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Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe, Prof. Fynn, others honoured … For supporting country’s socio-political drive
There has always been the call for countries to honour their heroes, who symbolise the values and aspirations of society, while alive, to avoid risking forgetting history and diminishing sense of national pride.
Responding to this call, the West Africa International Press Limited (WAIPL), last Wednesday, honoured 23 distinguished Ghanaians and institutions that have played significant roles in the country’s socio-political development.
They included Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Professor Paul Kofi Fynn, Chancellor and Founder of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana.
They were joined by other personalities to receive awards, at the WAIPL’s 2025 Eminent Africans Global Integrity Conference and Awards, organised in Accra, for defending human rights, promoting good governance and empowering communities in the country.
Speaking at the event, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe, warned that Ghana risked a mass revolt if entrenched corruption within both political and judicial systems was not addressed.
He accused successive governments since independence of perpetuating corruption, which according to him was a national cancer that permeated all levels of leadership, including the youth entering politics.
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe, a retired military officer, lamented “the country’s slow progress despite gaining independence over six decades ago,” drawing comparisons with Malaysia, which he said, started on a similar footing with Ghana, but has far outpaced the West African nation in development.
He expressed worry that the country’s growing disillusionment with both political and military leadership could trigger dangerous consequences.
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe voiced deep concern about the judiciary, describing it as ‘very disturbing’ and ‘corrupt’.
The Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Mrs Mary Awelana Addah, noted that systemic corruption endured not only because of those who committed it, but also due to the fact that leaders remained silent or refused to act.
She stated that “corruption persists in the country because leaders often protect their own instead of ensuring justice and accountability.”
Mrs Addah, speaking on the theme of the event: “It is Time to Raise Men and Women of Conscience in Africa”, noted that corruption continued to thrive because leaders often protected their own instead of upholding justice and accountability.
She reminded Ghanaians that sustainable development could not be achieved when corruption remained unchecked.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WAIPL, Dr Dee Otibu-Asare, commended the awardees for their roles in shaping national conversations, promoting good governance, defending human rights, and empowering communities.
She said that, “Your efforts reflect the kind of bold and ethical leadership Africa needs to advance.”
Dr Otibu-Asare underscored the importance of celebrating individuals who make significant contributions to society but are often overlooked.
Other awardees, include Chief Alhassan Andani, Mr Mensah Thompson, Rev. Nii- Noi Mensah, Mrs Mary Awelana Addah, Mr Listowell Nana Kusi-Poku, Nana Bobie Ansah, Mr Blessed Godsbrain Smart, Mr Daniel Baah Acheamfuor, Media General Ghana, Madam Felicia Twumasi, Apostle Femor Gavin, and Archbishop Stella Dartey.
By Stephanie Birikorang
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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.
