MINORITY WOULD BE DIVIDED IF HARUNA IS CHANGED – CLETUS AVOKA

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April 4, 2021

Former Majority Leader, Cletus Avoka, says any attempt to change the current leadership of the Minority group in the House will cause havoc for the opposition National Democratic Congress.

According to him, the Haruna Iddrisu-led administration may have had its challenges but have performed creditably over the time they have been in charge.

The minority has been hit with internal wrangling following the approval of some ministerial nominees the latest being finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Some members of the caucus have openly dissociated themselves from the reason given by their leadership in giving consensus approval to the nominee.

North Tongu MP Okudzeto Ablakwa has resigned from the Appointments committee over the incident.

Speaking to Francis Abban on the Morning Starr Thursday, the senior member of the NDC cautioned against attempt to remove their current leadership of the caucus.

“There should be no change in leadership of the minority, I will not advocate that. I think the totality of their performance is positive. Haruna and his people have done well. If you make the mistake of changing them, you divide the caucus. In the interest of the party and in the interest of Ghana Parliament, we don’t want to rock the boat. On the balance of achievement, I think Haruna Iddrisu has done well to continue to be the leader of the NDC caucus,” he said.

Mr Avoka however said the resignation of the North Tongu lawmaker was a rushed decision.

“Ablakwa’s resignation from the appointments committee is very unfortunate. He’s a gentleman, he’s a good MP but I don’t think resignation can be said to be the best. I’ll be surprised if more MPs resign from the appointments committee because we have met and ironed out our differences.

Mr Ablakwa in his resignation noted he had taken the decision on the basis of principle and personal conviction.

RASTAFARIAN DENIED ADMISSION TO ACHIMOTA IN COURT

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The Genius Bright

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April 2, 2021

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One of the Rastafarian students, Tyron Iras Marhguy, who was refused admission by Achimota School has filed a suit at the High Court (Human Rights Division) to enforce his fundamental Human Rights.

According to some court documents sighted by JoyNews, the applicant is asking the court to “declare that the failure and or refusal of the 1st Respondent (Achimota School Board of Governors) to admit or enroll the Applicant on the basis of his Rastafarian religious inclination, beliefs and culture characterized by his keeping of Rasta is a violation of his fundamental human rights and freedoms guaranteed under the 1992 constitution particularly Articles 12(1), 23, 21(1)(b)(c)”.

Tyrone Marhguy has been denied admission to the Achimota School over his failure to trim his dreadlocks.

The school authorities have justified the move with claims that it is against the rules of the school to admit students with dreadlocks, thus if the student must be admitted, he must conform to the rules of the school.

This generated huge public debate, with a section of the public questioning school authorities for the decision, while others defended the move.

A school of thought believe the decision is discriminatory. Nonetheless, another say school authorities are right since every student must conform to the rules of the schoolsThe suit argued that the denial of admission is a “violation of his (Tyrone Iras Marhguy’s)right to dignity”. The document continues that “…There is no lawful basis for [Achimota School] to interfere with the applicant’s right to education based on his rasta through which he manifests or expresses his constitutionally guaranteed right to religion and to practice and manifest same.”

The application is seeking “an order directed at [Achimota School] to immediately admit or enrol the applicant to continue with his education unhindered.”

The applicant is also seeking compensation for the “inconvenience, embarrassment, waste of time, and violation of his fundamental human rights and freedoms”.

I DON’T SEE BAWUMIAH BEYOND 2024 AS PRESIDENT – PROPHET NIGEL

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The Genius Bright

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April 1, 2021

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The founder and leader of the Prophetic Hill Church, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has prophesied that the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will not lead Ghana as President beyond 2024.

Speaking on Starr Chat on Wednesday, the popular prophet said “I saw Dr Bawumia wearing the shoes of the now President, Akufo-Addo but I didn’t see it past 2024. So what it means is that anything can happen between now and 2024 where Dr Bawumia will be president but I was clear in the spirit…I didn’t see it going beyond 2024.”

He also added that the Member of Parliament of Abetifi constituency, Bryan Acheampong, will lead Ghana as the President in the future.

Prophet Gaisie urged the former Minister of State at the Ministry of Interior to start preparing himself for the presidency ahead of the 2028 elections.

“There is this gentleman I saw, I have never met him, he should vie for the presidency and the flagbearership…Bryan Acheampong, he will not get in 2024 but I saw 2028. He should not wait for 2028 but he should start now if they open nominations for 2024 he should contest.

“He will not get it, he will lose but 2028 I saw him holding the Ghana flag and he should take care of himself,” Prophet Gaisie told host Nana Aba Anamoah.

WE HAVE BROUGHT SOLUTIONS TO ALL INTERNAL ISSUES REGARDING MINORITY IN PARLIAMENT – NDC CHAIR

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The Genius Bright

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April 1, 2021

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The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) says it has resolved all issues that have recently generated discussions and courted disquiet about the party especially the work of the minority caucus.

This follows a meeting between the Council of Elders of the party, the entire Parliamentary Caucus and the party leadership.

“The meeting was conducted in a healthy atmosphere in which the concerns of the teeming members and supporters were adequately ventilated and addressed,” a statement signed by the National Chairman of NDC, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo said.

The Minority in Parliament has recently been heavily criticized for approving some ministerial nominees many believe were not fit for the job by virtue of their performance during the vetting.

The recent approval of Ken Ofori-Atta as Minister for Finance saw some members of the NDC chastising their representatives on the Appointments’ Committee for not being thorough and critical of the nominee.

Deputy Ranking Member on the Finance Committee of Parliament, Isaac Adongo broke ranks with the Minority Caucus in the House over the approval of Ofori-Atta as Finance Minister.

He said he has so many doubts about Mr. Ofori-Atta, insisting that his side should have rejected his nomination.

The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who is a member of the Appointments Committee also resigned from the committee based on “personal reasons” and “principles.”

The developments for many proves a brewing crisis within the caucus, but the statement from the NDC said “the matters that have provoked public commentary have been dealt with in a manner that will promote and strengthen the cohesion of the party and all its organs.”

The party further called on all of its supporters to remain united and work together to hold the Akufo-Addo government to account.

ABLAKWA’S RESIGNATION IS A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN THE MINORITY LEADERSHIP

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The Genius Bright

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April 1, 2021

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Former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak says the resignation of North-Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa from the Appointments Committee of Parliament, is a vote-of-no-confidence in the leadership of Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu.

In a letter dated March 30, addressed to the Speaker, Alban Kingsford Bagbin, Mr. Ablakwah explained that his decision to resign was “after days of careful reflection and thoughtful considerations’’.

Although it is not clear why the outspoken and meticulous member of the Committee who takes nominees through rigorous CV scrutiny is stepping down, social media users are attributing it to the recent approval of Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

But reacting to the resignation, the former NDC legislator described it as courageous and heart-warming. According to him, it was also the only way Mr. Ablakwa can resist some alleged attempts by the leadership of the Minority to impose decisions on him.

‘Sammy Ablakwa’s resignation is a vote-of-no-confidence in the Haruna Iddisu-led Minority in Parliament’, he stressed.

He further added that, ‘I am not surprised. I know that in the Minority, there are men and women of integrity. I’m sure you heard Adongo distance himself from the [approval]. What Ablakwa has done is courageous, he and the other minority MPs’.

I AM FULLY IN CHARGE AS MINORITY LEADER – HARUNA IDDRISU

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The Genius Bright

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March 31, 2021

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The Minority Leader in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu says he is fully in charge of his caucus despite suggestions that the side is in crisis.

This follows the resignation of North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, from the Appointments Committee and the Bolga Central MP’s decision to break ranks with the caucus over the approval of Ken Ofori-Atta as Finance Minister.

But addressing the press in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu said his caucus will weather the storm.

“I am fully in-charge. I am the Minority Leader. I just engaged the party leadership and Council of Elders and there will be no further comments on someone resigning or not.”

“The party is focused to work towards recapturing power in 2024 and the parliamentary organ led by me currently will do what is needful to work in tandem with the party to hold the Nana Akufo-Addo government accountable and to lead the party to victory in 2024. Whatever storm it is, we will weather it”, he added.

Ken Ofori-Atta’s approval as Minister for Finance has seen some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) chastising their representatives on the Appointments’ Committee for not being thorough and critical of the nominee.

For instance, Deputy Ranking Member on the Finance Committee of Parliament, Isaac Adongo said he has so many doubts about Mr. Ofori-Atta, insisting that his side should have rejected his nomination.

“I have stayed out of the media because of the question of why we approved Ken Ofori-Atta. I don’t want my name to be dragged in the mud when I do not have control over the processes leading to the approval of one of my fiercest critics,” he said.

SC DISMISSES SALL REVIEW APPLICATION

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The Genius Bright

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March 30, 2021

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A seven-member review panel of the Supreme Court presided over by Justice Yaw Appau has dismissed the application for review from lawyers of the interested parties from Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lololo otherwise known as (SALL).

The panel which also includes Justice Samuel Marful-Sau, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Justice Amadu Tanko, Justice Yoni Kulendi, and Justice Henrietta Mensah Bonsu said the application failed.

The full details of the ruling which lasted for less than five minutes according to Justice Appau would be filed at the registrar of the Court.

The apex court panel of five on January 4, this year, unanimously quashed the decision of the High Court in Ho for injuncting John Peter Amewu, the then Member of Parliament-elect for the Hohoe Constituency from being gazetted.

Following the quashing of that application, lawyers of the interested parties led by Mr Tsatsu Tsikata are seeking to convince the court to reverse that ruling.

Argument

Moving an 18-ground relief, Lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata argued that, there was a fundamental error in the apex court’s ordinary bench’s decision occasioned them a miscarriage of justice.

He argued that, striking out certain reliefs sought in the High Court, Ho when the application brought by the Attorney-General did not ask for any reliefs to be struck out, occasioned a miscarriage of justice.

He contended that the Supreme Court, therefore, had no jurisdiction to make those orders.

Mr Tsikata argued that no opportunity was given to the Interested Parties to be heard in respect of the orders of the court made on the reliefs.

The Supreme Court, he argued that, made a fundamental error in having Justice Hoenyenugah participate in the determination of the objection as that amounted to being a judge in his own cause.

He, therefore, requested the Supreme Court in the interests of justice, to review its decision and allow the case in the High Court, Ho, for the enforcement of the fundamental human rights of the Interested Parties to “run its course.”

The Respondents therein, including Amewu and the Attorney-General, have every opportunity to present their case to that court.

He argued that it is undoubtedly in the interests of justice that the Interested Parties are heard expeditiously in respect of their serious allegations of violations of their fundamental human rights.”

AG opposed

Chief State Attorney, Grace Awol while opposing the application argued that, the case of the interested parties has already been dealt with by the ordinary bench.

He however conceded that, the issue of fundamental human rights as was cited by the counsel.

He argued further that, the other grounds made by the interested parties counsel was a rehash of the argument and that in terms of Rule 54 which makes it relevant for the Court to review the decision of the ordinary bench.

This application he said does not meet the requirements of Rule 54.

Background

It would be recalled that, on December 23, last year, the High Court in Ho presided over by Justice George Boadi granted an injunction application after some residents of SALL argued that their inability to vote on December 7, 2020, parliamentary election amounted to a breach of their constitutional rights.

But, the apex court in the Certiorari application filed by the Attorney General’s department ruled that the said injunction order elapsed before Mr Amewu was gazetted.

ASIEDU NKETIAH ON PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE BOARD

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The Genius Bright

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March 30, 2021

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The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has been named as part of four persons to constitute the new Parliamentary Service Board.

This was announced on Monday, March 29, 2021, by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.

Mr. Bagbin announced the names as part of a report he received from a special advisory committee set up for that purpose.

The Parliamentary Service Board is chaired by the Speaker. It governs the activities of the legislature.

The other members of the Board are Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Haruna Iddrisu and Mr. Abraham Osei Aidoo.

“After a long period of discussions, it has been agreed for appointments of the following persons: Honorable Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Member of Parliament for Suame and Majority Leader, also the Honorable Haruna Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament for Tamale South and the Minority Leader. The third person is Mr. Abraham Aidoo, a former MP and former Majority Leader and Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, also a former MP and the current General Secretary of NDC.”

The Speaker had earlier expressed his displeasure with the delay in constituting the board and thus directed the parliamentary committee to advise him on the appointment of members to the board.

He threatened to advise himself to forestall any further frustration should the committee fail him.

About the board
The Parliamentary Service is governed by the Parliamentary Service Board, which is composed of the Speaker, as chairman; four other members appointed by the Speaker, acting in accordance with the advice of a Committee of Parliament; and the Clerk of Parliament.

The Board has the responsibility of promoting the welfare of Members of Parliament and Staff of the Service.

It also has general control of the management of the Service in matters of policy.

The Speaker has ultimate responsibility for the Service.

With the prior approval of Parliament, the Board makes regulations prescribing the terms and conditions of service of officers and other employees for the effective and efficient administration of the Service.

NDC URGES MEMBERS TO CALM DOWN AFTER CONCENSUS APPROVED KEN OFORI-ATTA

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The Genius Bright

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March 30, 2021

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The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has asked its party members together with its Executives to be circumspect in their statements following the approval of Ken Ofori-Atta by the Appointments Committee.

In a press release signed by its General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the party assured its members that the decision was arrived at in view of the “exigencies of the situation”, and urged the rank and file of the party to remain calm and “circumspect” in their reactions on the appointment.

“Following what transpired previously in respect of vetting and approval of some Ministers designate the Minority leadership, the Party leadership, as well as the Council of Elders, have engaged in extensive consultations with the view to adopt a common position based on the exigencies of the situation,” parts of the statement said.

This comes after Mr Ken Ofori-Atta was approved by a voice vote in Parliament. This was based on the recommendation of the Appointment’s Committee after reaching a consensus.

Some weeks ago, the Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi together with some party members registered their displeasure on a decision taken by the NDC leadership in Parliament to approve some ministers-designate.

These appointees included now Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Fisheries Minister Hawa Mavis Koomson and Minister and Agriculture Dr Owusu Akoto Afriyie.

This led to the Council of Elders of the NDC party serving as an arbitrator to restore calm within the NDC fraternity.

With that background, the party believes that urging its members to be circumspect in their reaction to Mr Ofori-Atta’s appointment is in the best interest of the party.

The leadership of the NDC has, however, pledged to “fully” brief the party’s Parliamentary Caucus and the FEC accordingly on the said matter.

The process chaired by the First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei Owusu saw the Minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu second the motion to approve the Finance Minister, however, laid some concerns before the Floor of the House.

AKUFO-ADDO WOES SPANISH INVESTORS WITH AfCFTA

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The Genius Bright

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March 30, 2021

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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says a very important plank of the new strategic partnership between Africa, Spain and Europe would be the strong support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which began trading on 1st January.

Speaking at the “Focus Africa 2023” Conference held in Madrid, in Spain, on Monday, 29th March 2021, President Akufo-Addo indicated that the AfCFTA will link all the fifty-four (54) markets of Africa, covering 1.2 billion people, into a single market.

“It is the world’s largest free trade area outside of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) itself. By 2050, it will cover an estimated 2.5 billion people, and have over a quarter of the world’s working age population,” he said.

The President continued, “Imagine the investment and business opportunities offered by the infrastructure required to link our markets more effectively. And imagine the business opportunities that this huge market would offer for manufacturing and services firms from Spain and Europe that could establish production facilities in Africa to serve the African markets.”

With the enhanced growth that would result from all these, President Akufo-Addo stressed that “the market opportunities for exporters from Spain and Europe could be truly amazing!”

Reiterating the commitment of African leaders to chart a new path of trade and investment co-operation with the rest of the world, the President explained that, with Africa in possession of a vast endowment of resources, both human and natural, it is disheartening to acknowledge that African youths do not see a future in their respective countries, and are willing to cross the Sahara Desert on foot and drown in the Mediterranean Sea, in a desperate bid to reach the mirage of a better life in Europe.

“It is eloquent testimony to the inability of the current structures of African economies – producing and exporting raw materials, importing manufactured goods and services from Europe and elsewhere – to generate the numbers of decent, well-paying jobs that Africa’s youths crave,” he said.

As President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, told the gathering that “the time has come for Africa, Spain, and, indeed, the rest of Europe, to establish a sustainable, strategic partnership based on trade and investment co-operation on the exchange of value-added transactions. It would obviate the resort to aid, which has not achieved its purpose.”

Need for global co-operation

Touching on the pandemic of COVID-19, he told the gathering that the need for global co-operation has been accentuated even further by the onset of the virus.

“We need to co-operate more, and we need to co-operate smartly. In the midst of all the complexities of the 21st century, our interdependence requires such co-operation. So, I applaud Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for convening “Focus Africa 2023”, and for the brilliance of the Plan Africa III initiative,” he added.

In spite of the havoc wrecked by COVID-19, the President stressed that Government is pursuing accelerated economic development through improved macroeconomic management, improved domestic revenue mobilisation emanating from reforms in public revenue policy and administration, creation of conducive environments for businesses to flourish, tackling corruption and curbing excessive bureaucratic procedures.

“We are ensuring that all our children have unfettered access to education through our Free Senior High School policy, we are moving towards attaining Universal Health Coverage for all Ghanaians through the National Health Insurance Scheme, we are processing more and more of our raw materials through our 1-District-1-Factory initiative, we have become a net exporter of food under our programme for Planting for Food and Jobs, and we are determined to move Ghana to a situation beyond aid,” he added.

In conclusion, he stressed to the Spanish Prime Minister that “we have set our sights high, and, to our friends in Spain and Europe, I urge you to join us in building a continent of prosperity and societies of equal opportunities for all”.

Living Avenue

MINORITY WOULD BE DIVIDED IF HARUNA IS CHANGED – CLETUS AVOKA

RASTAFARIAN DENIED ADMISSION TO ACHIMOTA IN COURT

I DON’T SEE BAWUMIAH BEYOND 2024 AS PRESIDENT – PROPHET NIGEL

WE HAVE BROUGHT SOLUTIONS TO ALL INTERNAL ISSUES REGARDING MINORITY IN PARLIAMENT – NDC CHAIR

ABLAKWA’S RESIGNATION IS A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN THE MINORITY LEADERSHIP

I AM FULLY IN CHARGE AS MINORITY LEADER – HARUNA IDDRISU

SC DISMISSES SALL REVIEW APPLICATION

ASIEDU NKETIAH ON PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE BOARD

NDC URGES MEMBERS TO CALM DOWN AFTER CONCENSUS APPROVED KEN OFORI-ATTA

AKUFO-ADDO WOES SPANISH INVESTORS WITH AfCFTA

VIRTUALLY IMPAIRED MAN GRADUATES FROM UCC

ACTOR AND POLITICIAN JOHN DUMELO GRADUATES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

NATO CHIEF URGES US TO CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

THE UK GOVERNMENT LOOKS TO BAN DISPOSABLE VAPES DUE TO CHILDREN’S HEALTH

VIRTUALLY IMPAIRED MAN GRADUATES FROM UCC

ACTOR AND POLITICIAN JOHN DUMELO GRADUATES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

NATO CHIEF URGES US TO CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

THE UK GOVERNMENT LOOKS TO BAN DISPOSABLE VAPES DUE TO CHILDREN’S HEALTH