The Awutu Senya West Police have arrested Cassius Larbi, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Officer for the constituency, along with two other individuals, for allegedly defacing posters of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The posters were part of Bawumia's campaign material displayed on Digital Revolution in Progress (DRIP) machines, which are used for advertisements in public spaces. According to police sources, the three individuals were apprehended after a complaint was lodged by local members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The complaint alleged that Larbi and his accomplices were caught removing and damaging Bawumia's posters, which had been strategically placed in key locations across the constituency as part of his presidential campaign. Eyewitnesses reported that the trio was spotted in the early hours of the morning defacing the campaign materials, prompting the swift intervention of local authorities. The police, after receiving the report, launched an investigation and subsequently arrested the suspects. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As Ghana approaches the 2024 general elections, concerns about the rising influence of money in politics have escalated, with election monitors warning that the high cost of running for office threatens the integrity of the country’s democracy. In response, the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), in partnership with the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has launched an ambitious project aimed at addressing these critical issues. The project, titled “Monitoring Campaign Spending, Abuse of Incumbency, and Vote Buying for Comprehensive Party and Campaign Financing Reform,” seeks to shine a light on the growing problem of financial dominance in Ghana’s political landscape. The initiative aims to collect campaign finance data for the 2024 elections and provide evidence-based recommendations for reform, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and fairness in Ghana’s democratic process. The Growing Influence of Money in Politics The monetization of politics is not a new phenomenon, but its increasing scale is raising alarms. According to a study conducted by CDD-Ghana, candidates must raise nearly GH₵390,000 (US$85,000) to compete in a parliamentary election. The stakes are even higher for the presidency, with estimates reaching GHS 575 million. Such figures highlight the financial barriers that exclude women, youth, and vulnerable groups from fully participating in Ghana’s democratic process. Mrs. Mary Awelana Addah, Executive Director of GII, warned that these financial pressures threaten to distort the country’s democratic ideals. "The unchecked influence of money on elections undermines the integrity of our democratic institutions," she stated, emphasizing that the political landscape is increasingly being shaped by financial power rather than public interest or policy-driven debate. Gaps in Campaign Finance Regulations Despite the legal framework established by the 1992 Constitution and the Political Parties Act, significant gaps remain in campaign finance regulations. These gaps allow political parties to operate with limited transparency. For instance, there are no caps on donations or expenditures, and disclosure laws remain weak, failing to require parties to identify their donors. This lack of regulation has created a political arena where wealth can disproportionately influence outcomes. Enforcement of existing laws also remains a challenge While the Political Parties Act mandates parties to disclose their financial accounts post-elections, these regulations are seldom enforced. As a result, political parties can navigate the electoral process without fully revealing the sources of their funding, raising concerns about accountability and the potential for corruption. Abuse of Incumbency: A Persistent Challenge One of the most pressing concerns raised by the GII-led initiative is the persistent abuse of state resources by incumbents. This includes the use of government vehicles, state media, and public resources to support ruling parties during election campaigns, giving incumbents a significant advantage over their competitors. Despite constitutional provisions like Article 55(11)(12), which mandates equal access to state media for all political parties, incumbents frequently misuse public assets to their advantage. This practice undermines the fairness of elections and skews the playing field, compromising the democratic principle of equal opportunity for all candidates. The Role of Civil Society and the Media To address these issues, the GII Consortium’s project will closely monitor campaign spending and the abuse of state resources during the 2024 elections. The goal is to provide empirical evidence to support advocacy efforts aimed at promoting comprehensive campaign finance reform. Civil society and the media are expected to play a crucial role in this process. By raising public awareness and holding political actors accountable, these groups can help ensure a more transparent and equitable electoral process. "Our findings will inform advocacy efforts to promote reforms that ensure elections are won on the basis of ideas and policies, not financial muscle," Mrs. Addah explained. A Critical Moment for Ghana’s Democracy The stakes could not be higher, as the country prepares for the 2024 elections, the need for comprehensive reform in campaign finance has never been more urgent. Without decisive action, the growing cost of politics could erode public trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions and further marginalize already vulnerable groups. Frederick Adu Gyamfi, Director of Programs at CDD-Ghana, underscored the importance of addressing these issues. He noted that while money plays a significant role in modern politics, unchecked financial influence could have devastating consequences for democratic governance. "The integrity of our elections is paramount," he stated, urging all stakeholders—government, political parties, and civil society—to work together to safeguard the future of Ghana’s democracy. In the coming months, the GII Consortium’s project will provide invaluable insights into the financial dynamics of Ghana’s elections. Its findings could serve as a foundation for long-overdue reforms, helping to create a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive political system. As Ghana gears up for the 2024 elections, this initiative represents a critical step in addressing the deep-rooted challenges of campaign finance and the abuse of incumbency, ultimately reinforcing the democratic values the country seeks to uphold. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Two prominent political movements, Fixing The Country Movement and Patriotic Troopers, have announced plans for a mass protest on September 17, 2024. This counter-demonstration is a response to the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) recent criticisms of the Electoral Commission (EC), which they allege are part of a broader campaign to undermine the institution ahead of the 2024 general elections. In a joint statement issued by the convener of Fixing The Country Movement, Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah Bonsu, and Moses Abbor of Patriotic Troopers, the groups expressed outrage at what they described as a coordinated attack by the NDC on the integrity of the EC. They claim that the NDC's leadership, particularly its General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, have been intentionally misleading the public by suggesting that the EC is preparing to rig the elections in favor of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). The groups took issue with calls by the NDC for mass protests and forensic audits of the voter register, accusing the opposition of using "Communist tactics" and black propaganda to discredit the EC. According to the statement, the NDC’s attacks are part of a broader strategy to destabilize the political landscape and create an atmosphere of mistrust around the election process. "Johnson Asiedu Nketiah and John Mahama are making a mockery of our democracy with their baseless accusations," the statement read. "Their actions are dishonourable and aimed at creating unnecessary tension ahead of the elections." Fixing The Country Movement and Patriotic Troopers argue that the NDC’s persistent allegations against the EC are not new but are part of a pattern of propaganda aimed at achieving political power through subversion rather than policy. The statement also noted that the planned counter-demonstration on September 17 would serve as a platform for peace-loving Ghanaians to stand in solidarity with the EC and reject what they describe as the NDC’s “dangerous and destabilizing rhetoric.” "We are leading a coalition of citizens who believe in putting the country first, to send a clear message to the NDC that enough is enough," the statement concluded. The groups further called on Ghanaians to resist any attempt by Mahama and the NDC to undermine Ghana’s democratic institutions, warning that their continued actions posed a "clear and present danger" to the country's political stability. Both Fixing The Country Movement and Patriotic Troopers are urging citizens to participate in the counter-protest to show support for the EC and defend Ghana’s democratic processes. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has granted the National Democratic Congress (NDC) the green light to hold a nationwide demonstration on September 17, 2024. The demonstration, aimed at demanding an audit of the voter register by the Electoral Commission (EC) ahead of the December 7 general election, has been endorsed following a meeting between NDC officials and the Police at the Police headquarters. Speaking to the media after the meeting, the NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, confirmed that the discussion focused on finalizing the route for the demonstration. According to him, the demonstration will begin at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, proceed through Farisco, TUC, and the ministries, before moving to Parliament House, and culminating at the EC office. Mr. Kwetey urged all Ghanaians to join the march in large numbers to safeguard the integrity of the voter register and ensure a credible election process. The NDC's leadership, including National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi and Director of Elections and IT Dr. Omane Boamah and Deputy National Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn were present at the meeting to iron out the demonstration's details. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced a downward revision of its cocoa production target for the 2024/25 season, which officially commenced on September 10, 2024. The new target is set at 650,000 metric tonnes, a 19.8% decrease from the initial projection of 810,000 metric tonnes. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the Chief Executive of COCOBOD, attributed the reduced target to an unprecedented dry spell that has severely impacted cocoa farmers, particularly in the Bono and Western North regions. "This unusual dry weather in West Africa has created challenging conditions; while the skies may be cloudy, the much-needed rainfall has been notably absent," Mr. Aidoo explained. In response to these challenges, COCOBOD has outlined a self-financing plan aimed at boosting cocoa production by over 200,000 metric tonnes within the next six years. Key to this strategy is the replacement of aging and unproductive trees, coupled with increased support for farmers through the provision of fertilizers, technical assistance, and, for the first time in many years, pruning services. Mr. Aidoo expressed optimism about the long-term impact of these initiatives, emphasizing COCOBOD’s commitment to sustaining and enhancing the productivity of Ghana's cocoa farms. He reiterated the vital role that cocoa plays as a cornerstone of the nation's economy, and COCOBOD’s dedication to ensuring its continued contribution to economic growth. This strategic shift reflects COCOBOD’s proactive approach to overcoming climatic challenges and securing the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s celebrated former footballer and the national team’s all-time leading scorer, has announced his decision to withdraw from political activities. Mr. Gyan, who previously had ties with political parties, reflected on his past involvement, admitting he has not always been fair to the youth and the people of Ghana. In a recent statement, Gyan revealed his new commitment to distancing himself from any political affiliations. "I haven’t been fair to the youth and the people of Ghana. Henceforth, I am not affiliated to any political party,” he declared, emphasizing his intention to focus on humanitarian efforts and support for the youth in his country. Mr. Gyan’s decision to step back from politics comes with a call for peace and unity as Ghana approaches its upcoming elections. He expressed his hope for a calm and successful election, offering good wishes to all political parties involved. "I wish all the political parties a peaceful election on the 7th of December. God bless our homeland Ghana," Gyan concluded. With this new direction, Gyan has made it clear that his future endeavors will be driven solely by a desire to help others, untainted by political motivations. "Nothing political," he firmly stated, signaling a shift towards making a difference through humanitarian work rather than political involvement. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has arrested four suspects in connection with a violent attack that occurred during the Homowo festival at Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra, on Saturday, 7th September 2024. The attack left three people injured, including one of the suspects. The arrested individuals have been identified as Latif Bako, Ebenezer Ewuzie, Stephen Owusu, and Ebenezer Adjei. According to the police, the suspects, along with others who are currently at large, inflicted machete wounds on the victims during the incident. All three victims, as well as suspect Ebenezer Adjei, who also sustained injuries during the altercation, are receiving medical treatment. The police have detained suspects Latif Bako, Ebenezer Ewuzie, and Stephen Owusu, who are currently assisting with ongoing investigations. Law enforcement is actively pursuing the remaining accomplices involved in the attack. In a statement, the police assured the public of their commitment to maintaining law and order, stating, "Anyone who disturbs the peace will be arrested and taken through the due process of the law." Efforts are ongoing to bring all those responsible to justice. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has extended its commendations to the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Ghana Police Service for their exemplary conduct during the recent election re-run in Walewale. The party's General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, praised both institutions for their diligent and professional oversight throughout the electoral process. In a statement, Kodua noted the swift response by the Ghana Police Service in arresting an individual who attempted to disrupt the sorting and counting process. He emphasized that the party fully supports the police in their efforts to investigate the incident and ensure justice is served without any interference. Furthermore, the NPP's National Executive Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, to discuss the matter and take the necessary steps to address the situation. Kodua urged party members, particularly those in Walewale, to remain calm as the leadership takes decisive action to resolve the impasse. He expressed the party’s commitment to maintaining peace and order, ensuring that the issue is addressed promptly and fairly. The NPP's General Secretary also thanked all party members for their attention to this significant issue and reassured them of the party's dedication to upholding democratic principles. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Hajia Lariba, the sitting Member of Parliament for Walewale, has officially withdrawn from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primary in the constituency. This decision, made public in a letter dated September 10, 2024, addressed to the NPP's General Secretary, follows an inconclusive re-run of the primary election held the previous day. In her letter, Hajia Lariba cited the disruption during the re-run, which resulted in the Electoral Commission (EC) being unable to declare a winner due to the destruction of some ballot papers. She expressed her concerns about the impact of this incident on the party’s unity in the constituency. "Following the inconclusive re-run of the parliamentary primary in the Walewale constituency yesterday (with the Electoral Commission unable to declare a result as a result of an unfortunate incident), I have decided that in the interest of the greater good of the New Patriotic Party and peace and unity in the Walewale constituency, I will no longer be a candidate for MP in the 2024 elections. I am therefore formally withdrawing from the contest," Hajia Lariba stated. She went on to express her gratitude to the NPP for the opportunity to represent the Walewale constituency over the past four years, pledging her ongoing support for the party in the upcoming 2024 general elections. The re-run of the primary on Monday was marred by confusion, leading to the nullification of the voting process by the Electoral Commission. The EC's decision to void the results was based on the disruption during the ballot sorting, which led to the destruction of some ballots. The matter has now been referred back to the NPP's leadership to determine the next steps for selecting a candidate before the deadline for filing nominations for the December 2024 parliamentary election closes later this week. With Hajia Lariba's withdrawal, the NPP faces a critical decision on how to proceed in a constituency that remains a stronghold for the party. The party's leadership must act swiftly to ensure a smooth resolution as the December elections draw near. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has pledged its full support to the Ghana Police Service in addressing the recent disturbances in Walewale, involving party members. This was announced by the NPP's General Secretary, Lawyer Justin Kodua, during a media briefing at the party’s headquarters in Accra on Tuesday. Lawyer Kodua emphasized that the NPP is a party that strongly condemns any form of violence, reiterating that the party's leadership will not tolerate such actions. He further disclosed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party will convene an emergency meeting to thoroughly discuss the concerning events that took place in Walewale, signaling the party’s commitment to maintaining peace and discipline among its ranks. In other development, Stephen Ayensu Ntim, the National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has announced that the party is decentralizing the issuance of party membership cards to meet the growing demand driven by the increasing popularity of the NPP and the bold solutions proposed by its Presidential Candidate. Chairman Ntim explained that the National Leadership has decided to distribute the issuance of party cards to the Constituency and Regional levels. This move is aimed at making it easier for more Ghanaians to join the NPP, boosting dues payment as part of the party’s resource mobilization efforts. He also extended an invitation to private vendors to partner with the NPP in this initiative. He emphasized that this collaboration with private vendors will significantly enhance the party’s membership drive, ensuring that more citizens can become active participants in the party's activities. Taking his turn, the National Treasurer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Charles Dwamena, has announced that the party's ID Card Vendoring system is now open to the public. Speaking at the NPP headquarters in Accra, Dr. Dwamena stated that individuals interested in becoming vendors can easily do so by reaching out to the party, either by calling or visiting the headquarters. Interested persons are required to express their interest and complete the necessary registration forms. “We will guide applicants through the necessary processes and grant them access to the relevant portions of the party’s database,” Dr. Dwamena said. He emphasized that while the opportunity is open to all, it comes with an associated cost. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has emphasized that a flourishing democracy is built on the foundation of an informed and capable media. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the third cohort of the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP) at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC), she highlighted the crucial role the media plays in shaping national development and democratic governance. Addressing participants, the Minister underscored the significance of the MCEP, stating that the programme is more than just a training initiative; it is a critical component in strengthening Ghana's democratic fabric. She noted that an informed media is essential for fostering a well-rounded, participatory democracy where citizens are enlightened and engaged in governance processes. "The Media Capacity Enhancement Programme is not merely a scheduled event; it is an essential step in enhancing our democracy and media environment," Hon. Abubakar remarked. "A flourishing democracy is built on the foundation of an informed and capable media." Hon. Abubakar commended the media personnel present for their commitment to professional growth, urging them to fully immerse themselves in the training to gain knowledge that would enhance their careers and contribute significantly to nation-building. She encouraged participants to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, reminding them of their vital responsibility to educate and inform the public truthfully. "The media is a very strong instrument that carries a lot of responsibility," she stressed. "I implore you to maintain the greatest levels of professionalism and integrity throughout this programme." The Minister also paid tribute to her predecessor, acknowledging his pivotal role in establishing the MCEP, which has since become a recognized and respected initiative for media development in Ghana. She highlighted that over 100 media personnel have benefited from the programme in previous cohorts and noted its growing influence, inspiring similar training initiatives by international organizations such as the UNDP and the British High Commission. As the MCEP continues to evolve, Hon. Abubakar expressed confidence in the programme's ability to fortify Ghana's media landscape, ultimately contributing to the nation's democratic growth. She urged participants to seize the opportunity to expand their networks, create partnerships, and strengthen the bonds that unite them as media professionals. Hon. Abubakar extended her gratitude to the independent working committee, facilitators, sponsors, and all participants for their contributions to the success of the programme, expressing optimism that this cohort would further enhance the legacy of media development in Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced a nationwide demonstration on September 17th to protest the Electoral Commission’s (EC) refusal to commission a forensic audit of the voter register for the upcoming December elections. The announcement was made by NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, following the filing of nomination forms for the party's flagbearer, John Mahama, at the EC headquarters. Mr. Nketiah cited the lack of progress in investigations concerning the theft of Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) as a major concern, noting that the absence of updates has fueled suspicions within the party. He emphasized that the planned demonstrations in all 16 regional capitals are a response to the EC’s inaction on this and other issues related to the election's organization. “Those of you who have been asking us what we would do if they did not comply, this is your answer: on the 17th of this month, the NDC is embarking on a massive nationwide demonstration in all 16 regional capitals,” he declared. He called on NDC members to submit additional petitions to the EC, particularly urging those in Accra to head to the commission’s headquarters. These petitions will demand that the EC ensures the elections are peaceful, free, and fair. In a related development, during a recent Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting, the NDC’s Director of Elections and IT, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, urged the EC to re-exhibit the 2024 voter’s register. He argued that this step is necessary to correct discrepancies identified during the recent voter exhibition exercise. Dr. Boamah highlighted that the party's analysis revealed widespread errors when comparing the 2023 voter register with the provisional 2024 register. Despite these concerns, the EC has not agreed to the NDC’s demands for a forensic audit of the register. The demonstration on September 17th is seen as a critical step by the NDC to press for their demands ahead of the December polls. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith