Former Ghana captain John Mensah has revealed his new passion since hanging up his boots seven years ago.
Mensah, who played a key role in Ghana’s run to the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals, now dedicates himself to spreading the word of God.
“I’m just keeping myself in the church all the time, so I’m always visiting the church because I’m not on the field anymore so that’s how I’m keeping myself cool,” John said at the Ghana Football Awards ceremony.
“My church is a resurrection power, new-generation church. So I’m just worshiping them. But I keep my feet to the God Almighty to worship Him well and also advise my people and also to do evangelism to my people to also know God very well.”
Mensah, a former defender for Sunderland, played 86 times for Ghana’s national team, scoring three goals during his international career.
The 41-year-old was part of the Ghana squad that secured qualification for their first-ever World Cup in 2006.
The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, attended the End of Season Awards night organised by newly-promoted Premier League outfit, Vision FC, on Sunday June 30, 2024.
President Simeon-Okraku praised the club for their dogged determination, focus, resilience and commitment in securing a historic qualification to the elite division of Ghana football.
Ten (10) awards were handed to individuals for their significant contributions to the forward march of the Ghana Premier League new boys on Sunday night at the Awards gala held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.
The President took the opportunity to eulogise Club President Michael Osekre, for his foresight in identifying and hiring a young and talented coach Hamza Obeng Mohammed, who masterminded the side’s qualification to the top-tier of Ghanaian football.
“I am very happy today. Happy in the sense that when you dream and see a vision and act on it and its actualised, you should be happy. We are told that 25-years ago, there was a dream. Twenty-five (25) down the line, we’re realising the vision. It’s been 25-years of an imperfect pathway. It’s been 25-years of self-belief, dedication and determination to realise the dream,” he said
“I am very happy today. Happy in the sense that when you dream and see a vision and act on it and its actualised, you should be happy. We are told that 25 years ago, there was a dream. Twenty-five (25) years down the line, we’re realising the vision. It’s been 25 years of an imperfect pathway. It’s been 25 years of self-belief, dedication and determination to realise the dream,” he said
“First of all, I will pay huge respect to the technical team led by Hamza (Obeng Mohammed). I remember the day the President of this club (Michael Osekre), came to inform me about his decision to employ Hamza. I thought it was not the best idea and made this known to Michael on the two occasions on which he sought my opinion. Michael was persistent and ultimately went on to hire him because of his belief in the young man.”
“Today, Hamza has led a team of dedicated warriors into the Premier League,” he said, amidst applause. There is one good thing to learn from the interaction between my good self and Michael (Osekre). Team work pays, team work wins and team work is always the way. Michael identified a talent in Hamza, didn’t relent despite the doubt and it has eventually ended in praise.”
President Simeon-Okraku offered advice to Hamza Obeng Mohammed, who will now be the club’s First Team Assistant Coach
“I want to tell Hamza that if he keeps to his way and retains the quality of being a team player, he will always be a winner. Today should be the beginning of many wins for Hamza as a Coach, for the men who believe in his work, and for the people he’ll be working with on this journey.”
“Hamza is a winner today because he worked in tandem with the management of the team. Hamza, keep to your virtues, your quality, beliefs and team work; these will take you very, very far.” he advised the young former Hearts of Oak and Medeama assistant coach.
“It is very important for all of us to appreciate the work of our coaches. It is also important for us to honour the men who have secured the honours. You guys have done it. You should be proud of the investment in Vision Football Club. You should be proud of this achievement. Your names will go down into the history books as the foremost group that qualified this team to the Premier League of Ghana.
The President underlined the sharp difference between the Premier League and the country’s second-tier league.
Black Stars midfielder Mohammed Kudus has expressed his ambition to foster unity among the new generation of Ghanaian players.
The West Ham United star has been frequently seen bonding with several junior members of the Black Stars squad, many of whom are fellow graduates of the Right to Dream academy.
Among Kudus’ close associates are Kamaldeen Sulemana, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah, and Ibrahim Osman. Kudus has built strong camaraderie with these players, both during national team camps and informal gatherings after the season.
Following his recognition as Footballer of the Year at the 2024 Ghana Football Awards last Saturday, Kudus shared his sentiments and thanked those who contributed to his successful debut season at West Ham.
“As part of the new generation, one of my aims is to increase the love and unity between us. This season, he [Fatawu] has pushed me a lot, and I have pushed him a lot too,” Kudus said.
He also expressed his gratitude for the support he received, saying, “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to come here and experience this amazing award. I want to use this opportunity to give thanks to everyone who put in the effort to ensure this nice event happened today.”
Kudus’ commitment to unity and mutual support among Ghanaian players highlights his leadership both on and off the pitch, aiming to strengthen the bonds within the national team for future successes.
While it might not be a surprise to see Romania and the Netherlands facing each other in the last 16, it perhaps is to see them in this fixture after the former came top of their group and the latter finished third in theirs.
That’s what happened, though, with Romania topping Group E on just four points ahead of Belgium, while the Netherlands came third in Group D on the same number of points, below Austria and France.
Romania players
This is the first time Romania have reached the knockout stage of a major tournament (World Cup/Euros) since Euro 2000, when they were eliminated by Italy at the quarter-final stage. The Tricolorii have only progressed from one knockout tie in major competitions in their history, beating Argentina 3-2 in the 1994 World Cup last 16.
The Netherlands have lost each of their last three knockout-stage matches at the UEFA European Championship, beaten by Portugal in the 2004 semi-finals, Russia in the 2008 quarter-finals, and Czech Republic in the last 16 of Euro 2020. They could become only the second nation to lose four consecutive knockout matches in the tournament’s history, after Yugoslavia from 1968 to 2000.
Cody Gakpo has been the main threat for Ronald Koeman’s men, scoring two of the Netherlands’ four goals in the group stage. The Liverpool forward could become the sixth Dutchman to score three or more goals in a single edition of the finals.
Both into the last 16 following an eventful climax to their group-stage campaign, Euro 2024 dark horses Austria and Turkey convene in Leipzig on Tuesday evening.
Turkey players
The nations’ first major-tournament meeting features a substantial prize: the winner will qualify for a quarter-final against either Netherlands or Romania.
Having arrived in neighbouring Germany as one of Europe’s form sides, Austria qualified for the knockout rounds of Euro 2024 as Group D winners by beating Netherlands 3-2 in a thrilling contest at Berlin’s Olympiastadion last Tuesday.
Ralf Rangnick‘s men were handed a tough draw alongside the Oranje and favourites France, but they accrued six points from a possible nine to finish top of the pile, ahead of France.
Rangnick’s high-energy side are now trying to reach Austria’s first European Championship quarter-final, and recent results suggest they could be ready to break new ground: they have now won 14 of their last 19 matches, losing just two.
In competitive meetings, though, Turkey are unbeaten in their last five games against Tuesday’s opponents, keeping a clean sheet on each occasion; albeit this will be the first such encounter since a 0-0 draw in Euro 2012 qualifying.
Austria players
The Crescent-Stars set up this latest clash by claiming a dramatic 2-1 win over Czech Republic in their final Group F game on Wednesday evening.
A talented Turkish squad possess the tools to unlock almost any opponent, but they remain defensively vulnerable and will sorely miss their skipper in Leipzig.
Austria are no longer under the radar, but providing they can overcome heightened expectations, one of the best-organised teams in the tournament should make it through to the last eight.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Uefa investigating Bellingham over gesture
Uefa is investigating England midfielder Jude Bellingham for a gesture he made following his late equaliser against Slovakia in Sunday’s Euro 2024 last-16 tie.
European football’s governing body said it is looking into a “potential violation” of “the basic rules of decent conduct” by Bellingham.
Bellingham in the alleged gesture
Bellingham was seen making a crotch-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakian bench after scoring an overhead kick in stoppage time.
The Real Madrid player denied it was aimed at England’s opponents, saying on social media that it was an inside joke directed towards some close friends.
If found to have breached the rules, the 21-year-old could face a suspension, a fine or both.
The rule in question is article 11/2b, which requires anyone subject to Uefa regulations to respect the “principles of ethical conduct, loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship”.
Anyone whose conduct is “insulting or otherwise violates the basic rules of decent conduct” could be in breach.
England won 2-1 after extra time to set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland on Saturday.
Responding to the incident on social media, Bellingham said: “An inside-joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. “Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
Bellingham has made a similar gesture when playing for Real Madrid and after scoring a late equaliser for England in a friendly against Belgium in March.
Cristiano Ronaldo was fined but avoided a ban for making a similar gesture while celebrating a goal for Juventus against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of a Champions League last-16 tie in 2019.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone was also fined for making the gesture during the first leg.
The Special Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry that probed the content of the leaked audio discussing how to remove the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from office, says Superintendents Eric Emmanuel Gyebi and George Lysander Asare lied under oath.
In its report, the Committee noted that some actions of the two officers sought to undermine the authority of Parliament, crossing the line of contempt of the House.
As such, the Committee has recommended that the two be referred to Parliament’s Privileges Committee for appropriate action.
The Committee said that Supt Gyebi, in his testimony under oath, denied ever speaking to Chief Bugri Naabu directly on the phone of Supt Asare, but he later changed his earlier testimony and affirmed that he spoke to Chief Bugri Naabu on the phone.
“And the question I quote, ‘have you ever spoken to someone on Supt. Asare’s phone who claims to be Bugri Naabu?’ And the answer I gave is incorrect. I answered no, and I want to change it to yes,” the committee quoted Supt Gyebi as saying.
It was also found out by the Committee that Supt Asare denied being present when Bugri Naabu spoke to Supt Gyebi, but changed his initial response at a later meeting.
“Hon Chairman, I want to change my answer to ‘I was there when they spoke’ because that time the question was not all that straight forward,” the report quoted Supt Asare as saying.
“The Committee is of the view that Supt. Asare and Supt. Gyebi appeared to have acted in contempt of Parliament…”
“In this regard, the Committee is of the opinion that the matter be referred to the Privileges Committee for appropriate action,” a portion of the report said.
CONTEMPT
The two have been cited for contempt pursuant to Order 30 of the Standing Orders of Parliament (2000), as revised by Order 31(f) of the Standing Orders of Parliament (2024).
It states that “any of the following acts or conduct constitutes contempt of Parliament or breach of parliamentary privilege,” and the (f) says “submission of false, perverted, misleading, distorted, fabricated, or scandalous statements in Parliament or before a Committee of Parliament.”
FINDING
The 21-page report, which has been laid before the plenary, said the committee examined the evidence it gathered and found, among others, that the testimonies of Chief Bugri Naabu, COP George Alex Mensah, and Supt. Asare authenticated the audio recordings that were leaked.
The Committee, upon examining the evidence, established that “there was an attempt by COP Mensah, Supt Asare, and Supt Gyebi to conspire and cause the removal of the IGP, for which they solicited the assistance of Chief Bugri Naabu to have the President act in that regard.”
The Committee further established that the act of conspiring to replace the IGP was political, unprofessional and an act of indiscretion as serving officers, contrary to Regulation 82 of the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350).
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee, in its report, tabled numerous recommendations, including advocating a review or amendment of Article 202(1) of the 1992 Constitution and relevant statutes to subject IGP nominees to parliamentary approval.
This, the Committee argued, is to secure the political independence and legitimacy of the office of the IGP, adding that it is important to protect the appointment process from perceptions of partisanship and political manipulation and preserve the sanctity of the appointment process.
They have also recommended that the House communicate with the President to determine the appropriate action in relation to the conduct of the officers.
The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday that he shared Ghanaian Foreign Minister and candidate for Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley A. Botchwey’s vision for the Commonwealth, according to diplomats.
President Christodoulides made the remarks when he hosted a meeting with Ms. Botchwey, one of Africa’s top diplomats, at his office in Nicosia, the Cypriot capital, to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues, they said.
Ms. Botchwey’s vision for what she has called “A New Commonwealth” is founded on six-pillars, including stimulating trade and investment among the organisation’s 56 member-countries who have a total annual GDP of over US$13 trillion.
Other pillars of Ms. Botchwey’s agenda include skills training, innovation and financial support for start-ups to open up job opportunities at home for the youth, to stem the tide of illegal migration.
Young people below age 30 comprise 60 percent of the Commonwealth’s 2.6 billion population.
The rest are democracy and good governance; climate change; building resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Small States, and strengthening the London-based Secretariat to serve member-countries better.
Ms. Botchwey, has pledged to magnify and use the collective voice of Commonwealth nations to address the global climate crisis which is having a devastating ecological and socio-economic impact on the planet, and on SIDS and Small States in particular.
In May, at a SIDS Forum in Antigua, she called on international financial institutions and industrialized countries to re-engineer the global financial architecture to protect countries facing a clear existential threat from climate disasters and other external political crises.
The Commonwealth includes 33 Small States, of which 25 are SIDS. The Commonwealth is considered a voice for the most vulnerable states. Unlike the UN where five permanent members have the power of veto on the Security Council, each member-country of the Commonwealth has an equal vote in decision-making.
“The Commonwealth is a powerful organization, but it needs a different outlook and a new approach to make it even more impactful,” Cypriot foreign minister Dr Constantinos Kombos, told Ms. Botchwey at a separate meeting.
Commonwealth Heads of Government will elect a new Secretary-General at their next summit when they meet in October in the Pacific Island state of Samoa.
The new leader will replace Baroness Patricia Scotland, a British Dominican, whose final term ends this year.
Ms. Botchwey, a lawyer, has served as Ghana’s foreign minister for nearly eight years and is a member of Ghana’s national Security Council.
She was deputy foreign minister nearly 20 years ago and chaired the Council of Ministers of ECOWAS, the West African regional body from 2020 to 2022.
Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, addressing Parliament on the RTI implementation
The Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has urged the Right To Information (RTI) Commission to impose administrative penalties on some 361 institutions that have failed to submit their 2023 annual reports.
In all, 683 institutions were expected to submit their annual reports on the implementation of the RTI to the Commission, but only 322 had done so as at the time the Minister was speaking.
The obviously unhappy Minister for Information told the Speaker of Parliament that the development was “totally unacceptable.”
“The Ministry of Information strongly urges the RTI Commission to impose administrative penalties against public institutions that failed, according to Section 71 (2)(6) of the RTI Act, 2019,” she said.
Minister for Information who is also a Lawyer on Friday, June 28, 2024, performed a legal mandate by briefing Parliament on the implementation of the RTI.
The RTI Act, 2019 mandates the Minister for Information to submit a report to Parliament on the implementation by June 30 each year.
Last Friday also marked the maiden presentation of the minister to Parliament. Prior to that, she had only appeared before a Parliamentary Committee for vetting or other engagement, but not to address the plenary.
APPLICATIONS
According to the Minister, of the complying 322 institutions, 173 received applications for information, totaling 1,749 requests.
She said that out of the 1749 requests received by the various public institutions, 1225 were approved, representing 70%.
The total number of applications rejected for varied reasons was 281, representing 16%, and were declined because the information requested was exempt under the Act or was not in the custody of the institution.
The minister informed the House that 194 of the 281 requests rejected were reviewed internally upon request, and 110 were eventually granted while 84 were dismissed.
PENALTIES
The Minister for Information has reported to Parliament that the RTI Commission in 2023 imposed administrative penalties in the sum of GH¢1,000,000.00 on 23 non-complaint public institutions.As of 2023, the Commission had recovered GH¢2,043,571.44 from the administrative penalties imposed in 2022 and 2021.
CHALLENGES
The Minister outlined some challenges facing the implementation of the RTI Act, 2019, including a lack of adequate financial resources to undertake activities as part of the implementation.
She also mentioned logistical constraints, including reliable internet infrastructure in some MMDAs.
The minister also observed limited cooperation from some public institutions to comply with some aspects of the law and also cited bureaucratic practices in public institutions as impediments to the smooth implementation of the law.
Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, and her Deputy, Slvester Tetteh arriving in the Chamber in a joyful mood
OUTLOOK
However, the Minister said the RTI Commission looks forward to hosting the 2024 Global Conference of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) in Accra from October 1–2, 2024.
Another outlook is the operationalisation of an online records management system to enable applicants to apply for information online, aid information officers in keeping accurate records, and increase efficiency.
The Ministry of Information will also present a legislative Instrument for the RTI Act, 2019, to Parliament this year. She said that though the draft had been prepared by the RTI Commission, final consultations were being arranged with the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Department, and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Legislature.
The Minister for Information concluded by applauding, “the contribution of key stakeholders for their support.”
COMMENDATION
Some Members of Parliament took turns commenting on the report presented by the Minister for Information and commended the Minister for her hard work.
The MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, particularly commended the Minister for Information for respecting the law and presenting the report within time.
“Mr. Speaker, I note that the Hon. Minister is very much within the stipulated time,” Okudzeto said.
He added that when “ministers act commendably, we have to praise them. We have to laud them for being compliant with the laws that this House passed so that we are encouraged to follow that example.”
The Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompre, focused on the achievements of the Act, but did not gloss over the challenges.
“One of the fundamental things that has been achieved, which for me is huge, is the non-incubation of the follow-up of information. You can criticise and talk about the challenges, but that is a good beginning. Hon. Minister, I want to commend you and your team,” he said.
Kwame Blay, son of former chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has sued the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for GH¢20 million, for defamation.
Kwame Blay (plaintiff) is seeking eight reliefs, including the GH¢20 million damages, a perpetual injunction restraining the MP and his associates from circulating and publishing the defamatory contents about him.
According to the plaintiff, who is owns multi-million companies within Ghana and abroad, Mr. Okudzeto (defendant) had published false statements about him and praying the court to make an order for same to be retracted.
The instance rides on the backdrop of a claim made by the MP that the plaintiff was involved in a certain transaction surrounding Labadi Beach Hotel and that Kwame Blay acted illegally and unlawful.
Quoting the defendant’s social media post on X (Twitter), dated June 7, 2024 which read: Even though it is difficult not to develop sympathy for Loic Devos Junior on how he was crudely hounded out of the deal by the Blay brothers, the organisation one has to pity the most is Labadi Beach Hotel.”
With this, Kwame Blay said he has just one brother, Kwaw Wosemoa Blay and no other, therefore, any statement such as “Blay brothers,” “Blay Family,” or “Freddie Blay sons” includes him.
The writ of summons filed in June 27, 2024 at the General Jurisdiction of the Accra High Court further quotes the defendant as saying: “The court documents expose an epic dogfight between Loic and Kwaw over fantastic sums of money being proceeds from the business activities on Labadi Hotel’s encroached beachfront, and yet Labadi Beach Hotel has absolutely no share in the booty, particularly after a joint venture agreement contemptuously flouted by all powerful Blay brothers, Kwaw Wosemoa Blay and Kwame Edenkema Blay.”
He said such references had been made on other platforms by the defendant severally, which go to tarnish his hard won image.
“How on earth can you have a hotel called Labadi beach hotel and yet they don’t have a beach. They no longer have a beach. Incredible, I was also shocked to the marrow when I discovered that. When President Akufo- Addo announced the year of return, a gentleman called Loic Devos Jnr, who is friends with the Blay Brothers, Freddie Blay’s sons, came up with this idea that Labadi Beach Hotel is an iconic beach hotel. They have a big beach front, why don’t we go and negotiate with them, sign a joint venture agreement, then we will do entertainment events…
“So they signed a joint venture. To the shock of everybody, the Blay brothers, according to over 800 pages court documents, decided that they will elbow out their business partner and someway somehow, the board of Labadi Beach Hotel, discovered that there is construction going on their beach front.
“The Blay brothers have created a new pathway to the beach and they are saying they have met some people in the La Traditional Council…to summarise, we have a situation where the Blay brothers have elbowed out everybody… Then Labadi Beach Hotel launched an enquiry. They found out that the MD must have colluded with the Blay brothers to make them lose their beachfront,” the writ quoted Okudzeto Ablakwa as saying on Citi FM.
The writ is particular about the keywords, the “Blay brothers,” “Blay Family,” or “Freddie Blay sons” which the plaintiff wants the court to take cognisance of and put a perpetual injunction restraining Okudzeto from making such malicious statements.
According to the writ, the Plaintiff has no stake in the subject matter, therefore, could not come to terms with the allegation being peddled by the MP.
It said Kwaw Blay is a full-man and businessman who can make independent decisions, therefore, associating the plaintiff’s brother dealings with him was in a very bad taste, particularly when the documents that the defendant’s is relying on make no reference to him at all.
The Plaintiff is seeking damages because the allegations by the defendant have also affected his company, Afrofuture, Limited to lose sponsorship and collaboration for this year’s event.
Furthermore, because of the defendant’s publication, individuals who have purchased properties from Afrofuture Limited are demanding refund of their monies.
Additionally, investors have also pulled out from the company’s affordable housing deal due to the defendant’s malicious publications.
Election periods record high number of deaths from road crashes in the country as a result of the disregard for road traffic regulations and other best practices, data from the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has indicated.
For instance, in 2016, 44 people died in 100 crashes involving 157 vehicles during the election period in December, representing a 15.6 per cent increase over the same period in 2015. Likewise, in 2020, 44 persons died while 169 sustained injuries in 155 crashes recorded, an increase of 21.9 per cent over the previous year.
The statistics further showed that since 2000, all but one election year recorded higher crashes, injuries and deaths, as compared to previous and ensuing years. In 2004, the deaths increased by 27.4 per cent as compared to 2003; in 2008, it decreased by 5.1 per cent compared to 2007; while in 2012, it increased by 1.9 per cent.
The Director-General of the NRSA, David Osafo Adonteng, who made these revelations was speaking at an election stakeholder meeting organised by the authority in Accra, last week, Thursday. It was attended by political parties, the Electoral Commission (EC), the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and other stakeholders who brainstormed on measures to help curb election-related deaths.
The parties included the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), the People’s National Convention (PNC) and the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP).
As election fever grips the nation, the spotlight often falls on political rallies and the high-stake drama of electoral contests. Lurking in the shadows of these democratic exercises is a grim and often overlooked reality, the alarming spike in road accidents and fatalities during election years. The statistics as we have just enumerated are sobering.
In their fervent quest to mobilise supporters and win votes, the Political parties often disregard road traffic regulations. Speeding, overloading of vehicles and extended travel hours are common, with little regard for the safety of passengers. This reckless behavior is driven by the pressure to secure votes at any cost, leading to tragic and avoidable loss of lives.
Election-related road crashes are not mere statistics, but represent the loss of human potentials and the grief of families, which goes a long way to affect the chances of the political parties. As Mr. Adonteng poignantly noted, “Winning elections is about numbers and if you lose a life, you will lose a vote and jeopardise your chances of winning the election.”
In response to this crisis, the NRSA has developed a road safety code of practice aimed at curbing election-related road accidents. This code urges political parties to integrate road safety measures into their campaign strategies. Designating individuals knowledgeable in road safety management to coordinate transport arrangements, ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, and employing professionally qualified drivers are critical steps in this regard and The Chronicle strongly buys into this.
However, adopting a code of practice is just the beginning. Political parties must prioritise the lives of their supporters over electoral victory. The culture of impunity and disregard for traffic regulations must be replaced with a commitment to safety and responsibility.
Moreover, the enforcement of this code requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission (EC), the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), and civil society organisations. Rigorous monitoring and stringent penalties for violations must be implemented to ensure compliance.
As we approach another election cycle, let us remember that every life lost on the road is a vote lost and a potential future extinguished. The time to act is now. Political parties, regulators and citizens must work together to ensure that the democratic process does not come at the cost of human lives. The safety of the electorate is paramount and it is high time we treat it as such.
It all started on a wrong foot, the 1992 Constitution. First instead of a constituent assembly, a consultative assembly was set up in 1991 to draft it. Being consultative, the assembly was only to make recommendations, which the leader of the ruling government may accept, reject or add on. This was the foundation our democracy was laid on. And yet, Ghanaians did not protest.
The composition of the assembly was another thing. Out of the 260-member assembly, 22 members were appointed directly by the ruling PNDC, 117 members were appointed from the MMDAs (Metropolitan/Municipal/District Assemblies and 121 members were from “identifiable bodies” or corporate groups.
Majority of those under the identifiable bodies, were so-called organs of the revolution and pro-PNDC organisations, namely the Committee of the Defense of the Revolution (CDRs), June Four Movement (JFM), 31st December Women’s Movement (DWM) and Ghana Private Roads Transport Union of TUC (GPRTU) including butchers, hairdressers, drinking bar operators among others had more seats than other representatives of identifiable bodies like the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), University Teachers Association (UTAG), Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) and the Christian Council of Ghana who were persistent in their demands for constitutional rule. They had one seat each. In total, the pro-PNDC members on the assembly far exceeded the pro-democracy ones.
GBA and NUGS protested, demanding more seats and when their pleas were not taken, the two bodies dropped out, leaving the Consultative Assembly with 258 members. It was clear that the constitution was going to favour one man, Jerry John Rawlings, the head of state. And yet, Ghanaians did not protest.
When the assembly finished its work and presented its recommendations to the PNDC, Jerry Rawlings had entrenched clauses added on. This included, the head of state or presidents being immune from persecution over their conduct in office. And yet, Ghanaians did not protest.
Finally, Ghanaians were asked to express their opinions on the document, in a referendum on April 28, 1992. It was a “Yes” or “No,” vote. With such opportunity to throw away the draft constitution and bargain for a better one, this was what happened. With 8,355,690 names on the register, only 3,680,974 or 44.59% turned out to vote. And 3,408,119 (92.59%) accepted that the draft was okay to become the Supreme Law of the country. 272,855 (7.41%) totally rejected it. And by the way, there was no invalid votes cast. But, how a referendum with less than 45% of eligible voters was allowed to determine the fate of the nation, leaves much to be desired. And yet, Ghanaians did not protest.
Strangely, Rawlings who the Constitution was made for, demanded its first amendment, so that the president could sack his vice-president. This was after the scuffle he had with Veep Arkaah during a cabinet meeting on December 28, 1995. This was not to be.
The Constitution continued to reign supreme from 1993 to this date, making the Fourth Republic the longest in our nation’s history. It was only after Rawlings had left the scene that coward Ghanaians started coming out of their holes to protest the Supreme Law. They will always blame politicians for clauses they consider unacceptable in the Constitution, without acknowledging that it was them, the non-politicians who cowardly accepted it, for fear of a ‘White man’.
Article 71 Office Holders and the president’s right to appoint the IGP and Armed Forces chiefs were those high on the list. And with Article 71, which is on the Determination of Certain Emoluments, protesters will condemn only the politicians and leave out others mentioned in that article.
Nevertheless, there is the need to review and amend the Constitution and I will suggest Ghanaians have the patience and take time to review the whole document, debate on the issues and come out with a workable document that can positively serve this nation.
The two issues I will want addressed, are the appointment of ministers/deputy ministers of state and other appointees from the House of Parliament and the office of the minister of Parliamentary Affairs. In my humble opinion, these two give the president control over the Legislative. MPs on both sides can be easily lured to accept anything from the Executive. They must play ball if they are to be favoured by colleagues who are ministers and deputy ministers or serving on boards of state enterprises.
And with an MP as minister of Parliamentary Affairs and a cabinet minister as well, he or she can pull the House under the thumb of the president. This should not be. But what do I know? I am only expressing my view.
To date the only presidential candidate who has come out strongly to campaign on the issue of Constitutional review in the history of the Fourth Republic is Hon. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen. He was very bold and determined when he pronounced this.
Yes, Ghana needs a constitution that will serve the whole nation and favour not only a selected few but the whole populace.
Alan, is determined to review the 299-article constitution and make necessary changes, so that Africa and the world will talk highly of Ghana. Is he going to be the first independent candidate to be president and to form a union government and completely review the Constitution? If he is, then Ghana has indeed arrived.
