News
Appoint more women as MMDCEs …V/R Women’s Organiser appeals
Some party faithful have called on President John Dramani Mahama and his Vice President to consider appointing more women as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
Ms Delfia Fafa Agbai, the Volta Regional Women’s Organiser of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former District Chief Executive (DCE) for North Tongu, said increasing women’s representation in local governance will demonstrate the government’s commitment to gender inclusion and women’s empowerment. Ms Agbai made this appeal at the conclusion of the MMDCE vetting process in Ho on January 28. She expressed excitement over the growing number of women aspiring for leadership roles in the region, noting that 30 women were among the 237 aspirants vetted for the 18 available positions.
“This is a significant improvement from previous years. When I served as a DCE, only six women held similar positions. The increase in female aspirants today is proof that more women are stepping forward to take leadership roles,” she stated.
She acknowledged that many women have, in the past, hesitated to apply for political positions due to fear of intimidation and societal stigma. However, the increasing number of female aspirants this time around is a positive shift.
Ms Agbai urged Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who herself is a strong advocate for women’s rights, to use her influence to ensure more women receive appointments as MMDCEs. “I am appealing to our Vice President, who is also a woman, to encourage the President to appoint more women as MMDCEs.
This will not only empower women but also contribute to the overall development of our communities,” she said. Mr Alexander Gabby Hotordze, Member of Parliament (MP) for Central Tongu, who was also present at the vetting, emphasized that the NDC has a wealth of qualified men and women ready to take on leadership roles.
“The calibre of aspirants we vetted proves that we have capable individuals, both men and women, who are ready to serve. It is important that we continue to provide equal opportunities for both genders in governance,” he noted.
The vetting process, which lasted a week, saw aspirants from across the Volta Region appear before the committee. With the process now complete, the focus shifts to the final selection of MMDCEs who will lead various districts and municipalities in the region.
News
Declare a state of emergency in parts of the country affected by illegal mining – Coalition Against Galamsey to Mahama
The Coalition Against Galamsey is asking President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency in areas badly affected by illegal mining.
According to the Convenor of the Coalition, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, the situation has gone beyond control and requires urgent action to save lives and protect the environment.
He explained that the Constitution allows a state of emergency to be declared when the actions of criminals threaten essential resources such as water, safety, and the survival of communities.
He said illegal miners were destroying water bodies and depriving large communities of clean drinking water, which is an “essential of life.”
Dr. Ashigbey stressed that the call was not for the entire country, but only for parts of Ghana where the destruction is severe.
He added that declaring a state of emergency in these areas will give government the legal power to act quickly and decisively.
He also called on the President to provide clear timelines and targets to guide the fight against galamsey.
This, he said, would help demonstrate government’s seriousness and commitment to ending the menace.
The Coalition insisted that declaring a state of emergency was no longer a last resort but an immediate step needed to save Ghanaians and protect the future of the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
The Ghana Bar Association must be non-partisan in the discharge of their duties – Dominic Ayine urges
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, has called on the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to remain non-partisan in the discharge of its duties.
He said the credibility of the legal profession would be at risk if the bar allowed itself to be influenced by political interests.
Speaking at the GBA 2025/ 2026 annual general conference, Dr. Ayine reminded members that their first allegiance was to the Constitution and the Republic, not to any government or opposition party.
He stressed that for over three decades, the GBA had played an important role in helping the Supreme Court interpret and enforce the law, but outside the courtroom, its advocacy had often lacked consistency.
Dr. Ayine pointed to past cases such as the 2015 petition against the former CHRAJ Chairperson, Loretta Lamptey, and the 2017 petition for the removal of Electoral Commission Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, where the bar remained silent.
He noted that the association only found its voice during the petition against former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, a stance he said coincided with the position of the opposition.
He questioned why the bar acted differently in those situations, especially since all three cases involved women of repute who held positions in key constitutional bodies.
Dr. Ayine urged the GBA to be the conscience of the republic, saying lawyers must defend the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the rights of citizens regardless of which political party was in power.
He warned against inviting foreign interference in Ghana’s constitutional matters, saying international collaboration should be limited to professional exchanges and not politics.
He further encouraged the GBA to promote integrity among its members, strengthen pro bono services to support the poor, and embrace digital reforms such as e-filing and electronic court records to modernize the justice system.
According to him, the destiny of Ghana is tied to the integrity of the legal profession.
He added that if lawyers stand firm, the country will also stand firm, but if they falter, the republic will stumble.
By: Jacob Aggrey
