News
NPP Vice chairman calls for OSP probe into alleged vote buying in Ayawaso East
The Third National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Osman Masawudu, popularly known as Chairman Buga Buga, has called on the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to investigate and prosecute Baba Jamal over alleged vote buying during the recent National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East constituency.
Chairman Buga Buga accused Baba Jamal of engaging in acts he described as clear criminal conduct, insisting that the allegations should not be ignored by the authorities.
According to him, the actions displayed during the primaries amount to vote buying and must be treated as a serious offence under the law.
He stressed that such conduct undermines Ghana’s democratic process and should not be tolerated.
He further urged the leadership of the NDC to take responsibility by calling Baba Jamal to order, noting that the party should not appear weak or incapable of addressing wrongdoing within its own ranks.
Chairman Buga Buga also called on the Special Prosecutor to act swiftly, adding that the matter should be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted if found to be true, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The Ayawaso East parliamentary primaries has attracted public attention following reports of alleged irregularities, including claims of inducement of delegates.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The National Communications Authority Ghana has announced tougher Quality of Service rules for mobile network operators, introducing stricter performance targets for voice, data and messaging services across the country.
In a press release issued on February 15, the regulator explained that the revised Key Performance Indicators take immediate effect and are designed to improve the quality of experience for consumers.
The Authority noted that some of the previous standards had been in place since 2004 and needed updating to reflect changes in technology and consumer behaviour.
Under the new framework, the maximum allowable call drop rate for voice services has been reduced from below three percent to less than one percent.
The regulator introduced a new Call Connection Success Rate requirement, which compels operators to ensure that more than ninety five percent of attempted calls connect successfully in over ninety percent of operational cells within any Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly.
To improve perceived call clarity, the Authority set a minimum average Mean Opinion Score of greater than three point zero for 2G services.
For data services, the regulator raised the benchmark for 3G download speeds.
Mobile network operators must now deliver an average data throughput exceeding one megabit per second, replacing the earlier threshold of two hundred and fifty six kilobits per second.
Messaging services have also been affected by the amendments. Operators are required to achieve a delivery success rate of at least ninety eight percent for SMS and MMS, with delivery times not exceeding five seconds.
Beyond performance targets, the Authority announced expanded coverage obligations. It stated that operators are now mandatorily required to extend network coverage to all constituent towns within every MMDA. Previously, providers were encouraged but not compelled to move beyond district capitals.
The regulator indicated that it will intensify monitoring, field measurements and performance assessments to ensure compliance. It warned that operators that fail to meet the approved thresholds will face regulatory sanctions in line with their licence conditions and applicable laws.
The Authority encouraged consumers who experience persistent poor service to report their complaints through its toll free line, email and official social media channels, or by visiting any of its offices nationwide.
Established under the National Communications Authority Act, 2008, the Authority is responsible for licensing and regulating electronic communication activities in Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
A spokesperson for Kennedy Agyapong’s team, Kwasi Kwarteng, has rejected suggestions that the former flagbearer hopeful of the Npp party plans to form a new political party.
Speaking in an interview with Joy Prime, he described the claims as unfounded and made in bad faith.
He explained that Agyapong’s absence from a recent thanksgiving service should not be interpreted as a sign of disloyalty to the New Patriotic Party.
“It is not the case that if Ken could not attend the thanksgiving service, it means he is not supporting the party or that he intends to start a new party,” he stated.
To support his argument, Kwarteng pointed to other prominent figures who were also not present at the event.
He questioned whether their absence had triggered similar speculation.
He noted that former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and former First Lady Rebecca Akufo Addo were not at the service.
According to him, their absence did not mean they were planning to break away from the party.
He argued that missing a single event should not be used as a basis for drawing political conclusions.
Kwesi Kwarteng revealed that Kennedy Agyapong was out of town at the time of the service.
He added that he was also unable to attend for the same reason.
“I was not there. I was out of town just like Ken. But I am here speaking for the party, and I believe that should be enough,” he stated.
By: Jacob Aggrey
