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AJSHTNP, Dangana Foundation present food items, cash to Rising Star Home
The AJS Help The Needy Project, in partnership with the Dangana Foundation, has made a meaningful contribution to the Rising Star Home.
The initiative, called ‘Smiles for the Future,’ aims to instill a sense of hope and love in these children, reminding them of their value in society.
The items donated included gari, sugar, beans, stationery, water, sardines, tomato paste, a box of spaghetti, packs of drinks, biscuits, ladies’ underwear, and a cash donation of GH¢500.
Additionally, some donors provided gallons of liquid soap and used clothes.
Mrs Anita Opoku-Appiah, the founder of AJS Help The Needy Project, highlighted the importance of helping those in need, especially during festive seasons like Christmas.
She pointed out that while many people are focused on their own families and friends during this time, it was essential to remember the orphans and those who are less fortunate.
She stated, “During seasons like this, people focus on what to get for their families and friends forgetting there are people out there who due to circumstances don’t have families to plan their Christmas or buy them all the fancy things Christmas brings.”
She encouraged the public to follow suit and extend kindness and support to those in need, adding that AJHTNP will continue to extend helping a hand to the less fortunate in society.
Dr Mrs Connie De Jong, one of the board members of the foundation, reiterated the importance of community support in helping the less privileged in society. She encouraged the children at the home to believe in themselves and strive for the best in their endeavors.
The General Manager of Dangana Foundation, Mr George Bessa-Simons, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasising that the smiles created through the initiative will be remembered for years to come.
He shared encouraging words with the children, reminding them that being in an orphanage does not mean they cannot pursue their dreams of becoming great and useful members of society.
He stated, “You won’t be here as orphans forever; you will definitely grow into adulthood and leave here to face the world on your own, and that’s why Dangana has come to give you hope, to aid you smile into the future.”
Furthermore, he urged the caregivers at the orphanage to avoid using negative language with the children, as such words can lead to issues like depression and anxiety, ultimately affecting their well-being.
The collaboration between AJS Help The Needy Project and Dangana Foundation was a heartfelt effort to bring joy to the children at the Rising Star Home, ensuring they have reasons to smile and feel hopeful about the future.
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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.
