Disqualification hits Bernard Mornah and others as EC approves 13 candidates for presidential elections

Bernard Mornah, the flagbearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC), has had his presidential ambitions thwarted with his disqualification from the upcoming 2024 elections. The Electoral Commission (EC) recently published a list of 13 individuals who successfully passed the nomination process, but Mr. Mornah’s name, alongside roughly ten others, was notably absent.

Mornah, who has been vocal about his vision for a better Ghana, had vowed to put real cash in the pockets of Ghanaians rather than steal from them. He expressed his concerns regarding the absence of a physical share of the gold mined in the country, asserting that his imminent election would pave the way for a new reality.

In addition, he promised to evolve Ghana’s leadership style, introducing a “Ghanaian-scented” approach that would make the presidency credible and incorruptible. A well-known figure for organizing and leading the Arise Ghana demonstrations to highlight national grievances, Mornah intended to steer the country onto the “right path,” criticizing the track record of many current leaders.

He also labeled the ongoing trend of selling state assets as myopic and shortsighted. Mornah’s aspiration to become president was fueled by the confidence many Ghanaians had shown in his ability to modify the status quo, as he pointed to the greed prevalent among the nation’s leaders.

Unfortunately for Mornah and his supporters, these dreams will have to wait another four years. He is not alone in his disqualification; several others have also been excluded from the race, including Desmond Kwame Abrefa, Nana Stephens Agyapong, Dr. Paul Perko, Mr. James Kwasi Oppong, Dr. Sam Ankrah, Dr. Nii Amu Darko, and Samuel Apea-Danquah, all of whom were independent candidates. Additionally, Dr. John Kpikpi of the Progressive Alliance Ghana, Kofi Asamoah-Siaw of the Progressive People’s Party (PNP), and Janet Asana Nabla of the People’s National Party (PNP) were also left off the list.

Of the 39 individuals who picked up nomination forms, only 24 submitted them. The EC is expected to hold a press conference to clarify the reasons behind the disqualifications.