Use Africa’s wealth to empower youth – Akufo-Addo

President Akufo-Addo with some students of Harvard Institute of Politics

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged leaders in Africa to use the enormous wealth the continent is endowed with to develop and empower their respective youth populations.

With Africa possessing the largest generation of young people in history, President Akufo-Addo indicated that “I place great hope in their capacity to shape the future of Africa and make Africa the lion that it was meant to be.”

To this end, the President noted that Africa must develop a strategy to reap the demographic dividend that a youthful population offers, adding that “the population opportunity will not automatically guarantee us a future of growth and prosperity. Demographic dividends do not come automatically. They have to be earned.”

President Akufo-Addo made this known on Friday, 29th March, 2019, when he delivered a speech at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, at Harvard University, Boston, United States of America, on the theme “Empowering the Youth, Africa’s Golden Future.

To realise the demographic dividend, African countries, he stressed, have to invest in the empowerment, education and employment of young people.

“No one needs to tell us that mass unemployment in Africa, especially amongst her youth, is a ticking time bomb. The so-called Arab Spring showed clearly that lack of employment opportunities can undermine social cohesion and political stability. With between 10 to 12 million youths joining the labour market every year, Africa has to pay maximum attention to job creation,” he added.

With young people willing to risk everything to improve their circumstances, the President noted that increasing investment in young people is key, including promoting quality education that prepares them for a future of opportunities.

“That is why the Free Senior High School policy, instituted by my government two years ago, which is expanding dramatically access to secondary school education for all of Ghana’s young people, is opening up greater and greater vistas of opportunities for Ghana’s young female population. Legislation is on its way to redefine basic education to encompass kindergarten up to the end of senior high school, and make it compulsory for all of Ghana’s children,” he said.

Describing the 21st century as the century of science and technology, the President noted that the mastery of digital technology by African youth must be the compelling challenge for them if, indeed, they are to survive in this competitive, technological environment.

Additionally, with several economies on the continent dependent on the production and export of raw materials, President Akufo-Addo noted that there is no way these economies can produce wealth and prosperity for their peoples, especially their youth, explaining that “it is time we were responsible for processing our own resources. It is time that we, in Africa, manage our resources well, to generate wealth for our populations.”

President Akufo-Addo also advocated for the involvement of young people in decisions that affect them, explaining that Africa cannot talk about shaping the future without talking about the welfare and well being of young people.

“It is important that Africa takes these ideas forward to harness the value of a youthful population, holding human rights, gender equality, development of human capital, and dignity at the centre of all our investments. Only by providing opportunities that open the future to all young people do we create a brighter future,” the President added.

Whilst stressing that Africa does not have a DNA that dooms her to failure, Africans, the President added, can, like all the other peoples that have succeeded, make life meaningful and worth living for their own people.

“There is an abundance of dynamic, entrepreneurial talent on our continent struggling to express itself and take advantage of such conditions. We have to encourage this expression with full force, and ensure that we can stand on our own feet, and make it impossible for the systematic looting and plundering of our human and material resources, that have characterized much of our modern history, to continue. This is the significance of the concept of Ghana Beyond Aid, indeed, of Africa Beyond Aid,” President Akufo-Addo added. – Wilberforce Asare

Caretaker killed in cold blood

The deceased, Israel Umaru, popularly known as Kobby, in his 30s was believed to have been attacked and killed at dawn by suspected armed robbers, who went to the house he takes care of.

Some neighbours tell Connect FM’s Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson, they heard some gun shots at dawn but they thought it was the routine shots from the 2BN Military base at Apremdu which is a few meters away from the community.

“We only woke up to hear of the sad news before it dawned on us that the gun we heard was from the house of the victim,” a neighbour recounted to Paa Kwesi.

According to the neighbours, it was colleague labourers of the deceased who bumped into the lifeless body in the morning after several calls they placed on his phone to come and join them to work went unanswered.

The suspected robbers were said to have made away with a 70-inch television set.

A screw driver believed to have been used to stab the victim on the nose, back and the head was retrieved from the room by the police

The body has since been conveyed to a private mortuary at Funko near Apremdu by the Kwesimintsim police while investigation begins.
Residents of New Amanful, a fishing community in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region, were in a state of shock following the gruesome murder of a resident in the early hours of Saturday, March 30.

Asantehene takes rare steps into Kyebi as Okyehene praises golf partner

A day of history, tradition and cultural heritage, filled with glamour and elegance.
For the first time in over 300 years, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu is in Kyebi to meet Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II.

I won’t insult opponents in my campaign – Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama has promised to run a clean campaign devoid of attacks against political opponents.

This follows an official declaration of his intent to contest the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential primaries.

Speaking at his office right after he officially sent his letter of intent to the party on Thursday to contest, Mr. Mahama said:

“I wish to assure that in my own nature, I am not the person that will cast aspersions or negativity or insults at any of my comrades who have declared their intention to run. And I expect that for all those who support me, they will also follow in the same track and not attack or cast any aspersions against opponents because after the congress we would have to come together again.”

I’m encouraged by massive support

The former President also pointed out that he is encouraged by the “broad show of support” by party officials since his declaration.

“Comrades from all walks of life and regions of the country and from all persuasions of the party are gathered here just to help me carry out the assignment of presenting that simple letter to the General Secretary and I wish to say that emboldens me and makes me certain that it is possible if we work together.”

Mr. Mahama joins other high profile candidates within the NDC including the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Sylvester Mensah, and Nadowli Kaleo MP, Alban Bagbin who have declared interest in contesting.
 Other candidates are Dr. Ekwow Spio Garbrah; a former Trade and Industry Minister; Former Vice Chancellor of the University for Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Prof. Joshua Alabi, and Cape Coast South MP Kweku Ricketts-Hagan.

The NDC has slated December 7, 2018, for the election of its flagbearer for the 2020 presidential election.

His comments come after some party members have taken on a leading party member Alban Bagbin for making supposed disparaging comments against some of Mahama’s appointees, and blaming such appointments for the party’s defeat.

Mahama in politics

Mahama, aged 60, entered into politics in 1996 when he was elected to the Parliament to represent the Bole Bamboi Constituency for a four-year term. He was re-elected in 2000 and 2004

During this time, he served as the Deputy Minister of Communications in 1997, Minister of Communications from 1998 until 2001, Minority Parliamentary Spokesman for Communications from 2001 until 2005, and Minority Parliamentary Spokesman for Foreign Affairs from 2005 until 2008.

On 7th January 2009, Mr. Mahama became the Vice-President of Ghana after the NDC’s election 2008.

He remained in that position until President John Atta Mills’ death on 24 July 2012, when in line with Ghana’s Constitution, he became President of the Republic.

The Election petition decider

In December 2012, he became President of Ghana for a four-year term after a contentious election which was eventually resolved after an eight-month-long tussle at the Supreme Court over the validity of the results.

The results were challenged by the New Patriotic Party which contended that over-voting occurred at 1,722 polling stations, while voting without biometric verification occurred at 2,020 polling stations.

The then-opposition party also claimed presiding officers did not also sign pink sheets at 1,638 polling stations, while the use of duplicate serial numbers on pink sheets affected 8,987 polling stations.

The NPP held that if the results of the affected polling stations were annulled, Mr. Mahama’s votes would have reduced by 2,622,551, which would have in turn, beaten down the results declared by the Electoral Commission in his favor, to 41.79 percent.

Though NPP Flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo would have lost by 1,233,186, he would have secured 56.85 percent, per their permutations.

But the Supreme Court upheld Mr. Mahama as the constitutionally elected President.

Mr. Mahama, however fell short in 2016 losing by some one million votes, Nana Akufo-Addo became third time lucky.
 Source: citinewsroom.com

Our 2020 victory will end hardship, create more jobs – Mahama

Former President of the Republic of Ghana,John Dramani Mahama

NDC Presidential hopeful, John Dramani Mahama, believes that a victory for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2020 general elections will bring an end to the untold hardship and mass unemployment under the Akuffo-Addo led administration.

The former president on whose ticket the NDC lost the 2016 General election abysmally, said the party cannot wait to relieve Ghanaians from the sufferings they are currently experiencing.

In a short video to explain why he wants to lead the party again, Mahama said “Our collective victory in 2020 will end the increasing hardships, expand the base of our economy, create more sustainable jobs, ensure shared prosperity for all, and pursue good governance including peace, unity and security”.

He added that his decision to contest for the NDC’s presidential race is a result of the overwhelming support and encouragement given him by some party faithful and stalwarts.

“I have taken into consideration, the groundswell of support, the never-ending calls and encouragement from a large section of our party elders, members of our party, supporters and Ghanaians, from diverse backgrounds.”

“As a servant-leader, I have listened with deep respect to the elders of our party, to members of our party, and Ghanaians from all walks of life, and I am honoured to avail myself of truthful, transparent, selfless, unifying and dedicated service to the NDC and above all, to the good people of Ghana”, he added.

I owe God and country a duty to bring back NDC – Mahama

The former President indicated that he owes God and the good people of Ghana the greatest responsibility of recapturing power from the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He said “I believe I owe a duty to God and my country to take our great party back into Government to right the wrongs of the past, and to put an end to the cries of the people under the current dispensation.”

It’s official: Mahama joins contest for NDC presidential ticket

John Mahama formally declared his intention to contest the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) presidential primaries after his letter of intent was presented to the party on his behalf by a delegation led by Former Ambassador, Daniel Ohene Agyekum at the NDC headquarters Thursday August 23, 2018 in Accra.

Others members of the delegation included former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, Valerie Sawyer, Ambassador Victor Smith, Inusah Fuseini and a host of Members of Parliament.

Mr. Mahama joins other high profile candidates within the NDC including the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Sylvester Mensah, and Nadowli Kaleo MP, Alban Bagbin.

Other candidates are Dr. Ekwow Spio Garbrah; a former Trade and Industry Minister; Former Vice Chancellor of the University for Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Prof. Joshua Alabi, and Cape Coast South MP Kweku Ricketts-Hagan.

The NDC elects its presidential candidate come December 7, 2018.
Source: citinewsroom.com

Mahama has an unfinished business - Eric Opoku

Member of Parliament for Asunafo South Constituency, Eric Opoku

Member of Parliament for the Asunafo South Constituency in the Brong Ahafo Region is urging party delegates to elect former President John Mahama as flagbearer so that he can complete his unfinished business.

Eric Opoku says Mr Mahama’s infrastructural development goes beyond 2016 thus he will need more time to finish it.

Mr Mahama formally presented a letter to indicate his intention to lead the NDC in the 2020 general elections Thursday.

Though he was not physically present, a letter of intent was presented at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquarters at Adabraka in Accra amid a rousing support from some party faithful.

So far, eight men have already tendered in their letters and John Mahama completed the process by submitting his letter.

December 7, 2018, has been set aside by the party to choose the 2020 flagbearer.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Thursday, Eric Opoku said the NDC needs former President Mahama to save Ghana.

He noted that it is obvious the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led by Nana Akufo-Addo has failed, adding the country will need a tried and tested person like John Mahama to wrestle power for the NDC.

“John Mahama is the most experienced politician in Ghana today. He has been an MP for 12 years, deputy minister, minister, vice president for four years and served as President for four years. He is the one the NDC needs now” he added.

Eric Opoku predicted an easy win for John Mahama ahead of the NDC’s flagbearership elections in December.

“President Mahama will win the 2020 elections because he is well marketed and poised for victory,” he stressed.
Source: adomonline.com

Bagbin not summoned before NDC Disciplinary Committee - Kofi Adams

Flag bearer-hopeful of the NDC, Alban Bagbin

National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kofi Adams has denied media reports that Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been summoned before the party’s disciplinary committee over his recent acerbic attacks on some persons.

Mr Bagbin in his recent visit to the Volta Region launched unprovoked attacks on some former appointees of the John Dramani Mahama administration.

He was reported to have said the appointments of former Deputy Minister in charge of tertiary education, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, former Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, Dr Henry Seidu Daanaa and former Communications Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah cost the party in the 2016 elections.

Mr Bagbin’s arguments were that Mr Ablakwa though is an intelligent young man, his appointment was misplaced.

“We had very good material in our last government but the placement was wrong. Look at my son-in-law Ablakwa; brilliant handsome young man but he had problems before he got his certificate at Legon. You recall they almost rusticated him.

In the case of Dr Omane Boamah, he said “It is not the chief that speaks, it is a linguist…and so when you are a leader, you must have a good linguist. When Prof was in power, Haruna Iddrisu was our linguist in charge of communications right”, he asked party communicators in the Volta Region.

Continuing his argument he said “When my brother John came to power he substituted him for Dr Omane who is a natural stammerer….who is a natural stammerer”, he repeated.

He observed that the refusal by the then President to reshuffle the Chieftaincy Minister also cost the party saying “there were some of these mistakes that cost us dearly. Let me cite another example, in our tradition if you are not whole can you be a chief or grandmother? So if you form a government and make the minister of Chieftaincy a blind person and the chiefs are objecting and you don’t change him what are you telling the chiefs”, he asked party communicators during his tour of the Volta Region to solicit the support of delegates”

There have been calls for him to appear before the disciplinary committee of the party over the comments but Mr Kofi Adams on a Kumasi-based radio station MyNewsGh.com has denied the party has summoned Mr. Bagabin.

“So far, there has not been anybody who has officially complained about his behavior. He disclosed.
 Source: mynewsgh.com