“Afenyo-Markin Calls for IGP to Discipline Police Officer After Alleged Assault”

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has formally requested the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to take disciplinary action against Constable Forson for alleged assault. In a petition dated May 5, Afenyo Markin accused the officer of attacking him at the entrance of Parliament House during the ‘Save the Judiciary’ protest. The complaint follows a widely circulated video showing a heated exchange between the lawmaker and the police officer during the demonstration. The footage captures Afenyo-Markin appearing to strike the officer twice on the head with a handkerchief while being held back by his supporters. However, in his statement, the Minority Leader claimed that the officer assaulted him first. He recounted the incident: “Upon arriving at Parliament House, the National Organiser and other party leaders had already been allowed entry. The Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, and I were then asked by the party’s Communications Director, Mr. Richard Ahiagbah, to join them.” Afenyo-Markin further alleged: “As I approached the barricade, Constable Forson a tall, fair, and heavily built officer suddenly struck the left side of my chest near my heart with full force, without any provocation. The blow left me dazed, short of breath, and visibly shaken. I immediately protested, demanding to know why he would attack me.” The Minority Leader is now seeking sanctions against the officer, citing unprofessional conduct.

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Inauguration of 9th Parliament

Everything is in place for the inauguration of the 9th Parliament of the Republic of Ghana. The parliamentary ceremony, which marked the beginning of a new legislative term, unfolded at midnight last night with the election of a new Speaker for the House. This pivotal event was followed by the selection of the 1st and 2nd Deputy Speakers, both chosen from among the Members of Parliament. The session commenced with Members of Parliament assembling in the chamber ahead of the official start at the stroke of midnight. The proceedings were overseen by the Clerk of Parliament, who guided the process according to parliamentary rules and protocols. The first item on the agenda was the election of the Speaker, a significant role that ensures the orderly conduct of parliamentary business and upholds the principles of impartiality in the House. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, a seasoned politician and former Speaker of the 8th Parliament, was nominated by the Majority Leader for the position. His nomination was seconded by the Minority Leader, reflecting a rare moment of cooperation between the two sides of the House. Following discussions, Mr. Bagbin was declared Speaker after no other nominations were presented. Once the Speaker was elected, attention shifted to the selection of the 1st and 2nd Deputy Speakers. Members from both the Majority and Minority caucuses were considered for these roles to ensure balanced representation in the leadership of the House. The two individuals chosen bring diverse experiences to their positions, reinforcing the leadership structure’s capacity to handle legislative challenges. The midnight ceremony was attended by key political figures, diplomats, and media representatives, all of whom bore witness to this crucial transition in Ghana’s parliamentary leadership. The event not only symbolized the peaceful handover of power but also underscored the commitment of Ghana’s lawmakers to democratic processes and governance.

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Introducing Alban Bagbin: Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament

Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been re-elected as Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has officially assumed the position of Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament. This historic parliament sees the National Democratic Congress (NDC) occupying the Majority position, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) serves as the Minority. Bagbin’s elevation to the Speaker role is another remarkable milestone in his long and distinguished political career. The nomination of Mr. Bagbin as Speaker was made by the Majority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. The proceedings began with a roll call of members whose names had been submitted to Parliament by the Electoral Commission of Ghana. This initial process was overseen by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Djietro. Following the nomination, the motion for Mr. Bagbin’s election was seconded by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin. After a brief discussion on the motion, Mr. Djietro declared, “With there being no other nominations for the position of Speaker, I hereby declare Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament.” His appointment was finalized with a swearing-in ceremony conducted by the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Born on September 24, 1957, Alban Bagbin is a seasoned Ghanaian politician who has made significant contributions to the country’s governance. Before assuming his current role, he served as the Speaker of the 8th Parliament of Ghana. He was also Ghana’s Minister for Health from January 2012 to February 2013, during which he spearheaded numerous health reforms. In addition, Bagbin served as the Member of Parliament for Nadowli West constituency in the Upper West Region for an impressive seven consecutive terms under the Fourth Republic. In 2019, Mr. Bagbin vied for the position of the National Democratic Congress’s presidential candidate but was ultimately defeated by former President John Dramani Mahama. His election as Speaker of the 8th Parliament in January 2021 underscored his political stature and commitment to public service, and his reappointment for the 9th Parliament cements his legacy as a key figure in Ghanaian politics. Bagbin’s life story is one of resilience and achievement. He was born into a family of peasant farmers, Sansunni Bagbin and Margaret B. Bagbin, in Sombo, a small town in the Upper West Region. As the fourth of nine children, he grew up embracing the values of hard work and perseverance. He belongs to the Dagaaba ethnic group and maintains deep ties to his cultural roots. His educational journey began at Wa Secondary School…

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Nana Yaa Jantuah Describes Akufo-Addo as a ‘Complete Error and Mistake’

Nana Yaa Akyempim Jantuah, a former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), has harshly criticized the presidency of William Kwaku Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, describing his election as a “complete error” and a “mistake.” Her comments reflect growing discontent among some sections of the Ghanaian populace regarding the President’s leadership and recent actions. According to Nana Yaa Jantuah, certain decisions and actions by President Akufo-Addo demonstrate the gravity of the error made by Ghanaians in electing him as the nation’s leader. The seasoned public relations expert and politician made these remarks during a discussion about the recent national honours ceremony held in Accra. On Monday, December 30, 2024, President Akufo-Addo presided over a ceremony to confer state honours on several distinguished Ghanaians who have contributed to the nation’s development in various capacities. The event, designed to recognize excellence and service to the country, saw several notable individuals receiving awards. However, the ceremony was met with mixed reactions, as some of the recipients sparked public controversy. Two prominent figures, Mavis Hawa Koomson, Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, and Bryan Acheampong, Member of Parliament for Abetifi, were among those awarded the prestigious ‘Order of the Volta.’ Both politicians have faced significant criticism from the public and political opponents, who have questioned the merit of their selection for such high honours. The backlash extended to key opposition figures, including Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision to honour the two MPs. Critics argue that their inclusion diminishes the credibility and sanctity of the national honours system. Nana Yaa Jantuah echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the honours given to individuals like Hawa Koomson and Bryan Acheampong reinforce her assertion about President Akufo-Addo’s leadership flaws. She argued that the awards lacked merit and undermined the essence of recognizing true national service and excellence. The former CPP leader further lamented the state of governance under Akufo-Addo, asserting that his presidency has fallen short of expectations. She expressed frustration over decisions that, in her view, do not align with the values of fairness, integrity, and accountability. Her comments highlight broader dissatisfaction among some Ghanaians who feel disillusioned with the current administration. The controversy surrounding the national honours ceremony has reignited debates about the standards for recognizing individuals and the overall direction of the country’s leadership. As these criticisms gain traction, they reflect the mounting scrutiny President Akufo-Addo faces in the twilight of…

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Cadman Mills Highlights Early Signs of Sycophancy in Mahama’s Potential Administration

Cadman Mills, brother of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, has expressed serious concerns about emerging patterns of behavior within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the party prepares for a potential administration under John Dramani Mahama. Mills specifically highlighted what he sees as signs of sycophancy among individuals and institutions eager to secure favor with Mahama and his family. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated December 29, 2024, Mills outlined examples of what he deemed excessive flattery aimed at ingratiating certain individuals with the incoming government. Among the instances he cited was a public suggestion advocating for Sharaf Mahama, the son of John Dramani Mahama, to be appointed Minister of Sports. Proponents of this idea pointed to Sharaf’s personal interest in the sports sector, particularly boxing, as justification for his consideration. Mills firmly rejected this notion, arguing that public office appointments should be based on merit and competence rather than familial ties or flattery. He noted that Ghanaians expect a higher standard of governance from the NDC following their removal from office after Mahama’s first term in 2017. “Ghanaians deserve better than family appointments influenced by sycophancy. The incoming administration must deliver results that surpass those of the past,” Mills emphasized. While acknowledging the optimism surrounding a new Mahama-led administration, Mills cautioned against assuming its success is guaranteed. He reminded the public that the NDC’s prior tenure under Mahama from 2013 to 2017 left much to be desired, leading to their electoral defeat. “A JDM-led NDC administration is not new to Ghanaian politics,” he wrote. “We can hope this administration will be better than its first incarnation, but it is not a foregone conclusion. Already, the early signs of sycophancy are troubling.” Mills also raised alarm over discussions advocating constitutional amendments to extend Mahama’s potential tenure beyond the existing term limits. He criticized such proposals as harmful to Ghana’s democratic principles and warned against emulating undemocratic precedents from other nations. “It is particularly alarming that, even before taking office, there are calls to amend the constitution to allow the incoming president to contest for an additional term. This would amount to a cumulative 12 years in office if he were to win in 2028. Why should Ghana tread this dangerous path? Have we not learned from the experiences of other countries?” Mills questioned. The comments from Cadman Mills underscore his broader apprehensions about the direction of political discourse within the NDC and the potential impact…

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Krontihene of Akyem Asuom Hopes Ghana Never Experiences Another President Like Akufo-Addo

The Krontihene of Akyem Asuom’s remarks regarding Ghana’s leadership under President Nana Akufo-Addo reflect a broader critique of his presidency, characterized by concerns over governance, economic challenges, and social issues. His tenure has been marked by mixed assessments, where significant concerns about governance overshadow certain initiatives. Under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s leadership, several issues have emerged that have led to widespread criticism and concern, both among political figures and the general public. Economic Decline was one of the most pressing challenges during his tenure. Despite early optimism, Ghana faced a significant downturn, including severe inflation, a depreciating currency, and an escalating national debt. Critics argue that the government’s economic mismanagement, including a lack of fiscal discipline, led to a burdensome economic environment for Ghanaians. The effects were particularly felt by the middle and lower classes, as cost of living soared, and unemployment remained a persistent problem. By the end of his presidency, the country’s debt had ballooned, and inflation hit record high Nepotism and Cronyism under Akufo-Addo also came under heavy scrutiny. Many of his critics pointed to a pattern of placing family members and close allies in key positions of power. His cousin, Ken Ofori-Atta, was appointed as Finance Minister during one of the most financially challenging periods for the country. This and other appointments fueled public distrust, with many accusing the president of prioritizing family interests over national well-being, leading to questions about the fairness and transparency of government appointments​. The Decline in Media Freedom during Akufo-Addo’s administration was another contentious issue. Several media outlets, particularly those critical of the government, faced harassment, intimidation, and even shutdowns. In 2021, Ghana’s press freedom ranking dropped sharply, reflecting the increasingly hostile environment for journalists. This erosion of free speech was seen as a direct threat to Ghana’s democratic principles, with journalists being subjected to physical harm and legal intimidation Corruption and Lack of Transparency were central to the public’s discontent with the Akufo-Addo administration. Despite initial promises to tackle corruption, his government was plagued with allegations of financial mismanagement. The introduction of the E-Levy, a controversial tax on mobile money transactions, was seen as a move that further burdened ordinary Ghanaians, with critics arguing it was a policy motivated by political interests rather than genuine economic reform. The absence of accountability in high-profile corruption cases, especially those involving government officials, further eroded public trust in the administration’s commitment to transparency. Militarization of Politics and Election Violence became particularly evident in…

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John Dumelo’s Journey: From Actor to Member of Parliament

John Setor Dumelo, a celebrated Ghanaian actor and entrepreneur, has successfully transitioned from the world of entertainment to the political arena, securing the Ayawaso West Wuogon parliamentary seat in the 2024 general elections. Dumelo’s victory marks a significant milestone, as he demonstrates how strategic planning and grassroots engagement can transform a political campaign into a success story. Reflecting on his journey, Dumelo shared insights during a December 21, 2024, interview on United Showbiz. He attributed his victory to critical lessons learned after narrowly losing the same seat in the 2020 elections. In that contest, he was defeated by a margin of 2,000 votes, with a significant 1,800-vote deficit from the University of Ghana, Legon campus. Acknowledging the importance of this student-dominated constituency, Dumelo recalibrated his strategy for 2024. He spent more time engaging with students, addressing their concerns, and building relationships with the youth. This deliberate focus on a key voter demographic became a cornerstone of his campaign. Dumelo’s campaign emphasized a grassroots approach, prioritizing direct engagement with constituents over flashy, resource-intensive events. Operating with limited financial resources, he chose door-to-door campaigning, personal visits, and meaningful one-on-one interactions. “We didn’t have money, so we did a lot of door-to-door and engagement. That personal connection was essential,” Dumelo explained. His ability to connect with voters on an individual level sharing meals, discussing local challenges, and demonstrating genuine concern earned him the trust and support of his constituency. Central to Dumelo’s victory was his ability to mobilize young voters. Recognizing the power of the youth demographic, he tailored his campaign to resonate with their aspirations and challenges. His visibility on the University of Ghana campus symbolized his commitment to addressing the needs of students, a strategy that paid off in turning a former weakness into a decisive advantage. By positioning himself as a relatable and accessible leader, Dumelo bridged the gap between political ideals and everyday realities, inspiring confidence in his ability to represent his constituents effectively in parliament. John Dumelo’s journey from actor to legislator highlights the potential for individuals from diverse professional backgrounds to influence political change. His victory serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with determination, strategic planning, and genuine connection to the people, political success is achievable. As he prepares to take up his role in parliament, Dumelo’s story underscores the importance of grassroots mobilization and youth engagement in shaping Ghana’s political landscape. His success is a testament to the idea that inclusive leadership and community-driven politics…

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Central Regional NPP Chairman Robert Kutin Passes Away at 64

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) mourns the loss of Robert Kutin Jr., the Central Regional Chairman, who passed away on the evening of December 22, 2024, in Accra. The respected political leader succumbed to a prolonged illness, marking the end of a distinguished career dedicated to public service and party development. His death was confirmed by Nana Barfour Adjei X, the Krontihene of Assin Jakai and a member of Kutin’s family. Hailing from Assin Jakai in the Assin South District, Robert Kutin Jr. was a prominent political figure and a dedicated servant of the NPP. He held the position of Central Regional Chairman for three consecutive terms, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the party’s vision and values. His tenure was pivotal in transforming the Central Region into a stronghold for the NPP, especially during the landmark 2016 general elections when the party secured significant gains in the area. Kutin’s leadership style was characterized by resilience, inclusiveness, and a strategic approach to grassroots mobilization. Under his guidance, the NPP in the Central Region saw unprecedented growth, solidifying its influence in Ghana’s political landscape. His contributions extended beyond party politics, as he worked tirelessly to address developmental challenges and advocate for policies that improved the lives of his constituents. The announcement of Kutin’s passing has left both the NPP and the Central Region’s political community in deep sorrow. Nana Barfour Adjei X expressed the family’s grief and highlighted Kutin’s dedication to his roots and his people. Tributes from party members and colleagues have poured in, celebrating his commitment to advancing the NPP’s mission and his unwavering dedication to public service. As the NPP and the nation mourn this profound loss, Kutin’s family has indicated that funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days. His death marks the departure of a leader whose contributions to Ghanaian politics and his party will be remembered for years to come.

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