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Dr. Doris Dartey’s first anniversary ….family launches two books in her memory
The family of the late Dr. Doris Yaa Dartey has launched two books to mark the first anniversary of the passing of the renowned journalist.
The books titled “The Watch Woman” and “When Breast Cancer Strikes” were launched last Wednesday in Accra.
“The Watch Woman” is a compilation of features and articles written by the late Dr. Dartey during the 12-years that she wrote in The Spectator newspaper as columnist. The book focuses on issues pertaining to the environment, sanitation, health, children, gender, politics, economics, and human rights.”
“When Breast Cancer Strikes,” on the other hand recounts Dr Dartey’s six years personal experience with breast cancer.
In a review, Dr Lord Mawuko Yevugah, a political economist, described “The Watch Woman” as “an important addition to the repertoire of social, political and economic history of this country and a very useful reference for future historians and people who would wish to capture contemporary issues for posterity.”
Dr Florence Dedey, a Surgeon commended the book “When Breast Cancer Strikes” as it, among other things, campaigns for seeking early diagnosis and regular breast screening among other for achieving the fight against breast cancer.
Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, who launched the book “The Watch Woman” described the late Dr Dartey “as bold and assertive and an exceptional writer”, and charged journalists to follow the steps of the author to excel in their journalism field.
Mr Affail Monney, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), touched on the polarisation of the media landscape in the country and advised practitioners to perform their functions devoid of partisan politics.
“The best tribute Ghanaian journalists can pay to Dr. Dartey is to let her qualities nourish their journalistic output at all times.
“The GJA would do all it can to immortalise Dr Dartey’s name for her abosulte fidelity to the fundamental principles of journalism and titanium tenacity to cause of social activism.” he said.
He further challenged the media community to produce more seasoned journalists like the “iconic” Dr Dartey.
Former Editor of Ghanaian Times and former President of the GJA, Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari launched the second book “When Breast Cancer Strikes” and called on women to periodically go for checkups to ensure they were always at the peak of the stable health conditions.
Mr Kwasi Djan Apenteng, Board Member of the Doris Dartey Foundation, pledged to personally fund a ‘Doris Dartey Award’ for the best student journalist in features writing in subsequent GJA awards.
The chairperson for the occasion, Madam Elizabeth Adjei, former Director General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) said that the late Dr Doris Dartey was an extraordinary journalist, who was dedicated to serving her country through her writings.
Three copies of each book were auctioned at GH₵6,600.00 and the proceeds donated to The Doris Dartey Foundation. The books are available at local bookshops across the country for GH¢200 for ‘The Watchwoman’ and GH¢100 for ‘When Breast Cancer Strikes’.
By Portia Hutton-Mills
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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.
