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Demand free, fair, transparent election from responsible agencies – Anyako Chief appeals to Pres Akufo-Addo
Torgbui Badu IV (third right) with some elders on his coronation
The Chief of Anyako, representing the Klevia Clan of Anlo, Torgbui Badu IV has called on the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to demand from agencies responsible for the organisation of the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary election a free and fair exercise devoid of violence and clashes.
Ghanaians would go to the polls in December to elect a new president and parliamentarians following the expiration of President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s second term in office.
Torgbui Badu IV’s concern has come in the wake of chaotic scenes recorded in a few centres that had primaries and by-election to replace deceased Members of Parliament (MPs).
These, according to him, were signs of mistrust among the key political parties and to an extent, the processes for the exercise.
It is in this light that he called on the president and government to demand for a peaceful election to further underline Ghana’s democratic credentials.
Speaking with The Spectator over the weekend, Torgbui Badu IV, known in private life as Paul Dogboe and a promising boxing coach, urged government to adopt a detailed plan aimed at curtailing election-related violence.
According to him, it was important to consider initiatives like convening dialogues, leveraging traditional authorities, safeguarding the youth, addressing the various political rhetoric and honour past leaders, adding that, “this can promote unity and a sense of belonging among all.”
Explaining, he said the dialogues with presidential candidates would promote peace education and raise awareness among their adherents, thereby reducing tensions and preventing violence.
He alsobelieves that employing the esteemed influence of chiefs, queens, and other traditional leaders to ensure peace and order, especially in areas vulnerable to electoral unrest was a positive move.
“Engaging traditional authorities would proactively protect the youth in their communities, with a focus on critical locations such as national borders,” he noted.
Torgbui Badu also encouraged political leaders to eschew derogatory and inflammatory language that could lead to violent incidents.
He said it was important to honour former heads of state in recognition of their commitment and contributions to the nation.
“These measures aim to foster an environment of respect, constructive dialogue, and peaceful engagement throughout Ghana’s electoral process. In the Bible, Romans 13:1-7, highlights the scriptural basis for responsible governance and civil obedience. We should be guided by these to make Ghana a peaceful nation,” Torgbui Badu IV said.
By Andrew Nortey
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has held its Fourth Quarter Ministerial Advisory Board Meeting to review progress, discuss key policy matters, and strengthen collaboration towards achieving its strategic goals.
The meeting brought together members of the Advisory Board, which was set up under Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327), and the Civil Service (Ministerial Advisory Board) Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1961).
The Board serves as a platform for continuous engagement between the Ministry and its stakeholders.
Its role is to advise the sector Minister on policy planning and implementation, while ensuring that programmes on gender, social protection, and child welfare align with national priorities and government development goals.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, commended the Board for its consistent support and technical guidance in advancing the Ministry’s mandate.
She noted that the Ministry’s work in promoting gender equality, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring the welfare of children and families depends on strong policies and effective partnerships.
Dr. Lartey stressed that the Advisory Board plays an important role in helping the Ministry deliver its mission in a sustainable and impactful way.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the Ministry’s achievements so far this year, followed by discussions on future policy direction and strategic focus areas.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The election took place on October 19, 2025, during the ongoing 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. His victory places Ghana at the center of continental and global parliamentary diplomacy.
With this new role, Speaker Bagbin will coordinate and harmonize Africa’s collective positions on major IPU decisions and policies.
He will also serve as the continent’s chief representative on key issues such as governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
Speaker Bagbin currently serves as the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) and is the immediate past Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
In his remarks after the election, he thanked African delegations for their confidence and unity, particularly commending Nigeria for seconding his nomination and Senegal for withdrawing its candidate in the spirit of cooperation.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration among African parliaments and promote transparency, democratic governance, and sustainable development through stronger legislative institutions.
He succeeds Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, who served with distinction.
The Africa Geopolitical Group, formed in the early 1950s, serves as a continental branch of the IPU, ensuring fair representation of African countries in the Union’s committees and decision-making bodies.
It also coordinates Africa’s common positions on major parliamentary issues discussed at IPU assemblies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
