Category Politics & Governance

An enormous tsunami has hit the Western Region, however this time it’s a political one! The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has made a sweeping victory, securing 15 parliamentary seats out of 17 within the area.

3news’ Ebenezer Atiemo caught up with Nana Kojo Toku, the Western Regional Chairman of the NDC. Nana Kojo Toku’s management has been instrumental within the NDC’s spectacular features.

The occasion’s parliamentary seats within the area have elevated dramatically, from 4 in 2016 to eight in 2020, and now a whopping 15 seats within the current elections.

Nana Toku credit the collaborative effort and onerous work for the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) profitable milestone within the Western Region.

“The people of the Western Region are fed up with the empty promises made to them over the past eight years, with little to no tangible results. Despite being rich in resources, the region has seen minimal development.”

“The current administration’s ministers and appointees have failed to deliver on their promises, leaving the people feeling frustrated and neglected. Now, they’re turning to the NDC, saying enough is enough and they’re giving us chance to prove Ourselves,” he mentioned.

Nana Toku emphasised that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged to study from the errors of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and enhance upon them. This dedication is essential in regaining the belief of the folks and delivering on their guarantees.

“We’re committed to learning from past mistakes and doing things differently. Once we’re given the opportunity, we’ll take a stand and ensure that the needs of our people in this region are met. We’re focused on development, and that’s exactly what the NDC will deliver. Everyone votes for development, and we’re dedicated to making that a reality and once this happens these seats will never return to NPP.”

Nana Kojo Toku mentioned the Western Region Development Plan, outlining the occasion’s imaginative and prescient for the area’s development and progress. The plan is anticipated to handle the distinctive challenges and alternatives going through the Western Region, constructing on the teachings discovered from previous improvement initiatives.

“The Western Region is rich in natural resources, yet it seems these resources only benefit the nation as a whole, without the region receiving its fair share. It’s time for us to put aside our political differences and work together to develop the region. We’ll bring together paramount chiefs, create a proposal, and implement it with the help of the president-elect and his team.”

“For eight long years, the Western Region has suffered from a lack of development, hunger, and hardship. But we’re determined to change this. We need a collaborative plan that brings everyone together, allowing each person to contribute their ideas and expertise to the region’s development.”

Nana Kojo introduced that the occasion will prioritize finishing present initiatives over beginning new ones. This strategy is in keeping with John Mahama’s earlier assertion, the place he emphasised that the NDC authorities won’t rush into new initiatives as a result of nation’s financial state of affairs.

Instead, they’ll give attention to finishing deserted infrastructural initiatives, which might be achieved by taking stock of all ongoing initiatives and dedicating accessible sources to complete them. This technique goals to maximise the influence of restricted sources and produce tangible advantages to the communities.

When requested about funding, Nana Kojo’s response was not specified. “Every government has its unique style of governance, and the NDC is no exception. We have our own implementation strategy, which may differ from others, including the IMF or World Bank.”

“Our president has assured us that completing ongoing projects is a top priority, particularly for the Sekondi market. With our recent win of 15 seats, we’re confident that this will be a done deal.”

“The Western Region’s development is crucial, and we’ll keep reminding the president of this. We’re committed to delivering on our promises, and we’re sure that the good people of the Western Region will soon regret voting for the NPP.”

The Electoral Commission of Ghana has introduced the short-term suspension of the collation of election ends in the Ablekuma North constituency. At a quick press convention, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, Samuel Tetteh, assured the general public of the EC’s unwavering dedication to finalizing the December 7 polls in accordance with the regulation.

According to Mr. Tetteh, the choice to halt the collation course of was made following deceptive statements in regards to the fee’s actions and safety issues on the Greater Accra Regional Office, the place the collation was scheduled to happen.

Legal Compliance and Security Concerns

“We want to assure the public that the collation of results will be completed for all outstanding constituencies in strict adherence to the legal requirements enshrined in CI 127,” Mr. Tetteh acknowledged. He emphasised that the Commission is dedicated to upholding transparency and credibility within the electoral course of.

The halt was prompted by disturbances on the collation middle, together with reviews of political get together members besieging the premises and pressuring employees to announce outcomes not mirrored on the official pink sheets.

“Our staff have reported feeling extremely unsafe, even with the presence of security personnel. As a result, we have taken this decision to prioritize their safety and ensure that collation is conducted within the legal and security frameworks necessary for credible results,” Mr. Tetteh lamented.

Wider Security Challenges

Mr. Tetteh revealed that comparable incidents of disruption and safety issues had occurred in different constituencies, together with Dome Kwabenya, Okaikoi Central, and Tema Central.

Call for Calm and Cooperation

The Deputy Chairperson appealed to political events to withdraw their members from collation facilities to permit the method to proceed easily. “We urge all political parties to respect the law and cooperate with the Commission to ensure the integrity of the election results,” he concluded.

The Electoral Commission reaffirmed its dedication to delivering a reputable electoral course of and urged all stakeholders to train endurance because the collation course of resumes beneath improved authorized and safety situations.

By Majid Diallo || ghananewsonline.com.gh

The four-term Member of Parliament for Ellembelle Constituency and Deputy Minority Leader, Armah Kofi Buah has expressed gratitude to his constituents for re-electing him with 32,281 votes.

He defeated his NPP counterpart, Kwasi Bonzo, who secured 18,608 votes.

Armah Buah emphasised that the overwhelming rejection of the NPP locations a big duty on the NDC, stressing that Ghanaians count on the get together to be taught from previous errors and never repeat them.

“Ghanaians have shown unwavering confidence in the NDC, believing the party will do better. This faith has led to a significant victory, which also brings a huge responsibility for the NDC to address the grievances that sparked a protest vote across the country.”

“The expectation is clear: Ghanaians want the NDC to do the right thing, prioritizing the protection of water bodies and the environment, rather than perpetuating destructive practices. With President Mahama at the helm, who is poised and ready to lead, the NDC is committed to delivering on the promises made to the people of Ghana.” He highlighted.

Armah Buah assured the folks of Ghana that the NDC is not going to disappoint them.

“Ghanaians have made the right decision. We understand your pains and why you voted the way you did. We get it. ”

“The NDC needs your help. Given the level of destruction and economic challenges, we need your patience to help us get out of this difficult situation. I’m confident we’ll succeed.”

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Mahama hints at severe measures in the next 4 years to reset the economy

Former President John Dramani Mahama has emerged victorious within the 2024 basic elections, defeating Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia by a big margin. Mahama secured a formidable 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the entire ballots forged, whereas Bawumia trailed far behind with 4,657,304 votes, amounting to 41.58%.

This landslide victory has left a vote hole of 1,671,093, signaling a transparent rejection of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) governance underneath President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia.

The resounding win underscores Mahama’s enduring recognition and his potential to reconnect with the grassroots. Many analysts attribute the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer’s success to a strategic marketing campaign that resonated with Ghanaians throughout numerous demographics.

His emphasis on financial reduction, addressing the excessive value of dwelling, and prioritizing social welfare struck a chord with voters who had grown weary of the NPP’s insurance policies.

Mahama’s marketing campaign centered closely on points that mattered most to odd residents, together with meals affordability, job creation, and entry to high quality healthcare and schooling. In distinction, the NPP confronted widespread criticism for inflation, rising debt, and allegations of corruption, which created disillusionment amongst many Ghanaians.

Mahama’s promise to “reset Ghana” and restore confidence in governance proved to be a rallying level for voters looking for change.

The electoral consequence additionally highlights the effectiveness of the NDC’s grassroots mobilization and voter outreach efforts. Reports counsel that the get together’s manifesto, which emphasised sensible options to urgent points, performed a big function in successful over undecided voters. On the opposite hand, the NPP struggled to defend its file, with many blaming Dr. Bawumia for the nation’s financial challenges.

The margin of victory—over 1.6 million votes—is among the largest in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, signaling a powerful mandate for Mahama as he returns to steer the nation. His win is being celebrated as a turning level, with many hoping it’s going to usher in a brand new period of stability, financial restoration, and inclusive governance. As he prepares to imagine workplace, expectations are excessive that Mahama will ship on his guarantees and work to heal the divisions inside the nation.

Ghana has spoken, and the message is obvious: it’s time for a contemporary begin underneath John Dramani Mahama.

Source: dailydemocratnewsonline.com

President-elect John Dramani Mahama has described the previous eight years below President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration as one of many darkest durations in Ghana’s historical past.

Speaking after his decisive electoral victory, Mahama said, “These eight years have witnessed among the darkest durations of our authorities.

“The crisis our beloved country has been through these last several years has left a scar on our national psyche.”

Mahama criticized the outgoing administration for its perceived failure to prioritize the wants of Ghanaians.

“This outcome is a repudiation of bad governance, weak leadership, and misplaced priorities,” he mentioned.

“The people of Ghana have made it clear that they demand better.”

The President-elect acknowledged the immense challenges that lie forward, describing the state of the nation as an “abyss” created by years of mismanagement.

However, he expressed his willpower to guide a collective effort to rebuild the nation.

“We intend to work together to restore the shattered confidence in our politics and governance system,” Mahama assured.

He additionally emphasised the significance of resetting the connection between residents and their leaders.

“It will have to start with a reset of the relationship between citizens and elected officials,” he famous, pledging governance reforms to make sure transparency and accountability.

Despite the grim image of the previous, Mahama struck a hopeful tone in regards to the future, calling for unity and optimism.

“We are determined to work together with you to build the Ghana we want, and I am certain that we shall win this battle,” he declared.

Mahama urged Ghanaians to keep away from negativity and to channel their frustrations into optimistic motion. “Let us not give in to pessimism. Instead, let us work tirelessly to rebuild our nation,” he mentioned.

Source: myjoyonline.com

The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has confirmed that the outcomes of the 2024 presidential elections, as introduced by the Electoral Commission (EC), precisely replicate the votes solid by Ghanaians through the December 7 polls. Using its Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) methodology, CODEO verified the outcomes and affirmed their consistency with the EC’s official figures for the 267 constituencies the place outcomes have been finalized.

In a press release issued on Monday, December 9, 2024,at CDD-Ghana Conference Room CODEO Secretariat, Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe Co-Chair of CODEO defined that its PVT estimates, which depend on knowledge from 1,500 skilled observers deployed to a nationally consultant pattern of polling stations, align with the official rankings and vote shares of the presidential candidates. The PVT estimated voter turnout for all 276 constituencies at 63.9% (±0.5%), whereas the EC reported a turnout of 60.9% for 267 constituencies. After adjusting for a similar 267 constituencies, CODEO recalculated turnout at 64.1% (±0.6%), elevating issues about discrepancies that it has flagged for the EC’s consideration.

Post-Election Violence Raises Concerns

Despite the peaceable conduct of voting and counting processes on election day, CODEO highlighted incidents of violence, intimidation, and harassment which have occurred because the polls closed. Notable incidents embody the burning of the EC collation middle in Damongo (Savannah Region) and the destruction of electoral supplies, together with pink sheets, which disrupted collation processes in some areas.

Additionally, CODEO condemned the illegal takeover of presidency workplaces and property by celebration supporters. It urged political events, significantly the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to name their members to order and guarantee disputes are resolved by means of peaceable and lawful means.

Recommendations for Stakeholders

CODEO made a number of suggestions to enhance future elections, together with:

• Political events taking a powerful stance towards violence and selling peaceable engagement.

• Law enforcement companies guaranteeing compliance with the legislation to stop violence.

• The Electoral Commission addressing discrepancies in reported turnout charges and bettering voter training and logistical planning.

Results and Observations

CODEO reiterated that its findings verify the accuracy of the EC’s outcomes, with all candidates’ vote shares falling inside the PVT’s confidence margins. Observers famous that polling and counting processes have been carried out in accordance with electoral legal guidelines and constitutional necessities. Party brokers from the 2 predominant political events, the NDC and New Patriotic Party (NPP), have been current at 99% of polling stations and signed off on outcomes, signifying their settlement with the outcomes.

Final Words from CODEO

On behalf of its Advisory Board and member organizations, CODEO thanked the 1000’s of non-partisan election observers who labored to safeguard the integrity of the polls. The group additionally recommended the safety companies for sustaining order through the voting and counting phases.

Looking forward, CODEO known as on all democratic stakeholders to replicate on classes realized from the 2024 elections and implement measures to reinforce the credibility and high quality of future electoral processes.

The 2024 presidential election outcomes verify John Dramani Mahama of the NDC because the winner, with 56.9% of legitimate votes solid, adopted by Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP with 41.3%. Independent candidates and minor events collectively accounted for lower than 2% of the vote.

By Evelyn Naadu Borquaye || ghananewsonline.com.gh