We will defend ourselves if - NDC

The Daily Graphic, Daily Guide, Today, Enquirer, Palaver and the Independent carry the headline “We’ll Defend Ourselves If… NDC”. According to these papers, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed serious concern over the continuous attack on its members after the year’s general elections when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) emerged victorious. The NDC observed that despite calls on the leadership of the NPP to call its supporters to order, coupled with frantic efforts made by the police, NDC supporters continued to suffer violent attacks.

The Chronicle also carries the headline “Teachers ‘Alawa’ Back … In First NPP Budget”. According to the story the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Sammy Awuku, has said that the first budget of the Nana Addo led administration would capture the allowances of the teacher and nursing trainees. The allowances, which were scrapped by the outgoing National Democratic Congress (NDC) government was met with strong resistance from the teacher trainees, who complained bitterly about the difficulties it had brought upon them.

“Give Me More Time … Nana Addo Tells NEC” is the headline in the Ghanaian Times. The President-elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, ha asked for more time from the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for more consultations before coming out with names for cabinet positions in his government. At a closed-door meeting with the NEC in Accra yesterday, Nana Akufo-Addo told the members that the task of forming a government to fulfill the promises made during the campaign season was a huge one. It required a solid team to be able to deliver to the expectations of Ghanaians, he explained.

The Chronicle has the caption “I Have No Interest in Dagbon Chieftaincy Matters - Nana”. The paper reports that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, President-elect on Thursday, said he has no interest in chieftaincy matters in Dagbon, and wants the stakeholders to help him build a progressive and prosperous Ghana. “I want to have the same relationship I had with the late Ya Na Yakubu Andani II with his son, Kampakuya Naa. I have stated it, and I want to repeat it,” Nana Akufo Addo stated during a meeting with a delegation from the Dagbon and Mamprugu Traditional Councils in Accra.

      

We conclude today’s newspaper review with the headline in the Daily Guide “Nana, Mahama in secret Kumasi meetings”. According to the paper, it has emerged that president John Mahama and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo met and had fruitful mutual discussion before the December 7 polls and after the election to smoothen some rough edges. The secret and reportedly important meetings was said to have been held at the instances of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II a few hours to the polls.

Defend yourselves - NDC charges members

16^th December, 2016 Ghana Elections Daily News Headlines

[A Service by @africanelection] We start today’s newspaper review with:

Defend yourselves – NDC charges members http://ow.ly/UnpW307boYL

Portuphy’s charge to NDC members unfortunate – Awuku http://ow.ly/ViZE307boBa

We’ve not ‘doctored’ Nana Addo handing over notes – Gov’t http://ow.ly/sMol307boIN

Our promises to Zongos will be in first budget – Mustapha Hamid http://ow.ly/CD6r307boNw

Give me more time to select ministers – Akufo Addo http://ow.ly/b40M307boQy

Nana Addo won’t fail you – NPP assures Ghanaians http://ow.ly/7RMt307boVK

NDC will be in opposition for 12 years – Owusu Bempah http://ow.ly/7ZEh307bpzH

Too early to decide flagbearer –KNUST lecturer warns NDC http://ow.ly/kbgc307bpCu

Don't dream of amassing wealth in Akufo-Addo's govt- NPP MP warns appointees http://ow.ly/O86E307bpGS

I’m ready to serve in Akufo-Addo's gov’t – Mahama http://ow.ly/Pr8K307bpXL

Mahama jets off to Abuja for ECOWAS summit http://ow.ly/QBvF307bq2v

I don’t need any appointment in Akufo-Addo gov't – Amidu http://ow.ly/6CB5307bq6L

Ministerial appointments: Akufo-Addo begs for time http://ow.ly/yPAF307bqaD

Akufo-Addo Will Deliver On Promises – Oduro-Osae http://ow.ly/mJSN307bqCP

We Owe No Apologies - NDC Campaign Team http://ow.ly/Fu9N307bqHI

NDC Delegates Plan To Kick Out National Executives http://ow.ly/89h4307bqLZ

Otiko Djaba Grateful To Ghanaian Women Who Voted For NPP http://ow.ly/ZjDt307bqSt

Akufo-Addo Calls For Peace In Dagbon http://ow.ly/hjBw307bqZ3

'Only Amidu-Konadu Ticket Can Save NDC' - Lecturer http://ow.ly/SNwd307br4D

Ministers not doctoring handing-over notes – Tetteh http://ow.ly/9Kqh307brgw

Jumah apologises to Concerned Teachers http://ow.ly/hNK0307brln

We’ve proposed no ministers to Akufo-Addo – NPP http://ow.ly/RcNV307brqh

Ministers doctoring handing-over notes—Boadu http://ow.ly/lGWv307brup

NPP ‘disappointed’ in NDC reprisal threats http://ow.ly/psh4307brxE

Post-election violence: 9 in police grips http://ow.ly/Z23K307brBz

Post-poll violence: Declare state of emergency – Analyst http://ow.ly/uECc307brGk

NPP ruling for 24 continuous years-Pastor http://ow.ly/8T9q307bs3B

Nana Addo and his team were smarter than Mahama and his team-Bobie http://ow.ly/gDsI307bsc8

AFTERMATH OF THE 2016 GENERAL ELECTION: WILL IT HAVE ANY EFFECT ON THE ECONOMY?

Nana Addo dankwa Akufo-Addo has been declared winner and president-elect after the general elections held on 7^th December, 2016. There was widespread jubilation across the country and especially among supporters of the New Patriotic Party; the party that is mandated by law to take over office from the Mahama-led administration on the 7^th of January next year. Prior to the elections, the then opposition NPP accused the incumbent NDC of mismanaging the economy. The NPP accused the government of causing a plummet of our once-vibrant economy that they took over from the erstwhile Kuffour administration.

Coupled with their accusations of gross mismanagement, the NPP accused the NDC government of widespread incompetence and corruption. As a matter of fact, corruption and scandals took centre stage during this year’s election. The NPP canvassed for votes with the promise of turning Ghana’s economy around because they deemed themselves better managers of the economy and they touted Kuffour administration’s as their enviable track record.

Elections are now over and the onus now lies on the NPP to deliver on their promise of transforming the economy. Inflation is on the high side and the national currency seems to be fluctuating in terms of strength when it is marched against other trading currencies. However, it would be interesting to note that after Nana Addo dankwa Akufo-Addo was declared winner of the elections, sale of party paraphernalia has shot-up drastically. To add to that, the celebratory mood has triggered high spending in many industries including food and drinks, transportation, accommodation, telecommunication and leisure activities. These activities in no small way would contribute to help the ailing economy the NPP is supposed to take over come from the NDC administration. Christmas festivities are just around the corner and should the markets continue the way they are going now, improvements would be recorded come the end of the year.

It is early days yet but it seems the change of government has not yet caused any turbulent shocks to the economy unlike what happened to the stock markets in America for a number of days after Donald Trump was adjudged the winner in the recent elections.

We are yet to see the economic strategies of the new government put to full force after January 7^th. A transition committee has already been set up and as it stands, government has finished its handing over notes. In the coming days, the new government would appoint the person who would manage the country’s finances in the Akufo-Addo-led government. It is therefore not far from truth to say that the economic prowess of the new NPP government are yet to be put to the test.

AEP

NDC Signs Contracts in Last-Minute Rush

The Daily Guide, the New Crusading Guide, and Today carry the headline “NDC Signs Contracts In Last-Minute Rush” According to these papers, the incoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) government says it has gathered information that the outgoing John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration is improperly dishing out fresh contracts and selling off state assets after losing the December 7 elections. The NPP also expressed apprehension about the sudden rise in recruitment of personnel into the military, police service and other security agencies. It believes those feverishly being recruited into these institutions are National Democratic Congress (NDC) activists who might not be well qualified.

The Daily Graphic has the caption “I’ll count on you to change our society for the better – Akufo-Addo”. The president-elect Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has reiterated his resolved to meet the expectations of the better. He expressed his determination to honor the promises made to the people of Ghana during the electioneering to bring about progress and prosperity for all, saying, “I will need your support to succeed”.

The Chronicle also has the headline “I Will Expose NDC Campaign Looters - Araba Tagoe”. The paper reports that the Deputy Western Regional Women Organizer of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Madam Magdalene Araba Tagoe, has sworn heaven and earth to expose colleague regional executives who stole funds meant for campaigning in the region. Uncharacteristic of the Deputy Regional Women Organizer to wash the party’s linen in public. Araba Tagoe, who could not fathom the humiliating defeat the NDC suffered at the hands of NPP, particularly in the region, has vowed to name all those who starved the party of funds.

“Nana Addo Receives Tumultuous Welcome in Kumasi” is the headline in the Ghanaian Times. According to the story the president-elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo arrived in Kumasi yesterday, to a tumultuous welcome after his overwhelming victory in last Wednesday’s poll. He was accompanied by Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the incoming vice president and a large entourage of New Patriotic Party (NPP) members.

We conclude today’s newspaper review with the headline in the Daily Graphic “President Mahama delivers States of the Nations Address next Thursday”. According to the story President John Dramani Mahama will, on December 22, 2016, give his last state of the Nations address as the curtain closes on his tenure of office. The president’s last address, in fulfillment of Article 67of the 1992 constitution, is expected to highlight some of the nation’s achievements and challenges, as well as we unite a highly politically polarized county.

Click on this link to read more stories:

Leave Rawlings alone: He didn't cause our defeat - Afotey Agbo

15^th December, 2016 Ghana Elections Daily News Headlines

[A Service by @africanelection] We start today’s newspaper review with:

Leave Rawlings alone; he didn’t cause our defeat – Afotey Agbo http://ow.ly/AFq730797Ls

NPP victory a vote against biased state media reportage – Amidu http://ow.ly/fkxq30797Ps

Gov’t presents some handing over notes to Nana Addo’s team http://ow.ly/1mF130797Tc

I’m not aware of any ‘last minute contracts’ – Hanna Tetteh http://ow.ly/B0PR30797WT

Mahama to present final state of nation address, Thursday http://ow.ly/QI0G30798fS

NPP to challenge parliamentary election results in B/A http://ow.ly/bY4d30798ls

No law bars gov’t from employing people – NDC replies NPP claims http://ow.ly/RKRd30798pi

Kumasi jubilates as Akufo-Addo meets Asanteman Council after victory http://ow.ly/mMd230798sj

PNC candidate petitions EC for re-run of Tamale Central parliamentary poll http://ow.ly/grwG30798vQ

Smoke 'Mahama chief' out of rat hole, make him speak – Baako charges media http://ow.ly/WiOu30798zA

Don't treat Jammeh with kid-gloves- Antwi-Danso tells ECOWAS leaders http://ow.ly/XBl330798E2

Ga-Dangme chiefs not partisan – Group http://ow.ly/qpJH307991N

Afede: I’ll promote Ashanti-Ewe amity http://ow.ly/euYu30799jm

I’ll fulfil my promises: Akufo-Addo tells Asantehene http://ow.ly/tch630799nw

Enforce laws, deal with vandalism – Catholic Bishops urge police http://ow.ly/xhDb30799wl

Police foil attempt by NPP thugs to hijack premix fuel tanker http://ow.ly/UqRQ30799B1

We won’t resign - Kofi Adams tells NDC supporters http://ow.ly/EoHE30799L1

Nana Addo to meet NPP NEC over ministerial appointments http://ow.ly/Jd6q30799Pu

Mahama to deliver State of Nation Address Thursday http://ow.ly/OvyY30799RT

I’m Not Able To Have Erection After NDC Shocking Defeat – Appiah Stadium http://ow.ly/AVyZ3079bod  

WESTERN REGION SWINGS IN FAVOUR OF NPP

The Western region is largely considered a swing region as has since the fourth republic swung in favor of different political parties in both the presidential and parliamentary elections.

In 1996, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won in both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. In 2000 however, it swung in favour of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and they won by 62.5%. In 2004, the Western region kept faith with the NPP by giving them 57.7% in the Presidential election and a majority of 12 seats in Parliament. In 2008 however, the NDC won with 51.9% and majority seats of 11.

The trend continued in 2012 with the NDC again winning with 54.4% with a whopping 18 parliamentary seats out of 26.

In 2016 however, the swing region swung in favor of the NPP by giving them 16 parliamentary seats out of 26 and 52.4% of presidential results.

    

SURPSIE LOSES FOR NDC

Jomoro is an NDC stronghold since 1996. The Convention People’s Party (CPP) won it in 2008 with Samia Nkrumah but lost to the NDC in 2012. The NDC lost the seat to the NPP in 2016.

In Prestea Huni Valley, the NDC has held the seat until the recent election.

Amenfi East is considered largely an NDC stronghold though the NPP has won it before.

In Akontobra, the NPP won for the first time because the incumbent stood as in independent candidate after losing the primaries.

Sewhi Wiaso, the constituency of the Western regional minister also for the first time fell for the NPP’s Dr Kweku Afriyie.

COURT LITIGATION

The party is contesting some of the results in court despite winning 61% of the Parliamentary seats. The party says it is convinced that seats such as Suaman, Ellembele, Amenfi Central and Juaboso were won by the NPP and not the NDC.

Communication Director of the NPP Okatakyie Omankwa Afrifa tells Francis Whajah that they believe they won and they will head to court to seek an order for a recount.

AEP

We are in control - Police assure public

GHANA ELECTIONS 2016 DAILY NEWS MEDIA REVIEW – 14TH DECEMBER, 2016

Barely a week after the December 7 polls, issues of post-election violence in certain areas of the country between the supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the assurance by the police to protect lives dominated the headlines of various news media for today.

The Daily Graphic carries the headline “We are in control – Police assure public”. According to the story the director-general of operations of Ghana Police Service, Commissioner of Police (COP) Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, says the police are in firm control to deal with the lawlessness by a section of society after the declaration of results of December 7 general elections by the Electoral Commission(EC). He said after the reports of attacks on people and destruction of properties countrywide reached the police, “immediately the inspector general of police directed that we send a wireless message to all regional commanders countrywide for them to get to know the trends of events”.

The Ghanaian Times also has the headline “I’ll fulfill my promise-president elect has assured nation”. The paper reports that, President-elect Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured the nation of fulfilling the promises he made during his campaign ahead of the general elections. He said he was determined to change fortunes of the country, create jobs and bring prosperity to all Ghanaians.

“Foot soldiers chase NDC for campaign cash” is also the headline in the Chronicle.  According to the story the National Democratic Congress (NDC) foot soldiers in the Ashanti Region are pursuing members of the regional campaign team to refund huge sum of money sent to them to campaign for the December 7 elections. The party has targeted 1.5 million votes but ended up not getting even 40%of it. The foot soldiers are now blaming those who were assigning the responsibility of prosecuting the agenda of the party of disappointed them.

The Ghanaian Observer has the caption “Cracks in NDC deepens over heavy electoral defeat”. According to the paper the internal strife within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) following its record of electoral defeat in the last weeks presidential and parliamentary polls by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led by Nana Akufo-Addo is far from over as leading members of the party gear up for a showdown. Leading the attack is maverick NDC activist and former Ejisu Juabeng MCE, Afrifa Yamoah Ponko, who says the National Coordinator of the party’s 2016 campaign, Kofi Adams must be killed for the party’s defeat.

The Daily Guide carries the headline “Fight breaks out in NDC over shock defeat”. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) appears to be overwhelmed with internal strife over the party’s humiliation defeat in the Wednesday December 7, 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections. Since the defeat which may probably felt after the party has handed over power for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on January 7, 2017. Things have not been the same with activists of the NDC going after their leaders for supervising the defeat.

We conclude today’s newspaper review with the headline in the Daily Post “Handing over notes ready – Hannah Tetteh”. According to the paper the spokesperson for the government’s Transition Team says the handing over notes from each Ministry that is to be incoming administration are ready. In press statement released Tuesday and signed by Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, she stressed that the notes “indeed were prepared before the elections were held on the December 7.’’

Accusation of post-election violence exaggerated - Sammy Awuku

14^th December, 2016 Ghana Elections Daily News Headlines

[A Service by @africanelection] We start today’s newspaper review with:

Accusations of post-election violence exaggerated – Sammy Awuku http://ow.ly/dluq3076P5r

Fix financial challenges within power sector – ACEP to NPP http://ow.ly/YHM83076Paa

Handing over notes for Nana Addo ready – Gov’t http://ow.ly/GUKE3076PbF

Correct me if I go wrong – Akufo-Addo to Accra chiefs http://ow.ly/MdV93076Pdw

We’ll re-strategize for 2020 elections – Sylvester Mensah http://ow.ly/V6ZH3076Pfq

Tame your boys – MP elect to NPP http://ow.ly/hawa3076Pia

NPP heads to court over Tamale Central parliamentary election results http://ow.ly/HCbL3076Pkl

Rawlings to blame for our defeat – NDC regional organiser http://ow.ly/Ihs03076PWK

ACEP predicts 'dumsor' in 2017 but Jinapor says power is available http://ow.ly/390s3076Q9e

Failure to address needs of Northerners responsible for Mahama’s defeat – Hajia Alima http://ow.ly/CwaT3076Qia

Ibrahim Mahama behind post-election violence – NPP's Invisible forces http://ow.ly/D0vR3076QDP

Road to Ghana’s President-elect Residence Declared Security Zone, Closed to Public http://ow.ly/G84H3076R4V

NPP holds Praise and Thanksgiving Services Dec 16, 18 http://ow.ly/3Azk3076Rgt

Akufo-Addo must uphold his promise to us - DKM customers http://ow.ly/LCYG3076RiJ

Photos: Nana Addo meets G/A House of Chiefs http://ow.ly/ekn03076Ro1

Akufo-Addo visits Kumasi today http://ow.ly/12Wg3076RDe

Demands on Akufo-Addo govt too soon – Lecturer http://ow.ly/B1yg3076RFo

Mahama could convince Jammeh to step down – Aning http://ow.ly/RZdb3076RIg

"My doors are open to you all" - Nana to G/A Chiefs http://ow.ly/QMBO3076RKD

Tijjaniya Muslims congratulate Akufo-Addo http://ow.ly/mKsa3076RMW

NDC Supporters Must Accept Defeat; We Can't Always Win Elections - Agbenyo http://ow.ly/snj23076S4J

You Must Have A Certain Structure And Be Intelligent To Be President...Nana Addo Can Never Be One - Asuma Banda http://ow.ly/UgYC3076S7D

MEDIA PROJECTIONS IN ELECTIONS

When the media was referred to as “The fourth estate of the realm”, recent times must have been foreseen. The role of the media cannot be underestimated in any elections by any country. But the media has proven that in any elections their role goes beyond just reporting on people queuing to vote or issues arising at polling stations. In recent past the media has gone to the extent of calling or projecting winners in both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections to the joy of projected winners and annoyance of losers.

In the 2012 elections, President John Dramani Mahama, was projected by the media to lead the Presidential results. True to this prediction he won.

Starrfmonline reported after collating results coming in that the flagbearer of the New Patriotic party was winning by a 54.13% and the sitting President was behind with 44.8%.

According to The Multimedia Group of which Joy News channel, Adom TV, Joy FM and Adom FM are part, the NPP Presidential aspirant had pulled 4,213,710 representing 52.17 percent and “The President who campaigned vigorously on infrastructural projects has pulled 3,710,702 representing 45.95%”

To those whom this projection went against, nothing about this was true as it was contrary to the figures they had. But if the media in time past had called it and it came true, what was new this time around?

At the declaration of the Presidential results the Electoral Commission said the NPP’s Presidential aspirant won by 53.85% while the incumbent President John Dramani Mahama pulled 44.40%. These percentages do not put any huge difference between what the media projected and what the Electoral Commission announced. The media was vindicated at the end of the day. Once again they called it right.

At a press conference by the Electoral Commission turnout for this year’s election was as low as 49% but Joy news channel disputed that with a calculation that put turnout at 68.42 %. The Electoral Commission later came out with the same figure. Another confirmation of the fact that the media is indeed “The fourth estate of the realm”.

The media gave a by-minute reports and accounts of everything going on before, during and after the elections.

The media did indeed prove their worth in the nation’s history making process.

AEP

CHANGE OF GOVERNMENTS: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR WITCH-HUNTING

On 7^th December, 2016, Ghanaians went to the polls and resoundingly voted in the general elections for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party as the person and party respectively to handle government business for the next four years. The incumbent government, National Democratic Congress has been in government since 2008 when the late Professor Evans Atta Mills took office from the Kuffour administration.

Typical of incumbent governments, opposition parties are accused of abuse of office and incumbency, mismanagement and corruption and a level of neglect for the people who elected them into office. As a result of this, many incumbent governments work toward re-election to allay the fears of the electorates and to buttress the point that the opposition parties were wrong in their assertions. Change of government everywhere around the world is characterized by many developments. One of the main things that every new government is always accused of is witch-hunting. This is the act of unfairly looking for and punishing political opponents. Essentially, it is a targeted attack aiming to humiliate one person or group of persons for reasons that may not be necessarily tangible. Come 7^th January, 2017, President John Dramani Mahama would be handing over the mantle of governance to the president-elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Both the NPP and the NDC have all had some track record in witch-hunting. It can be recalled that when the NPP came into power, its government tried and jailed Tsatsu Tsikata. Tsikata was tried for causing financial loss of GH¢230,000. After a trial through the Accra Fast Track Tribunal, one of many set up by the Kufuor government to try such cases, he was found guilty. The trial lasted for six years and he was pronounced guilty on 18^th June 2008 by Mrs. Justice Hernrietta Abban. The length of the trial is reputed to be the longest ever involving a former government official in the history of the country. The same NPP government also put Victor Serlomey on trial for alleged embezzlement of state funds. After being found guilty and imprisoned. Victor Serlomey died in prison. When the NDC was in government from 2008, it put a number of NPP members on trial including Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, Asamoa Boateng and Wereko Brobbey.

In the wake of many scandals and issues of corruption that were levelled against some members of the John Mahama-led administration including Alfred Woyome’s payments, SUBAH and SADA, it would only be a matter till we find out if an Akufo-Addo –led government would resort to witch-hunting under the guise of recouping money that was taking from the public purse illegally.  

AEP 

THE 2016 GENERAL ELECTIONS: THE BIG CASUALTIES.

Some prominent incumbent members of the John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress have lost their parliamentary seats in the just ended 2016 general elections. Notable among them is Hon. Hannah Tetteh, the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West Constituency who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs. She lost her seat to a business mogul, George Andah who contested on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party. The incumbent NDC Member of Parliament for Madina, Alhaji Amadu Sorogho lost his seat to Boniface Saddick also from the NPP. The Incumbent NDC MP for Ledzokuku, Sena Okiti-Duah also lost her seat to Dr. Okoe Boye, of the NPP. Other causalities include Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Nii Amassah Namoale and Paul Evans Aidoo who have all lost to the NPP.

The defeats suffered by these party bigwigs have resulted in a massive parliamentary majority for the NPP with no less than 169 seats. A number of factors can be attributed to the loss these prominent members suffered. Important among them was the voter apathy that was exhibited on voting day. Records show that low voter turnout was recorded across the country, while the issue of corruption and incompetence that were levelled against the incumbent NDC was also said to have played a part. Just like in the United States of America, many of these bigwigs were hopeful of having the advantage of incumbency at their disposal. Again, the Ghanaian voter, who is fast becoming discerning seemed to have voted on issues. As a result, not even the speedy execution, commissioning or inauguration of many projects close to the Election Day could sway them to vote for the ruling government.

In the case of the presidential race, the marginal difference that was recorded for the NPP as against that of the NDC was evident of how many people wanted to see a change in government. Now that the will of the people have been granted, only time will tell if the electorate have made the right choice.

AEP

THE GHANA 2016 GENERAL ELECTIONS: THE BATTLE FOR KORLE KLOTTEY

If there was going to be any suspense in the race to parliament in the 2016 elections, Korle Klottey was definitely a constituency to watch. The seat was contested by Ms Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress, Lawyer Philip Addison, on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party and Mr Valentino Nii Noi Nortey, who defected from the NPP to run in the race as an independent candidate after losing out in court.

In the run-up to the elections, both Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Lawyer Philip Addison had to deal with court issues. Zanetor was said to be unqualified to contest the parliamentary seat on the ticket of the NDC while Lawyer Addison had to battle with Nii Noi Nortey in court over following controversies resulting from the parliamentary primary. After the court cases were settled, the various candidates focused on the main task of winning the constituency for their parties.

The election was soundly won by Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings who polled 33,609 votes and was followed in second place by Lawyer Philip Addison who polled 29,122 votes. Nii Noi Nortey polled 3,911 votes. As it stands now, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings appears to be the people’s choice and the parliamentary candidate-elect for the Korle Klottey constituency. It is believed that by virtue of the fact that she is the daughter of Ghana’s former President, Jerry John Rawlings, she had already won the hearts of many constituents in Korle Klottey. For Lawyer Philip Addison, who was the lead counsel in NPP’s Supreme Court case to challenge the 2012 general elections, his undoing was the rift that existed between him and Nii Noi. It is believed that many sympathizers of the NPP voted for Nii Noi or Zanetor due to the hostile manner with which the primary results were overturned in his favour.

It was a tightly contested race because for the first time in a long while, the individuals who were contesting in this year’s election for the Korle Klottey seat were all held in high regard and it was an election that was booked to be “too close to call”.  The results however showed that the predictions were not too close to call after all judging by the gap between the three candidates.

On Friday December 10^th, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and her campaign team were seen driving through the principal streets of High Street in Accra to thank all those who helped her to secure the Korle Klottey seat in parliament. The days ahead can be said to be very promising.      

ELECTION 2016: GHANA WINS AGAIN

Ghana has held what was possibly the most keenly followed or monitored general elections in since the reintroduction of democratic rule in 1992. The pre-election period was characterized with a myriad of issues and scandals. As a result, tensions were high and the international community and many Ghanaians were very apprehensive about possible pockets of unrest and disturbances during and after the 2016 general elections. For this reason, the concerned actors in this year’s election, including the Electoral Commission (EC), the political parties, the National Peace Council, the National Commission for Civic Education and all well-meaning Ghanaians preached peace through many messages.

During the special voting exercise on 1^st and 4^th of December, 2016, many voters were unable to cast their ballot due to missing names from the special voters lists prepared by the EC. This resulted in the disappointment of many, a situation the EC apologized for. As a result, many Ghana thought such an anomaly might befall the 7^thDecember, 2016.

On the voting day, as against popular fear, voting started peacefully with little incidences. The staff of the EC, security forces and many other stakeholders kept the peace and ensured an almost incident-free election albeit few instances of election-related malpractices which could not mar the outcome of the whole process, however.

The victory for Nana Akufo-Addo, the leader of the opposition New Patriotic Party and the acceptance of the outcome by the incumbent President and leader of the ruling National Democratic Congress has been lauded all Ghanaians and the international community. This indeed is a win for all the actors involved in this year’s election and most importantly, a win for Ghana. The EC has subsequently declared Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo Addo, the President elect for the 2016 elections in Ghana, and once again, Ghanaians have underscored the fact that they are peaceful and prepared to uphold democratic rule.

AEP

THE 2016 GENERAL ELECTIONS: CASUALTIES AS A RESULT OF VOTER APATHY?

The 2016 general elections has been won by the New Patriotic Party candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He won a resounding victory over his closest rival and the incumbent president, John Dramani Mahama. This was Akufo-Addo’s third attempt to become the president of Ghana. The NPP has also managed to secure a majority in parliament, sweeping about 170 seats.

However, many stakeholders have been disappointed by the low voter-turnout of a little over 68% of eligible voters. One reason that can be attributed to the low number of voters on Election Day is voter apathy. Even though all political parties put in considerable time and effort in campaigning, it seems the issues discussed were not convincing enough to persuade some voters to come out to vote.

Many cite a complete lack of motivation or interest in this year's election albeit many promises from the political parties. The National Democratic Congress which lost the presidency in the 2016 general elections has blamed its loss on voter apathy recorded in the Volta region, one of the strongholds of the party. Similarly, some polling stations in the Northern parts of the country saw no voter turnout. 

Judging by the numbers that were recorded, apathy was a disadvantage to the NDC more than to any other political party. However, whatever the case may be, the results of the election has sent a strong message to all political leaders that the electorates cannot be taken for granted any longer. The Ghanaian voter has become discerning and would vote on issues of jobs, corruption, among others rather than on mere promises.

In this regard, voter apathy in the 2016 elections has caused the NDC the presidency and many parliamentary seats which have been lost to the opposition NPP which goes to Parliament with unprecedented majority. The harm has already been done and lessons would surely be learnt going forward. However, it would be fair to say that judging by the numbers that voted for the NPP, change was what Ghanaians wanted.

AEP

I'll fight corruption but wont witch-hunt NDC - Akufo-Addo

12^th November, 2016 Ghana Elections Daily News Headlines

[A Service by @africanelection] We start today’s newspaper review with:

I’ll fight corruption but won’t witch-hunt NDC – Akufo-Addo http://ow.ly/7u2s30721n7

Use Parliamentary majority to pass critical bills – ACEPA to NPP http://ow.ly/dFbY30721ax

Call your supporters to order – Mahama to NPP http://ow.ly/d2tY30721jI

Mahama officially inaugurates Transition team http://ow.ly/tsrH30721ph

Inauguration of transition team http://ow.ly/k9s930721s9

Don’t let Ghana down – Dumelo advises Akufo-Addo http://ow.ly/NfEz30721uB

Arrest those attacking NDC members – Mahama http://ow.ly/jThe30721zi

Sanja Nanja fails to recapture Atebubu-Amantin seat http://ow.ly/IGOJ30721Bb

Mahama to re-organise NDC for election 2020 - Jinapor http://ow.ly/2q4C30721Iz

Wofa K’s attack fake, mother very angry — family member reveals http://ow.ly/3l3F30721Ks

NPP condemns alleged attacks on NDC supporters http://ow.ly/obCg30721RV

Osafo Maafo leads Akufo -Addo's transition team http://ow.ly/RxN630721Xv

I will not let you down – Nana Addo assures Ghanaians http://ow.ly/GD1H307223W

Ghana has consolidated its democratic credentials – Mahama http://ow.ly/eDuU30722n8

Cooperate, be transparent; Akufo-Addo tells Transition Team http://ow.ly/5R1r30722q7

I will provide effective leadership, Akufo-Addo replies Rawlings http://ow.ly/bfXG30722vg

The wind of change did not blow our way - Nduom consoles supporters http://ow.ly/FikK30722y3

Ghanaians made a wise choice in Akufo-Addo – Martin Amidu http://ow.ly/O3aJ30722Aa

Nduom: PPP will offer “positive opposition” http://ow.ly/E2t930722Gu

Let transparency guide us – Akufo-Addo http://ow.ly/Pzsb30722Ig

I won’t witch-hunt – Akufo-Addo tells Rawlings http://ow.ly/sodg30722KA

I won’t harass my opponents – Akufo-Addo to Rawlings http://ow.ly/NaCS30722Rh

NDC faces post-election rifts – Amoako Baah http://ow.ly/GPlN30722T6

Tema: ‘Machomen’ take over motorway toll booths http://ow.ly/TETd30722Vc

Ghana Polls: Ban Ki-Moon urges calm

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged calm in Ghana as the West African country’s Electoral Commission collates results to declare the winner of the presidential election which took place on Wednesday.

Mr Ban Ki-Moon in a statement called on all political actors and their supporters “to exercise patience while the ballots are being counted.”

He urged that “any disputes be resolved peacefully through established legal channels.”

“In Ghana as elsewhere, the most important aspects of elections are that the genuine will of the people be reflected in the final results, and that those results be respected," he said.

Also, former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, has issued a statement saying any presidential candidate who loses the election must accept defeat without delay in order to calm tensions.

“In the spirit of democracy, I call on the losers to concede as quickly as possible to defuse tensions and allay uncertainties,” Mr Annan indicated through a statement posted on his website on Friday, December 9, 2016.

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has said that it has received 210 collated results from constituencies across the county out of a total of 275 but the turnout has been disappointing.

According to the Chairperson of the EC Charlotte Osei, a 49 per cent turnout has been recorded, which is “very disappointing” compared to statistics from previous elections.

Ms Osei, who was speaking at a press conference on Friday, December 9, urged the public to remain calm as the commission will announce the final results within 72 hours.

Ahead of the official declaration of the results Mr Annan has sent a congratulatory message to stakeholders for a successful election.

“I want to congratulate the Election Commission, its staff and the people of Ghana for conducting a good election on 7 December, worthy of our democratic tradition. I also applaud the support and the diligence of the electoral observers – national and international,” he noted.

He also charged political parties and their supporters to be calm as they wait for the final results from the EC.

“I call on the candidates, their parties and their supporters to remain calm until the announcement of the final results by the Electoral Commission. There is no reason for incitement,” he stressed.

“The people of Ghana are waiting and watching, let’s not disappoint them.”

Classfmonline

AEP

Dec polls: NDC supporters storm Mahama’s residence

Hundreds of supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have marched to the Airport residence of the flag bearer of the party, John Dramani Mahama, to cheer him.

The crowd on Friday, December 9 went to Mr Mahama’s home to cheer him, with the firm conviction that he has won another term.

After ClassFMonline.com’s summation of results from 205 constituencies and total valid votes of 7,868,201, Nana Akufo-Addo (NPP) had 53.32 percent, John Dramani Mahama (NDC) garnered 44.76 per cent and Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom (PPP) got 1.19 per cent while the other contestants together polled 0.72%.

But the NDC remains confident that the declaration of final results by the EC will go in favour of its flag bearer.

Meanwhile, the election-conducting body has said that it has received 210 collated results from constituencies across the country, out of a total of 275, in the 2016 polls but the turnout has been disappointing.

According to the Chairperson of the EC, Charlotte Osei, a 49 per cent turnout has been recorded, which is “very disappointing”, compared to figures from previous elections.

Ms Osei, who was speaking at a press conference on Friday, December 9, urged the public to remain calm as the commission will announce the final results within 72 hours.

The commission also admonished political parties to liaise with their agents at the national collation centre to expedite processes in signing the results to enable the commission fast-track the announcement of the final results.

She assured that there was no way the commission could manipulate the results and that it would announce the results as has been collated from the polling stations.

-Myjoyonline

AEP