater Accra tour, was attended by large numbers of okada riders, transport operators, tilapia dealers, tailors, and scrap dealers, as well as supporters and sympathisers of the NDC.

Each group took turns putting forward their issues, beginning with the Ashaiman Municipal Transport Operation Council, which complained among other things, about their neglect despite their significant support for the NDC in presidential elections.

They said a major concern was the sharp disparity in road infrastructure between Ashaiman and neighbouring Tema, leading to increased maintenance costs for drivers and hindering economic progress, stressing that all their profits were being used for the purchase of spare parts.

They also emphasised the urgent need for a red
uction in fuel prices, as well as the scrapping of burdensome taxes imposed on fuel, and therefore urged the flag bearer to address the issues if he returns to the office.

Other issues raised by the artisans and informal sector workers in Ashaiman included inadequate drainage infrastructure, leading to flooding of the main lorry station.

Scrap dealers in the area also lamented over the sale of their business land to private developers and therefore, called for intervention for an alternative place to operate from, while also calling for the regulation of their business as a measure to boast economic benefit and increase tax collection.?

Other issues raised by the various groupings included the escalating production cost of tilapia, the legalisation of okada operations, the high price of motorcycles, the impact of high utility bills, and the soaring prices of sewing equipment on the dressmaking industry.

Mr Mahama, responding to the concerns, reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to serving the interests of all
citizens and pledged to prioritise developmental projects in Ashaiman.

He acknowledged the similarities of the issues raised with those from other regions, adding that he was surprised at the lack of maintenance on roads that his previous administration asphalted.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration between government and stakeholders to address the many challenges facing the community.

Mr Mahama outlined the plans of the NDC for infrastructure improvement?in road construction, the completion of abandoned e-blocks, and the establishment of essential facilities like community day schools and municipal hospitals.?

The NDC flagbearer expressed concerns over indiscriminate land sales by assemblies and chiefs, stating the importance of preserving land for social amenities such as hospitals and schools and pledging to advocate for responsible land management practices.

Mr Mahama announced plans to assess municipal and district chief executives based on performance criteria, indicating that through su
ch assessments, his administration would replace those who failed to meet expectations to ensure effective governance at the local level.

He reaffirmed his commitment to legalising and regulating the okada business and promised to send leaders to study similar models in Kenya and Uganda for the formulation and implementation of appropriate policies to benefit all stakeholders.

He unveiled his plans for a national apprenticeship programme to support vocational training through municipal and district assemblies to empower young people, especially school dropouts, with valuable skills to ensure they were well prepared for the job market.

The NDC leader also bemoaned the current electricity challenges Ghana was facing, stating that outages were a result of fuel shortages rather than faulty transformers as claimed by authorities, and emphasised the need for adequate funding to resolve the issue and ensure reliable power supply.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to deepen public education on electoral processes to ensure that citizens are well-informed ahead of the 2024 General Election.

The Council said the Commission must be ahead of the political parties in the dissemination of information about electoral activities and reforms and constantly engage the public.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the President of the GPCC, made the call in a press briefing after the leadership of the Council had engaged the leadership of the EC at a closed-door meeting in Accra on Wednesday.

The meeting formed part of the EC’s engagements with key stakeholders ahead of the 2024 Election to inform them about the 2024 Election Calendar and take suggestions towards ensuring credible, free, fair, and transparent elections.

Apostle Nyamekye said the EC must clearly explain to the public issues relating to its earlier proposal to phase out the indelible ink, prevention of minors from registering and voti
ng among other issues of concern.

‘The EC should always go ahead of the politicians. When they go to IPAC meetings, they should issue a communiqué so people will know what really happened,’ he said.

Apostle Nyamekye added: ‘On the issue on the indelible ink (for instance) not many Ghanaians actually understand the nitty-gritties of it and so things like this we want them (EC) to go out and educate.’

Apostle Nyamekye said all stakeholders must come on board to make sure that ‘Ghana wins’ in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.

He pleaded with political parties to ‘put Ghana first’ and make sure that their strategies did not overrun the principles of ensuring peaceful elections.

‘We are aware of the monetisation of our politics. We plead with the political parties to respect Ghana and make sure that they do not deceive people just by giving them monies to vote for them,’ Apostle Nyamekye said.

The EC last week released its 2024 Election programme after meeting with political parties.

Th
e Commission is expected to receive nominations of candidates for this year’s presidential and parliamentary elections from September 9 to September 13.

This will be followed by the balloting for positions on the presidential ballot paper on September 23, 2024, and the parliamentary balloting on September 24, 2024.

The Commission expects to declare the results of the 2024 presidential polls within three days of the voting exercise.

Mrs Jean Mensa, Chairperson, EC, reiterated that the Commission would not use a new Constitutional Instrument (C.I) to govern the 2024 General Election.

She said the decision meant that the Ghana Card would not be the sole identity document for the next voters’ registration exercise, adding that the guarantor system would also be applicable to establish an applicant’s identity.

Mrs Mensa said the filing fees for the presidential and parliamentary nominations would be maintained and announced that the Commission would also reduce the filing fees for women and persons with disab
ility by 25 per cent.

The Chairperson of the EC said the Commission received ‘extensive feedback’ from the leadership of the GPCC and announced that the EC would also meet with journalists, traditional authorities and political parties in the coming weeks.

‘The feedback will strengthen our work and deepen the integrity and credibility of our electoral process,’ she said.

Source: Ghana News Agency