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Borber Project launched to promote Peace and Security in Ghana’s Border Communities
The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has launched the BORDER Project, an initiative aimed at promoting peace, security, and resilience in Ghana’s border communities.
The project, which is being implemented in collaboration with World Vision Ghana, PATRIP Foundation and RACED Ghana, seeks to address the multiple stressors faced by border regions, including resource-based conflicts, climate shocks, and inter-communal tensions.
Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of social cohesion, conflict prevention, and economic empowerment in building peace and stability in border communities.
He pledged the Ministry’s support for the project and urged stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious leaders, and youth, to actively engage in the peacebuilding components of the project.
Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education also spoke at the event, reaffirmed his Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with World Vision Ghana and its partners to ensure that the gains of this project translate into improved learning outcomes.
He added that his Ministry will work through the Ghana Education Service to align local interventions with national policies, including the Education Strategic Plan (ESP) and commitments under SDG 4, ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
Interim National Director of World Vision Ghana, Mr. Jean-Claude Mukadi also made remarks, thanking the German government for its support of the World Vision ministry in Ghana.
They assured the German Ambassador to Ghana, distinguished German representatives present, and the officials from the German Development Bank (KfW) that World Vision, in collaboration with their implementing partners, is fully committed to the successful implementation of this project.
Dr. Afibah Zakaria, Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children. Children and Social Protection who chaired the launch underscored the projects clear dedication to protecting the dignity, safety and empowerment of women, children, persons with disabilities and displaced families living in Ghana’s Northern border regions.
The BORDER Project focuses on promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, strengthening conflict prevention mechanisms, empowering communities with early warning and preparedness systems, creating economic opportunities for youth and vulnerable groups, and building trust across ethnic and religious lines.
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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.
