They believe the tour, although belated, will help in the party’s reconciliatory and healing process.

[contextly_sidebar id=”JxPc9NL5bGtbxpLKW4bN1wjPsC7QPBia”]Following the NDC’s defeat in the December 2016, there appear to be pockets of disgruntled members divided over who was responsible for the party’s defeat.

The National leadership of the party tasked a special Committee led by Prof. Kwesi Botchwey to tour the country to listen to concerns of party members after it was evident the many of the party’s supporters were not happy with the results of the election.

The party has also undertaken 3 Unity Walks in Accra, Tamale and Cape Coast as part of the healing process.

The 10 regional chairmen of the party, under whose leadership the party suffered the electoral defeat believe the former President’s “thank you tour” will help in such efforts to ensure peace and unity within the party ahead of the 2020 polls.

Regional chairman back Mahama for 2020

After a meeting with the former President on Thursday, the chairmen urged John Mahama to consider calls for him to contest the party’s primaries and represent it as flagbearer in the 2020 general elections.

In its communiqué after the meeting, it said, “At a meeting held today, Thursday November 09, 2017, in Cantonments, Accra with HE John Dramani Mahama, former President of the Republic of Ghana, we the ten (10) regional chairpersons of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have:

1. Invited the former President to, as a matter of urgency, embark on the delayed and much-awaited ‘Thank You Tour’ to thank supporters of the NDC for supporting him through his tenure and the party over the years;

1. Called on HE John Dramani Mahama to consider the request of teeming supporters of the NDC and Ghanaians to lead the party to the 2020 General Elections.”

The 10 Chairmen so signed the communique are; Mr Kobina Ade-Coker, Greater Accra; Mr Micheal Aidoo, Western; Alhaji Mumuni Bolnaba, Upper East; Mr John K. Gyapong, Volta; Mr Opoku Atuahene, Brong Ahafo; and Mr Matthew Song-Aabo, Upper West; Mr Bismark Tawiah Boateng, Eastern; and Mr Yaw Obimpeh, Ashanti.

The others are Alhaji Sofo Azorka, Northern and Mr Allotey Jacobs of the Central Region.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Speaking to Citi News, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sam Pyne, said the region is ready to receive the President.

He said the President is expected to address a rally of party members on his final leg of the tour on Sunday, before returning to Accra.

[contextly_sidebar id=”QJNkOWXDFpFq6vnPQ92FKMn2k6nLlckp”]”Whatever he is coming to do, so far as he is a President, he comes with state protocol. The only thing that will be purely partisan or purely political is the rally that we will be holding on Sunday so that is what we are looking at. The rest will be organised by state protocol. The rallies are about meeting with party people and talking about issues that are out and addressing the crowd to say thank you to them for the elections.”

A few days ago, the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Communication team announced a boycott of all media outlets as according to the team, the party had neglected them after the election.

But Sam Pyne said the party had met with the team and resolved the matter.

“It was yesterday [Wednesday] that they boycotted radio. We have been speaking to them and we scheduled a meeting with them to resolve this issue.”

The President since his electoral victory has been on a thank you tour of some regions in the country.

He has so far visited the Northern, Western, Upper West and Upper East regions among others .

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

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Addressing chiefs and people of the Kwahu Traditional Area of the Eastern Region as part of his Thank you Tour, Akufo-Addo assured that he will fulfill all the promises he made prior to his election.

“The NPP is for the people of Kwahu, Nananom be patient for your government is in power now, with your help, support and prayers, we will go through with the one district one factory policy as soon as possible to bring jobs to the youth. Bawumia and myself will bring smiles back to the people again and Ghanaians will be happy for we have the manpower, expertise and resources in this country to do all what we have promised.”

The President-Elect was thankful to the Kwahu Traditional Council and the entire people of Kwahu for their support in the December 7th elections.

Acting Head of the Kwahu Traditional Council, who doubles as the Abetifi and Adonteng Chief, Nana Asiedu Agyemang, in a welcome address assured Nana Addo of the full support and cooperation of the Council.

“We congratulate you for your efforts during the campaign period which has earned you the presidency. History has it that your grandfather Joseph Boakye Dankwah schooled and lived his life here at Kwahu Bepong, the very ground you stand on today; so you are indeed one of our own, we pledge our support to you and we will pray to the gods to help and guide you with wisdom and protection to govern our country”.

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By: Neil Nii Amatey Kanarku/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Ghanaians will be happy again – Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Chief made the appeal when the president-elect visited the area as part of his thank you tour of the Eastern Region.

Nana Somuah Mireku Nyampong III, who spoke on behalf of the Kwahu Traditional Council, said their appeal is necessary because they have stood by the NPP over the years.

“Kwahuman has never disappointed, rejected or neglected the NPP party ever, we have been loyal to the NPP party over the years and we will continue to stay loyal. So Nana Addo, if we have voted you into office please turn to us and consider the people of Kwahu.”

“…We have a lot of young intelligent, energetic graduates and academicians who come from Kwahu in this country. Mr President-elect please consider our children in your ministerial and presidential appointments, when the time comes because we the Kwahus have lacked citizens in government positions even though we have remained loyal to the NPP for so many years. Award Okwahuman by making some of our children presidential staffers and we will forever be grateful,” he added.

Construct our roads too

The Chief also requested for the construction of roads and a bridge on the Afram Plains River.

On his part, Akufo-Addo thanked the people of Kwahu for supporting him. He also assured them he will ffulfill promises he made to them during his campaign tour of the Eastern Region.

“The NPP is for the people of Kwahu, Nananom be patient for your government is in power now, with your help, support and prayers we will go through with the one district one factory policy as soon as possible to bring jobs to the youth. Bawumia and myself will bring smiles back to the people again and Ghanaians will be happy for we have the manpower, expertise and resources in this country, to do all what we have promised,” he added.

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By: Neil Nii Amatey Kanarku/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Consider Kwahus for positions – Kwahu Chiefs beg Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He will meet the Regional House of Chiefs at Sekondi before meeting some other identifiable groups in the region.

The visit to the region comes two days after he returned from the three regions of the North.

From the Western Region, Nana Akufo-Addo will visit the Central and Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, before the week ends.

Nana Akufo-Addo has already addressed members of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Volta Regional House of Chiefs, and has been to the three regions of the North, as well as the Ashanti Region, where he met the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The President-elect’s thank you tour follows his comprehensive victory in the 2016 general elections.

He is expected to be sworn in on January 7, 2017.

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By: Sammi Wiafe/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Nana Addo takes thank-you tour to Western Region appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He said the yet to be rebranded Northern Development Authority (NDA) will serve as a catalyst to eradicate poverty in the three regions of the north.

President elect, Nana Akufo Addo who is on a three-day “Thank you tour” of the three regions of the north was addressing the chiefs and people of Mamprugu traditional area at the Nayiri’s palace in Nalerigu.

He thanked the electorate in Northern Region for their overwhelming support at the December 7 polls.

He touted his vice, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia as the cornerstone of the incoming government’s economic management team.

President-elect, Nana Akufo Addo promised to form an all inclusive government to demystify the winner takes all governance.

He acknowledged the Nayiri’s high powered traditional delegation to Accra immediately after the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Madam Charlotte Osei’s declaration.

He sought the Nayiri’s continues guidance and counseling desired to deliver good governance.
President elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo earlier made a whistle stop at Kperiga in Walewale and greeted Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia’s mother, Hajia Mariama Bawumia.

As a son of Mamprugu land, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia said the incoming administration will deliver all its campaign promises.

He highlighted restoration of the teacher and nursing trainee allowances, youth employment, one dam one village and one million Dollar package for each constituency as some of the priority areas.

According to Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, the first budget statement in March 2017 will capture the aforementioned promises.

He appealed to his kinsmen to deepen peaceful coexistence in Mamprugu land.

The overlord of Mamprugu land, the Nayiri Abdulai Mahami Bohagu Sheriga wished President elect, Nana Akufo Addo a successful tenure of office.

He tasked Nana Akufo Addo to remain focused and serve as a father for all.

The Nayiri also charged Nana Akufo Addo to keep an eagle eye on his appointees.

President elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo’s delegation comprises, the NPP national women’s Organizer, Otiko Afisah Djabah, the national Nasara Coordinator, Kamaldeen Abdullah, a former Northern Regional Minister, Prince Imoro Andani, a former Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Alhaji Majeed Haroun, Nana Addo’s Aide, Lawyer Samuel Abu Jinapor, Members of Parliament elect from Mamprugu land, NPP regional and constituency executives among others.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post I’ll restructure SADA-Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Nana Addo will among other activities pay a courtesy call on traditional and religious leaders in the region and thank them for their support in his victory.

Speaking to Citi News in Bolgatanga, NPP Upper East Regional Youth Organizer, Ibrahim Bashiru said, the Akufo-Addo’s visit to the region is to re-assure chiefs and every traditional council of his resolve and commitment to fulfill all the campaign promises made by the NPP.

[contextly_sidebar id=”lxZttsmJwkCH5BXi6FR6mJHIZAmniHnj”]Mr. Bashiru added, that the Akufo-Addo will on Thursday call on the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abogrago Azorka II and paramount chief of Sandema, Nab Azagsuk Azantillow.

On Friday 23rd December, he will call on the paramount chief of the Talensi traditional area Tong-Rana Kugbilsong Nalebegtang.

Mr. Bashiru explained that, Nana Addo will not be addressing party supporters and sympathizers since the tour was strictly directed at chiefs and some traditional councils.

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By: Frederick Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The tour which is expected to be done within the next two weeks will afford Dr. Nduom the opportunity to thank Ghanaians for rallying behind them during their trying times in court.

On Friday, High Court Judge, Eric Kyei Baffour “quashed” a decision by the Electoral Commission in which it rejected the presidential nomination papers of Dr. Nduom and ordered the Commission to restore the rights given the presidential aspirant by law to amend and alter the nomination forms.

The tour took Dr. Nduom and his team to the Central Region beginning from Kasoa and ending in Elmina.

In Kasoa, Dr. Nduom greeted traders, market women, drivers and travelers at the old market and lorry park and thanked them for their support and prayers.

The PPP  Parliamentary candidate for the Awutu Senya East Constituency, Kweku Kwarteng led his supporters to welcome Dr. Nduom.

From there, the team stopped at the Budumburam market, camp and taxi station to thank the people.

The receiving group was led by the PPP Parliamentary Candidate for Gomoa East.

Dr. Nduom was received by a massive crowd led by the PPP Parliamentary Candidate for Effutu Nana Ofori Owusu in Winneba.

The PPP crowd went through the principal streets of Winneba with joyous songs and cheers.

Led by the PPP candidate for Mfantseman Kwabena Otchere, Dr. Nduom walked through the Mankessim market and lorry park amidst cheers of joy and congratulations from the people.  Many promised to vote for Dr. Nduom saying “…our candidate has come”.

The cheers of joy were repeated in Cape Coast where the PPP Parliamentary Candidate for Cape Coast South, Bright Drofoenu led Dr. Nduom and his team through Kotokoraba market and principal streets.

In Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abirem, Dr. Nduom was met by one of the biggest crowds ever in Elmina and taken through the streets in a carnival atmosphere.

Dr. Nduom thanked God and said everything that has been achieved is through the grace of God.

He thanked the people of KEEA for standing by him, coming to support him in Accra throughout the court proceedings and pushing him with their prayers.

He said that through the court ruling, democracy has won, freedom of choice and association have won and the rule of law has become stronger.

He asked the people to support and vote for him and all the PPP Parliamentary candidates so that the victory in court will have true meaning.

Dr. Nduom later on Sunday went to the Western Region.

He will be in to the Volta, Upper East, West and Northern regions next week.

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

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The summer started with the reigning African player of the year accusing City of disrespecting him on his birthday. He later slammed the club for allegedly denying him time to be with his sick brother Ibrahim who eventually died of cancer.

His agent Dimitry Seluk had threatened that the influential midfielder would leave the club after claiming the English champions treated him like ‘a nobody’ during his birthday at a title celebration attended by Arab owner Sheikh Mansour.

Things did not get any better for the 31-year-old at international level as the Elephants were knocked out in the group stage of the World Cup.

But speaking on the club’s pre-season tour of America, Toure said all that was now behind him and he wants to stay at City and aim for more glory in the new campaign.

“It was not a case of me wanting to leave the club. I stayed quiet and at the end of the day it’s my decision. I will stay at Manchester City for as long as possible,” Yaya said.

“The matter is closed now. The most important thing was to try to focus again. Now I’m very happy to join the team and the manager. Everyone is very positive.

Yaya and brother Kolo play through pain at the World Cup after the death of Ibrahim.

“This year is going to be fantastic. We’ve got some fantastic players coming in and important players are staying. If you want to be the best you need to win every trophy possible, and the Champions League is a target this year.”

He added: “We know we are the team to beat. This year will be amazing because I’m expecting something – I’m expecting trophies this year.”

Most difficult for Yaya has been the pain of losing a loved brother, but he insists he and his family must now try and move on.

“He has been sick for two years,” he said. “But he knew I loved football and he was telling me, ‘go to the World Cup and enjoy it. If you stay with me and don’t participate in the World Cup I would not be happy. I would love to see you doing your best and trying to help the country’.

“He loved football. When he was sick in Manchester he was watching every game I was playing in. After them I was coming to see him in hospital.

“With the loss of my brother it was quite hard. I’m a Muslim, I believe in God. Sometimes you can have everything, but this was a difficult situation.

“Unfortunately it was a difficult summer for my family. When you lose a brother it is always difficult and he was young too. We were very sad, all the family. We need to move on and pray for him.”

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Source: AP

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Reports this summer suggested that the 31-year-old Ivory Coast international was unhappy at Etihad Stadium.

The player’s agent, Dimitry Seluk, had claimed Toure felt “disrespected” by the Premier League champions’ owners.

But Toure told City’s website:  “It was not a case of leaving the club. It was difficult because my situation was quite difficult.”

Seluk claimed the player’s birthday was ignored by the club’s owners when the squad arrived in the United Arab Emirates to celebrate their Premier League title triumph in May.

Toure appeared to support that claim on his Twitter account, before later suggesting he did not know which club he would be playing for in the coming season.

Seluk then told BBC Sport his client wanted a “job for life” at the club despite his upset at his treatment.

And Toure’s latest interview reaffirms that position, with him saying: “For me I was always quiet and my decision is that I will stay at Manchester City for as long as possible.”

Toure, who signed a new four-year deal last season, also wants to see more signings in the coming weeks to help establish City as a “massive” club.

He added: “If we want to be the best, we need to win every trophy possible.”

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Source: BBC Sport

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