The Assin Central Parliamentary seat in the Central Region, currently held by the free-spirited politician Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has been won by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NDC candidate, Megyimah Shaibu Nurein, polled 16,343 votes, representing 50.37% of the valid votes cast, while the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate, Nti Godfred Amewu, secured 15,926 votes, representing 49.35%.
This marks the first time in 24 years that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has won the Assin Central parliamentary seat.
The Electoral Commission is announcing results from constituencies following the counting and collation of votes at various polling and collation centers across the country.
This exercise, being held at the National Collation Centre in Accra, aims to promote transparency and fairness in the election process.
Both the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party have been holding separate press conferences, urging their supporters to remain calm and allow the Electoral Commission to carry out its work.
The NPP has called on its supporters to conduct themselves appropriately while monitoring the collation and announcement of results. Meanwhile, the NDC has instructed its supporters to remain vigilant and refrain from celebrating prematurely as they follow the process.
In a historic victory, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has secured the Assin Central parliamentary seat, marking the first time in 24 years that the opposition party has won the seat.
In the parliamentary race, the NDC’s candidate, Migyimah Nurein, emerged victorious with 16,343 votes, defeating the NPP’s Gofred Nti Anewu, who polled 15,926 votes. The total valid votes in the parliamentary election were 32,269.
The NDC’s candidate, John Mahama, triumphed in the presidential race with 16,011 votes, beating Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who received 15,139 votes. The total valid votes in the presidential election were 31,782.
In a closely contested race, John Mahama, flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has emerged victorious over Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in the Assin Central Constituency.
The returning officer declared the results after a thorough count, with Mahama securing 16,011 votes (50.3%), while Bawumia received 15,139 votes (47.6%). The total valid votes amounted to 31,782.
In the parliamentary contest, the NDC also triumphed, with their candidate securing 16,343 votes, narrowly defeating the NPP’s Gofred Nti Anewu, who garnered 15,926 votes. The total valid votes for the parliamentary race stood at 32,269.
This marks the first time in 24 years that the NDC has won the Assin Central parliamentary seat, following the decision of incumbent MP Kennedy Agyapong not to contest after serving the constituency for several years.
Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong,has pledged to take firm action against Chinese businesses operating in Ghana’s retail sector should the New Patriotic Party (NPP) secure victory in the upcoming December 2024 elections.
He made this statement while rallying support for NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during a campaign event on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
Agyapong’s promise is a response to the increasing concerns raised by local traders about foreign influence in the Ghanaian market. Many local businesses have struggled to compete with foreign retailers, particularly Chinese-owned businesses, leading to frustration within the local trading community.
The Assin Central MP expressed his commitment to enforcing the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act, which reserves the retail sector for Ghanaians.
“What the Chinese are expected to do is wholesaling and not engage in the commercial or retail market. We won’t allow them to do it,” Agyapong stated.
Agyapong urged market women and local traders to vote for Bawumia, promising that the NPP would protect local businesses and improve their livelihoods.
He emphasised that Chinese nationals would be restricted to wholesale operations only, with retail remaining exclusively for Ghanaians.
He also advised Dr. Bawumia’s running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, against opposing his stance in the future should the NPP win power in the December 2024 elections.
“And as I have said before, I will walk my talk, so Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh will be courageous because once I do it, the media will misreport my deeds and cause panic amongst the NPP. We have to empower our own citizens,” he added.
The NPP has outlined several policies to support local businesses if it wins the 2024 elections. Dr. Bawumia has proposed the establishment of an SME Bank to provide targeted financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which employ over 80% of Ghanaians.
Other proposals include a flat-rate tax system tosimplify taxation for all income levels and create a business-friendly environment aimed at fostering economic growth.
Member of Parliament forAssin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has delivered a sharp warning to the people of Kintampo North in the Bono East Region.
Agyapong stated that the residents would face serious consequences if they do not vote for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming elections.
He criticised the region for what he described as a lack of appreciation, despite its significant number of high-ranking government officials, for supporting the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in previous elections.
Agyapong further threatened that if the NPP does not secure victory in the region, he would block any upcoming infrastructure and sports projects.
“If you don’t vote [for NPP] and you insist that we should come and develop this area… I am the Chairman at Ghana Gas who can authorise its construction, but I will personally not do it.
Because you never vote for us. You will collect all there is in the world but won’t vote for us,” Kennedy Agyapong said angrily.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on the constituents of Kintampo North to reconsider their voting patterns.
He emphasised that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has consistently demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity and fairness, without discrimination.
Prempeh assured the voters that supportingDr. Bawumia would mean choosing a leader dedicated to advancing Ghana through transformative policies aimed at driving national development forward.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, is discontent over some amendments made to the Roads Regulations Act LI 2180 sidelining parliamentarians from the list of Ghanaians permitted to use sirens and motorcade.
The Roads Regulations Act LI 2180 from the Ministry of Transport seeking to exclude the Speaker and MPs is before Parliament for approval.
Speaking at an emergency sitting of Parliament on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Ken Agyapong argued that providing police escorts for MPs is a rightful measure, not a privilege.
He noted that legislators have been belittled by society but they have retreated into their shells due to fear of public criticism.
Kennedy Agyapong further called on his colleagues to stand up against intimidation and advocate for laws that benefit both the interests of the house and their personal lives, emphasizing the need for enhanced security.
“I want to caution my colleagues to be bold for once because we’ve been cowards to the public. When it comes to anything concerning Parliament, we are afraid of the reaction of the public, but anything that the government needs, they will first come to Parliament. For a whole Speaker, you say that he cannot even enjoy a motorcade. Who is Kennedy Agyapong? Who went to the Senate and enjoyed a motorcade under President Kufuor’s administration? We must be bold and speak the truth,” he said.
“Every money this country needs, it has to go through Parliament, but society belittles us as if we are servants to them. Although we are servants to them, we also have to enjoy rights. I want you guys to be bold. Members have to be bold. “In case there is an emergency and you need Members of Parliament from, say, Adenta to come here. If he enjoys a motorcade, is it a sin? Mr. Speaker, I am speaking for Parliament, that it is a very important institution and therefore we should not be afraid to demand opportunities for ourselves. “If they are doing this to the Speaker, then who are you? A member of Parliament sitting here, and we are the same people who are going to approve this (the amended act). Are you saying that ministers are also not important?” he quizzed.
In a similar vein, Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu has expressed alignment with Kennedy Agyapong’s concerns, emphasizing the need for better security measures and privileges for legislators.
Expressing his dissatisfaction, Mr Iddrisu underscored the importance of the Speaker’s role within Ghana’s governance framework.
He argued that it is inappropriate for the Speaker, who holds the third-highest position in the country, to be excluded from the use of a motorcade or police siren.
“Without personalizing it, it is not Alban Sumana Bagbin. It is the Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, and he is not entitled to a motorcade or a police siren? In my view, Mr. Speaker, it is wrong for the number three to be out of this privilege,” Iddrisu stated.
Mr Iddrisu further highlighted that the Chief Justice, another key figure in the Republic, is also excluded from the Motor Traffic Regulation.
He emphasized that the governance of Ghana relies on the leadership of four principal personalities: the President, the Vice President, the Speaker, and the Chief Justice. Excluding any of these figures from such privileges undermines their role and significance.
The Legislative Instrument had been previously withdrawn following public backlash over a proposal to grant Members of Parliament (MPs) similar privileges.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has implemented a one-month suspension for Professor Richard Kofi Asiedu, the Central Regional Chairman, and Sadique Broni Yeboah, the Assin Central Constituency Secretary, due to alleged anti-party activities.
The suspension was decided following a significant meeting involving the party’s national leadership, the Functional Executive Committee (FEC), and representatives from the Assin Central constituency.
This session aimed to address the recent controversies surrounding the party’s Assin Central parliamentary candidate, Nurein Shiabu Migyimah, who was accused of immoral behavior and actions detrimental to the party’s interests.
Mr Migyimah’s candidacy came under scrutiny after allegations surfaced that he impregnated the wife of the party’s Assin Central General Secretary.
Consequently, the NDC’s Central Regional Functional Executive Committee launched an investigation, leading to Migyimah’s suspension for six months pending a review by the Regional Disciplinary Committee.
However, in a recent development, NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey announced that the suspension and withdrawal of Migyimah’s candidacy by the Central Region’s NDC Secretariat were “null and void.”
He emphasized, “The letter originating from the Secretariat of the Central Region NDC purporting to withdraw the candidacy of the said Assin Central candidate, Comrade Migyimah and further suspending his membership of the party, is null and void, and stands withdrawn.”
Kwetey reaffirmed that Migyimah remains the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Assin Central in the upcoming December 2024 general elections, stating, “Accordingly, Comrade Migyimah remains the NDC Parliamentary Candidate of Assin Central for the upcoming general elections in December 2024.”
This turn of events prompted the NDC leadership to call for the Central Regional Chairman to address concerns regarding the procedural violations in withdrawing Migyimah’s candidacy, highlighting the internal conflicts and procedural discrepancies within the party’s ranks.
Abdallah Ibrahim, the brother of the woman involved in the suspension of Assin Central NDC parliamentary candidate Nurein Shaibu Migyimah, has clarified that his sister is single and not married, contrary to rumors.
Speaking on Onua TV’s morning show, Maakye, on Monday, July 1, 2024, Ibrahim emphasized that his sister, who was accused of infidelity, is unmarried.
He views the controversy as a deliberate attempt to tarnish their family’s reputation.
Nurein Shaibu Migyimah faced accusations of an inappropriate relationship with the wife of NDC constituency Secretary Sadique Broni, which resulted in his suspension by regional party executives.
However, Ibrahim clarified that while his sister was previously married to Sadique Broni, their marriage was dissolved in 2021.
He also refuted claims that his sister had a child with Migyimah, stating categorically that she has never been pregnant or given birth.
Reports alleged that Migyimah had rented accommodation for the woman in Kasoa, Awutu Senya East municipality, but Ibrahim confirmed that she resides in Assin Fosu, Assin Central municipality.
Explaining further, Ibrahim disclosed that the marriage between his sister and Mr. Broni was annulled due to deceit.
Their families belonged to different Islamic sects, and Mr. Broni had pledged to convert to his wife’s sect, which later turned out to be untrue.
Moreover, Ibrahim revealed that his sister had never harbored affection for Mr. Broni and was coerced into the marriage by their mother.
Additionally, Mr. Broni did not provide financial support to his wife, which resulted in her accumulating debts. He also faced health issues related to impotence and low sperm count, prompting medical intervention.
Despite the turmoil, the families officially dissolved the marriage after Mr. Broni threatened suicide multiple times upon learning of his wife’s intention to leave.
Concerned for his sister’s safety, Ibrahim advised her to vacate their residence, fearing potential harm from Mr. Broni to either himself or her.
He cautioned NDC constituency executives against involving his family in their disputes, stressing that there is no ongoing marital relationship between the secretary and his sister.
Details have surfaced regarding the scandalous affair involving Nurein Shaibu Migyimah, theNational Democratic Congress (NDC)Parliamentary Candidate for Assin Central, and the wife of the party’s Constituency Secretary.
This revelation has ignited widespread outrage within the party.
Initial reports indicated that Migyimah’s illicit relationship with the Secretary’s wife led to her pregnancy and subsequent relocation, which severely tarnished his reputation and resulted in his suspension from the party.
It was alleged that Migyimah, after impregnating the Secretary’s wife, moved her to Kasoa and arranged accommodation for her there.
These allegations, substantiated by evidence, have plunged the NDC Central Regional Secretariat into turmoil as it grapples with the fallout from the incident.
Further investigation has revealed even more shocking details, including secret meetings between Migyimah and the Secretary’s wife at their matrimonial home in his absence, where they engaged in inappropriate activities.
The NDC’s Central Regional Organizer, Michael M. Derry, revealed in an interview that suspicions of infidelity led the Secretary to install cameras in his home. These cameras captured numerous intimate encounters between Nurein Shaibu Migyimah and the Secretary’s wife.
Previously suspended for six months, pending a formal hearing by the Regional Disciplinary Committee, Migyimah faced charges of “immoral acts and anti-party conduct.”
This suspension has now resulted in his imminent removal as the 2024 Assin Central Parliamentary Candidate by the NDC Central Regional Functional Executive Committee.
In a recent turn of events, the party has intensified sanctions against Migyimah. Mr. Gabriel Nii Kommey Adams, Regional Secretary of the NDC, confirmed that after consultations with national party leadership and key stakeholders, the decision was made to revoke Migyimah’s candidacy.
Meanwhile, Nurein Shaibu Migyimah, the candidate for Assin Central Constituency, described recent events as a ‘nightmare,’ but remains confident in his eventual vindication.
In a previous interview he stated, “I have not received any formal communication yet, but I am taking steps within the party’s framework to ensure a fair hearing regarding the ongoing situation.
This is a political party, and we operate under our party’s constitution. I am young and determined to navigate through this.
“I believe, and I know whatever allegation,anything they’ve said or whatever it is, after I go through the right party structures, I’ll be vindicated. God being so good, God willing, ‘Inshallah’, on December 7, I’m going to win the election,” he added.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_-E7A1oh6o
Nurein Shiabu Migyimah, the suspended Parliamentary Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Assin Central constituency in the Central Region, is challenging claims of immoral acts and anti-party conduct that led to the withdrawal of his candidature and a six-month suspension.
The Central Regional Secretariat of the NDC recently announced the withdrawal of Migyimah’s candidature for the 2024 general elections on moral grounds.
Following complaints filed against him, the NDC’s Central Regional Functional Executive Committee conducted thorough investigations and deliberations, leading to the decision to withdraw his candidature immediately.
The committee has also communicated to the Assin Central Chairman of the NDC, informing him of Migyimah’s suspension for six months, pending further review and adjudication by the Regional Disciplinary Committee.
In an interview with Joy News’ Blessed Sogah, Migyimah expressed his confidence in being vindicated after undergoing the party’s review process.
“I believe, and I know whatever allegation, anything they’ve said or whatever it is, after I go through the right party structures, I’ll be vindicated. God being so good, God willing, ‘Inshallah’, on December 7, I’m going to win the election,” he stated.
Migyimah urged his supporters to remain calm as he works to resolve the matter through the proper channels within the NDC.
Although the Central Regional NDC claims to have served a formal notice of suspension, Migyimah insists he has yet to receive any official documentation detailing the allegations against him.
He maintains that he did not engage in the “immoral acts and anti-party conduct” alleged by the party’s Central Regional Wing.
The specifics of the alleged offences were not disclosed by the party, only mentioning that the decision was based on “immoral acts and anti-party conduct.”
Currently, the Assin Central seat is held by the New Patriotic Party’s Kennedy Agyapong. In the previous election, Migyimah secured 14,747 votes, representing 42.74% of the total, against Agyapong’s 19,754 votes, representing 57.26%.
The impact of this suspension on the political dynamics of the Assin Central constituency in the upcoming December elections remains to be seen.
Recent reports have revealed the purported reason behind the six-month suspension of Nurein Shiabu Migyimah, the Parliamentary Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Assin Central constituency in the Central Region.
Earlier reports could not point to the exact cause of the suspension, but a report by Ghananweb indicates that Migyimah has been suspended for impregnating the wife of Sadique Broni Yeboah, a married party member.
“The Regional FEC received credible reports of immoral acts and anti-party conduct against the party’s 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for the Assin Central Constituency, Nurien Shiabu Migyimah. It was revealed that he has impregnated the legally married wife of Comrade Sadique Broni Yeboah, resulting in her moving to a rented apartment in Kasoa, paid for by Nurien Shiabu Migyimah,” Ghanaweb quotes a part of a statement in its purview.
The Central Regional Secretariat of the NDC made the announcement of the suspension after receiving complaints against Migyimah. Following thorough investigations and discussions, the Regional Functional Executive Committee decided to withdraw his candidature.
They have communicated this decision to the Assin Central Chairman of the NDC, explaining that Migyimah’s suspension will remain in effect until the matter is reviewed and adjudicated by the Regional Disciplinary Committee.
“This immoral act by Nurien Shiabu Migyimah has had a traumatic psychological effect on the Assin Central Constituency Secretary, Comrade Sadique Broni Yeboah, affecting his performance as the Scribe of the Constituency,” the statement continued.
“After critically examining the revelations and facts that emerged from its investigation, the Regional FEC resolved that, in the best interest of the party, Nurien Shiabu Migyimah must be withdrawn as the 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for the Assin Central Constituency to safeguard the party’s image from further damage,” the statement concluded.
“It is in this light that we respectfully recommend the withdrawal of Nurien Shiabu Migyimah as the NDC’s 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for the Assin Central Constituency,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Joy News’ Blessed Sogah, Migyimah has expressed confidence in his eventual vindication.
“I believe, and I know whatever allegation, anything they’ve said or whatever it is, after I go through the right party structures, I’ll be vindicated. God being so good, God willing, ‘Inshallah’, on December 7, I’m going to win the election,” he stated.
He urged his supporters to remain calm and assured them that he is working to resolve the matter through the proper channels within the party.
The Central Regional Secretariat of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced the withdrawal of Nurein Shiabu Migyimah as the party’s Assin Central Parliamentary Candidate.
This decision comes amidst complaints and allegations against Migyimah, prompting the NDC’s Central Regional Functional Executive Committee to take swift action.
Following exhaustive investigations and deliberations, the Regional Functional Executive Committee opted to withdraw Migyimah’s candidature on moral grounds.
A formal communication has been sent to the Assin Central Chairman of the NDC, notifying him of Migyimah’s suspension from the party for a period of six months.
This suspension is pending further review and adjudication by the Regional Disciplinary Committee, marking a temporary halt to his political aspirations under the NDC banner.
While specifics of Migyimah’s alleged offenses were not detailed by the party, the NDC cited “immoral acts and anti-party conduct” as the basis for their decision.
The withdrawal of Migyimah as a candidate raises questions about the future dynamics of the Assin Central constituency, which is currently held by the New Patriotic Party’s Kennedy Agyapong.
In the previous election, Migyimah garnered 14,747 votes, representing 42.74% of the total votes cast, against Kennedy Agyapong’s 19,754 votes, which accounted for 57.26%. With Migyimah’s removal from the electoral race, the implications for the upcoming December elections remain uncertain, as the NDC seeks to realign its strategy in Assin Central.
The Supreme Court has denied Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ certiorari application against Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
The five-member panel, led by Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, upheld the High Court’s previous ruling in a majority decision.
Six years ago, a defamation lawsuit of GH¢25 million brought by Anas Aremeyaw Anas against Kennedy Agyapong was dismissed by the Accra High Court, which also imposed a cost of GH¢50,000 on the journalist.
The legal dispute arose from Anas’ claim that the lawmaker had defamed him, leading to legal proceedings initiated in 2018.
On Wednesday, February 28, the Supreme Court, in a majority decision, dismissed the case. Despite Kennedy Agyapong’s lawyer requesting costs to be awarded against Anas, the Supreme Court declined to do so.
be succeeded in the Assin Central constituency following the 2024 general elections, as he did not submit nomination forms for the rulingNew Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary primaries.
This marks a significant change for the constituency, which has been represented by Agyapong for over 25 years.
Despite earlier speculations that potential successors like John Boadu, former General Secretary of the NPP, and acting director-general of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), or Ken Agyapong’s son, Kenneth Agyapong Jnr, might step in, neither candidate has picked up nomination forms for the NPP parliamentary primaries.
The vetting process for the four contenders who submitted forms took place on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
1. Godfred Nti Anewu
Godfred Nti Anewu is a businessman, a philanthropist and a politician. This would be the first time he is contesting in the parliamentary primaries for Assin North.
2. Eric Kwadwo Baidoo
Eric Kwadwo Baidoo, a native of Assin Central, filed his nomination in the 2020 NPP parliamentary primaries to contest against Ken Agyapong but was disqualified.
Baidoo is well-educated, holding a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from KNUST and an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Howard University in Washington, DC, classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities in the USA.”
Currently pursuing a second Master’s degree at Harvard University in Strategic Management and International Business, Baidoo’s professional journey has involved overseeing various manufacturing operations across Asia, Europe, and America.
3. Joseph Adjei-Banin
Joseph Adjei-Banin is the deputy director of State Protocol at the Presidency, who also doubles as the chairman of the Joseph Adjei-Banin Foundation, a non-governmental organization.
4. Obed Kumi Awuah
Obed Kumi, a businessman, gained attention when he contributed GHC50,000 in support of Ken Agyapong’s candidacy for the NPP presidential candidate.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mustapha Hamid, showcased his musical talents by leading a choir in singing a praise song during the 78th Graduation Ceremony of the Trinity Theological Seminary in Legon on November 11, 2023.
The former lecturer in Religions at the University of Cape Coast took the podium and initiated the song, captured in a video shared online by former presidential spokesperson Koku Anyidoho.
The video features Hamid singing in Twi, expressing gratitude and offering deserved praise to God for His blessings in the lives of the faithful.
As the Guest of Honour for the event, Hamid participated in the graduation ceremony where hundreds of students received qualifications in Theology.
The video has sparked various reactions on social media, with many celebrating the beauty of interfaith engagement, especially a Muslim actively participating in Christian worship.
Koku Anyidoho, who shared the video, also commented on the incident in the context of recent controversies surrounding religion and politics. The controversy reached a peak following Ningo Prampram Member of Parliament Sam George’s labeling of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as a ‘religious prostitute’ earlier in the week.
“This is Hon Mustapha Hamid, Guest of Honour and Islamic scholar, singing a Christian song at the 78th Graduation Ceremony of the Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon. There is only ONE God in Whom we ALL have our being. 11/11/23,” Anyidoho’s X post read.
This is Hon Mustapha Hamid, Guest of Honour and Islamic scholar, singing a Christian song at the 78th Graduation Ceremony of the Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon. There is only ONE God in Whom we ALL have our being. 11/11/23 🙏🇬🇭❤️👌 pic.twitter.com/zRr3AVD1KD
NPP flagbearer hopeful and Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has expressed his opinions regarding the purported misappropriation of funds valued at US$1 million, €300,000, and 350,000 Ghana cedis from the former residence of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the ex-Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources.
During an interview on TV3 on August 16, 2023, Agyapong highlighted that the money allegedly stolen from the minister could have significant political consequences for the party’s image.
He compared the situation to that of a former Deputy Minister of Communications Victoria Hammah, who according to him was chastised by the public for mentioning her ambition to earn one million dollars.
Agyapong stated that he, personally, was not in a position to advise colleagues who believe that with his blunt nature, he will give them unpalatable advice.
He added “You see, whether we like it or not it is going to affect NPP, I will speak the truth, I’m firm when Victoria Hammah mentioned that if she makes one million dollars, she is going to do ABCD.
“Look at how Ghanaians chastised her, so, the one who just said if I get and the one who has it, so it is a big problem, we cannot run away from it.
“We cannot, I am telling you, that is the truth, whoever is watching or listening …I know there will be backslash but God knows I have spoken the truth,” he added.
Cecilia Dapaah has since July 22 resigned her ministerial position and has been arrested and released on bail by the Special Prosecutor after a search was conducted at her residence.
The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng, and his team further initiated a corruption and corruption-related investigation against Madam Cecilia Dapaah following the alleged theft case.
Further searches at her residence particularly at Abelemkpe discovered additional physical $590, 000 and over GHc2.73 million.
Following from that, the OSP has taken steps by freezing certain bank and investment accounts of the former Minister and is seeking a confirmation order from the High Court in Accra, however, Lawyers of the embattled minister have told the High Court that monies found in the Abelemkpe residence of their client do not mean, she owned them.
In what they described as an “arbitrary exercise of powers,” of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) “based on nothing more than suspicion fuels by misrepresentation of facts and resultant media frenzy,” Madam Cecilia Dapaah’s lawyers said, the application from the OSP should be dismissed.
On the other hand, The OSP has reportedly arrested the husband of Cecilia Dapaah, Daniel Osei Kuffour, in the ongoing investigations.
According to a news report by citinewsroom.com, the arrest of Daniel Osei Kuffour was disclosed during the court hearing on Thursday, August 17, 2023, on the confirmation of the freeze order of Cecilia Dapaah’s bank account and the $590,000 and GHC 2,730,000 found at her house in Abelemkpe.
Dr. Isidore Tuffour, who represented the OSP, told the court that Daapah’s husband had been placed under arrest after the judge presiding over the case asked why she is the only person being investigated.
The lawyer for Cecilia Dapaah, however, indicated that they are not aware of the arrest of their client’s husband.
Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Ken Agyapong, has asserted that employment stands as the singular remedy to address Ghana’s multifaceted challenges.
Mr Agyapong’s conviction is grounded in the belief that employment holds the power to significantly transform Ghana’s current landscape.
Speaking on TV3’s NewDay, on Wednesday,August 16, 2023, he noted that: “the only solution to our problems is to create employment for the youth of this country.”
He stated that this is why he has placed job creation as a top priority, and he intends to uphold this priority if elected to office.
“My track record clearly indicates that Ken Agyapong is for the youth. Ken Agyapong is for employment and anybody who does not work in life has no life. So job job job and that’s Ken Agyapong. I want to create jobs for the youth,” he added.
Kennedy Agyapong was Roland Walker’s guest on NewDay on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. During the show they tackled a myriad of issues relating to his political ambition, the New Patriotic Party and issues affecting Ghana.
Among other things, he asserted that politics stands as one of Ghana’s biggest woes. He said politics is destroying the country.
Mr Agyapong noted that politics has polarised the system such that politicians are unable to undertake initiatives that would be advantageous for the country in the long term.
It is against this and other factors that he called on delegates to help him become the flagbearer of the NPP, and subsequently the President of Ghana.
A potential flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party, Kennedy Agyapong, has revealed that his mother passed away due to the threats directed at his life. He attributes her death to the intimidation he faced from a politician’s sibling.
Agyapong, the incumbent Member of Parliament representing the Assin Central constituency, explained that his mother couldn’t withstand the verbal abuse and dangers he faced once he ventured into the political arena.
He said that she had pleaded with him to stop politics on several occasions, but he had refused.
“My mother died because of threats on me,” Agyapong said.
“When Hon Collins Dauda’s brother threatened to kill me, my mother couldn’t take it. She died on the 13th of November. During the week she died, I visited her, and she was pleading with me to stop politics, and she said: Kwame you’ll kill me. That was Thursday, on Friday, I left for Kumasi and while returning to Accra on Sunday afternoon, I got the bad news that my mother had died. And I was told she was saying “my heart, my heart and Kwame you will kill me.”
Agyapong said that he is still grieving the loss of his mother, but he is determined to continue fighting for what he believes in.
He said that he will not be intimidated by the threats that have been made against him, and he will continue to speak out against ills in society and seek the welfare of ordinary citizens.
During a meeting over the weekend, delegates in the Assin Central Constituency showed their defiance against the dictatorial orders of the Constituency Chairman Attakora Amaniammpong.
Despite being allegedly ordered not to accept and wear Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s t-shirts, the delegates resisted the chairman’s directives and chose to wear the t-shirts during their meeting with the Vice President.
Attakora Amaniammpong, the Constituency Chairman for Assin Central, had allegedly instructed the polling station executives and electoral area coordinators not to accept or wear Dr. Bawumia’s t-shirts when he visited Assin Central as part of his Central Regional tour on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
However, the delegates chose to exercise their own judgment and asserted their support for the Vice President by wearing the t-shirts despite the Chairman’s orders.
“We were told never to accept any t-shirt from the Bawumia campaign team for obvious reasons, but we have decided not to abide by this order” a polling station chairman stated.
Another delegate spoke about the order and why they had decided to defy it.
“This is democracy. We are one party and family. Why should we mistreat Dr. Bawumia because an aspirant comes from here? If Dr. Bawumia wins, how can we go out there to campaign for him to become president if we maltreat him today? This is why I am in his t-shirt,” he intimated.
The delegates heartily welcomed Vice President Bawumia as they praised him for his competent leadership.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is on his campaign tour in the Central Region and visited the Assin Central Constituency.
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has had his presidential candidacy questioned over alleged lack of development in Assin Central Constituency.
On July 22, one Twitter user @Shugah12840248 accused the Assin Central MP of failing to provide development to his constituents. According to the said individual, it is unacceptable for Mr Kennedy Agyapong to dream of governing an entire country based on his assertion that he has not been able to carry out his duty as an MP.
He or she wrote: “Have you developed your constituency before talking about developing Ghana as a country?”
The statement garnered some response which opposed the assertion that the people of Assin North have not benefited from Mr Agyapong.
One Kwabena Holman said: “Are you in Ghana? Go there and see.” Another user, Christine Mitchell wrote: “pls you don’t know anything about this man….He is the only MP who has create jobs in his constituency.”
As part of his campaign promises, , Kennedy Agyapong pledged to generate electricity from sawdust in the Bia East Constituency of the Western North Region if given the mandate of Ghanaians to be President.
The Member of Parliament for Assin Central and a hopeful for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer position, Kennedy Agyapong has reaffirmed his belief that pragmatic leadership outweighs language proficiency in politics.
While campaigning in the northern parts of the country and addressing delegates on Twitter, he emphasized that effective leadership can create job opportunities and improve people’s financial well-being.
Agyapong stressed that politics should not be solely about English proficiency but rather the ability to develop the country and uplift its citizens.
Agyapong is considered a frontrunner in the NPP presidential primaries, competing with Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia and former trade minister Alan Kyerematen.
Alongside them, seven other aspirants have been approved to contest in the preliminary election, which will eventually narrow down the number of candidates to five before the main election in November this year.
The vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is leading the former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten, and MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong in the race to lead the NPP in 2024, according to a recent survey conducted by Global InfoAnalytics.
Dr Bawumia leads with 34.8% of the votes, followed by Kyeremanten with 27.9% and Kennedy Agyapong, 12.5%.
The rest of the candidates attracted less than 1% of the votes, while 8.9% declined to reveal who they intend to vote for and 15.10% were undecided.
However, in a run-off, the poll finds Alan Kyeremanten leading Dr Mahamudu Bawumia 38% to 37% of the votes. 16% of the delegates were undecided and 9% declined to disclose who they would vote for in the event of a run-off.
In what could be a difficult situation for the vice president, the poll finds 72% ofdelegates who voted for Kennedy Agyapong in the first round, opting to vote for Mr Kyeremanten compared to 12% who opted for Dr Bawumia.
Further, 55% of other delegates who backed other presidential aspirants in the first round intend to vote for Mr Kyeremanten compared to 25% who intend to vote for Dr Bawumia.
On the question of whether the country is headed in the right or wrong direction, 70% of the delegates believe the country is headed in the right direction while 24% believe it is headed in the wrong direction and 6% have no opinion.
With regard to the president’s job approval, the poll finds 77% of delegates approving of the performance of the president compared to 17% who disapprove of his performance, 6% did not have an opinion.
A flagbearer candidate for theNew Patriotic Party(NPP), Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, will pick up his nomination paperwork today at the party’s headquarters in Asylum Down to begin the process of filing to contest for the Presidential Primary.
Persons familiar with the campaign activities of Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto say the exercise will be done by a group of party faithful called Friends of Dr. Afriyie Akoto.
“This group strongly believes in Dr. Afriyie Akoto and has therefore mobilized their own resources to support him. They keep on urging Dr. Afriyie Akoto to contest for the flagbearer position to save the party. So, they will pick the nomination forms today and go and hand it over to Dr. Afriyie Akoto at his Campaign Office. This is to urge him on”, Benjamin Oduro who is familiar with the campaign activities of Dr. Afriyie Akoto hinted.
Should the exercise go on as planned, the picking of nomination forms by Dr. Afriyie Akoto will bring to five the number of flagbearer hopefuls who have picked the forms to contest the party’s Presidential Primary.
When nominations opened on Friday, May 26, 2023, a former Trade and Industry Minister, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, former MP forMampongconstituency, Kofi Addae Nimo, former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko and former General Secretary of the NPP, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, picked their nomination form to signal their readiness for the contest.
It is however not clear when the MP for Essikado Ketan, Joe Ghartey, former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will pick their nomination forms.
All have publicly announced their intentions to contest the party’s Presidential Primary.
On Thursday, May 25, 2023, the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, announced the roadmap to the party’s Presidential Primary.
In a statement released in Accra, opening of nominations was fixed at Friday, May 26, 2023 while nominations closes on June 24, 2023.
The party scheduled Saturday, August 26, 2023, as a day for its Special Electoral College Election if the candidates for its Presidential Primary exceed five.
It also scheduled Saturday, November 4, 2023, to hold its National Congress to elect a flagbearer for the 2024 general elections.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has taken his campaign to the party’s strongest hold, the Ashanti Region.
According to a viral video, the Assin Central Member of Parliament held meetings with delegates of the party in the region selling himself and his message as the right choice of flagbearer.
His presence at the campus of KNUST was welcomed by residents of the famous Katanga Hall with “jama” songs.
His convoy also moved to the Nhyiaeso Constituency where he was welcomed by members of the party amidst drumming and dancing.
In his trip across the country, Ken Agyapong has sought to impress on delegates of the party to elect him as flagbearer for the 2024 election on the basis of his contribution to the party.
Kennedy Agyapong who is a known financier of the NPP is also promising to lead Ghana towards development and national growth if eventually elected as president.
Former general secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Agyepong has remarked that no one can claim to be the party’s principal funder because the party has been sponsored at various times by different people for various reasons.
This is in response to a recent back and forth with Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, over the latter’s claim that he supported the party with a US$3m loan in 1992.
Kwabena had earlier disputed the claim citing the logistical challenges that he was privy to in 1992 and the unfavourable political conditions at the time.
In the wake of confirmation of the transaction by a partner of the Assin Central MP, Mr. Oppong Bio, Agyepong has conceded that he may have been oblivious to certain details but that it was immaterial to the extent that the party is supported by all members with the capacity so to do.
Kwabena Agyepong and Ken Agyapong
“He mentioned the names of persons including President Kufuor, indicating that President Kufuor led them to take a loan for Adu Boahene’s campaign. President Kufuor is alive and so is Kwame Mpianin…I don’t want to go further into the matter.
“If you claim certain things happened and some persons are aware, it is possible. But don’t go about bragging that you initiated it and paid off a loan for campaigns in 1992.
“There are a lot of people who have supported the party in one way or the other”, he said.
Presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has criticized Kwabena Agyapong for accusing him of fabricating an information regarding a contribution he (Ken) made to the party.
Kwabena Agyapong, a former deputy general secretary of the NPP, is reported to have said in an interview with Kumasi-based Angel FM that Ken Agyapong lied when he stated that he repaid a $3 million loan contracted by the party in 1991.
According to Kwabena Agyapong, Ken Agyapong’s claim cannot be true because the NPP did not exist in 1991.
“I will not boast about my wealth, as others do, claiming they gave $3 million to the party in 1991. In 1991, was NPP in existence? NPP was established in 1992. Under military rule, obtaining $3 million from a bank is impossible,” the former NPP general secretary said.
Reacting to this while addressing delegates of the NPP in theCentral Region, Ken Agyapong accused Kwabena Agyapong of being mischievous because he (Ken) never said the loan was contracted in 1991.
Ken, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, added that the former NPP general secretary could not have been privy to the said payment because he was a ‘nobody’ in the party by then.
“I said in 1992 when Adu Boahen was elected flagbearer of the NPP myself and Oppong Bio went to CalBank to borrow $3 million to support the party, you can ask Fred Oware if I am lying.
“Kwabena Agyepong at the time supported Dr Safo Adu, he didn’t support Prof Adu Boahen. Dr Konadu Apraku, lawyer Kwadwo Afram Asiedu and I, we walked straight to the bedroom of Adu Boahen, Kwabena Agyapong couldn’t do that because he didn’t support the man.
“He has done his part for the NPP but he should also give us credit. When he even had an accident some of us including Gifty Kleman, Ursula Owusu and Grudle went round campaigning for him to be elected general secretary. At that time, the authorities were against him. But he couldn’t give us credit for supporting him, such things are not good for the party,” he said.
An aspiring presidential candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has vowed never to pull out of the party’s presidential race.
Addressing delegates of the party in New Juaben North constituency in Eastern Region, Tuesday evening, the Assin Central Member of Parliament assured the delegates to disregard false claims that he will withdraw from the race at the tail end of the contest to declare support for another candidate.
Kennedy Agyapong wants to break the Dankwa-Busia-Dombo tradition of the NPP by adding grassroot tradition to take power away from the elites in the party to the grassroot .
Mr. Kennedy Agyapong took time to recount huge financial and logistical support he has personally sacrificed for the NPP since its formation in 1993.
He accused some government appointees who have not spent a dime on the party but have become rich overnight of arrogance of power.
Mr. Agyapong said he will retire from politics to enjoy his riches if delegates of the party continue to vote for people who take them for granted.
Speaking on Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Kennedy Agyapong stated that he has tamed the investigative Journalist to destroy his evil agenda against NPP and the government but regretted that no NPP man showed him support during his legal tussle against Anas.
According to reports, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central and candidate for the NPP’s flagbearer position, plans to resign from his position as board chair of Ghana Gas Company Limited.
The MP is set to tender his resignation letter to President Akufo-Addo, it is clear that the MP would take the decision to enable him properly focus on his presidential ambition.
Hon. Agyapong has indicated that his presidential ambitions are genuine and he is not ready to rescind his decision on leading the NPP in 2024.
He has stated unequivocally that he intends to run in the upcoming NPP presidential primaries.
According to him, “I will go and pick up forms when NPP opens nominations for presidential aspirants”.
Kennedy Agyapong is gradually gaining the support of many NPP members and many Ghanaians, especially the youth. Background
In July 2021,President Akufo-Addoappointed the Assin Central lawmaker as the new Board Chairman of the Ghana Gas Company Limited.
Other members of the nine-member board are Mr. Ben K.D Asante, the Managing Director of the Company; Mr. John Darko, Mrs. Adelaide Mary Benneh; Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli; Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh; Madam Delphine Dogbegah; Nana Owusu Ansah Ababio, and Mr. Stephen Sumani Nayina.
The members of the board are expected to provide direction and leadership in the day-to-day running of the nation’s only gas transmission utility.
The Ghana National Gas Company was established in July 2011 as a limited liability company with the responsibility to build, own and operate natural gas infrastructure required to ensure the role of a transmission utility.
The Member of Parliament(MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong has asserted that theNew Patriotic Party(NPP) did not win the 2020 elections fairly.
According to him, he will reveal how the current administration rigged the 2020 presidential election inAkufo-Addo‘s favor.
The ruling New Patriotic Party MP for Assin Central has made these allegations in an interview on NET 2 TV.
Do you remember the lawsuit filed by the NDC against EC boss Jean Mensah to have the 2020 election results annulled? As we know, the NDC could not win that case.
They thought the election results weren’t correct, which sparked a debate. Akufo-Addo got 6,730,413 votes, while John Mahama got 6,214,889 votes.
Kennedy Agyapong effectively rebuked his government by threatening to air its dirty laundry in public if they try to collapse his business.
His anger stems from the government’s pervasive incompetence and the current state of the economy, which has severely affected his chain of businesses including allegations by him that the Government wants to collapse his business.
Kennedy Agyapong, a member of parliament for Assin Central, is appealing for the reinstatement of every person who was fired from their job after being involved in what he calls Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ “awful” investigation.
His remarks follow his victory over a defamation suit filed against him by Anas.
On Wednesday, March 15, the Accra High Court dismissed the GH¢25 million defamation suit against Kennedy Ohene Agyapong brought by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
The judge, Justice Eric Baah, held that Anas Aremeyaw Anas failed to prove that Ken Agyapong defamed him by airing the documentary – “Who watches the watchman” – but rather, the documentary exposed shady deals that Anas and his associates were involved in.
This was after Anas, in 2018, sued the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for allegedly defaming him.
Anas prayed to the court to award GH¢25 million against Mr Agyapong to compensate him for the defamatory material published against him by the MP.
The court concluded that what Anas is engaged in is not investigative journalism but rather “investigative terrorism” and that Agyapong was justified to call Anas “a blackmailer, corrupt, an extortionist, and evil”.
“I find the claims by the plaintiff [Anas Aremeyaw Anas) meritless and they are hereby dismissed,” Justice Baah ruled.
Mr Agyapong dedicated his victory to victims of Anas’ work including former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Kwasi Nyantakyi who was captured in Anas’ investigative work dubbed “Number 12” which uncovered rots in Ghana football.
Speaking to journalists after the court hearing, Mr Kennedy Agyapong said “we have to be bold to speak the truth, Anas goes ahead to [allegedly] defame people and gets away. It is only in this country that a journalist covers his face to go and give witness while Supreme Court judges are sitting there.
“Anas has to come out and apologize. All I am saying is the victory is for Kwasi Nyantakyi.”
“All those who were sacked over Anas terrible should be reinstated,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Tiger Eye PI, the investigative firm belonging to Anas Aremeyaw Anas, has said that they are disappointed in the court ruling.
In a statement reacting to the ruling, Tiger Eye PI said: “We find the court decision an unfortunate travesty of justice and very inimical to the administration of justice and fairness. If for nothing at all made an allegation of murder against Anas.”
It added: “Tiger Eye PI and our CEO Anas Aremeyaw remain resolute in our fight against corruption in the Ghanaian society.”
Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anashas been informed by the Accra High Court that his tactics are not those of investigative journalism but rather “investigative terrorism.”
This emerged after the court dismissed a GHC25 million defamation lawsuit the journalist had filed against Kennedy Agyapong, the MP for Assin Central.
According to a report by asaaseradio.com, the judge, Justice Eric Baah, ruled that the MP was justified to refer to Anas as “a blackmailer, corrupt, an extortionist, and evil.”
He added that “I find claims by the plaintiff (Anas Aremeyaw Anas) meritless and they are hereby dismissed.”
Background
Sometime in 2018, the ace international investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas dragged the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, to court for defaming him.
Anas was asking the High Court to award aggravated damages to the tune of GH¢25 million arising from defamatory materials published by the MP.
He said the MP had been publishing materials in his bid to discredit him after releasing an explosive piece on the rot in Ghana football.
Displeased with the MP’s actions, Anas, through his lawyer, Mr Kissi Agyebeng, sued Mr Agyapong for the award of general damages for defamation in the defendant’s publications.
A journalist, Mr Listowell Yesu Bukarson, has been granted the lawful attorney to stand in for Anas.
Publications
The publication complained of are May 29, 2018, live programme in Twi on Adom TV, where Mr Agyapong categorically stated that Anas was a blackmailer, corrupt, an extortionist and evil.
According to the statement of claim, the defendant, in a similar manner, published defamatory words on May 31, 2018, via Oman FM, a private radio station owned by the defendant.
The statement of claim also stated that the defendant published more defamatory materials against the plaintiff via other platforms to the extent of releasing pictures purported to be those of the investigative journalist in his bid to blow the latter’s cover.
The presiding judge in a GHC25 million defamation case filed against theMember of Parliament for Assin Central ruled that the accusations made against the plaintiff, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, were appropriate.
The judge, Judge Eric Baah, concluded that the MP Kennedy Agyapong‘s accusations against the undercover investigative journalist accurately reflect the type of job the journalist undertakes.
In a report by asaaseradio.com, the judge, who dismissed the suit brought by Anas, explained that what the journalist practices as investigative journalism is rather ‘investigative terrorism.’
By this, he ruled that it was justified for Kennedy Agyapong to describe his tactics as corrupt.
Justice Eric Baah stress that the MP was justified to refer to Anas as “a blackmailer, corrupt, an extortionist, and evil.”
Dismissing the case, the judge said, “I find claims by the plaintiff (Anas Aremeyaw Anas) meritless and they are hereby dismissed,” the report added.
Background
Sometime in 2018, the ace international investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas dragged the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, to court for defaming him.
Anas was asking the High Court to award aggravated damages to the tune of GH¢25 million arising from defamatory materials published by the MP.
He said the MP had been publishing materials in his bid to discredit him after releasing an explosive piece on the rot in Ghana football.
Displeased with the MP’s actions, Anas, through his lawyer, Mr Kissi Agyebeng, sued Mr Agyapong for the award of general damages for defamation in the defendant’s publications.
A journalist, Mr Listowell Yesu Bukarson, has been granted the lawful attorney to stand in for Anas.
Publications
The publication complained of are May 29, 2018, live programme in Twi on Adom TV, where Mr Agyapong categorically stated that Anas was a blackmailer, corrupt, an extortionist and evil.
According to the statement of claim, the defendant, in a similar manner, published defamatory words on May 31, 2018, via Oman FM, a private radio station owned by the defendant.
The statement of claim also stated that the defendant published more defamatory materials against the plaintiff via other platforms to the extent of releasing pictures purported to be those of the investigative journalist in his bid to blow the latter’s cover.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has rejected claims made by the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong that the authority has sabotaged his businesses.
Allegations of an unauthorized audit of the MP’s companies’ financial records, according to the GRA, are untrue.
“The purpose of such audits is to measure and improve compliance while fine-tuning controls. The factory in question together with other companies were thus audited to check the value of goods imported and their intended use. We wish to disclose that in January and February 2023, about thirty (30) of such risk-based activities were carried out on a number of businesses”, it said in a release.
The MP who is also aNew Patriotic Party(NPP) flagbearer aspirant, recently alleged that his businesses are under attack as a result of his decision to run for president.
He claims that state institutions are frustrating and intimidating him in his quest to lead the NPP in the 2024 NPP elections.
But the Authority further explained in the statement that its officials have been carrying out their mandate in accordance with World Customs Organization guidelines, ensuring adherence to best practices.
“GRA wishes to categorically refute the specific allegation of harassment at a factory under construction owned by the MP. We wish to clarify that as part of GRA’s mandate and in line with World Customs Organization’s (WCO’s) guidelines in ensuring adherence to best practices; such exercises are regularly conducted.”
Here is the full statement
ALLEGED HARASSMENT OF HON. KENNEDY AGYAPONGBY GRA
Management of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has sighted a recording of a media interview by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central constituency, Honourable Kennedy Agyapong circulating on social media in which he accused GRA Officials of constant harassment through unwarranted audits of his companies.
GRA wishes to categorically refute the specific allegation of harassment at a factory under construction owned by the MP. We wish to clarify that as part of GRA’s mandate and in line with World Customs Organization’s (WCO’s) guidelines in ensuring adherence to best practices; such exercises are regularly conducted. The purpose of such audits, are to measure and improve compliance whiles fine tuning controls. The factory in question together with other companies were thus audited to check the value of goods imported and their intended use.
We wish to disclose that in January and February 2023, about thirty (30) of such risk-based activities were carried out on a number of businesses. Furthermore, in the area of enforcement and compliance, GRA carries out invoice invigilation exercises to ascertain Value Added Tax (VAT) paid by VAT registered businesses. These exercises entail stationing staff on the premises of VAT registered businesses such as shops, restaurants and manufacturing sites to check the issuance of VAT invoices.
In September 2022, invigilation exercises were intensified nationwide in order to enforce the issuance of VAT invoices and to encourage persons who buy goods and patronize services to demand for VAT invoices. This exercise was very successful and GRA intends to scale up the invoice invigilation exercise from April 2023 as part of its revenue mobilization efforts.
In carrying out all these enforcement and compliance activities, staff of GRA have been advised to remain professional and act at all times with integrity as required by the Authority’s Code of Ethics and Conduct. We therefore encourage any member of the public who has evidence of any alleged corrupt practice by an official of the Authority to report such criminal acts to the Management of GRA on 0800-900-110 for redress.
Management wishes to use this opportunity to assure Honourable Kennedy Agyapong and all taxpayers of our readiness to receive complaints and feedback on our work as we partner to mobilise revenue for national development. We also wish to state that GRA remains committed to carrying out its mandate of revenue mobilization with integrity, fairness and utmost professionalism. –End–
SIGNED FLORENCE ASANTE (MRS) COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
An outspoken member of parliament for Assin Central and candidate for the party’s presidential nomination, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) for choosing to adopt the Ghana Card as the only form of identification for registration in the general elections of 2024.
The new Constitutional Instrument (CI) seeks to see the elimination of the guarantor system for all first-time registrants to the country’s electoral register.
But the MP in a media interview on a local radio station, Sompa FM, in Kumasi, indicated that the new CI laid in Parliament by the Electoral Commission is “bogus”.
He maintains that it makes no sense that the Ghana Cardwould suddenly be raised above the Ghana Passport in determining the identity of citizens.
‘’I am against it. Ghana has people taking bogus decisions. We have a whole Ghana passport, but you (EC) claim that to register to vote you can’t use it to register as a voter. What makes me know that I am a Ghanaian? It is my passport”, he said.
His comments come as a surprise as members of the NPP side in Parliament had constantly supported the EC in its move for the Ghana card to be used as the only source of identification for the voters register.
But as it stands, the NDC Members of Parliament are being whipped to be in the house at all cost to kick against the proposed CI.
The flagbearer candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Member of Parliament for Assin Central in Central Region, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has asked party followers and Ghanaians to have faith in his goals and objectives.
Though official nominations have not been opened, flagbearer hopefuls are moving and sending their campaign signals out.
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a businessman and politician, is one of them.
He appealed to Ghanaians to have confidence in him and make him the party’s flagbearer and the country’s president come 2024.
Mr. Agyapong made this appeal when he appeared on ‘Good Evening Ghana’ on Metro TV in Ghana.
According to him, he is a man who understands Ghanaian languages and problems and can also solve the problems of the people.
He also added that even if those who vote for him age, their children will largely benefit from their support for him.
Ken Agyapong added that he will exonerate himself from the case of Ahmed Suale’s death when he becomes president of Ghana. Though he affirmed that police investigations could not point fingers at him for the death of the investigative journalist, he will show interest in the case when he is voted President of Ghana.
Member of Parliament for the Assin Central,Kennedy Agyapong, has disclosed plans to increase tourism in the nation if he wins the presidency in 2024.
He outlined his tourism plans in an interview with cross section of journalists during his recent tour of the Central Region where his constituency is located.
Talking about potential of tourism
The Ken City Media owner addressed how he will tackle the perennial issue of dealing with the pollution of the Odaw river located in Accra.
The river canal which connects to the sea has become a major headache when it rains heavily, triggering flooding in the center of the city.
Agyapong lamented that whiles other places in the world benefit from the sea, Ghana is yet to fully tap into that area. He cited Dubai, South Africa’s Cape Town, Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, Bahamas, Antigua, Trinidad and Tobago, as places making money from the sea.
Dealing with the Odaw River the Trump way
On the matter of the Odaw, he said: “Look at the Odaw River, the amount of dirt seeping into the sea, I will be like Donald Trump, I will build a long wall on both sides, so that nobody from his home will throw refuse into the Odaw which will end up in the sea.
“We will prevent it and clean the whole Odaw River and put boats on it, so that people will ride from Circle all the way to the sea, Jamestown,” he stressed.
He also spoke about plans for other tourist sites like Cape Coast and Elmina Castles.
Exit Parliament, presidential plans
Agyapong has through his campaign for the flagbearership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) stressed that tourism and mechanized agriculture are the two main levers he will leverage to transform the economy.
He has been MP for Assin Central for over 20 years and has stated that he will not be seeking reelection.
His presidential ambition is barely a year old but his candidature is deemed to be one of the most popular along with that of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and former Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kyerematen.
Musician and activist, Kwame Asare Obeng alias A Plus, has stated that he will only support the New Patriotic Party in the 2024 elections if the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, is made the party’s flagbearer.
According to A Plus who describes himself as a disgruntled member of the NPP, he is unsatisfied with the work of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo whose government is from NPP.
“Nana Addo is someone I like; I have never been more pained by a person’s action than Asamoah Gyan. Asamoah Gyan is someone I like but I am pained that he missed the penalty that doesn’t make him a bad person. So for Nana Addo, I like him but there are shortfalls in his work and that doesn’t make him a bad person or someone I hate. It is his work that I have issues with,” A Plus told Afia Amankwa Tamakloe on her Máhy3ase3 TV Show.
“I am a disgruntled family member. Today Nana Addo is aware that Chairman Wontumi’s company is mining at an unapproved location and he is not doing anything about it,” A Plus added.
The activist noted that he was introduced into the NPP at an early age by Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko who thought him to be outspoken hence his ability to criticise the government of his own party.
“It is Gabby who thought us how to be outspoken and the day I will stop being outspoken will be the day Gabby would call me to. We have followed him from a very young age, it was gabby who held my hand and introduced me to NPP,” he said.
Asked by the host if he will support the NPP in the next elections, A Plus said he will only do so if Kennedy Agyapong is the flagbearer of the party.
“If Kennedy Agyapong will be the flagbearer… Everyone in Ghana knows honourable Ken is my man, he is just like me. Every guy man in Ghana likes him because he is the president of all guymen. It is not me alone, a lot of people also expect him to be the flagbearer,” he stated.
Vice President Dr Mahamamudu Bawumia is tipped to contest the party’s flagbearership but according to A Plus, the Vice President he has equal affinity for the vice president as he is also part of the government.
“Bawumia is with those I don’t like. He is with the current government and I don’t like the current type of governance. I can’t be a liar and I can’t keep mute because I am enjoying,” he said
He added that the NPP has no chance against the NDC if any candidate apart from Kennedy Agyapong is fielded as the party’s flagbearer.
“NPP’s chances will depend on their flagbearer. I am sure the NDC will bring Mahama again; John Mahama versus Kennedy Agyapong is El Classico, Real Madrid versus Barcelona.
“With Kennedy, the fight will be fair and equal,” he added.
Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, has taken his campaign for flagbearership of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the Ashanti Region.
He delivered an address to a cross-section of traders at the Race Course market in the region, calling for their support and outlining plans that he had to support their business and welfare.
“There is hope, let’s keep hope alive. I will consult with all relevant stakeholders to see how best we can help you. When I come to a place like this, I try to avoid politics.
“But I am being told to share my aim for this visit. All I am saying is that, come 2024, I will lead the NPP,” he said to loud applause.
The KenCity Media boss also underlined his credentials as someone with a background in trading: “Leaders have come and gone, none of them had a mother who was a trader. My mother sold things at Okaishie.
“I know your struggles and how you suffer to cater for your children, so I am a product of trading and of the street. So, I will do all it takes to protect the interest of women,” he stressed.
He also promised to support the market with 200 pieces of streetlights and poles to beef up security in the area as well as lobby the Roads Minister to look into the plight of traders relative to the nature of roads.
He also promised to look into the issue of MASLOC loans that had not reached a section of the traders. Agyapong was well received at the premises by hundreds of traders who cheered him.
The MP traveled to Ho on Friday to honor the Chiefs and residents of the Asogli State. At that point, the Asogli State Palace Forecourt’s Paramount Chief was seated in State.
According to a graphic online reportage, the durbar ground rejected the gifts the MP sent.
Some sub-chiefs who acted as middlemen to accept the gifts on Togbe Afede’s behalf turned down the presents and requested that the MP takes them away.
In the report, graphic online stated that, the chiefs and people cited some negative remarks and use of unkind words on Togbe Afede XIV by the MP, who is seeking to become the flagbearer of the governing NPP.
A video depicting Mr Agyapong on the durbar grounds had some voices in the background shouting “away”.
The gifts, including cartons of bottled water, were packed back into the vehicle.
This year’s yam festival of the Chiefs and people of Asogli State is being climaxed this weekend under the distinguished patronage of Togbe Afede XIV.
The festival started on August 6, 2022, and is expected to end on Sunday, September 11.
The one-month festival seeks to highlight unity, reconciliation, stocktaking and development and is also a platform for the annual reunion with the ancestors and the re-affirmation of allegiance by all chiefs and their subjects in the Asogli State to the Agbogbome Stool.
Outspoken Member of Parliament for Assin Central in the Central Region, Kennedy Agyapong has once again comfortably retained the Assin Central seat for the governing New Patriotic Party.
This is the sixth time the MP is securing his seat in Parliament
He was first elected a member of parliament in 2000 to the seat of Assin North. He retained his seat in the 2004 and 2008 parliamentary elections.
In 2012, he was elected in the new seat of Assin Central and was re-elected in 2016.
In the 2020 polls, Mr. Agyapong polled 19,754 votes.
His main contender who contested on the ticket of the opposition National Democratic Congress garnered 14,747 votes.
