ghananlpcommunity/ghana-gov-speeches-sentences huggingface dataset:
That singular, consistent decision birthed this historic moment we are witnessing tonight.
President, for believing in me.
When I left Takoradi in 2008 that fateful day, after my outdooring as running mate to commence my journey in politics, I had the difficult task of convincing a large part of our country to accept the inclusive and truly national character of the New Patriotic Party.
I faced challenges in communities that accepted the decades of propaganda that the NPP was unwelcoming to them.
I persevered.
I kept going back to those communities election after election and with the same message that the NPP is inclusive and ready to work with every Ghanaian, irrespective of tribe and religion.
By the election of 2020, we made significant inroads into the North.
We also saw increased support throughout the Zongos in the country.
In the Volta Region, we continued to grow in numbers.
It has been a remarkable but difficult journey of preaching the inclusive nature of the New Patriotic Party to those who have always viewed our great party with suspicion.
The doubts regarding the inclusive character of the NPP dominated the discussion when I took the bold decision on 16th June this year, to file my nomination papers at the NPP headquarters, to contest to be elected as the Presidential Candidate of the party.
Some analysts were skeptical about my chances and others confidently dismissed the possibility of the NPP electing a candidate from the Northern part of the country.
They clearly misconstrued the party's conservatism to mean tribalism or regionalism.
I was certain that they misunderstood this great party and its values because I knew our values of rewarding hard work and dedication would triumph.
Today's emphatic decision by the over 200,000 delegates of the NPP, the grassroots of the party, reaffirms my knowledge and belief that the NPP is truly an inclusive national party.
For a boy, born in the heartland of Tamale, with a hometown in Walewale, to be elected as a Presidential Candidate of Ghana's largest political party, speaks to the character of the party.
The NPP is a party that is all-embracing, a party that rewards hard work, loyalty, and commitment to its values!
The delegates, by today’s decision, have resoundingly dismissed any doubts that the NPP is inclusive and rewards hard work.
From virtually every constituency in the country, the message has been the same: In the NPP we do not care about where you hail from.
We are tolerant of Ghana’s religious diversity.
We elect those deserving of leadership, those who are capable of governing, and those with proven traits of integrity, incorruptibility, and hard work.
With this resounding victory, the NPP is sending an invitation to the men and women in Ga Mashie to join me in this journey of possibilities.
The NPP has a place for you.
To our men and women in the Zongos scattered across the 16 regions of Ghana, I say to you that in the NPP, it is possible to rise to the top.
I invite you to join me in this journey of possibilities.
To the people of the Volta and Oti Regions, who may have long doubted if you will have a place in the NPP.
You have been answered today.
To the people of the North, we have often been told that the NPP is not our political home.
Today, the delegates have demonstrated absolute confidence in us.
In the Ashanti Region, the citadel of NPP politics, I have been shown unbelievable love and support.
In the Eastern Region, a fortress of our party, the support has been remarkable.
In Greater Accra, Western, Western North, Central, as well as the three Bono and Ahafo Regions, I have received tremendous support and love from the rank and file of the NPP.
In the Volta Region, where our party’s fortunes continue to grow considerably, we expect to make more progress in 2024.
And the five northern regions (Northern, Savannah, Northeast, Upper East and Upper West), as they have always done in past elections, joined the rest of the country, to emphatically vote for the winning candidate.
I have won convincingly in each of these regions, and this clearly demonstrates an energised party, with absolute confidence in me.
I thank each and every one of you for this massive support, which is also a reflection of the diversely harmonious nature of the NPP.
I do not take this support for granted.
I will work diligently every day to justify your decision.
While on the campaign, I became aware of a 3-day demonstration staged by the young people of our country.
They had a simple message for the political class: they needed more opportunities for work, they needed improved living conditions, and they wanted improved public services.
These are legitimate demands and we cannot ignore them.
We will continue to work hard for the people of Ghana.
I have spent the last seven years assisting the President to deliver on many of these demands to: create more opportunities for the youth, improve the well-being of our people, create inclusive access to secondary education and healthcare, develop and expand the road infrastructure of our country, create great convenience in accessing public services wherever one finds himself or herself, and to leverage technology to fast-track development.
Notwithstanding these achievements, the unforeseen global economic downturn of the past three years, which derailed the significant economic gains and impact we made between 2017 and 2021, has had a devastating effect on our economy in the past two years, just as it has, on many other economies in the world.
This has affected many, including government itself, the private sector and our households.
The cost of living has increased dramatically and Ghanaians are feeling the pinch.
I have seen the sacrifices Ghanaians are making and the hardships many Ghanaians are going through and I am as concerned as my fellow countrymen and women.
By the grace of the Almighty God, together with the remarkable sacrifices, patience and optimism of Ghanaians, the work of economic recovery is underway: GDP growth has picked up, consumer price inflation is on the decline, exchange rate depreciation has dramatically slowed down and the budget deficit as a % of GDP is on the decline).
I will continue to support the President to sustain these gains.
As a party, we must loudly and consistently tell the public about our achievements, as well as our ongoing efforts.
We are ALL communicators, each one of us an NPP ambassador, and we should be telling the NPP story in our daily lives as well as on the public stage, every opportunity we get.
I am convinced that the NPP is the best option for the progress and prosperity of the Ghanaian people.
My own core values – integrity, honesty, discipline, hard work and inclusivity.
My can-do attitude, my rejection of the tag of impossibility, my passion to unleash the creative energies of the youth, my compassion for the poor and vulnerable – all of these align perfectly with the values with which our forbears created this political tradition.
So to the NPP rank and file, I wish to say to you, today you have place your trust in me.
I shall not disappoint you.
Ghana has given me everything, every opportunity and grace.
I have dedicated my life to give back, and to serve this wonderful country to the best of my ability, with every breath in my body.
I have my own vision and my own priorities.
Given the opportunity by you the people of Ghana to lead, I shall govern as my own man with guidance from God Almighty.
My vision is to build an inclusive, food self-sufficient, data-driven and systems-based nation that will fully participate in the global digital revolution to solve our problems and also usher in a golden age of benefits from our natural resources.
I want to lead a nation that improves and unleashes the talents of our youth and offers good jobs with good pay, and sustainable growth with macroeconomic discipline.
As the Presidential candidate of the NPP, it would be my commitment to the youth of Ghana.
The talent of our youth in various sectors such as information technology, robotics, entrepreneurship, creative arts, sports, etc.
is just amazing.
When we bring the talents of the youth together, we will surely build a mighty nation.
Together, we can transform this nation and do even more, in many areas.
I therefore invite the youth, particularly the 'GenZs to join me in this journey of great possibilities.
I have a place for you.
As a technocrat, it was doubted if I would gain space in a politics long dominated by career politicians.
This victory is an invitation to technocrats and professionals to join me in this journey of possibilities.
With open arms I invite everyone watching or listening to me tonight to join us on this journey of possibilities.
Together we can build this nation.
I am encouraged by the ingenuity and the can-do spirit of the Ghanaian youth, the tireless efforts of our farmers, the bravery of our fishermen and women, the business acumen of our mothers and sisters in the markets, the passion of our drivers, the dedication to service by our security personnel, the sacrifices of our teachers, as well as the commitment of our doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers.
I am encouraged by the literate Ghanaian society we are creating, through our free access to secondary education and expanded support for tertiary education.
Our country's future is really bright with a highly educated and skilled youthful population, leveraging technology for our economic transformation.
My brothers and sisters, I am encouraged by the beautiful diversity of our country, our peaceful co-existence which respects each other’s faith, which unites us and brings all of us together for a common goal of seeing a transformed Ghana.
We stand here today in celebration, but the real work starts now, and I have no intention of slowing down.
I will get right back to work, sit down with Ghanaians from all walks of life, from civil society and student organizations to young professionals, stakeholders in the business community and religious leadership.
The positon I seek needs to be earned, and I intend to show every single voter, from the farmer to the financial head, that I am the right man for the job.
I will listen to your concerns and answer your questions, because we are partners in this process and any worthwhile gain comes from a communal investment.
We speak about breaking the 8, but it’s important to remember that that’s more than just a slogan.
By breaking the 8 we break with a culture if complacency, we reject the tacit agreement that power is handed over every 8 years, thereby relinquishing responsibility for the growth if this nation.
This 8-year cycle stands in the way of a long-term vision for Ghana, therefore breaking it is not about NPP bragging rights, it is about being able to successfully implement long-term visions and policies under a consistent leadership.
Breaking the 8 is not about partisanship but about patriotism, and knowing that Ghana deserves consistency, focus and follow-through, not political bickering and division.
We will break the 8 in unity, and we will govern in unity, because regardless of the margin of our victory, we govern for and in the interest of 100% of Ghanaians.
We have two tasks ahead of us: (1) to lead the New Patriotic Party to Victory in 2024; (2) to steward this nation from recovery to prosperity.
Given the chance, I am determined to serve as a leader for a united Ghana, for all Ghanaians, regardless of background, circumstance, or socio-economic status.
Ghana is a haven for peace and co-existence, and one of the many strengths of our nation is that we, while we may differ and debate, come together in unity for the good of Mother Ghana.
I have felt that hope and unity as I have traveled through our country over these past months and I feel it here today, as we prepare to build back better for us all.
So we celebrate today, but tomorrow, we get back to work.
For you, for Ghana and for us all.
I cannot end my speech without my deepest appreciation to certain personalities in our party and country.As a believer in, and practitioner of, the liberal democratic values and principles of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition ( like all of you here), I have been inspired, throughout my life, by the thinking, deeds, sacrifices and accomplishments of such great political icons of our country and Party such as Dr.
Danquah, S.D.
Dombo, Prof.
Busia, Edward Akufo-Addo, Obetsebi Lamptey, Alhaji Yakubu Tali, Tolon Naa, Jato Kaleo, Naa Abayifa Karbo, C.K.
Mensah, and J.A.
I express my profound gratitude to the founders of our tradition, without whose sacrifices I would not be here today.
I am also indebted to so many men and women who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for our party and country on a daily basis without outward recognition.
I extend my sincere thanks to President Akufo-Addo and his beautiful Rebecca (by any measure, a first-class first lady) for their support and confidence in me over the years.
I amtruly grateful.
I thank former President Kufour, who first allowed me to serve as a Deputy Central Bank Governor from where I was noticed and subsequently poached into politics.
I truly appreciate his wise counsel and guidance over the years.
May the beautiful soul of his departed wife, Mama Theresa rest in peace.
I also thank former Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, and his wife, Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama for their inspiration.
May the Almighty God continue to bless their souls.
To my beautiful wife Samira and our children, I thank you for your sacrifices and love in the journey so far.
I thank the polling station executives, the electoral area coordinators, constituency executives, regional executives, the council of elders, patrons, founding members, past officers, external branches, and the national executives for their massive support of my bid to lead the NPP.
I will not disappoint you and I promise to work hard with all, for victory in 2024, by the grace of God.
I thank our distinguished Members of Parliament for their unflinching support for my candidature.
They have been immeasurable in their support.
I thank the thousands of volunteers and groups, who worked day and night to secure this historic victory for me and the party.
I am indebted to all of you.
To the energetic youth of the NPP and Ghana, I shall lead the NPP to deliver on your aspirations.
I thank you for your support so far and I pray for your continuous support.
I thank my campaign team for their dedication and commitment to executing the mandate assigned to them.
They delivered a victory that the nation will never forget.
I also thank my office staff for their hard work and commitment throughout the years.
To my father, Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia and my mum, Hajia Mariama Bawumia I wish you were here to witness the dreams you had for me.
I thank you for raising me to be the person I am today.
May God continue to bless your beautiful souls.
To my late press aide, Kwabena Boadu, I know you are excited about this victory wherever you are.
I thank our friends in the media for their massive coverage of the entire process.
The NPP and I are grateful for your partnership.
I am also immensely grateful to traditional rulers, the Clergy and the Ulamas, for their prayers, encouragement and wise counsel over the years.
I thank all of you, who have gathered here and those who are listening and watching from afar.
It is indeed possible!
God bless the NPP!
God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong
Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press The essence of this Press Conference is to spell out the guidelines and modalities for the conduct of the Party’s Parliamentary Primaries in the 168 Constituencies where the NPP has sitting Members of Parliaments (MPs) to elect Parliamentary Candidates for the 2020 General Elections.
We would also be updating you on developments regarding the Party’s Presidential Primaries.
In the light of this, the statement is structured to include Guidelines on Polling Day; Parliamentary Primaries in Constituencies With Unopposed Candidates; Publication of names of Candidates cleared by NEC to contest in the Primaries; Primaries in a remaining Orphan Constituency; Update on Presidential Primaries and some disciplinary matters.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it would be recalled that the Party, at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Wednesday, the 3rd of June, 2020, agreed to hold its 2020 Parliamentary Primaries on SATURDAY, JUNE, 20, 2020, in all the Constituencies where the party has sitting MPs with the exception of Ayawaso West Wougon.
At the said meeting, the Party considered the Reports of the various National Parliamentary Vetting Committees and the National Parliamentary Appeals Committee on the status of all Aspiring Parliamentary Candidates, which Reports were largely accepted by NEC except in few instances.
Thus far, all these processes that have been rolled out are in line with the Rules and Regulations published by the Party on January 16, 2020, for the conduct of the 2020 Parliamentary Primaries.
However, owing to the Covid-19 situation in the country, the Party was compelled to reconsider some of the Rules particularly the date for the Primaries which had to be postponed following the Covid-19 restrictions.
All is now set for the Primaries subject to the following guidelines and modalities.
The Party wishes to emphasize that the Primaries shall be conducted in strict compliance with the Covid-19 health protocols announced by His Excellency President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Accordingly, the Party, while making sure that not more than 100 people congregate at a voting centre, will also be making available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers at each polling centre for delegates to sanitize their hands before participating in the polls.
Equally, the Party has procured nose masks which shall be given to every delegate.
GUIDELINES AND MODALITIES FOR THE PARLIAMENTARY PRIMARIES Voting Day Regulations: 1) The Primaries shall be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020 on Electoral Area basis per the Electoral Commission’s designation 2) Voting shall be supervised by the Electoral Commission of Ghana assisted by the respective National Parliamentary Vetting Committees 3) Delegates shall comprise all Polling Station executives; all Constituency Executives; 5 members of the Constituency Council of Elders; 5 members of the Constituency Council of Patrons; as well as any founding member of the Party from the Constituency, who was a signatory to the registration document of the Party at the Electoral Commission.
4) The five (5) members of the Constituency Council of Elders; the five (5) members of the Constituency Council of Patrons; all the members of the Constituency Executive Committee; as well as the Party’s Founding members who were signatories to the registration document of the Party at the Electoral Commission shall all be accredited to vote at the Constituency Secretariat.
5) The Polling Station Executives and the Electoral Area Coordinators shall be accredited to vote at the Electoral Area voting centre.
6) The Constituency Album which has been broken down into Electoral Area Album shall be used to identify all delegates who are eligible to vote in their respective Electoral Areas.
7) Delegates will be required to produce an NPP Membership ID Card or any other recognized National ID card to entitle them to vote 8) Proxy voters shall be accredited delegates in the Constituency 9) Voting starts at 7 am and ends at 1pm 10) Each delegate will be required to thumbprint in front of his or her preferred Candidate on the ballot paper that will be issued 11) A Ballot Paper will not be counted if: a) it does not bear the official validating stamp of the Commission.
b) it is not thumb printed by the delegate to clearly identify the preferred candidate he/she is casting the vote for.
c) it is not thumb printed at all d) it is thumb-printed more than one candidate on the ballot paper.
e) it is thumb-printed in such a way that the choice of the delegate is not clear.
f) it has mark(s) that identifies who the delegate is not clearly defined.
12) Counting & Declaration of Results: a) Counting of ballot will be done immediately after the close of Polls at each Electoral Area Polling Centre and at the Constituency Secretariat Polling Centre b) Ballot will be counted and declared by the EC Presiding Officer in the presence of Candidates’ Agents.
c) Counting shall not begin until after 1pm d) Each Candidate will be represented by One (1) Polling Agent at each Voting Center (i.e.
Electoral Area).
e) The results of each Electoral Area Polling Centre and that of the Constituency Secretariat Polling Station will all be collated at the Constituency Secretariat which shall be the Constituency Collation Centre.
f) Only Candidates and their Agents (1 each) will be allowed entry at the Constituency Collation Centre g) The Electoral Commission’s District Officer at the Constituency Secretariat will do the final declaration of results for the Constituency Primaries.
13) Voting Offences: It is an offence to: a) vote or attempt to vote more than once at the primaries.
b) buy or sell a vote c) compel somebody to vote in a particular way d) obstruct a delegate from freely exercising his or her right to vote e) display your marked ballot paper in such a way as to make it known to others the candidate you are voting for.
f) take photo of how he/she voted in any particular way.
14) Code of Conduct for Candidates a) Candidates shall cease all forms of campaign activities by midnight (12 am) of June 19, 2020 b) Candidates shall campaign on issues and refrain from leveling unsubstantiated allegations, personal attacks and vilifications against their opponents c) No candidate shall undertake any activity that will polarize the Constituency along tribal, religious and other factional lines.
Candidates shall also require their supporters not to engage in any of these activities 15) Disputes arising out of the voting process shall be referred the National Parliamentary Vetting Committee for amicable resolution OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION 16) Guidelines for Constituencies with Unopposed Candidates a) There shall not be elections in Constituencies where there are unopposed Candidates.
b) Delegates in these Constituencies will however be required to converge at the Electoral Area or Zonal Level for Candidates to address them.
c) The Venue for this meeting shall be determined by the National Parliamentary Vetting Committee for each Region in consultation with the sole Candidate to smoothen the process based on situation-specific dynamics d) This process is not subject to Regulation (1) and Regulation (9) of these guidelines.
This means it can be held in more than a day, and does not also have to start from 7am to 1pm.
17) Constituencies where Primaries have been suspended a) Constituency Primaries in the Kwadaso Constituency in the Ashanti Region have been suspended till further notice b) Constituency Primaries in the Gushegu Constituency in the Northern Region have been suspended till further notice c) Constituency Primaries in the Dormaa Central Constituency in the Bono Region have been suspended till further notice 18) Primaries for outstanding ‘Orphan Constituency’ a) Constituency Primaries shall be held in the Krachi West Constituency of the Oti Region b) The Primaries shall be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020. c) Primaries in the Krachi West Constituency shall be conducted in accordance with Regulation (16) above since there is only one Candidate.
CANDIDATES THAT HAVE BEEN CLEARED BY THE PARTY’S NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC) TO CONTEST IN THE PARLIAMENTARY PRIMARIES Refer to Attachment PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES Following the General Secretary’s report to National Council at its meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, to the effect that at the close of the Party’s Presidential Nomination, only one Candidate, in the person of H.E.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, filed to contest in the 2020 Presidential Candidate, the National Council resolved to acclaim the sole Candidate.
Consequent to this, the Party will soon announce a date for the acclamation of the Presidential Candidate.