NPP chairman accused of fueling factions

Mr Mac Manu is championing his selfish agenda by fueling the controversies in the party. The national chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Mac Manu has been accused of engineering factions and other frosty relationship among party executives. A former Constituency chairman of the party in Ashanti region says actions and inactions of the national chairman towards the party clearly depict his inability to unite the party. Nana Adu Asabre the plaintiff in the court case against the party says the national chairman lacks commitment to address raging conflicts among constituency executives in the Ashanti region. He accused Mr Mac Manu for championing his selfish agenda by fueling the controversies in the party. Adu Asabre wants party leadership to call the chairman to order before he brings what he describes as a total destruction to the party. He was speaking to Nhyira Dwaso Nsem's host Kofi Asante on the party’s impending court case. A high court in Kumasi on Wednesday declined to lift an injunction restraining party officials from going ahead with the regional congress without constituencies where elections are yet to be held. Though judgment is set for Friday after which the party leadership will decide on what to do, the plaintiff says he will withdraw the case irrespective of the court ruling. Cases of alleged manipulation of election process including denial of registration forms to some people have been prevalent in various parts of the country. The party, however, appears to be divided along Nana Akuffo Addo and Allan Kyeremateng lines. Story by Kofi Asante/Nhyira Fm-Ghana

Rawlings: Restore NDC’S Integrity or prepare to bow out

The NDC leaders in a group photo with the founder after the visit President Jerry John Rawlings has cautioned that should the newly elected national executives of the party fail to restore its integrity then it should be ready to bow out. He noted that if the party failed to restore its integrity, it will decline to the level of the NPP and “nature will take its course.” “The weapon that we have to stay in office is our integrity. Therein lies our strength. No amount of money the NPP pushed into the last elections could defeat us. If we undermine our integrity then we should be ready to bow out,” the founder said. Speaking during a courtesy call by the newly elected National Executives of the party on the Council of Elders at his Ridge residence on Friday, former President Rawlings said “the biggest weapon we have in our arsenal to defeat our enemies is our integrity.” The founder noted that the NDC could do much better than it was doing, stating that every effort that can be put in place to restore the party’s integrity should be employed. “That is what we did to defeat the NPP. We cannot do that unless we do our own internal cleansing,” he said. Touching on the recently held party elections across the country, the Founder called for investigations into electoral malpractices that characterised the process. He said some delegates were imposed on the party in certain areas. In others the security agencies were used to prevent some legitimate candidates from exercising their rights. “If we sweep these under the carpet we will remain weak. Our strength comes from recognised personnel who have worked hard amongst us,” he stated. Former President Rawlings who is also the Chairman of the Council of Elders admonished the party not to perpetuate the misdeeds of the NPP. “We cannot rectify the misdeeds of the NPP if we cannot cleanse our own selves.” The NDC founder said hundreds who had suffered persecution under the NPP should have their cases reviewed and justice restored to them. He said some lost their jobs because of ethnic or political affiliation and such victims should be invited to state their cases for investigations. “You will be surprised at the thousands of letters you will receive,” he said. The former President called for investigations into the conduct of some District Chief Executives who are working against the aspirations of the country and ignoring and disrespecting the party machinery. He also called for an enquiry into the conduct of the 2008 elections. He said it was important that the party intervened to prevent the destruction of ballots in areas where fraud was reportedly perpetrated so they can be investigated, as a failure to do so will allow fraud in the next elections again. Earlier party Chairman, Dr. Kwabena Adjei who introduced the newly elected executives, praised the party for a smooth Congress and said the newly elected executive had constituted a sub-committee to recommend nominations to the Council of Elders, which had been depleted over time. “We will hold a NEC meeting on February 4 and that meeting will fill the vacuum and legitimise our FEC so things do not go awry,” he said. Dr Adjei said the party was weakened when some of its most experienced members were appointed into government but Congress had restored that strength. Council of Elders member, Harry Sawyerr who also addressed the meeting congratulated members for a peaceful election and said the Council will work very closely with the executives and offer advice when needed. The Council, Mr. Sawyerr said was looking forward to nominations to the Council of Elders. Source: President Jerry John Rawlings

China suspends military exchanges with US, threatens sanctions

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AP – FILE - In this July 20, 2006 photo, a U.S.-made Patriot missile is launched during the annual Han Kuang …

By CARA ANNA, Associated Press Writer – Sat Jan 30,

BEIJING – China suspended military exchanges with the United States and threatened sanctions against American defense companies Saturday, just hours after Washington announced $6.4 billion in planned arms sales to Taiwan.

The development has further strained the complex relations between the two powers, which are increasingly linked by security and economic issues.

China's Defense Ministry said the sales to self-governing Taiwan, which the mainland claims as its own, cause "severe harm" to overall U.S.-China cooperation, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. The Foreign Ministry threatened sanctions against U.S. companies involved in the arms sales.A spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy, Susan Stevenson, had no comment on China's actions Saturday.

Taiwan is the most sensitive topic in U.S.-China relations, and the sales announced Friday could complicate cooperation between the two sides on issues ranging from Iran's nuclear program to the loosening of Internet controls, including a Google-China standoff over censorship.

China's Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei warned U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman that the sales of Black Hawk helicopters, Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles and other weapons to Taiwan would "cause consequences that both sides are unwilling to see," a ministry statement said Saturday.

The United States is Taiwan's most important ally and largest arms supplier, and it's bound by law to ensure the island is able to respond to Chinese threats.

China responds angrily to any proposed arms sale, however, and it also cut off military ties with the U.S. in 2008 after the former Bush administration announced a multibillion-dollar arms sale to Taiwan.

Washington has tried to use military visits to build trust with Beijing and learn more about the aims of its massive military buildup.

Overall ties have been tense as President Barack Obama plans to meet with the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, this year. It's not known whether the Taiwan arms sale will affect President Hu Jintao's expected visit to the U.S. this year.

Experts on China warned Beijing could take further steps to punish the United States to show its newfound power and confidence in world affairs.

Jin Canrong, a professor of international studies at China's Renmin University, said the sale would give Beijing a "fair and proper reason" to accelerate weapons testing. China test-fired rockets in recent weeks for an anti-missile defense system in what security experts said was a display of anger at the pending arms sale.

"The U.S. will pay a price for this. Starting now, China will make some substantial retaliation, such as reducing cooperation on the North Korea and Iran nuclear issues and anti-terrorism work," Jin added.

The latest suspension of military ties should affect planned visits to China by U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Admiral Michael Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. A visit to the U.S. by the Chinese military's chief of the general staff, Gen. Chen Bingde, could also be called off.

The U.S. Congress has 30 days to comment on the newest arms sales before the plan goes forward. Lawmakers traditionally have supported such sales.

Though Taiwan's ties with China have warmed considerably since Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou took office 20 months ago, Beijing has threatened to invade if the island ever formalizes its de facto independence. China has more than 1,000 ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan.

Obama's national security adviser, Jim Jones, said in a speech Friday that both Washington and Beijing do things "periodically that may not make everybody completely happy" but that the United States is "bent toward a new relationship with China as a rising power in the world."

The arms package dodges a thorny issue: more advanced F-16 fighter jets that Taiwan covets are not included.

The Pentagon's decision not to include the fighters and a design plan for diesel submarines — two items Taiwan wants most — "shows that the Obama administration is deeply concerned about China's response," said Wang Kao-cheng, a defense expert at Taipei's Tamkang University.

Taiwan's Ma told reporters Saturday that the deal should not anger the mainland because the weapons are defensive, not offensive.

"The weapons sale decision will ... allow us to have more confidence and sense of security in developingcross-Strait relations," he said.

___

Associated Press writers Foster Klug and Robert Burns in Washington, Charles Hutzler in Beijing and Annie Huang in Taipei contributed to this report.

Bribe Police For Court

THE FOUR policemen who were caught red-handed on Wednesday morning collecting bribe money from drivers on the Achimota Overpass in Accra will soon be processed for court. The Public Affairs Director of the Ghana Police Service, DSP Kwesi Ofori, disclosed this in an interview with Kessben FM in Kumasi on Thursday. He revealed that a full-scale investigation has been launched into the case with the view of establishing circumstantial evidence to enable the police administration process the offending policemen for court. DSP Ofori made it known that for now, the four wayward police officers would be interdicted for the purpose of ensuring that they do not interfere with investigations. Speaking ill about the practice where police officers detailed to enforce traffic regulations end up extorting money from drivers, he indicated, “Police officers are not beggars who go to the streets and beg for alms”. DSP Ofori stressed that the Police Administration is determined to weed out ill-disciplined officers who drag the reputation of their noble service into the mud. Noting that police services such as the lodging of complaints and the granting of bail for accused persons do not attract a fee, the police PRO entreated the public to report such illicit activities to the police administration for action. DSP Ofori said his outfit is doing everything possible to clean out the mess from the police service for the common good of all and sundry, urging the public to cooperate with them. Probably the biggest news since the beginning of this year was recorded on Wednesday morning when some four police officers were caught red-handed collecting bribe money from drivers on the Achimota Overpass towards Abeka Lapaz in Accra. The prohibited activity of these police officers, who are dispatch riders from the Police Central Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU), was uncovered by a team of police officers who were detailed to the place following a tip-off. While an amount of GH¢170 was found on L/Cpl. Daniel Yemoh, and GH¢89.20 was retrieved from his colleague L/Cpl George Rockson, their seniors; Inspector Joseph Karikari and Sgt. Anthony Nyarko did not have any money on them at the time of their arrest. DAILY GUIDE has learnt that in times of such operations, the money collected is kept by the junior officers till it is over before the proceeds are shared. One of the police officers, who ostensibly did not want to be captured on camera, was said to have bolted when a TV camera focused on him. But unfortunately for him, he was re-arrested at the CID block of the police quarters. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Paul Quaye, according to media reports, announced at a recent interaction with regional commanders that he was going to embark on a crusade to redeem the deplorable image of the police service. The special team that arrested the four impish cops was part of the wide ranging measures put in place by the IGP towards the image-redemption exercise. It is common knowledge that the practice of giving bribes to police officers by commercial drivers, especially in the urban areas, is a bizarre development that has stared the nation in the face for a very long time. This eerie spectacle has persisted all this while due to the entrenched perception that no matter what, a police officer will always find fault with a vehicle, thus the best thing to do to prevent unnecessary delays is to pay your way through. From Morgan Owusu, Kumasi/Daily Guide

Akufo-Addo suspends his security detail

Nana Akufo-Addo, NPP stalwart New Patriotic Party stalwart Nana Akufo-Addo has suspended some members of his security detail following a violent confrontation which broke out between them and other party members. In a press statement released on Friday and signed by Nana Addo himself, the former presidential candidate of the NPP described the clash as rather “unfortunate, inexcusable and regrettable.” A feud which reportedly broke out in the Greater Accra Regional Office of the party is said to have degenerated into a clash in which several persons were injured. According to the statement, some persons had, allegedly, persistently and openly been making derogatory and abusive remarks about Nana Addo which his supporters there did not take kindly to. The situation is then said to have degenerated into a fight which resulted in the injuries. The statement said the NPP presidential candidate for Election 2008 has always been opposed to the violence and would always stand up to condemn it. “I have always been opposed to the use of force to resolve political disputes or arguments and condemn it. I have thus consistently advised all members of my staff and sympathisers not to respond violently or in like manner to any provocation, taunts or insults directed against me,” it said. “I have visited the injured persons to express my profound regret about it and to reassure them of my personal commitment against violence.” One of the injured men said his assailants pounced on him when he tried to go the rescue of one of his friends being assaulted by the men. He said men wielded daggers which they wanted to use on him. Another man who also complains of assault said his whole body hurt badly. Nana said he has ordered an investigation into the matter. “I hereby call on all members of our party to consider the wider implications of their actions and conduct themselves in a manner which will foster unity and singleness of purpose amongst us. It is my fervent hope and prayer that we all work together to promote peace and harmony within the NPP,” it stated. Meanwhile the Nima Divisional Police Command is investigating the alleged assault. Story by Fiifi Koomson/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

My tenure as Interior Minister has improved police’s image - Avoka

Outgoing Interior Minister Cletus Avoka Outgoing Interior Minister Cletus Avoka says his short tenure in office has drastically improved the image of the police service and other security agencies under the ministry. Mr. Avoka will leave the Interior Ministry if Parliament approves the nomination of Martin Amidu as the new minister. As the Member of Parliament for Zebilla prepares to take on a new job, possibly as Majority Leader in Parliament, he says he has left a positive legacy at the ministry. “In January 2009 when we took over the reigns of government, armed robbery and other violent crimes in the country [were] on the ascendancy during the previous year, drug menace was on the ascendancy during 2008 and before then and all other activities. There were also violent conflicts in other parts of the country. And there was a lot of negative public image, as far as the security services are concerned. So first and foremost you’ll agree with me that between January 2009 and today, there is improved public image as far as the police service and other security services are concerned,” he told Joy News’ Seth Kwame Boateng. According to Mr Avoka, latest reports of police extortion are exceptional and never reflective of the service’s image. Mr Avoka exits his current portfolio and was rumoured to be to returning to Parliament as Majority Leader. But with the suggestion meeting a strong objection from NDC Majority MPs in the house, President Mills is said to be holding further meetings with the caucus to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, an unscientific poll conducted by Joy News indicates most Ghanaians are disillusioned with the police. “I don’t respect the police…If they stop taking bribes from drivers I will respect them,” a respondent indicated. Source: Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

NDC Blows More Cash On Tea

Alex Tetteh Enyo - Education Minister THE RULING National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s subtle penchant for blowing cash on tea at official gatherings continues unabated as the government has again spent GH¢21,600 or ¢216 million on refreshments and lunch at two-day educational forum recently organized by the Ministry of Education. The amount forms part of the GH¢53,667 or ¢536.67 million that was spent on the organization of the forum, covering expenses on conference auditorium, lunch/refreshment, honorarium to various committee members, stationery, consultancy for preparation, moderation, documentation and reporting. Minister for Education, Alex Tettey-Enyo, disclosed the figures whilst answering a question from Robert Sarfo-Mensah, MP for Asunafo North, in Parliament yesterday on the outcome of the National Education Forum organized a few months ago by the Ministry of Education to deliberate on the length of the Senior High School education in the country and how much it cost the nation to organize the forum. It would be recalled that the NDC government engaged in what was described as ‘profligate expenditure’, blowing an amount of ¢1.35billion (GH¢135,316.30) on tea, water, snacks and lunch at the sittings of the Transition Team during the early days of President John Atta Mills’ administration. The Minister for Education told the House that upon assumption of office, the new administration charged the Ministry of Education to organize a stakeholders' forum on the duration of senior high school education in the country. Mr. Tettey-Enyo indicated that the outcome of the forum was communicated in a memorandum to Cabinet for policy approval for the reversal of the duration of the senior high school education from four years to three. According to him, Cabinet accepted the proposed reversal to three years and indicated that school enrolment for the 3-year programme should commence in September 2010. According to Mr. Tettey-Enyo, who is the MP for Ada, Cabinet has also approved the implementation plan for the reversal to three years, pending the amendment of Act 778 which established the 4-year duration of the SHS. Also answering questions from John Bennam Jabaah and Ofosu Asamoah, MPs for Zabzugu/Tatale and Kade respectively, as to when Zabzugu, Tatale and Asuom senior high schools in their constituencies would be provided with buses, Mr. Tettey-Enyo said it is the policy of the Ministry to ensure that all senior high schools have buses to enhance their smooth operation. He pointed out that as part of this policy, an exercise was conducted to ascertain the number of schools without buses. However, due to budgetary constraints, the Ministry has phased the procurement of buses and hopes to complete the exercise as soon as possible. Mr. Tettey-Enyo said the Ministry has already procured and distributed 199 buses and 139 pick-ups to some senior high schools, disclosing that the process of procurement for the next phase has begun. He gave the assurance that Zabzugu, Tatale and Asuom senior high schools would be considered along with others as part of the implementation process. By Awudu Mahama/Daily Guide

Ghana Crush Nigeria 1:0

Asamoah Gyan celebrates his lone goal with Agyemang Badu “No matter how high the Eagles fly, they cannot reach the Stars”. These were the words of a Ghanaian soccer fan after the Black Stars walloped the Super Eagles of Nigeria 1-0 yesterday in the semi finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. Indeed, the Black Stars broke over 100 million Nigerian hearts when they trounced the Super Eagles because all the pundits had predicted victory for a star-studded Nigerian team over their inexperienced counterparts. It was a nerve-wracking encounter that could have gone either way; in the end however, Asamoah Gyan’s 20th minute goal was all Ghana needed to secure a place in the finals, scheduled for Sunday 31st January 2010 in Luanda. From the blast of the referee’s whistle, the Super Eagles dominated the game, but lack of bite upfront denied them the opener. They bombarded the goal-area of their opponents at will, making the Ghanaians look a pale shadow of the side that defeated hosts Angola in the quarterfinals. Indeed, the Ghanaians were unimpressive, coming up with late tackles and poor finishing. From the 16th minute however, the Black Stars started coming into the picture, fighting for 50-50 balls and showing that they were in the semifinals to compete. Their fighting spirit was rewarded with a goal in the 20th minute when Asamoah Gyan headed home a Kwadwo Asamoah cross. Five minutes later, Asamoah Gyan nearly increased the tally when his long range curling shot missed the top post by inches. Obafemi Martins missed a number of clear-cut chances to fetch the equalizer for his side. The first came in the 28th minute when he pounced on Osaze Odemwingie’s unintended pass, and shot straight at Richard Kingson, who parried the ball to safety. The Black Stars, comprising mostly of youngsters who were drafted into the team due to injury to their senior colleagues such as Michael Essien and John Mensah, found it difficult to withstand the physical play of the Nigerians. And with the referee waving play-on to clear fouls on Ghanaians, the ‘young’ Black Stars had no choice but to throw everything into the game. Urged on by Anthony Annan who was playing his first game of the tournament, Kwadwo Asamoah and Asamoah Gyan, the Black Stars exhibited the highest sense of discipline, especially in defence, in order to contain the marauding Nigerians. Lee Addy of local side Bechem Chelsea was on hand to clear two dangerous situations in the 46th and 47th minutes. Even though Nigeria pinned Ghana to the wall throughout the second half, the Super Eagles faced an insurmountable obstacle in the person of stand-in captain Richard Kingson, who made breathtaking saves to ensure his side’s safe passage to the finals. A cross-section of Nigerians based in Ghana expressed disappointment after the match, with some calling for the head of Coach Shaibu Momodou. One female Nigerian actually broke down in tears after the match. “Why, why, why? This Ghana team should have been a walkover now,” she said amidst sobs. By Mohammed Muniru Kassim/Daily Guide

NPP Congress In Limbo

THE POSSIBILITY of the Ashanti Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) holding its regional delegates’ congress at the Cultural Centre in Kumasi today has once again hit the rocks.

This follows the refusal of a Kumasi High Court 2 to strike out an interlocutory injunction order sought on the congress by Nana Adu Asabere, former Asante Akim North NPP constituency chairman.

On Wednesday, December 23, 2009, Nana Adu Asabere sought an order of interlocutory injunction from the court restraining the national and regional executives of the party from holding the regional delegates’ congress.

His beef at the time was that 14 constituencies in the region were yet to organize their constituency elections to select their officers, hence the organization of a regional delegates’ congress would disenfranchise delegates from those constituencies.

Before Nana Asabere’s action, the party’s national secretariat in conjunction with the regional office had fixed the regional congress for Wednesday, December 30.

This was after the initial slated date of Wednesday, November 15, 2009 could not work due to some outstanding court litigations filed by some of the constituency members.

When the case was first called on Monday, January 11, 2010, the court did not strike out the order but instead extended its duration and adjourned the case to Wednesday, January, 27, 2010.

At that sitting, counsel for the plaintiff, Owusu Sekyere, prayed the court to extend the duration of the order because eight more constituencies were yet to hold their elections.

This was after counsel for the defendants, Sir Dennis Agyei, had pleaded with the court to lift the injunction to enable the defendants organize the regional congress.

The extension of the order again destroyed the plan of the party as it was hoping to organize the congress on Tuesday, January, 19, 2010, to pave way for the national delegates’ congress to be held.

For now, all regions apart from the Ashanti Region have conducted their regional delegates’ congresses to elect officers to oversee the running of the party for the next four years.

Nursing the hope that the court would strike out the injunction order at the sitting yesterday, the National Council, which is the second highest decision-making body of the party, at its meeting in Accra last Friday fixed the much-awaited congress for today.

But this plan was shattered yesterday when the court presided over by Justice Jacob Boon failed to strike out the injunction order which was sought on Wednesday, December 23, 2009.

Determined to convince Justice Boon to strike out the injunction order, Mr. Agyei told the court that all constituencies in the region except one have conducted their elections.

Still trying to persuade the court to lift the injunction order, the Ashanti Regional President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) drew the court’s attention to the fact that Article 7 of the party’s constitution stipulates that the party can hold a regional congress when one third of the delegates are confirmed.

Contending that the plaintiff’s action had become mute with respect to time, Mr. Agyei pleaded with the court to consider the supreme interest of the party, not individuals, and therefore lift the injunction to enable the party hold its congress.

He contended that the party is working according to a schedule; therefore, the continuous postponement of the regional congress due to the injunction was throwing the party’s plans out of gear.

Mr. Agyei stressed that the constant adjournment of the Ashanti regional congress is creating untold inconveniences for the party because it was likely to affect the party’s scheduled national delegates’ congress.

Taking his turn to address the court, the counsel for the plaintiff, Mr. Owusu Sekyere, prayed the court not to lift the injunction, arguing that the concerns of his client are still relevant.

He explained that once there is still a constituency which is yet to hold its elections; it would not be fair for the party to conduct the congress because delegates from that constituency would be disenfranchised.

Mr. Sekyere rebutted Mr. Agyei’s contention that Article 7 of the party’s constitution gives authorization for a regional congress to be held when one third of delegates are confirmed.

Quoting Article 7 section 13 of the party’s constitution which stipulates the membership of the party’s delegates, the young lawyer said the mention of constituency executives is paramount and therefore should not be overlooked.

Mr. Sekyere argued that once the membership of the constituency executives was not complete due to the absence of the Asokwa Constituency, which is yet to elect its executives, the holding of the congress would be a breach of the party’s constitution.

After listening to the pros and cons of the arguments put forward by both learned counsels, Justice Boon decided that he needs time to study the arguments so as to make an informed judgment on the matter. He therefore adjourned sitting to Friday, January 29, 2010.

Though Peter Mac Manu, the National Chairman of the party, humbly appealed to Justice Boon to lift the injunction to enable the congress to be held because a postponement would derail the party’s plan, the judge did not budge.

Unable to do anything about the judgment, Mr. Mac Manu, who was accompanied by party gurus like Hon. Dr Anthony Osei Akoto, Hon. Elizabeth Agyeman, Hon. Kofi Jumah, Mr. Yaw Amankwaah and others, left the court room dejected.

Meanwhile, the same court earlier on struck out an interlocutory injunction order which restrained the Asokwa Constituency from holding its elections.

With this development the Asokwa Constituency may quickly hold its constituency elections before Friday to ensure that the court will strike out the injunction to enable the congress to take place.

At the close of nominations twenty-four candidates had filed their applications papers to contest 9 executives positions in the region, including chairman, 1st and 2nd vice, secretary, vice secretary, organizer, youth organizer, women’s’ organizer and treasurer.

Sacked Minister Causes Uproar

ALBERT ABONGO, the sacked Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing whose removal from office nearly caused trouble in his constituency after a ministerial reshuffle by President Atta Mills, yesterday stirred controversy when he appeared in Parliament to answer questions as a minister of state. It would be recalled that residents of Bongo in the Upper East Region nearly took to the streets on Tuesday to protest the removal of their Member of Parliament (MP) from office. Police and chiefs in the area virtually went on their knees, begging for restraint.

The status of the discharged minister and his colleagues took the centre stage on the floor of Parliament as MPs engaged in a legal tussle for more than an hour, debating on whether they could still be in office and hold themselves as such.

According to Papa Owusu-Ankomah, MP for Sekondi, once the President nominates people to take over from ministers, the appointment of those ministers is deemed to have been revoked.

The former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice submitted that the President is obligated to indicate to Parliament if he wants the dismissed Ministers to stay in office until the new ones take over.

“It is important for the House to be certain about nominations of ministers”, Papa Owusu-Ankomah pointed out, further stressing that the President should indicate whether he is revoking with immediate effect appointments of the replaced ministers with the nominations of new ones, or he is intending to revoke the appointment at a later date.

Buttressing his point, he quoted Article 81of the constitution which states that “The office of a Minister of State or a Deputy Minister shall become vacant if (a) his appointment is revoked by the President”.

The one-time Minister for the Interior; and Education, Science and Sports noted that the President has the power to appoint ministers of state to assist him in running government business, but he must exercise such powers in a manner that leaves no ambiguity.

However, Majority Leader Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who is replacing Albert Abongo as the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, argued that his predecessor and others are to continue to be in office until the new ministerial nominees take the “instrument of appointment” from the President and are duly sworn into office.

It was later agreed by consensus that discharged ministers should continue to be in charge until their successors are duly appointed to take over, thus giving way for Albert Abongo to answer two urgent questions on the floor which stood in the name of John Bennam Jabaah, MP for Zabzugu/Tatale in the Northern Region.

Meanwhile, the nomination of three leaders in Parliament and others have been communicated to the House by President Mills, and the Speaker, Justice Joyce Bamford-Addo, has accordingly referred the issue to the Appointments Committee of Parliament for consideration and report.

They are Alban Bagbin, Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing; John Akologu Tia, the Deputy Majority leader and a trained journalist will be occupying the ‘hot seat’ as Minister of Information and Enoch Teye (E.T.) Mensah, Majority Chief Whip, replaces Stephen Amoanor Kwao as Minister for Employment and Social Welfare.

The rest are Mahama Ayariga, Deputy Minister Designate for Trade and Industry; Inusah Abdulai Fuseini, Deputy Energy Minister and Moses Bukari Mabengba, Northern Regional Minister.

Source:ghanaweb.com

Konadu Bombs Mills, Kwabena Agyei!

On The Reshuffle…

The oft-propagated claims by adherents of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) that President Atta Mills is transparent has come under attack, from no less a source than the wife of the founder of the party, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings! Nana Konadu, who is the 1st Vice Chair of the NDC, has waded into the mounting intra party anger over the appointment of three key leaders on the Majority Bench in Parliament for Ministerial jobs.

Mrs. Rawlings told Citi Fm in an interview yesterday that President Mills’ nomination of Majority Leader, Alban Bagbin, Deputy Majority Leader, Hon John Tia, and Majority Chief Whip, Hon ET Mensah for executive jobs, was undemocratic because it was done without adequate consultations with key party figures.

She has therefore faulted party Chairman, Dr Kwabena Agyei, for failing to consult the newly elected national leadership of the party ahead of the nomination of the three majority front benchers for executive positions.

The NDC Chairman had claimed in an earlier interview with the same station that President Mills duly consulted the NDC leadership ahead of his reshuffle on Monday and the decision to raid the Majority front bench was taken along with the NDC Executive!

But this assertions has been challenged by Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings who claims that none of the newly elected executives were consulted stressing that ‘these are the things that have made some of us go into the party so that we will have at least a democratic way of doing things in our party’.

“We have to first find out if Dr. Kwabena Adjei was consulted as an individual or he was consulted as the chairman of our party. If he was consulted as Chairman, he was elected as a member of the party to chair the party’s activities; we also as national executives were equally elected to the party.

“So I think that if he was consulted, then he should also have come to consult the rest of us so that collectively we can give our ideas or feelings towards this decision”, she said.

“The chairman cannot take a decision for the rest of us without informing us, and he is not a rubber stamp’, she fumed. The former First Lady’s comments come at a time the Majority MPs are preparing to face President John Mills to reject outright what they see as the President’s attempt to impose a new majority leadership on them.

Hon. Cletus Avoka and Rashid Pelpuo have confirmed to the media that they are going to be the replacements for Hon Bagbin and Hon John Tia on the Majority front bench.

This assertions has also been challenged by James Agyenim Boateng, a Deputy Minister of Information who said on Radio Gold on Wednesday that the ‘two men did not have sufficient understanding’ of what the President told them.