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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An NPP delegation led by a legal team visited the EC on Thursday to demand a response in the case in which it is challenging the accuracy of some polling station results in the constituency, but the Commission said it will formally respond on Monday.

[contextly_sidebar id=”kfX3d6agbfdbKcJIaKmxZOiJtpa9qkNR”]Speaking to Citi News, the NPP’s Constituency Secretary for Tamale Central, Musah Mutawakilu, said the party will decide on its next line of action after it has received a response from the elections management body.

“We petitioned them [EC] about five days ago, and we’ve still not heard anything from them. A team of lawyers came down to Accra and we went to the EC and upon the deliberations, they agreed to furnish us with that information we require regarding the petition we sent to them latest by Monday. The response to the petition will determine our next line of action.”

Musah Mutawakilu however called for calm among supporters as the party waits upon the EC.

‘Parties challenge final elections results’

Some parties have expressed dissatisfaction at the outcome of the recently held parliamentary elections.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Western Region, has also given indications it would contest the results of 5 constituencies in court.

The seats are Suaman, Juaboso, Aowin, Wassa Amenfi Central and Ellembelle constituencies.

According to the Regional secretary of the NPP, Charles Bissue, the party was certain it had won in the constituencies based on its collated results, but the official results declared by the Electoral Commission (EC) subsequently proved otherwise.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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The President, while addressing supporters and members of the press at his residence in Accra on Friday morning, called on supporters of the party to remain calm and ensure peace as they await the official declaration of election results from the Electoral Commission (EC).

He noted that the governing NDC stood to lose if there was instability in the country.

“I want us to remember that we are a party that respects the rule of law and I also want us to remember that we are the party in government and we have more to lose if there is any instability in this country.”

“Let us respect the constitution… We need to be calm so that the EC can do its work.” “I want to assure the nation that we will respect the outcome of the election, positive or negative, and so let us just be calm, let us get the figures, let us get the comparisons and let us be law abiding,” President Mahama said.

‘Stay calm, let’s wait for EC’

Meanwhile, the Presidential candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo has called on supporters of his party to remain calm as the Electoral Commission goes through the process of announcing the winner this year’s presidential polls.

He expressed confidence that he will be declared the winner of the presidential elections when the Electoral Commission officially declares the final results.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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His call comes on the back of an earlier appeal by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei to Ghanaians and the various political parties involved in this year’s elections to be patient and allow it effectively carry out its duties.

The President, in a tweet on Friday morning also assured Ghanaians “we’ll make Ghana proud no matter the outcome” of the elections.

Let’s allow EC to carry out its constitutional mandate. We’ll make Ghana proud no matter outcome.

— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) December 9, 2016

Following a keenly contested general elections across the country on Wednesday, December 7, supporters of the various political parties especially the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and major opposition party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been anxious ahead of the official declaration of results. 

‘NPP declares Akufo-Addo winner’

Ahead of the official declaration of results by the EC, the New Patriotic Party has insisted that it’s Presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo has taken a significant lead in the race and thus will be the country’s next president.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s national headquarters in Accra on Thursday [December 8], the National Youth Organiser of the NPP, Sammy Awuku, said the party’s own analysis from the elections show Nana Akufo-Addo was leading with 5,441,642 votes ahead of NDC’s President John Mahama’s 4,497,477 votes.

“From the declared results at the constituency alone, we can provisionally say we have won a clear parliamentary majority with a minimum of 149 seats. No threats of machinations can change this.”

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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No major incident has been recorded at the time when Citi News’ Jonas Nyabor filed this report however pockets of agitation and misunderstanding erupted at some polling stations visited within the Achimota electoral area.

A total of about 76,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballot across all 106 polling stations in the constituency.

Voting started by 7.20am at the Victory Nursery school polling station A and B voters numbering over two hundred had queued to cast their ballot at the official opening of polls at 7am.

‘Early electorates’

Some electorates had reported to various polling stations within the constituency as early 7pm Tuesday night.

A man who gave his name as Alex said he reported to the polling station at 7.30pm on Tuesday night to avoid the long queue that characterizes the voting at the Achimota central market polling station.

‘Missing names’

Some electorates who visited the Abofu Presby School could not find their names in the voters’ register and were turned down and redirected to other polling stations.

Others who reported without their Voters’ ID card were allowed to vote after their biometric details were confirm in the electoral roll and duly verified by the biometric verification device.

‘Oldies,  lactating mothers considered’

All polling stations visited within the constituency heeded the Electoral Commission’s (EC) appeal to give preferential treatment to the elderly, lactating mothers, persons with disability amongst other persons in marginalized groups.

‘Delays in commencement of poll’

At the Anumle basic school and the Solid Rock Chapel polling stations all in the Anumle electoral area, voting was delayed to 8.30am even though all materials had arrived at the polling stations before 7am.

EC officials said they were unable to start on time due to the absence of a lid to the ballot boxes brought to the polling stations.

It took more than a hour to have the district electoral officer return to the polling stations to provided the lids before polls start.

‘Presence of security personnel’

All polling stations had at least two security officers deployed to man them. The officers comprised those from the Fire Service and the Ghana Police Service.

‘Confusion over situation of ballot cubicles’

Position of ballot cubicles had been a major  issue of concern for most polling agents across the constituency. The polling agents insist the cubicles must be positioned in way that allows for persons in the queue to witness the activity of anyone voting but not the person’s choice of candidate.

Consensus on the matter in the various polling stations in the constituency has been swift hence preventing delays in the voting process.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Most of the electorates who reported to their respective polling stations on Tuesday night left marked stones and gallons in queues to secure their place for the exercise the following morning.

At the Achimota central mosque polling station on Wednesday dawn, some electorates argued as to whether permit persons who queued the night before with stones to take their place.

Some of the electorates told Citi News’ Jonas Nyabor they wanted to prevent the situation where individuals claim spots in the queue for persons who were yet to arrive at the polling station.

 ‘Many spend night at polling station’

Meanwhile, some voters have, in the bid to cast their ballot early reportedly spent the night at some polling stations in the constituency.

Some of those who spoke to Citi News said they arrived at the polling station between 7pm and 9pm on Tuesday night.

Others came to the polling station with mats and cloths to spend the night there.

At the Victory School polling station, a man who gave his name as Alex said he reported to the polling station at 7.30pm on Tuesday night to avoid the long queue that characterizes the voting at the polling station.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Stones, gallons queue for electorates at Okaikwei North [Photos] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Citi News’ Caleb Kudah reported that hundreds of enthusiastic students gathered at the basketball court of the University as early as 2am on Tuesday, awaiting arranged buses to take them to their destinations.

The National Youth Organizer of the NPP, Sammy Awuku in an interview with Citi News earlier accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of ‘hijacking’ state buses to sabotage their plans of facilitating the transportation of electorates to their respective constituencies.

He said the number of people who had turned up to travel via the NPP’s arranged buses proves Ghanaians are seeking a change in government.

Caleb who later moved to the VIP station at Circle reported that most travellers were left frustrated at various bus terminals in the capital, Accra due to the last-minute transportation arrangements by various political groups.

Some commuters described as ‘unprecedented’ the situation at the various transport terminals.

We’ll vote against NDC – Disgruntled students 

Meanwhile, some disgruntled students have threatened to vote against the NDC for failing to provide adequate buses to transport them to the respective destinations for the election.

One student who gave his name as only Godfred said he was dissatisfied with the arrangement made by the NDC.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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Photo credit: Caleb Kudah

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The two have formed a coalition to boost the chances in the polls which will be held on Wednesday.

[contextly_sidebar id=”j6Wl7TQ39ID4WL5YROVimLS0lpzsBH7u”]A statement jointly issued by the two parties on Sunday, December 4, said the PPP will campaign, support and vote for the various NDP Parliamentary Candidates in Adaklu, Garu, North Dayi, Ada East Akrofuom and five other constituencies while the NDP will support PPP candidates in constituencies that include, South Dayi, Shai Osu Doku, Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfrom, Anlo and Krachi East.

Earlier last week, the PPP reached an agreement with the People’s National Convention (PNC) to offer and also receive support from the PNC in order to win the parliamentary elections in some selected constituencies in the upcoming polls.

Read the full statement below:

4th December, 2016

The National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) wish to announce to their members, supporters and the general public that we have reached agreement on a parliamentary coalition for the 7 December 2016 election.

The PPP will campaign, support and vote for the NDP Parliamentary Candidates in the following constituencies:

1. Garu
2. Sissala West
3. Afram Plains
4. Upper Manya
5. Agortime Ziope
6. North Dayi
7. Adaklu
8. Kpando
9. Ada East
10. Akrofuom

The NDP will campaign, support and vote for the PPP Parliamentary Candidates in the following constituencies:

1. South Dayi
2. Shai Osu Doku
3. Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfrom
4. Anlo
5. Krachi East
6. Ho Central
7. Afadjato South
8. Buem
9. Nsawam Adoagyiri
10. Asuogyaman

Ghana needs PPP and NDP members in Parliament to advocate for needed changes to the 1992 Constitution, ensure that the health, social welfare and employment needs of the majority of our people become priorities and affirm the multi-party nature of our democracy.  We urge the good people of Ghana who are valid voters to vote massively for PPP and NDP candidates on 7 December 2016.

Signed:

Nana Konadu Agyeman, Presidential Candidate NDP

Alhaji Mohammed Frimpong, General Secretary NDP

Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, Presidential Candidate PPP

Murtala Mohammed, National Secretary PPP

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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The commission said it will also ensure the security and safety of all the ballot boxes used in the first special voting exercise on Thursday, December 1.

A Deputy Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, Yussif Ayuba in an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show said, “We have enough extra ballot boxes. We didn’t procure the exact number of boxes we would use because the elections could even go to a second round. In all the 275 constituencies we would use new ballot boxes.”

Some security and media personnel, as well as election officers were unable to vote in Thursday’s special voting exercise because their names were not found on the special voters’ registration list.

Citi News reports indicated some security officers were left frustrated at various polling stations across the country because their names were not found in the register.

Some lamented they have duly registered for the process several weeks ahead of the special voting day. 

‘Disgruntled special voters get second chance’

The Electoral Commission (EC) together with stakeholders at an emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on Thursday evening decided to extend the special voting exercise to Sunday, December 4, to allow persons couldn’t vote, do so.

‘Registered special voters can’t vote on December 7’

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) has said all persons who have registered for as special voters but fail to vote in Thursday and Sunday’s exercise will not be allowed to vote on December 7.

The Commission said it will delete the names of all registered special voters from the main electoral roll to ensure they do not vote twice.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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The post Special Voting: EC to deploy new ballot boxes for Sunday’s exercise appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Edem and Kwaw Kesse in separate Instagram posts said they were convinced Nduom was the best man to lead the country, citing his ability to create jobs.

Da’hammer has convinced me… Ghana let’s put Dr Nduom in office. #Edwumawura #kokromotipower

A photo posted by Kwaw Kese (@kwawkese) on Nov 26, 2016 at 9:12am PST

Edem, known for hit songs such as ‘Heba’, ‘Nyornuviade’ and ‘Bra fremi’ stated that his choice was after a conversation with renowned record producer Edward Nana Poku Osei, popularly known as Hammer of The Last Two.

I was speaking with the hammer and i think we should try a new person for the Job..Dr Nduom. ..has done amazing things alone..

A photo posted by iamEdem (@iamedemgh) on Nov 26, 2016 at 10:09am PST

The three may be the only Ghanaian entertainers who have publicly declared their support or made a case for the PPP Presidential candidate, Dr Nduom.

Most entertainers in Ghana have endorse either the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo or the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, John Mahama, who many have described as the leading candidates in this year’s election.

Entertainers endorsing Mahama and Akufo-Addo

Some musicians and actors who have endorse the NPP’s Akufo-Addo include Lucky Mensah, Wisa Greid, Dada KD, Kwabena Kwabena, Barima Sidney, Leo Mensah, Daddy Lumba, Nana Quame, A-Plus, Praye, Agya Koo and Cwesi Oteng.

Those who have endorse President Mahama include, John Dumelo, Selasie Ibrahim, Mr. Beautiful, Mzbel, Bukom Banku, Ayitey Powers and Papa Nii.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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