The latest of such facilities are a newly built Reproductive and Child Health Service Centre and a rehabilitated health post at Choggu in the Sagnarigu district.

Alhassan Suhuyini, at the official handing over ceremony today [Thursday] promised to do his best to improve the well-being of his constituents.

According to him, these projects, and others which have already executed were funded by his share of the Members of Parliament Common Fund which is incorporated into the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).

The Tamale North Legislator recalled how health professionals posted to that community attended to patients particularly lactating mothers and children under trees, hence his rapid intervention.

Education

Alhassan Suhuyini said he procured 400 dual desks for distribution to some selected basic schools that lacked furniture, compelling pupils to lie on the bare floor to write.

He disclosed that GHc40,000.00 was expended on brilliant-but-needy students pursuing various courses at the tertiary levels.

Agriculture

As a peri-urban constituency where agriculture is the economic mainstay of most residents in the Tamale North constituency, Alhassan Suhuyini said 200 farmers had received fertilizers to improve their yields.

He decried the fall armyworms invasion of farmlands for which reason knapsack sprayers were distributed to reduce its widespread.

Alhassan Suhuyini also called for peaceful coexistence to enable him accomplish his unfinished agenda in fulfillment of his 2016 campaign promises.

He described the year 2017 as the toughest in his political life and anticipated that 2018 will be better.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogma/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Suhuyini supports healthcare delivery in Tamale North with new Centre appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The MP for Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini, described the upcoming budget as an ‘ahokyerɛ’ budget which translates as ‘suffering or hardship’ budget, suggesting that it would not address the employment or income challenges of Ghanaians.

[contextly_sidebar id=”3pgLJJEbiGr3pgELJgb4zKkKLXY6qAKv”] According to him, government had failed to meet its revenue targets, resulting in them being unable to fulfill a number of promises and assurances they had made Ghanaians.

He believes that despite the “fanciful” words that will be used by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta, in his presentation on Wednesday, the budget will ultimately “produce nothing in the end”

“This budget will be an ahokyerɛ budget.Revenue targets have not been met, commitments to promises have not been delivered, money is not available, there is deep doubt that employment can be created because employment creation is production-driven. Industries must produce and production is demand-driven. And for people to have demand for goods and services, people must have income,” he said.

“The economy is not expanding because there’s no money. Because there’s no money, industry can’t produce a stockpile and because of that they retrench workers to be able to stay afloat or they won’t employ at all. Because there’s no employment, the teeming masses will go to the public service for jobs. The government won’t spend because they aren’t getting the revenue. In the first three quarters, the government is under-performing in terms of revenue mobilization. There’s no money to spend so how will it provide the impetus for the economy to grow and expand and create the necessary conditions for employment?”

Tamale North MP, Alhassan Suhuyini also expressed similar sentiments, stating that there is little hope that the 2018 budget will stimulate the growth of the economy.

According to the legislator, checks from Ghanaians who had celebrated following the presentation of the 2017 budget in March would show that those same people were in better conditions under the NDC administration.

He believes that Wednesday’s budget will be “another round of huge doses of bible quotations and sloganeering” which will eventually “have nothing impactful by way of transformation”

“It’s important that we recollect what was promised and ask ourselves if, beyond the media blitz that greeted the 2017 presentation, there is something on the ground that justifies what we saw. It’s important that we talk to the people at the ports and at Abossey Okai who jubilated earlier, as we await the 2018 budget. I am convinced that they will have no other verdict than what the Minority predicted at the time that this was a budget with very little by way of transforming the economy and creating jobs,” Alhassan Suhuyini told Citi News

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, hinted over the weekend at the Association of Ghanaian Industries Awards (AGI) dinner, that electricity tariffs will be reviewed downwards soon.

According to Nana Addo, details of the review will be announced by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta at the 2018 budget reading in Parliament.

The high electricity tariffs were a major part of the NPP’s campaign ahead of the 2016 elections, with many of the party’s communicators claiming that electricity cost more than rent.

However, Suhuyini believes that Ghanaians paid less for electricity and petroleum products and had better prospects for quality infrastructure under the NDC.

“The Ghanaian used to pay less for electricity and fuel under the NDC than they do today. The Ghanaian used to have more hope of government extending roads to their areas than they have today.

He also suggested that the Minority had been vindicated in their criticism of the NPP’s Free SHS programme stating that they had predicted the challenges with capacity which had characterised the initial stages of the rollout of the policy.

“When we in the NDC said in the past that free SHS was impossible, it was not because the government at the time could not find money to erect billboards or do a launch and declare it commissioned. But it was because of the practical impossibilities. When you go to the schools, are the conditions the students studying under the same conditions you would want your siblings to be in? We said that if they introduced the Free SHS as they promised, we’ll have students sitting outside.”

The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, questioned government’s revenue mobilization ability and their failure to meet a number of the commitments they put out in the 2017 budget.

He told Citi News that he expects the government to outline strategies towards achieving the targets stated in the 2017 budget, whilst offering solutions to their revenue generation problem.

“My expectations for the budget is really how the government plans to address a number of pledges made in the 2017 budget which have not been fulfilled. The one million dollar per constituency disbursement did not take place. The 2018 budget would have to address it because they pledged in their manifesto that every year constituencies would get one million dollars so that means they’ll have to raise 2 million in 2018 because last year is in arrears.”

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By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Ofori Atta will present ‘ahokyerɛ’ budget – Minority MPs appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to the Member of Parliament for the Ningo Prampram Constituency, Sam George, Opoku Prempeh who is also the MP for Manhyia South called Alhassan Suhuyini “a fool” hence the near-fight.

“…Napo had called him [Alhassan Suyuhini] a fool. During the proceedings he called him ‘kwasia’ and that is what triggered the whole thing. And this is not the first time Napo was calling somebody a fool. Four weeks ago he called me a fool on the Floor of the House simply because I’d asked the Speaker to ask him if he was wearing a school uniform or was properly attired to Parliament,” Sam George explained.

Background

The five-member Joe Ghartey committee investigating the bribery allegations leveled against the Appointments Committee by the MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, presented its report to Parliament and recommended sanctions for Mr. Ayariga.

The committee found Ayariga guilty of contempt of Parliament and aside the sanctions also asked that he apologises to the House.

Although Mr. Ayariga apologized, the Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, adjourned sitting and said he will rule on the matter today, Friday.

But after the adjournment some minority and majority MPs nearly traded blows in the House.

Sam George explained on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday that, tempers rose in Parliament because some majority MPs earlier during sitting called for the removal of Mr. Ayariga and a by-election held.

“In the course of the conversation and the debates that went on yesterday, there were calls for by-elections. These are things that get any MP on edge because you were hearing that another colleague is pushing for one of you to be sacked from Parliament for by-elections. It’s not something that anyone will be comfortable with.”

“In the course of the conversation also there appeared to have been an exchange of words between the Minister of Education, Matthew Opoku Prempeh and Alhassan Suhuyini. And so that stoke the fire. However, as soon as we finished the sitting and Speaker walked out, we stepped out to talk to our leader and all you could see was a barrage of majority MPs storming the minority side,” Sam George added while questioning the rationale for the majority moving to the minority side.

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By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post NAPO triggered anger in Parliament, called Suhuyini a ‘fool’ – Sam George appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

A statement from the investigation committee said: “The Special Committee on allegations against the chairman and some members of the Appointments Committee is to start its first public hearing from Wednesday, February 15 – Friday, February 17, 2017.”

The statement also added that the public hearing will be held daily at the Speakers Conference room.

Background

Parliament formed the committee on January 31, 2017 following allegations by the Member of Parliament for the Bawku Central; Mahama Ayariga, who accused the Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko of bribing the ten minority members on the Appointments Committee with GHc3, 000 each prior to the minister’s approval.

Mr. Ayariga further claimed that the money was handed to the minority chief whip, Muntaka Mubarak, by the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Joseph Osei-Owusu for onward disbursement, a claim, both Muntaka and Osei-Owusu had rejected.

The Bawku Central MP together with two of his colleagues, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Alhassan Suhuyini subsequently petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to investigate the claims.

Composition of the special investigation committee

The special investigation committee is chaired by the MP for Essikado-Ketan who doubles as the Minister in charge of Railways Development, Joe Ghartey.

The four other members [all MPs] include; Ben Abdallah, Ama Pomaah Boateng, Magnus Kofi Amoateng and B.T. Baba.

The Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye in approving the special committee cautioned members of the House not to interrupt with its work, and also refrain from making comments publicly that will affect the process.

Vetting of regional minister nominees postponed

In a related story, the Appointments Committee has postponed vetting of Regional Minister nominees appointed by the President.

Vetting the ministers which was supposed to come off today [Monday] has been postponed to Tuesday, February 14, 2017.

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By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post Parliament’s investigation committee begins work on Wednesday appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show in reaction to a disclaimer issued by the Minority Chief Whip who has been named by the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga as the person who disbursed GHc3,000 to the minority members on the committee., Suhuyini said Muntaka Mubarak responded to the issues as a leader should.

Mr. Ayariga alleged that the money was given to Muntaka by the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Osei-Owusu for onward disbursement; a claim which both the Chairman and Muntaka had rubbished.

Mubarak in a radio interview said it is untrue that he gave Mahama Ayariga money meant to bribe him [Ayariga] and his colleagues to support the approval of the Energy Minister.

“I’m a Muslim and Ayariga is a Muslim. I’m swearing by the Allah that created him that I never gave Ayariga anything and I said it was from Osei-Owusu. Osei Owusu has never discussed any money issue with me. He has never given me any money to be given to Ayariga and I’ve never given Ayariga or anybody any money saying that it was coming from the Chairman.”

But speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, Alhassan Suhuyini who is also the Member of Parliament for the Tamale Central constituency called for speedy investigation into the matter.

He together with Mahama Ayariga and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa [all members of the Appointments Committee] had petitioned the leadership of Parliament to probe the scandal.

“…I want to put on record is that this is not about who is lying and who is telling the truth, this about responsibilities. The responsibility of the chief whip in Parliament is to ensure that members of Parliament are catered for; their welfare matters are his responsibility. And as a leader, you tend to have more information, you tend to know better and perhaps you tend to understand the repercussions that other members may not have the opportunity to. So in circumstances like this the leader may decide to take an unpopular decision and that does not make him a bad leader and that has to be established moving forward. That is why to a large extent I understand where Alhaji Muntaka is coming from, I think he is doing his job as expected of him, he is managing the information,” Suhuyini noted.

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By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post Muntaka managing bribery scandal information – Suhuyini appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Mr. Suhuyini, before asking a question during the vetting of the Education Minister-nominee, Matthew Opoku Prempeh today [Tuesday], apologized to the Chair of the Committee after Monday’s outburst.

“Let me apologize to the Chairman of the Committee for the fact that I lost my temper at some point yesterday [Monday],” The first-term MP stated.

The MP had been overruled by the chair of the committee for seeking to find out from Mr. Agyarko if he played a role in some criminal scandal at the Bank of New York, which saw 10 officials of the bank being prosecuted in 2007.

But Mr. Osei Owusu noted that, Alhassan Suhuyini breached sections of the Standing Order and overruled the question.

The Chair of the committee suggested to Alhassan Suhuyini that the framing of his question was in breach of procedure and must be careful in proceeding in that direction.

Mr. Osei Owusu cited Standing Order 67 of Parliament which states that “questions asked shall not contain any argument, expression of opinions, inferences, imputation, controversial, ironical or offensive expression or hypothetical statement.”

However Mr. Suhuyini felt offended and said the Chairman was not treating him fairly. His reaction solicited unsavory remarks from other members of the Committee, a situation that distracted the vetting for some few minutes.

Boakye Agyarko, however, responded to the question and said the fraud and prosecution happened at the London branch of Bank of New York and not the branch which he was engaged as Vice President.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post I lost my temper – Suhuyini apologizes for outburst at vetting appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The radio broadcaster whose popularity has overshadowed his other contenders in the 2016 Parliamentary contest has also promised to galvanize his constituents for constructive purposes should he win their mandate.

Alhassan Suhuyini exclusively in a Citi News interview described the NDC as a credible political party which stands for peace and stability and cares for the people.

[contextly_sidebar id=”JasMn0Dh30goBi3xnwuBVf6FTxbGZBYL”]He called on all NDC loyalists in the Tamale north constituency to avoid complacency and assiduously work towards attaining one touch victory on December 7.

He downplayed the Tamale north constituency incumbent independent Member of Parliament,  Alhassan Dahamani’s re-election bid.

Alhassan Suhuyini admitted that the NDC lost the seat in 2012 due to internal wrangling.

He quickly added that his candidature had reunited party members for which reason he is better placed than his contenders in the 2016 Parliamentary race.

“I am working with my team day and night to ensure that no stone is left unturned. We don’t need to entertain complacency and what we need is a victory that will leave no doubt in anybody’s mind that Tamale north has returned to the umbrella and returned well.”

“We have a united party that is poised to recapture the seat and some of the party supporters are proud that I emerged victorious at the Parliamentary primary courtesy the expansion of our party’s Electoral College.”

Alhassan Suhuyini reechoed the need for renewal of President John Dramani Mahama’s mandate.

“In my view it will be unfair if the President is not given a second mandate with the level of development that he has carried out in his four years I am certain that he will do more when his mandate is renewed.”

Peaceful elections

Alhassan Suhuyini called for insult free political campaigns to avoid anarchy before, during and after the December 7 polls.

According to him, politicians who engaged in personality attacks lacked campaign messages and should be ignored.

“We should always engage on issues and personalities should not feature in our debates resulting into character assassination and personality attacks.”

Media circumspection
As a Journalist, the Tamale north NDC Parliamentary candidate advocated media circumspection on elections coverage.

“You cannot downplay the role of the media in our democratic experiment but I will caution that we exercise our freedom guaranteed by the constitution with circumspection.”

“Let us be guided by the fact that we need to entertain, inform and educate the masses but we need to ensure that we educate more to preserve our democratic credentials by doing unbiased fact checks.”

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post NDC’s Alhassan Suhuyini outlines his vision for Tamale North appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Clad in Alhassan Suhuyini’s branded T-shirts and the NDC paraphernalia, the first-time voters inundated his campaign launch held at the Tamale Sakasaka Jackson Park.

They told Citi News Alhassan Suhuyini is their preferred choice in the Tamale north Parliamentary race.

They further described Alhassan Suhuyini as a unifier and a development oriented personality capable of fixing the developmental deficit recorded in the Tamale north constituency.

The governing NDC at the 2012 polls suffered from skirt and blouse voting which produced the incumbent independent Member of Parliament, Hon. Alhassan Dahamani.

The emergence of Alhassan Suhuyini as the NDC’s 2016 Parliamentary candidate has overturned the situation and it is highly anticipated that he could win the seat on December 7.

Addressing the crowd, Alhassan Suhuyini thanked his other defeated contenders at the primary for their unflinching support.

He appealed to the massive crowd to let their enthusiasm reflect on the ballot paper on December 7.

He cautioned the electorate against repeating the skirt and blouse voting pattern on December 7.

Alhassan Suhuyini admonished Ghanaians to appreciate the peace and stability they have enjoyed under President John Dramani Mahama’s watch.

He further posited that the Abudu and Andani feud in Dagbon had been a thing of the past.

Speakers including the Bawku central MP, Mahama Ayariga, the Sagnarigu MP, Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini, the Nantong MP, Murtala Ibrahim Mohammed and a Deputy Communications Minister, Felix Ofosu Kwakye claimed the electorate will regret voting for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

They accused the NPP Presidential nominee, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo of superintending over a divided party.

According to them the nation’s future is bleak with Nana Addo as the next President.

Felix Ofosu Kwakye and Mahama Ayariga also condemned the NPP for allegedly plagiarizing Hassan Ayariga’s All Peoples Congress (APC) manifesto.

Mahama Ayariga revealed the APC Presidential nominee’s intension to take legal action against the NPP over the alleged manifesto plagiarism.

Chiefs, diplomats, youth and religious leaders in the Tamale north constituency graced the much publicized occasion.

Abu Sadique, Prince Okla, Choggu Boys and Fancy Gadam among others entertained the gathering.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Alhassan Suhuyini ‘charms’ Tamale north fresh voters appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.