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Mayor of Accra sensitises traders on Monkeypox; urges compliance with
The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has cautioned traders operating within the Central Business District (CBD) to strictly adhere to the Assembly’s red line policy and maintain proper hygiene in the wake of rising public health concerns, including the threat of monkeypox.
Speaking during a tour of the metropolis on Friday, to continue the reintroduction of the redline policy along the key routes, including the ECG Junction to Ghana School of Law, the Shopping Mall opposite the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, Makola 31st (Kojo Thompson Avenue), and Kinbu Street (Tudu), Mayor Kpakpo Allotey cautioned the traders against selling on road shoulders and obstructing vehicular movement.
“I’m begging you, please position yourself well, that’s all we want,” the Mayor told traders, stressing that their safety is at risk.
“Right now, there are diseases like monkeypox out there, and if you’re not careful and you contract it, there’s no medicine,” he added.
He expressed his displeasure at the unsanitary conditions created by some traders and urged them to clean their trading areas immediately after generating waste.
“This woman has made a lot of rubbish here; I am supposed to sack her. Clean the place as soon as you make the rubbish so that we don’t fall sick. Let’s live peacefully together, change your behaviour, please,” he said.
Mayor Allotey emphasised that his intention was not to oppress traders but to protect lives and restore order.
“The President did not assign me to come and disturb you, and also, he doesn’t want any problems,” he said.
“We have only one Ghana. If I don’t see to it and Ghana gets destroyed, you people will say that when the new Mayor came, he was a liar and a lazy person,” he continued.
Reaffirming his commitment to fairness and dialogue, the Mayor said, “No one came here to sack somebody. They didn’t give us power to oppress you. Our president, John Mahama, is not like that”.
He communicates with us behind closed doors before we come out. He said it’s humans we’re going to look after. Humans are not animals. If you’re doing something with them, you have to engage.”
He warned that sensitisation would soon be over from next week, stressing that “Whenever I come around and you have gone contrary to my words, I am going to seize your items and donate them to the Prison Service and the orphanage.”
The Mayor assured the traders that the pavement and streets have not been sold to any individual, warning against unauthorised occupation while reiterating the Assembly’s commitment to reintroduce the red lines policy to guide traders on where they can lawfully operate, stating, “When you arrange yourself well, we’ll come and mark the line.”
He called on traders to cooperate, make space, and support the city’s quest to restore order and improve public safety.
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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.
