Election2020: NDC, NPP Applaud Smooth Voting Process

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December 7, 2020

BY: News Desk | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Functionaries of the governing New Patriotic Party and opposition, National Democratic Congress in the Volta region have lauded the smooth conduct of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in the region.

The officials who were on separate monitoring rounds earlier in the day, told press men the exercise has generally been peaceful, contrary to earlier claims of planned intimidation and harassment by some security elements ahead of the polls.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, NDC MP for North Tongu after casting his vote at the Aveyime Salem Methodist primary polling station, commended the Electoral Commission, the security services, party agents and officials as well as voters for an excellent proceedings so far.

He said “I am also particularly happy that contrary to earlier threats that so called secessionists will try to undermine the voting process and forment trouble and prevent people from voting. So far there is no sign of them,”

He added that “I am glad to observe that the security presence appears to be very well laid out. And so I want to hope that the day will end very peacefully. I also hope that we will have an incident free, fair, peaceful and credible elections at the end of the day.”

The Regional Communications Officer of the NDC, Kafui Agbleze who have been touring centres in Anloga and Keta noted that “the process is smooth so far.” He said there have been some alarms raised, but his checks indicated they were false.

The Volta Regional Chairman of the NPP, Makafui Woanyah also expressed satisfaction with the process so far, adding that all the false alarms raised by the NDC are much ado about nothing.

So far, all 18 constituencies in the Volta Region have experienced a smooth process with some voters being subjected to facial recognition. Whereas most of the centres started on time, a few delayed due to late arrival of materials.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Election2020: Heavy Rains disrupt Voting In Parts of Volta

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Volta Online

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December 7, 2020

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BY: News Desk | Voltaonlinegh.com |

An afternoon downpour in parts of the Volta region on election day has disrupted voting in some constituencies of the region.

The rain which lasted for about an hour led to a temporary halt in the exercise in areas such as Dzodze in Ketu North, Hohoe, Have-Ando in Afadzato South and parts of the Akatsi South Constituency.

Volta Online Editor, Daniel Yao Akpabli reports from Dzodze that, the downpour which came as a surprise to many, according to some voters was a sign of the peaceful nature of the process in the area.

He however noted that, prior to the rains, many polling stations visited recorded little above 50 percent of voter turnout.

Mr. Prosper, Kpatakpla, and Mr. Oscar Haligah, the Presiding Officers for D/A Mite Primary and JHS respectively noted that the exercise since morning was generally peaceful but the rain interrupted the processes.

They however observed that, even though the rain delayed the processes, the numbers will add up by close of the voting time as they were hopeful that, the few remaining ones will turn out.
“If not because of the rain, we would have even been done with the voting” Mr Oscar explained.

Meanwhile, the presiding officers in Both D/A Junior High School and Primary at Tadzewu, Mr. Amevor Abel and Ms. Ernerstina Awuye-Kpobi said no case of abnormality was recorded.
They said, they are putting in every measure to ensure that, voters strictly observe covid-19 protocal.

Meanwhile voting in other parts of the Ketu North Constituency including, Penyi, Devego, Dalame, Kuli, Dzogbepuime, Tornu, Tamekorpe, Dalikorpe, Kave, Torve, Dekpor, Afife and its adjourning area went on peacefully.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Akatsi South Presiding Officers Deny Accredited Media Coverage

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Volta Online

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December 7, 2020

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20201208_080843 — Saraphine, Presiding officer, Court hall A, Akatsi

BY: Akpabli Daniel Yao I Voltaonlinegh.com |

The media covering the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary election in the Akatsi South Municipality is greeted with dissatisfaction with the attitudes of some presiding officers officiating the exercise.

While some Presiding officers are good toward the media, some in the polling stations are tight-lipped on information available to be given to the accredited media house to help inform the public on proceedings stating that, they have orders from above not to disclose any information.

In the Akatsi Court Hall A, the presiding officer who only gave her name as Saraphine, kept frustration the Finder’s Newspaper Reporter with the excuse of she being busy till the reporter decided to leave the polling station.

At Torve 2B, the presiding officer, Mr. Godwin Setsoafia said, he is not to give any information to the Reporter while the Presiding officer in Torve 2A said anything regarding the exercise under his supervision should be directed to the Returning officer in the Municipality.

At the PTC Tobaco block 1, 4 out of the 5 Presiding Officers have declined to speak to the media in exception of Mr. Emmanuel Ahiaba who granted the media an interview.

The four said, they were ask not to speak to any media organizations but were not able to disclose where the order came from.

Mr. Awitsi Jerry Kwame, Presiding officer at CHPS compound Gadzekpo, told the media, it was part of their electoral rules not to talk to the media but directed them to get information from the Party Polling Agents at the station instead. He also added that, it is an order from above not to speak to the media regarding proceeding during the entire exercise.

The situation is described by many accredited media house as challenging as it is affecting their smooth coverage of the process.

Speaking to the Returning Officer of the Municipality concerning the development, Madam Akorfa Buabasa Asamoah, expressed dissatisfaction regarding the conduct of her officers toward the media describing their attitude as worrying

She noted that, the work of the media in this exercise cannot be downplayed adding that, how to relate with the media formed part of their training prior to the election exercise.

She said the media should be treated with some sort of care for they are the mouth piece of the commission in the process.

She further assured the media not to be much worried for her outfit will bring the situation under control.

Meanwhile, checks conducted in some polling station later in the day in the Akatsi South Constituency pointed out that, the situation remained the same.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Election2020: Ho Voters Enjoy Free Ride to Voting Centres

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Volta Online

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December 7, 2020

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BY: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Voters in the Ho Central Constituency are enjoying free ride to their polling stations to exercise their franchise in the ongoing presidential and parliamentary elections.

The ride, which is being provided by commercial tricycle operators, popularly know ‘Mahama Camboo,’ according to information gathered by Volta Online, is at the behest of a benevolent businessman in the Volta regional capital.

Some of the operators told Volta Online, they were provided fuel an additon to a GHc50.00 to transport any resident going to vote within the municiaplity.

The tricyles which have been embossed with ‘free taxi to polling station’ inscription on the windscreens were assigned assigned to various suburbs.
Meanwhile, about 102,626 are expected to vote in 248 polling stations within the Constituency, which has five parliamentary candidates on the ballot. They include, incumbent Benjamin Kpodo of the NDC and current MCE, Prosper Pi-Bansah of the NPP.

So far, the voting process has gone smoothly without any hitch at the various polling centres visited.

Though many of the voters were in their nose masks in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols, there was very little adherence to the social distancing protocols.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Election2020: Polls Open Across Volta Region [Updates]

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Volta Online

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December 7, 2020

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BY: News Desk | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Voting has commenced across 2,239 polling stations in all 18 Constituencies of the Volta region as Ghanaians go to the polls today, Monday December 7, 2020 to elect a president and 275 parliamentarians.

About 924,116 eligible voters are expected to cast their ballot in the presidential and parliamentary election in the region, which has been the stronghold of the opposition NDC.

Volta Online checks at some constituencies showed the exercise took off smoothly with high turnout of voters.

In the Ho Central constituency where about 102,626 are expected to vote in 248 polling stations, some voters arrived at the centres as early as 4:00am so they can cast their vote early and get back home.

Though many of the voters were in their nose masks in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols, there was very little adherence to the social distancing protocols.

Vivian Dzoboku reports from the Agortime-Ziope Constituency;

There are queues in most polling centres in the Agortime-Ziope Constituency few hours after voting started.

Voting started at about 7:00am at most of the centres with a few starting minutes after due to delay in getting materials to some centres and setting up.

At Assembly Hall Kpetoe 1&2 polling stations there are 546 and 466 number of registered voters in the register respectfully.

Assembly Hall Kpetoe 1 started voting at 7:21am due to delay in getting voting materials to the polling station while Assembly Hall Kpetoe 2 started 7:03am.

There has so far been no challenges encountered. However, one person had undergone facial recognition at Assembly Hall Kpetoe 1 as at 8:00am.

Madam Lucy Agbitor a voter noted she was the first person to get to the polling station at 4:30am and she is glad to be the first to cast her vote without any challenge.

Voting ongoing at Ho Bankoe R.C voting centre

Voting ongoing at Keta Municipal Assembly voting centre

Voters going through the process at Peki

From the Keta and Anlo constituencies, Kwadwo Duodu reports;

There are queues in almost all the polling centres in the Keta and Anloga constituencies over an hour to the opening of polls. Voting started at about 7:00am at most of the centres with a few starting minutes after, due to delay in getting materials to the centre.

At Abutiakofe electoral area, in the Keta constituency the Keta Assembly, Polling Station-A has 451 voters on the roll while B has 452 on the roll.

The process has been smooth with no incidents so far.

Arron Teku, the Presiding Officer for Station B who spoke said, the process is smooth and they hope it remains so till voting closes.

A voter who gave his name as Felix says, had he known the process will be this smooth, she wouldn’t have woken up early to join the queue at 6:00am, like he did.

Rita Nedjoh reports from the South Dayi constituency where are three parliamentary candidates in the election. They are, Ernest Patrick Mallet DCE for the area and the NPP candidate, incumbent MP, Rockson Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor for the NDC and Felix Lartey of the PPP.

According to her, the process is peaceful and the queue is moving fast at the various polling stations visited. The presiding officers noted that the queue is now reducing but they are expecting long queues after 12pm. All the covid19 safety protocols are being observed.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Keta Social Welfare donates to 25 PWD’s

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Volta Online

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December 6, 2020

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BY: Kekeli Blamey| Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Department of Social Welfare in the Keta Municipal Assembly has donated items to some Persons with Disabilities in the municipality.

About 25 people were given industrial sewing machines, refrigerators, wheelchairs as well as cash respectively worth thousands of Ghana cedis.

The donations according to Mrs. Borklo Faustina, the Social Welfare Director in the municipality, is to help equip the beneficiaries as well as provide some support to them.

Hon. Prudence Banini, a representative of the Municipal Assembly and member of the committee in charge of the disabled, urged the beneficiaries to use the equipment purposefully.

He said the government, working with the Social Welfare department, is committed to offering maximum support to every disabled in the municipality.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

New Vision Party Declares Support For NPP

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Volta Online

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December 6, 2020

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BY: News Desk| Voltaonlinegh.com |

The leader and founder of the New Vision Party(NVP), Prophet Daniel Nkansah, has declared support for President Nana Akuffo Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP)

In a press release sighted by voltaonlinegh.com, it stated that” the national, regional and constituency executives and the leadership of the New Vision Party has on December 5, 2020 resolved to support his Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo and his team in the upcoming presidential election”.

According to the statement signed by founder of the party, Prophet Daniel Nkansah, the President and his party has done a good job in his term of office as the president of Ghana and however deserve another term to complete his good work.

He cited free SHS, one district one factory among others and especially the construction of the national cathedral as achievements of the Governing NPP which warrant their decision

He also noted that, due to the revelation the Lord has revealed to him, he is certain that the President Nana Addo will win the December 7, 2020 elections hands down.

“With no doubt and by the revelation the Lord has given to us that the president is going to win the coming election hands down”. He stated.

The statement has therefore called on all supporters and sympathizers of the party to support and vote for President Nana Akuffo Addo and his supportive parliamentary candidates across the country to win the December 7 poll.

Prophet Nkansah has also called on all Christian’s and his entire church members to campaign to family and friends about the NPP and also go out on Monday December 7, 2020 to vote massively for the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo and the New Patriotic Party to win the 2020 election for a second term.

Below is the full statement

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Election2020: My Reporter’s Checklist [OPINION]

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Volta Online

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December 6, 2020

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BY: Lambert Coffie Atsivor | voltaonlinegh.com |

The 2020 general election is due in the next 24 hours, and from my past election coverage experiences, here is my reporter’s check list for covering the December 7 polls.

Prelude

As a reporter, always bear in mind that;

– Every election in Ghana is governed by law and this year’s is governed by the Public Elections Regulation 2020, Constitutional Instrument, C.I. 127. This guides the processes and procedures for the conduct of the election, from registration, exhibition, filing of nominations, voting and declaration of results, among others. The roles of each of the key players, Electoral Commission and its officials, candidates and electorates are spelt out in this document. It is therefore important as a reporter to acquaint yourself with this regulation.

– Also, elections are always tensed moments, hence as a reporter, you ought to be ALERT and SAFETY CONSCIOUS on the bit. Remember, no story is worth your life.

Now, before you step out for your election reporting duty on December 7, 2020;

Make time to acquaint yourself with some basic details of the constituency you’re covering i.e. voter population and the candidates in the election.
Get your working tools, note pad, pen(s), recorder, I.D card in a carrier bag. If you’ll rely solely on your phone, then get a power bank along.

On Election Day

Dress smart in an attire that would aid free and easy moment. A pair of trousers and a top (be mindful of the colours) with a low heel footwear is ideal.
Aside your media house identity, always have the Electoral Commission Accreditation with you when stepping out to the voting centres. Because, without it you may not get any assistance from the election officials. If you do not have the E.C accreditation, do not force your way on the officials, especially if they look uncooperative.
When you arrive at a voting centre, ask of the presiding officer/EC official in charge and introduce yourself to him/her before you go ahead with your job. Do not exhibit your ‘TOO KNOWN’ self and go about your work without the necessary clearance from the official in-charge.
Enquire about the name of the polling station, number of voters on that particular register and any other details you need to know about the process from the official in-charge.
Look out for party agents, security personnel (not just those in police uniform), other observers as well as the voters and engage them on the process if possible.
As a reporter, be skeptical with any information you receive from third parties and always endeavour to verify from officials concerned and other reliable sources, before reporting. Endevour to separate facts from opinions in your reportage.
Where there is a tension at a voting centre, step back and observe from a distance, record if possible, later speak to the protagonists involved and run their concerns with the appropriate authority for a response. Always know your safety is paramount and you can only live to tell the story.
At the close of polls, return to the polling station to witness the sorting and counting process. Take note of the voter turnout, valid votes cast, rejected ballots and the results of the various candidates in the elections.
Note that, until the collation and declaration of the final results for a particular Constituency by the Returning Officer, results from the polling stations are PROVISIONAL and should be reported as such.
After observing the counting process at some polling centres, you can proceed to the Constituency collation Centre (usually located within the district capital) to monitor the collation of results from the various polling stations and report on it.
When filing your reports, do so out of the midst of people if possible, also be mindful of your language, i.e. choice of words and do not put anything out that you are not so sure of.
Above all, be PROFESSIONAL and make use of your COMMON SENSE. Remember, you’re a reporter on the day and not a voter, so do your work devoid of emotions.
Finally, covering election is a very tedious exercise and you need to psyche yourself up for the long haul. Make arrangement for your food, water and any other necessities you might need to sustain yourself throughout the period.

I wish all media practitioners, the very best as we once again rise up to the occasion to deepen Ghana’s democratic dispensation.

Source: Lambert Coffie Atsivor

Journalist in the Volta Region and Co-founder of Volta Online News Portal

Volta College Organizes Peace Walk Ahead of Dec 7 Polls

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Volta Online

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December 4, 2020

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BY: Orlando Daniel | Voltaonlinegh.com |

As Ghana prepare towards her General elections in four days, the Volta College in Ho has organised a peace Walk to preach peace in the Regional Capital ahead of the Monday, December 7, exercise.

The Peace Walk campaign was organized under the theme “PEACE IS ALL WE NEED DURING AND AFTER THE ELECTION. OUR LIVES MATTERS ,WE THE YOUTH WANT PEACE ,GHANA NEEDS PEACE, VOLTA NEEDS PEACE”

The walk started from Nfodjo Park through the principal streets of Ho with hundreds of youths holding placards with inscriptions depicting their stands of the need for peace from all citizens as well as other stakeholders before, during and after this year’s Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

Inscriptions such as “vote in peace not in pieces, Let’s vote for Ghana and not political parties, We need peace not War among others were among the numerous placards mounted for the walk

Some Volta College youths with their placards

Speaking at the event, the President of Volta College, Mr. Ameko Richmond, advised the youths to be very vigilant come December 7 and vote Peacefully.

He noted that money should not be the base to determine anyone’s choice when exercising his/her civic right and further cautioned the youths not to allow themselves to be influenced with money by any politician to vote for them.

Volta College is a group which seeks to unite all citizen of the Volta Region from all walks of lives, to support one another and to promote healthy relationships among its citizens

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

PPP Dzogbenuku Assures Citizens of More Power When Voted As President.

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Volta Online

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December 4, 2020

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BY: News Desk| Voltaonlinegh.com |

Brigitte Dzogbenuku, the Presidential Candidate of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), has assured Ghanaians that her government will to give some of the executive powers to the people when voted into office.

The promise came at Nkwanta in the Nkwanta South Constituency of the Oti region when her team toured Volta and Oti regions to urge the people to give the PPP the mandate come December 7, 2020 when the country goes to the polls.

She said it is time to ensure that the people had more power to contribute effectively to the development and aspirations of the country adding that the executive power of the state is too much for the priceless and abundant resources the country possesses; a situation which leads to abuse of both the executive power and the resources at the detriment of the people.

She explained that, it is for this reason that the PPP believes that the people must be made to vote for their own Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chiefs Executives (MMDCEs) who are the custodians of executive power at the local level.

The PPP wants to ensure that the 2.5 percent District Assembly Common Fund allocation (DACF) be increased to 5 percent because it is inadequate to stimulate development at the local level when a portion of it is also allocated to parliamentarians. she lamented

According to her, issue of corruption will no longer be a problem as the PPP administration will ensure accountability and transparency in all facets of the governance system

Madam Dzogbenuku further called on citizen to vote massively for the PPP which is number 10 on the ballot stressing that the PPP stands for peace, hence “if the people of Ghana wants peace, PPP guarantees them peace and freedom to thrive in whatever endeavor they undertake.”

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com