The High Court, presided over by Justice Eric Baah, ruled that the petitioner failed to establish a case for cancellation of the results, and dismissed the petition on lack of merit.

According to the Court, though over voting, bribery and other electoral misconduct could be grounds for cancellation of election results, the law did not allow for annulment of the entire constituency results if the said over-voting would not affect the outcome of the election.

Justice Baah therefore charged the Electoral Commission to work on a statutory definition of over-voting ahead of the 2020 general elections, to assist the Court in expeditious handling of such cases, and also urged it to train its workers well in election conduct and management.

He awarded a cost of GHC25, 000.00 against the petitioner in the sum of GHC20,000.00 for the first respondent, and GHC5,000 for the second respondent, the Electoral Commission.

Earlier, counsels for the first and second respondents requested a cost of GHC70, 000.00 and GHC50,000.00 respectively.

The Petitioner, the NDC candidate in the 2016 Krachi East parliamentary elections, Wisdom Gidisu, prayed the court to cancel the parliamentary results of six polling stations in the Constituency on grounds of over-voting.

With the ruling, the current composition stays the same with 106 seats for the Minority and 169 for the Majority.

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By: Duke Mensah Opoku/citifmonline.com/Ghana with files from GNA

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The party is disappointed it polled only 1% of the total valid votes cast in the recently held national.

Kofi Asamoah Siaw, the policy advisor of the party in a Citi News interview said, the PPP will hire an external consultant to look into the party’s performance in the December polls.

He said, they will ascertain the quality of their campaign message among other things to arrive at the cause of their loss.

“This is something the nation committee has agreed on that we need to do, and to find out our own policy propositions if they are acceptable by Ghanains and why Ghanaians decided that even though they voted for change, all of these 6 million voters decided to one side to vote for the NPP and Nana Akufo-Addo, there should be a reason,” he said.

He added that, “We need to break that jinx by getting beyond 1% and getting members elected into Parliament. Maybe we have exhausted our ability to think through and find the solution. Let someone from outside see what we can do and based on his advice and recommendation, we’ll devise a strategy for 2020.”

Mr Asamoah Siaw said although the party can internally assess its performance in the elections and devise strategies to perform better in the next elections, it would prefer to use external consultants to avoid biases.

‘PPP election history’

The PPP came third in the just ended election behind the winning New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The party made it second appearance in the political race in the 2016 elections after first contesting in 2012.

Its founder, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom has been the flagbearer on both occasions but has failed to poll a significant number of votes although its 2016 performance was better than that of 2016.

It is unclear who the party will present as its presidential candidate in the 2020 elections as some have suggested that the 63-year-old leader of the party will not contest in any national election again.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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Mr. Mensah Bonsu believes though “a good number of bills” have been passed in the past four years, the alacrity involved in the passage of bills and the approval of some loans and international agreements “were not the best as it left little space for Parliament to do proper due diligence.”

He made the submission in his closing remarks ahead of the termination of sittings of Parliament, expected to take place in a few hours.

Parliament fails to pass RTI , Plant Breeders bill

The 6th Parliament of the 4th Republic has failed to pass some key bills including the Right to Information Bill, the Plant Breeders Bill and Intestate Succession Bill.

President John Dramani Mahama in his last state of the nation address, had appealed to the House to consider passing the Bill into law, while addressing the legislature on Thursday – a move the minority kicked against.

The Majority leader, Alban Bagbin, in his final address on the floor of the house before dissolution, described as “unfortunate” the house’s inability to pass the bills which he says were important.

As the House prepares to be dissolved by midnight today [Friday], it will be unable to further work on the RTI Bill until it is brought back to the new Parliament by the incoming government.

“It is important to mention that, the house unfortunately could not pass certain important bills that were submitted to the house. I say it was unfortunate because of their likely impact on the rights to freedoms of very important segments of our society and also the impact on our drive as a country to combat corruption,” Mr Bagbin said.

Other key bills the house failed to pass during its existence was the Properties rights of Spouses bill, Lotto and lotteries bill, Interception of postal packets among others.

Gratitude to Speaker 

Mr. Osei Kyei Mensah also extended his gratitude to the Speaker and his deputies, saying “Mr Speaker may I take this opportunity to extend my felicitations to you and your deputies for the manner in which the affairs of this House have been steered.”

He believes there was “consensus and even unanimity around most businesses that were transacted in the house” except for a few occasions that parliamentarians,  “disagreed.”

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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As the National Democratic Congress (NDC) prepares to take up the role of the Minority in Parliament, sources close to the party have revealed that there is intense lobbying for the various leadership positions in Parliament.

Some names have popped up on social media, indicating who will take up the role of Minority Leader among others.

Mr. Quashigah has however stated that the party will follow a more structured procedure in the selection of persons who will make up the Minority leadership in Parliament.

“The resort to the media by certain faceless elements in the Party to fly kites and to test public opinion among party faithful can create confusion and disorganise the incoming minority front in Parliament. I would imagine that a more matured and reasoned procedures will be followed in the selection of those who make up the minority leadership in Parliament,” a statement from Mr. Quashigah said.

“These when done should create transparency and oneness of purpose as well as generating a needed working energy among the incoming minority Members of Parliament. What is out there in the media which has taken a life of its own is very much speculative and if left the way the issue is trending, may leave in its wake wrong perceptions of imposition of some persons on the elected members making up the minority side in Parliament; leading to pre-judgements even before the selection process starts as well as possible resentments at a time when members are expected to be a cohesive force with oneness of purpose in holding the government of the day in check.”

The statement from Richard Quashigah is below 

NDC MINORITY LEADERSHIP FOR THE SEVENTH PARLIAMENT BROUHAHA

The outcome of the 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is one of shock and disbelief for key political watchers and analysts.

The nature of the defeat leaves the most ardent activists of the party and sympathisers alike scratching their heads in search of answers if not the solution to this mind-boggling puzzle. For those of us who were living witnesses to the party’s defeat in the year 2000, we are in a very unique position to proffer some pieces of advice particularly as it relates to the future of this great political machine called the NDC.

Therefore, as the NDC embarks on soul searching and introspection, one of its largest political fortune in galvanizing support in waging a comeback in 2020, rests heavily on how its parliamentarians perform in the 7th parliament of the Fourth Republic.

The NDC has a blend of talent with the required intellectual and technical quality among the newly elected Members of Parliament. However, for the NDC minority in parliament to glitter and hit the parapet, will require a strong sense of unity of purpose and the striking of the required chemistry among all the segments. The only way to attain this unity and cohesion in order to hold the feet of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the fire demands high levels of transparency, collective consultation among the leadership of the Party and the Members of Parliament.

To this end, a very astute, sharp, and meticulous minority leadership acceptable to both the generality of the Party and more importantly the elected Members of Parliament should be a key driver. A well balanced and thoughtful selection is what the NDC in parliament needs in order to inspire in them the needed confidence, energy and strength to play forth the noble but critical role against incipient abuse of NPP majoritarian intolerance and its likely consequences of constitutional despotism.

Even before the Seventh Parliament swings into action come January 7th next year, it appears there is jostling for who makes it to the leadership of the NDC minority in Parliament in the media; creating discomfiture in and among the elected members. Sources of information by the media are not clearly defined except for allusions being made to the Party leadership.

The resort to the media by certain faceless elements in the Party to fly kites and to test public opinion among party faithful can create confusion and disorganise the incoming minority front in Parliament. I would imagine that a more matured and reasoned procedures will be followed in the selection of those who make up the minority leadership in Parliament.

It will be apt, therefore for the views of the following categories of persons to be sought going forward.
• The outgoing President and leader of the NDC.
• The views of the Council of Elders, most importantly the founder or founding father of the Party depending on which terminology suits ones’ ear.
• The out-going NDC MPs.
• Regional leaderships of the Party should be asked to interface with their elected MPs before submitting proposed names to national leadership for further deliberation.
• Above all a dialogue with all elected MPs on the subject matter is crucially important.

These when done should create transparency and oneness of purpose as well as generating a needed working energy among the incoming minority Members of Parliament. What is out there in the media which has taken a life of its own is very much speculative and if left the way the issue is trending, may leave in its wake wrong perceptions of imposition of some persons on the elected members making up the minority side in Parliament; leading to pre-judgements even before the selection process starts as well as possible resentments at a time when members are expected to be a cohesive force with oneness of purpose in holding the government of the day in check.

Should the NDC stakeholders discharge this function of selecting leadership for its minority side in Parliament efficiently, it would give confidence assurance to the rank and file of the NDC that election 2020 would be exciting and eventful. We must be mindful that situations when in government are very different from when in opposition and so certain actions before they are taken must follow intense reflection and deliberation.
The coming year will be politically eventful so we must hold and bond together.

LONG LIVE THE NDC!
RICHARD QUASHIGAH
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
KETA CONSTITUENCY.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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He is however confident of the party’s chances in future elections.

The PPP came third in the presidential elections with just 1% of the total valid votes cast, having contested the election for the second time since it was established.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Dr. Nduom said he is only saddened by the loss of some of his very hard working parliamentary candidates.

“There were so many people who worked very hard to spread the PPP message of change all over the country and my greatest sorrow and sadness has to do with those parliamentary candidates who could not win their seats even though they worked very hard….For the election I have really no regrets because I believe that we as a party did what we needed to do.”

“We got our message across, people worked hard, some volunteered money, time and effort and so there is nothing there as sadness in terms of our efforts, it is just the results that did not go they way we wanted. There are so many people who made me feel very confident about the future of this party,”he said.

PPP will be rewarded with victory in the future – Nduom

Dr. Nduom, a few days after the party’s loss, expressed optimism that Ghanaians will reward the party with victory in the country’s subsequent general elections.

He said although the party did not win the elections, it had demonstrated to Ghanaians that it was a peace-loving, disciplined and respectful party with great ideas and solutions for the country’s challenges.

Dr. Nduom noted that, the PPP will remain united and grow stronger ahead of the next general elections in 2020.

In a Facebook post, he said ” We will continue to be advocates for our unique non-negotiable policies because without them, the standard of living of our people, our quality of life and development will not improve significantly.”

Dr. Nduom who has made three attempts at the presidency, had said the 2016 elections would be his last attempt.

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By: Marian Ansah & Sixtus Dong Ullo/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The congress is also expected to allow the executives devise strategies towards the 2020 elections, after its massive defeat in the 2016 elections.

Addressing the press on Thursday, the General Secretary of the party, Johnson Aseidu Nketia, explained that the party’s constitution mandates it to conduct a congress within twenty four months when it is in opposition.

“An early congress is provided for by our constitution. When we are in government, there is a time frame for our elections to be held. When we are out of power there is a time frame within which the elections should be held. We begin our elections with branch elections then we proceed to constituency elections and then we go to regional elections.”

He continued, “By the time we finish with regional elections, then we prepare and do the three other national elections. The youth congress, the women’s congress and the main party congress then after that we will then decide to do another event to select a Flagbearer. When we are in power, we are allowed to hold the congress and select our leadership one year before the elections, when we are out of power, we do it within two years. That is why we call it early congress,”he explained.

Article 21 of the NDC constitution states that “There shall be a Congress of the Party to be held once every four years as the National Congress which shall be the highest decision making body of the Party.”

“The National Congress shall be convened by the General Secretary acting on the direction of the National Executive Committee stating the date and venue.”

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com,/Ghana

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There has been reported cases of  post-election violence allegedly being perpetrated by supporters of the NPP.

There have been reports of NPP supporters arbitrarily taking over public installations across the country, reminiscent of scenes in the aftermath of the 2008 polls won by the NDC, which witnessed some of the triumphant party’s supporters take over the running of public toilets, toll booths and community centres.

Also in Kumasi, some NPP supporters stormed some public toilets seizing the keys to the facilities and assaulting some persons in the process.

The most recent disturbances were on Monday morning when some NPP youth illegally took over the Tema Motorway toll booth.

Speaking at the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) thanksgiving service held at the Accra Sports Staduim, Nana Addo condemned these acts, saying “ I do recognize that there have been some instances of misconduct and altercation that should not have happened. Such behaviour is unbecoming of us.”

He further called on Ghanaians to act with kindness and forgive each other.

“I call on all Ghanaians to act with kindness, generosity and magnanimity towards one another, and to forgive anybody who has wronged or hurt you.”

Nana Addo also extended his gratitude to Ghanaians whose hard work ensured the party’s victory.

He believes the commitment by various stakeholders including party supporters and the media, inspired the party to forge ahead.

Let’s focus on the task ahead – Nana Addo 

Nana Addo was however quick to remind the teeming supporters of the daunting task ahead, saying “even as we praise God for his immense kindness and grace towards our county, we also know we have a lot of work ahead of us. It is a task that we can and will perform with your support and with your hard work, and with your increasing prayers and blessings of the Almighty God.”

“Let us then renew our faith and strength and be ready for the work ahead. I have no doubt at all that we shall succeed. This is the appointed time and I have no doubt at all that the battle is still the Lord’s,” he added.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The leadership of the spare part dealers say the recent decrease in prices by some traders, is as a result of a regular Christmas discount it gives to customers.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Friday, Mr. Siaw Ampadu, a leader of the traders at Abossey Okai said, the reduction in prices was not due to political reasons; but is to afford customers the opportunity to buy their products at reduced cost.

“It is true that we have cut our prices down but it is not due to political reasons. Since 2007, we find ways to cut down on our prices so that our customers can purchase our products. Being in the Christmas time, people travel a lot and if the prices are high, they cannot buy from us so we try to cut our prices every December and we started since 2007,” he said.

There are speculations the dealers reduced their prices to support the newly-elected government after it had sabotaged the incumbent National Democratic Congress by selling at high prices. But according to Mr. Ampadu, “Abossey Okai is not doing politics with this. It is not because of Nana Akufo-Addo we are doing this.”

He insisted that, the move was genuine in spite of economic challenges such as high import duties, high interest rates and high exchange rate that traders go through.

He said there was no definite percentage of reduction being offered to customers, however the traders offered discounts that made economic sense.

‘Reasons for price reduction strange – John Gatsi

Meanwhile, an economic analyst, John Gatsi, has said it is strange to believe the claims of the leadership of the spare part dealers.

According to him, some traders are undertaking the action due to the election of Nana Akufo-Addo as President of Ghana at the just ended elections, saying this was done in the year 2000, when then President Kufuor was elected.

He noted that, it may be possible for an opposition party to use the traders as a tool against the incumbent government, by urging them to increase prices of their products and accuse the government for the high costs.

He however said one could not easily connect the current reduction to the outcome of the elections, since this is happening after the elections.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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According to him, such actions do not resonate with the country’s aspiration to build a nation based on trust, respect for human rights and tolerance.

In a statement issued on Thursday, December 15, 2016, on the developments on Ghana’s political landscape following the December 7 general elections, Mr Quashigah said the perpetrators of such acts must depart from the unhealthy tendencies.

“For those who think that when a political party to which they belong wins an election, then members of the vanquished party must be attacked, cowed and subdued to feel insecure should understand that it is a display of infantile and immature behaviour. We need to build a nation that is based on trust, respect for human rights and tolerance. Political actions and behaviours must be informed by the tenets that guide its practice and not acts of beastiality and criminality”

He said, following the elections, the country can be touted as one of the few countries in Africa with the most matured democracies.

He however expressed concern that the in spite of the positive stride, the country is yet to build very effective institutions devoid of political interference.

“With some degree of certainty, one could aptly say we have joined the league of matured and stable democracies of the world.” What perhaps is missing is the effective functioning of our institutions devoid of political interference and absence of apolitical personnel manning these institutions. This is a palpable minus for our glowing and admirable constitutional development which we all count as a pride.”

He said this situation has led to some youth of the NPP in the wake of their victory over the governing NDC in the recently held presidential elections, resort to “rampaging and illegally taking-over public establishments because those running these establishments are perceived wrongly as necessarily members of the vanquished political party even at a time when the vanquished political party is still in charge of government business.”

He further expressed shock over what he describes as lackadaisical attitude of the Ghana Police Service in dealing with the “criminality.”

“What was most surprising was the lackadaisical attitude of the Ghana Police Service to act against what was an obvious criminality; a clear manifestation of systemic and institutional failure.”

Addressing an accusation by former Minister of State, in the erstwhile Kufuor administration, Yaw Osarfo Marfo that the NDC government was recruiting new personnel and selling state property few month of exiting office, Mr Quashigah said the NDC government cannot afford to halt regular national administration activities because the country was in a transition period.

“Does those pronouncements and misgivings by Mr Osafo Marfo to suggest that government machinery must grind to a halt within the transition period? We must admit that the recruitment exercise started months before the general elections that was won by Nana Addo. Should it be truncated simply because a new government has won political power and is expected to assume the reins of government in some three weeks to come? That lends itself to the lack of trust in our own institutions,” he quizzed.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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According to Kofi Adams, a close associate of the Rawlings family, the party is yet to carry out an exercise to identify the real reasons for its loss in the December polls, and that it will be unfair to accuse the former President of being responsible.

[contextly_sidebar id=”vTdW0Mbc7xMfDr2vmjjmUwr1fcEkbqPx”]“We went into the elections with the hope and desire to win. We did not win the elections. Leadership would have to take the responsibility for our inability to win the elections. Let us blame nobody, especially our founder.”

“Those of us in active leadership at the national, regional and at all levels, should take responsibility for what has happened and let us focus for the next agenda which is making sure that once we hold the government to its promise and also make sure that no matter what we get back to power to continue the great job that the country deserves,” he said.

The NDC’s Greater Accra Regional Organiser, Anthony Nukpenu, in a Citi News interview, accused Mr. Rawlings of contributing to the defeat of the party by constantly labeling the Mahama government as corrupt, an allegation he said the NPP used against them.

But according to Mr. Kofi Adams, “Nobody has done any research to show why we lost, and until we have done so, the blame game must cease, and our former President and founding father must be allowed to have his peace while we work around a strategy to bring everything on board.”

Some political analysts have attributed the governing NDC’s loss in the elections to the recurring corruption scandals under the Mahama-led administration, as well as the arrogance posture of many of the government’s appointees.

The NPP won the December presidential polls with 53.85% of the total valid votes cast, against the NDC’s 44.40%, the worst defeat to have been recorded by a sitting President who was seeking a second term in office.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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