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10th anniversary of Kempinski Hotel launched
The Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra has launched its 10- year anniversary celebrations highlighting its impact on Ghana’s tourism and hospitality industry.
The event, attended by key dignitaries, industry stakeholders, and special guests, was an opportunity to reflect on the hotel’s achievements and its role in shaping the hospitality sector in Ghana.
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie, congratulated the hotel’s management and staff for their dedication and commitment to excellence.
Ms Gomashie noted that partnerships like this have contributed significantly to the tourism sector’s growth, citing a 25 per cent increase in international tourist arrivals in 2023, reaching approximately 1.15 million visitors and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
The General Manager of Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel, Mr Hanno Barkhoff, reflected on the hotel’s decade-long journey, stating that it had not only met but exceeded its vision of redefining the sector.
He emphasized that the hotel has become an integral part of the city, offering unmatched elegance and memorable experiences.
Mr Barkhoff acknowledged that the journey has not been without challenges, but the hotel has continued to adapt, innovate, and set new standards for luxury hospitality in Ghana.
He assured that Kempinski remains committed to investing in its team, fostering innovation, and maintaining its reputation as a leading hospitality brand.
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, commended Kempinski for its continued partnership with the association over the years.
As part of the 10-year celebrations, he said the hotel has planned several activities and initiatives focusing on key areas that connect the hotel to its people, guests, and the wider community.
“The celebrations will culminate in a grand gala in November to honour the hotel’s dedicated team and loyal clients,” he explained
By Agnes Opoku Sarpong
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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.
