Evans Annang

In a recent interview with the YouTube channel ‘Abrokire y3d3’, Richmond recalled how he had to bribe his way onto the football team for a tournament in Germany, alongside other players, to leave Ghana.

"I used to play football in Sunyani with the likes of Afriyie Acquah and other guys. One day, we had an opportunity to play a tournament in Germany, and I made the team. To make the trip, I had to make money offerings to some people, but that is Ghana for you," he explained.

Once in Germany, Richmond had already decided to abscond, a decision shared by others in the group, including the coach and some supporters who had travelled with the team.

He recounted how all 24 individuals, including only six legitimate players, managed to flee during the trip, driven by their determination to seek better opportunities in Europe.

"Even the supporters who came here to cheer us on ran away, how much more me? Our coach was the first to abscond and the rest of us followed," Richmond shared.

Although the team lost all their matches, with their best performance being a 4-0 defeat, Richmond saw the trip as an opportunity to escape.

He and another player avoided returning to Ghana by sneaking out of the bus that was supposed to take them to the airport, instead taking a taxi to a train station, which eventually led to their successful escape.

"We managed to sneak out of the bus and boarded a taxi... That's how we managed to escape," he recounted.

Richmond now resides in Germany, where he continues to share his experiences with his growing online audience.

<h3>Ghana Paralympic team disappeared in Norway</h3>

Ghana’s Paralympic team reportedly fled to other Schengen countries after arriving in Norway for preparations ahead of the Olympic games.

The 11-member squad failed to attend a scheduled competition in late April, which led to significant concerns about their whereabouts.

Nana Antwi, one of the team members, was detained by Norwegian authorities at the end of April after attempting to travel to Sweden. The situation took a tragic turn when the team’s coach, George Gyamfi Gyasi, collapsed and was hospitalised at Oslo University Hospital. Sadly, he passed away on 17 May 2024.

Richmond Appiah, a Germany-based Ghanaian social media personality known as 'Mad Lion', has shared his unique story of how he settled in Germany after travelling there for a football tournament.

Ghanaian reveals how he and others escaped after arriving in Germany for football

Speaking with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua, Dangote explained that his focus on completing his refinery project led him to forgo buying the London club when it was valued at around $2 billion.

"I think that time has passed... everything has gone up, and the club too is doing very well," he stated.

Reflecting on the missed opportunity, he added, "Actually, I regret not buying it before... but my money was more needed in completing my project."

Despite his admiration for Arsenal, Dangote emphasised that purchasing the club now, valued at around $4 billion, would no longer make financial sense. However, he remains an ardent supporter of the team.

"I will remain a major supporter of Arsenal but I don’t think it makes sense today to buy Arsenal," he concluded.

<h3>Dangote claims he has no residential property abroad</h3>

During a recent event in Nigeria, Dangote revealed that despite his immense wealth, he does not own any residential property outside Nigeria. His only homes are in Lagos and Kano, with a rented property in Abuja.

“The reason I don’t have a London or America house is solely because I wanted to focus on industrialisation in Nigeria,"&nbsp;he stated.&nbsp;"I am very passionate about the Nigeria dream and apart from my Lagos house, I have another one in my home state, Kano, and a rented one in Abuja."

“If I have houses all over, in America and co, I would not be able to concentrate and build something for my people,”&nbsp;he added.

Dangote has recently been in the spotlight due to the launch of his Dangote Refinery, which is currently producing diesel in Nigeria. This $19 billion investment, inaugurated in May 2023, will eventually have the capacity to produce 650,000 barrels per day. The refinery, spanning an area equivalent to 4,000 football fields, is situated in the Lekki Free Zone near Lagos, Nigeria.

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has expressed regret over missing the opportunity to purchase Arsenal Football Club when its value was significantly lower.

I regret not buying Arsenal at $2 billion; now it’s $4 billion - Dangote

The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) is demanding urgent action from the authorities to address critical issues affecting their work conditions.

The workers have outlined three primary demands: the provision of adequate protective equipment, the payment of salary arrears dating back to 2020, and financial clearance for the recruitment of 500 additional staff members to ease the strain on the current workforce.

According to MOWAG, these concerns have been ignored for far too long, leaving mortuary workers in unsafe and stressful conditions as they struggle to manage the increased workload.

In a statement issued by the association, MOWAG expressed disappointment over the lack of response from the relevant authorities, despite numerous attempts to raise these issues. The workers assert that their roles are essential to public health and dignity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet their pleas for better working conditions have fallen on deaf ears.

“If our demands are not met soon, we have no option but to go on strike,” a spokesperson for MOWAG said.

The strike is expected to lead to the closure of mortuaries across the country, which could have severe repercussions for funeral services and the handling of bodies.

The association has given a deadline for the government to respond to their concerns, warning that they are prepared to halt operations if no immediate action is taken to address their grievances.

Mortuary workers declare nationwide strike over poor salaries

Mortuary workers across Ghana have threatened to embark on a nationwide strike due to what they describe as the government’s deliberate negligence of their grievances.

Mortuaries across Ghana to be closed down on Thursday as workers threaten strike

The chief's act was a clear public display of his support for the NDC, which stirred both admiration and conversation among festival attendees.

In a video shared on X, it was unclear what necesitated the action by the unknown chief as traditional authorities in Ghana are not allowed to openly engage in partisan politics.

The Akwanbo festival, an important cultural event in the Central Region, typically focuses on celebrating traditions and community spirit, but the chief’s gesture added a notable political dimension to the procession, drawing attention from various quarters.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">During the Agona Kwanyako Akwanbo festival procession, a chief was seen waving the flag of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) while in a palanquin, demonstrating his support for the political party. <a href="https://t.co/8cg1S7fqUs">pic.twitter.com/8cg1S7fqUs</a>&mdash; EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) <a href="https://twitter.com/eddie_wrt/status/1838101743713812673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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In a related development, the Asanteman Council has rejected an apology from media personality Afia Pokua for comments she made that were deemed as disrespectful towards Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The controversy stems from when Afia Pokua, a journalist with Agoo TV, criticised the Asantehene for his perceived silence regarding ongoing conflicts between the Ashantis and other tribes, including the Bonos.

Her remarks, made during Mona Gucci’s show Bribi Gye Gye Wo on Onua FM, also expressed frustration over what she described as Ashanti superiority over other tribes and the Asantehene’s inaction.

Her comments sparked widespread outrage among the Ashantis, with sub-chiefs, queen mothers, and Ashanti youth publicly denouncing her words. Protests were held, and a press conference was organised by the youth to address the situation.

During the Agona Kwanyako Akwanbo festival, a scene unfolded as a chief, while seated in a palanquin, was spotted waving the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flag.

Chief in palanquin waves National Democratic Congress flag publicly (video)

He warned that such actions could escalate tensions ahead of the 2024 elections.

During a meeting with chiefs and religious leaders at New Edubiase in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Prempeh, also known as 'Napo', stressed that while political parties have the right to protest against the EC, this must be done respectfully.

“Political parties have the right to protest against the EC, but we must avoid disruptions that cast doubts on the intentions of fair elections,” he said, emphasising that Ghana's development relies on maintaining peace and order during the election period.

Dr. Prempeh expressed concern over the NDC’s portrayal of the EC as biased, which could incite distrust and unrest. He urged political parties to prioritise the country's peace over winning elections.

Napo at  Mount Olivet Methodist Church at Lagos Town, Takoradi

“All well-meaning persons must encourage the expression of concerns about the electoral process, but it must be done in the interest of our dear motherland. We must know that we have only one Ghana to develop,” Napo advised.

He concluded by reminding citizens of their responsibility to maintain peace before, during, and after the elections, warning that any disturbances would set back the country’s progress.

“Disturbances will draw the country’s development back,” he cautioned.

<h3>NAPO chides Mahama for his campaign style</h3>

The Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has cautioned John Dramani Mahama against making unprovoked remarks against revered chiefs, imams, and pastors.

“Mr. Mahama has realised that the NDC has no chance of winning the presidential and parliamentary elections, so he has directed his frustration and anger to innocent people,"&nbsp;Napo said during a campaign tour at Ofoase in the Juaben constituency.

He added that Mahama's criticism of religious and traditional leaders reflects a lack of respect and urged voters not to support him in the upcoming elections.

Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh known popularly as Napo

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised concerns over the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) continuous criticism of the Electoral Commission (EC).

Your attacks on EC could disrupt 2024 elections - NAPO 'warns' Mahama

The EC stated that these aspirants failed to meet the legal requirements for candidacy.

Notable disqualified candidates include Bernard Mornah of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Desmond Kwame Abrefa, Nana Stephens Agyapong, Dr Paul Perko, Mr James Kwasi Oppong, Dr Sam Ankrah, Dr Nii Amu Darko, Samuel Apea-Danquah all independent candidates.

The rest are; Dr John Kpikpi of the Progressive Alliance Ghana, Kofi Asamoah-Siaw of the Progressive People's Party (PNP) and Janet Asana Nabla of the People's National Party(PNP).

Following a thorough examination of the nomination forms from September 9 to September 13, 2024, the EC confirmed that 13 candidates have met all legal requirements.

Among the key contenders are Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The list also includes several independent candidates such as Alan John Kwadwo&nbsp;Kyerematen and George Twum-Barima-Adu. Notable party candidates include Christian Kwabena Andrews from the Ghana Union Movement, Kofi Akpaloo of the Liberal Party of Ghana, and Hassan Abdulai Ayariga representing the All People's Congress.

The EC’s Deputy Chairman of Operations, Samuel Tettey, signed the press release, emphasizing that all listed candidates have been scrutinized for compliance with Ghana's election laws and are officially cleared for the 2024 elections.

The EC's transparency in ensuring the integrity of the election process is expected to foster trust and confidence among the electorate as the nation heads to the polls in December.

The 2024 elections are set to be highly competitive, with a diverse slate of candidates representing both long-established political forces and new independent voices. The coming months will likely see increased campaign activity as these candidates engage the public to secure their mandate.

Bernard Mornah, Janet Nabla and Sam Ankrah

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has disqualified 11 out of 24 presidential aspirants for the December 7, 2024, elections after a thorough review of their nomination forms.

Here are the 11 presidential candidates disqualified by EC for 2024 elections

Among the key contenders are Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The list also includes several independent candidates such as Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen and George Twum-Barima-Adu. Notable party candidates include Christian Kwabena Andrews from the Ghana Union Movement, Kofi Akpaloo of the Liberal Party of Ghana, and Hassan Abdulai Ayariga representing the All People's Congress.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">OUTCOME OF THE FILING OF NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION <a href="https://t.co/rrT8ONAjmF">pic.twitter.com/rrT8ONAjmF</a>&mdash; Electoral Commission Of Ghana (@ECGhanaOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECGhanaOfficial/status/1837094905274933279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h3>Police, NDC supporters clash over EC demonstration</h3>

Chaos erupted between personnel of the Ghana Police Service and supporters of the&nbsp;National Democratic Congress (NDC)&nbsp;during the 'Enough is Enough' demonstration against the Electoral Commission of Ghana in Kumasi.

Jean-Mensa-Chairperson-of-the-Electoral-Commission

The protest, organised by the NDC, escalated into violence when tensions flared between the demonstrators and the police. Although the exact cause of the confrontation remains unclear, one protester sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital.

The NDC raised serious doubts about the credibility of the register, which they argue could compromise the integrity of the December 7 elections.

Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the party's&nbsp;Director of Elections&nbsp;in a Facebook post claims that the current register is "unfit for purpose" and calls for a forensic audit or thorough parliamentary investigation to address what he describes as "incurably defective" anomalies.

John Dramani Mahama, Alan Kyerematen and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced the list of candidates who have successfully qualified to contest in the upcoming 2024 presidential elections.

EC approves 13 candidates for 2024 election, disqualifies 11 – check out the list

He recently shared that he had a conversation with English footballer Jude Bellingham about joining Real Madrid, months before Bellingham's actual transfer in 2023.

During his visit to Borussia Dortmund in April 2023, facilitated by former Dortmund coach Otto Addo, Dabo met with various players in the German team, including Bellingham.

He disclosed that he advised the young midfielder to consider Real Madrid, a suggestion that later became a reality when Bellingham signed with the Spanish giants for €103 million.

<h3>Yaw Dabo invites Arsenal scout to Ghana</h3>

He welcomed Arsenal scout Phil Antwi to Ghana as part of arrangements to secure deals for players in his academy.

Yaw Dabo brings Arsenal scout to Ghana to monitor players of his soccer academy

The scout was welcomed at the Kotoka International Airport by Yaw Dabo, before addressing the media on his plans for the visit.

“I’ve come to watch Yaw Dabo Sports Academy. He’s got some very good players with good potential and hopefully they can get to Europe,”&nbsp;Antwi said.

Last year, Yaw Dabo secured 16 plots of land for the&nbsp;construction of a sports complex to house his soccer academy.

The large parcel of land is located at Yawbarima Krom in the Atwima Mponua district of the Ashanti Region, with works already ongoing.

The actor revealed last year that the main reason for establishing a football academy is to support talented footballers who are less privileged.

Dabo said he aimed to give back to society and often goes to orphanages and villages to recruit players for his academy.

Samuel Nana Yaw Dabo, a well-known Ghanaian actor and football administrator, has stated the role he played in English midfielder Jude Bellingham's move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

I advised Jude Bellingham to join Real Madrid - Yaw Dabo

Essien, who holds a UEFA License A coaching certificate, has been working as an Individual Player Coach at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland since 2020.

"When I was playing, if you asked me if I wanted to go into coaching, I would say no," Essien revealed during an interview with Joy Sports.

He added, "I didn’t want to be one of these ex-players who finish their careers, go home, and start thinking about what they want to do, only to get into depression."

The former Chelsea star explained that staying in football and working with players was a natural progression for him. Essien’s playing career began in 2000 with Bastia before he moved to top clubs, including Lyon and Chelsea, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2012.

<h3>Essien rejected a move to Burnley as a teenager</h3>

Essien was on trial with Burnley, then in the third division, after shining for Ghana at the 1999 U-17 FIFA World Cup, where the Black Starlets reached the semi-finals.

Michael Essien: Five of the best Ghanian footballers of all time

While the Ghanaian impressed the Clarets, the club couldn’t sign him due to a policy that did not allow them to pay any player on trial more than £60 per week.

Essien eventually ended up at Bastia and would later establish himself at Lyon, where he won two Ligue 1 titles before securing a move to Chelsea.

“I discovered Michael Essien had been on trial here for a few days. One of the best players in the World Cup – and we hadn’t signed him,”&nbsp;former Burnley chairman Brendan Flood revealed some years ago, as quoted by talkSPORT.

“The club policy meant we wouldn’t pay an apprentice more than 60 quid a week. It smacked me in the face that the problem was a lack of communication within the club that stopped our youth guys making an exception to the rule.”

Essien became Chelsea’s record signing&nbsp;when the club forked out £24.4 million to price him away from Lyon in 2005.

Michael Essien completes UEFA A coaching license

Former Ghana and Chelsea star, Michael Essien, has shared insights into his decision to pursue a coaching career following his retirement from professional football.

I decided to be a coach to avoid slipping into depression - Michael Essien

“Mr. Mahama has realised that the NDC has no chance of winning the presidential and parliamentary elections, so he has directed his frustration and anger to innocent people," Napo said during a campaign tour at Ofoase in the Juaben constituency.

“We know the lands belong to our respected chiefs, so I will continue to seek their permission before we start our house-to-house campaigns because I respect them," Napo further stated.

Mahama’s recent remarks have drawn backlash, with critics accusing him of attacking leaders who have responded positively to requests for prayers and support.

Napo concluded by appealing for the blessings and support of chiefs, imams, and pastors for the NPP's success in the December elections.

<h3>Mahama's criticism of the clergy and chiefs</h3>

Speaking during his campaign in the Okaikwei North Constituency,<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/politics/there-wouldve-been-a-coup-if-current-corruption-had-happened-under-ndc-mahama/gyv23ky"> Mahama </a>highlighted that the level of corruption seen under the current government would have led to a military coup had it occurred under an NDC regime.

“I am saying this; if this level of corruption and bribery were happening under an NDC government, by now soldiers would have overthrown our government."

He reiterated that if similar levels of corruption were present during an NDC administration, there would have been significant backlash.

Mahama also pointed out that certain voices, including civil society organisations, have remained silent under the current government, but he predicted they would resurface when the NDC returns to power.

“We always point out the hypocrisy of our society, and while I am confident that the NDC will win the upcoming election, you wait until we assume power, you will see all those who lost their voices during the NPP era suddenly regain their voices."

He has previously criticised the silence of these groups, accusing them of allowing the current government to engage in mis-governance.

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has cautioned John Dramani Mahama against making unprovoked remarks against revered chiefs, imams, and pastors.

Mahama is frustrated because he knows NDC can't win 2024 elections - NAPO

Speaking at campaign rally in Kpone Katamanso, he emphasised the need to sanitise the small-scale mining sector by empowering the Geological Survey Authority of Ghana to take the lead in prospecting for minerals. This would involve conducting a thorough mapping of the country's gold reserves to guide sustainable mining activities.

“We need to regularise the small-scale mining regime and ensure that the Geological Survey Authority does the mapping for where all the gold reserves are,” he remarked.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dr. Bawumia says his approach to the fight against illegal mining will be to prevent it. This he says he will do through sanitizing the small scale mining space by empowering Geological Survey Authority to prospect for minerals and to create a resource pool of equipment that… <a href="https://t.co/naEb4ukkch">pic.twitter.com/naEb4ukkch</a>&mdash; CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) <a href="https://twitter.com/Citi973/status/1836067396563423451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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According to Dr. Bawumia, the current approach, where miners operate without clear guidance on where to mine, results in significant environmental degradation. “At the moment, people are just doing trial and error, destroying our environment. There is no data backing where they go. They just dig, and if they don’t find anything, they move to the next place,” he explained.

As part of his solution, Dr. Bawumia plans to introduce community mining schemes, ensuring that miners are licensed and their operations directed to areas confirmed by geological surveys.

Here’s a summary of Dr. Bawumia’s vision for sports in NPP manifesto

He also highlighted the need for gold-catcher machines that do not use mercury, which is harmful to the environment. “We want to make sure they are not in water bodies, and that mining is done responsibly and in an environmentally sustainable way,” he added.

Furthermore, <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/local/akufo-addo-is-solely-responsible-for-galamsey-menace-in-ghana-haruna-iddrisu/qjdfd71">Dr. Bawumia</a> underscored the importance of enforcing existing laws to regulate the sector.

He stressed that if miners are not properly regulated, they will continue to operate illegally, often at night or in hidden areas. “We need to regulate them and enforce the laws that already exist. If we don’t, they will continue to destroy the environment,” he warned.

Dr. Bawumia's plan to address illegal mining seeks to strike a balance between allowing small-scale mining and protecting the environment by ensuring miners follow a regulated and sustainable process.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has laid out his strategy to combat illegal mining, focusing on a preventative and structured approach.

I'll empower the Geological Survey Authority to stop galamsey in Ghana - Bawumia

According to reports, this incident led to the Police fearing teargas to dispel the supporters of the opposition party.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EnoughIsEnoughDemo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EnoughIsEnoughDemo</a> Kumasi: Chaos as police allegedly teargas NDC supporters who pelted stones at them. According to reports, a protester and a police officer have suffered injuries. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GhanaPolls2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GhanaPolls2024</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitiVerify?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CitiVerify</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectionBureau?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElectionBureau</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EnoughIsEnoughDemo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EnoughIsEnoughDemo</a> <a href="https://t.co/mYcc6wg5gh">pic.twitter.com/mYcc6wg5gh</a>&mdash; CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) <a href="https://twitter.com/Citi973/status/1836026969537884310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Additionally, a police officer was assaulted by protesters, while another sought refuge in a nearby house after being attacked.

<h3>The 'Enough is Enough' demonstration</h3>

The protest is currently taking place at the approved routes across all 16 regions of Ghana.

The party has raised serious doubts about the credibility of the register, which they argue could compromise the integrity of the December 7 elections.

Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the party's <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/politics/ec-director-was-brought-from-ashanti-region-to-rig-for-npp-bawah-mogtari/nqy7djy">Director of Elections </a>in a Facebook post claims that the current register is "unfit for purpose" and calls for a forensic audit or thorough parliamentary investigation to address what he describes as "incurably defective" anomalies.

According to the party, a forensic audit is essential to ensure a fair and credible electoral process, and to address any public concerns about the accuracy of the voter's register.

The flagbearer of the party John Mahama stated that the event would be peaceful, urging participants to refrain from any acts of violence.

“This is a peaceful demonstration. It is not a violent demonstration. It is a peaceful demonstration. And so if you know you cannot be peaceful, don’t come. We want only the people of peace to join us,” he said.

Key figures within the NDC, including the party’s flagbearer and former President John Dramani Mahama, have pointed to numerous issues within the voter register.

Chaos erupted between personnel of the Ghana Police Service and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 'Enough is Enough' demonstration in Kumasi.

Police fire teargas in clash with NDC supporters in Kumasi, two injured

The dispute reportedly began during the sharing of campaign resources, with several party members accusing local leaders of hoarding the items.

The disagreement quickly escalated, leading to a heated confrontation, with punches exchanged among some of the attendees. Party officials intervened to diffuse the situation, but it created a tense atmosphere as preparations for today’s event continued.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Heavy blows were exchanged yesterday as Ashaiman NPP executives and supporters fought over money and party T-shirts in preparation for their Flagbearer&#39;s campaign visit today. <a href="https://t.co/XdbbRLe0zm">pic.twitter.com/XdbbRLe0zm</a>&mdash; EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) <a href="https://twitter.com/eddie_wrt/status/1835970361361371215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Dr. Bawumia’s visit to Ashaiman is part of his broader campaign to consolidate support for the NPP’s 2024 election bid.

<h3>Dr. Bawumia calls for a clean campaign</h3>

The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/politics/anyone-who-lives-in-ashanti-region-and-votes-ndc-is-a-nation-wrecker-napo/cm388w9">Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia</a>, has criticised former President John Mahama, calling some of his recent remarks indecent.

Speaking during his campaign in the Amasaman constituency on Monday, Dr. Bawumia emphasized that such statements were inappropriate for someone who has held the office of president, urging for more respectful discourse in the political arena.

“You all know that the December polls are between myself and former President Mahama, but we all know, and he also knows, that he will fail, so he gets peeved at the least thing. I have heard that today he insulted pastors, chiefs, imams, and CSOs, saying they are all hypocrites. Have you heard this before?”

Dr Bawumia was responding to Mahama’s comments, in which the former president labelled certain Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and religious leaders as hypocrites for failing to criticise the current NPP government.

Tensions flared in Ashaiman yesterday as New Patriotic Party (NPP) executives and supporters engaged in a physical altercation over the distribution of campaign funds and T-shirts ahead of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s visit.

NPP executives, supporters throw blows over t-shirts and money in Ashaiman

Rev. Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfi explained that it would be of the best interest if the NDC waits for the EC to correct the errors identified in the register and publish the final voters’ register before making any demands.

The EC had previously denied the NDC's request for a forensic audit and instead called for a meeting to address their concerns.

In an interview on 3FM, Rev. Dr. Gyamfi advised the NDC to engage in discussions with the EC, rather than airing grievances publicly.

“I think the most important thing is go to the discussion table and put out the issues there, just putting them in the public domain does not solve any problem,” he added.

He expressed hope that the NDC’s grievances would be addressed at an upcoming Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on September 18, 2024.

“We are hoping that at that meeting, whatever issues there are, we expect that the NDC presents its grievances for it to be looked at,” he concluded.

<h3>EC's response on NDC's demonstrations</h3>

Deputy Chairperson of the&nbsp;<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/politics/ec-has-eroded-the-last-bit-of-trust-we-had-in-them-dromane-boamah/366e641">Electoral Commission (EC)</a>, Dr Bossman Asare, has accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of spreading misinformation to their supporters about supposed unresolved issues with the provisional voters’ register.

Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, September 14, 2024, Dr Asare argued that the NDC’s planned protest against the EC over alleged discrepancies is unfounded, as these issues have already been addressed.

He claims that the NDC is exaggerating non-existent problems within the register.

“We at the Electoral Commission think that the NDC leadership who have taken the route of demonstration is misinforming their people. They seem to be exaggerating problems in the register which are non-existent.

“The Commission has made it very clear openly to the NDC, openly to the good people of Ghana, international partners that we have a register that is robust, that is credible,” he stated.

Dr Asare emphasised that the NDC is misleading its members about the alleged issues, all of which, he claimed, have been resolved by the EC.

Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), Rev Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi

Chairman of the National Peace Council, Rev. Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfi has urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to allow the Electoral Commission (EC) to clean-up the voters’ register before demanding a forensic audit.

Allow the EC to clean voters register before audit - Peace Council to NDC

The leadership of the NDC ordered all its regional offices to protest after raising concerns over alleged discrepancies in the 2024 voter register.

NDC raised concerns when it was furnished with the provisional voters register, stating there were a lot of discrepancies, including bloating of the electoral role in some of the polling stations, which it said formed parts of the EC’s attempts to rig the December 7 polls to favour the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Chairman of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia therefore called for a nationwide protest during a campaign rally.

The party is also calling for a forensic audit of the register, which it said will enhance the credibility of the upcoming general elections.

Johnson Asiedu Nketia, NDC national chairman

The Ghana Police Service also reassured the public that the police were fully equipped to provide security throughout the demonstration during a press conference on Monday, September 16.

<h3>NDC's issue with the 2024 voters register</h3>

The party claims that serious discrepancies exist between the<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/politics/ndc-lists-serious-issues-discovered-in-the-2024-voter-register/ctsxhd5"> 2024 Provisional Voter Register</a> provided to them and the one employed by EC officials during the recent Voter Register Exhibition exercise.

Key figures within the NDC, including the party’s flagbearer and former President John Dramani Mahama, have pointed to numerous issues within the voter register. These issues reportedly include the inclusion of deceased persons, instances of multiple registrations, illegal voter transfers, and unnotified changes in polling stations, among others.

In an interview with Metro TV on Wednesday, 28 August 2024, Dr Omane Boamah, the NDC's Director of Elections and ICT, voiced his astonishment at the number of anomalies discovered in the 2024 Provisional Voter Register. Dr Boamah highlighted that the register provided to the NDC differs significantly from the one used for the exhibition exercise.

Among the most alarming findings, Dr Boamah claimed that the NDC identified 50,000 deceased individuals still listed on the voter register.&nbsp;"Our study of the register since they gave it to us has identified 50,000 dead people on it. We are still taking out the dead people,"&nbsp;he stated.

He also raised concerns about illegal voter transfers, citing the example of the constituency of the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, where nearly 2,000 voters were allegedly transferred out of the constituency without their knowledge, while a similar number of voters were transferred in.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) protest against the Electoral Commission (EC) is set to come off today, September 17.

NDC’s ‘Enough is Enough’ demo against the EC comes off today

Speaking during his campaign in the Okaikwei North Constituency, Mahama highlighted that the level of corruption seen under the current government would have led to a military coup had it occurred under an NDC regime.

He reiterated that if similar levels of corruption were present during an NDC administration, there would have been significant backlash.

Mahama emphasised that the NDC is committed to addressing corruption and restoring transparency to governance.

<h3>Mahama criticises Bawumia and the NPP govt</h3>

Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticised the hypocrisy surrounding the corruption in the current Akufo-Addo administration.