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Factionalism within NPP is dividing our force – Kufuor
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has expressed his concerns about what he perceives as deep-seated factionalism within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mr. Kufuor, who led Ghana between 2000 and 2008, said he had observed that the NPP of today differs significantly from what it used to be.
In an interview with Accra-based TV3, the former president emphasized the need for the NPP to carefully assess its activities as it moves forward. He highlighted the importance of a strong commitment within the party, which he likened to a form of dedication almost akin to a religious belief.
Mr. Kufuor noted that the sense of commitment he once felt within the party seems to have waned and underscored the importance of practising proper democracy, emphasizing inclusivity over factionalism.
Mr. Kufuor pointed out that emphasizing factions within the party, whether at the constituency or national level, leads to division and hinders cooperation.
“The way I feel it, I don’t sense the same strong commitment. I have likened commitment to almost a religion. I don’t sense that now. We are talking proper democracy, an inclusive one, you wouldn’t emphasise factions.”
“Once the practice of selecting a constituency or [a] national, you wouldn’t be so divisive and emphasising a faction. He belongs to that side so no cooperation. You do that you are dividing the force,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the former General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has urged party members to remain focused despite the recent resignation of a prominent member and former presidential aspirant, Alan Kyerematen.
Mr. Boadu acknowledged his disagreement with the reasons given by Mr. Kyerematen but called for acceptance and respect of his decision.
During an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Mr. Boadu stressed the importance of maintaining focus and unity within the party.
He acknowledged that disagreements could arise, but ultimately, the party must remain steadfast and united in its objectives, irrespective of individual departures.
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
