News
North-East Regional Minister reaffirms commitment to combating insecurities
The North-East Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tia, has reaffirmed his commitment to combating insecurities, including armed robbery by implementing effective measures designed to safeguard lives and property.
He emphasised the importance of a coordinated approach involving law enforcement agencies, community engagement and preventive strategies to enhance security in the region.
The Minister’s remarks come in response to rising concerns about safety and the need for a robust framework to protect citizens.
He urged the community to collaborate with authorities to ensure a safer environment for all.
Speaking to residents and local security officials, Minister Tia recognised the concerns of commuters who often face attacks on major highways.
He assured them that his administration would collaborate closely with the Upper East Regional Minister and security agencies to formulate an effective response to increasing security threats.
“The safety of our citizens is our top priority. We will enhance security operations in high-crime areas, boost police patrols, and set up emergency response teams to address any threats promptly,” he stated
He appealed to the police and other security agencies to beef up security to clamp down on the high rate of indiscipline.
“Indiscipline is gradually rearing its ugly head in our once peaceful and morally respected the region. Its unfortunate our township is drifting away from the way for which it was established by our forefathers. Its time we stamp authority on this anti-social canker,” he stated.
He appealed to residents to be vigilant and assist the police by reporting appropriately any incident they observed by so doing contribute to the prevention of violence.
Mr. Tia used the platform to caution people especially the youth against these illicit acts saying any person or group of persons caught engaging in any criminal activities would be dealt with severely to deter others.
He warned that the days of criminal gangs tormenting residents of the region were over, taking into account the preparedness of the security agencies to deal with the situation swiftly.
The Regional Minister bemoaned the fact that in recent times, a number of lives had been lost through robberies there called on residents to volunteer information to the security agencies in order to apprehend persons who were perpetrating various crimes in the region.
Residents in an interview with the Ghanaian Times were optimistic that these measures would put an end to the frequent attacks and promote safer travel through the region.
By Benedicta Gyimaah Folley
Hot!
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.
Hot!
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.
