News
NPP primaries: ‘My hands are clean’ – COP Alex Mensah
A parliamentary candidate hopeful on the ticket of the governing New Patriotic Party in the Bekwai constituency, COP George Alex Mensah (Rtd), has vehemently denied any wrongdoing that may affect his chances of winning the polls.
He was involved in the controversial leaked audio scandal, where an alleged plot to oust the Inspector General of Police in a bid to rig 2024 polls for the governing party was captured.
COP George Alex Mensah (Rtd) is contesting the seat with three others– Ralph Poku-Adusei, Henry Opoku-Ware, and Kingsley Opoku Agyemang– who are seeking to replace the Bekwai MP, Joe Osei-Owusu.
In an interview on Eyewitness News, COP Mensah (Rtd) pointed out that he has not engaged in any fraudulent activity that would prevent him from becoming an MP.
Asked if he could clear things in his cupboard before going to the polls on January 27, he retorted, “I don’t have anything in my cupboard.”
He asserted that his attempt to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, would not taint his credibility of winning the seat.
“No, it will not,” he said.
The parliamentary aspirant stated that he was the most competent person among his contenders to win the primaries.
“I’m more competent among other aspirants; none of them has the experience and qualifications I have. I’m going to win,” he underscored.
The committee tasked to probe the leaked tape is yet to come out with its report.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
Gomoa West: NPP, NDC supporters clash over commissioning of DRIP equipment
Supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday morning clashed over the commissioning of machinery for the District Road Infrastructure Project in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region.
According to Citi News sources, the conflict began when NDC supporters questioned the decision to display images of Bismark Basie Nkum, the NPP’s Gomoa West parliamentary candidate on the DRIP machinery.
This disagreement quickly escalated, almost leading to a physical altercation between the two groups.
Baisie Nkum, who doubles as the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gomoa West, further claimed that the Member of Parliament for the area, Richard Gyan Mensah, brandished a pistol and issued threats against the NPP’s local leadership.
A viral video circulating on social media captured the DCE accusing MP Richard Gyan Mensah of pulling out a gun and threatening NPP supporters during the heated incident.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
Why should you resist calls for forensic audit? – Alan quizzes EC
Founder of Moment for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has advised the Electoral Commission (EC) to address concerns identified by political parties ahead of the December elections.
According to him, the commission has the mandate to conduct free and fair elections and must ensure that all stakeholders trust the system. If concerns are raised about the process, he said the EC should work to clear any doubts in the minds of the people.
His comments were in response to whether the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) request for a forensic audit of the register.
Mr. Kyerematen stated that the NDC, being a major stakeholder, has pointed out certain discrepancies. Therefore, the EC has the responsibility to prove that it is committed to running a free and fair election.
Speaking on JoyNews’ News Desk on September 16, he said “For the sake of ensuring the integrity of the elections, to respond to the specific cases that have been identified about irregularities in the voters’ register.
“It only goes to enhance the credibility of the commission. Yes. It [ forensic audit] has to be. I am not sure why there should be a resistance to that. Because, yes the Electoral Commission has indicated that they have responded to those comments.
“But we have to put all reasonable doubt. There is a need to have a credible voters register. So if there is an indication that there is still doubt associated with the electoral register, then let us allow an extensive comprehensive audit, which can be done without any difficulty,” he said.
The presidential aspirants said this would help improve perception about the credibility of the EC.
Mr Kyerematen said although the EC has an incredible track record in Africa, there is a need to ensure that their reputation remains intact.
Additionally, he said the election management body has the responsibility to prove that the electoral register is clean and has no basis for complaints.
“It is only through an audit that this could happen.” he said.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
