The Aspiring Parliamentary Candidate for the Abuakwa North Constituency on the ticket of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has charged delegates to look into the future when making their decision in the upcoming February 2024 Parliamentary Primaries. The Aspiring Parliamentary Candidate made these remarks while addressing Journalists after a 'walk to serve' health walk held in the Abuakwa North Constituency on Saturday. He said “I have visited every delegate to the best of my ability. I have gone to their homes, they are not wealthy, they are simply people. If someone comes to give you fridge with a high level of watts, the person has given you a burden because you need to pay more to maintain it” “Whether they are giving you a tv or fridge, I think, I will empower you so that you cn have a good work to do and take care of the family” “We will do our best and bits for the constituency and community to make sure that the standards that they so deserve comes up to a living” “I am having one-on-one conversations with the delegates. I will encourage them that it is important that you look into the future when making a decision today” “I am looking into the future as I am making a decision today and I have left everything that I have to come to this community to serve my people” The Aspiring Parliamentary Candidate joined some youths to embark on ans over 4-hour exercise in the Constituency. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah made a stop at the Osiem Hene’s palace and promised to build a factory in the constituency when elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North Constituency. On his part, Okyeame Obeng charged the Aspiring Parlaimentary Candidate to ensure he fulfills his promises when elected. The over 4-hours health walk saw youths, men and women not only soliciting for votes for the Parliamentary Aspirant but also burning some calories through the exercise. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Superintendent George L. Asare, one of the three senior police officers at the centre of a purported plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Dampare says the tape has been doctored. He made this know while facing a parliamentary committee set up by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Gagbin to investigate the matter. Hearing is currently underway. More to follow soon... Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The public hearing on the leaked tape on an alleged plot to remove the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, continues today, Monday, September 4, 2023. One of the three senior police officers who was implicated in the tape, Superintendent George L. Asare, is facing the parliamentary committee set up by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Gagbin to investigate the matter. In the said video, a Police Commissioner, who described himself as Mensa, was heard with Bugri Naabu, plotting the removal of IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare over fears he will be too firm in the 2024 elections. The Police Commissioner who is said to be retiring is heard telling the politician that the IGP is too firm and will not allow machinations in next year’s polls if he is not removed. He further notes that the nature of security the IGP provided during the Assin North by election shows he will not allow any rigging in the polls. “This IGP won’t help us. He won’t, he wants everything to be done fairly and we don’t win elections that way. If we don’t remove him we can’t break the 8, in politics we need machinations and this IGP won’t allow that,” the Police Commissioner is heard saying. The three officers allegedly captured in the tape COP George Alex Mensah, Commander Asare and Superintendent Emmanuel Gyabi are before the Credit: Ghanaweb

Government’s Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has expressed worry over the recent military coup d'état happening in some countries in the West Africa UN sub-region. According to him, coups are not the solution and does not solve anything. Addressing Journalists after a 'walk to serve' health walk in the Abuakwa North Constituency on Saturday, he said “I don’t think any of the Six countries have been destabilized democratically unseated through coup d'état. I think that ECOWAS as a block is very strong constitutionally elected government and Ghana’s position is always the position of ECOWAS to ensure that every President that has been ousted from office is reinstated up to constitutional rule” “I don’t see this as a threat to Ghana and our country is safe. Our President, Nana Addo-Danquah Akufo-Addo, Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces is very strong in leadership and is making sure that our various borders are strong” He added that the recent coup e’tat happening in our African should strengthen Ghana’s resolve so that it does not go that riot. “Coups are not the solution and they do not solve anything” “We have to ensure that every government that has been constitutionally elected is constitutionally taken out of office. If that government is not working well, you have the power of the thumb to take that government out” On sending Ghanaian Military troops to war zones, Mr. Boakye-Danquah said “To send military troops is the last resort” He stressed that the ongoing peaceful democratic conversation between the Former Nigerian President and the Nigerien Juntas will help bring peace. Mr. Boakye-Danquah was confident that peace will be restored adding that ECOWAS will not deploy its military standby force to those countries. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former President John Dramani Mahama, has once again taken a swipe at the Akufo-Addo government. Mahama said his next administration will be different. The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) promised a visionary and selfless leadership different from the business-as-usual approach of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). “Of course, I can assure you that the John Mahama administration from January 7, 2025, will be different. I promise visionary and selfless leadership and not the business-as-usual approach of the NPP.” He further chastised the President and his Vice, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for eroding the democratic goodwill of the country, calling on Ghanaians to vote for the government on December 7, 2024 polls. Mr Mahama posted on his Twitter page, “The actions and incompetent governance of Nana Akufo-Addo and Bawumia have completely eroded Ghana’s democratic goodwill. Political credibility is at an all-time low, never experienced in the history of the 4th Republic. The upcoming December 07, 2024, election is therefore crucial to restoring faith in our constitutional democracy.” “I maintain that the poor leadership of Akufo-Addo and Bawumia must be held accountable for the corruption and deteriorating conditions under their watch over the last almost seven years. But we cannot ensure accountability with the same party and its officials who brought us to this tipping point still in charge” Mr Mahama who seems to be ready for the 2024 general elections in his September message advised Ghanaians to keep democracy intact. “Welcome to a new month, September 2023. We have 463 days more for the people’s true verdict on December 07, 2024. Let’s keep our democracy intact”. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intercepted over 700 fake metres at Dabala Junction Checkpoint in the Volta Region. The confiscation of these fake metres took place on 29th August 2023 by Customs Officers stationed at the Dabala Checkpoint during a thorough inspection of a bus heading to Accra from Aflao. The Customs Officers as part of their duty were inspecting the items in the bus and found these metres hidden inside the luggage compartment area. However, none of the passengers owned up to these fake metres and were later impounded by the customs officers. According to the ECG General Manager in the Volta Region, Ms. Christina Jatoe-Kaleo, importing metres into the country by individuals is illegal since no individual has the mandate to import metres into the country without a license and that only the Electricity Company of Ghana, NEDCO and Ministry of Energy have been mandated to import metres into the country. Ms. Jatoe-Kaleo indicated that the company is clamping down on such fake metres since these substandard metres are installed on the blindside of the company. This practice is having a serious negative effect on the commercial and technical operations of the company, she said. “It is illegal to import metres into the country and also acquire metres from other sources apart from ECG. We will take all necessary legal actions against individuals who are trying to infiltrate our network with these fake metres including those who aid them by selling or buying those metres.” The General Manager revealed that these metres are substandard and can cause fire outbreaks to customers. “Our metres are properly tested and calibrated to meet the required standards of our country, but these foreign metres are not calibrated so customers using them are likely to incur higher electricity bills than our standard metres.” “Using such unauthorized metres poses several dangers to the user, other ECG customers and the company. Such dangers include fire outbreaks, overloading and damaging transformers leading to outages and technical losses,” she added. Ms. Jatoe -Kaleo advised customers to avoid purchasing such metres or dealing with third parties when they need metres and visit the ECG Office for such services. “With the introduction of the Loss Reduction Program (LRP) and Flat rate policy, we have many options to service our customers anytime they apply for metres, so kindly visit the nearest ECG Office and apply to ensure you are served instead of engaging in the illegal act of purchasing from illegal sources,” she said. The ECG General Manager called on the general public to assist the company in winning the war against these fake metres to enable the company to gather enough revenue to sustain the electricity supply chain. “Users of these foreign metres consume electricity illegally without paying and this is not fair to customers who pay their bills. Such individuals usually complain that they are not receiving bills and this is because their metres were obtained and installed illegally without following the process of acquiring metres. We want everyone consuming power to prioritize the payment of bills since it is a patriotic act to pay for electricity consumed,” she added. She further appealed to customers consuming electricity without paying as a result of such foreign metres, faulty meters or direct connections to take advantage of the moratorium granted during the operation zero exercise by visiting the nearest ECG Office to regularize their supply. The General Manager called on the general public to assist the company in winning the fight against illegal metres by reporting such people to the Police or any ECG Office and desisting from patronizing them. “We would like to commend the management of the Ghana Revenue Authority and Customs Division together with other security agencies like the military, national security and Ghana Police Service for supporting the company in the fight against illegal metres”, she said. Ms. Jatoe-Kaleo urged customers to download the ECG PowerApp or use the shortcode *226# to pay all their outstanding bills to enable the company to provide stable power supply. Credit: Citinewsroom

COP George Alex Mensah, a senior police officer implicated in a plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has disclosed that Commander George Asare lobbied for him to be appointed as the new IGP to replace Dr. Dampare. According to COP Mensah, Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP informed Superintendent Asare that the Akufo-Addo government was considering a change in leadership of the Police Service due to concerns about the current IGP’s performance. COP Mensah narrated that Superintendent Asare then recommended him as a suitable replacement for Dr. Dampare. He added that based on that recommendation, Bugri Naabu invited him to his office for a discussion. “Bugri Naabu told Asare that the IGP is likely to be changed and they are looking for a replacement, so Supt. Asare told him that there is a boy who can do the job well. So Bugri Naabu invited me to come so we could talk.” COP Mensah earlier reiterated his position that the current IGP is the worst in the history of Ghana. He re-emphasized his point when he appeared before the parliamentary committee probing the viral tape in which some senior police officers are heard in a conversation with the former Northern regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bugri Naabu, plotting the removal of the IGP. “I can tell you that for the 31 years that I have been in the Police Service, this IGP is the worst IGP,” COP Mensah told the committee on Friday, September 1. He added that he had on several occasions told the IGP about happenings in the Police Service that were hurting the morale of police officers but his suggestions were completely ignored. On Thursday, COP Mensah told the committee when he appeared before it that the IGP’s leadership style has led to a decline in morale among many police officers. “Dampare is not managing the Police Service well and the majority of police officers are not happy. You can do your investigations. You can call the police officers underground and they will tell you,” COP Mensah said. COP Mensah on Thursday also admitted to being a politician and working in the interest of the New Patriotic Party. His comments echo similar sentiments captured on a leaked tape in which he is heard telling Bugri Naabu that the IGP must be removed to ensure that the NPP wins the 2024 elections. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, is expected to visit Godenu in Hohoe, Volta Region, following a clash that claimed two lives. This was disclosed by the Member of Parliament for the area, John Peter Amewu. The clash, which occurred on Wednesday, saw the burning of motorbikes and the destruction of vehicles. The police have arrested 12 people in connection with the incident. In an interview with Citi News, the MP urged his constituents to exercise restraint and allow for investigations. “There are laws in this country, and the police are not above the law, neither are the citizens. I can assure them that any police officer found culpable of this barbaric incident, which they witnessed being perpetrated against the people they are supposed to protect, will be brought to book. Similarly, if it is the citizens who are at fault, the law will take its course.” “I am just appealing to my people in the constituency to exercise some level of calmness, as we progress. I have been in touch with the IGP, and he will be coming. I have also spoken with the Minister for Defence and the National Security Minister, so the government is taking this issue very seriously. You are the people we are supposed to govern, and so we need to protect you,” John Peter Amewu said. The MP appealed to the police not to re-enter Godenu to reignite and escalate the disturbance which led to the loss of lives, injuries, and the destruction of several properties. Background There was a violent disturbance in the village on August 30, which resulted in a police patrol vehicle being set ablaze by some members of the village. According to the police, the disturbance occurred on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, after a police patrol vehicle was involved in an accident with a motorbike rider. The motorbike rider sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Some members of the community became angry and started throwing stones at the police patrol vehicle. The police officers in the vehicle tried to disperse the crowd, but the crowd became more violent and set the patrol vehicle on fire. Two people died in the violence, and the motorbike rider who was injured in the accident is still receiving medical attention. The residents of Godenu and Wegbee accused the police of causing destruction to several properties in their community. Twelve people were later arrested in connection with the disturbance, and one Bruni pistol was retrieved. The police have launched an investigation into the incident, including the circumstances under which the two people died. Credit: Citnewsroom

The governing New Patriotic Party has called off its September 2, 2023 run-off scheduled to break the tie between two flagbearer hopefuls –Francis Addai-Nimoh and Boakye Agyarko. This follows the withdrawal of Mr. Agyarko from the race. “We take notice of your decision to withdraw from the contest and therefore the run-off election scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2023, will no longer be held,” Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, Chairman of the NPP’s Presidential Elections Committee, said in a letter addressed to Boakye Agyarko. The run-off was being organised to break the tie between Mr Agyarko and Mr Addai-Nimoh to decide who would join the four aspirants in the party’s November 4 presidential primary. Boakye Agyarko refrained from the run-off after accusing the party of breaching provisions of their constitution. “I refuse to be a part of such an act that seeks to unjustly truncate a previously agreed upon process, and cannot be part of what is about to be done on Saturday, 2nd September 2023. I cannot, with a clear conscience make such an impermissible concession to such an errant decision. I, therefore, respectfully, serve this notice to refrain from such a contest. As always, I wish the party well,” he said in a letter addressed to Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye on August 31, 2023. Background The NPP held a super delegates conference last on August 26 to reduce its flagbearer hopefuls from ten to five. At the end of the polls, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia won the super delegates conference with a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the vote. Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes (14.30%) while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes (10.29%). Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto placed fourth with 36 votes (3.90%). The New Patriotic Party disclosed that a run-off will be held on Saturday, September 2, to decide the fate of Boakye Agyarko and Francis Addai-Nimoh after both presidential candidates secured nine (9) votes each. Although the persons who voted during the August 26 special delegates conference were expected to take part in the run-off, the party later announced that only members of its National Council will vote in the exercise. According to the party, the decision is to save time and cost adding that it will be held at its headquarters at Asylum Down in Accra. Mr. Agyarko was however unhappy with such decision. “In light of your withdrawal, the aspirants who will contest in the November 4 election are as follows: Mahamudu Bawumia; Ken Ohene Agyapong; Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen; Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimoh,” Mr. Oquaye said in the letter. Prof. Oquaye extended the party’s appreciation to Mr Agyarko for his engagement and communication on the matter and noted that the Committee remained committed to transparency and fairness in all aspects of its work. Credit: Citinewsroom

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) says Ghana stands tall in Africa and many parts of the world when it comes to civic education. The NCCE made these revelation at the media launch of its 30th Anniversary celebrations in Accra. Addressing the gathering, Chairman for NCCE, Kathleen Addy said “Ladies and gentlemen, when it comes to civic education, Ghana stands tall in Africa and many parts of the world" "It is not surprising that every year, the Commission receives delegations from countries on the continent who do not have institutions responsible for Civic Education" "They come to study our institution and learn from us. Surely, we must be doing something right” "The NCCE being a creature of the 1992 constitution shares the same birth year with it. Indeed as a country, we have come a long way and in spite of the exigencies of today, we deem it a worthy enough occasion to pause and acknowledge how far we have come and reflect on what we want the future to look like” “Today, we want to reserve a special remembrance for the framers of the 1992 constitution for having the vision and the foresight to create an institution like the NCCE as a constitutional body with all the protections it enjoys, and to structure it in such a way that it is insulated from politics and political influence" "It is one thing to set up an institution with a sole mandate of civic education, that alone is visionary. It is however remarkable to structure it as an independent, nonpartisan governance institution in the manner in which it exists today - an institution committed to building the right type of citizens who will build the country we all desire” Ms. Addy further disclosed that citizens of Ghana deserve commendation for 30 years of peace and political stability. “Given where we’re coming from, this is no mean achievement. However, we also have to acknowledge that we live in very perilous times where economic challenges and other difficulties have led to disillusionment and called into question the very democracy that guarantees the freedom that allows us to have this discussion openly today” “We must never forget the years of instability we experienced for the entire post-colonial period before the onset of the Fourth republic. Indeed the fourth republic is the fourth republic because it is our fourth attempt at building a republic" "The three previous attempts were truncated by military interventions that did our country no good. Nothing good came out of the multiple coup d’états we experienced in Ghana" "Nothing but oppression, fear, widespread atrocities and a culture of silence that those who did not live through the era can never imagine or understand” “Over the last 30 years, in spite of major challenges encountered, the commission has done its best to fulfill our mandate. A brief glance at our annual reports will show we have, consistently over the years, been among the most poorly funded state institutions, even though the constitution is clear that our operations should be charged to the consolidated fund" "The reports will also show that every year, without fail, to the best of our ability, we are able to deploy programmes and activities to advance our mandate, which is to promote and sustain Ghana's democracy and inculcate in the Ghanaian citizens, the awareness of their rights and obligations through Civic Education. Our values of Integrity, Presence and Independence have been the hallmark of the Commission all these years” “We remain faithful to our function as stated in Article 233 of the constitution and formulate for the consideration of Government, from time to time, programmes at the national, regional, and district levels aimed at realizing the objectives of the 1992 fourth Republican Constitution” “Formulate, implement and oversee programmes intended to inculcate in the citizens of Ghana awareness of their civic responsibilities and an appreciation of their rights and obligations as free people” She stressed that Ghana is deservedly acknowledged as a thriving electoral democracy. “Our success rate in holding free and fair elections is well recognized across the world. Elections however, is only one feature of democracy" "Other features are rule of law, respect for fundamental human rights, freedom of speech, and freedom of association. In addition, a democracy must have active and engaged citizens who are conscious of their rights and responsibilities, and that is where we find our role as NCCE” “For us, given the current global uncertainties as well as the turbulent political landscape of the west Africa sub region, we recognize that our work is well cut out and we are fully awake to our responsibilities. How do we ensure that citizens have a civic consciousness and mindset required to remain committed to the cause? How do we ensure citizens adopt the values to respond to the needs of Ghana today?" "How do we ensure citizens are active participants in governance, in their communities, districts as well as central government? How do we get citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities? How do we equip citizens to hold duty bearers accountable? In fact, how do we achieve the mindset shift needed to make all of this happen? Indeed, the road ahead is daunting, but we are committed and ready to take on the challenge, and we know we will succeed” The NCCE noted that as part of a number of activities (year-long) have been planned to commemorate the anniversary celebration include High-Level Panel discussion with statesmen on the role of IGIs in sustaining our democracy. “Visits to the three Arms of Government, civic awards to recognise patriotic citizens and nation builders, arts competition, fun games" “The Commission appreciated all past executives of the Commission, Commission Members, staff (past and present) and others who have worked selflessly to contribute to realizing the mandate of the Commission in the past decades” “The challenges faced by the Commission are already well known, and as we celebrate 30 years of our existence, let's remind ourselves as a nation to adequately support civic education activities in the next decades to harvest a civic-conscious and patriotic society that will contribute meaningfully to national growth and development” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director General of Operations for the Ghana Police Service, COP George Alex Mensah, has admitted that it is his voice on the tape that plotted the removal of the Inspector General of Police, George Akuffo-Dampare. The officer who is also a lawyer and a Chartered Accountant, however, said the content of the tape had been doctored. Appearing before the Ad-Hoc Committee set up by Parliament to investigate and ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the tape, COP Alex Mensah admitted to having a meeting with the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Northern Regional Chairman, Bugri Naabu. “I remember having a conversation with Bugri Naabu,” he confirmed. “What I am saying is that this tape that was played today is an edited tape…the tape played today has so many things I don’t remember and there are things that were said that are not on the tape,” he added. Committee probe police officers captured in IGP’s leaked tape ( Daniel Bugri Naabu, when he appeared before the committee on Monday insisted that COP George Alex Mensah is the senior police officer heard on the leaked audio. He said his decision to record the conversation about the proposed plot was to safeguard the interest of his party [the NPP]. Mr Naabu, who confirmed the authenticity of the secret tape, indicated that his plan was to forward the tape to President Akufo-Addo to take action. While defending his recording of the conversation, Bugri Naabu also mentioned that Commander Asare, COP Mensah and Superintendent Gyebi were the personnel who had the discussion with him about the IGP. “The reason for recording this tape is that they are coming to tell me to go and tell the President something that they know they are saying, and it is either I don’t go and tell the President and then I and my party suffer for it, or if I also go to talk to the President, it is good to tell him the right thing, and since I cannot keep everything they were telling me at that point, it was very good to record and I know the President, that if I go and tell him something and it turns out not to be true, next time he won’t give me respect,” he explained to the Committee. Credit: Myjoyonline

Lead Consultant at the Dwamena-Aboagye Ltd (DAL), Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye has urged victims of sexual harassment in various institutions to voice out their displeasures whenever they are harassed by employers or persons in higher positions. According to her, voicing-out will help institutions to identify, arrest and also kick out perpetrators in order to save victims likewise the image of the company. She was spoke at a workplace harassment training session organised by WIM Ghana in Accra. She said "If you are an employer, support the implementation of policies or have policies that protects employees. "Educate yourself about the policy so that incase anything happens, you would know how to deal or protect yourself" "Adhere to the workplace policy as well. Some people have turned themselves into harassers. They are in the workplaces and don't allow employees to have their freedom" Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye stressed that once victims of sexual harassment are empowered, they will be able to speak assertively. "Tell the harassers to stop" Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye further hinted that skills can be built out of assertiveness. Taking her turn, Managing Consultant, Dwamena Aboagye Ltd (DAL), Naana Frimpong challenged men to also report women who harass them sexually. She noted that until men voice out on sexual harassment, it will be difficult for the world to believe that they are also harassed. "I know of a man whose wife had been knife-stabbing him and also hitting his head with fry pan. It continued for a long time till the man finally voiced out" She also advised employees not to be intimidated by employers adding that the victims can report acts of sexual harassment to the police for actions to be taken. On her part, Madam Esther Aboakye said "Women should stand for eachother and not be eachother's enemy" She appealed to women in higher positions to extend helping hands to other women to help push them to attain higher heights. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith