Hot!
Election 2024: NPP committed to peaceful transfer of power if defeated – Henry Quartey
The Minister of Interior, Henry Quartey, has affirmed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is fully committed to a peaceful transition of power in the event of defeat in the upcoming general elections.
This declaration comes amidst concerns raised by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the willingness of the incumbent Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government to relinquish power if not victorious in the December 7 polls.
These concerns were prompted by remarks from President Akufo-Addo, who expressed hesitance about handing over power to an opponent he had previously defeated in two elections.
At a recent press conference, Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the NDC, cautioned the NPP to opt for a peaceful transfer of power for the betterment of the party.
Addressing the media in Accra on Wednesday, May 15, Henry Quartey assured reporters of his party’s dedication to ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
He reiterated that the NPP would indeed facilitate a peaceful transition of power should they not emerge victorious in the impending general elections.
“As a politician, as a political party, it is our hope, it is our wish, it is our belief that by the grace of God, the good people of this country, the good work that we have done in infrastructure and in other interventions, they will give us another mandate,” he said.
He noted that “Perish the thought, and I say again, perish the thought, If they decide to give their mandate to somebody, we will handover peacefully and walk away, go to the drawing board and come back Insha Allah. But I know that the grace of God abounds and so we shall break the 8.”
He also warned that persons who incite violence before, during or after the 2024 general elections would be dealt with irrespective of political affiliation.
This follows the reported pockets of violence recorded at some centres in the ongoing limited voter registration exercise, which led to the arrest of the Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda.
“Let me sound the wording again, You know my track record, I walk my talk. Anybody who goes to do something other than what is prescribed, we will do our best to ensure that the law will take its course and the court of competent jurisdiction will do its work,” he added.
“May I sound this warning that it will not be political vindictiveness. If anybody commits, whoever the person is, we shall ensure that the law will take its course,” the minister concluded.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
