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Russian Embassy only protecting its sovereignty; global economic challenges is due to Ukraine invasion – Stephen Amoah
A member of the Finance Committee in Parliament, Stephen Amoah, has stated that Russia’s attempts to dissociate itself from the current economic challenges in Ghana is only a move to protect its reputation.
He said it is undeniable that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated global economic difficulties, a situation that has caused hikes in general goods and services in Ghana.
The Nyieso MP was reacting to a statement by the Russian Embassy, which attributed the current hardship to the high demand and rising prices of food, raw materials and transportation services as part of the post-Covid-19 recovery.
It argued that difficulties in economies started before the invasion of Ukraine because there has been a steady trend of happenings on the global stage in the last two years.
But in defence of government’s stance, the NPP MP said the move by Russia is only meant to save face.
“There is this ongoing IMF forum in Washington, and member countries have had the opportunity to speak on their countries’ economies, I mean their sovereignties, and all of them are attributing the challenges they are having today to too many factors.
“One, the Covid; two, the war in Ukraine, and I think the authorities from Russia are aware of all these facts and these assertions or claims.
“Of course, they have their prerogatives or exclusive rights to manage the reputations of their sovereignty or their country,” he told JoyNews in an interview.
The Nhyiaeso lawmaker noted that “diplomatically, they wouldn’t want to associate anything untoward or going on against the war with or to their war – they wouldn’t want to see that.”
Inasmuch as any country would have defended its reputation, Mr Amoah stressed that “the facts remain untouched” and that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had significant impacts on countries across the world.
What happened?
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, while addressing Ghanaians on the state of the economy at the National TESCON Training and Orientation Conference on April 7, noted that aside from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war is adversely affecting the Ghanaian economy.
He noted that the prices of food supplies have shot up because the two countries that are exporters of commodities such as wheat, and grains, have withheld supply due to the crisis.
“The Russia-Ukraine conflict has exacerbated the increase in commodity prices. Russia and Ukraine together account for 30% of global wheat exports; the longer the conflict ensues, the greater the disruption to global food supplies. The conflict is also likely to slow down global growth.
“According to the AfDB, the price of wheat has shot up by 62% since the war began, the price of fertiliser is up by 300%, and the price of maize is up by 36%. Here in Ghana, some 60% of our total iron ore and steel imports are from Ukraine; Russia accounts for some 30% of Ghana’s imported grains, 50% of flour, and 39% of fertiliser.
“So we are directly affected by the Russian-Ukraine war. Unfortunately, we do not know when it would be over,” he said.
But in a statement on Twitter on Monday, the Russian Embassy in Ghana disagreed, saying it cannot be blamed for the current price hikes.
The current situation in the food markets is not a result of two months of this year, but a steady trend of at least two years. Food prices started rising in mid-2020 and reached an all-time high in February 2022.
“This is a real market shock caused by high demand and rising prices on food, raw materials, and transportation services, including freight, in the post-Covid recovery period,” the Embassy tweeted.
Recent reports have indicated that about 10,000 people have lost their lives following the Russia-Ukraine war.
Several sanctions have been imposed on Russia by developed countries.
Most countries say the Russia-Ukraine war is directly affecting their economies and agricultural value chain.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
