Today’s meeting comes weeks after the leaders of the political parties met the President in Accra to report on progress made so far.

[contextly_sidebar id=”2Q6IwcAlhBfjMtKB5KJd71YIAKcFMDdZ”]The 14 opposition parties suspended all forms of protests and demonstrations as agreed in their last meeting.

They are pushing for a return to the country’s 1992 constitution which imposes limits on presidential terms.

Faure Gnassingbe has been in power since 2005 when his father, Eyadema Gnassingbe, died. His father had ruled the country for 38 years.

There have been protests against the Togolese government in demonstrations that were in some cases met with acts of violence by state security forces.

The demonstrations were started by the main opposition PNP and CAP 2015, a coalition of five smaller opposition parties before expanding.

The 14 parties decided to suspend all forms of protests and demonstrations aimed at forcing President Faure Gnassingbe to step down,  following a meeting between President Nana Akufo-Addo and representatives of the government in Togo.

Support in Ghana

Their cause has gathered some support in Ghana notably from the Ghana-Togo Solidarity Movement, which is led by Bernard Mornah.

Just like protesters in Togo, Ghana-Togo Solidarity Movement supposedly fell foul of law according to Police.

In December 2017, Mr. Bernard Mornah, Chairman of Ghana’s People’s National Convention, PNC, and some members of the group were arrested for a supposed illegal protest against the continuous rule of Gnassingbe and his disrespect for Togo’s constitutional term limit.

He has complained that the Ghana Police Service’s frequent interruptions in their lawful protests only gives the impression that the government of Ghana is in support of Faure Gnassingbe’s ill-governance.

This is despite the government’s consistent assurances of its neutrality.

Mr. Mornah vowed that the movement will support Togolese citizens to ensure that Gnassingbe steps down.

–

By: Sammi Wiafe/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Nana Addo returns to Togo to continue mediation appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The meeting is to report on progress made so far in the ongoing dialogue aimed at restoring peace in Togo.

[contextly_sidebar id=”RoGbT56AyTxMXVxkKTUb2e1QsXujteFU”]President Akufo-Addo has been a mediator in the political crisis in that country after weeks of protests against President Faure Gnassignbe.

This meeting comes weeks after the 14 parties decided to suspend all forms of protests and demonstrations aimed at forcing President Faure Gnassingbe to step down,  following a meeting between President Nana Akufo-Addo and representatives of the government in Togo.

‘26 Togolese nationals arrested’

In October 2017, 26 Togolese nationals were arrested in Ghana 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 at the Kawukudi Park because their intended action was in clear breach of Ghana’s public order act.

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

‘We’ll bring political crisis to an end’

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 said his government was in talks with Togolese officials to address the crisis in that country.

As part of the mediation process, President Nana Addo recently visited Togo where he held a closed-door meeting with Faure Gnassingbe and leaders of the main opposition parties who were initially pushing for presidential term limits.

–

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

The post Nana Addo meets Togo opposition parties in Accra today appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to Mr. Jonathan Nash, the MCC was considering an investment in Togo, but had to postpone it because of the ongoing political crisis in that country.

The acting CEO explained that “last fall, we finalised preparations for this programme (in Togo). It is a threshold programme, which is smaller than the Compact. However, given the challenges on the ground, and the unfolding political situation, our board of directors decided to postpone approving the programme.”

He continued, “One of the things we were looking for was the launch of a dialogue. Because of your leadership, and what you have done on the ground, we are now prepared to take this investment to our Board of Directors in the coming weeks. Assuming that things continue to move in a positive direction, hopefully our board will approve it, and we can begin an investment to Togo.”

Mr. Jonathan Nash told President Akufo-Addo that “on behalf of the MCC, we want to thank you for your leadership.”

Mr. Jonathan Nash conveyed his appreciation on Saturday, February 24, 2018, when he paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo, ahead of the Winter Meeting of the National Governors Association of the United States of America, where the President will become the first African leader to address the 50 US Governors at an NGA meeting.

On his part, President Akufo-Addo noted that the interests of Ghanaians and of Ghana’s political leaders are in the peace and stability of Togo, and the freedom of the Togolese people, which, he explained, was not negotiable.

The President was hopeful that sooner rather than later, a solution will be found to the impasse in Togo, so that peace, stability, the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law, which are the demands of the Togolese people, will be realised in Togo.

–

By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post MCC CEO commends Nana Addo for Togo mediation appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

This was contained in a communique issued after a meeting between Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo and the Coalition, as well as representatives of the government.

[contextly_sidebar id=”M45fnwPqiHxU7JMIP5q9kgdvHGWMwJp3″]The Coalition, consisting of 14 opposition parties, agreed to suspend demonstrations pending the outcome of the dialogue.

They indicated that, with regards to the remaining issues under appeasement and confidence building, they would appreciate feedback before the next joint meeting.

An issue that was raised by the Coalition on the return to the plenary was the need for the state to delay the planned local and parliamentary elections until the electoral and institutional reforms contained in the rules of procedure had been had considered and decisions taken on them.

Presidential pardon

As part of measures aimed at “appeasement and confidence building”, President Akufo-Addo, as captured by the communiqué, conveyed a number of decisions taken by his Togolese counterpart, President Faure Gnassingbe, to that end.

This included presidential pardons, dated February 19, 2018, for 45 of the 92 persons detained in the country’s prisons as a result of their involvement in the demonstrations.

“The case of the seven (7) persons who were imprisoned as a result of the 2013/2014 market fire riots would be brought before the Court to consider an application for bail by Wednesday, 21st February, 2018,” the Communique added.

The statement further indicated that “other prisoners in detention, as a result of their involvement in the demonstrations, would have their cases examined by the Togolese Judiciary to determine their fate after going into the merits of their individual cases.”

‘I can’t impose any solution on Togo’

President Nana Addo had earlier told political parties that he cannot impose any solution on the current political unrest in the West African country.

“I’ve come here with no solution; prescription or magic wand to impose or prescribe any solution for the resolution of the crisis that has gripped your country in these last months,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo made the remark on Monday moments after a closed-door meeting with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe and leaders of the main opposition parties who are pushing for presidential term limits.

Togo, in recent times, has witnessed a series of protests by opposition parties who are calling for the resignation of their President.

President Akufo Addo, however, expressed optimism about the outcome of the mediation process.

“My task is a simple one – to help assist in the dialogue between the various political actors of this country so that the peace, stability, consolidation of democracy and the rule of law which is the demand of the Togolese people is realized here in Togo,” he added.

–

By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Protests suspended in Togo after Nana Addo’s intervention appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

“I’ve come here with no solution; prescription or magic wand to impose or prescribe any solution for the resolution of crisis that has gripped your country in these last months,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo made the remark on Monday moments after he entered into a closed door meeting with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe and leaders of the main opposition parties who are pushing for presidential term limits.

[contextly_sidebar id=”cARRewmaATYupErboFADJ3shAURaZH2V”]Togo, in recent times has witnessed a series of protests by opposition parties who are calling for the resignation of their President.

President Akufo Addo however expressed optimism about the outcome of the mediation process.

“ My task is a simple one – to help assist in the dialogue between the various political actors of this country so that the peace, stability, consolidation of democracy and the rule of law which is the demand of the Togolese people is realized here in Togo,” he added.

While in Togo, Akufo-Addo will also meet civil society groups that have joined the calls for a limit on  presidential term.

The President’s visit comes weeks after General Secretary for the People’s National Convention [PNC], Bernard Mornah, expressed concerns about President Akufo-Addo’s seeming silence over the political crisis in Togo.

Mr. Mornah, who led a protest in Accra in that regard, was arrested by police together with others for disregarding the Public Order Act, an arrest he described as unlawful. That notwithstanding, he staged the protest again, and has since sued the police for unlawful detention.

‘26 Togolese nationals arrested’

In October 2017, 26 Togolese nationals were arrested in Ghana 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 Togolese nationals in Ghana had tried demonstrating in solidarity with efforts back home by the opposition to have presidential term limits.

‘We’ll bring political crisis to an end’

The agitation 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 said 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.

Closed door meeting 

In October 2017, President Nana Addo held a closed door meeting with Gnassingbe over the development in Togo.

The President had at the time revealed that the meeting was aimed at bringing the crisis to an end.

–

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

The post I can’t impose any solution on Togo – Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

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.

–

By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Govt’s silence on Togo political crisis ‘worrying’ – Mornah appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, the minister took the action in order to protect the image of the Togolese president, Faure Gnassingbe, whom he claims is Mr. Kan-Dapaah’s close friend.

[contextly_sidebar id=”ZhW2DuhfcF0BFF9mtnqHerYGH8XDb5QA”]“My suspicion and my later investigations have all proved that the National Security is complicit in this matter. Because the National security is a very close ally to Faure Gnassingbe and also he is a constant host of the Minister for Security in Togo, who always comes to Ghana,” Bernard Mornah said in an interview on Eyewitness News on Monday.

About 19 persons including Mr. Mornah were arrested by the Nima Police on Saturday morning when they gathered as members of the Ghana-Togo Solidarity movement to hold a peaceful march to draw the attention of local and international authorities to the political crisis in Togo.

According to the Police, they had earlier permitted Bernard Mornah and his group to undertake the peace march, however, they informed him later to cancel it due to operational challenges and intelligence that another group was trying to interrupt their activity.

But Mr. Mornah denied the claim, saying that he assured the police the peaceful march required very little police presence.

Bernard Mornah was however granted bail several hours later.

He lamented that the Police manhandled him and treated him in a way that violates his human rights.

He told Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News that the National Security Minister was complicit in the “uncouth” conduct of the Police against him.

“The Minister is always the one polluting the president about the happenings in Togo and eventually he had to use his office to push. I asked many people that I am close to in government that how come this could come about and it turned out that my suspicion of the National Security Minister is justified… If his friend is the minister responsible for security in Togo, and his friend is Faure Gnasingbe and we are bringing the issues of Togo so that people get to know the alarming situation, the abductions that are going on, and he does want that to be seen of his friends, what do you expect him to do?,” he quizzed.

“…I am scandalized that Ghana would want to position itself as ‘anti-people’s freedom’ in Togo and that they are for a government that has been dominated by one family for 50 years,” he added.

26 Togolese arrested for illegal protest in Accra

In October 2017, the Police arrested 26 Togolese nationals 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 have tried demonstrating in solidarity with efforts back home by the opposition to have presidential term limits.

Police condemned

Meanwhile, some Civil Society Organizations and individuals have condemned the Police for their recent actions especially against persons who plan to hold non-commercial special events.

Ghanaian innovator and researcher with IMANI Africa, Bright Simmons, challenged the Ghana Police over its suggestion that it must approve all notices of non-commercial events before they can be held.

According to him, that stance is not back by law.

What does the Public Order Act say?

The Public Order Act 1994 (ACT 491), from where the Police draws its authority in the holding of special of events indicates that, in attempt to stop a special events from occurring either because organizers refuse to comply with a request to postpone or relocate events, “police may apply to any judge or a chairman of a Tribunal for an order to prohibit the holding of the special event on the proposed date or at the proposed location.”

–

By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Kan-Dapaah ordered my arrest – Bernard Mornah alleges appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Togolese nationals who were arraigned, have been charged with offensive conduct, conspiracy to commit crime and failure to notify police.

[contextly_sidebar id=”a8ekL46xzTH0lJVNWo5rFxedVDkCUnvz”]The 26 have thus been granted bail to the tune of 10,000 cedis each with one surety and the case has been adjourned to November 13, 2017.

The Police arrested the 26 on Saturday after they converged on the Kawukudi Park at Nima, in preparation for a mass protest without notifying police, in breach of the public order act.

Some motorbikes were also impounded by police at the scene.

Togolese in Ghana in recent times have organized such protests in solidarity with efforts back home by the opposition to have presidential term limits in place.

Togo’s opposition parties have been demanding a return to constitutional term limits for the Presidency, and also for President Faure Gnassingbe to step down.

Gnassingbe has been in power since 2005 after the death of his father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled Togo for nearly 50 years.

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

Concerning Togo’s political crisis, President Nana Akufo-Addo has revealed holding a closed-door meeting with President Faure Gnassingbe about two weeks ago, aimed at bringing the current crisis in that country to a closure.

The President said, “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.”

President Akufo-Addo has assured that his administration is working seriously behind closed-doors to bring the current political crisis in Togo to a closure.

–

By: Fred Djabanor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post We’re not guilty – 26 Togolese plead in court appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The President, who revealed this, said the meeting was aimed at bringing the current crisis in Togo to a closure.

[contextly_sidebar id=”bPEmCBqnIedgWJZBEFm0UUlseRp227FH”]The President disclosed this today [Monday], at a meeting with chiefs and elders of Aflao in the Volta Region, who had expressed concern about the situation in Togo and its effects on Ghana, as some Togolese were already seeking refuge in the Aflao area and its environs.

The President said , “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.”

A number of protests have been staged in Togo by opposition parties in recent times, as calls for the country to return to the use of the 1992 constitution which imposes limits in presidential terms heightens.

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.

26 Togolese arrested for illegal protest in Accra

Already, twenty-six Togolese nationals are in the grips of the Police in Ghana, for attempting to stage an unlawful demonstration in Accra over the political situation in their country.

President Akufo-Addo described the situation as worrying, adding that, he will play his part to ensure that the crisis is resolved.

“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 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.”

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

President Akufo-Addo stated that his administration is working seriously behind closed-doors to bring the current political crisis in Togo to a closure.

Political crisis

Faure Gnassingbe has been in power since 2005 after the death of his father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled Togo for nearly 50 years.

The anti-Gnassingbe protests, that have seen hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets across the country, have resulted in over 15 people killed and scores injured.

Three new street marches have been announced for November 7, 8 and 9, despite the Togolese government’s ban on weekday protests.

Togo’s opposition parties have been demanding a return to constitutional term limits for the Presidency, and also for President Faure Gnassingbe to step down.

ECOWAS leaders bashed over seeming silence

ECOWAS leaders have been criticized for their seeming silence over the matter.

But Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs , Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has indicated that “The other ECOWAS countries are all engaged to ensure that everything is okay in our sister country in terms of their politics and adhering to their constitution.”

–

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

The post Nana Addo ‘secretly’ meets Faure over Togo political crisis appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Blaise Campaore overthrew his former ally, Thomas Sankara on October 15, 1987, a coup d’état that resulted in the death of the latter. Since then he had won elections from 1991 until 2010 – a total of four terms.

It’s no mere coincidence that after borrowing ideas from several other writers, Lord Acton, the 19th century  British politician came to a conclusion that: “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men”.

From October 28 to 31, 2014, Burkinabes took to the streets of Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso and other parts of the country to express their disagreement about the will of the people that had been manipulated in the past and was then about to be manipulated to extend a twenty-seven year rule to only God knows when.

The sovereign power of every nation emanates from the people. It’s unlawful that, that sovereign power is twisted to satisfy the whims and caprices of a few people who are bent on remaining in power or keeping their kith and kin in power. The silence of the people is what bolsters the action of those who manipulate the constitution.

If Burkinabes had sat down in silence and watched, Blaise Campaore and his cohorts would still have been in the helm of affairs. This action is what has encouraged Togolese to rise to the occasion and ensure that the wrong that was done in the past be corrected and then prevent a possible manipulation of the will of the people. No wonder one of the protesters on the streets of Lome, the capital of Togo, had a placard which had this inscription: “dictatorship feeds on silence and inactivity”.

Until recently, people power was not popular in Africa until it brought down the governments of Hosni Mubarak of Egypt as well as Zine Ben Ali of Tunisia. Blaise Campaore never expected that the powerful wind of people power would blow him out of Burkina Faso.

Faure Gnassingbe Eyadema is the latest to be faced with people power. Over the last couple of months the streets of Togo have been bristling with demonstrators who are demanding that the President, Faure Gnassingbe Eyadema steps down.  The chickens have come home to roost. Faure Gnassingbe Eyadema has been in power since 2005 and is in his third term.

As Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Faure Gnassingbe must take cognisance of the fact that the whole world is watching every move of his. It’s clear that Faure Gnassingbe and most leaders in the sub-region and on the continent have not learnt that,  the sovereign will of the people can never be taken from them.

The rise against Faure Gnassingbe is a slap in the face of those who voted him into the position of Chairperson of ECOWAS. It shows that the leaders of the sub-region don’t consider the democratic credentials of those they make a Chairperson. Isn’t it sad? The situation in Togo needs immediate attention. It’s imperative that the Heads of State in the sub-region map out diplomatic strategies to bring an end to the unfortunate events in Togo. The protestors are asking for some reforms. There’s the need to look at their demands and meet it. Togolese have been silent for the last fifty years. Isn’t that enough reason to look into the matter and address it?

A constitutional amendment that ends up keeping a government or its kith and kin in power is akin to dictatorship and an affront to good governance.

–

By: Alex Blege

The writer is a freelance journalist. [email protected]/[email protected]

The post Burkina Faso revolution and political crisis in Togo [Article] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.