The speculations of a choice of vice presidential candidate for the NPP, are still making news in the papers. Almost all the papers speculate that the number of front-runners to partner Nana Akufo-Addo has shifted from nine to four. With very interesting headlines the papers list the names of the likely candidates. Lepowura Alhaji Nuru Deen Jawula, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Alhaji Adam Zakaria are names that have emerged. Although the reports say it will be too early to rule out the other names, they believe strongly that the final choice will be what it call a three horse race among Dr. Bawumia, Dr. Ibn Chambas and Alhaji Zakaria.
Editorials
The Daily Graphic supports the call on Ghanaians to know their basic rights and responsibilities. The call was made by the acting Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Ghana , Professor Kofi Quashigah. The Graphic agrees with Professor Quashigah that this education will reduce violence and entrench the principles of democracy. The paper thinks it is sad that many Ghanaians are quick to profess their rights, but fail to recognize that rights and obligations go hand-in-hand. It says the concept of civic education clubs in schools is noble, and must be encouraged to ensure that many students join such clubs to gain the requisite education on their rights and responsibilities. The Graphic therefore insists that it is time to intensify education on the 1992 Constitution in schools for students to educate themselves on their basic rights. It thinks a radical approach is needed to address this issue.
The Statesman congratulates the NPP and NDC presidential candidates on the display of the spirit of statesmanship at the swearing-in ceremony of Kofi Annan as Chancellor of the University of Ghana . The two were seen face to face exchanging pleasantries. The Statesman hopes this spirit will affect all members and supporters of the two leading parties. The Statesman urges all Ghanaians to strive hard and maintain the peace and unity that exist, so that nothing impedes the country’s democratic journey.
The Daily Searchlight comments on the speculations of names that have come up as likely candidates for the NPP vice presdential slot. The paper acknowledges how formidable all the listed individuals are, and says the NPP will have much difficulty in trying to convince all party members to accept who ever is chosen as running mate. The Daily Searchlight therefore hopes that whoever is chosen does not spark any acrimony, but rather unites the party together.
The Chronicle thinks that Tuesday’s proceedings in parliament were a waste of the taxpayer’s money. The paper thinks if care is not taken, parliament will be stampeded to ratify a deal that members are not adequately informed about.
The Enquirer describes accusations and counter accusations from the NPP and NDC over manipulation of the voter registration exercise as unfortunate. To the paper, both parties are not fair to Ghanaians in that they are being alarmist. The paper calls on all stakeholders in the December elections to investigate the various accusations that have been traded by the two parties during the voter registration.
Under the heading, "Hungry in the Midst of Plenty", the Network Herald says many Ghanaians and by extension Africans have continued to question why the continent should suffer food and fuel crisis. The paper agrees with Presidential candidates for the up-coming elections who have suggested that the problem could be solved if attention is paid to lands in the northern part of the country. The paper believes that considering the land space in that part of the country, solution to the food problem is within reach provided there could be a solid policy regime. The paper observes that in spite of the difference in ecology between Ghana and Burkina Faso, it is endowed with fresh agricultural produce almost all year round to the point of export while Ghana continues to blame the rainfall pattern.
