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Bishop Dr Charles Hackman celebrated for contribution to humanity
For his indefatigable contribution to humanity, Bishop Dr Charles C. Hackman, Founder and Executive Director of the H4P (Here for Perfection) Organisation, was on Saturday, November 13, 2021, awarded the 2021 Timothy Bowles African Human Rights Award.
The Timothy Bowles African Human Rights Award is bestowed upon most distinguished individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their career and exemplary leadership within their communities in promoting Global Human Rights.
The presentation of the Timothy Bowles African Human Rights Awards took place during the Jacobs-Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies’ annual Fundraising Dinner and Awards Gala banquet at Hilton Alexandria Mark Centre, Virginia, USA.
In a pre-recorded acceptance speech played during the event, Bishop Dr Charles Hackman expressed his profound appreciation to the organisers for the award.
He added that the award, which recognised his efforts over the years, would spur him on to do greater works for humanity.
Bishop Dr Hackman, through the H4P Organisation has for over a decade, advocated the rights of Persons with Disability in Ghana as well as embarked on several life-transforming activities to support persons with disabilities (PWDs) and bring dignity to them.
The H4P Organisation through the platforms of media, sports, education, policy formulation and health, operates through the Helping Hand Community Projects where donations and support systems are offered to individuals, families with PWDs and Special needs institutions.
It operates an extensive media advocacy work also via the Helping Hand TV Show which for the past nine years has created an educative, entertaining and reliable media advocacy platform for promoting the rights of persons with disability in Ghana.
Bishop Dr Charles Hackman, also known as the Voice of Ability on Air for Persons with Disability, is the Executive Producer and host of the show.
In view of all these notable and laudable achievements in the lives of many PWDs and special needs institutions, his efforts have been recognised and celebrated both nationally and internationally.
Awards he has received include the Africa Nobles Award from the Calvary Cross Clergy Council and Bible Seminary in November 2019 and a humanitarian award at the Ghana Leadership Awards in October 2020.
Earlier this year, Bishop Dr Charles Hackman, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of DV Unlimited Company Limited, received the award for the Industrial Chemical Manufacturing Company of the Year in this year’s Africa’s Most Respected CEOs Awards in Dubai.
Since its inception, the company has been a major partner of the H4P Organisation in the promotion of the fundamental human rights and privileges of persons with disabilities.
His receipt of the 2021 Timothy Bowles African Human Rights Award further attests to the fact that his leadership and achievements are worth recognising and celebrating.
By Spectator Reporter
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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.
