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Ablakwa Alleges Nepotism in $34.9M Ambulance Deal

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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has alleged that Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, linked to President Akufo-Addo’s daughters Gyankroma Akufo-Addo and Stephen Okoro, was awarded a US$34.9 million contract for ambulance spare parts.

The contract was reportedly awarded four months before the company was incorporated, raising concerns of nepotism and corruption. Ablakwa has challenged critics to provide evidence to the contrary and has called for the Office of the Special Prosecutor to intervene to prevent further payments to the company.

As Discovered by Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Akufo Addo’s daughter Gyankroma Akufo Addo is the owner of the company Service Ghana Auto Group limited that was dubiously paid 34.9m dollars to supply Ambulance spare parts. The President’s daughter, Gyankroma Akufo-Addo and Stephen Okoro are the only two directors of SFO Initiatives Limited. (Incorporation documents duly attached).

SFO Initiatives Limited was incorporated on August 9, 2013. The principal activities of the company are building and road construction, civil engineering works, food and crops farming. On the 12th of August, 2020, Stephen Okoro partnered with Gyankroma Akufo-Addo and Edwina Akufo-Addo to incorporate Goodbox Limited. (Incorporation documents duly attached).

This time Stephen Okoro took up a company secretary role in Goodbox Limited, registered by the President’s daughters to run a gym. President Akufo-Addo’s appointee, Keli Gadzekpo, who was Board Chair of ECG was made a shareholder of Goodbox Limited. A few days after, specifically on August 20, 2020, the inseparable three musketeers incorporated Good Grow Limited. (Incorporation documents duly attached). Gyankroma Akufo-Addo and Edwina Akufo-Addo are the two directors whilst their ever loyal confidant, Stephen Okoro took up the position as company secretary.

Interestingly, Good Grow Limited has been established by the presidential daughters and their beloved business associate to grow and farm cannabis. They seem determined to take full financial advantage of Ghana’s new legal cannabis regime which their father spearheaded. From the foregoing, It is now obvious that Ken Ofori-Atta’s midnight approval of the US$34.9million ambulance spare parts deal and subsequent US$10million payment was motivated by familial interest.

Ken Ofori-Atta’s primary focus was about making his nieces and their special business partner happy. Insider dealing at its frightening best. The presidential family could not take chances, just in case a new Finance Minister takes over after the reshuffle and decides to sabotage a matter in which the family has a huge interest. The conundrum about why Stephen Okoro’s Service Ghana Auto Group Limited enjoyed such remarkable preferential treatment and a unique dispensation which allowed procurement laws and other laws to be disregarded with impunity now makes sense.

We can all now understand why not even the explosive adverse findings contained in the 2022 Auditor-General’s report could stop Service Ghana Auto Group Limited from securing another uncompetitive US$34.9million spare parts cash-out from the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government. Meanwhile, Stephen Okoro, a beloved business partner of the Akufo-Addo daughters, appears to be enjoying a golden era of business as he has incorporated 6 other companies between 2017 and 2020. In opposition, President Akufo-Addo loudly promised Ghanaians that he will not run a family and friends government. Sadly, he never intended to keep that pledge. Nepotism, cronyism and corporatocracy are all considered grave forms of corruption.

As Pope Francis reminds us: “Corruption is paid by the poor.” Leaders ought not forget this fact. I can confirm, however, that I made all these oversight findings and irrefutable documents, particularly about the role of the President’s daughters and their business partner available to the Office of the Special Prosecutor in my petition of 22nd July, 2024. It is my hope that the OSP will be allowed the free hand to conduct his investigations. In the interim, let us do everything in our power to prevent the payment of the outstanding US$24.9million.

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Politics

Bawumia Edges Ahead in 2024 Ghana Election Polls

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Recent polls in Ghana ahead of the December 2024 elections indicate varying results regarding the lead between Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Polls by Outcomes International have shown Dr. Bawumia leading with 49.4% of the votes, with John Mahama close behind at 45.1%. This data was collected between August and September 2024, suggesting a very tight race. Dr. Bawumia is projected to win in 11 out of the 16 regions, indicating a strong regional support base.

In their latest poll from November 2024, shows John Mahama maintaining a significant lead with 51.9%, while Dr. Bawumia stands at 40.5%. This poll reflects a recent snapshot of voter sentiment, highlighting John Mahama’s steady lead.

Some posts suggest that Dr. Bawumia has taken the lead with around 50.57%, indicating a possible shift in voter preference or at least a close contest in public perception. These polls and social media insights underline the dynamic nature of voter preferences in Ghana’s upcoming election, with a significant portion of the electorate still undecided, potentially swaying the outcome in the final weeks.

The contest remains closely fought, with both candidates having strong regional bases and national appeal.

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Kufuor’s Bawumia Endorsement Sparks Political Debate

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Former President John Agyekum Kufuor
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Former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s recent endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, has indeed ignited a significant political debate in Ghana. 
Kufuor praised Bawumia for his economic understanding and leadership qualities, suggesting that Bawumia could significantly improve Ghana’s economy if elected. This endorsement was based on Kufuor’s observations of Bawumia’s capabilities both during his tenure and Bawumia’s time at the Bank of Ghana.
Alan Kyerematen, who formed the Movement for Change after leaving the NPP, has criticized Kufuor’s endorsement. Kyerematen argues that such an endorsement from a respected statesman like Kufuor could tarnish his legacy due to perceived partisan engagement. He expressed disappointment, suggesting that Kufuor’s actions might damage his image as a nonpartisan elder statesman.
The endorsement has led to mixed reactions. Some see it as a positive affirmation of Bawumia’s capabilities, while others, including political analysts and parts of the public, view it as an unnecessary dive into partisan politics by Kufuor. This has sparked discussions about the role of former presidents in current political campaigns.
Defenders of Kufuor’s decision argue that his endorsement is based on genuine belief in Bawumia’s ability to lead Ghana forward, highlighting Bawumia’s background and his potential to address contemporary economic challenges. They emphasize Kufuor’s right to voice his political opinion based on his firsthand experience with Bawumia.
The debate surrounding this endorsement has not only highlighted divisions within the political sphere but also raised questions about the influence of former leaders in current political dynamics. It has also put a spotlight on the internal dynamics of the NPP, especially concerning loyalty and party unity.
This situation underscores the complex interplay between personal endorsements, political legacies, and current election campaigns in Ghana, reflecting broader themes of political allegiance, economic policy, and leadership expectations.

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NDC’s 2024 Campaign Song Got People Buzzing

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The NDC’s (National Democratic Congress) 2024 campaign song, produced by Nacee, has been released and is generating buzz across social media platforms.

The song was officially released with announcements from key NDC figures like Sammy Gyamfi, the party’s Communication Director, who described it as a “banger”. There’s a clear enthusiasm from the party and its supporters, with posts on X indicating that it’s seen as a catchy and popular tune intended to rally support for John Mahama and the NDC’s policies for the 2024 elections.

The song is being celebrated by party loyalists. The use of terms like “banger” suggests it’s perceived as a hit among the NDC’s fanbase, aiming to energize voters and perhaps even sway undecided ones with its upbeat and promising message of change and victory.

There are criticisms suggesting that the political climate in Ghana might view such campaign songs with a degree of skepticism. One post highlighted the non-serious nature of political campaign songs, indicating that while the song might resonate well with party supporters, there’s a broader perspective that sees political music as more entertainment than serious political messaging.

The song focuses on championing John Mahama and the NDC’s policies, aiming to instill a sense of optimism and unity among supporters. The involvement of Nacee, a known gospel music producer and NDC supporter, adds a layer of authenticity to the campaign, leveraging his influence in the music scene to enhance the song’s reach and impact.

Given this information, the song appears to be a hit within the NDC’s circles and among those who appreciate political campaign music, but its effectiveness in influencing the broader electorate might still be under debate. The enthusiasm from within the party and its supporters might translate into increased visibility and voter engagement, but broader public opinion could vary, reflecting on the general perception of campaign songs in political discourse.

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