Bawku Central MP Adamu Sakande convicted; jailed two years

Adamu Dramani Sakande, convicted MP for Bawku Central

Information reaching RadioXYZonline.com indicates that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Adamu Dramani Sakande has been convicted by an Accra High Court.


He was found guilty of perjury and forgery. He was therefore  jailed two years concurrently on all counts.

The Bawku Central MP, has been standing trial on three charges of false declaration by voting, perjury and deceit of public officer.

A Bawku-based cattle dealer, Sumaila Bielbiel, challenged the status of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, Adamu Daramani Sakande in the law-making body due to his dual citizenship.

Adamu Sakande is also alleged to have, before the 2008 elections, made a false statement in an application to have his name included in the voters register.

The accused is also alleged to have registered as a voter when the voters register was opened, and subsequently went ahead to vote in the December 2008 general elections, when he was not entitled to do so.

Mr Sakande's lawyer,Yoni Kulendi, appealed to the court to mitigate the outcome of the ruling because of the health concerns of the MP.

Speaking after the court proceedings, Mr Kulendi told journalists that the lawyers did all they could to ensure that the facts are laid bare.

He however indicated that the judge had the final say on the matter.

Repair Mills’ Family House - Ekumfi Otuam Residents

Related Stories   Residents of Ekumfi Otuam – the maternal home town of the late President John Evans Atta Mills – are calling on government to develop their community, especially the deplorable family house as a sign of respect to their departed illustrious son. Ekumfi Otuam is a small fishing town in the Central Region of Ghana. It is 12 kilometers from Esuehyia Junction off the Accra-Cape Coast Highway. The town had burst with relative expectations when the Electoral Commission had announced after the 2008 general elections that one of its own had won the general elections and subsequently will become the first gentleman of the country. When Citi News visited the town after the sudden passing of the President on July 24, the village folks recalled that they made a promise to Mills that they would not be overly demanding from him, except that they would expect the very basic development projects like any other community. Being a fishing community, one major project on the hearts of the indigenes is the provision of a landing bay to promote their fishing activities. They had also expected that the Esuahyia Otuam road, which was in a deplorable state, would be rehabilitated and potable water supplied. Family House The immediate family members also had their own expectations - the rehabilitation of the family house which was unbefitting of a vice president-turned President. Three-and-a-half years into the President’s reign, the people are yet to see massive improvements in their lives. The President, however, never deserted his people. According to them, President Mills constantly visited them and promised to provide their basic necessities including the provision of potable water, a landing bay and alternative jobs. He also promised his family the deplorable family house would be rebuilt. On July 24, 2012, two days after the President had turned 68, news emerged that he had passed away at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. This left his people devastated. A visit to the town by Citi News revealed that the people, including children have been devastated by the news. At the family house, libation was poured in which the departed president was implored upon to inform his successor to develop the community. The Esuahyia-Otuam road was under construction; but the community is nothing to write home about. The residents expressed concern about the fate of the community now that their only hope had died. A fisherman, Kojo Frimpong, expressed his sentiments: “We are very hurt. We did not hear of the President being sick; all we heard was that he had died. He had promised to build the landing bay for us.” “Someone should tell the President to reduce the price of fuel. All that president Mills has left undone, he should please complete them for us,” a woman fishmonger, Auntie Rose, added. One woman we met at the seashore decried the deplorable nature of the shore and prayed for alternative jobs. She said, “There are no jobs for us to do here. We are going through too many hardships. We beg of the President to help develop our town so that our people can get jobs to do.”   President Mills was in the process of fulfilling the promises he had made to his people. Apart from the road under construction, pipes were being laid to supply water to the community. However, the rehabilitation of the family house was yet to be started. According to the family, the President had last visited them twice in May this year and had promised to build the house. Their concerns were “now that he is dead, who builds this house for us?” The late president’s family house is a thatched house with some portions uncompleted. One distraught woman who said she was a nephew to the departed president could not hold back her tears. She said; “the president had promised to provide jobs for our children. He said he would build this house for us… he was our only hope.” Children were not left behind in grief as the few we spoke to expressed sadness upon the demise of the president.     Source: Abena Asiedua Tenkorang/Citifmonline.com

Rawlings On NEC Meeting Without Him: I Wouldn’t Say I’m Surprised; This Has Been The Tendency Anyway

Related Stories   Peacefmonline.com can confirm that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting currently being held by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) is without the knowledge of the founder of the party, ex-President Jerry John Rawlings, at least by Mr Rawlings’ assertions. The NDC’s NEC meeting today, is deciding on the future of the party, but its Founder and one-time President and Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces is shocked and surprised that the meeting is being held on his blind side. Per the party’s constitution, Mr Rawlings, who is Chairman of the Council of Elders needs to be present or at least be informed of a scheduled NEC meeting. President John Evans Atta Mills died Tuesday, July 24, 2012 and left vacancies, not only at the presidency, but also on the NDC’s presidential ticket. Mr. Dramani Mahama, the former Vice-President, was sworn into office hours later, in accordance with Article 60 (6 -10) of the 1992 Constitution. But the void in the presidential slot of the NDC remain unfilled. Today’s meeting, according to sources, is dealing with the fate of President John Mahama as a possible flagbearer of the party or whether the party will opt to go for another congress to elect a flagbearer. But alas, the founder of the party seems to have been kept in the dark.   Asked by JoyFM’s Elton John Brobbey if he was aware the NDC’s NEC is meeting today on the way forward for the party, a clearly surprised Rawlings could only mutter, “Oh I see!...I’m not aware”. “Are you surprised you are not invited?” the journalist further prodded. “I wouldn’t say I’m surprised; this has been the tendency anyway,” JJ said. Meanwhile, reports received indicate the ruling party may be going to congress on September 1st, 2012. What is also unclear is whether there will be a popular acclamation of John Mahama as flagbearer.

Source: Nana Kwadwo Asante/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana

Ghanaians still in shock over Mills’ death

From Sebastian R. Freiku and Issah Alhassan, Kumasi

From Sebastian R. Freiku and Issah Alhassan, Kumasi

The death of His Excellency John Evans Atta Mills has come as a shock to many residents in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital.
A few minutes after the rumour started, specifically from the social media platform like Facebook, about the sudden death of the President, many approached the information with cautious belief, with some speculating it was one of the usual buzzes that often surfaced about the late President.
Calls were made to friends, relatives and particularly the regional office of The Chronicle, seeking confirmation of the rumour about the demise of the President.
By 3 p.m. when it became apparent that the President was indeed dead, the mood and atmosphere in the Metropolis changed to that of sadness and sorrow.
While many immediately expressed dismay at the news, particularly considering the fact that the President recently arrived from medical check-up from the United States feeling healthier, others did not hide the fact that the leadership of government was the cause of the death of the late President.
Barely a day after the sad event, most people, particularly the self employed, who were in a moody situation and clad in mourning apparel took yesterday off their normal duties to mourn the late President in silence throughout the day.
Many public and private functions, which were scheduled to take place yesterday, were also canceled because of the sudden news of the death of the President. From drinking joints, lorry stations and inside commercial vehicles, the death of the President became the topic for discussion, with people expressing divergent views about circumstances that must have led to his sudden demise.
Some were of the opinion that the power brokers in government should have told the whole public the truth about the President’s health status, rather than keeping it secret, while others also said it was prudent security-wise, for the public to have been kept in the dark about the health condition of the late President.                                                                                                                           The paper has been speaking to some key political figures and personalities who have had association with the late President and his government.
The ex-Nifahen of the Mfantseman Council in the Ashanti Region, and an opinion leader in the Mfantseman community in Kumasi, Nana Ninsin-Imbeah II, said the whole Mfantse community in Kumasi was distressed by the news of the death of one of their own.
“I became speechless when I heard the news, the whole of today I have not gone out, I have not been able to go to work because I am still in shock,” Nana Imbeah lamented.
He observed that though he was privy to the unfortunate health status of someone who he said he had association with, he did not know that death was going to visit him so soon.
“We were expecting that at least the President would live to contest this year’s elections, but it was never to be,” Nana Imbeah bewailed and expressed the hope that the state protocol will put the necessary arrangements in place for the state to mourn and give him a befitting burial and funeral.
The former District Chief Executive of Sekyere East, Mr. Kwadwo Addae, said he could not believe his ears when he heard the news and had to do several calls to top rank government officials for confirmation.
He said the entire Sekyere East district and other adjoining towns were in a shock when the news broke.
Giving his personal testimony about the late President, Mr. Adae said he would fondly remember the late President for his humility and the fact that he gave him the opportunity to serve in his government.
A founding member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. George Ayisi-Boateng, said he was equally flustered when he heard the news of the President’s death. He said though he was a political opponent, he never wished that this should happen to the President, the NDC or the entire country.
“Death is not a good thing but God knows best, we wish he had stayed, but what God has arranged, man can do nothing about it,” he noted.
The NPP founding member said he was not, however, happy with the way leadership of government and top officials decided to deceive Ghanaians with the health status of the late President.
Mr. Ayisi-Boateng expressed the hope that the death of the President will unite the country and forge us ahead towards peace and tranquility in the upcoming elections.
The chairman of the erstwhile UK-based Ghana Democratic Movement (GDM), Mr. Alex Asabre, currently on short holidays in Ghana, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wife of the late Prof. Mills, who he described as a great man.
Nana Karikari Appau II, Omanhene of Bekwai Traditional Area, noted that the untimely death of the late President was shocking and hoped Prof. Mills, who stood for  peace, sincerity and  honesty would be accorded a fitting funeral in his honour. He consoled with the family and urged the government to maintain the peace and unity of the people.
Mr. Patrick Adu Gyamfi, Bekwai NPP Constituency chairman and his executives have called on the local NDC constituency chairman, NDC constituency executives and the Bekwai Municipal Chief Executive to express sympathies of the NPP on the death of the President.
From the Afigya Kwabre district, Simmons Yussif Kewura reports that Mr. Badu Adu Boahene, Suame NPP constituency chairman was shocked at the death of President Mills. He said Prof. Mills was a good leader by all standards, and that his death was a great loss to the nation.  He said the late President would be remembered for his humility.
An NDC activist, Stephen Osei Owusu, who could not control himself, said the death of the law Professor was very painful.
Mr. Mohammed Loni, Kronum branch Organizer of the NDC said as painful as the news is, Ghanaians should take consolation in the fact that death is imminent. He said President Mills took Ghana on the path of development through his Better Ghana Agenda and hoped President Mahama can continue where his former boss left off and win the 2012 elections for the NDC.
Meanwhile, Ernest Best Anane, reports that the National House of Chiefs yesterday postponed its second general meeting to mourn with the people of Ghana, the wife and family of the late President of the Republic of Ghana, after His Excellency J.E.A. Mills passed away on Tuesday.
Prof. Naa S. Nabila, President of the National House of Chiefs, on behalf of the traditional authorities of Ghana expressed condolences to all the people of Ghana, especially the wife and family of President J. E. A. Mills.
The Standing Committee of the National House of Chiefs stated that the committee received the devastating news of the President’s death during their meeting in Kumasi.
The Committee recalled with nostalgia how only  four weeks ago (on June 29, 2012) the members of the Standing Committee had the opportunity to call on President Mills to welcome him back home, after his return from the United States, where he had undergone  medical check-up, and to wish him good health.
The National House of Chiefs expressed appreciation to Prof. Mills for responding to their appeal by contributing GH¢500,000.00 as seed capital for the establishment of House of Chiefs Endowment Fund endowment fund.
By his death, “Ghana has indeed lost a great statesman”, the chiefs emphasized, saying that since he was sworn-in as President in January 2009, “he (President Mills) worked so much, and worked so hard, to ensure the continued peace and stability for the development of the country.”
Northern Region
From Tamale Edmond Gyebi, reports that the former Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama has asked Ghanaians living in and outside Ghana to see the sudden demise of the late President, John Evans Atta Mills as “national disaster” and offer their support to the bereaved family.
He described the Late Professor as father and mentor for many Ghanaians, and thus his untimely death was a big blow to Ghana, and more especially his family and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking in an interview with The Chronicle, the former Vice President said he was deeply shocked and could not do anything than to stand in awe for minutes, immediately the news got to him about the death of the President.
“Even though I and many Ghanaians were aware that he was not well for sometime now, I least expected him to join his ancestors so soon. But all the same, I send my condolence to the Widow and former First Lady, Ernestina Naadu Mills, the entire family, the NDC as a party and all Ghanaians who are now in a state of mourning”.
Alhaji Aliu Mahama told The Chronicle that just as the New Patriotic Party’s Flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had suspected his campaign activities as a result of the death of Prof Mills, he had also kept all his activities and meetings on hold, and at the time of speaking to the paper, he had joined other NPP families to pay a visit to the widow.
He, however, added his voice to the call for peaceful general elections, and charged Ghanaians to allow the virtues of the Late President as man of peace to permeate their conscience and to ensure that there was peace in Ghana during and after the polls.
Meanwhile, the demise of the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Prof John Evans Atta Mills still remains a shock to members of the ruling NDC, opposition party members and other citizens within the Tamale Metropolis.
Several people, including government officials, motor riders, taxi drivers and party loyalists are still seen wearing red bands to signify their love, respect and loyalty to the Late President. Most government offices, including the Northern Regional Coordinat red flags and all street-lights in the Metropolis have been switched on since 3:00 pm on 24th July, 2012, till now.
The Chief of Tamale, Naa Alhassan Mahamudu Dawuni, said it was initially a rumour until around 5:00pm when the BBC and other radio stations in Accra broke the news through their affiliate stations in Tamale.
The Chief described the Late Prof Mills as “first class gentleman” and expressed his admiration of his humility and way of speaking.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Tamale, Alhaji Abdulai Haruna Friday was also caught up by this paper in his office with red band around his neck, and surrounded by most of his honourable assembly members consoling him.
The Mayor told The Chronicle that he had had the opportunity to work with the late Prof Mills even before he became the President, and he eventually made him a mayor.
The Northern Regional Chairman of the NDC, Awudu Sofo Azorka in an interview with The Chronicle also said he was yet to accept the fact that the President was dead until he personally sees his corpse.
According to him, he spoke to the President few days before the news broke out and he was supposed to meet him at the Castle for some discussions towards the preparation of the NDC in the 2012 general elections.
The Tamale Metropolitan Manager of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Mohammed Adul Sallam almost broke down in tears, when he attempted to speak to this paper about how he took the news about the death of the late President.
He cautioned the NDC Communication Team members in the Northern Region to stay away from making comment on how activities would be outlined for the burial and funeral of the President until they are asked to do so by the National Executive Committee.
Upper East, Bolgatanga
Members of the public, including politicians of various political parties and their activists in the Upper East Region were lost for words to comment on the passing on of President John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills, reports William N-lanjerborr Jalulah from Bolgatanga.
Most residents in Bolgatanga, who were contacted to share their memories about the late President could hardly speak, except to say his death was a big loss to Ghana.
Business activities came to a halt in most parts of the city as both buyers and sellers sniffed for confirmation of the President’s death. One could hear some people shouting; “Oh! President Mills, why so soon?” Others asked why he should die at this crucial time, when Ghanaians have just five months to the elections.
It was extremely difficult to get to speak with the regional NDC executives because they were all shocked and dumb-founded by the death of the President, since they were not aware of his illness. When the Regional Youth Organizer, Mr. Robert Yeli-Oni was reached, he could hardly speak, except to say, “We are mourning”.
When she was contacted, however, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Regional Chairperson, Mrs. Agnes Asangalisa Chigabatia said “I broke down when I heard the sad news”. She said in the first place, he is a human being and secondly, he is the President of Ghana and not President of the NDC”.
Thirdly, he has died at a very crucial time when Ghanaians are preparing for the election.” Mrs. Chigabatia concluded by praying for the soul of the late President to have peace in the bosom of the Lord.
A visit to Atlantic base, the most popular sitting base of NPP supporters in Bolgatanga, saw members in a state of sadness. At the Regional Police Headquarters, both the police flag and the national flag were flying at half-mast, to signify the sadden demise of the Country’s leader.
Upper West
Residents of Wa on Tuesday evening gathered in small groups all over the township, discussing the sudden death of former President John Evans Atta Mills, reports Musah Umar Farouq from Wa.
The streets were unusually quiet as people stood in groups, wearing mournful faces and discussing the unfortunate and heart-breaking event. They expressed shock at confirmation of the news, while those who could not hold back their emotions shed tears.
Those who could not believe the story tuned into local radio stations, using their mobile phones to monitor live reports from partner radio stations in Accra, to confirm the news.
Speaking to The Chronicle, many residents were not happy that the death of the President was announced immediately, saying it could have been delayed for at least a day.
Mr. Abdul-Razak Mustapha, a business man described the death as “a sad day for Ghana” and appealed to Ghanaians to be mindful of utterances regarding the demise of the late law Professor and not to politicize the matter.
“We need to stand together and put our differences behind us at this emotionally difficult and challenging time,” he said.
Adams Fuseni, a lotto seller, said he was shattered by the sudden and unexpected passing on of the President. He said he could not believe the news because there was an earlier report by the various radio stations that President Mills was on a day’s return trip to Nigeria.
Brong-Ahafo
From Sunyani, Michael Boateng also reports that the news about the demise of Professor John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday was received with shock and disbelief by residents of Sunyani and other parts of the Brong-Ahafo region, bringing business activities to almost a standstill.
Initially, it was taken to be another unfortunate rumour about the President’s health by some faceless persons, but this time the information compelled the doubting members of the public to get closer to their radio and television sets for confirmation.
The mood of the entire populace within the Sunyani Township changed suddenly after the death of Prof. Mills was confirmed, as people expressed total shock and dismay, particularly at the time where Ghana is preparing to go into another general election.
Prof. Mills’ demise was the main issue of discussion across the Sunyani Township, and in Taxis, drinking spots, shops, offices, restaurants and market places.
A visit to the Regional Offices of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) saw most of the party members and sympathizers rushing in to confirm or deny the death of the President, who is also the flag bearer of their party.
The forecourt of the regional headquarters was eventually turned into funeral grounds after the official confirmation of the death.
The late President’s demise seems to have calmed the political tension in the Municipality, because for once, The Chronicle observed that almost every Ghanaian, regardless of one’s political inclination were united in grief to mourn the late President.
The Regional Executives of the NPP yesterday visited the NDC regional Secretariat to express their condolences to the party for the calamity that has befallen them and the entire nation. The Regional Secretary, Mr. Alfred Ofori Annye noted that the death was unfortunate and the opposition party would join their NDC friends to mourn the departed President.
He explained that NPP took the decision not to talk for now in other not to give room for some people to read political meanings to whatever they say.
Mr. B.K. Ameyaw, Brong-Ahafo Regional Chairman of CPP, on his part said the demise of President Mills should unite the nation as one people, calling on every Ghanaian to set aside personal, religious and political difference to mourn the President.
He called for total support for the newly sworn-in President, John Dramani Mahama, so that he could continue effectively to lead the country to the desired destination.
The Municipal Chief Executive of Sunyani, Kwasi Oppong Ababio commended Ghanaians for exhibiting a true sense of unity to mourn the late President, saying “Ghana needs such an attitude and oneness to flourish in it development agenda”.
Volta Region, Ho
Correspondent Samuel Agbewode reports from the Volta regional capital, Ho, that the Municipality has been thrown into  a state of moaning following the announcement of the death of President John Evans Atta Mills, as most people were seen wearing red and black clothes and bands, indicating their sad moments of grief in almost every part of the Municipality.
The sudden death of the President had become a topical issue for discussion in the Municipality, as most of the people who spoke to The Chronicle expressed shock about the sad event, which is the first to be experienced by the country.
A businessman, Mr. Bazooka, said since he heard the news, the whole household started mourning and that he could not even eat. According to him, the last time he (Bazuka) personally heard about the President was when he went to the USA for medical check, and was very happy when the President came back looking healthy.
Madam Vida Adzotor, a business woman said God knows best by taking the life of the President at this crucial time in the history of the country.
Mr. Kafui Asem, a retired Communication expert and an elder of Tsito-Awudome at a meeting of traditional rulers at Awudome–Avenui prayed for the late President, after the gathering had observed a minute silence in his memory.
The Ho-East Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Raybon Evans Anyadi on behalf of the entire membership of the Ho East Constituency of the NPP and on his own behalf, expressed heartfelt condolences to the National Democratic Congress, the family and Ghanaians for the sudden death of the President, and prayed that his soul rest in perfect peace.

the chronicle

President Mahama Holds First Cabinet Meeting

President Mahama on his way to the meeting

President John Dramani Mahama has held his first cabinet meeting at the Castle, Osu. He arrived at the Castle around 11.15 this morning.

Party executives and some officials at the Castle had already converged before President Mahama arrived. 

Officials were tight lipped about the issues to be discussed at the cabinet meeting but it is expected that the subject concerning a running mate and other pertinent party issues will come up. 

Before the meeting, President Mahama, led a prayer and a minute silence for the repose of the soul of Professor John Evans Atta Mills. 

In the prayer, the President said sometimes there are opportunities in adversities. It is hoped that the death of President Mills will present the party and the country as a whole with good tidings to enable his vision, the Better Ghana Agenda, to be continued.

Meanwhile, the National Organiser of the NDC, Yaw Boateng Gyan says today's Cabinet meeting was filled with tears. 

Speaking to Radio Ghana, Mr. Yaw Boateng Gyan said he could not continue to sit in the meeting. 

He said a Committee is being set up to oversee the state funeral and burial for President Mills. 

Mr Boateng Gyan said world leaders have expressed interest in attending the President’s funeral. 

He said a delegation will be visiting the first lady, Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills. 

GBC

Majority And Minority In A Consensus Tribute To Late President Mills

As Parliament mourns with the nation on the sudden death of Professor John Evans Atta Mills, the Deputy Majority Leader in parliament Rashid Pelpou has assured Ghanaians that the death will not affect the work of Parliament. 

He described the untimely death of Professor Mills as a call for Ghanaians to confront the reality and stand united as one people. 

Meanwhile, Minority MPs continue to pour out eulogies for the late President Mills. 

First, as a former student of the law lecturer, MP for Nsuta-Kwamang Beposo, Kwame Osei-Prempeh said President Mills virtues run through his life. 

MP for Takoradi Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah said party allegiances must be relegated to the background now. 

The MP for Weija, Shirley Botchway said though she didn't have a personal relationship with President Mills, he really endeared himself to everyone. 

GBC

Segbefia, Dr. Ampofo join race for Veep post

Alex Segbefia

Even before President John Dramani Mahama settles in his new office, the lobbying has begun in earnest for the position of Vice-President.

Several names have come up as prospective Vice Presidents to partner President Mahama in handling the affairs of the state.

Notable among these names include, Trade and Industry Minister, Hannah Tetteh, Local Government Minister, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Kwesi Awhoi, Dr. Kwesi Botchwey among others; all of whom are from the southern part of the country.

But a group calling itself, Volta Youth in Action is urging President Mahama to select the former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery, Dr. Kwame Ampofo.

According to the group, the former MP for South Dayi is the ideal candidate for the Vice Presidential position since he hails from the Volta Region which is perceived to be the strong hold of the NDC.

The leader of the group, William Osabutey told Citi News, the NDC can only retain power if Dr, Ampofo is appointed.

He said: “We are pushing because we know he is credible and looking at the political terrain now, the party needs a unifier and we think he is the one and he is also a Voltarian.”

Mr. Osabutey further explained that “it is not too early at all because other people are also lobbying and other names have also come up.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Ampofo in an interview with Citi News welcomed the offer saying, “I find the call interesting and I appreciate that. This means that from afar, people have been watching and think that perhaps I could bring some good things to both the party and the country.”

He added that “to be vice president is not a small job at all and I haven’t even thought of such heights about myself so I don’t know what to say at this particular point in time.”

In a related development, another group calling itself Better Ghana Forum is also pushing for Deputy Chief of State, Alex Segbefia to be appointed as Vice President.

The group said the former national campaign coordinator of the NDC has gained enough experience to serve as second in command.

Speaking to Citi News, the Convener of the group, Kwame Awadzie explained that “when it comes to the rudiments of electioneering campaign and grassroot campaign, he knows what it takes. He is a man who was secretary to the transitional team and so he knows what leadership at the highest level is all about.”

He added that, “if he partners Mahama, we will achieve the better Ghana agenda.”


By Citifmonline.com/Ghana

Strike looms at AG’s Dept.

State prosecutors working for the Attorney General’s Department have had enough of the daily attacks and death threats they receive from critics, especially loyalists of the Mills government. 

Upset with the rising level of acidic criticism from pro-government elements, lawyers of the Attorney General’s Department are planning a crippling nationwide strike. It’s meant to protest the accusations that the office not only advised the State on legal and constitutional matters but also prosecuted cases in court.

“We are certain that this strike will come off,” said one senior official of the Attorney General Department. “The question of when to begin the strike is what we are discussing now,” a senior source at the Attorney General’s Department, who wished not to be named, told The Globe. 

“During the strike, state prosecutors across the country will be asked to abstain from attending hearings in any civil, criminal, tax, or administrative proceedings and to sign a petition urging the Government to call to order its spokespersons and followers who have made unceasing criticism of the AG’s department as a full-time job,” our source said. “It has reached a stage where some of the officers are receiving death threats. This nonsense cannot be allowed to continue.”


Also, The Globe learned that non lawyers working with the Attorney General’s Department may also join the strike, which is coming at a time the Mills government is under intense pressure to win the remaining few cases it initiated against former State officials who served under John Kufuor’s government.

Insiders say the looming strike threat has seen Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Ben Kumbour, working around the clock to stop the ring leaders from calling what could be crippling industrial action that could bring the Ministry for Justice and Attorney General’s Department to a standstill. 

It is feared that the looming strike could cripple thousands of state-sponsored legal actions in courts around the country, including the widely publicized Woyome and Kennedy Agyepong cases. 

It comes at the time when the ruling NDC’s legal team, which has been very critical of the performances of state lawyers who handled high profile cases that went against government in court, is preparing to publicize a list of persons they believe engineered the courtroom defeats.

“We are keeping the list of NPP members in the AG’s Department very close to our chest,” Chris Ackumey, a member of the NDC legal team told The Globe yesterday. “There are about five of them and they are in very vital offices in the AG’s department.”

Pressed by this reporter to put out the names, Mr. Ackumey only said that “In the coming days we will put the list in the public domain for Ghanaians to know why the State, since the NDC came to power, has been losing high profile cases in court.” 

The AG’s department has been constantly harassed by NDC loyalists and, in some cases, members of the general public since the State lost a string of high profile cases that were initiated after the Mills administration came into office in 2009. Among the big state-sponsored cases that collapsed in court is the Ghana @ 50 lawsuit, the Amina Yutong case, and the Kwesi Osei Agyei case. The State has reportedly lost more than 18 of such high profile cases, sparking spiraling anger among loyalists of the Mills government.

“I know the Attorney General, Dr. Ben Kumbour, is worried about the attacks on this department and has been working very hard to ensure that the increasing discontent here does not spiral into full-blown industrial action,” our source said. “I know he is doing everything possible to keep his team of lawyers here at the AG’s Department at post because he is fully aware of the possible consequences of such a nationwide strike,” they added.

News of the looming strike comes weeks after former law lecturer, Ace Ankomah, jumped to the defense of state prosecutors at the AG’s department as public criticism of state lawyers reached a new high.

In a Republic Day message posted on his Facebook wall, the respected lawyer wrote: “In recent times, I have been angered, incensed and infuriated by those who don’t know and those who should know better, spewing arrogant ignorance (and sometimes plain nonsense) at the lawyers in the AG’s Department. I concede that there are some issues; but nobody leaves the Law School a finished product. Every lawyer needs to be shaped and sharpened by close professional supervision and vigorous training. We cannot expect them to do miracles when their ultimate bosses, the politicians, are pursuing blind political agenda, and simply throw them at the deep end to go and do the impossible, especially in court. They will get mauled! 

“We should also ask how much we are putting into their training. It is expensive to hire, train and keep a lawyer. I should know. Their mates and colleagues in private practice (and by that I mean all non-government work) make an arm and a leg in fees and salaries. We cannot expect them to produce the same quality of work, when we pay them chicken and rice, song and dance salaries, and then don’t give them the same level of post-qualification training,” he wrote.

Ring leaders of the planned strike hope that the strike will delay court proceedings via an automatic postponement of several months. Thus, the proposed strike would force government to call its spokespersons, who have a reputation for attacking lawyers in the AG’s Department.
Repeated calls by The Globe to the Attorney General’s phone were neither answered nor returned.


Source: The Globe

NDC rushed in selecting Mills’ successor – Kojo Asante

Johnson Asiedu Nketia is the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress

A Governance and Legal Policy Officer of the Centre for Democratic Development, Kojo Asante said he is disappointed with the NDC for what he terms hasty preparations in finding President John Mills’ successor.

In about 48 hours after the death of President Mills, the National Executive Committee of the NDC met on Thursday and confirmed President John D. Mahama as the 2012 flagbearer of the ruling NDC.

But Asante told Citi News, it is too early to decide who leads the NDC in the December elections, especially when President Mahama has declared one week of mourning.

He said, “I still think we should still show respect and grieve for this week. I am actually surprised that the party has already started its own internal processes to deal with the flagbearership because they really need to use this week to get the rank and file to pay their respect.”

He also noted that the party could have set up their regional and constituency offices to allow people to go there and pay their respect nationwide, adding that “I am a bit disappointed that they’ve gone straight into these discussions and you can feel that it’s going to trigger all kinds of issues.”


By: Citifmonline.com/Ghana

Mills died with a lot of pain - Bature

Alhaji Bature The Managing Editor of the Al-Hajj newspaper, Alhaji Iddrisu Bature has described late President John Mills as a very sensitive man whom he says died with a lot of pain. “President Mills was in pain but he scoff in diplomacy; he cried in pain and in silence,” he said. Bature indicated that the affable President nearly resigned his position as President following what he says were the incessant criticisms and vilification especially from the founder of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) as well as the opposition for doing no wrong. “President Mills told me in his office that, Alhaji sometimes I feel like taking my bag and walking out of this office.” On Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Thursday, Alhaji Bature faulted the late President for demonstrating too much “diplomatic niceties” especially in his relationship with former President Jerry Rawlings. Bature posited that Mills went into a covenant with his soul and God not to raise his voice against the former president and thus according to him, Mr. Rawlings took the late Atta Mills’ leniency to be his weakness since. He wondered why the late Mills always painted a good picture about his rapport with his predecessor in public when in fact the situation was the opposite. “Mills is very sensitive such that even when a serial caller criticizes him, the man becomes uncomfortable; how much more a former president whose words carries weight. This can kill Mills,” Bature observed. The NDC sympathizer said the demise of the late John Mills began immediately after the infamous Swedru declaration making him the flag-bearer whichled to several break-way. Bature recalled how Mills stood his grounds when there were pressures and all kinds of machinations to oust him as the flag-bearer of the NDC. He also cited how some thirty members of Parliament threatened to resign from the party when it came to the selection of a running mate ahead of a crucial election coupled with pressure from the Rawlingses to select their choice. Notwithstanding, he maintained that even in death, Mills gets more love from all both home and abroad. “May his soul rest in peace; he stood for the truth and mankind so I believe that he is pleased wherever he is,” Alhaji bemoaned. Myjoyonline.com|Adwoa Gyasiwaa

Kofi Adams criticizes hasty endorsement of Mahama

Kofi Adams

Suspended Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Kofi Adams has criticized the decision by the party to engage in the selection of a new flagbearer three days after the demise of President John Mills.

National executives at a meeting on Thursday put forward the name of President John Mahama as the preferred candidate to be endorsed at a special delegates’ congress on or before September 1st.

But Mr. Adams says coming at a time the entire country is still mourning the late president, the decision is most inappropriate.

“If there was the need for that one, then we should have just said we should do congress tomorrow and endorse [him] so that to know that we have him.

“Supposing congress is called and congress disagrees, just because we did not do deeper consultation, it will create rooms for people to come and raise all manner of issues they should not raise.”

However, Propaganda Secretary Richard Quashigah holds a contrary position.

He tells Joy News the party is currently in a difficult situation and needs to act fast to prosecute its campaign to retain power as a tribute to president Mills.

“This was a desperate situation, and desperate situations call for desperate measures. Time is not on our hand, we have a well-composed contester out there and here we are, having lost a flag-bearer, there was need to take the necessary steps immediately to make arrangement for a flag-bearer.”


myjoyonline.com

Mills’ death could have been avoided-Rawlings

Former President Jerry John Rawlings Former President Jerry Rawlings says the death of President John Evans Atta Mills could have been avoided. Mr. Rawlings told the BBC in an interview in Congo Brazaville where he is at the moment that he is shocked, but not surprised. Mr. Rawlings said although President Mills had been battling with cancer for quite some time, his death came at the wrong time because “we have elections in December”. “Quite frankly had he been advised and done something wiser, he could probably have survived another six seven months I guess”, he told the BBC. He described the man he once worked with as his vice president as one of the finest. Mr. Rawlings was disappointed the late President Mills could not re-open the cases of “some of the cold blooded killings that took place before we came into office”. He however hoped President John Dramani Mahama will provide the leadership that will make Ghana go forward.

Ghanaians in UK mourn President Mills

Hundreds of Ghanaians trooped to the residence of Ghana's high commisioner to the United Kingdom Professor Kweku Danso-Boafo to mourn the late President John Evans Atta Mills on Thursday

Be humble like Mills; Otumfuo counsels Mahama

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu has urged President Mahama to govern in humility as his predecessor did. The king says President Mills won the hearts of many Ghanaians because of his humility and kindness and asked President Mahama to do same. The Otumfuo gave the advice when the Ashanti Regional Security Council, led by the Regional Minister, called on him to officially inform him of the passing of President Mills. Spokesman for the regional minister, Francis Dodovi, told Luv News the visit was in line with tradition. "The honorable regional minister acted upon instruction by from his Excellency the president. "Otumfou was sad and shocked and paid a glowing tribute to his Excellency Prof John Evans Atta Mills and most significantly he recounted how humble his Excellency was and how he comes to him in times of difficulty to seek wise guidance and advice," stated. He said the Otumfuo has pledged his commitment to be part of the funeral arrangement of the president.

I didn't foresee John Atta Mills' death – T.B. Joshua

The late President and the Prophet Prophet TB Joshua, the founder and general overseer of the Synagogue Church, Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos, has expressed profound shock over the death of the late president of Ghana, Prof. John Atta Mills, who died on Monday. Speaking with LEADERSHIP exclusively at his Ikotun Synagogue Church yesterday, Pastor Joshua pointed out that he was indeed very sad at the death of the Ghanaian president, saying he did not receive any revelation concerning the death, otherwise he would have intensified more prayers to avert his demise. The cleric pointed out that the late Mills was like a spiritual son to him whom he cherished deeply. He was the one who even predicted Mills victory as the Ghanaian president and that prophecy came to pass, he stated. “Mills was a very committed person in the things of God and also very dedicated. Each time he was in church , you could see the fervor and hunger and thirst for God written all over his countenance. He was a very dear son to me and I was his spiritual godfather. His death is a great shock and blow to me personally,” said the cleric. “Of course, I knew he had been ill for sometime now and he had come for special prayers concerning his health thrice this year, and I and my other ministers had prayed fervently for him. I was so hopeful he would recover his health completely, but it is sad and only God knows best why he should die now. “I know many persons will be saying how come my fervent prayers did not save his life. All I can answer such persons is, why did GOD allow Stephen in the New Testament Bible to be stoned to death. Why did God not save the life of Stephen, an innocent man, as he was being stoned, dying? The answer is simply this: sometimes God allows things to happen for unknown reasons, and indeed reasons no man can explain, that is why God is Almighty Sovereign God; who indeed can question Him, who can challenge God? “When we humanity eventually see God in the glorious city of Heaven, then, can we have answers to all our questions. For now, he can only get a 99 percent answer but never a 100 per cent answer.” Pastor Joshua pointed out that the late Mills was a very humble and dedicated leader who had many great plans on how to revolutionise the economy of Ghana for greater heights. He said his death was “indeed a great loss to humanity at large and especially to the Ghanaian citizenry”. He disclosed that he had done so much concerted prayers for the late Mills’ health and, aside his prayers, he said, the late Mills had also had frequent visits to the United States hospitals – three times this year alone - and yet God still allowed him to die.” Concerning the ailment that led to Mills’ death, he said the late president was suffering from throat cancer. The late president Mills had openly admitted that Prophet TB Joshua played a crucial role on his ascension to the presidency and even said so publicly in a thanksgiving service held at the Synagogue Church in March 2009. According to the late Mills , the Prophet TB told him that the election would travel to the third round before he would be declared the winner, which came to pass. “It, therefore, came as no surprise, when the Synagogue Church of All Nations was the first church he visited in Nigeria, after the Electoral Commission had declared him winner of the 2008 election.” One of the church members of the Synagogue Church who spoke to LEADERSHIP yesterday and gave his name simply as Bro Stephen said, “I cried when I learnt of the death of the Ghanaian president. You see, the man was a very wonderful, caring man who, when he did his thanksgiving in March 2009, did a lot of things for our church. Also, each time he visited Nigeria, he always came to our church and his visit was always felt in many ways. “All of us members are sad over his death. Our Prophet TB Joshua is even sadder. But what can we do? God knows best, and I know God will comfort each and every one of us, especially his immediate family there in Ghana.” From: Nigeria - Leadership Newspaper

I didn't foresee John Atta Mills' death – T.B. Joshua

The late President and the Prophet Prophet TB Joshua, the founder and general overseer of the Synagogue Church, Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos, has expressed profound shock over the death of the late president of Ghana, Prof. John Atta Mills, who died on Monday. Speaking with LEADERSHIP exclusively at his Ikotun Synagogue Church yesterday, Pastor Joshua pointed out that he was indeed very sad at the death of the Ghanaian president, saying he did not receive any revelation concerning the death, otherwise he would have intensified more prayers to avert his demise. The cleric pointed out that the late Mills was like a spiritual son to him whom he cherished deeply. He was the one who even predicted Mills victory as the Ghanaian president and that prophecy came to pass, he stated. “Mills was a very committed person in the things of God and also very dedicated. Each time he was in church , you could see the fervor and hunger and thirst for God written all over his countenance. He was a very dear son to me and I was his spiritual godfather. His death is a great shock and blow to me personally,” said the cleric. “Of course, I knew he had been ill for sometime now and he had come for special prayers concerning his health thrice this year, and I and my other ministers had prayed fervently for him. I was so hopeful he would recover his health completely, but it is sad and only God knows best why he should die now. “I know many persons will be saying how come my fervent prayers did not save his life. All I can answer such persons is, why did GOD allow Stephen in the New Testament Bible to be stoned to death. Why did God not save the life of Stephen, an innocent man, as he was being stoned, dying? The answer is simply this: sometimes God allows things to happen for unknown reasons, and indeed reasons no man can explain, that is why God is Almighty Sovereign God; who indeed can question Him, who can challenge God? “When we humanity eventually see God in the glorious city of Heaven, then, can we have answers to all our questions. For now, he can only get a 99 percent answer but never a 100 per cent answer.” Pastor Joshua pointed out that the late Mills was a very humble and dedicated leader who had many great plans on how to revolutionise the economy of Ghana for greater heights. He said his death was “indeed a great loss to humanity at large and especially to the Ghanaian citizenry”. He disclosed that he had done so much concerted prayers for the late Mills’ health and, aside his prayers, he said, the late Mills had also had frequent visits to the United States hospitals – three times this year alone - and yet God still allowed him to die.” Concerning the ailment that led to Mills’ death, he said the late president was suffering from throat cancer. The late president Mills had openly admitted that Prophet TB Joshua played a crucial role on his ascension to the presidency and even said so publicly in a thanksgiving service held at the Synagogue Church in March 2009. According to the late Mills , the Prophet TB told him that the election would travel to the third round before he would be declared the winner, which came to pass. “It, therefore, came as no surprise, when the Synagogue Church of All Nations was the first church he visited in Nigeria, after the Electoral Commission had declared him winner of the 2008 election.” One of the church members of the Synagogue Church who spoke to LEADERSHIP yesterday and gave his name simply as Bro Stephen said, “I cried when I learnt of the death of the Ghanaian president. You see, the man was a very wonderful, caring man who, when he did his thanksgiving in March 2009, did a lot of things for our church. Also, each time he visited Nigeria, he always came to our church and his visit was always felt in many ways. “All of us members are sad over his death. Our Prophet TB Joshua is even sadder. But what can we do? God knows best, and I know God will comfort each and every one of us, especially his immediate family there in Ghana.” Leadership Newspaper, Nigeria

Presidential aspirants must undergo rigorous medical examination - IDEG

Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey The Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic and Economic Governance (IDEG) Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey has proposed that presidential aspirants must submit themselves to rigorous medical examination. Dr. Akwetey’s call comes in the wake of the sudden demise of the President J.E.A Mills who was reported to be suffering from throat cancer although no official statement from government has been issued to that effect. The Executive Director of IDEG told Joy FM that individuals seeking to be president must as a matter of requirement, assess their state of health and see whether they could cope with the high demand of the office they are seeking. Dr. Akwetey added that political parties when vetting their presidential hopefuls mus,t include some form of a medical procedure which should be non-negotiable. He added that, when that is done, parties should be able to disqualify aspirants whose health conditions could not match the demands of the office of the presidency. He added that it behooves on the political parties in disqualifying candidates with adverse health conditions to keep the particular diagnosis of the disqualified candidate confidential. He noted that the medical examination could also be extended to people seeking to be ministers of state as well as other high office. myjoyonline.com

Nii Lantey fires: Rawlings, his wife are becoming social deviants

Nii Lantey Vanderpuije

Presidential spokesperson Nii Lantey Vanderpuije has lashed out at Ex-president Jerry Rawlings following statements he made about the passing of president John Evans Atta Mills in an interview with the BBC.

Mr Rawlings posited during an interview with the international broadcaster that the late president’s sudden demise – which he described as expected – could have been avoided if he had been advised and done something wiser.

However the late president’s spokesperson, reacting to the comments during a discussion on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana Thursday, burst out with uncontrollable anger saying: Mr Rawlings’ comments were irresponsible, absurd, unacceptable and uncalled for.

He further stated that the former president could not, under any circumstance, draw such a ‘hasty’ conclusion since he was not in Ghana when the unfortunate incident occurred.

Nii Lantey said: “I felt so so ashamed when I heard that (Rawlings’ statements). I couldn’t believe it...”

He said ex president Rawlings was motivated by haboured hatred for Mills that even at his death he (Rawlings) could not hold back from making ‘irresponsible’ remarks about Mills.

If I were Mills’ biological son, Nii Lantey continued, I would have sacked the Rawlingses if ever they come to my father’s house to offer their condolence.

He insisted that it was about time the former first couple were told in plain language they are becoming deviants in society.

Meanwhile Abdul Malik Kweku Baako who is editor-in-chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper admonished Nii to be calm and exhibit circumspection when reacting to utterances of this nature, especially at this period of mourning the late president Mills.

Admitting that Mr Rawlings’ statements were in bad taste, he said the former president misfired by his exhibition of insensitivity.

All that Rawlings could have said during the interview, Baako thought, was to pay tribute to Mills.

“This is what a statesman should have done,” he concluded.


myjoyonline.com

Rawlings’ statements ‘totally irresponsible’ and ‘absurd’ – Nii Lantey Vanderpuye

Nii Lantey Vanderpuye

Director of Operations at the Castle, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye says former President Jerry John Rawlings’ statements on BBC about what killed the late President John Evans Atta Mills were ‘totally irresponsible’ and “absurd”.

He said the former president is no doctor to determine what killed the late president Mills, ahead of the medical postmortem.

“The former president is not a medical doctor and he does not work with President Mills to claim to know more about his health status than those of us who work closely with the late President,” he said.

Nii Lantey said “I think as an elderly statesman he [Rawlings] did not conduct himself properly and his statement is totally irresponsible,” adding that the former president needs to be told that his behavior indicates he is becoming a ‘social deviant’.

“If Madam Naadu Mills were to be my mother and I was to be Sammy Kofi Mills [the late president’s son] I will tell former President Rawlings never to enter my house again,” he said.

Former President Rawlings had said in an interview with the BBC in Congo that President Mills’ death was not unexpected, and that he had been battling with cancer for a long time and he was unable to sit meetings for more than three hours because the cancer had affected his sight and hearing.

Mr. Rawlings also said President Mills could have lived longer than he did if he had gotten better advice and done something wiser.

But Nii Lantey Vanderpuye said Mr. Rawlings is in no position to make those statements, adding that he could have asked the interviewer to wait for him to return to Ghana and get the full facts instead of making such “irresponsible and premature comments.”

He said those who worked with the late President knew that he could work for more than the three hours Mr. Rawlings talked about, adding that Mr. Rawlings rushed to pass those comments possibly because of the hatred he had harbored for the late President.

“As a leader you should know how to talk – when to say what – and where to say it – that was no platform and no good time for him to have made such statements,” he said. “It is time some of us tell people that no matter their age that when they make such mistakes that they are becoming social deviants.”

Nii Lantey Vanderpuye was also worried about what Mr. Rawlings said about President John Dramani Mahama when he was asked whether he believed the new President is competent and capable to lead the country.

The former President said “I don’t know but I hope so”, and Nii Lantey says that was not fair, particularly when the interviewer made reference to the fact that Mr. Rawlings once appointed President Mahama as his Minister of Communications.

Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide, Abdul Malik Kwaku Baako agreed with Nii Lantey Vanderpuye that Mr. Rawlings’ statement was premature and totally uncalled for and unnecessary at this time.

“You don’t make such statements when the whole country and the whole world is mourning the late president who we all agree was an honorable man,” he said.

He said the best Mr. Rawlings could have done was to have waited and gotten in touch with the late President’s wife and consoled her, talked to her about such sensitive issues before making public pronouncements on them, even if he knew what may have killed President Mills.

Kwaku Baako however admonished Nii Lantey Vanderpuye to go slow on the former president by virtue of his [Nii Lantey's] position as a presidential aid and the fact that he is still mourning the late president.


Samuel Nii Narku Dowuona/Adom News