The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has underscored the need for the military to be restricted from polling stations in the upcoming December 7 general elections.
The Speaker reveals that his outfit would engage the President, flagbearers of the various political parties, security services, among other stakeholders, on measures to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
In his opening remarks in Parliament on Tuesday, June 11, Bagbin said the military must stay away from polling or voting centres unless they are called in to deal with a situation.
“We don’t want to see [the] military during the election. When there is a need to call them, they will be called, but they should not be at polling or voting centres.
“Honourable members, the clergy and notable civil society leaders will be actively involved. The signs and signals of happiness in the country are not those of assurance and hope.”
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Meanwhile, the Minority Caucus in Parliament has raised concerns over the escalating prices of foodstuffs in the country, challenging the effectiveness and impact of the government’s much-touted Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative.
The Caucus expressed deep dissatisfaction with the escalating food prices, noting that despite the approval and allocation of billions of Cedis for the implementation of the PFJ intervention, it has not delivered the anticipated positive outcomes.
In his opening remarks in Parliament on Tuesday, June 11, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson painted a stark picture of the current economic hardship faced by many Ghanaians.
Using the rising price of tomatoes as his baseline, the Minority Leader highlighted the steep increase in food prices, which he said has exacerbated the cost of living of Ghanaians and placed a heavy burden on households across the nation.
“The price of a bucket of tomatoes, which was sold at GH¢75 at the beginning of this year, now sells at GH¢180. This represents an increase of 140%. Mr Speaker, the price of a crate of tomatoes increased by more than 360% between January and June this year alone, moving from GH¢1,500 to GH¢7,000. Times are very hard and Ghanaians are really suffering.
“Right Honourable Speaker, I am curious and I want to ask what has happened to the billions of Ghana Cedis approved by this House for the government’s so-called flagship programme, Planting for Food and Jobs. Where is the food and where are the jobs?”
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