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Appoint more women as MMDCEs …V/R Women’s Organiser appeals
Some party faithful have called on President John Dramani Mahama and his Vice President to consider appointing more women as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
Ms Delfia Fafa Agbai, the Volta Regional Women’s Organiser of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former District Chief Executive (DCE) for North Tongu, said increasing women’s representation in local governance will demonstrate the government’s commitment to gender inclusion and women’s empowerment. Ms Agbai made this appeal at the conclusion of the MMDCE vetting process in Ho on January 28. She expressed excitement over the growing number of women aspiring for leadership roles in the region, noting that 30 women were among the 237 aspirants vetted for the 18 available positions.
“This is a significant improvement from previous years. When I served as a DCE, only six women held similar positions. The increase in female aspirants today is proof that more women are stepping forward to take leadership roles,” she stated.
She acknowledged that many women have, in the past, hesitated to apply for political positions due to fear of intimidation and societal stigma. However, the increasing number of female aspirants this time around is a positive shift.
Ms Agbai urged Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who herself is a strong advocate for women’s rights, to use her influence to ensure more women receive appointments as MMDCEs. “I am appealing to our Vice President, who is also a woman, to encourage the President to appoint more women as MMDCEs.
This will not only empower women but also contribute to the overall development of our communities,” she said. Mr Alexander Gabby Hotordze, Member of Parliament (MP) for Central Tongu, who was also present at the vetting, emphasized that the NDC has a wealth of qualified men and women ready to take on leadership roles.
“The calibre of aspirants we vetted proves that we have capable individuals, both men and women, who are ready to serve. It is important that we continue to provide equal opportunities for both genders in governance,” he noted.
The vetting process, which lasted a week, saw aspirants from across the Volta Region appear before the committee. With the process now complete, the focus shifts to the final selection of MMDCEs who will lead various districts and municipalities in the region.
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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.
