Togo, in recent times, has witnessed a series of protests by opposition parties, calling for the country’s return to the use of the 1992 constitution which imposes limits on presidential terms.

[contextly_sidebar id=”dIa2PvzUAJ3FGMfML8JbfukcACX7FBKW”]Current president, Faure Gnassingbe has been in power since 2005, following the death of his father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled Togo for nearly 50 years.

The ongoing political crisis in the West African country has led to a massive influx of Togolese refugees into Ghana.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Diaspora Togo – Ghana solidarity movement, Bernard Mornah said government’s silence on the crisis, coupled with the large number of Togolese coming into the country could lead to xenophobic attacks in Ghana.

“Xenophobic attacks are generated because people feel their income and jobs are being taken away by people who have come from other places who are accepting low pay for what they could do.

“Entering Ghana is not difficult and we should be worried… Government should speak as boldly as President Buhari has spoken and tell Faure Gnassigbe that time is up.”

His comments come barely a month after he led his group to stage a rally in Accra to draw the attention of local and international authorities to the situation in Togo.

26 Togolese arrested for illegal protest in Accra

In October 2017, 26 Togolese nationals were arrested for attempting to stage an unlawful demonstration over the political situation in their country.

According to the Accra Regional Police Operations Officer, Chief Superintendent Kwasi Ofori, about 300 Togolese had to be dispersed lawfully at the Kawukudi Park because their intended action was in clear breach of Ghana’s public order act.

That was the second time that Togolese in Ghana had tried demonstrating in solidarity with efforts back home by the opposition to have presidential term limits.

We’re acting on Togo’s political crisis – Nana Addo

The agitation has led to a public outcry, with some persons including the MP for North-Tongu and former Deputy Minister of Education, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, calling on the President of Ghana to intervene.

President Akufo-Addo, in response to these concerns had stated that his administration has been working behind closed-doors in an attempt to bring the political crisis to a closure.

The President had stated that his government was in talks with Togolese officials to address the crisis in that country.

“The events that have taken place next door in Togo, are disturbing for all of us and especially for you, I know what it means. I remember vividly in 2005 when the former President Eyadema died, there were problems over the succession. Over 100,000 refugees stringed across the border. Many of them I think are still there. They have not gone back to Togo, so I know that anything that happens in Togo is a matter of very great concern and it is a concern to me and the people of Ghana.

“The Togolese President came to see me in Tamale ten days ago, and we are talking to see how we can bring this crisis to a closure and bring stability back to Togo. It is in our interest to do so. The appeal we are making are falling on very sympathetic ears. I am not staying idle on this matter . We are acting. Let us pray for the blessing of the Almighty, and we can find a solution that will be in the interest of the people of Togo and by implication the people of Ghana,” the President said.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Dr. Edward Mahama and 12 other presidential aspirants were disqualified on Monday by the Electoral Commission, for failing to meet the necessary requirements in filing their forms.

[contextly_sidebar id=”728Cb9sVM1nDNjsWeJFpe9MyHzBotZa8″]The Commission in a statement explained that, it disqualified the PNC because “many subscribers did not properly sign the forms. ”It further indicated that “thumbprints, signatures or marks were omitted all together.”

The EC further stated that, two subscribers to Dr. Mahama’s nominations also subscribed for another presidential candidate, which is against the rules.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Apasara, who once failed in his attempt to lead the party, said  Bernard Mornah should be held responsible since he failed to ensure that the party’s Flagbearer met the necessary requirements.

He is therefore demanding the immediate resignation of Bernard Mornah for being irresponsible.

“The leadership of the party is the cause. If you have a Flagbearer, it is the duty of the Chairman and the executives to work hard and make sure we complete the filing of forms in a very proper manner but not to sit down and you are embarrassed at the last minute.”

“Your party members are thrown off, without any head. They are all confused. I will blame Mr. Mornah because I was reliably informed that he was sleeping in his office when they were filling the presidential nomination forms. He was sleeping. Why would you show that kind of lukewarmness. Who asked you to take over the leadership?,” he said.

‘Incompetent’ General Secretary caused PNC’s disqualification – Emmanuel Wilson

His comments come a day after the Director of Communications for the PNC, Emmanuel Wilson, also blamed the party’s General Secretary, Atik Mohammed for the disqualification.

Emmanuel Wilson said the failure on the part of the General Secretary to pay attention to details resulted in the party’s disqualification.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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