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Chinese Ambassador, Australian High C’ssioner bid farewell to President
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has heaped praises on the Chinese government for its continuous support to the development of Ghana.
In a meeting with the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday, President Akufo-Addo said the Chinese government and businesses have, over the years, supported the growth and development of the Ghanaian economy.
While expressing gratitude to China for the support, he thanked the Asian country for supplying Ghana with medical equipment to combat the outbreak of the Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.
He said Ghana and China will be celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties next month and commended the outgoing ambassador, Mr Shi Ting Wang, for taking the China-Ghana relationship to new heights, despite his short tenure.
“Two years is a short tenure but so much has happened in our relations with China largely because of you. You have proved to be a strong and dedicated friend of our country,” he said and added that it would be sad to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the China-Ghana diplomatic relations without Mr Wang.
Aside the Synohydro Agreement, he said the Chinese government is supporting the establishment of the James Town Habour, among other projects and acknowledged the important role Mr Wang played in those projects.
President Akufo-Addo said the outgoing ambassador helped facilitate high level contacts between the Ghanaian and Chinese governments, adding that, “We will continue to be a friend to China”.
Also at the Jubilee House to bid farewell to the President was the outgoing Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Andrew Barnes.
President Akufo-Addo thanked Mr Barnes for his service to the country and thanked the Australian government for its support to Ghana.
He said Australia has supported Ghana in areas of agriculture, mining, education, among others, and wished Mr Barnes the best of luck in his next assignment.
The outgoing Chinese Ambassador and Australian High Commissioner thanked President Akufo-Addo and the government of Ghana for their support.
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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.
