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Araba Sekum to represent Ghana at Queen of the World pageant in USA
Winner of the Queen of Ghana Beauty pageant, Nana Araba Sekum, is set to present the country at Queen of the World Pageant in the United States of America.
The international event that celebrates beauty, culture, and social causes is slated for May in the USA.
The event is set to take place from May 6 -10, 2025, at Peter Norton Symphony Space Theater in New York, New York, USA. The event will bring together contestants from over fifty countries.
Araba, with the opportunity, will not just represent herself but every woman in Ghana who dares to dream.
The second-year student of the University of Education, Winneba, believes that her journey is more than a crown; it is about inspiring change and empowering young girls back home and the world at large.
As she returns to Ghana, Araba aims to focus on her mission, launching a nationwide campaign under the Queen of Ghana pageant umbrella to raise awareness about the importance of educating girls to enable them to take up leadership roles in governance and wherever they find themselves.
Mrs. Araba Biesema Crentsil, the founder, CEO, and pageant coach of Queen of Ghana, aims to train, equip, and empower more ladies to become symbols of hope and resilience, reminding everyone that true beauty lies not just in appearances but in the heart’s capacity to inspire and uplift others.
According to her, the story would continue to resonate, proving that one can create a ripple effect of positive change in the world with determination and passion.
“We are calling on all stakeholders to throw their support behind Ghana as we compete for the global 2025 crown in New York this May 2025. We believe Ghana will win the title and bring the crown home,” she said.
She added that “I, as founder and CEO, will provide all the necessary emotional and physical needs of the title holder to enable her to be in the best of spirits to win this competition. We are going with a team of experts who will aid our title holder to make a significant impact on the international stage to put Ghana on the map.”
Nana Araba Sekum is an enthusiastic advocate for education and women’s empowerment.
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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.
