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Embark on campaign devoid of acrimony

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Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, has advised the two flagbearers of the major political parties NPP and NDC, to embark on a peaceful campaign devoid of insults ahead of the 2024 general elections.

He also called for the promotion of peaceful elections, between Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and John Dramani Mahama, who are both Northerners.

Sunday, June 23, marked a historic moment for Dagbon and Gonjaland, celebrating renewed unity and development when the Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewusoale I, the King of the Gonja Traditional Area, made a landmark visit to Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, in Yendi, the capital of Dagbon.

This is the first visit of its kind in over a century, aiming to strengthen the existing bond between the two kingdoms.

In his welcome address read on his behalf by Zangbalun Naa Dr Yakubu, his Spokesperson, he said, “Your Majesty, in few months, we will be going to the polls to elect a new President and Members of Parliament. Interestingly, the candidates from the two major parties are from the North, and I therefore call for a keen and issue-based campaign devoid of acrimony, and inflammatory language.”

Yaa Naa acknowledged the late Yagbonwura’s role in mediating the Dagbon peace process.

“We remember with deep respect and wisdom, that His Majesty Tutunba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa II, [the late Yagbonwura], and His Majesty Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, played an instrumental role in mediating the protracted conflict within Dagbon.”

He emphasised the existing bond between the Dagombas and Gonjas, highlighting their unity and shared heritage.

He stated that this historic visit opened the door for greater unity and understanding among all tribal kings in Ghana.

The Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura, also acknowledged the significance of this visit and the long-standing relationship between the kingdoms.

In a speech read on his behalf by Benkuru Wura Saaka Bakari, his secretary, Yagbonwura underscored the need for peace and harmony among the northern kingdoms.

He said the roles of the youth should not affect the decisions the rulers make.

“It is an honour to be in Gbewaa Palace with a high-powered delegation representing the good people of Gonja kingdom…We will be blamed if we allow the youth to make decisions for us in the discharge of our duties.

“The youth are our support base, and their roles should not affect the decisions we take in the course of our customary duties. We are not ready to practice the principles of dark and darkling.”

The Yagbonwura proposed an annual conference of kings in Northern Ghana to collectively develop the region.

Residents of both Gonja and Dagbon expressed excitement over the historic visit, highlighting its benefits for both kingdoms.

A resident Mary Basigi remarked, “The benefit is so great, we will never forget.”

Another resident Bentowura Peter Awusi also said, “Between the two kingdoms, we need absolute peace for development.”

The visit aims to reinforce unity, peace, and love between the two kingdoms. The occasion featured cultural displays from both regions, with the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa, performing the Gonja cultural dance.

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Bawumia- “Mahama’s Economic Record Bad”

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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.

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NPP, NDC have mismanaged Ghana – GUM

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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.

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Bagbin Addresses Media Today

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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.

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