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Don’t Undermine Democracy: Govt Urges Political Actors
The government has called on political actors to feel free to differ in opinion on national policies.
It has, however, underscored the need for people to be circumspect and refrain from issues that have the tendency to undermine the country’s burgeoning democracy.
The caution was contained in a statement issued by the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, in response to comments by the Dean of the University of Ghana Law School, Professor Raymond Atuguba.
He said while the government had no problem with people expressing divergent views on policies and national developments, it abhorred attempts by some Ghanaians to lace their commentary with anti-democratic comments and insinuations that undermined the country’s democracy.
“Comments to the effect that some conditions are rife for a coup are most unfortunate and disappointing. They are disappointed because, despite COVID-19, Ghana’s current economic status is far better than the days of yesteryear when there was no global pandemic.
“Even if they were worse, the Constitution provides legitimate means for advocating and executing a change. For respected persons to be purporting that such conditions legitimise coups is a terrible attack on our democracy itself and should not be condoned,” the minister said.
Context
At a forum on the review of the 1992 Constitution last Monday, Prof. Atuguba, among other things, said that the challenges confronting the economy and its attendant hardship on Ghanaians could create fertile grounds for a coup.
Prof. Atuguba said the country’s debt had moved into deeper distress, nearing a debt crunch.
However, some senior citizens, notably a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Obed Asamoah, have described the comment as “childish” and coming from someone who was unaware of the consequences of military takeovers.
Similarly, Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K Bagbin, expressed worry about the comments from the renowned professor.
He said comments like that were in bad taste and did not augur well for the progress of the country.
Source: graphiconline.com
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Firefighters from the Upper West Regional Command have responded to a vehicular incident involving a long vehicle carrying 35 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC totes) reportedly containing hydrogen peroxide at Goriyiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
The five-member crew, led by ASTNO Balagee, reported to the scene where a fire and an explosion had reportedly occurred.
The firefighters assessed the scene, identified the chemical hazards and implemented appropriate response measures, bringing the situation under control.
The driver reportedly sustained severe chemical burns and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
