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NTC, GSA pledge to strengthen ties
The Ghana Science Association (GSA) on Tuesday called on the management of the New Times Corporation (NTC), to strengthen the relationship that exists between the two institutions.
The call was also to appreciate the corporation for sponsoring its 19th biennial workshop organised last year and presented a certificate to the management of the corporation.
Presenting the certificate, the Scientific Coordinator of GSA, Mr Forson Dzotor, said the association was a voluntary, non-profit and multidisciplinary association of scientists with membership made up of all scientists in public universities and research institutes across the country.
He said the mandate of the association include promotion of science, technology and mathematics and creating a platform for scientists, policy makers, industry and anyone interested in science.
He said such platforms offer opportunity to individuals to share ideas, interact and deliberate on topical issues that bother on national development and come with recommendations to government.
Mr Dzotor said a number of institutions had been formed through recommendations from scientists to the GSA and collaborations established with the private sector to improve science in the country.
According to Mr Dzotor, the association had collaborated with a number of institutions including media houses adding that “we had a good collaboration with The Ghanaian Times.”
The Acting Managing Director of NTC and Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo, expressed gratitude to GSA for recognising The Ghanaian Times, adding “ this is the beginning of the friendship between us.”
On his part, the Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times, Alhaji Salifu Abdul- Rahaman, observed the evolving relationship between scientists and the media.
He recounted how scientists operated on their own from their laboratories and relied solely on publishing their journals to disseminate their findings with the notion that the media would struggle to comprehend their technical language, which could lead to misreporting and, therefore, kept their work from journalists.
He however acknowledged the gradual shift, where scientists now engage the media, and involve them in scientific work and research.
Emphasising the role of the media in simplifying scientific concepts for the public, Alhaji Abdul-Rahaman said: “We have the skills and knowledge to break down scientific terms into language that the everyday person can understand.”
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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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.
