News
Naa Koshie Odamtten launches campaign at La-Dade Kotopon
Madam Gifty Naa Koshie Odamtten, a contractor, has stuck out her neck to contest as an independent parliamentary candidate in the La-Dade Kotopon Constituency in the Greater Accra Region.
She maintains that she has what it takes to unify the constituency as well as help to improve the lives of the people who, she claims, are suffering and need someone of her calibre to save them from hardship.
Launching her campaign at La, in Accra recently, Madam Odamtten who is popularly called “Mother for all” said that it was high time the constituents gave a woman the opportunity to also serve their interests in parliament.
She called on them (constituents) to vote massively for her in the December 7, 2020, elections.
“My people, I have been with you for a long time and know your problems in our constituency.
“And this is now the time for a dedicated, committed, hard working and a unifier like me to represent you in the august House (Parliament) to put your problems across and see how best they would be solved.
“I would sincerely use my share of the MPs Common Fund to develop this area and see also to it that poverty is drastically reduced,” she said.
Madam Odamtten assured that should she be voted for in the upcoming parliamentary elections as their representative, she would set up a Scholarship Committee in all the 10 Electoral Areas and see to it that students in tertiary institutions within the constituency be given support to complete their courses.
She commended all the former MPs for the respective role they had played in the constituency and stated that she would continue from where they stopped.
“Human resource development would be one of my priorities because without it, there can be no meaningful development in the area now and years to come.
“I, therefore, call on all of you to throw your weight behind me for my lofty dreams to come to pass through your support,” she said.
The independent candidate appealed to all her supporters not to engage in any violent activities that could breach the peace being enjoyed in the constituency.
“I urge you all to be law abiding people to ensure peaceful elections,” she advised.
By Castro Zangina-Tong
The Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has defended the conduct of the Minority in Parliament during Tuesday’s chaotic sitting, insisting their actions were to protect what they believe is a violation of parliamentary procedure.
Explaining the incident, he said the Minority was reacting to developments surrounding a letter which allegedly directed that a seat belonging to the MP for Kpandai be declared vacant despite an earlier ruling by the Speaker.
He argued that the Speaker’s ruling should stand unless overturned by a competent court, and described the sudden reversal as shocking and against parliamentary precedent.
Mr Ahmed said the Minority only attempted to make a statement to register their displeasure, but tensions rose when the Majority Leader insisted on responding instead of commenting, which he said was against the rules.
He also denied claims that Minority MPs crossed the aisle, stressing that they remained within their side and only sought the Speaker’s attention.
He further complained that during proceedings, the Mace—the symbol of authority in the House—was not present and Minority microphones were disconnected, making the process one-sided.
He said the caucus intends to continue pushing to ensure that the MP for Kpandai retains his seat, adding that their next steps will be strategic.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Mahama has stated that it is too early for anyone to call for the scrapping of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) despite recent controversies surrounding the institution.
He argued that the office remains an important part of Ghana’s fight against corruption.
He explained that government is strengthening anti-corruption bodies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office and the OSP, noting that the OSP is the only agency with the power to independently prosecute cases without going through the Attorney General.
President Mahama said many people distrust the Attorney General’s office because it is headed by a government minister, and some fear it may be slow to prosecute its own.
He believes an independent body like the OSP offers stronger accountability, regardless of who is involved.
He admitted that citizens want to see more prosecutions and visible results, but urged the public to give the OSP time.
He encouraged the office to speed up its investigations to show that it remains relevant in the fight against corruption.
By: Jacob Aggrey
