This week has been eventful in the political space, with news on the selection of a running mate by NPP Flagbearer Mahamudu Bawumia, ambulance trial involving Majority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson, the protest in Kenya over a finance bill containing controversial tax hikes as well as the debate between Donald Trump and President Joe Biden in the US.

The two main Flagberaers of the governing New Patriotic Party Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and opposition NDC , John Mahama are not left out.

Bawumia consults Akufo-Addo on selection of running mate

The 2024 presidential candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mahamudu Bawumia, consulted President Akufo-Addo at Jubilee House on Tuesday (25 June 2024) on the selection of his running mate, sources close to the Office of the President have confirmed to Asaase Radio.

The move comes barely six months to the 202

4 general election, which is seen as a straight fight between John Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP’s Bawumia.

It is not yet clear whom Dr Bawumia has settled on as his running mate, but our sources said the president offered his advice and blessed the NPP presidential candidate’s choice after the meeting.

Bawumia meets Majority Caucaus over selection of running mate

In a pivotal move ahead of the general election, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), convened a private meeting on Friday with Majority Leader Alex Afenyo-Markin and the caucus to deliberate on his choice of running mate for the upcoming December polls.

The closed-door session, held at the Vice President’s residence shortly after 4 pm, focused on crucial decisions regarding the selection of a suitable candidate to complement Dr. Bawumia in his electoral quest.

Insider sources within the party have disclosed that Dr. Bawumia has nominated Mathew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, as his preferred running

Afenyo-Markin warns NPP against infighting over running mate decision

The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged his NPP colleagues and sympathisers to avoid infighting as the party deliberates on the running mate for the 2024 elections.

Speaking at a press conference, he emphasised the importance of unity and advised MPs to be mindful of their public comments regarding the selection process.

“None of us can tick every box, so let’s be careful how we describe each other, how we say things about our colleagues, how we approach things and the language we use. It may not be helpful,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin reassured that Dr Bawumia, in consultation with party elders, would make a decision that benefits the party.

Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election: I’ll deliver justice for victims, says Mahama

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his promise to deliver justice for victims of the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence.

This comes on the back of concerns about the failure of the government to implement recommendations in the white paper of the Commission of Inquiry since 2019.

There was bloodshed during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election following the demise of the MP Emmanuel Kwabena Kyeremateng Agyarko, who died on Wednesday, November 21, 2018.

I’m not a politician, says Asamoah Gyan

Ghana football legend Asamoah Gyan has described his appointment to the NPP manifesto committee as an honour to serve his country.

He said he is not a politician and that accepting the appointment of the NPP to serve on its manifesto committee was in the interest of the country.

Gyan was in February this year appointed to chair the youth and sports sub-committee of the ruling party’s 2024 manifesto committee.

His appointment to the role not only reflects his ambition to advance the sports industry but also presents him with a unique opportunity to steer the nation’s sporting trajectory.

There was no parliamentary approval for ambulance contract says Richard Jakpa

The third accused person in the case of Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and two others (The Ambulance Case), Richard Jakpa, has admitted in court that the controversial ambulance contract, which has resulted in the charges preferred against him and others was not approved by Parliament.

Richard Jakpa made the disclosure when he answered questions from the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, in court on Thursday, 27 June 2024. He also indicated in court that he received 700,000 Euros representing 28.7% of the total monies paid to Big Sea by the government of Ghana for the defective buses.

Cross-examination

Question: Are you aware that the minister of health and minister of finance submitted a joint memorandum for the approval of the Stanbic loan facility?

Answer: Yes. I was verbally informed.

Five Ghanaian MPs in Kenya safe following violent protest

Ghana’s high commission in Kenya has assured the public of the safety of a delegation of Ghanaian MPs following violent protests in Nairobi on Tuesday (25 June).

Rumours circulated online suggesting the delegation, comprising five Members of Parliament and an official from Ghana, was caught in the unrest that saw the Kenyan Parliament building set ablaze.

The delegation, led by committee chairman Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi and including ranking member Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Sylvester Tetteh, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, Mohammed Taferu, and senior clerk Anita Quartey Papafio, were on a benchmarking visit at the time of the incident.

Kenya’s president withdraws tax plan after deadly protest

Kenya’s President William Ruto says he will withdraw a finance bill containing controversial tax hikes after deadly protests which saw parliament set ablaze on Tuesday.

In an address to the nation, he said it was clear that Kenyans “want nothing” to do with the bill.
“I concede,” he said, adding that he will not sign the bill into law.

At least 22 people were killed in Tuesday’s protests, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC).

Biden falters as Trump unleashes falsehoods during presidential debate

President Joe Biden delivered a shaky, halting performance while his Republican rival Donald Trump battered him with a series of often false attacks at their debate on Thursday, as the two oldest presidential candidates ever exchanged personal insults ahead of the November election.

The two men traded barbs on abortion, immigration, the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, their handling of the economy and even their golf games as they each sought to shake up what opinion polls show has been a virtually tied race for months.

Biden’s allies tried to put a brave face on the evening, and two White House officials said Biden had a cold.
But the president’s poor performance rattled his fellow Democrats and will likely deepen voter concerns that the 81-year-old is too old to serve another four-year term.

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