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Back-to-base Kotoko aim to silence Bechem
After one year and eight months, Asante Kotoko will now have a new feel of the renovated Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi when they slug it out against leaders Bechem United in the week-two fixture of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) on Sunday.
Kotoko will be eager to pick a second straight victory against a well-organised Bechem United who kicked off their campaign in grand style with an emphatic 4-0 win over Medeama SC last Saturday.
With both sides yet to taste defeat, much will be centred around the cracker as the headliner.
The Porcupine Warriors produced a sweet 3-1 come-back against Dreams FC last Saturday after which gaffer Dr Proaper Narteh Ogum has been praised by many for his tactical brilliance – effecting two mind-blowing changes which resulted in all three goals in the dying stages of the afternoon.
With the return of former GPL top scorer Augustine Okrah, Emmanuel Avornyo who bagged brace on his debut, Francis Twene and Kofi Agbesimah, can the Hunters surprise the Porcupine Warriors in Kumasi?
At the Len Clay Stadium today, Ashantigold will play host to Karela United – a game Karela will give their all for a win after a hard-fought stalemate at home against Aduana Stars.
Returnees Real Tamale United (RTU), who drew at home in their first game with Great Olympics, lock horns with a rejuvenated Legon Cities side today.
At the Accra Sports Stadium, it will be an Accra derby when new entrants Accra Lions lock horns with Great Olympics in a fearsome contest.
Wounded Medeama SC will come guns blazing against debutants Bibiani Gold Stars at the Tarkwa TNA Park on Sunday – as the former aim to bounce back from their humiliation last weekend.
Aduana Stars will be at the Nana Agyeman Badu I Park tomorrow when they host tricky King Faisal.
On Sunday, Elmina Sharks will tussle it out with poor Dreams FC at the Ndoum Park in Elmina. The Sharks will be poised to give the visitors a run for their money.
At the Golden City Park, Berekum Chelsea will face off with Eleven Wonders tomorrow. Both will be itching for a win after defeats on their first game played last weekend.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
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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.
