A group calling itself Concerned Dagbon Youth has in a statement accused the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of engaging in tribal politics.
A letter signed by General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, said Ajumako MP and current ranking member on the Finance Committee, Cassiel Ato Forson, will replace Haruna Iddrisu as leader of the Minority.
The changes in leadership is said to be a palace coup allegedly orchestrated by John Mahama and party Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia to cut down the rising influence of the front bench led by Haruna Iddrisu.
A Group calling itself Concerned Dagbon Youth believes that the changes are motivated by tribal sentiments and will go on to affect the fortunes of the National Democratic Congress.
“We believe that the removal of the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, as rumoured as a catalyst to cripple the honorable man, was engineered by tribal machination, which will harm not only him but the NDC in its entirety.,” a statement from their outfit said.
They called on the leadership of the largest opposition party to explain reasons behind the sudden changes.
“By issuing this statement, we are demanding that the NDC leadership explains the disastrous decision they have taken. Again, we have taken note from reputable sources of this delusional cabal’s decision to steer the ship for a selfish individual to sponsor a candidate against Honourable Haruna Iddrissu, and we can assure them that we are fully armed and will confront them rigorously in any of their evil machinations.”
ALL MEDIA HO USES
CONCERNED DAGBON YOUTH.
RE- NOTICE OF CHANGES IN THE LEADERSHIP OF THE NDC PARTY IN PARLIAMENT.
The above-mentioned youth group’s leadership and members have observed with regret and dismay a statement sanctioned by the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, NDC. We take note of this shuffle and the ill motives that prompted this action.
We believe that the removal of the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, as rumored as a catalyst to cripple the honorable man, was engineered by tribal machination, which will harm not only him but the NDC in its entirety.
As a political party that promotes itself as a welcoming political party for all tribes and especially minority groups in Ghana, the NDC should be the last to take such an action motivated by tribalism and favoritism.
We’ve learned that the decision to remove him was orchestrated by a few delusional top members who have joined a cabal, believing they have captured the party and will use it to appease the whims of one selfish person.
The Honorable Haruna Iddrisu represents hope for this group, as well as a proud tradition and culture, and we will resist any attempt to derail him. We cannot remain silent while Hon. Gangdu is mistreated! As a result, we regard any attempt to discredit him as ethically dubious.
The honorable Haruna Iddrisu was instrumental in bringing the recent Dagbon conflict to a close. Again, he has played a critical role in the NDC’s successes in the Northern Region and, more importantly, the party’s successful transitions in Parliament during the current republic.
By issuing this statement, we are demanding that the NDC leadership explain the disastrous decision they have made. Again, we have taken note from reputable sources of this delusional cabal’s decision to steer the ship for a selfish individual to sponsor a candidate against Honourable Haruna Iddrissu, and we can assure them that we are fully armed and will confront them rigorously in any of their evil machinations.
We strongly hope that the NDC leadership will heed our call and take the necessary steps to avoid a hostile reception from the people of Dagbon.
The presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has openly criticised former President John Dramani Mahama’s economic management, describing it as the worst among Ghana’s Fourth Republic leaders.
According to him, during Mr. Mahama’s tenure, the economy experienced substantial setbacks across multiple sectors, marked by soaring inflation, sluggish growth, and increasing unemployment.
Speaking at the Ghana CEO Presidential Gala in Accra last Thursday, Dr. Bawumia asserted that his criticism was based on hard economic data rather than partisan views.
He contrasted this with what he described as Ghana’s improved economic trajectory under NPP leadership, asserting that Mr. Mahama’s tenure represented a “decisive failure in economic stewardship.”
Dr. Bawumia stressed that his analysis was intended to highlight the need for sound economic management and that his remarks were meant to shed light on measurable outcomes of Mr. Mahama’s policies, which he said weakened the country’s economic resilience.
The NPP presidential candidate expressed his commitment to building on the progress achieved under the Akufo-Addo administration.
He underscored the importance of data-driven policies and positioned himself as the candidate most capable of navigating Ghana through future economic challenges.
“Despite the impact of global economic challenges, it might surprise some, including the former president himself, that his administration ranks the lowest in economic performance among all Fourth Republic leaders,” Dr. Bawumia reiterated.
He continued, “Yet, he speaks about our economic performance as though his was superior.”
Business Development
Dr. Bawumia also used the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to strengthening business development in the country, stressing that resilient businesses are foundational to a thriving economy.
He praised the role of the private sector in creating jobs, driving innovation, and fostering sustainable growth.
The NPP flagbearer detailed policies introduced by the current administration to support Ghanaian businesses, including initiatives aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship, expanding access to credit, and advancing digitalisation.
According to Dr. Bawumia, these steps are critical to building a competitive, innovative, and resilient business sector.
He promised that, if elected, he would continue to prioritise business growth in order to ensure the Ghanaian economy remains vibrant and competitive on a global scale.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as you may know, Bawumia means business! From banking to vice presidency, my commitment to business development has been unwavering.
“Strong businesses lead to a strong economy—show me a prosperous nation, and I’ll show you resilient businesses behind it,” he concluded.
The Ghana Union Movement (GUM) has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for “mismanaging the country” and supervising the sale of state-owned businesses bequeathed by previous governments.
The Party said the sale of state-owned factories to private individuals and failure to revive defunct state enterprises largely accounted for the growing youth employment situation that had bedeviled the country.
These were contained in a news release issued by the Party’s founder and leader, Reverend Christian Kwabena Andrews, and shared with the Ghana News Agency.
The GUM urged the youth to “be concerned about their future” and vote to break the duopoly enjoyed by the NPP and NDC for decades.
“Embracing both NDC and NPP as a party is just endorsement of the continuity of the Ghanaian predicament. Ghanaian youth must rise to vote massively against these parties, because they were the source of our problems today,” it said.
The GUM said the slow pace of development since the commencement of the Fourth Republic in 1992 justified the call for the “total overhaul” of the 1992 Constitution “considering the mess caused by both NDC and NPP government respectively.”
The Party proposed the adoption of what it termed as “Hybrid African Democracy” which it said was suitable governance model for the country.
“The current model was copied line, hook, and sinker from the West, where they have established and structured institutions to make their democracy work,” it said.
The GUM also called for downsizing of Parliament to reduce the cost of running the business of the House.
The Party said that salaries and benefits awarded to 275 Members of Parliament as well as Article 75 Office Holders “drain the national purse than building it.”
“We urge the public to vote for the Ghana Union Movement for a reliable, better Ghana with the Ghanaian youth as its core,” the Party said.
The GUM caused a stir when it placed third in the 2020 presidential election, beating the traditional Convention People’s Party, People’s National Convention, and the Progressive People’s Party.
The party garnered 105,548 votes, representing 0.805 per cent of the total ballots cast.
Rev. Andrews has indicated that the Party would build on its achievements in 2020 and affect the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The GUM has promised to establish factories in every region and operate a free port to boost economic activities and improve the living conditions of the people.
In a significant development, Ghana’s Parliament Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is set to address the media on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.
The press conference, scheduled for 2:00 pm at the Justice D.F. Annan Auditorium, Job 600, Parliament House, aims to tackle critical issues affecting Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.
Recent Developments
Alban Bagbin’s address comes amidst significant political developments in Ghana.
As Speaker, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s legislative agenda.
His leadership has been marked by efforts to strengthen parliamentary oversight and promote transparency.
The engagement seeks to provide a platform for the media to discuss pressing concerns impacting Ghana’s democratic growth.
The Speaker, Alban Bagbin, is expected to shed light on recent events that have shaped the country’s political landscape.